His mother and father weren’t supposed to fall in love. They weren’t supposed to find a mate in one another. They weren’t supposed to.

His father was already at the pound four years before she was even alive. Dhole’s are a rare hybrid to find, but people don’t often like wild dogs; only a niche group look for his kind. Mostly the bunnies, cats, or dogs were always leaving the crib almost as soon as they left the womb. He was there to see her come in swaddled by a purple blanket and be placed in the newborn room. There was a window that allowed for any adopters to take a look at the fresh ones if they didn’t want an older hybrid. She was special, a red fox hybrid, and just as rare as he was. She wasn’t all that different from him, not too far in the phylogenic tree from him. Once all the nurses made their rounds and left and no potential adopters were around, he made his way into the newborn room. He approached her crib and he reached out to stoke her cheek and wrap her up tighter. She latched onto his index finger and it was then that he knew she was someone he wanted to watch over and protect.

The pound was a cruel place; the hybrids didn’t have names but numbers. He was 049124 and she was 87532. He didn’t like referring to her as a number and gave her a name calling her Peanut, and when she was old enough she called him Jelly. The peanut butter and jelly sandwiches they always served for lunch was their inspiration. Despite the dietary needs of the hybrids, they feed them high carbs and low protein to keep them weak. She loved those sandwiches though and said peanut butter pairs perfectly with jelly. She figured since he calls her peanut she would call him jelly.

They played in the play room together when she was six and he was ten. Adopters could observe this room as well and choose from the older lot if they didn’t want a newborn. Even with the age gap they got along well because she always acted mature for her age and was usually the more reasonable one of the two. She was the brain and he was the brawn. No one ever picked them though, claiming that taking care of such a special species is so expensive and they want something cute not exotic. She would often get sad that no one was picking them up, but he would always hug her and sing her to sleep with one of the songs they heard from a movie that always played on the channel that never changed in the play room. She would instantly calm down in his embrace.

When they got older and she was seventeen and him twenty-one they were still at the pound, but it didn’t bother them because they had eachother. As time went by their platonic best friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship. They would sneak secret kisses and longing hugs when the nurses weren’t looking. It was after all forbidden for hybrids to be in a relationship at the pound, they were just stock meant to be sold. At night when all the lights were out, and the nurses were asleep at their station she would sneak into his room claiming she didn’t want to be alone. He would gladly let her slip into his bed. They would kiss and hold eachother, but the kisses grew more passionate and heated leading to tangled sheets.

She was three months along when they confirmed that she was indeed with a kit. She already knew when he leaned his head against her stomach and heard a second heartbeat. He promised to her that this was the happiest moment of his life besides the moment he met her. He kissed her and asked her to marry him. “Silly, we can’t get married.” He looked at her and stated clearly, “maybe not here, but I want you to be my wife.” Understanding him better she kissed him again and now called to him with a new name, my husband. They did their best to hide it, but her morning sickness didn’t go unnoticed by the staff. The staff was livid that she was carrying a child. They couldn’t legally take the child from her and sell it either, she wasn’t a breeding hybrid. They told her into the doctor’s office and she was scheduled for an abortion in a few days when the pills would come in the mail. She was panicking and begging the nurses not to make her give up her child. They even separated her from him isolating her in a room and him in a cage. She grew ill from stress and anxiety, especially the separation. Her normally rosy apple cheeks were now hollowing and dull from her normal radiance faded.

At night a few days after the separation, he was able to escape his cage after monitoring the guard’s patterns. He unlatched the carabiner that held the guard’s keys hooked onto one of his belt loops when he walked by the cage spewing slurs at him. He hid them under his pillow and waited for the guard to go to sleep to make his escape. He wasn’t a fox, but he shared genetics and learned a few things over the years being with you. She used to be able to sneak an extra sandwich from the trays and split it to share. He made it out quietly of his cage when the guard was asleep on a chair facing the tv lowly humming a sitcom. He snuck his way down the hallway when the nurses lingering finally rounded the corner and tuned into her scent and the two familiar heartbeats.

He knocked on her door calling softly to her, afraid of waking anyone. She bolted out of the corner of the room she’s curled herself into. She jiggled the door handle, but it wouldn’t give. “Calm down Peanut, I’m here. Give me a second.” He tried any of the keys and after seven unsuccessful attempts the door finally opened. She threw her arms around him, but before returning the embrace he shushed her looking around for anyone and said, “Let’s run away. Let’s get out of here! We can live happily together—the three of us.” Without any hesitation she agreed nodding so fast it translated as a blur of ears flopping up and down;” Anything is better than these white walls”. Even though they grew up here they shared no sentiment to these walls.

With nothing to their name, they snuck pass the front desk of sleeping nurses and made their way to the shelter’s kitchen. They pushed open the back door that lead to the delivery dock. The night was covered in a thick fog that grew more ominous culture with yellow flood lights. The door’s trigger alarm went off signaling someone opened the emergency exit door. Shocked with the noise they clasped eachothers hand and he cupped her face with his other, “Don’t look back! Keep running, run peanut!” She always listened to him and this time she took it to heart. Their feet carried them to the end of the parking lot and slipping through a few crooked bars. They were just wide enough to squeeze through the opening in the iron fence. She slipped after him protecting her belly from the rusted ends of the protruding bars.

On the dock behind them they heard, “They’re over there! Get ‘em boys!” The sound of hound hybrids barking and hitting the pavement in a sprint was enough incentive for them to pick up their pace. Stumbling over foliage they made their way into the dense tree line of the forest. The sound of barking and pound officers (sickly nicknamed poachers amongst the hybrids for their cruel nature) on their tail didn’t slow. Their lungs were burning, and she was slowing down. He reassured her, “Peanut, please, don’t give up now. Keep going for our kit.” Nodding in understanding she kept up with him maintaining the pace forward. The night sky didn’t help, but they followed the stars they could see through the breaks in the clouds. They came upon a river surrounded by walls of eroding cliffs that was at least a third of a mile (five hundred meters) wide. He looked at her and said, “Trust me on this.” He took her by the hand and jogged down the small decline and directly into the murky, cold water that was hip deep. He removed his shirt and hers and let it flow down the river. This would throw off their scent long enough and have them go a different direction than the poachers.

He looked around the cliffs and saw a little cave tucked away down the river. They made their way to the dark cave fighting against the currents pulling away the curtain of vines that covered the entrance. He pulled her close to him to minimize the effect of cold water and in comfort. “We’re going to be okay Peanut. We’re going to be okay.” He could hear both of their heartbeats racing and tugged themselves further into the water to their shoulders to dull the raging sounds. In his mind he kept apologizing to them both, he never wanted her to be in a situation like this; he would fight for his freedom, his little family’s freedom, if that’s what it took. The sound of barking got closer and eventually they heard footsteps above them and splashing from another group close by in the water. He covered her mouth roughly not being able to see in the dark with his hand to soften her whimpers of fear. He even put a hand over his own mouth to soften his harsh breathing. The hounds sniffed the air and lead them close to hidden cave in the water. The hound’s heads shot up and they started barking and running down the river where they let their shirts drift away to. The sound of splashing and thrashing in the water drifted farther and the sounds above stopped. They waited a few minutes and even a while longer after the sound of the officers and hounds disappeared. He embraced her tightly and repeated, “I love you so much.” She whispered it back in between the chattering of her teeth. The moon was high in the sky by the time they made it past the veil of vines in the cave back to the river. They made it past the river and wandered into a small town miles out. The population was only about a hundred people overall, so the chances of running into someone was scarce.

An abandon home in poor condition stood out at the end of the trees clearing. It held a grim aura with the very wood that was its foundation falling off the home’s walls evident from water damage. It was enough to assume this place was empty. They looked at eachother knowingly, at this point they just wanted to rest and proceeded with caution. He broke open the bloated, water damaged front door and stepped inside to the musky smelling living room. He found covered furniture and random knickknacks all haphazardly laying around. Everything seemed untouched for decades with the outdated antiques. The dust quantity was thick, so he covered his mouth with his hand and proceeded forward. He told her to wait by in the living room while he checked the rest of the house. He lowered himself with his ears flat against him using his Dhole’s ability to creep silently. What seemed to be a master bedroom had a slightly tattered mattress on the floor and the other rooms had boxes of old clothing. He called for her and gave her a change of clothes to get out of their wet ones. They pulled off the sheets covering the furniture in the living room and propped a lingering chair under the bedroom door to prevent anyone from coming in. They beat the dust out of the mattress the best they could and laid down together. They made pillows out of extra clothing adjusting themselves as close together as possible. They fell asleep purring and holding each other tight. He kissed her forehead reassuring her that they made it and all would be okay.

The next morning, they heard the front door creaking open and chattering echo from the living room down the empty hallway. He shot up from his sleep and shook her awake. His ears were searching out the sounds to identify if it may be the poachers. She rubbed her eyes and then sat up hearing the noise from the front. He made his way to the living room with a broken off piece of wood from the house and she grappled to the back of his shirt behind him. They were ready to run again if needed. Once they caught an equally shocked elderly couple standing amongst the furniture in the living room, they tensed and he lifted the wood plank. He had the post in the air ready to swing, but stopped seeing the elderly couple raise their hands up in surrender. He lowered it slightly protectively across his chest with both hands ready, not trusting them completely and started to growl at them. The couple lowered their raised hands slightly and the elderly woman announced, “dear, we’re not here to hurt you. We heard noises coming from here last night and wanted to check on it in the daylight. Honey, please tell them.” She turned to the old man and he nodded and continued, “please, we won’t hurt you. Put down the plank boy. Are you both okay?” Unsure of the couple he exchanged looks with his wife, but because he couldn’t sense any aggression from them he let it rest at his side. “Better” the older woman exclaimed. “I don’t know where you two are from, but it’s for sure not from the likes of around here. Come over to our house, its right next door about a hundred yards away, and get warmed up and fill your bellies.” With a growl in appreciation from her stomach she stepped away from behind him and the older woman gasped, “Oh, well the three of you are more than welcome to come over.” She held onto jelly’s forearm and nodded indicating she trusted them.

The old couple was so nice. They offered them a bath, food and a place to stay for the meanwhile. Their daughter, whom married a golden retriever hybrid, both joined them later greeting the couple. She was also pregnant and expecting soon.

Peanut and Jelly stayed at their home for a while, but Peanut went back to the abandon house and started renovating. They couldn’t afford to buy a brand-new home, but they were going to be resourceful. The daughter’s husband even joined and helped him clean up the house. It was crowded with everyone in the house and he didn’t want to keep mooching off the kind family. They were able to sell some of the odds and ends in the house and repair some of the furniture for use. They built a picket fence around the lot and in a few months the house was as good as new with the modern renovations. The blacken and dark brown wood was now replaced with fresh wood that was painted white. While the husbands were out fixing the home, the elderly woman taught her how to cook, clean and even sew. She became the mother she never had. She even gained a sister and brother figure with the other young couple. The ever so kind family helped them get anything they needed for the new house.

Six months later her water broke, and the baby was coming. He didn’t know what to do with his wife hunched over in pain, so he called over the elderly woman and the daughter, who also had given birth recently, to come help. They ran over and went to work as soon as they saw her on the floor. Labor was eight hours long, but it gave them a healthy red fox. The boy cried after he came out but hushed when he was placed on his mother’s chest skin to skin. He leaned down and cooed at his son, “Hey little man. Welcome to the world!” His son’s small hand latched onto his and held onto his dad’s finger. He smiled the biggest grin and shed tear, he’s definitely his mother’s child. The elderly woman cooed out, “What will you name him?” She looked up and said, “Jelly, can we name him Taehyung? I really like that name.” He smiled and placed a kiss on her sweaty forehead and said “Of course, Peanut.”

Four years later

His mom was hanging up the bed sheets on the clothing line in the backyard and filtered the warm Summer light scattering random prints on the grass. Taehyung ran through the drying sheets giggling at the top of his lungs. His mom scolded him saying he’s going to pull down the sheets and she’ll have to wash them again. He changed his direction of motion and started chasing the bugs around the yard. There was a frog that always frequented his yard from the nearby river bank. He started imitating the frog and even ribbiting causing his mom to laugh at his antics. He turned and gave his mom a boxy smile. Taehyung’s father even found a job not too long after he was born. There was another resident about ten minutes away that owned acres of land that he used as a farm. His father discovered he had a green thumb and even planted a small garden in their own yard. They took to the town’s culture and community with ease, everyone was accepting of hybrids. It was almost like a sanctuary and the town took to them just as easily. They even got discounts at the local farmers market now.

When his father came home from work they would all come outside and lay on the low platform bed (pyung sang) and nibble on fruit for dessert. His mother was peeling apples and his dad laid on his back with his hands behind his head. Taehyung set his head on his dad’s abs and imitated his position. After years of working hard labor his dad became muscular and even could carry Taehyung on one of his arms. They would watch the stars while a low hum from the portable radio would play. His dad told him stories of the stars, how they were fireflies that sacrificed themselves to become big lights to guide people at night. They’re the guardians of the night. Taehyung so excited about his dad’s story shot up from his spot and went to run in the yard stirring up the resting fireflies on the blades of grass. They filled up the patio flying erratically around, over and under. Taehyung’s dad sat up smiling at his son, when Taehyung brought his hands clasped to his parents back on the platform. On his knees he sat in front of his parents and opened his hands, “Look dad, a guardian!” He laughed and ruffled his son’s hair and brought him in to sit on his lap to observe the light show together. He kissed his son’s forehead and said, “I love you Tae.” He turned to his wife and placed a gentle kiss on her lips and finished his statement, “I love you, forever and always.” She smiled and scooted closer leaning her head on his shoulder and Taehyung leaned into his dad’s chest. Nights like these were always– perfect.

Taehyung’s mom was in the kitchen and Taehyung was sitting outside with Hoseok flicking pebbles to see who could get them the farthest. Hoseok’s mom was best friends with his mom and asked her to baby sit her son while she ran some errands. They’ve always been close and since they were born only months a part they felt like real brothers. One of the pebbles Taehyung flicked landed on the frog that always hung out in his yard. “Froggy, I’m sorry. No, don’t leave, I didn’t mean to hit you!” Taehyung ran after the frog who slipped through the white picket fence that surrounded the property. “Froggy!”, Taehyung called after the escaping frog. Without thinking he unlatched the gate and ran after his little buddy. Hoseok looked back inside to see Tae’s mom busy prepping for lunch, leaving him with no choice to follow Taehyung and bring him back. He didn’t like the frog that much after all, he was kind of willing to let it go.

Hoseok ran after Taehyung catching up with him soon enough to the shore of the river bank where the frog actually lived. Taehyung went into the water trying to fish Froggy out to apologize, but stood back up empty handed. He started to sob, “I didn’t mean it Froggy!” They heard some crunching of twigs and leaves and both turned around. In shock Taehyung stopped sobbing immediately.

You and your big brother would often spend the Summer running around trying to find something to do after your morning chores were done. Your grandpa always told you two to be back by sunset and not go off too far. You were a tomboy, not entirely your choice but as four-year-old kid it worked. Your choppy bowl cut your grandmother cut for you, and hand me downs from your older brother solidified the masculine vibe about you. Your choppy bowl haircut was because your grandma couldn’t hold the bowl still. It kept sliding and she kept cutting not realizing the uneven lines resulting in a lopsided choppy haircut. You didn’t mind though, only when the other kids in the neighborhood called you a boy. Your brother taught you enough defense on how to beat them up, you put it to use on them. Although he didn’t teach you to respond to violence with violence, these boys wouldn’t leave you alone. Your brother was seven and was told to look after you when you both wander. He was the kind of big brother you could always rely on and would be the first in action when it came to you. You came from a poor household that always lived pay check to pay check. Your parents were always gone working multiple jobs just to keep everyone feed. Your grandparents were too old and sick to go out and gets jobs, so they stayed back and raised you both. This is why you and your brother were outside on this hot Summer day, you couldn’t afford toys or an air conditioner so outside it is. You decided to hangout by the river bank and set your feet in the cool water. The trees always provided a nice shade and the river boulders were great seats.

You and your brother made your way off the dirt road and walked down the hill to the emerald river bank. You told your brother you’d race him to see who gets there first but of course he wins with his longer legs. Your shorter legs and shoes that had holes in them often slowed you down. You huffed when you arrived a second later at the bank, but you both turned to your side to catch sight of a boy digging into the river and then crying. You approached the pair and up front asked, “What’s wrong? Are you guys hurt? Did you lose something?” Taehyung shook his head and said through his sobs, “Froggy. He ran away and I hurt him on accident. I really didn’t mean to.” You and your brother honestly only caught parts of it since he was a blubbering mess so Hoseok interpreted for you both. Oh’s flowed afterwards, finally understanding and your brother was first to offer help in searching for Froggy. This helped ease Taehyung’s sadness and you went to pat his head only then taking in his ears and tail and then ears and tail on Hoseok. “Who are you guys by the way?” Hoseok stood up from his place among the river bed and said, “I’m Hoseok but call me Hobi, I live right over there. I’m a dog hybrid.” He stated when he was noticed your staring. Taehyung then spoke, “I’m Taehyung but call me Tae, and I live right there. I’m a fox hybrid.” You smiled and then introduced yourself, “I’m Y/N call me Y/N, and I’m human. That’s my older brother, he’s human too.” Laughing at how silly you guys sounded you kept searching for Froggy.

A larger rustling sounded through brush and Taehyung’s mother came in the clearing. “There you are! Why did you guys run off, I was so scared!” She sighed in relief and went to check on the two boys and then looked to you guys. “Oh, hello, I didn’t know you made some friends Tae and Hobi.” You and your brother waved hello and introduced yourselves. “Well, would your new friends like to come play in the yard where I can watch you guys. I made some sandwiches, enough for everyone.” She was petting Taehyung’s ears and patting Hoseok’s head in question. You answered happily, “Yes! Please, can we?” His mother nodded and escorted you four back to the house forgetting Froggy’s apology.

An afternoon with sandwiches and playing yard games they could think of became a daily routine. You and your brother made it over to his house or Hoseok’s house to play after morning chores. The one time your parents let you and your brother sleep over at Taehyung’s with Hoseok too, you all laid out on the low platform outside not wanting to go to sleep just yet. His mother was nice enough to give them candies she got from the local market. They were all nibbling on their treats when Taehyung interrupted, “Do you guys know the legend of the stars?” Everyone turned to him, but no one had a clue to what he was talking about. Taking the silence as his cue he continued, “my dad told me that the stars in the sky are actually fireflies. They stay far, far away so that they can shine a big enough light to protect us at night. He calls them the Guardians.” Hanging on every word he said they turned to the sky again taking in the Guardians, “wow”, only came out of Hoseok’s mouth. Taehyung sat up and put his arms up in the sky, “You guys are like my fireflies, my best friends!” All giggling at his statement, your brother shot up and with his fist in the air, “we are the Guardians!” Everyone joined him afterwards in chant and went to run around the yard waking the resting fireflies. You all were running around the yard, but a single firefly landed on your nose and Taehyung looked at you and blushed, “my firefly.”

A year went by and it was already Summer again. In the fall you, Taehyung and Hoseok were supposed to go start school together. Nothing much changed from your everyday routines. You guys would always wander to eachothers house. Your brother went out shopping with your grandma to carry the groceries for her. You were with you grandpa at the house finishing your chores. Haphazardly finishing everything, excited to spend another day on a new adventure, you yelled to your grandpa goodbye as you were already out the door. Today was hot so you wanted to go down to the river bank again and soak away the heat. Your grandpa laughed as you were trying to run out the door with your shoes half on, he called after you to be home before dark. That day you did spend it by the river bank with Taehyung and Hoseok. You even got to test out the new hammock that Tae’s dad hung up. Your big brother came later after helping your grandma put away the groceries. You all played till sundown where orange, pink and lavender shadows covered the floor. They all parted with Hoseok going back home, Taehyung going up the hill and you and your brother down the dirt road a few minutes from home.

Earlier that day Taehyung’s dad went to work with a lunch bag in hand from his wife. He kissed her goodbye and even came back for seconds before finally walking away. She went back inside to make breakfast for her and Taehyung, who was still sleeping. He clocked in with his boss and went into the field with other workers. He was pulling weeds out of the pepper plants and fertilizing them after. The plants tower high to his waist. After hours of working nearing time to go back home, he sees a van and black and white car pull up to the front of the of the produce sorting building. Four men got out of the vehicles, two in police outfits and the other two in khaki outfits. He recognized the outfits, it’s the same one from the pound. His eyes widened, he hasn’t heard from or seen them in five years. He was so sure he lost them long ago; that enough time has passed for his family to be safe. He ran and ducked below the plant line he ran into the neighboring apple tree orchard. He hid behind the trees to make sure he was concealed.

The police and pound officers approached some line workers and asked where their boss was. They pointed towards an office door situated near one of the sorting machines. The police officers thanked them and carried on towards the office. The poachers snuck out to the fields to look for the hybrid they came for. One tall, bulky officer knocked on the door and while chewing gum obnoxiously, “Hey, old man. You in there? We have a warrant to search around for a hybrid.” Hearing the commotion, the old man who took his father under his wing and acted like a father to him answered the door. “I’m sorry officer, but I don’t have any hybrid labor on this farm. I don’t employee hybrids.”

His father has told the farmer before about how he ended up in this town and promised to keep his secret from anyone who ask. The cop stood up straighter and adjust his belt tucking in his shirt farther down his pants.” Look old man, I don’t want to do this the hard way but if you don’t tell me what I want you leave me with no choice.” The old man kept insisting, “I don’t have a hybrid employee. You’ve must’ve gotten a false call.” The cop sighed and spit out his gum on the carpeted floor. He closed the door behind him while the other officer waited outside and adjusted his button up sleeves to his elbows. Fear was in the old man’s eyes and he began to pace back until he hit his desk. The officer then turned around and threw a punch knocking the old man to the floor. He kicked him in the stomach once with a grunt and then crouched down to him. “You sure you want to test me buddy?” The old man kept his promise though.

The cop exhaled outwardly got back up and ran his hand through his now out of place gelled back hair. He turned around abruptly and violently kicked the old man again. The old man was spitting up blood and his eye was puffing and darkening with a blossoming bruise. The door suddenly opened with the two poachers and Taehyung’s father was thrown to the floor in front of the old man. His father’s hands were tied behind his back and a rope tight around his neck that was strapped back to one of the poacher’s wrist. They stepped on his tail and he let out a heavy yelp. The other officer was standing guard at the door, monitoring other employees who were looking worriedly at the door and shocked seeing their friend being dragged. The police officer chimed in, “Well, well, well, what do we have here? It seems like a hybrid was here after all!”, he says in a cynical voice. He came stand in front of his father and yanked his head back forcing the hybrid to make eye contact with the officer. Tae’s dad growls and snaps his jaw towards the hand within reach. The grip in his hair only gets tighter and he spits in Taehyung father’s face, “dirty mongrel, you hybrids are nothing but filth.” His father flinched away yelling in disgust. The officer let go of his hair and his dad eyes moved to the old man in front of him. He couldn’t take his eyes off the old man on the floor. The older man looked back to him with one eye only able to open and told him without any words “it’s okay.” The officer beat his father shouting slurs with every hit before calling in on his radio that they’ve caught the hybrid. They drug Taehyung’s father to his feet and tightened the rope around his neck. Before he was dragged out the office he spit out the blood in his mouth and said to the old man still on the floor, “tell my Peanuts that I love them very much.” He was then dragged out of the building and forced into the cage in the back of the van. He viciously snarled at them through the bars, but they prodded him with a shock rod. He curled back in pain and the poachers laughed at his misery. Both vehicles left as if nothing ever happened with their captive; everything was eeriely silent in the aftermath.

The old man used his desk to prop himself up knocking his name plate and pencil cup over and shuffled his way out of the room. He had blood on him and couldn’t see out of his right eye, but he had to fulfill a mission before he gave into the pain. Other employees were looking at him with wide eyes and one employee who was close to Taehyung’s father ran up to him and asked what happened. He didn’t respond to him about what happened inside his office but asked for him to drive him in his pickup to Taehyung’s father home. The guy didn’t want to waste any more time with questions he wasn’t going to get the answers to yet and hung the old man’s arm around his shoulder and helped him to the truck.

The drive was relatively short to the house. The old man knocked on the front door hard and continuously until it was opened. Jelly opened the door taking in what happened. Cupping the old man’s face in her hand she asked what happened, but he didn’t respond to that question instead said, “You need to go. You need to get far away from here.” Her eyes widened, and Taehyung appeared beside her leaving his drawing on the coffee table behind,” Mom?” She was frozen in place and kept repeating no like a mantra. Tears filled her eyes, but his dad’s coworker held her up and said, “You need to go. Now!” The old man took a second and told her the last words he said to him, “he told me to tell you that he loves both his peanuts very much.” Sobs started wreck through his mom, he was so confused, why would dad send his message through someone else. Why was he late to coming home?

He tugged at the hem of her skirt and that broke her sobs when she went to look him in the face. “Mom, what’s wrong?” She wiped her tears and spoke swiftly,” Tae, were going to go away on a trip for a while. We’ll meet dad at the meeting spot honey. We need to leave now.” She left Taehyung at the door with the two men and grabbed a suit case out of the closet to pack clothes and important things. She was able to finish packing in a few minutes and slipped from the frames next to their bed a family portrait and a photo of the four kids together into the suitcase. She came back to the front door leaving everything behind. She took Taehyung’s hand and her set of house keys off the key rack and closed the door behind her. She took the keys in case one day they get to return. She doubted it would ever happen, but just in case. The men asked her if she had anywhere to go and she nodded, “We’ve planned for a day like this.” She hugged both men and bid them goodbye and said to the old man, “Thanks dad, for everything.”

His mom walked with him to Hoseok’s house next door, but Hoseok wasn’t home running errands for his mom. When his mother knocked on the door, right away Hoseok’s mom answered. She looked at the baggage then back to her best friend’s and immediately she knew. She brought her in to a tight hug and started crying and then held Taehyung. She called for her husband and he came running to his wife. He took notice of the scene and became serious suddenly, “go call your relatives I’ll get the car ready.”

Shortly after they came to the town, before the kids were born, they told their story to the family and planned just in case the poachers find them. They always hoped it would never have to come down to this. Hoseok’s mom quietly pulled her to the side when Taehyung went inside, where her husband was, but she just got a shake of her head as a response and more tears. She brought her in to a tight embrace and comforting her the best way she could. Hoseok’s mom went inside and called her relatives. Her aunt, who lived in the city, was in on the plan and let them use an extra space in the house as a hide out. His mom thanked her a million times, but Taehyung was so lost watching everything. ”Mom, can I tell Y/N and her brother goodbye before we go?” His mom leaned down to him cupping his face, “Honey, we don’t have time for that, but I’m sure your friends will understand.” He just nodded, not completely understanding anything but he trusted his mom.

The three of them were in the car with Taehyung in the backseat and the luggage in the trunk. His mom had one last hug with Hoseok’s mom then his mom kissed her husband and said, “be safe, please.” They pulled out onto the dirt road and were gone. Taehyung looked out the backseat window to the night sky resting his head on the door. It was a very dark and starless night.

The distance from the small town to the city was about an hour and a half away. The highway was the fastest way to reach their destination, even though going through the side streets were safer. Taehyung curled up with Hoseok’s dad’s jacket and fell asleep somewhere within the first fifteen minutes. He was lulled to sleep by the humming of the car and exhausted from playing in the river bank all day. His mother was talking softly to Hoseok’s dad to kept distracted.

Before he knew it Hoseok’s dad was picking him up and cradling him in his arms out of the backseat. They parked a few streets away and arrived on a tucked away neighborhood that had houses sitting right next to eachother. It was deep in the inner streets off the main road. The houses he saw when he opened his eyes and looked around the slightly run-down area that had an outdated and old feeling to them. He snuggled further into Hoseok’s dad, not comfortable yet with his new environment. His mother behind him with the suitcase followed Hoseok’s dad into a gate and up stairs to the first-floor level of a house. The door opened to be greeted by Hoseok’s mom family. There was a mom, dad, daughter around the same age as Taehyung and a boy younger than Taehyung. His mom went through the formalities and was shown back out the front door to round the side of the house leading to stairs that declined to the semi-basement room. The metal door took a bit of force to open, but when inside it was half decent. It wasn’t dingy, but it didn’t feel like home either. It was a medium size room with an attached full bathroom. A full-size bed that used to be their daughters and had random sheets and pillow cases was set up taking up majority of the space. They were allowed to come up to the main house and use the kitchen. He laid Taehyung on the bed and told him to go back to sleep, “see you soon kiddo.” Taehyung only curled in to the blankets and fell asleep. His mother went to walk out with Hoseok’s dad and thanked him for everything. He told her not to thank him, “you’re family after all.” She brought him in for a hug and he got in his car and returned home with a heavy heart.

His mom came back into the room and laid next to him. She shushed her kit when he started whining and sang him a lullaby, the same one peanut used to, into deeper sleep. Tears rolled down from her eyes in silence as she finally got to sit with herself, “Where are you Peanut?”

The next morning you woke up and finished all your chores like a rabid tornado with legs. You were looking forward to seeing your friends today and made your way over to Taehyung’s house with your brother for once trying to keep up with you instead. Growing impatient waiting for him to catch up you took his arm in yours and dragged him next to you,” for once keep up slow poke.” He gave you a “oh, please” look, but you just winked knowing it would rile him up. You stuck out your tongue out towards him and he chased after you, both laughing at your stupid antics, and you came up to Tae’s front door slightly out of breath. You knocked on the door in a pattern the four of you created to let eachother know it was you at the door, but there was no response. You repeated the knock again, but when nothing stirred you looked into the living room window and saw no one and heard nothing. Not even Froggy’s ribbit.

You and your brother went around the house rustling through the bushes to the sliding glass door and looked inside. There was a crack between the curtain, but the inside was dark and hollow of any sign of life. He looked over to you with somber eyes, “nothing, it’s empty.” Panic set in your heart, Tae was the loudest being you’ve become acquainted with. His mom was always doing something in the house be it cleaning or cooking. She always played the portable radio and was dancing as she cooked. It was never quiet in the Kim’s house. You stared at eachother with worried expressions and ran to Hoseok’s incase they were over there for the day. “Please be over there, please be there.” You knocked rapidly on the door and Hoseok’s mom opened the door surprising to you two. “Good morning, Kiddos. Hoseok’s in the living room come in.” You both thanked his mom and ran into the living room to find Hoseok sitting on the couch not even paying attention to the cartoons on TV looking sad. They ran up to him and questioned him where Tae was. He looked up with saddened eyes and said, “Mom said he’s gone on a trip. I don’t know when he’s coming back.” Shocked at the news your brother questioned first, “…for how long?” Hoseok shrugged his shoulders in uncertainty. You fell to your knees in disbelief that your best friend wouldn’t even tell you he’s leaving and not knowing when he’s going to return. Tae wouldn’t do that to you guys, he even told you the size of his feces when he was impressed. You knew everything about eachother, or so you thought. You all three sat in silence. You were the Guardians, but you lost the fox.

You didn’t feel like hanging out anymore today; you were too disheartened by the news and started walking back home. Your brother decided to stay back and play video games with Hoseok, he trusted you enough to make it back home alone. He knew a way to cheer up Hoseok was to keep routine. Even if Tae wasn’t there they were still going to try to beat his top score, so when he came back they could show him their sweet victory.

You walked down the dirt road but stopped when unfamiliar black and white cars and a van pulled up to Tae’s house. Why were the police at Tae’s house? With quick thinking you ditched the dirt road and ran down the hill that lead to the river bank, but back up the other side leading to the back of Tae’s house. You hid close enough in the trees behind Tae’s house, specifically behind a thick oak tree observing from above. You climbed up the tree and sat on a hanging branch that concealed you enough but still had a good view of the people at his door. The police approached the front door and knocked. Hound hybrids were on leashes lead by pound officers to the front of the houses. When they got no response one specific officer, who was tall but had over gelled back hair, commanded the pound officer to lead the hounds around the corner of the house around to the back. They were sniffing the perimeter and the left-out toys in the yard. You tried leaning in closer to hear what they were saying, but you only caught snippets of their conversation. “The bitch and the pup…no one’s here? The mongrel must’ve told his family somehow…” You were confused what did they mean who told his family about what? Why was the police here and with pound officers looking for Tae’s family? They continued, “that fucker is going to pay, five years of searching….no one escapes me.” Escape? Tae’s family is in danger? You start tearing up and hiccup from holding back your voice and breath. A hound looked in your direction and you held your hand over your mouth to mute the noise. He goes back to his sniffing the perimeter and ignores the noise, he must’ve mistaken you to for a bird. Once the officers and hounds made their way back into the vehicles coming up empty handed and not tracking a scent, you slipped down the tree but one of the many hole in your shoe gets stuck in a protruding bark and you fall to the ground. Your so upset that you don’t bother getting up and cry on the dirt floor. Why? Why your best friend! You were so confused and afraid. Those men looked terrifying, but they were supposed to protect people. You made your way back home but you kept what you saw to yourself, not sure who to tell or what you saw meant.

A week before Summer ended and school was due to start, Hoseok announced to you and your brother that he’s moving to the city. His parents found better jobs in the city and they wanted to move closer to his Aunt. His grandparents passed away three years ago and left the house to them. His parents originally lived in the city before he was born, but moved back to take care of his grandparents. They sold the house and spent the money on a new life in the city. He promised to write you both and call when the house phone gets set up to keep in contact. You shared tearful goodbye watching him get in the moving truck and leave with his parents.

You waited patiently. Months passed, then a year passed, then three, and after ten you stopped keeping track. Tae wasn’t coming back and Hoseok never called or sent the letters he promised. You and your brother had eachother, but as time went by he graduated high school first and left for the military. Your personality changed from bright and carefree to studious and cold. At least that’s how classmates described you, truthfully you were still the same old person, but you didn’t want to open up to anyone; you’d rather be on your own. You took your education and studying very serious. You wanted to get out of this town too, just like Taehyung, Hoseok and your brother. Your family didn’t have the money to send you to college, so you worked hard to get scholarships. It was either go to school or marry a farm boy. You weren’t going to settle in life for a mediocre plotline.

Walking in the door barely slipping your shoe off and removing your high school’s uniform blazer, your grandmother stopped you from getting any more comfortable. She asked you if you would go back out and pick up some apples up for her at the farm. Not having the heart to deny her because she was more your own mom than your own mom, you agreed. Despite how tired you were, you were now looking forward to her apple pie you slipped your shoes back on. You went to visit the old man at the farm because your grandmother wanted some fresh apples from only his orchard. She insisted he had the sweetest apple’s and the ones from the grocery store didn’t taste as good. Her apple pie was only perfect with local apples. Your brother was still away in the military having joined a few years ago, so you went alone. He wasn’t good at school, but knew to get a stable job you need college. He wanted the government to pay for his education if he couldn’t get a scholarship or financial aid.

You trekked on your own and came up on the produce sorting building and walked in through the dock entrance. The old man always let you come and pick apples for a discounted price. You greeted all the familiar aunties and uncles and went to knock on the old man’s office. You stopped before you knocked because you heard a name you haven’t heard in a long time. You heard him on the phone discussing heatedly with someone. “Taehyung…look, what happened all those years ago should be left there. The poachers won’t stop until they get the whole family. Yes, I know what kind of risk this is, but I can’t. Yeah, u-huh. I don’t know, I really don’t know what happened afterwards. Look, I’ll talk to you later okay?”

At that point you stopped listening, not wanting to believe what you just heard. It confirmed what you saw and heard all those years ago. You took steps back and further back until your back hit some boxes. Tears were flowing down your cheeks in streams. Taehyung’s dad was taken and him and his mom were in danger this whole time. You ran away as fast as you could. You ended up in one of the many rows of orange trees and fell to your knees sobbing. You had so much anger built up against him for leaving you. It all just flooded out of you as you yelled out, yelling at the world for taking away someone so important to you and taking someone away important to him. His family treated you like their own. They knew your parents were gone all the time and subtly took over the roll. It was more than just losing a best friend, but your makeshift family. You ended up stopping by the market on your way home when it was already dark outside and the crickets chirped and got some apples from there. You couldn’t go back. The pie truly didn’t taste the same.

You spent the night trying to study but your mind wouldn’t let you think of anything else besides Taehyung. You sat at your makeshift desk on your bed and thought and thought. These moments inspired you and you decided right then and there that you were going to become a lawyer. You were going to become a lawyer that protected hybrids and their rights. You weren’t going to let hybrids go through what Tae went through. The firefly was glowing again.

You graduated high school valedictorian, but you couldn’t attend the national University you wanted to go to. Your scholarship and financial aid wouldn’t cover tuition, living expenses, books and eating. You decided to enroll into the just as good state university where you could pay for everything, well at least school expenses. You still had to take up part time jobs while you were taking classes. You made it out of the small town, just like the rest and that’s all that matters. You ended up finding a cheap rooftop apartment that was half an hour away from the school by bus. It didn’t have any insulation, but it did have a rickety door and leaky roof; it was home. You shared it with your brother, he was rarely there anyways always out on his military missions, but when he was it was nice. Majority of time you weren’t home much either, you were either in one of your four class, in the library or at work.

During your second-year things took an unexpected turn, your grandparents were getting worse with their ailments and your dad got injured at work. You made a trip back home with your brother and found out your dad wouldn’t be able to return to work for three months. Your mom now stayed home to take care of your grandparents, so they wouldn’t have any income. With no choice you decided to drop your classes this semester, so you could pick up more shifts and jobs. You were able to manage a full-time schedule working at a diner during the day and working a part time job waitressing at a bar at night. You only slept four hours a day maximum and never could take a day off. Even when others dropped shifts, or couldn’t make it in you were the first to raise your hand. You sent as much money you could every month. Your brother helped this whole time as well, but he wasn’t getting much being a lower ranking private. Your dad got better and was able to return to work when December came around.

Your grandfather passed away the following Spring and your grandmother followed behind shortly after not able to handle her broken heart. You couldn’t attend the actual funeral, but you made it to the spreading of their ashes along the river. You ended up having to take the spring semester off as well to help your parents pay for the funeral expenses.

You eventually made it through college and it took you six years, but you made it! You graduated with honors and a degree in political science. Your brother was able to make it into the special forces. He made his dream come true. Immediately after your bachelors you applied to your school’s law program and made it in the following semester and that took another three years. You passed the bar exam your first year in the program on your first try. You studied in between your jobs when the lull was slow, and it helped your classes covered things on the exam as well. The studying part was finally over.

You still lived at the rooftop apartment and worked your endless part times jobs. As a twenty-seven-year-old now with a bachelors and lawyers license you were so close to your dream you could taste it. When you weren’t working, you were applying to all law firms and doing interviews. But here six months later you still were applying for jobs after graduation not landing a job yet.

You were walking home at two in the morning having the closing shift at the bar for the night. Your black v neck t-shirt and skinny jeans were covered in dust. Your hair was pulled back up in a pony tail and face with full makeup. Your one friend, also coworker, offered to take you home, but you lived to far you didn’t want to bother her. Your coworker, who you’ve been working with since you first started there, was like an older sister to you. She taught you how to do your makeup to get more tips and made working there overall easier. She showed you how to fill in your brows, contour your cheeks, wing your liner and then line your plush lips with a ruby red and setting it with matte lipstick. Normally you preferred to go more natural with your makeup any other time, but you were glad she taught you the basics to even do that now. Your mother never knew how to apply makeup or even wore it. You’ve grown out your crazy bowl cut when your grandma had her scissors taken from her after the last lopsided bowl cut. For convenience sake, you just let your hair do its own thing and only got it trimmed by your neighbor, who was a hairstylist, once every six months. Since you helped her out every now and then she did it for you for at a discounted price. It was pretty long now tickling your waist, but it spent the majority of time wrapped up in a bun, braided, or in a ponytail so it wouldn’t get in the way of productivity. To say the least, you weren’t the same tomboy who had shoes with holes but a pretty, young woman. Okay, you still had shoes with holes; you didn’t have the budget to buy new shoes. Also “pretty, young woman” was your brother’s words not yours, it made you gag with his softness towards you still.

It was very late, and you were walking towards the bus stop, ready to go home and shower off the grime and sleep it all off. You made your way down a main street where all the night bars were and some popular clubs, your bus stop was at the other end of the street. There were food stands that had all the drunk people from the surrounding establishments flocking around them. They were loud, but the majority kept to themselves. As you pulled your phone out of your purse to check if anyone messaged you during your shift, you heard a yelp then growl. You looked up and saw a short, stoutly drunken man shoving around a young dog hybrid. The hybrid was no older than fifteen. Your protective nature kicked in, but more importantly your lawyer half awoke. You switched your purse behind you tightening the strap and walked over confidently. Although the hybrid was obviously taller than him he still raised his hand to land another hit, but you grabbed the man’s wrist midair. You looked over to the hybrid who had his head hung low, but you could make out the bruises all over him. The thin shirt and skinny jeans with no shoes was enough to give away his poor domestic condition. This brought a boiling anger within you. The man struggled against your hold, stumbling around slightly. He turned to you and spat, “Let go of me you bitch! Can’t you see I’m teaching him a lesson. This little shit deserves to know his place! I am his owner!” He yelled the last part getting in your face directly catching wind of his strong alcoholic breath. You pulled your head to the side to avoid any more unwanted breathing on you. You sighed and said, “Sir, you can’t hit this hybrid. It’s against the law under the Freeman’s act paragraph 7 section A. It is illegal to abuse hybrids mentally or physically that leads to emotional or physical damage, especially a child.” Obviously, he didn’t care you knew your laws. He went to raise his hand again out of your lock, but you’ve had enough. You twisted his arm locking it behind him and using the momentum of his stumbling you kicked behind his knees. He lost his balance and fell into a kneeling position. You learned this from your brother on how to retrain someone in a way that put you in the dominant position. “Sir, if you do not stop and calm down I’m going to have to call the police.” The man was very drunk, but he was more than upset already and wasn’t taking being restrained by a woman. He began shouting degrading slurs at you and the hybrid, but you weren’t listening. You moved both his arms into one of yours and reached for your phone and called the police. Waiting for officers and an ambulance you called over to the hybrid to calm him down. He was shaking violently from more than one reason. “Hey sweetie, look at me. My name’s Y/N, what’s yours?” He looked at his owner and then back at you to shakily answer back. “Good, good. It’s nice to meet you sweetheart. I can assure you that nothing will happen to you from now on. Can you tell me is this the first time he’s hit you?” He hung his head and then shook it as no. It was obvious, but you needed verbal confirmation. Your grip tightened on the pathetic male you’ve now maneuvered to lying flat on his stomach and arms still locked. He wouldn’t stop squirming. “Look, I know a friend of mine his name is Jin, who’s also a hybrid. He owns a shelter and finds loving home for hybrids and with a 100% guarantee no abuse and no returning to the shelter.” The boy seemed to light up at your words as if what you said was only a legend.

You met Jin in college. He and you volunteered at a hybrid shelter that helped hybrids find homes. You volunteered to see how the system worked hands on. Jin didn’t like the way it was run saying he didn’t understand the aggression of some of the employees. He’s a male grizzly bear hybrid, but he acts like a mother bear over his cubs the way he talks about his shelter. He only opened it up in the past few years, but it’s become one of the best and well-known shelters there are. He prides himself screening and meeting the hybrids to be families first and not just adopting them out at will. Family was everything to Jin.

The police and ambulance showed up and you let the man go from under you switching him over to a tall, bunny hybrid officer. Honestly a bit surprised that a bunny was a police officer, but you had other priorities. You went up to young hybrid immediately, “Sweetie, I promise these people will take care of you! They are going to take you to my friend.” The three officers came up to you and the hybrid who was now latched onto you, “miss, were you the one who called?” You cooed at the young hybrid and stroked his hair to calm him down, “Yes, I’m Y/N Y/L/N. I called in the abuse” You’ve dealt with so many hybrids that you know exactly how to calm them down, you even earned the nickname whisper at the volunteer shelter. You looked at the officers and showed them your lawyer’s license. They acknowledged it and listen to you list the man’s offenses. The paramedics came after asking the hybrid to follow them into the ambulance. He looked at you with terrified eyes and gripped onto you tighter. He had no intention to let go. The paramedics said that you can come with them to the hospital. You were about to say he would be fine, but the look he gave you broke your heart. You nodded, “I’ll come with you to the hospital and make sure my friend meets you. Will that make you feel better?” He nodded as fast as he could, smiling ear to ear causing his slit lip to open up again. You let the paramedics take him on a gurney and followed protocol. While you waited to board the bunny officer came up to you, “wow, what you did just there was awesome Ms. Y/L/N! It’s always so impressive to see someone know their stuff and wield their sword with pride.” You laughed at his metaphor, a bit too dramatic for the situation. “I just did what’s right officer…I’m sorry your name is?” He pointed to his badge, “Officer Jeon Jungkook” and then shook your hand. The paramedics called to you ready to depart, so you waved Officer Jeon goodbye, “Good night officer Jeon.” He wanted to stop you and offer you a ride home after all you’ve done for the kid, but you were already running down the street. He mumbles under his breath in imagination, “I’m glad I could get you home. I know this may be a bit forward but would you like go get coffee sometime.” He scuffs his boot on the floor but walks back to the struggling drunk in the vehicle. That night you were able to introduce they hybrid to Jin, but by the time you left the hospital it was already seven thirty am. You only had thirty minutes to get to work; lucky you were in experienced in pulling all-nighters before, but you were going to need all the coffee you could get.

The next few weeks were spent going to interviews and working shifts endlessly. One office finally responded back to you, but it turned out to be a scam. You had to run out of the business when some gangster started chasing you after when you threatened to report their business. You ran as far as you could, not paying attention to where you were going. You hid behind a dumpster in an alleyway and you watched them run past the entrance. You finally took a breath sighing. This was the 10th interview this month and no one has called you back yet. This was so disheartening that no was calling you back. At this point you felt your license was as good as toilet paper. You knew it was hard getting into the hybrid legal industry, much less even to practice as a lawyer. You weren’t going to let this throw your schedule off today, you had to make it to your night shift in an hour. You waited a few more minutes to create enough distance with the men. You were in the heart of downtown, tall buildings and angry business men pushed you out of the way down the street.

You looked around taking in your surroundings, identifying the area you were in. You walked to the nearest bus station and looked at the route map, but you couldn’t focus on the map. Your eyes looked pass the map to the building across the streets directory. It read on the fifth floor of the twenty-floor building there was a law practice, “Hybrid Welfare Legal Law Group, LLC” Your manila folder still had one resume left in it and you had enough time to run over and drop it off before the next bus came by. You were taking the chance. You ran across the street entering the glass door to the main lobby full of elevators. You entered the elevator and fixed up your appearance in the mirror. You breathed in deeply when the doors opened and you were greeted by a receptionist sitting at a rounded desk. The room was quiet and minimal in decoration. There was a leather couch and some office plants. The older woman looked up over her glasses perched at the end of her nose and sweetly called to you, “can I help you dear?” You were relieved someone was being nice to you today. You nodded and put on your professional voice, “Yes, I’m looking to submit my resume for the job application at this legal firm.” Before the receptionist could respond a woman’s, heels clicked down the hall and interrupted. “Hello Miss.” The receptionist turned to her and said that you wanted to turn in a resume. She lifted her brow in question and then back to you, “Oh, perfect! We’ve been looking for more legal help! Hello I’m Mrs. Lee. I’m the secretary for Mr.Kim.” She was a beautiful woman who had black hair, but strands of grey threaded through every now and then. You would’ve never guessed she was over the age of 35. You shook her hand and introduced yourself. She asked for your resume pulling it out of the folder to look it over once and then back in. She told you she would call you in a few days to schedule an interview. You thanked her about a thousand times and bid both women goodbye. You passed a mother and child bunny hybrids walking into the office and heard the secretary greet them. You stepped inside the elevator and leaned on the wall. You were hoping this wasn’t another failed endeavor.

Mrs. Lee walked back down the hall after directing the family to their legal help. She passed the open desk’s office space to an office at the end the second hallway. She knocked a few times and only got a grunt as a response. She’s worked for him long enough to know it was “come in.” He didn’t even bother looking up from the case file he was going over. He was a workaholic and stayed up endlessly working on all the cases. She spoke up, “sir, I have another resume. Please review it and let me know if you want me to schedule an appointment.” He grunted again and took the file from her without even looking and placed it on the bottom of his large stack of paper work to finish. This was the thirtieth applicant this month, and he’s rejected every single one of them.

It was three am by the time he was able to transfer all the “to-do” paperwork into the “done” section. He felt like Mrs. Lee only just said good night ten minutes ago, not six hours ago. He set his glasses down on his desk and ran his hands over his face and then up to his hair running them pass his ears. His tail flicked behind him still from the seven coffee cups littering his desk. He was exhausted, but he only had one last document left. He put his glasses back on and opened the manila folder. There was a resume with a picture attached the corner. He looked it over and squinted at the information. You went to a great school, graduated with honors and were a model student. He kept looking at the picture, he felt a weird familiarity with the person looking back at him. He couldn’t put a finger on it, but it was almost a visceral reaction that this person was familiar. Maybe one of the girls he slept with in college? He sat the file down back on the desk and pulled out a stick note pad and clicked one of his fountain pens and wrote a note down for his secretary. He packed up his bag and slipped his grey blazer back on. He clicked off the table lamp off and closed the door to his office.

You were sleeping on your stomach in star fish position, you came home and plopped down on top of your bed and fell asleep just like that. The phone ringtone kept going and you reached for your phone and answered groggily, “Hello?” The woman on the other end giggled, “Hello Y/N. It’s Mrs. Lee from Hybrid Welfare Legal Law Group, LLC. I’m calling you to let you know that you were approved for an interview. Would you be able to schedule with me?” You shot up immediately and the tiredness left your body. “Yes, Mrs. Lee. Is there a time that would work best for you this week?” She looked at her schedule book and said, “Thursday at 2pm there is an opening for half an hour. Would you be able to make it then?” Without thinking you said “Yes! Thank you, Mrs. Lee!” She laughed at your enthusiasm especially at 7am. You finished the details and hung up. You only handed in your resume yesterday you weren’t expecting a call back so soon.

You jumped up out of bed and rushed in to your brother’s bedroom and dog piled on top of him. He grunted from the impact of your weight. You hugged him tightly and said, “Hey, hey I got another call back! They want an interview!” He was mumbling into the pillow. You were so excited, even though you’ve been through many before you wanted to stay humble. Each call back was another chance! Your brother tossed you off him onto the other side of the bed. He smiled at you and ruffled your hair but buried himself back under the blanket. You went back to your room and circled your calendar. You had three days to prepare for your next interview. You got dressed and made breakfast and left a note for your brother to eat the leftovers. You locked the door and made your usual way to the diner, but with a smile on your face.

Thursday at 1:45pm you were in the lobby of the building of Hybrid Welfare Legal Law Group, LLC staring at the elevators. You wore your only pair of black slacks and black blazer that were now a dark grey. The white button up you wore was actually a part of your high school uniform with its logo still embroidered on the left chest pocket. The brown flats you wore were the only thing closest to professional you had in your closet. You pulled your hair up into a pony tail habitually now whenever you were going to work or things were serious. You got the guts to step into the elevator at 1:50pm, you checked yourself in the mirror one last time and made your way towards the receptionist. You took a deep breath and then introduced yourself to the sweet woman at the counter again. She looked up from her screen and adjusted her glasses, “Oh, Ms. Y/L/N. I’m glad you made it. Please take a seat, I’ll call you when we’re ready.” You thanked her and moved to the leather couch. It was still stiff and had that that new smell. You twiddled with the latch of your purse and the peeling edge of the faux leather. This office was quiet intimidating. It carried a very posh vibe that showed you that the people here were serious about what you did. This is the best place you’ve applied to so far. You didn’t get a chance to do any research of the lawyers here and that worried you because they usually always asked about the lawyers in the office of your opinion of them. Before you could sweat any more Mrs. Lee came in the room. “Ms. Y/L/N Mr. Kim is able to see you now.” You stood up and followed her down the hall into a large open room. There were four sections conglomerated into four desks at each division. There were people working and running around. You looked at them in awe, you wanted to be doing that. Down another hallway there were four isolated offices, one of which belonging to Mr.Kim.

Mrs. Lee knocked on the door with you in tow. She got a grunt in response and apparently, she understood exactly what his non-lingual sounds mean, she opened the door. The nerves finally kicked in when the door opened and you walked in behind her. You were greeted by a man sitting in his chair, he held a case file in front of his face studying it with his face propped in his hand. You could only make out red-orange, fluffy ears above the file. Your heart was beating out of your chest when she closed the door behind you leaving you alone.

You bowed to him in greeting and he said, “take a seat.” You steadily made your way over to the leather seat across from his oak desk. He reclined in his seat and let the case file down on his desk, he pushed up his glasses and finally looked up to you. Your heart stopped, you couldn’t breathe, you didn’t want to blink in case you missed it. It’s been so long but you recognized him immediately, you whispered shakily “Taehyung.” Tears were brimming in your eyes, but it stopped when he cut you off. “Mr.Kim please Mrs. ….”he looked at your resume once more, “Y/L/N.” Your heart sunk to your stomach, he didn’t even recognize you. You were frozen on the spot, but clicked back into your professional mode. Even if he didn’t recognize you, you were going to do your best to impress him in this interview. You had a dream to reach after all. He was silent and reviewed your resume. He asked you questions and you responded the best to your ability.

It was so odd that his voice was so deep now. He was so handsome too like a model out of a catalog, but you kept a stoic face, you weren’t going to comprise anything. He asked you an curve ball question, “Why do you want to be a hybrid lawyer?” He took a sip of his coffee and waited for your response. You sat for a second but gave the honest response, “All I’ve ever wanted in life was to make the world a better place as cliché as it is. I don’t mean in a monumental way, but in a way that can prevent peoples life from suffering and knowing useless pain that doesn’t help them grow. I want to reach out confidently holding the hand of a stranger and give them a promise I won’t break. I want to go home at the end of the day saying I worked hard and know someone else will sleep better at night because of my efforts.” He laughs a bit and said, “that sounds selfish.” Your shocked by his comment, but not disagreeing with his point. “Yes, in a way it is. I knew someone very close to me who lost everything, even his father to pound officers. If I can stop families from being torn apart then I will keep going,” you side eyed him seeing if he would catch on but he doesn’t. “Ah there it is, so it is personal, not a moral duty to the world.” You counter, “no, I want to satisfy both. Volunteering is a selfish act anyways. You do it to make yourself feel better that you’re making a big difference. It’s a rewarding feeling that makes you feel better. Humans are selfish being, rather, any living being are driven by greed to some extent. It’s just how you use that greed to motivate you defines you.” Fully taking in your words he agrees finishing his coffee, “I’ll get back to you and have Mrs. Lee call you with feedback. It was nice meeting you Mrs. Y/L/N.” He said as he stood from his seat holding out his hand. You took it in yours and it felt soft compared to your calloused hand. Embarrassed you pulled your hand back and bowed thanking him for his time. You stepped out of the room and walked back to the elevator. The doors couldn’t close fast enough before your knees gave out. You didn’t cry, you didn’t have it in you, but you stared in front of you with glazed over eyes. Taehyung was alive and well. He was alive, the fox was alive.

Before the elevator doors could open to the ground floor you stood up, but the haze in your eyes didn’t clear. You walked out of the elevator and out the glass entrance door weaving yourself into the sea of passing people. The crowd took no mercy on you, the masses were on autopilot. Standing in the midst of the crowd shoulders knocked against yours repeatedly; your purse was pulled to the ground on accident when a business man on the phone carelessly ran into you. Still, you remained indifferent to everything. He kept going not bothering to apologize. Everyone kept moving, except you. You were frozen.

He was alive! However, meeting him again and finding out that he’s a well-known lawyer, your potential boss, was not the way you pictured the reunion. How could he be in such plain sight? It clicked so you rushed to pick up your purse and pulled out your cell phone. It was one of the first generations of smart phones, but it still worked and it didn’t have any scratches on it. You open a web browser and searched “Kim Taehyung Hybrid Welfare Legal Law Group, LLC,” and instantly over 10,000 results came up. The first article was of him walking from a courthouse with the title “Kim puts the notorious serial, hybrid killer behind bars”, another was “Lawyer Kim Taehyung gives statement on bringing the CEO of CJT Corps, who abused his hybrids, to light.” You were stunned, he’s been in plain sight this whole time. It was the twenty first century, why didn’t you use the internet? You already knew the answer to that though, you were just too busy and didn’t have any social media.

You kept scrolling and opened the company’s website moving past the other lawyer’s bios until you found his. This is why you should’ve done your research. You stopped when a photo of him working came into frame. They must’ve taken his picture without him knowing from the candid shot. He was looking down at some paperwork with his head propped at a 45-degree angle resting in his hand at his desk. It was weird seeing him grown up and so–manly looking, his deep voice rang in your head picturing him in the exact same way minutes ago. You shook yourself out of staring at the photo and read his short bio, “Kim Taehyung has been a brilliant lawyer for Hybrid Welfare Legal Law Group, LLC, since 2014. Kim graduated early from the national University at the age of twenty, opting to take honor and advance placement classes. He graduated with a degree in Linguistics and a minor in Philosophy. Kim entered the University’s Law program the following semester after graduation and left three years later ranking in the top 10% percentile of the Bar Exam takers. He’s worked for Free Will Legal Office, LLC, and Liberation Legal Advocacy Corporation, LLC, throughout Law school and interned afterwards. He started working for us at the age of twenty-four and worked his way up to being one of the four main lawyers of our office. A quote from Kim, ‘I will work hard until I can put an end to hybrid abuse and put those who abuse hybrids behind bars.’ We believe Kim Taehyung is the future in hybrid rights.”

Your jaw fell agape, you couldn’t believe this was the same Tae. The Tae you knew was a clumsy, happy-go lucky, carefree kit. Time has really changed things. You crossed your purse over your chest and put your phone back in its slot. You tucked your blazer closer to you when a breeze blew by and walked towards the nearest bus stop. You felt so ashamed of yourself, you wanted to see him again, but he didn’t even remember you. Were you that forgetful? Did your friendship mean nothing to him? You kept walking to the bus station and sat on the cracked, plastic bench and almost missed your bus when you were lost in thought. You ran after the bus, almost slipping on mud, smacking the side of the bus until it captured the driver’s attention and he stopped for you. Even on the ride on the bus you couldn’t stop thinking about him. The rest of the day was spent in this weird smog as if you were walking through a valley of smoke.

You walked up the steep hill to your apartment late at night after your closing shift. You deviated from your path and stopped at the living room converted into a convenient store tucked in one of the houses along the road and perused the short isles. You picked up a few beers from the fridge and chips on a stand. The auntie who sat on a loveseat watching old soap operas just asked for the money with an outheld hand without even paying you any mind. You’ve been here enough to know eachother by first name, “Thanks Lola.” She waved you off with her enclosed hand, you were interrupting the dialogue of her show. You walked up to your rooftop apartment and sat down on the low platform outside your apartment. You sat the crinkling plastic bag next to you along with your purse and just sighed. You dug inside and pulled out any one of the two beers. You pulled back the aluminum tab that released a satisfying hiss. You hoped that this little thing would release some of your pressure too. No, you weren’t a drinker only having drank a total of two times before; both times with your brother when you graduated college, then law school. You just wanted to indulge in this one time.

You took the can and cheered it to the sky before taking a hefty gulp of the stout and breathed a sigh of relief afterwards. You really didn’t understand why people like the taste of alcohol or the flavor of beer at this point, it tasted awful. However, you spent five dollars on all this you weren’t going to let it go to waste. You kept sipping with furrowed brows trying to catch a buzz to sleep better tonight. You laid back on your elbows supporting you looking up at the starry sky. Its been so long since you’ve looked up and taken in the world around you. The stars were so beautiful they twinkled and glimmered as if they were communicating with one another. You picked up your beer and took small sips. This reminded you of the old days when the four of you were laying on the same type of platform doing the same thing. You were starting to feel tipsy, maybe because you never drank or maybe the alcohol hit your system fast because you haven’t eaten in a while. Maybe. You took a deep inhale and then yelled out, “Yah! Taehyung! You’re alive! You’re– really alive and doing well! I’m so… proud of you! Wow, I saw you today and you didn’t—you didn’t even recognize me! Did I really change that much? Huh?” You had to catch your breath you were so worked up and somewhere along the line you started crying. “How could you—how could you do that to me?” You don’t know when but as some point exhaustion took over from crying so hard and yelling. You fell deep asleep on the platform.

A half hour later your brother walked up the side stairs, his black combat boots clinking against the metal staircase leading to the apartment. He hummed and blew a puff of smoke in the air from his hot breath hitting the icy air. He rubbed his gloved hands together and shoved them in his pocket for any warmth and dug for his keys. The yellow-green flood light dulled against the cement floor, but it caught his attention when it reflected against the plastic bag on the platform. He stepped closer to see exactly what was there only to find you sprawled out sleeping. Tired from his long day as well, he came up to you and smacked your cheek, “hey, hey wake up.” You just groaned and turned to your side landing on top of the plastic bag and knocking over your half full beer. “Hey!” Your brother went to grab the sticky drink before it leaked any further onto the wood and shook his hand in frustration when it coated his hands. He really took in your appearance redden nose, dirty clothes and sneakers haphazardly thrown. You had your “suit uniform” spilling out of your purse as if it was shoved in angrily. He hated seeing you work endlessly and keep going to job interviews tirelessly. He wanted to make your life easier, but he didn’t have a direct way fix that. He sat you up and slung you over his back and then hung your purse over his neck. The plastic bag was in his hand while the other held the house keys, “Yah, you feel too light. You’ve lost too much weight. Why aren’t you eating stupid?” He knew you couldn’t hear any of his complaints, but he still complained none the less. He flopped you onto your twin size bed and pulled the comforter over you. He sat next to you and flattened your wild hair down, it was the least he could do for you after all the things you do for him. Somewhere down the line the roles have changed, and you started taking care of him. He kissed your forehead and turned off the lights closing your bedroom door.

The next morning at seven thirty you woke up to your phone alarm blaring that repetitive noise and a fat headache. You were in pain, but you still had to turn off your insistent alarm. You looked at yourself and wondered how you got inside, it must’ve been your great instincts. You blindly made your way to the bathroom and took a shower. The hot water was so comforting easing the headache to a dull pain. You made it back to your bedroom to change into your day uniform, but were stopped by a surprising figure in the kitchen.

With eyebrows raise you looked at your brother who was diligently mixing something over the counter. He had something on his cheek when he turned around, “Morning sunshine, you look great!” You furrowed your brows and grumbled to him, “shut up.” He laughed, “be out soon to eat before you leave. You don’t have much time before you have to go.” Not about to argue with his comeback you went to change and ready your purse. You packed your only other set of skinny jeans and the same black t-shirt into your bag replacing your suit uniform. You made your way out of the room with light makeup on since it was more appropriate for your day job. You took a peek over your brother’s shoulder on your tippy toes and made a face pulling the sides of your lips down impressed with his makeshift breakfast sandwich. He smacked your creeping hand trying to grab extra pieces of packaged ham and said take some aspirins. “Yes, mom. Love you, mom!” He laughed at your annoyance and you followed through really needing it to carry on today. He let you slip your shoes on before handing you paper bag with a ham sandwich and a breakfast sandwich to carry tucked into a napkin. You were so touched your brother never did stuff like this. You looked at him suspiciously, “did you do something wrong?” He played up an expression of upset with a hand over his chest, “can’t a brother do something nice for a change?” You smiled not willing to have your sandwich revoked and hugged him tight, “thank you for everything.” You snatched the sandwich and placed it in your mouth as you ran out the door waving him goodbye.

You made your way into the diner and grabbed your apron from of your locker. You greeted the older auntie who ran the shop and your coworkers, it was back to the basics. You were working non-stop until you had a fifteen-minute break around noon. You went to your locker in the breakroom and pulled out your phone. There was a missed call from Mrs. Lee. You were panicking internally. What if it was something important? Why was she calling back so soon? For sure only early call backs were rejections, how could he decide overnight? With a shaky finger you hovered over the call button but pressed it and brought it up to your ear. You sat in a chair shaking your leg impatiently while chewing on your thumb in anticipation. There was no voicemail, so it was up in the air to what she needed. She picked up after the seventh ring, “Hello Mrs. Lee this is Y/N Y/L/N. I’m sorry I missed your call I wasn’t able to answer the call while on shift.” She waved it off bidding everything fine, “I understand. I wanted to call you with the results of the interview.” Your heart was racing and begging her to put you down gently. “Mr. Kim has decided that he wants to hire you. We would love it if you could start as soon as possible.”

You were frozen. You were hired! You were hired? “I’m sorry Mrs. Lee, can you please repeat that please?” She laughed at your confused state, “You’re hired Ms. Y/L/N. When can you start?” It took a few seconds, but you were smiling like and idiot and bowing in thanks even though she couldn’t see. “Are you sure Mr. Kim relayed the message right Mrs. Lee? I don’t mean to guess your work, I just can’t believe it,” you spoke at her rapidly and in disbelief. “I’m positive Ms. Y/L/N.” You promised that you would be able to start in the next few days since you had to let your current jobs know you would be resigning. She congratulated you and hung up. You were so excited with the news you stood up and danced, you absolutely couldn’t hold in your excitement. You stopped mid jig and the news really set in. You were going to be working with Taehyung. Would you tell him who you were? So many thoughts were running through your mind, but first things first you had to quite these part time jobs!

You spoke to all your employers who were happy for you, but they asked for a few days more until they could find a replacement. Your bosses from both places were more like long time friends now and they wished you luck and to keep the door open to use you for legal help. As soon as all things were set you called Mrs. Lee to let her know you could make it exactly in three days. She was glad to hear that you worked it all out and would see you very soon at eight a.m. sharp. You were so excited that that night you went home and told your brother you finally got the job! You even made a video call with your brother to your parents telling them the news. They couldn’t be happier for you, and it felt like things were finally working out. You spent that night sitting in bed scrolling again through the company’s website on Taehyung’s bio page. You reread the information over and over again. This was too important to pass up and if Taehyung didn’t recognize you, that was fine. You were going to start fresh again now anyways, so if he didn’t remember you it wouldn’t be the end of the world. You wondered if he still spoke to Hoseok. You wondered a million and one things, but it still didn’t change how hurt your heart felt. You plugged your phone in to your charger and set it on your bed side table. You stared out your window and thanked the stars for watching over you.

You adjusted the same blazer, button up and slacks you wore on your interview. The same flats were adorning your feet, ready for work. You pulled your hair up in a pony tail in the elevator. The smooth, long locks flicked side to side as you looped it in the hair tie. The elevator doors opened to the receptionist lobby. The receptionist, who now asked you to refer to her as Mrs. Smith, congratulated you on your employment. She looked left and right subtly then curled her index finger to beckon you in whispering distance. “Mr. Kim can be a bit…rude. He’s not the kindest, but he works very hard. You’re the only interviewee that made it out of the 150 that applied just this month. I don’t even…” Mrs. Lee came into the receptionist office and cleared her throat. You jumped back and bowed to greet her. She smiled politely at you and raised a brow to Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Smith began humming and went back to work like nothing happened. Mrs. Lee signaled for you to follow her down the hall. You trailed behind her into the open work space.

“This last row of desks in this open space in the far back is where we will be working. The other three rows are meant for the other lawyers.” She pointed along with her words as she lead you down the rows of already busy workers, some gave you a glance while other worked diligently. You were shown to the first desk at the beginning of the row where it was empty, “this is your spot. You can decorate it as much as you like.” You thanked her setting down your purse and she lead you to the other employees under Mr. Kim. The first employee she introduced you to a man who went by casually by the name Key, but his actual name was Kim Kibum. He was a paralegal and was Taehyung’s right-hand man. He looked you up and down, but welcomed you politely. Key carried this sassy carefree air about him that seemed to lack for a lawyer. The next employee was female employee younger than you who was there as a legal assistant. She was still in law school and working her way to becoming a lawyer. She was cold towards you and didn’t care to respond, but Mrs. Lee let you know her name was Jung Krystal. She was pretty, but her attitude made you want to take that statement back. That was the whole team. You could see why they needed you on the team. There weren’t enough members on the team, you wondered how they’ve won so many cases so far with so little people.

Mrs. Lee lead you to Mr. Kim’s office knocking getting the typical non-lingual response. She motioned for you to enter and followed behind closing the door. Your heart was racing seeing him again, in fact it’s been racing as you entered the ground level lobby. He was in a navy-blue suit that really brought out his orange fur on his ears. You tried to calm yourself knowing hybrids can sense your heart rate and anxiety levels. He was in the same position as the other day, but instead he had a cup of coffee in his hands taking sips of his black coffee delicately. You gulped and after Mrs. Lee called to you, you turned to him and reintroduced yourself with your self still bent in a bow thanked him for hiring you. You slowly raised yourself to standing position, but didn’t bring your eyes up immediately. You raised your eyes slowly and as if the world slowed his eyes locked on yours holding them in amusement. He held his gaze on yours silently with a raised brow. He was sizing you up, so you continued, “I will work hard under your team as a lawyer.” He laughed a little, “No, you won’t be working under me as a lawyer. At least not yet.” You looked at him wide eyes, but he continued, “You will be working alongside Ms. Jung, until you prove you can hold your own.” He took another sip of coffee looking for you to challenge him. You were going to have to start from the bottom, the literal bottom of the food chain. You were ready for the challenge though, you lived for the challenge. You smiled politely at him, “I’m willing to show you that I’m a worthy member of this team Mr. Kim.” He was curt and just hummed waving you both off to leave. You understood Mrs. Smith now.

Mrs. Lee escorted you back to your desk and Krystal and Key came over to your desk to drop four boxes full of paperwork that needed sorting and to be categorized by case. You sighed internally at the amount of work, but rolled up your sleeves went to work. Mrs. Lee patted your shoulder and wished you luck. Before you knew it the hands on the clocked turned and it was noon, you were barely a quarter of the way through with one box. Mrs. Lee tapped your shoulder interrupting your concentration, “Mr. Kim is calling for you in his office.” You got up dusting yourself off and made your way over to his office. You knocked lightly and wiped your dusty hands on your slacks and got the approval grunt. You stepped in and was only greeted by an outstretched sticky note in which you took in both hands. “What is this Mr. Kim?” You couldn’t make out the coding of what FR, OC and BrB meant. He looked up at you with a glare as if you’ve just insulted his mother. “My lunch, now go pick it up for me,” he looked at his watch, “and I want it by 1 p.m. Now hurry.” You looked at the clock on the wall and it read 12:15 p.m. How were you supposed to make it back to the office in 45 minutes?

You were going to prove him wrong for underestimating you, “Of course, Mr. Kim.” You stepped out of his office and power walked back to the open space, but was stopped by more sticky notes by your team; even the intern who should be doing all this. You were a little upset by the intern’s rudeness, but you weren’t going to let this shake you. You took them and asked them to decode Mr. Kim’s note first. “Its fried rice, orange chicken and broccoli beef from Panda Express.” Not caring to waste any more time you ran out of the office like lightening. You had to pick up coffees from Starbucks, sandwiches from Subway on top of Mr. Kim’s order. You were walking so fast with three bags swinging on your arms and four coffees in a carboard cup holder. You were adjusting a bag on your arm trying to reach the sticky notes your blazer pocket one last time when someone ran directly into you. The coffees in your hand down poured onto you soaking your white button up. A mix of hot and cold pungent liquid all over your white button up. You liked coffee, but not to this extent. You weren’t concerned about your shirt though, you were about the coffee. You checked the time and ran back to the coffee shop a few stores back. The man who was trying to apologize to you was left standing there in confusion.

You made it back to the office panting at 12:59 p.m. and set everything down on the round conference table of your section. The members at their desk all looked at you concerned with the blatant brown stain on your shirt, but you were in a rush. You only had a minute left! You grabbed his tray, fork and napkins along with his venti coffee. You knocked on his door with your elbow and got the grunt. You made your way into his office and set the food down on the cleared portion of his desk. You stepped back waiting for his response. He set his pen down and took his Ray-Ban Clubmaster glasses off. He looked at you judgingly and then took in the brown stain poured down your front. He chooses to not comment but went to grab the tray. He popped open the container and hummed, not in approval or disapproval just a throaty noise. You were sweating for more reason than one. He finally said something, “you’re late by two minutes Ms. Y/L/N. How do you expect me to depend on you with that kind of timing?” You were shocked you made it late but bit your tongue, “I’m sorry Sir, it won’t happen ever again.” He raised a brow, “better not Y/L/N.” You were surprised that he addressed you by your first name. It felt weird hearing it again. He grabbed at the plastic fork but tossed it in his small trash bin, “I don’t eat my Chinese food with a fork, go get me chopsticks.” You were panicking you didn’t grab any, so you tried to think of anything besides having to go all the way back. You remembered you had your own chopsticks for your lunch. You asked him for a second and ran to your desk and rummaged your purse until you found your chopsticks at the bottom of your lunch bag. The metal chopsticks would work perfectly. You knocked again and handed him the utensil with both hands. He took them from you and commented, “I prefer wooden ones, but I’ll settle.” You were holding your comeback in, you were glad you weren’t a dragon hybrid at this moment. You asked him if that was all he needed, and he waved you off again. You made it back to your desk where everyone was now eating and working at their own. Mrs. Lee and Kibum thanked you, but Krystal just ate quietly. She’s yet to say a word to you.

You got back to work and ate your food with an extra plastic fork left in one of the bags. Again, time has passed by quickly and before you knew it the rest of your team was leaving for the night and biding you good night. Mrs. Lee told you to, “go home soon, there’s always tomorrow.” You smiled and said you would, but in by the looks of your desk you knew it was going to be a long night. Your desk lamp was the last one on in the office and you were working on the last four case files from the third box. You sat up cracking your back then heard a voice next to you, “I’m not paying you for overtime.” Jolting at the sound you banged your knee on the desk but stood up with a click of your knees and replied, “Mr. Kim! I know, but I want to finish before I leave.” He looked over your shoulder to see the stack of different sorted casefiles. He looked back at you stoically with his tail swishing casually and just walked off. You called after him, “Good night Mr. Kim” and you whispered, “Good night Tae Tae” when he was around the corner while rubbing your knee.

Taehyung came home to an empty apartment. His roommates Hoseok, Jimin and Jungkook were still out. Jimin and Hoseok was out practicing choreography for an upcoming tour for a famous artist. Jungkook was probably working a late shift at the station. They’ve all made it into fields they’ve dreamt of. Taehyung pulled out a bottle of wine from the wine rack and popped open the cork. He used his better sense of smell and took in the fruity flavor of the vintage wine. He poured himself a glass and pulled out some ingredients from the fridge and went to prepare himself dinner. A few minutes later he heard the keycode being punched in and the scuffing of boots at the entrance. The heavy timberlands hit the floor with a thud near the shoe rack and a Bunny still in his police uniform set his phone on the island counter along with his badges and plopped himself in a bar stool across the stove. He greeted Taehyung, “Hyung, I’m home! You won’t believe the day I had!”

At home Taehyung could let loose and be himself, he didn’t have to put up a hard exterior that he did at the office. “Tell me about it then, Kookie.” He went on to say about a few weeks ago a drunk uncle was abusing his young hybrid but a heroine stepped in and saved the hybrid. She was a lawyer too! She beat the man into submission and pinned him to the floor. She went with the hybrid to the hospital and he found out she knows Jin too! He took the hybrid into his shelter according to the report and getting a phone call from the bear himself. “Anyways, she was really pretty hyung, and I wanted to ask her on a coffee date, you can’t let a cool woman like that just walk by. But that’s not the point, the point is the drunk man is suing the station for taking away his hybrid when he was in an inebriated state.” Taehyung turned to him to him with raised brows and tail swishing in interest, “did you ask her out?” The bunny’s ears went down in sadness, “No, she got into the ambulance before I could even say anything.” Taehyung and Jungkook always told eachother stories going on in their work since they both often shared cases.

More noise came from the front door and in came the last two roommates. Hoseok came into the kitchen first doing some gliding moves but Jimin kneed him in the butt to move out the way. Jimin greeted the two and did the secret handshake that only they would know. Hoseok came next to Taehyung at the stove, “Tae Tae, what are you making? Is there enough for all of us?” He didn’t plan on making enough for everyone, but wordlessly he was throwing more portions onto the skillet. Hoseok thanked Taehyung and the three sat down on the island next to Jungkook who retold his story of his day. Hoseok listened intently then said, “Hey, Tae, doesn’t that girl remind you of the girl from the country side where we used to live? She would do the same for us when we were kids. Her and her brother would always stand up for us!” Taehyung smiled remembering the face of that girl, she had choppy hair and rags for shoes, but she was always happy. He couldn’t remember her name and her facial features were blurry to him now, but he knew the person. He answered honestly, “I do Hobi, it’s was so long ago. Her face is blurry to me now, but I remember that choppy bowl cut flying squirrel.” They all laughed at him calling you a squirrel. Jimin turned to Hoseok, “is she that girl in that photo at Tae mom’s house?” Hoseok lit up remembering the photo,” Yeah! That exact girl!” They carried on chatting and joking. They ended the night with some video games. Taehyung was about to get into bed when he pulled out his phone and in the gallery, he took a picture of that photo in his mom’s house. There was water damage on the photo, so all the faces were blurry. He zoomed in on your face and smiled fondly, “Hey Firefly, it’s been a while. I hope you’re doing well. I hope your still kicking butt and saving foxes like you used to.” He stared at the photo a bit more then set it to charge for the night, “Good night Firefly.”

The next morning you came to the office with the same outfit. You didn’t have enough money to buy any new clothing, your last paycheck to pay utilities and rent. The coffee stain came out of your button up after soaking it in a concoction of home remedy stain remover. You were the first of your team in the office. You finished all the filing last night at 2:30 a.m. A few moments later Mrs. Lee made her way over to your row, “good morning Y/N!” You greeted her back, but she rushed to drop her bag off at her desk to go back to the receptionist area. You sat down at your desk and waited for her to return. Mr. Kim came around the corner with his briefcase adjusting his glasses. You stood up to greet him, but he stopped in his tracks, “You’re still here?” You raised your brows in question, “you hired me correct?” He nodded and carried on to his office closing the door behind him. You saw Mrs. Lee escorting the same family you saw the day you submitted your resume. This time the young man had bruises and a black eye. You looked worriedly at Mrs. Lee, but she just mouthed “later” to you. She sat them at the conference table and told them to wait for her. She came over to you asking for you to get some files for her to present to them. You nodded following her instruction.

When you returned with the case files she asked for, you to sit with her and the family. She introduced you to the woman, Mrs. Miller, and her son David. You shook their hands introducing yourself. She spoke to them about the new revisions and terms that were set by the recent lawyer meeting. You listened intently picking up that she was going through a lawsuit where the other party is suing for assault and defamation. It was hard to believe with David looking as if danger was waiting around the corner for him. Mrs. Lee directed them towards Mr. Kim’s office to discuss things further and Mrs. Lee returned to you. “Mrs. Miller and her son are in a civil lawsuit. A few rich kids at the private school assaulted him, and their parents are trying to turn it around on them. Claiming that David inflected the injuries on himself and are trying to ruin their image. They don’t want to settle out of court. With all evidence we have so far, it points towards hybrid discrimination.” You nodded silently, longingly looking at the office down the hall. Mrs. Lee went to get up but you stopped her before she went on to give you work, “what did Mr. Kim mean when he said ‘you’re still here’?” She looked at you with raised brows sitting down beside you again, “We’ve hired people before you to join the team, but they never stayed after the first day. We’ve gone through 15 people leaving after the first day. They complain that they don’t want to do bottom work with a lawyer’s license, they want to practice already. He always lets them leave. He purposely is a bit overbearing in the beginning to really see if people are made out to work here.” You slowly nodded finally understanding his words. You smiled at her and said, “please give me more work to do!” She laughed at your eagerness, but then went to hand you more boxes. You honestly were more motivated to work harder, this was your dream even if it was starting at the bottom. Nothing good is every handed out, it’s earned.

You went back and forth around the office and brought all cases up to date on filing. The next few weeks you worked endlessly proving yourself. You stayed late often re-doing reports and checking and rechecking paperwork. Taehyung would stop by your desk nightly before he left seeing you were the last one, but never said anything. He just stared at you then walked off, but you always wished him a good night and that he worked hard today. When he stepped away you always called him Tae Tae. It was hard to control your beating heart around the handsome fox.

Taehyung was impressed by your hard work, but he would never tell you. He was impressed the first day when you offered up your chopsticks. He knew he was being difficult, but he needed you to be flexible and adaptable. The things he’s been putting you through were test, not just miniscule task. You still had a long way to go before he trusted you to work on a major case.

But the day came, a month in working at the office. He finally asked you to do something else besides paper work and running small errands. You knocked on his door and stepped into his office. He asked you to sit down in the chair in front of his desk. You were slightly worried thinking you were in trouble, but he interrupted your thoughts, “I want you to go out tomorrow morning with Mr. Kim to David Miller’s private school to get a testimonial from the school and any evidence. We need some papers signed by their principal.” You were relieved you weren’t in trouble and the anxiety turned into happiness. You tried to hide your smile but failed miserably when your lips twitched and settled into a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Kim, I’ll do my best.” He just looked at you dully, “this is work Mrs. Y/L/N not something to thank me for.” You bowed and asked him if he needed anything else before you returned to your desk. He breathed in deeply looking you once over then tilted his head to the side, “is that the only clothes you have? That “uniform” of yours should be put away for a new one, don’t you think? Wear something else for tomorrow’s visit.” He looked down to his paperwork again and waved you off. You were excited with the given task, finally he trusted you enough to do actual work. However, his comment on your clothes sucked a bit off happiness out of it. You knew very well that you shouldn’t wear the same clothes every day, but it was the only thing you had. You bowed and left with a smile still on your face. You ran into Mrs. Lee who was about to knock on the door, you excused yourself and walked down the hall. Mrs. Lee was still staring at you walking down the hall, she overheard and was surprised you didn’t look phased. You were a strong woman indeed.

There was something about you to him. The sense of familiarity only got worse over time. Something in his gut was pulling him to you, maybe it was your pretty face? Maybe it was your persistent personality? Every time he looked at you he just felt like something was missing, but he didn’t know what it was. A mysterious nostalgia. He smiled to himself when you left the room and laughed quietly at your cute behavior. It was hard holding back and keeping a stone face when you were here. He felt comfortable with you. Every night when he passed by your desk he always wants to speak to you, to chat casually, but he doesn’t want to cross professional boundaries. In the end he just walks away leaving you to work. When Mrs. Lee walked in he corrects himself immediately, coughing and clearing his throat to cover his laugh.

The next morning you came in to work, again being the first of your team. You still had your “uniform” on, but you had no choice. None of your friends, even your ex-coworker, had any professional clothing they could lend you. You sat at your desk turning on your computer to get to work until Key came into the office. Mrs. Lee came into the work space humming and swinging three, large, unfamiliar bags. You didn’t pay any mind to her after you greeted her normally. She came up behind you and tapped on your shoulder. You turned to her holding up three bags in front of you blocking your vision. “What is this Mrs. Lee?” She lowered the bags and said, “I was going through my closet yesterday cleaning it out any of the pieces I had that were still in good condition, but I never used. I was wondering if you would want them? It’d be a shame to throw out such good pieces.” You looked at the bags and then back at her, “Oh, I can’t take something so nice.” She stopped you, “No, I won’t be using them anymore! We seem to wear the same size so please, take them. It’s my gift to you.” You reluctantly took the bag and then pulled out some gorgeous blouses, slacks and pencil skirts. The last bag had two pairs of heels, one was classic black, thin heel pump and an ankle strap, nude heel. You turned to her amazed at the beautiful clothing, “this is so expensive. I—!” She stopped you again, “Hush, take it and don’t let them go to waste on an old woman like me.” You pulled out a white, bell sleeve blouse, a black, knee length, tight fitting pencil skirt, and the black heels. You went into the women’s restroom and changed into your new outfit. It fit perfectly, even the shoes! You were a bit unstable at first but got used to it quickly. You looked in the mirror at yourself, you looked like a real professional. I guess fair feathers make a fair bird. You pulled your hair out of the ponytail and it cascaded down into romantic, tousled waves. You didn’t get a chance to dry it after showering last night tying it up wet. You smiled at the new you, ready to take on your mission today! You folded your old clothes and walked back to the work room. You got some stares from the other lanes as you walked by, but you kept going avoiding their gaze. You made it to your desk and stuffed your old “uniform” into one of the bags. You pushed them under your desk until your shift would end. Mrs. Lee came up to you and simply said, “wow, you clean up really well Y/N. These clothes were meant for you! You look great!” You were blushing folding your hands in front of you not sure how to receive compliments. Krystal even raised her eyebrows at you and nodded, but quickly returned to her work.

“Mrs. Lee, do we have a guest?” You heard Taehyung ask Mrs. Lee from behind you. You turned around to look at Mr. Kim, who was wide eyed when he realized it was you standing there. “Oh, Y/N. It’s you.” He was thrown off by the woman standing in front of him, it was you, but different. The way the pencil skirt hugged your hips and your collar bones showed through your blouse was captivating. You were a fresh Spring day, the warmth of the sun that came along with the season and freshness. Your scent filled him to the brim. The biggest note of yours was lavender, it calmed him the more he inhaled. It was like a crisp breeze came through him as he took in your scent. It was heavenly and soul soothing. He had to shake himself out of his spell realizing he was staring, and just casually said good morning. He walked to his office leave all three of you just staring at his disappearing figure. You shared a look with Mrs. Lee raising your eyebrows at his strange morning greeting. You never got those.

Key made it to the office ready to leave to visit David’s school for a statement. You walked down to the parking garage of the establishment and got in his Mercedes. The twenty-minute journey to the middle school was anything but boring. You found out more things about Key, he’s quite chatty and funny. You shared things about yourselves even obscure things. You were having too much for this to be professional. You arrived at the front of the school stepping outside the parked car. Key and you made your way to the front office and sat down waiting in the reception. Key went over with you that he would do a majority of the consultation, she can be a stick in the mud. The woman stood up at the secretarial desk and instructed you to follow her into an office. The woman in the office looked like a true private school principal. The gaudy jewelry, the stuffy suit, and botched plastic surgery showed off her wealth. You both sat down in front of her desk after introductions and she immediately began to defend herself. “I’m sorry Mr. Kim, we will not provide any assistance in that regard. The offenses happened off campus and it was not under school hours. This is a private personal matter.”

She was obviously using any legal loophole she could find to take the responsibility off the school. Key informed you on the way here that this school had records before of hybrid students being assaulted or discriminated. You were genuinely upset that the system that was supposed to be protecting all kids equally failed them. You tried interjecting, “Ma’am, we still need –,” but she held up her hand stopping you. Key and you exchanged a look knowing there wasn’t going to be any way to get her signature. You shook her hand and left with Kibum. He stopped you once you left the building and with a cat-like grin asked, “You know we should go find David. You know… observe the environment to get a feel for it.” He knew that this was probably crossing the line, but he was always up for gathering evidence. “This way we can find out and study if there are any other discriminations going on.” You nodded agreeing with your fist held up to his in a fist bump. You walked down the halls trying to observe the private school for any abnormalities. You kept walking until you made it to the gym area near the back of the school when you heard it. You heard the huffs and grunts of someone, and a gaggle of laughs. You and Kibum crept around the corner of the building peering over the edge of the gymnasium. David was on the floor surrounded by five, tall built boys who were obviously older than him. Two of the kids were smoking cigarettes passing it between them. The one who just kicked flicked the still lit stick onto the young bunny. Anger boiled within you and you made a step towards them when Key stopped you and hushed you. He brought out his phone and began recording the situation. You needed evidence.

“Little Bunny, who’s going to save you now, huh?” They continued to kick him in his fetal position, but when they got tired of it they pulled on his ears. He let out a large yelp in protest. They continued their ministrations, but you’ve had enough! You didn’t even spare a look back at Key who was whisper yelling at you. Your heels clicked as you paced over to the group of men surrounding David. You yelled out, “Hey, leave the kid alone!” You stood a few feet away with a hand on your hip the other pointing at them when the group of five stopped what they were doing and turned towards you. They raised an eyebrow at you, “who are you lady?” David was clearly scared, but limped behind you when he recognized you. He tugged on your shirt, “Mrs. Y/L/N, please, save me!” You bent down to his level and petted his ears, “It’s okay David. Go to Mr. Kim over there, okay? He’ll protect you. Don’t come out until I say so, okay?” He nodded and ran over to Key who was still recording.

You were going to handle this as rationally as possible, but the boy standing in the center just lit up another cigarette taking a drag. You supposed all of them were around seventeen years old, maybe seniors here. The leader, you assumed, approached you taking a few steps out of his group, “Look lady, do you know who I am? My dad could-.” You laughed, “Look kid, I don’t care who your dad is. I’m going to call the authorities to handle this okay?” You went to turn around, but the kid grabbed your wrist roughly. “No, were not lady. This is going to be kept quiet.” You’ve had enough turning halfway around to look at his firm grip on your wrist. You asked him calmly to release your arm. He refused to release it, but you asked once more, “let my wrist go, please.” He laughed and looked at his friends who were egging him on. “Fine,” he suddenly yanked of your wrist causing you to stumble onto the ground. Your knees scrapped against the hot, black asphalt and one heel fell off. You stabilized yourself on your aching wrist from breaking your fall. You noticed your one heel still on had broken! You just got them! His friends were laughing hysterically and so was he, he dropped his fag in front of you and stepped on it twisted his foot tauntingly. The laughing stopped when you flipped the switch on them. You stood up and tied your hair into a pony tail kicking your broken shoe off. It was game on.

You caught the leader’s hand, who was attempting to grab you in an outstretch reach, into your right hand and with your left on the boy’s collar of his button up shirt. Using the momentum of his weight charging towards you, you flipped him to the ground. These boys towered over you, but they didn’t have the same life experience as you. The boy was groaning on the ground and when realization struck his comrades they came rushing to you. They all began circling around you stepping back and forth trying to scare you. One of them even brought out a pocket knife and started waving it at you with a smirk. You were thanking the heavens that your brother taught you things in his free time.

Two boys came at you at once, but you ducked avoiding his right hook. You stood back up avoid his second attempt. You round house kicked the guy in the neck. He stumbled bent over and you took advantage of it bringing your knee to his face. The other guy came at you while you were distracted and grabbed your pony tail pulling you back. The one with the knife attempted to stab you while you were being restrained but avoided it losing the bell sleeve to the grazing. You wiggled yourself free of the pony tail grabber and pushed him away. The knife wielder came back at you, but you grabbed his wrist before he could do anything and twisted it past its normal extension. He wasn’t a knife wielder, it must be for show since he was coming at you sloppily. You heard his wrist pop and the knife clang to the floor. He backed away holding his wrist screaming, “She broke my wrist!” These boys looked stronger than they were. The last two stood there watching their friends and decided they should make a run for it. They were stopped though when two police officers intercepted them.

Key was running over to you, “Y/N! Are you alright?” You retightened your pony tail, “Yeah, that was nothing.” You dusted your hands off in a satisfied manner and key spoke again, “Your shoes–!” Before Key could finish authorities along with the principal came around the corner. The principal was yelling, “No, not these boys! They would’ve never done anything wrong! That Miller kid must’ve provoked them!” You were in complete shock, despite the clear evidence she still chooses to side with these kids. The police officers rounded the boys up and took the one with the broken hand to the ambulance. A familiar face came up to you, “M. Y/L/N, we meet again, in another unfortunate situation.” You look around squinting at his uniform and caught his name and it clicked, the same bunny hybrid officer from that night! “Officer Jeon,” you shake his hand, “Our lawyer, Mr. Kim, sent us here to get a testimony, but we caught our defense under attack by the same boys who are holding a lawsuit against him.” He wrote down your notes and testimony. He turned to Key and asked for his story, who basically repeated after you. Key whispered to you, “Y/N, I think you’re going to have to with them to the station. You’re a badass, but legally beating up minors doesn’t work out.” He was right, but you weren’t going to stand by watching someone get beat up. Another officer came up to Jeon and discussed things you couldn’t hear. He turned to you with an apologetic look, “I’m sorry Ms. Y/L/N, but we’re going to have to take you down to the station for further questions.” You weren’t surprised, the chances of you scathing by this with rich kid’s parents protecting them was unlikely. You told Key to go back to the office and report everything without you. You held your wrist out towards Officer Jeon with no words and he silently cuffed you walking you to his patrol car.

Key was impressed with you, he felt like he was watching a live super hero film the way you jumped in saved the kid and beat up those guys! He had to snap himself out of his giddy atmosphere and let reality sink in. He had to let Taehyung know and get you out! He had to get you out! He picked up your broken heels raced to his car slipping into the driver seat and peeled out of the parking lot. He made it back to the office in record breaking time, parking haphazardly in his spot in the parking garage of the office. He snatched the heels in the passenger seat and ran to the elevator. He pressed the up button of the elevator repeatedly as if his life depended on it. The door opened, and he stepped inside pressing the fifth floor and mashing the close door button. He was sweating at this point, it was supposed to be a simple task, but it escalated into something major fast. The elevator doors opened, and he zoomed past Mrs. Smith who called after him. He speed pass the work room not paying attention to his team who was eyeing him in wonder. He repeatedly knocked on Mr. Kim’s door not waiting for a come in, and he closing the door behind him. Mr. Kim was on the phone which gave Key time to catch his breath. He was tapping his foot impatiently on the floor. Mr. Kim finished his call and turned to his team member, “What is–?” Key interrupted holding up the shoes, “Taehyung, Y/N! Y/N, she was taken by the authorities—you know what just watch this!” He pulled out his phone and came around the desk and showed him the video of earlier. It began with the kids bullying David, but then you came in the picture. Everything was fine until the kid laid a hand on you. You were tossing the kid around and even dodge a knife. He was worried when he saw the shoes, but it got worse when he saw the video. When the video finished he turned to Key, “where is she?” Key looked down at the floor, “The police took her. They want to question her further.” Taehyung got up from his desk, “Fuck!” and without any other words put on his coat and took his keys and made his way out the office with Key behind him.

The longer it took them to get to the downtown station the angrier he got. How could you carelessly attack? You didn’t think ahead at all! They made it to the station and walked into the entrance. The phones were ringing, officers were running around, some hanging around at their desk. He recognized a familiar face who was standing next to his partner, Kim Yugyeom who was a friend of his as well. Wordlessly he walked up to Jungkook and grabbed his arm, “Where is she?” Jungkook was surprised to see Taehyung here, it wasn’t common he ever came down to the station. “Who hyung?” Taehyung looked around the office not seeing you anywhere. “Y/N. Y/N Y/L/N.” Jungkook eyes lit up, “Oh! She’s in a holding cell. Do you know her hyung?” He didn’t care to respond to him, but carried on, “Take me to her, I need to see her.” He was seething at this point; his tail was flicking, and his ears were down turned. Jungkook picked up on his anger with his ears standing straight up, he wondered what did Tae have anything to do with you? Jungkook tapped his partners arms then lead him and Key to the back hallway where the holding cells were. He unlocked the metal cage door revealing rows of cells along the hallway. He let them enter and directed them to the second to last cell on the right side. Taehyung came up to the cell, but held his tongue when he saw you curled up in the corner. Your knees have crusted blood dripping down your leg and your shirt was torn. He turned around running his hand through his hair calming himself down.

You looked up to the noise slowly and noticed the three of them staring at you. You went to sit back on your heels despite the pain and leaned forward in a bow, “I’m sorry Mr. Kim.” You stayed in that position even as he responded, “I can’t believe you. On your first errand…How–.” He walked back to the station’s main room with Jungkook following him. Key remained crouching down, “Y/N, get up. He’s gone.” You rose with a stoic face, you felt so guilty that may you had ruined the case. You wanted to bring justice to David, but you were just complicating things. In your heart you did the right thing, you stopped violence and the innocent from getting hurt. “It’s going to be okay Y/N. Taehyung may be upset right now, but he’ll get you out. He’s not one of the four famous lawyers at our firm for nothing,” Key explained. It made you feel a bit better and you offered him a small smile. He left you but offered his blazer to keep warm and you took it from him reluctantly.

Jungkook came up behind Taehyung who was staring at the Miller family situated at one of the desk. The mother was rocking her son back in forth in comfort. She had tears in her eyes and her bunny ears were flopped down in sadness. This hurt his heart. It reminded him of his own mother when she comforted him those nights realizing his father wouldn’t come back. He wasn’t going to let these kids get away with their bullying. Jungkook spoke up, “Who is Y/N to you hyung?” Taehyung turned to him, “she’s my newest employee.” Jungkook’s mouth formed the perfect “O” in realization. Jungkook lead Taehyung to the family and they discussed what actions would be taken further. Their discussion was interrupted by a few women coming in yelling at the top of their lungs. “My son is innocent! Where is the bitch that ruined his wrist!” the fancily dressed woman shouted into the room. Jungkook stood up addressing the women, “Ma’am, please sit down,” directly the woman to sit at the desk. “No, I want to see that women who beat up my son and his friends!” Taehyung stood up as well attempting to mediate the situation. Mrs. Miller was holding her son closer, protecting him in the best way she could. The woman struggled in Jungkook’s hold but everyone stopped when a tall man, with overly gelled back hair walked into the room. He has a uniform that was littered with badges on his left chest. The man spoke loudly, “Ma’am, we need to ask you to calm down and take a seat.” The woman turned in Jungkook’s hold, “and who are you to order me around?” Jungkook bowed to his senior, “Chief.” The man waved him off and took charge of the situation directing the woman to sit down at one of the conference tables.

Taehyung and the woman’s lawyer went at eachother for a while back and forth trying to come to a resolution, but they were stubborn. Taehyung was off in the corner trying to come up with a new statement when the lawyer asked for a break. Jungkook came up to him with a coffee in a Styrofoam cup which Taehyung took thanking him. Jungkook sat next to him, “Hyung, remember how I told you about that heroine?” Taehyung nodded after taking a sip of his dark coffee. “That’s her. Y/N is her.” Taehyung raised his brows not expecting the wonder woman of Jungkook’s story to be you. He laughed though, you were full of surprises today. Jungkook patted Tae’s back returning to his desk. Taehyung finished his coffee tossing it into the trash. Mrs. Miller, the rich wives were already gone, and Key went back to the office it was only him left. He sighed with a heavy heart and made his way back to the dimly lit cells. He walked slowly to your cell to find you in the same position as earlier. He crouched down to your level and called to you, “Hey, hey!” You looked up at him with sad eyes that he had to turn away. “You’re going to have to stay here for the night. There seems to be progress with the families, but this isn’t a simple lawsuit anymore.” You nodded knowing that there was no way going the easy route. He got up to walk away from the cell wordlessly like always. You spoke softly in whisper as always, “Good night Tae Tae.” The footsteps once moving down the hall stopped, turning around to you even faster. Taehyung grabbed the bars knocking on the cell door with a rattle looking at you with wide eyes, ears at attention, “What did you just say?”