Chapter Text
I: A Strange Feeling
Love.
Taehyung remembered hearing that word for as long as he could remember, like a soft echo wrapped around his childhood. He would hear it at night, when his mothers tucked him under blankets infused with their scents—one ensuring the window was securely shut, the other fluffing the pillows. It was always the same: a low voice whispering “I love you” as if it were a secret shared only with the stars, just before turning off the lights and leaving him alone in the darkness. But that darkness never scared him. No, it never did. That “I love you” stayed with him, filling him with such a comforting warmth that it carried him into the world of dreams with a smile on his face.
He would hear it every time he visited his grandparents, who greeted him with wide smiles and open arms, as if not a single day had passed since they had last seen him.
He saw it in the little traditions that came with Christmas, when his omega eomma suddenly seemed to turn into a playful pup, curling up in his grandmother’s arms. Taehyung watched with fascination how his eomma became softer and more vulnerable, her eyes shining with a blend of nostalgia and happiness as she returned, even if just for a moment, to the home where she had grown up.
He also felt it in his mother’s voice when she spoke with her own parents. Though he couldn’t hear the exact words, the tone was unmistakable: warm, excited, as if each conversation were lit by the same lights adorning the Christmas tree.
To him, all of this was love. The familial warmth that surrounded him every day. Love that smelled like home, that could be felt in the unexpected embrace or the touch of fingers brushing hair from his forehead. Love that was like an invisible thread weaving everything around him, a thread that kept him steady and secure. He knew it would always be there: in the jasmine scent of his omega eomma, in the protective gaze of his alpha mother, in the kisses on his cheek and in the laughter they shared around the table.
It was constant, tangible—something he could easily understand because it had always been there.
Naturally, he assumed that was the only meaning it had.
He understood it—or at least he thought he did. It was a feeling he could name without much thought, one that was reaffirmed when Minju, his little sister, came into his life. The first time he saw her, so tiny and fragile, Taehyung knew he loved her—just as easily as he loved his mothers and his brown teddy bear, Brownie, who always kept him company at night.
He didn’t need anything else. His world was full, complete, nestled between his childhood adventures and his connection with his inner wolf.
And then one day, curiosity crept in.
He had seen his mothers kiss hundreds of times, but he had never thought much about it until that moment. It was a brief gesture, a light touch of lips that didn’t make sense to Taehyung, but to his mothers, it seemed necessary—a gesture filled with affection that made them smile as if they were sharing a secret no one else could understand.
He watched closely: the way they looked at each other, how their hands sought each other out unconsciously, how words seemed unnecessary when they were together. There was something there, something different from the hugs and kisses on the forehead that he and Minju received. Something that made him wonder.
What was so special about kissing on the lips? Why did they hold hands even when it wasn’t cold?
Taehyung couldn’t let the question linger—not when he was a seven-year-old eager to understand the world around him. So, after much thought, he asked while his omega eomma folded laundry and his alpha mother played on the floor with Minju.
“Why do you kiss each other?”
They both looked up, a little surprised by the sudden curiosity, but quickly smiled.
“Because we love each other,” his eomma answered gently, as if the response were the most obvious thing in the world.
Of course, it was love. Everything came back to love. But something didn’t quite add up.
Taehyung frowned, tilting his head as he tried to piece his thoughts together. “I know, but you’ve never kissed Minju or me on the lips.”
His mother laughed softly, settling Minju in her lap as she looked at him tenderly. “That’s because the love we feel for you and Minju is different from the love we feel for each other.”
“Different how?” he pressed, his big, curious eyes absorbing every word.
His omega eomma set the laundry aside and came closer, gently stroking his hair as if to ensure he understood. “The love we feel for you is a mother’s love. It’s strong, eternal, and will always be there, no matter what happens. But the love we feel for each other is… special. It’s the love of a partner, the kind where you choose to share your entire life with someone.”
Taehyung didn’t fully understand. Not entirely. But in that moment, as he watched his mothers smile at each other and their eyes shine with a warm light that seemed to envelop them, he decided it must be something truly beautiful. He didn’t need to fully comprehend it to know that, somehow, this special love was important and unique.
It was when he was eight that he unexpectedly encountered another perspective of that feeling.
It happened in a small boutique tucked between the streets of Seoul, where he had accompanied his eomma. She, impeccable as always, was trying on haute couture dresses for some important event he didn’t quite understand, but which seemed significant enough to dedicate what, in his child’s mind, felt like an eternity.
As his mother moved between dresses, examining them critically and consulting with the shop assistant, Taehyung wandered around the store clutching his brown teddy bear, Brownie, against his chest. Though he tried to keep himself entertained, he soon grew restless. He touched soft fabrics, stroked delicate embroidery, and picked up small decorations, looking for something to hold his attention. But nothing was exciting enough.
He glanced at his mother, hoping she would release him from this endless mission, but her expression made it clear that there was still a long way to go. Sighing, he wished for the umpteenth time that Minju had come with them. Having his little sister there would have made everything much more bearable, even if only to share complaints about how boring it was to be trapped in the boutique.
Finally, defeated, he plopped down onto one of the store’s upholstered armchairs, clutching Brownie tighter and frowning with the dramatic flair only an eight-year-old could muster.
“This is so boring, Brownie,” he muttered, staring at the ceiling as if seeking answers. “I don’t understand how eomma can have so much fun here. I wish we were at home, playing with Minju or running in the garden…”
His complaints stopped abruptly. Something caught his attention. A flicker of movement, a sound at the doorway, and then a scent that enveloped him completely like a warm blanket on a winter’s day. It was soft, with hints of lavender and a light sweetness of milk—a clear sign that, whoever had entered was also a pup like him.
Taehyung sat up straight, blinking in confusion as his wolf ears instinctively appeared amidst his dark hair, twitching slightly. His nose moved too, trying to capture more of that unfamiliar scent. It was different but strangely comforting, as if his inner wolf recognized something his mind couldn’t yet grasp.
Curiosity.
A warm sensation spread through his chest—something he couldn’t name but which pushed him to stand. His small fingers clutched his teddy bear as he stepped forward cautiously yet firmly, moving toward where the scent was strongest.
And then he saw him.
A boy, probably a little older than him, stood at the entrance. He wore a school uniform and carried a backpack that seemed too big for him, wobbling slightly as he struggled to remove the jacket that had gotten stuck on the zipper. His black hair was messy, as if he had run to get there, and his expression was one of pure frustration.
Taehyung froze as he watched him, his inner wolf going silent, alert. The boy didn’t seem to notice his presence, too focused on his battle with the jacket. But for him, everything around faded away. It was as if time had decided to stop just so he could capture every detail: the unruly hair, the small clumsy fingers tugging at the zipper, and those eyes... those eyes that, even with a frown, seemed brighter than any star he had ever seen.
Seokjin.
Kim Seokjin.
The person who would drive him absolutely crazy in love years later.
“Mom!” the newcomer exclaimed, his voice clear and slightly high-pitched but filled with enthusiasm.
The young alpha felt a tug of curiosity, as if an invisible string pulled him toward the newcomer from deep within his chest.
Strange, he thought as he placed his hand over his heart.
He wasn’t used to interacting with other children. His homeschooling kept him in a bubble, and while the birth of his younger sister had changed that a little, for now, he could only assume that this was why he felt so fascinated by the stranger. Before he realized it, his teddy bear was forgotten on the seat, and he cautiously took a step forward toward the boy.
A few steps away, he stopped. Hugging himself, he watched in silence, unable to look away. He was so absorbed that he didn’t notice his mother watching him from afar, amused by his sudden stillness.
“I finished the exam already; I think I did well. Can I stay with you here, please? I don’t want to go home yet,” Seokjin was saying to the woman who seemed to be his mother. “I’ll do my homework and—” His words hung in the air as he finally noticed there were more people in the room. His cheeks turned a bright red, so vivid it reminded Taehyung of the sweet apples from his breakfast. Quickly, he bowed and murmured, “S-Sorry, I didn’t realize there were others here. Please excuse my rudeness.”
“Oh, sweetheart, don’t worry,” his mom responded kindly, breaking the awkward silence that had filled the boutique. “You may not remember, but I used to visit you when you were just a baby. Eujin,” she added, nodding toward the woman adjusting a dress beside her, “and I were very close in high school.”
“That’s right,” the beta confirmed with a warm smile, setting aside the fabric to approach her pup. She kissed his forehead and wrapped him in a gentle hug, which Seokjin accepted with a faint smile, still somewhat shy about the situation. “This is Nayoung,” she continued, looking at the other woman, “and she brought her son, Taehyung. Do you remember him?” she added, placing an arm around the boy’s shoulders and giving him an affectionate squeeze.
Seokjin frowned slightly, trying to dig through his childhood memories. He didn’t answer immediately, but Eujin didn’t seem to notice his hesitation and continued enthusiastically.
“We went to his first birthday party,” she explained, letting out a small laugh at the memory. “He wouldn’t leave your side. He followed you around all afternoon, and you played a lot together. But if you don’t remember, go and introduce yourself; that way, you can keep each other entertained while we finish the dress.”
The boy nodded timidly, glancing sideways at the little one watching him from a distance. Taking cautious steps, he approached the pup, still unsure of how he should act. When he reached him, he extended a hand, hesitating slightly before speaking.
“Uh, hi, I’m Seokjin.”
Taehyung blinked as he heard the older alpha’s voice, his gaze lowering to the hand extended before him. He stared at it for a few long seconds, as if carefully weighing what he should do. Finally, he took it, gripping it lightly.
A warm sensation spread through his chest, making the blood rush to his cheeks. His hybrid ears twitched instinctively as his inner wolf tried to sense the other’s, attempting to catch more of his scent. Without realizing it, he began releasing soft pheromones, a silent invitation to play.
“Nice to meet you,” he responded with an unusual formality for his age, his tone too serious for such a small child.
Seokjin looked at him in surprise, but then a warm smile spread across his face, causing Taehyung to relax a little. “Do you like teddy bears?” he asked, pointing to the plush companion lying forgotten on the seat.
The young alpha nodded, gripping the boy’s hand a bit tighter as if the contact gave him courage. “This is Brownie,” he said without letting go, guiding him with small steps toward the couch where the teddy bear rested. He leaned down to pick it up and then held it up proudly. “He’s my favorite.”
“He’s very cute,” Seokjin commented, leaning slightly to take a closer look.
“Do you have one?” Taehyung asked, with the same seriousness as before but now with a spark of curiosity in his eyes.
The boy seemed to think for a few seconds before answering. “I have an alpaca named RJ.”
“An alpaca?”
Seokjin nodded enthusiastically and began describing it with bright eyes. “Yes. It’s like a cloud. It’s white and has a red scarf around its neck. It’s very soft.”
Taehyung’s eyes lit up with interest. “I want to see it.”
“Oh, I don’t have it with me right now,” Seokjin explained, shrugging with a small, embarrassed smile.
“Then we can’t play,” the pup said, his tone slightly forlorn as he lowered his gaze to his teddy bear, hugging it tighter.
“We can do something else if you want,” Seokjin offered, trying to cheer him up. “Do you like drawing?”
Taehyung’s face lit up again, nodding enthusiastically. “Yes, yes. I have lots of notebooks and crayons at home. I also have paint, but I can’t use it unless one of my moms is with me because they say I might stain the walls or floor.”
With his free hand, Seokjin tousled his hair playfully, his fingers brushing over the soft black ears that twitched instinctively. Taehyung, unaware, had let his tail slip out, his pheromones growing sweeter in response to the gesture.
“My mom has lots of notebooks and crayons in her workshop,” Seokjin said with a warm smile. “I’ll ask her for some so we can play for a while, okay?”
The younger nodded excitedly, his tail swaying slightly from side to side in a gesture the older couldn’t help but find adorable.
Still holding hands, they walked over to Eujin, who looked up as she sensed their presence. Seokjin explained his idea, and after a brief consideration, the woman agreed with a smile. “Okay, but remember not to touch the scissors or anything sharp. And when you’re done, clean everything up, understood?”
“Yes, Mom,” Seokjin replied quickly, while Taehyung nodded solemnly.
With the materials in hand, they settled on the floor, creating a small space between the colored pencils and notebooks. Seokjin opened one of them and began drawing with quick yet confident strokes, while Taehyung watched intently, as if memorizing every movement.
“What are you doing?” the young alpha pup asked, leaning slightly toward him.
“A bear, like Brownie,” Seokjin replied, lifting the pencil for a moment to show him the still incomplete figure.
Taehyung smiled widely, his small wolf-like fangs showing. “I’m going to draw RJ. Even though I haven’t seen him, I’ll draw him based on how you described him.”
By the time both had finished, with several drawings stored away and their hands aching from so much drawing, the sun had already begun to set. The warm rays filtered through the large window, illuminating mannequins dressed in elegant outfits and casting sparkling reflections from sequins and crystals. The heat of the sunset wrapped around the small bodies of the two pups, and, without thinking too much about it, they lay down on the carpeted floor, exhaling long, calm breaths.
The colored lights danced gently on the wall in front of them, projecting a hypnotic display that captivated Taehyung. His eyes began to close, the accumulated fatigue slowly taking over. A soft yawn escaped his lips as he shifted closer to the older alpha, instinctively seeking the comfort of his presence.
Seokjin, without saying a word, began to release soft pheromones, a soothing scent that filled the air and felt like a sweet caress to Taehyung. The young alpha’s tail wagged lazily in satisfaction, and without much thought, he wrapped his small arms around the older boy’s arm. He inhaled his scent, one he would forever associate with warmth and safety, as his body fully relaxed.
The older boy watched him with a smile, letting his presence calm the restless pup until sleep claimed him completely. The silence in the room was broken only by their steady breaths, synchronized in a peaceful rhythm Taehyung would never forget.
And in that moment, though he didn’t know exactly why, he felt with a certainty beyond his childish understanding that his little heart would never forget. Something deep and instinctive anchored him to the image of the boy lying beside him. It was as if the world had paused, and everything else faded away, leaving only that moment, that feeling, that scent etched deep into his being.
II: A Black Wolf and a White Wolf
For his twelfth birthday, Taehyung was certain of what he wanted as a gift. Though he initially debated between some of the amazing toys he had seen on TV, the image of what he truly wanted came to his mind like a revelation. It was such a clear vision that it left no room for doubt, and when his inner wolf leapt with excitement, he knew it was the right choice: a weekend camping trip with Seokjin, his best friend.
The idea excited him so much he could barely wait to tell his mother.
“I thought you’d want the art kit we saw a few weeks ago,” his alpha mother said, her nimble fingers skillfully weaving small braids into Minju’s dark hair. The little girl, in turn, was busy brushing her doll’s unruly hair, her movements jerking the plastic head with each tug.
Taehyung shrugged, trying to feign indifference that barely concealed his excitement. “I changed my mind,” he said, looking away to hide the smile threatening to give him away.
Jiho raised an eyebrow, her hands still working on her youngest daughter’s hair. “Well, Na-Young will have to ask Eujin if Seokjin is free this weekend,” she remarked, eyeing Taehyung with a glimmer of mischief in her gaze. “I heard his dad was planning something, so he might not be available.”
The boy frowned, a small crease forming on his forehead as he processed the information. Minju, seemingly oblivious to the conversation, let out a soft whine when her mother accidentally tugged on a strand of hair.
“Sorry, princess,” Jiho quickly said, leaning down to kiss the girl’s head. Minju simply glared at her before resuming her focused efforts on the doll. Her mother turned back to Taehyung, smiling. “But if Seokjin can’t make it, you’ll have to think of something else. You can’t pin all your hopes on him, okay?”
He frowned for a moment, as if the possibility was the most tragic thing he could imagine. But soon, his expression softened, confident that Seokjin would be available. Ever since their first meeting at the boutique, they had been inseparable, and he couldn’t imagine his birthday without his best friend by his side. His inner wolf, always excited at the mere mention of the older boy, seemed to leap with joy at the idea of spending an entire weekend with him under the stars.
“Seokjin is always free for me,” Taehyung declared with that unshakable certainty that was becoming his trademark, clutching Brownie, his teddy bear, tightly to his chest.
His alpha mother chuckled softly as she added the final touches to Minju’s braids, making sure they were securely in place. “Well, I hope you’re right, Tae. Now go clean your room. If we’re going camping, you’ll need to find your backpack and make sure everything is ready.”
Taehyung didn’t need to be told twice. As soon as the words left his mother’s lips, he bolted to his room as if his life depended on it. His ears, along with his tail, appeared without warning, wagging enthusiastically and reflecting his joy.
Lately, he had found it impossible to control his wolfish traits when it came to Seokjin. His ears and tail seemed to have a will of their own, popping out at the most unexpected moments. Like that time they went out for lunch with their mothers. As soon as they sat down, his tail, as if it had a life of its own, wouldn’t stop wagging back and forth, incessantly hitting the chair. The laughter came quickly—first from the mothers, then from Minju, and finally from Seokjin.
Taehyung remembered wishing the ground would swallow him whole. But more than the others’ laughter, what had stuck with him was the way Seokjin had looked at him—not with ridicule but with a kind of tenderness he couldn’t quite understand. That look made something in his chest feel warm and strange, a sensation he couldn’t describe but didn’t dislike—just… it made him far too nervous.
The excitement of the camping plan, however, was short-lived. To his dismay, Seokjin was busy that weekend because his father had planned a trip abroad, which meant not only would he miss the camping trip, but he also wouldn’t be able to attend Taehyung’s birthday party and would be gone until January.
The news hit the little wolf like a bucket of cold water, his excitement immediately crumbling. Taehyung tried to hide it, but he couldn’t stop his inner alpha from whining in sadness. During his party, everything felt empty, dull. The gifts, which would have otherwise brought him joy, were pushed to the background. All he could think about was the endless countdown: how long until he could see Seokjin again?
The days that followed felt agonizingly long. Time seemed to drag on at an exasperating pace, and an unusual sadness settled in his young heart. Even Minju noticed the change, watching curiously every time she found him curled up in his favorite armchair, clutching his teddy bear as if it were his only solace. The little girl, not fully understanding what was happening, offered him her toys and stuffed animals to cheer him up, only to grow more confused when they failed to bring a smile to her brother’s face.
Their mothers were quick to notice the change in him. Concern began to show in their glances and their efforts to cheer him up. They suggested going to the zoo, buying him that art kit he had wanted for so long, creating a cozy little nest on his bed with the scents of everyone in the family, and even planned a long walk in the park, but nothing seemed to work. Taehyung would respond with a sigh or a distracted nod, yet his mood remained low.
Then came the news that brought color back to his world.
"Taehyung, guess what?" Jiho said as he entered the room with a smile that lit up his entire face.
The boy barely looked up, still clutching his teddy bear tightly. "What is it?" he muttered, without much expectation.
"Seokjin's back in the country. Eujin called me this morning. She says they're free this weekend, and we can go camping!"
The reaction was immediate. Taehyung jumped to his feet, his ears appearing in an instant, along with his tail, which began wagging frantically.
"Really? Can I go? This weekend?"
His mother could hardly contain her laughter at the sudden change in her son.
"Of course. But you'll need to pack your things in advance and not leave a mess like last time, alright?"
Taehyung didn’t need to be told twice. The gray clouds of the past days lifted instantly, replaced by the glow of excitement. In a flash, he ran to his room, where the backpack he had packed days earlier still sat untouched, forgotten in a corner of the closet. His heart raced as he pulled it out and placed it on the bed, ready to check every detail to ensure everything was in place.
This time, however, he decided to add something special. He opened one of his desk drawers and carefully took out a folded piece of paper—a drawing he had made during the days when Seokjin’s absence had felt unbearable. Unfolding it, he smiled, his small fingers tracing the lines with pride.
It wasn’t just a drawing; it was a memory, a tangible fragment of an unforgettable moment: the first time they both transformed into their animal forms. Taehyung remembered it with striking clarity, and his inner wolf still howled with joy whenever he thought about it. For a long time, curiosity about his best friend’s animal form had grown in his heart. When Seokjin finally decided to show him, it meant more than words could express.
It had happened months earlier, just before his best friend’s fifteenth birthday.
The sky was dark but not completely black. The full moon reigned with its brightness, so immense and powerful it almost overshadowed the stars, tiny timid crystals peeking through the shadows. Fireflies floated among purple lilacs, their flickering lights dancing with the gentle night breeze.
Seokjin and Taehyung were in the older boy’s backyard, a place that had always felt like a sanctuary to them. Afternoons there were often peaceful, filled with laughter and jokes as time slipped away between video games and endless conversations. But when night fell and the air filled with the chirping of crickets, the space took on a different aura—more intimate and serene, almost magical.
They had ordered pizza. The empty boxes were stacked to the side, forgotten, as they watched the fireflies’ lights flicker among the bushes. The scent of damp grass mingled with the remnants of melted cheese, creating an atmosphere Taehyung wished he could preserve forever.
He knew it was almost eleven, and that if their mothers found out, he’d be in trouble. But in that moment, in the moonlit garden, it didn’t matter. Not when he was there with Seokjin, whose face softened with a smile that always managed to stir butterflies in his stomach.
Taehyung’s tail wagged in excitement whenever the older boy ran a hand over his ears, the warm and gentle touch almost making him purr with contentment.
"You really like it when I scratch behind your ears, don’t you?" Seokjin asked playfully, his eyes sparkling as if he found something particularly endearing about the gesture.
The younger boy’s cheeks turned red, and his ears flattened slightly in embarrassment. "Everyone likes it," he tried to defend himself, his voice a bit higher than he intended. "My mom said it’s a relaxation point, especially when we’re in our animal forms. Don’t you like it?"
"Maybe," Seokjin replied casually, shrugging. "But you must like it a lot more than I do, considering you always have your ears and tail out."
Taehyung felt his cheeks heat up further. He didn’t want to admit that this usually wasn’t the case—that it only happened when he was with Seokjin. That would be too revealing, like exposing a secret his inner wolf preferred to keep.
"Not having to control certain traits is more relaxing," he said finally, his tone almost defensive. "Besides, my wolf likes it. Doesn’t yours?"
The older boy looked at him for a moment before answering, as if carefully considering his words. "I’d say he’s pretty reserved. He only wants to come out when we’re with someone we trust."
Taehyung frowned slightly, a small crease of confusion forming between his brows. "Then why have you never shown him to me?"
The question seemed to catch Seokjin off guard. His expression softened, and a faint smile curved his lips. "Well, the opportunity just never came up, I guess," he replied in a low, almost intimate tone
.
"Then… why don’t you do it now?" Taehyung suggested, trying to keep his voice steady and not sound too eager. Deep down, he prayed his scent wouldn’t betray him.
Seokjin tilted his head, weighing the suggestion, before offering a small smile and nodding. "Alright, I will. But then you’ll have to do it too."
"Deal," the younger boy agreed immediately, his tail wagging with restless excitement that he tried to control by grabbing it with both hands.
The older alpha sighed, standing up slowly. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling as he focused. Taehyung watched intently, his gaze fixed on every detail, holding his breath. The air around them seemed to grow denser, Seokjin’s familiar scent intensifying in a way that was almost hypnotic.
The change began slowly. First, white, pointed ears appeared atop his hair, moving gracefully as they picked up the small sounds of the yard. Then, an elegant tail formed, wagging swiftly with controlled energy. His nails elongated, transforming into gleaming claws, and suddenly, fur began to spread across his body—white as snow, covering him in a transition as smooth as a sigh.
Taehyung was speechless. In the blink of an eye, his human friend was gone, replaced by a majestic wolf. He was beautiful. His white fur gleamed under the moonlight, almost as if made of living silver. His eyes, as blue as ice crystals, gazed at him with an intensity that made Taehyung’s heart race faster.
“Wow…” he murmured without realizing it, feeling his tail wag again, this time with uncontrollable excitement. He had seen many things in his short life, but nothing like this. His best friend was... fascinating.
Seokjin tilted his head slightly, his ears swiveling toward Taehyung as if waiting for a reaction. Then, with a small flick of his tail, he stepped closer, his large figure moving with grace.
The boy raised a hand, his small fingers trembling slightly as he reached for the majestic wolf before him. Gently, he slid them through the soft white fur, surprised by its warm, silky texture. It was even more pleasant than he had imagined. A smile spread across his face when, as he scratched behind Seokjin’s ears, he noticed the wolf’s elegant tail begin wagging enthusiastically.
“I knew you’d like that,” Taehyung murmured, almost to himself.
Seokjin—or rather, the wolf—rolled his eyes in a gesture that Taehyung found ridiculously amusing. Then, with a decisive move, the animal nudged the younger boy insistently with his snout, pressing against his abdomen. The meaning was clear.
“All right, all right. I’ll do it,” Taehyung sighed in mock resignation, though his excited smile betrayed any attempt at calm. He stood, brushing grass off his pants while the wolf watched him expectantly.
Taehyung closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting the familiar warmth of his wolf form envelop him completely. The scent, a fresh, earthy aroma that always defined him, shifted slightly, becoming deeper and more primal as his instincts began to take over. Transformation was a strange experience. He felt his bones shifting, lengthening or shrinking, his muscles adapting to the new shape as a faint ache rippled through his body. His face altered slowly, and although he could still think, his reasoning receded into the background, allowing the animal instinct to take control.
First, his black ears emerged, soft and cautious, moving with timid curiosity. The world around him amplified instantly: the rustle of nearby bushes, the snap of twigs under tiny, unknown footsteps, and even the subtle scratching of Eujin’s pencil on paper inside the house—all reached him with a clarity that never ceased to amaze. Then, his long, dark tail materialized, wagging in a gentle sway as if testing the night air.
His body trembled for a moment as his nails transformed into sharp, powerful claws, while his skin gave way to black fur that began to cover him completely. The sleek, shining coat absorbed the moonlight, appearing almost liquid. With one final shudder, the transformation was complete.
Where a boy once stood, now stood a wolf with a majestic black coat, glossy and dense as ebony. His eyes, warm and golden, shone with a mix of pride and unrestrained excitement. Barely stable, he began trotting around the white wolf, his energy bubbling over like an overflowing river. His tail wagged triumphantly, every step brimming with a cheeky attempt to show off his form.
The white wolf observed him, motionless, his head tilted slightly and his ice-blue eyes glinting with something Taehyung interpreted as amusement. Without warning, Seokjin stepped forward, nudging the smaller wolf firmly with his snout. Taehyung staggered slightly before responding with a playful growl and pouncing on him.
The black wolf leaped with agile movements, his paws reaching for the white wolf, who stepped aside gracefully, dodging him at the last second before spinning on his hind legs. Seokjin let out a low growl, no more than an invitation to keep playing. His posture relaxed as his fluffy white tail began to sway slowly, setting the rhythm for what would soon become a game of chase.
Taehyung paused, his ears perked attentively, his head tilted slightly as if trying to gauge his friend’s movements. As soon as Seokjin took a step toward him, the smaller wolf darted to the other side of the yard, moving with a speed that was barely controllable. The white wolf pursued him, his long, elegant legs pounding the ground forcefully, but the younger alpha, agile and brimming with energy, evaded him with quick turns and sudden changes in direction.
It was a dance between them—a playful chase under the moonlight. Fireflies continued their gentle waltz, lighting up the garden with their soft glows, while the two wolves ran and leaped among the lilacs and the grass. Every time Seokjin was about to catch him, Taehyung made an unexpected turn, letting out a small bark that sounded more like a teasing laugh.
Finally, the white wolf decided enough was enough. With a calculated move, he picked up speed, closing the distance between them until, with an elegant leap, he tackled the black wolf to the ground. Taehyung let out a surprised yelp but quickly started wagging his tail, acknowledging his defeat. The older alpha looked down at him, his chest heaving from the effort, before nudging him gently with his snout and lying down beside him.
The two wolves remained sprawled for a moment, catching their breath. The black wolf raised a paw, giving the white one a slight shove as if to express his discontent over losing. Seokjin let out a soft growl that sounded more like laughter before rolling onto his side, resting his head on his front paws as he gazed at the sky.
The stars still shimmered faintly, accompanied by the steady glow of the moon. Though tired, Taehyung couldn’t resist curling up beside his friend, nestling against his side. There was something deeply comforting about the warmth of the white wolf, about his clean, soothing scent that always made him feel safe.
The night was calm, the sounds of the forest wrapping around them in a soft whisper. For a moment, Taehyung stopped worrying about the passing time, about the possible scolding or anything else beyond this moment with Seokjin. Here, under the moonlight, they were nothing more than two wolves enjoying a connection that went beyond words.
That day had been one of the best of his short life, and he hoped with all his heart that Seokjin felt the same way. That’s why, after much deliberation, he had decided he wanted to share something special with his friend.
He carefully picked up the drawing, his small fingers tracing over the lines as a soft smile spread across his face. In the center of the paper were the two of them in their wolf forms: one black, one white, sitting side by side under the shade of tall green trees, surrounded by flowers in shades of blue and pink. He had chosen those colors on purpose because he knew they were Seokjin’s favorites. The high moon illuminated the scene with light and nostalgia, while bright specks—fireflies—fluttered around them, adding a magical touch to the landscape.
In the bottom-right corner, in large, neat letters he had practiced several times to ensure no mistakes, he wrote:
I missed you so much.
With one last look, he folded the drawing carefully and tucked it into his backpack, making sure it was protected and wouldn’t get damaged. Then, he quickly zipped the bag shut and left it by the door, ready to take it to the camp. Taehyung let out a satisfied sigh. He had prepared everything they needed for the camp—from flashlights to blankets—but that drawing was the most important thing of all. Now, he was sure everything was ready.
III: Under the Stars
Saturday arrived with an overwhelming excitement that Taehyung couldn’t hide. He had been eagerly awaiting this day, so much so that he woke up before the sun had even peeked over the horizon. Though the birds’ songs were starting to fill the air, the sky remained dark. He tried closing his eyes and going back to sleep, but his mind was too busy imagining what was to come.
Finally, he accepted that falling back asleep would be impossible and decided to get ready instead. He got out of bed, grabbed his things, and headed to the bathroom. In less than ten minutes, he was ready, his hair still damp and perfectly combed—something he rarely managed on normal days.
As he stepped into the hallway, he ran into his mother, who still looked half-asleep, wrapped in her robe with her hair disheveled. She looked at him with a mix of confusion and fondness.
“Tae, sweetheart, it’s six in the morning,” she said, yawning as she covered her mouth with one hand. “What are you doing up so early? Even Minju isn’t awake yet.”
Taehyung shrugged, struggling to contain his excitement like a river struggling to stay within its banks. “I wanted to be ready as soon as possible. Besides, I couldn’t go back to sleep.”
Na-young sighed, though she couldn’t help but smile at her son’s obvious impatience. “I understand you’re excited, but you need to get a good night’s sleep. Otherwise, when we get there, you’ll be too tired to do anything, don’t you think?”
The pup frowned slightly, considering his mother’s words, but his enthusiasm was hard to extinguish. “I don’t think I’ll get tired, eomma. I’m saving all my energy for when we get there.”
She let out a soft laugh and ruffled his still-damp hair. “Alright, but for now, go have some breakfast. We still have time before we leave.”
Taehyung nodded quickly and dashed downstairs, feeling like the long-awaited day was finally beginning. The bubbling excitement in his chest felt like the prelude to the greatest adventure of his life.
The rest of the morning passed in a blur. The pup devoured his bowl of cereal without really tasting it, too busy imagining what camp would be like. Stargazing, roasting marshmallows, fishing in the river in their wolf forms—these were all activities he’d done before, but they felt thrilling to think about now. What made them truly incredible, though, was the certainty that he’d be doing them with Seokjin.
His best friend was simply amazing, and any moment spent with him became something special.
When the time to leave finally came, Taehyung was already by the door, fully ready, his backpack slung over his shoulders and an expression of radiant excitement on his face. His hybrid ears, visible from the sheer emotion he couldn’t contain, twitched slightly, while his tail wagged against the doorframe.
His mother, carrying little Minju in her arms, looked at him with a mix of amusement and affection. “Alright, champ, let’s go. But I need your help with these bags,” she said, pointing to a couple of small packages filled with food and other essentials for the camp.
“Got it, eomma!” Taehyung replied enthusiastically, grabbing the bags with his small hands and nearly stumbling in his hurry.
Within minutes, everyone was in the car. His two mothers sat in the front seats, chatting animatedly, while Taehyung and Minju settled in the back. The little girl played with her doll while her older brother could barely contain his impatience, his eyes glued to the scenery passing by the window. She didn’t fully understand her brother’s excitement but smiled every time he told her she was about to have a “great adventure.”
The morning sun bathed the road in golden hues, and the fresh forest air began to seep through the car’s cracks, filling it with the pleasant scent of pine and damp earth that greatly pleased his inner wolf. Taehyung clung tightly to his seat, his ears still perked up with excitement, twitching whenever he spotted something interesting among the trees.
Jiho, at the wheel, watched him through the rearview mirror, smiling at how the pup practically vibrated with enthusiasm. “We’re almost there, sweetheart. Try to calm down a bit.”
“I am calm,” he muttered, though his wagging tail betrayed his words.
Finally, after a turn in the road, the meeting spot came into view: a spacious clearing in the middle of the forest surrounded by pine trees, with two tents already set up and a small unlit campfire in the center. Instantly, Taehyung and his wolf recognized a familiar figure: Seokjin, sitting on a blanket next to Eujin, his mother. He had a small backpack by his side and was munching on a snack while listening to something the woman was saying.
“Seokjin-hyung!” the younger boy shouted, his voice echoing through the clearing as he practically leapt out of the car the moment it stopped.
The other boy looked up at the sound of his name, and an immediate, warm smile appeared on his face when he saw his best friend running toward him. “Taehyung-ah!” he called back, standing just in time to catch the alpha pup, who hugged him tightly as if they hadn’t seen each other in months, though their last meeting had only been a couple of weeks ago.
“I’m so excited! Did you see the tents? And the campfire? And the forest? We’re going to do so many things!” Taehyung spoke so fast he could barely breathe, while Seokjin let out a small amused laugh, still holding him in his arms. His own tail and ears appeared, moving with the same excitement as his friend’s.
“I saw everything, but we have to wait until our moms finish setting up first,” Seokjin replied patiently, always the calmer of the two. Then his eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. “But in the meantime, do you want to explore a little?”
Taehyung’s eyes widened with excitement. “Yes! Let’s go!”
Both children turned to look at the women with pleading expressions, who exchanged a glance before nodding. "But don’t go too far, understood?" Eujin warned firmly.
"Yes!" they answered in unison, dropping their backpacks by the car and disappearing into the nearby trees. Their laughter and hurried footsteps echoed in the air, filling the forest with a pure, childlike joy that only they could share.
When they finally got far enough, they stopped in front of a lake. Its surface sparkled under the sun’s rays, reflecting the clear sky as gentle ripples moved across the water with an almost hypnotic grace. The sounds of the forest around them formed a symphony of life: birdsong, the whisper of the wind through the trees, and the soft splashing of the water.
They looked at each other, excitement glimmering in their eyes. Words weren’t necessary; their understanding was instinctive. This was their moment.
Without further hesitation, they began to transform.
Seokjin, as always, was the first. His transformation flowed like a natural dance, his body adapting with the ease of someone who had done this countless times before. In mere seconds, his wolf form emerged: elegant and serene. His white fur gleamed under the sun, reflecting his innate grace as his tail swayed calmly. His sky-blue eyes were fixed on the younger alpha, observing him with patience and a hint of amusement.
Taehyung, on the other hand, took a little longer. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, allowing the familiar tingling sensation to course through his body. As he felt his ears and tail begin to manifest, his gaze drifted toward Seokjin. Despite his young age, there was something about the white wolf that always took his breath away.
Even then, he had thought Seokjin was beautiful, though he couldn’t yet put into words how he felt.
Finally, he completed his transformation. His own dark fur, nearly black as the night, stood in sharp contrast to Seokjin’s pristine white, complementing each other almost perfectly.
Taking a few steps forward, his tail wagged with youthful enthusiasm as he lowered himself slightly to the ground in a clear playful gesture. It was a challenge.
Seokjin watched the movement with a flicker of amusement in his eyes. He perked his ears forward before letting out a low growl, soft but unmistakably an acceptance. In an instant, the white wolf leapt forward, taking the lead in a race that didn’t need to be announced.
Taehyung let out an excited bark and began chasing after him. His paws barely touched the ground as the two darted through the forest, their agile forms weaving between the trees. Sunlight filtering through the leaves illuminated their path, and the sounds of their movements blended harmoniously with the rhythm of nature.
Their childish laughter had turned into howls, filled with freedom and joy, echoing like a unique melody among the trees. In that moment, nothing else mattered. It was just the two of them, running side by side in a world that seemed made just for them.
When exhaustion finally began to set in, the two exchanged a glance and decided it was time to head back to camp. Taehyung let out one last howl toward the sky before shaking himself off, while Seokjin nudged him gently with his snout to keep him from lagging behind. Transforming back into their human forms took a few minutes due to their low energy, but once they managed, they made their way back to the camp, where the aroma of bread and fresh vegetables greeted them, making their stomachs growl loudly.
Ahead, their mothers were finishing up a tray of sandwiches while Minju ran in circles, chasing a red butterfly flitting near the flowers by a large pine tree. The little girl laughed with each failed jump, her small tail wagging frantically.
“You’re just in time for lunch!” Eujin announced with a smile, setting a plate on the makeshift table. “Did you have fun?”
“A lot,” Seokjin replied. His hair was still a little messy, and his shirt had picked up some leaves on the way back, but his eyes sparkled with happiness he couldn’t hide.
Taehyung, meanwhile, was too busy trying to grab the sandwiches. “It was amazing!” he exclaimed between bites after his mother swatted his hand, reminding him to wait for everyone. “We ran all over the forest and saw the lake. Seokjin even beat me in a race, but it was so close!” he added with a competitive tone.
“Close? I beat you by a lot,” the older boy corrected with a teasing smile, sitting down beside his mother.
“That’s not true!” protested the younger one, feigning indignation, though the laughter escaping his lips betrayed his true mood. “Next time will be different.”
“Sure, sure,” Seokjin murmured, taking a sip of lemonade as Minju ran over, holding up a pink flower, clearly fascinated by it. “But be careful, or I’ll beat you again.”
The afternoon passed with laughter and long walks through the forest, exploring unknown trails and marking small paths under the watchful eyes of their mothers. The children raced between the trees, the fresh forest air filling their lungs, and the crunch of dry leaves marking their steps.
When the evening shadows began to stretch, their mothers decided it was the perfect time for a special event: teaching little Minju to transform. The air buzzed with anticipation as the girl worked hard to channel her animal form. Taehyung’s eyes sparkled as he watched his younger sister finally succeed. In her wolf cub form, she was so small and adorable that it drew genuine laughter from everyone, especially when she tried sniffing the ground and ended up sneezing repeatedly.
“She’s adorable!” Taehyung exclaimed, rolling on the ground laughing as Minju wobbled clumsily in her wolf form. The little one, annoyed by his teasing, let out a sharp bark that sounded more like a child’s protest than a threat. “Hey, Minju! Was that for me?” he asked, still laughing, the amusement shining brightly in his eyes.
In response, the small wolf stepped forward with shaky but determined steps and gave him a little nip on the arm—not hard enough to hurt, but enough to show her displeasure.
“Ouch, Minju!” the alpha protested, pretending to be hurt as he clutched his arm. “That’s cheating! You can’t bite me just because I told the truth!”
His sister let out another bark, as if arguing her case. Taehyung, not one to back down, started scolding her, pointing a finger as he said, “That wasn’t fair, and anyway, you’re the one who wobbled, not me.”
The two mothers watched the scene with a mix of amusement and fondness. “I think Minju’s learning quickly how to stand up for herself,” one commented, suppressing a smile as the siblings’ argument continued, though it was clearly not serious.
“No doubt,” the other replied, shaking her head. “It’s good to see them so close, even if they fight like real pups.”
Meanwhile, Taehyung tried to circle around Minju to catch her, but the little wolf, taking advantage of her size, skillfully dodged his attempt, leaving him sitting on the ground with a defeated expression.
“Fine, you win,” he finally declared, raising his hands in surrender as Minju gave a triumphant little hop.
“At least let me take a picture before you change back,” her mother said, pulling out her phone. “You’re too cute not to capture this moment.”
Minju let out a small howl, which everyone took as approval, while Taehyung, resigned, let his sister enjoy her victory.
Eventually, night fell, and after dinner by the fire, the youngest approached their mothers with a special request.
“Can we set up another tent so Seokjin and I can sleep together?” he asked, his bright eyes shifting from one to the other. “Please, it’s my birthday gift.”
The two women exchanged a look of resignation and tenderness before nodding. “Alright, but you’ll set it up yourselves, okay? And no loud noises when everyone’s sleeping.”
“Thank you, eomma! We promise we’ll be quiet!”
With excitement, the two boys set about preparing their space. Between whispered comments and laughter, they finished assembling the small tent that would be their refuge for the night. The rest of the camp gradually fell silent, the sound of the forest enveloping everything in a serene calm.
Once they were lying down, Seokjin broke the silence with a barely audible murmur: “Do you want to go see the stars?”
Taehyung opened his eyes, turning toward him with excitement. “Can we?”
“If we’re careful, yes.”
“Okay.”
“Great. You grab a flashlight and jackets while I check if no one’s outside.”
The younger alpha nodded quickly and began rummaging through his belongings. As he searched in the darkness, his hand brushed against the drawing he had made especially for Seokjin. For a moment, he froze, feeling his heart pound against his ribs. Without overthinking it, he slipped the drawing into the pocket of his coat. This was the perfect moment to give it to him.
Seokjin peeked his head through the entrance of the tent. "There’s no one. Hurry up."
"I'm coming," Taehyung whispered, carefully stepping out, the drawing secure in his pocket and a mix of nervousness and excitement painted on his face.
Once outside, they walked in silence, making their way through the forest under the faint beam of the flashlight Taehyung held in slightly trembling hands as the shadows of the tall trees danced around them. They followed the trail for a few minutes until they reached a spot far enough away that no one at the campsite would hear them.
"Now turn off the flashlight," Seokjin said in a low voice, sitting down on the ground with enviable ease.
Taehyung obeyed, switching off the light with a faint click and feeling the darkness immediately wrap around them. He moved closer to the older man, leaning into his arm without a word. He didn’t want to admit it, but the gloom of the forest was a little intimidating.
"Don’t worry, I’m here with you," the older alpha murmured, his tone soft and reassuring. The boy nodded, trusting in the calm presence of his friend. "Look up, Tae," Seokjin said then, with a smile Taehyung could make out thanks to the natural light of the stars.
The boy lifted his gaze, and his breath caught in his chest.
The sky he thought he knew—dark, clouded, and always absent of light—now… now seemed alive.
It was vast and infinite, an immense canvas stretched over them, immense and overflowing with stars. They looked as if they had been carelessly splattered across the deep blue fabric by a clumsy artist, like drops of paint spilling accidentally onto a blank canvas. Yet every drop of light was perfectly placed, forming chaotic yet perfect patterns.
The stars shone with such intensity they seemed to compete with one another, vying for attention. Some were large and commanding, while others, small and timid, flickered with a subdued brilliance that was equally captivating. Taehyung felt as though he could reach out and touch them, as if the distance separating them was insignificant compared to their dazzling beauty.
"It’s... incredible," he whispered, his eyes as bright as the sky he marveled at. He couldn’t look away, unable to believe that something as simple as looking up could make the world feel so surreal.
"I know," Seokjin replied, leaning back against the ground. "That’s why I wanted you to see it. Out here, the stars always seem brighter than anywhere else."
Taehyung dropped down beside him, stretching out his legs and folding his hands over his stomach as his gaze remained lost in the immensity of the sky. "It feels like I could touch them."
"I used to think the same when I was younger," Seokjin admitted with a soft laugh. "I thought that if I stretched high enough, I could grab one and keep it in my pocket. I wanted so badly to do it."
"And did you try?"
"Of course," the older man said, laughing a little louder. "I spent hours reaching up until my mom found me and told me it wasn’t possible. I was so disappointed because, well, how could I not want to own something so precious? But then I learned they could be ours in a different way."
"How?" the boy asked, intrigued.
"The stars are always there," Seokjin explained, pointing up at the sky. "No matter where you are or what’s happening, you can look at them and feel like they’re with you. They’re like a secret you share with the universe."
Taehyung remained silent, processing his friend’s words as the starlight reflected in his eyes. At that moment, the drawing in his pocket felt a little heavier. He wanted to tell Seokjin how important he was to him, but for now, he decided it was enough to share that moment beneath the stars.