Chapter Text
The shop is open almost every other night. It’s a small convenience store with little signage and nighttime customers, unlike the mechanical chains with underpaid and overworked employees. Only the owner works in this particular establishment, often found on the couch near the cash register with a book in her hand.
It’s a strange sequence of things, indeed. First, the owner who works instead of hiring someone to do it; then, the couch in the middle of a convenience store; and finally, the vampire reading Charles Dickens while enjoying a tutti-frutti chewing gum.
Fortunately, most of her customers don't seem to mind.
The first of the night are two young men who seem to be on the verge of adulthood. Joohyun doesn't recognize them by face and uses her discretion to watch as they approach the snacks and drinks section.
One of them, the shorter one, has dark, wild hair spread around his brown horns. He walks funny, mostly due to the hooves he has instead of feet, and has a confident and mischievous air. His partner is tall and strong, with prominent fangs protruding from his mouth and greenish skin that matches the black color of his hair. Despite his height, he seems shy and scared, scouting the store with wide eyes.
A satyr and an orc, Joohyun thinks, turning another page of her reading. Nice pair.
They are harmless, from what she can tell by the way they walk around. Judging by their clothes, they have money. By their faces, they may not be of legal age. By their excited and scared behavior, they're planning to do something they shouldn't. After so many years of life and countless different occupations, these are things that she can recognize in strangers quite easily.
Joohyun doesn't care much. As long as they don't cause problems for her and her store, they can do whatever they want. It's one of her business policies.
"Which one should we get?" the orc asks his partner, eyes curiously glancing at the variety of drinks.
"I don't know. Beer, any kind."
“Eight?”
“Sounds good.”
“Okay. You like Pringles?”
“I'm more of a Ruffles guy. Get both, we have enough.”
The two smile nervously and happily at each other. As they start walking towards the cashier, they finally notice the lack of an employee behind the register and their euphoria turns to confusion.
“Wh--”
Joohyun jumps up from the couch before one of them can finish his question. She leaves David Copperfield behind and takes her place as the cashier.
“Good evening.”
“Good evening,” the satyr answers with false confidence, his voice cracking mid-sentence.
He places the snacks on the counter first and then the beers, which Joohyun checks naturally.
“ID?”
He freezes for a second at the question. His cheeky demeanor fades slightly before being quickly hidden by an almost convincing confident glance. His partner, however, is definitely paralyzed, wide eyes and barely moving chest being evidence enough of his fear.
“Here it is.” The boy holds out a document towards Joohyun.
A counterfeit.
Not that the forgery is bad. In fact, whoever forged the document did a great job. Unfortunately, Joohyun has experience with the matter and is too smart to fall for the duo’s lousy performance.
“Is this just for the two of you?” she asks, tapping a beer can.
“Y-Yes,” the satyr answers, his voice trailing off for a moment at the unexpected question. Joohyun notices.
She looks at the identification document again. It’s indeed a good job. Enough for her to claim she was fooled in case of any problems.
“Don't overdo it. This will help with the hangover. On the house.”
Joohyun puts a package of candy in the bag and hands it to the young man along with his ID. He seems so stunned that he doesn't even move, but eventually wakes up and pays excitedly.
“Thank you!” He grabs his belongings and takes a step towards the exit when he realizes that his partner has stayed behind, still shocked. “C'mon, dude!”
The satyr pulls the orc by the sleeve and together they start walking out. At that exact moment, the worst customer in history arrives at the convenience store.
Opening the door violently, a woman with black hair and sunglasses enters the premises. She practically runs over the two young men and also reaches into their bag to snatch one beer can as she passes.
“Hey!” the satyr cries, with his big friend hiding behind him and watching in horror as the woman walks in. “This is ours!”
Joohyun grits her teeth behind the register. That goddamn woman always stirs some trouble.
“Sorry about that!” the shop owner says quickly, grabbing an identical beer from the minibar near the cashier and throwing it to the boys. “Please accept it and ignore her.”
For your own good.
The satyr still seems in the mood to argue, but a light tug from the orc on his sweatshirt makes him stop and step back. Together, they leave in silence.
With that problem gone, Joohyun has time to focus on the next customer and also her biggest headache: Seulgi. Or rather, “Not Seulgi”. The black-haired asshole, with unnecessarily short clothes, arrogant and violent attitude, shameless flirts, delicious body, sharp eyes capable of murder, a walk charming enough to cause a traffic accident, a naughty laugh that makes Joohyun want to explode, a face that should belong in a damn museum, and… okay, that's a bit enough. Better stop before this lasts all night.
Point is: the demon-angel hybrid is a huge problem for Joohyun and her shop. Almost every day, she shows up; in some, she's Seulgi, her celestial persona who wears baggy clothes, doesn't steal from other customers, and has a sweet smile that makes Joohyun melt. In others, she's "Not Seulgi", an infernal crazy psychopath hot stupid charming-- you get the idea.
Anyway, when it comes to the second personality, the vampire never knows what to expect from her and her eccentric attitude. It's a constant threat that hangs over Joohyun's head every night before opening the store: Is she going to show up? What the hell is she doing today? What will she be wearing? Will she be using that sweet perfume that drives me crazy? With that cherry lipstick that I don't even know if it tastes like cherry but would love to find out? Will she look into my eyes like she wants to kiss me, fuck me, and worship me like a goddess? Will she break something in my shop? If she does, I hope it's me.
Yeah, Joohyun has a tendency to overthink and wonder a lot. It's amazing how living for hundreds of years isn't enough to change some habits. One of them, for example, is the difficulty of not looking at the exposed thighs of a ridiculously hot woman who is leaning over to look at the shelves. Joohyun clears her throat, coughs, looks away, looks back again because what the hell, and then holds on long enough to close her eyes for a few seconds and compose herself.
"Seulgi!" Joohyun scolds, holding herself back from looking in the same direction again. "What the fuck do you think you're doing stealing my customers inside my store?! Again!"
"Not," she replies, still leaning over the shelf. This is getting a bit unbearable for Joohyun.
"Not what?!" the vampire retorts, her patience already starting to run out. It's amazing how that woman has the ability to destroy her sanity in just a few seconds.
"Not Seulgi." She turns to face a stunned Joohyun. She takes off her sunglasses and calmly opens the can of beer. Her red irises pierce the store owner, the cheeky smile on Seulgi's face driving her crazy.
"...What?"
"My name. Or no-name. We've already discussed this, Hyunnie."
Joohyun closes her eyes and tries to control her breathing. Her hands are clenched into fists and she knows she should calm down before she ends up having her first physical fight with a customer. Not that it's a bad idea to get physical with-- yes, yes, it is. It's a terrible idea, which gets worse every time she hears that damn nickname.
"Don't call me that."
Seulgi smirks and approaches, one slow step at a time, her hips moving in a mesmerizing way. It's impossible to hold back the urge to look her over from head to toe.
Tonight, she's wearing a white crop top with a strange symbol, tiny shorts, and a pair of black combat boots with long socks. Joohyun has no idea how she manages to wear those clothes considering how cold it’s outside. Unfortunately for the vampire, she looks hot to an immeasurable degree.
"You don't like the nickname I gave you? That hurts, Hyunnie." Her demeanor when she takes a chocolate from the cashier right in front of Joohyun doesn't seem hurt at all.
"You know you're going to pay for this, right?"
"I always pay, don't I? Or you would’ve called the guards ages ago."
"I still should do that considering the trouble you are."
"But you won't."
She takes a bite of the chocolate, and Joohyun finds herself watching the way her mouth moves for far too long. The red lips draw her like a moth to a flame, and she can hear the veins in Seulgi's neck, feel the blood flow in her body until Joohyun's mouth starts to hurt with how much her fangs want to pierce that skin.
“…Yeah. I won't.”
Joohyun walks away, trying to not seem too eager or nervous. She doesn't want to give that victory to Seulgi. Without looking at her, she leaves the cashier and returns to her place on the couch, because she knows that this particular customer has a tendency to spend a long time wandering around the store before paying. Despite not glancing at her, Joohyun can picture Not Seulgi's mischievous smirk and the image of her face haunts her even when David Copperfield is once again the only thing in her field of vision.
In parallel, Not Seulgi is walking through the store, firm footsteps echoing on the floor and giving Joohyun goosebumps every time she hears her approach. The vampire tries her best to keep only the book in her gaze, but it's hard to even concentrate on the words when Not Seulgi's scent is clouding any and all rational thought in her head.
There is a restlessness infesting Joohyun's mind, caused both by the woman's presence and the agony in her fangs, the pain of being so near to someone she desperately wants to have in her hands and teeth. Every time, just with her presence, Seulgi manages to make her hungry, thirsty for any glimpse, even if it gets her close to losing control.
"Where's your kimchi, Hyunnie? I can't find it." Seulgi appears out of nowhere, her now brown eyes hovering above Joohyun, who gets lost in the color of her irises for a second.
"Seulgi, you know where the kimchi is.”
The woman pouts slightly at the answer, a behavior that doesn't match her entire persona.
"I like it when you show me."
Joohyun hesitates, a bit surprised by the expression on her face and the sweet tone. That's the kind of thing she doesn't expect from that one.
"Uh... hm, y-you know where it is. You don't need me to show you. S-Stop bothering me.”
Not Seulgi's eyes glow red and the devilishly seductive and evil expression returns to her face.
“Why did you stutter, Hyunnie? Do I make you nervous?”
Another cheeky smirk graces the corner of her face, her demonic side seeming to bring out all that is worst in Joohyun. The vampire's teeth ache again, fangs almost forcing themselves out as her grip on the book tightens. She keeps it together. Or tries to.
“You’re making me stressed, Kang Seulgi, that’s what you're doing.”
“Hmm, I like hot-headed women.” Not Seulgi tilts her head and bites her lower lip. Joohyun feels her blood boil, her sharp gaze trying to pierce the woman’s arrogant expression. Seulgi’s beauty can be so fucking annoying sometimes.
“You trying to pick a fight, Kang?” She stands up restrainedly and puts the book aside. Not Seulgi remains where she is, cheeky smile getting Joohyun's blood heated up even more.
"What if I am? What are you going to do?" Seulgi's voice becomes lower and more provocative, the red glow of her irises exuding danger... and amusement.
Joohyun almost gets closer. Almost. But she realizes that getting any closer to the fire that is Not Seulgi would only get her burned in the hybrid's little game.
The best way to not lose is not giving her anything.
"Tsk, fuck off." Joohyun groans and sits back down on the couch.
It's hard, but she controls the bubbling in her blood as she grabs the book again. Her breathing is tense and she wants to put her hands on Seulgi, whether to fight or make out, but it's more important to stay calm. She knows that her lack of control is all Not Seulgi wants.
"I already told you to stop using your powers on me," the vampire mutters, seeing the red glow in Seulgi's eyes diminish to the point that her face begins to display a slightly disappointed expression.
"I was using my powers? I didn't even notice,” she comments arrogantly and then sighs. “Damn, I almost got you this time, Hyunnie.”
“I wish you'd stop trying, ‘Not Seulgi’. By the way, when are you going to come up with a real name? It's so uncreative to use your other persona's name with a ‘not’ in front of it.”
This time, Not Seulgi's the one who gets slightly irritated. “It is a real name. It's who I am, Hyunnie. The antithesis, the evil and infernal part. It's annoying to repeat myself, you know?”
“And you annoy me every time you come into my store. Haven't you already got what you need? Fuck off.”
Seulgi stares at her for a few more seconds, apparently wondering if she should go or not. Joohyun ignores her, eyes fixed on the book, even though she's not reading a single word.
“Unbelievable, Hyunnie. You're going to make me destroy this shop any day now.”
Joohyun's gaze at her is fierce. “Do that and I'll end you, Kang.”
“Exactly my point.”
She winks before turning around and heading straight for where the kimchi is. Joohyun tries to hold back the urge to watch her walk away, but she loses this battle. Unable to contain herself, she admires Seulgi's thighs, the bare part of her back, the way she moves as if she owns the place, as if she could destroy anything that gets in her path.
Joohyun loves how Not Seulgi walks. She could stare at her all night, but knows that won't help her situation at all, so she turns away as soon as she gathers enough strength to do so.
“I'm ready to pay, Hyunnie.”
The shop owner would like to say that a sigh of relief escaped her, but deep down, she hates it when Seulgi leaves, no matter what personality is. When Joohyun goes to checkout her groceries, she tries to hide her own feelings, because she knows that the woman will notice any slight reaction like a shark smelling blood in the water.
“Not a lot today,” Joohyun says once she sees Seulgi’s purchases that night.
“It’s what I usually buy. Or are you confusing me with someone else?” Not Seulgi leans towards her again, purposely placing herself in Joohyun’s field of vision.
She can’t escape this time. Can’t escape the sight of her red lips, her tempting eyes, her exposed neck, her mischievous, provocative smile. Joohyun wants to rip the smug expression off her face as much as she wants to kiss her tirelessly.
“No. I’m not, Seulgi.”
She rolls her eyes. Joohyun doesn't hide the satisfied smile taking over her face upon annoying the source of all her annoyance.
"Very funny, Hyunnie." The woman tilts her head, and her exposed neck almost hypnotizes the vampire. She feels the pulse of blood flowing through Seulgi's veins and it doesn't take long for the pain in her mouth to return, along with an uncomfortable dry feeling in her throat. She wants her. Too much.
"Here you go. Keep the change. I'll see you another day."
Seulgi walks away in the blink of an eye, taking her sweet scent and presence that stirs every atom in Joohyun's body. When the vampire hears the bell indicating that she's truly gone, she sighs heavily, not knowing whether or not she's happy to be free from temptation. The madness caused by Seulgi's appearance for a few minutes is enough for her to feel completely drained... and hot. Way too hot.
“Maybe I should close earlier tonight…”
[...]
When she shows up the next night, Joohyun needs just one look to know that the current personality is Seulgi, not that it’s hard to tell the difference. Unlike her “evil self”, she wears fairly normal clothes, a dark sweatshirt and loose pants. Her wavy black hair is a bit messy and her body language is much more gentle and friendly. There’s a whole different energy around her, a peaceful feeling that makes anyone relax just by seeing or being near her.
Joohyun likes that. And she likes even more when Seulgi beams at her.
“Good evening.”
“Good evening, Seulgi,” Joohyun replies kindly and puts the book aside without worrying. “It’s been a while since last time.”
Seulgi shifts uncomfortably and Joohyun feels like hitting herself. Of course it’s been a while. The last three nights have been Not Seulgi’s.
“Yeah, I've been kind of... ah, um... sorry if she's been giving you a lot of trouble lately.”
“No, no, it’s fine. I can handle her.” Joohyun dismisses the apology with a wave.
“That's... good. Thank you. Some people don't know what to do about our… situation.” Seulgi speaks in a low and cautious voice. It's sweet, and so different from what Joohyun usually hears.
“Well, don't worry about it. I've seen a lot of things in my life. Two personalities aren't exactly the strangest thing.”
Seulgi nods, her gaze wandering shyly over some of the shelves in the convenience store. She doesn't say much. Unlike the other persona, Joohyun doesn't know what she's thinking because she acts quiet and discreet, with only a few polite words and little room for further conversation. Regardless, the vampire is fascinated by Seulgi, by her calm and carefree manner and the way she smiles easily, no matter what nonsense Joohyun says to start a conversation.
If she does her best to not stare at everything that Not Seulgi shows, with Seulgi it’s the opposite; Joohyun’s always trying to get a glimpse of who she is, what she likes, to know what makes her smile, to understand her personality. She doesn’t hide her gaze following Seulgi to one of the shelves and while she picks up her groceries.
“Working late again today?” Joohyun asks as she sees her getting items for a quick and easy dinner.
“Yeah. I’m helping to set up an exhibition and I need to sort out some details tonight.”
“An exhibition?”
“It’s from a friend of mine, she’s a photographer. I'm helping select the best photos, find a location, decide how and when it's going to happen... those boring details.” Seulgi shrugs and smiles quickly to Joohyun.
"Sounds like a lot of work."
"A bit. Not more than being a teacher."
"Yeah. I admire you a lot for doing that. I can't handle teenagers, too old to understand them."
A soft laugh escapes the woman. There were only a few times Joohyun heard Seulgi laugh, but she remembers them all with great affection.
“I get you. Sometimes I can't handle it either, it makes me want to scream at them and quit instantly.” Seulgi finishes shopping as she speaks and Joohyun gets up to settle on her seat as the clerk.
“You? I can't picture you screaming at anyone.”
Seulgi chuckles, and, for a moment, Joohyun sees a reddish glow in her brown eyes, which disappears in the next moment, fast enough for the vampire to wonder if it was just her imagination.
“Can’t be an angel all the time,” she answers with a shrug. Joohyun looks at her curiously, taking a moment before starting to check out the groceries.
“Yeah, guess you’re right.”
Silence takes over as Joohyun finishes checking out the groceries. She avoids looking at Seulgi due to their proximity, but can see any movement she makes out of the corner of her eye and notices how she seems a bit more restless than usual. When the vampire delivers her groceries and receives payment, she is surprised when Seulgi doesn't leave at once.
“There’s something I’m curious about,” she finally says after a while. Joohyun waves for her to continue. “The other one… does she come here every night?”
“Hm? Whenever you don’t, yes.”
Seulgi nods slowly and then smiles. “It’s funny. Even if I buy enough food for the whole week, it's gone the next day. As if she does everything in her power to force us both into coming here all the time.”
“Oh.” Joohyun's eyes widen in surprise. It's obvious that she had already found it weird that Seulgi showed up at her shop every night, whether with one personality or another, but she hadn't thought it was a deliberate effort. “Why... Why would she do that?”
“Don't know. Maybe… maybe she likes you.”
The vampire lets out an embarrassed laugh, unable to react differently. Over three hundred years of life and Joohyun was still shocked when a woman hinted at liking her.
“She seems to enjoy annoying me, I can assure you that. Nothing more.”
Seulgi grins. “Well, if you like her, let me know. I don't want things to get weird.” She hesitates, grimaces and then sighs. “It's already weird, isn't it?”
Joohyun chuckles and shakes her head.
“It’s fine, Seulgi. I wasn’t joking, I’ve seen stranger things than multiple personalities.” From the look in Seulgi’s eyes, it’s obvious she doesn’t completely believe Joohyun. “Don't worry about it. You’re a valued client and I’m happy to keep things the way they are.”
Seulgi’s gaze softens and she nods.
“…Okay. Thank you for…” She hesitates again. “Anyway, thank you. See you tomorrow. Maybe.”
“See you, Seulgi. Have a good night.”
“Thanks. You too.”
When she does leave, Joohyun is still smiling. Her mind is full of thoughts about Seulgi, although the moments she has with her are so short. She'd like more time, more Seulgi… and she knows she could get that, at least with the “other one”. However, she likes them both and doesn’t want to be with one of them without the other wanting it too. It’s a weird setting, even for someone who’s lived so many years.
But she wants Seulgi. All of her. And resisting one half while trying to win over the other is starting to drive her crazy.
“Miss? Hello?” A hand waves in front of Joohyun’s face and she notices a customer on the other side of the checkout.
“Oh, sorry, sorry.” She starts checking out the groceries immediately, with her mind still stuck on Seulgi.
She needs to do something. She could do something.
Doesn’t mean she will.