As the sun climbed higher in the sky, warming the land, Taehyung knelt by the riverbank, supporting his weight with both arms on the ground as he drank the cool water. Suddenly, the air grew thick with a scent—cedarwood mingled with something rich and tantalizing.

It was the man he had been waiting for. Without a moment's hesitation, he pushed himself up and sprinted toward the fragrance, moving swiftly through the underbrush on all fours.

The trees parted as he darted closer to the source, and in an instant, he burst from the foliage. His sudden appearance startled Seokjin, who flinched in surprise, while his horse reared up with a startled neigh.

Seokjin gripped the reins tightly, pulling Rangjae back down as he stroked the horse's neck, murmuring soothing words to calm its nerves. "Steady now, dear friend," he said, though his own heart raced at the unexpected encounter.

Rangjae remained agitated, snorting and shifting beneath Seokjin's grip. Taehyung instinctively growled, his tail flicking back and forth as he crouched low to the ground, regarding the horse with wary eyes. The sight of the large animal kicking in the air felt threatening, even if only for a moment.

"Steady now, both of you," Seokjin urged, his voice a blend of authority and gentle reassurance, hoping to ease the tension in the air. He focused on Rangjae, stroking the horse's neck with calming motions while maintaining a steady gaze on Taehyung. "There's no need for fear. We mean you no harm." His words hung in the air like a fragile thread, connecting their worlds, one of refinement and order with the other of wildness and instinct

The horse's restless movements gradually lessened under Seokjin's soothing touch. The growling subsided as Taehyung sensed that the horse now posed no threat to him. Deciding to disregard the animal, he settled himself onto the ground, effectively blocking Seokjin's path. He narrowed his eyes, contemplating the delicious scent that had drawn him here.

"You have a keen nose," Seokjin remarked lightly, attempting to diffuse the lingering tension. "Or perhaps fate has brought us together once more," he added, a hint of resignation in his tone. He gently commanded Rangjae to remain still, stroking the horse's neck one last time before he moved to his cart. With deliberate care, he retrieved the carefully wrapped roasted chicken from within.

When Seokjin returned, he found Taehyung sniffing the horse with intense curiosity, his tongue flicking over his lips as though he was ready to hunt. Alarmed by the sight, Seokjin quickened his steps, quickly drawing Taehyung's attention back to him. As he held up the roasted chicken, Taehyung's focus shifted, and his tail began to wag with an unmistakable eagerness.

Seokjin misinterpreted the enthusiasm as excitement for the food he held. Little did he realize that the Wolfian's delight was more about encountering, once more, the person who resembled him.

Without concern for his fine robe, Seokjin settled onto the grass and placed the chicken before Taehyung. "Here you are. I thought you might enjoy this," he said, his voice steady despite the pounding of his heart at the prospect of sitting so near to a Wolfian. "A token of goodwill."

Seokjin carefully unwrapped the chicken, and as he did, Taehyung's nose twitched, inhaling the mouthwatering aroma that enveloped him. He stared at the food, his tail wagging more vigorously with each passing moment. Yet, confusion washed over him; there was no neck to chomp down on, no fur to pluck, and no blood to drink.

Noticing Taehyung's hesitation, Seokjin tore off a succulent piece of chicken leg, revealing the tender meat beneath the crispy skin. He extended it toward him. "Here you are," he encouraged, his voice warm and inviting. "It is quite delightful."

Taehyung sniffed the offering, his mouth watering as his stomach growled audibly. Yet, he remained unmoving, caught in a struggle between instinct and curiosity.

"Is something amiss?" Seokjin inquired, his brow furrowing with concern. "This is the city's most renowned roasted chicken. People travel for days and wait in long lines to savor its taste."

Taehyung tilted his head, his gaze flickering between Seokjin and the chicken leg extended toward him. His eyes held a spark of confusion, clearly unsure how to approach this unusual way of eating. Accustomed to tearing into his food whole and raw, the concept of this carefully prepared meal, with its enticing yet foreign aroma, was something he couldn't quite grasp.

Seokjin waited patiently, the air thick with anticipation. Then, with a swift, sudden motion, Taehyung swatted the chicken leg from Seokjin's hand, sending it tumbling to the ground where it landed in the soft earth, instantly covered in soil. Before Seokjin could utter a word of protest, Taehyung dropped onto all fours, his posture transforming to something wild and instinctual. He lunged at the chicken, tearing into it with fierce, unrestrained bites, low growls resonating from his throat.

The sight was enough to startle any passerby, yet Seokjin held his ground, observing the young Wolfian's fierce hunger with a mix of fascination and caution. This untamed display served as a stark reminder of just how different this wolf was from the world he himself belonged to—a world bound by customs and refinement. Though a slight tremor ran through him, Seokjin gently nudged the remaining chicken toward Taehyung, a silent offering in hopes of appeasing the wild creature before him.

With eyes wide in delight, Taehyung savored every morsel, each bite a burst of flavor far beyond the familiar blandness of raw meat and the iron tang of blood he had known for centuries. His senses were captivated, each taste as exhilarating as the last. Within moments, not even a scrap or bone remained; he had devoured it all, the last traces of the roasted meal vanishing with remarkable speed.

Taehyung gazed up at Seokjin, eyes wide, a silent plea for more evident in his expression. Seokjin looked at him regretfully, a soft sigh escaping. "Alas, I must apologize," he said with a bow of his head. "The merchant allows but a single chicken to each patron in a day."

Yet, Taehyung was undeterred, inching closer as if convinced this man held more of the savory meal. Seokjin's breath caught, and his instincts flared with an urgent warning. His mind raced as Taehyung's nose trailed closer, seeking out lingering traces of the meal. 

In a sudden, unexpected motion, they both toppled to the ground. Taehyung, quick as ever, had pinned Seokjin beneath him with swift ease. The young Wolfian's face hovered close, his keen nose brushing Seokjin's neck as he sniffed, persistent in his pursuit. A nervous chuckle escaped Seokjin's lips—a rare sound for a man usually composed.

"H-Hold, now," he stammered, voice wavering despite his attempts at poise. "I assure you, I carry no more provisions." He managed a weak smile. "Nor would it benefit you to consider me as your next meal."

This was precisely why he had always taken care to avoid Wolfians; Foxkins, by nature, were their natural prey. And Seokjin—lacking the physical fortitude his lineage was known for—felt utterly defenseless. With the Wolfian's weight pressing him firmly to the earth, a humbling sense of his own vulnerability crept over him, sharper than he had anticipated.

Fortunately, Taehyung showed no intention of devouring the one creature he felt some kinship toward. His curiosity about their resemblance had yet to be satisfied, and this intriguing figure before him held too much mystery to end things so abruptly. After a final, cautious sniff and confirming that Seokjin had nothing more to offer, Taehyung eased off him, backing away with a satisfied look.

Settling onto the ground once more, he began to lick his lips clean, a pleased expression crossing his face. Seokjin watched him with quiet relief, still catching his breath, as he marveled at the Wolfian's unexpectedly gentle demeanor.

Seokjin seized the moment to rise from the ground, carefully brushing the soil from his fine robes. "I shall take my leave now. You are well-fed, so farewell," he said, his tone a touch brisk as he reached for Rangjae's reins.

Before turning fully away, he dared a glance back, meeting Taehyung's gaze. With a cautious bow, he offered a gesture of respect, hoping it would keep the Wolfian appeased. But a flicker of anxiety quickened his steps, and with his heart still pounding, he led his horse away, eager to distance himself from the unpredictable wolf in the forest.

Taehyung watched as Seokjin started to walk away, a feeling of loss washing over him. Rising from the ground, he trailed after the man, keeping a respectful distance. Seokjin sensed his presence but felt powerless to deter the young Wolfian; at least Taehyung maintained a safe space between them.

Seokjin's journey, on foot with Rangjae pulling the cart beside him, inevitably slowed his progress. It would take him three to four days to reach Hanyang, the capital of Joseon, and during that time, Taehyung followed closely behind.

At times, Seokjin found himself wondering what exactly the Wolfian desired. He had made it clear that he had no more chicken, yet Taehyung continued to follow. Still, his worries lessened, knowing that the Wolfian was simply trailing him and not acting on any aggressive instincts.

On the first night, Seokjin started a fire using dry twigs and branches, huddling near the warmth as he shared the space with Rangjae. The flickering flames danced in the night, casting shadows among the trees.

For Taehyung, it was the first time witnessing such a spectacle. He climbed a nearby tree, his heart pounding as he watched the fire's mesmerizing glow. Fear twisted in his stomach at the sight of the flames crackling and licking at the air. The heat radiated outward, and Taehyung felt a primal instinct to retreat, his ears twitching as he tried to understand how Seokjin remained so calm in the presence of such an intimidating force.

On the second night, Seokjin prepared fish soup with wild mushrooms, kindly offering Taehyung a bowl as he noticed the Wolfian eyeing him from atop a tree. Yet, Taehyung didn't seem to regard it as food. Instead, he hunted his own dinner—a mountain hawk-eagle, a fierce bird native to the Joseon forests. As Taehyung tore into the bird with his fangs, blood splattered and dripped into Seokjin's bowl, causing his stomach to turn. He quickly placed the bowl aside, losing all appetite at the grisly sight.

Thinking Seokjin also didn't see the soup as food, Taehyung, in a gesture of generosity, bit off a piece of raw meat and flung it toward him. The bloody chunk landed squarely on Seokjin's cheek, and he yelped in shock.

His heart raced as he scrambled to fling the meat aside, his face paling at the unexpected assault. Raised in a family of respect and refinement, Seokjin had never encountered such a crude action before. Disgust washed over him as he hurriedly wiped his cheek with a handkerchief, recoiling at the texture of the raw flesh that clung to his skin.

On the third night, rain began to fall, urging Seokjin to create a makeshift shelter using burdock leaves, well-known for their broad, sturdy structure and water-resistant qualities. These leaves, abundant in the forests of Joseon, were large enough to effectively block the rain when arranged properly.

The cover for his cart, crafted from thick, oiled canvas, proved invaluable in such weather. Seokjin had carefully draped it over the cart, ensuring that no rain could seep through to damage the goods within. The tightly woven, water-resistant canvas was securely fastened to the wooden frame, forming a reliable barrier against the relentless downpour.

Seokjin ensured both he and Rangjae were well-covered from the rain before glancing over at Taehyung. The young Wolfian sat on a tree branch, exposed to the elements. Rain cascaded down his bare skin, glistening like droplets of dew on his lightly toned physique. His strong limbs held a lithe grace, and his chest rose and fell rhythmically as he breathed in the fresh, rain-scented air.

Taehyung's hair, dampened by the rain, clung to his forehead, accentuating his sharp, striking features. The natural beauty of his form exuded both fierceness and allure, capturing Seokjin's curiosity as he observed the Wolfian's connection to the wild.

For the past few days they had spent together, Taehyung had been observing Seokjin intently, his curiosity piqued by everything the man did. Each action Seokjin took, from kindling a fire to preparing meals and tending to Rangjae, held a mystery that fascinated him.

Taehyung marveled at how someone who bore a striking resemblance to him could engage in such unfamiliar activities. The simplicity of Seokjin's movements contrasted sharply with the raw instincts that governed Taehyung's whole life in the wild, and he felt an overwhelming desire to understand this intriguing creature who seemed to belong to another world entirely.

However, Seokjin felt uncomfortable under Taehyung's constant watchful gaze. He shifted uneasily beneath the shelter, wondering if he should have offered the boy some space. Tentatively, he patted the space in front of him. "Do you want to stay here instead? It can shelter you from the rain."

Taehyung's wolf ears flicked at the sound of Seokjin's voice amidst the heavy raindrops, but he clearly couldn't understand the invitation. His bushy tail flicked behind him, showing he was relaxed and making no movement to leave the tree.

Seokjin didn't know how else to invite him over, so he let it be. If this Wolfian lived in the forest, surely the rain was of little concern to him. Besides, maintaining some distance felt safer; his trust in Taehyung was still tentative. Huddling closer to Rangjae for warmth, he eventually drifted into a light sleep, his senses still alert to the sounds of the rain and the rustling of the forest around him.

The next morning, they resumed their journey. Seokjin munched on a bun, savoring its bland taste, while Taehyung trailed behind in silence. Despite the lack of conversation, both had surprisingly grown accustomed to each other's quiet company.

As Taehyung moved on all fours behind Seokjin, his gaze wandered to the man's legs. He marveled at how Seokjin managed to walk on two instead of four, moving with such ease and grace. Taehyung's curiosity deepened as he noticed that Seokjin's feet were hidden beneath a strange fabric, unlike his own, which were caked with dirt and soil from his life in the wild. He wondered what it would feel like to walk without the earth clinging to him, a thought that both intrigued and puzzled him.

The differences between them felt more pronounced with each passing day, yet an unspoken bond continued to form in their shared silence.

As the sun began to set, Seokjin finally caught sight of the city ahead, its tall walls rising majestically against the darkening sky. A sense of relief washed over him, for beyond those gates lay his home, a place he longed to return to after days of weary travel on foot.

However, as he drew nearer to the forest's edge, he noticed the sound of movements slowing down behind him. Turning back, he found Taehyung lagging behind, his expression a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.

Realizing they were at the edge of the forest, Taehyung felt a sinking sensation in his chest. It was clear to him that they would soon part ways, just as they had during their first encounter. Hesitation gripped him, and he finally settled on the ground, his gaze fixed on Seokjin.

Seokjin offered a helpless smile, a twinge of guilt washing over him at the thought of sending the young Wolfian back after their four days of shared travel. He had grown accustomed to Taehyung's presence, a strange comfort amidst the feud between their clans. Yet, he understood that Taehyung seemed reluctant to venture beyond the forest that had always been his home. "Go back. It grows dark now," he said softly, his voice tinged with concern.

Taehyung barked in response, his voice deep and clear, startling Seokjin. It was the first sound he'd heard from the Wolfian that wasn't a growl, and it seemed like a genuine attempt at communication. However, Seokjin could not decipher the meaning behind the barks.

Unbeknownst to Seokjin, Taehyung sought to express his desire for the man to return to the forest, to join him as a packmate rather than abandon him to the silence of his solitary existence. The specter of loneliness haunted Taehyung, especially now that he yearned to learn more about the man who bore such a striking resemblance to him. The connection they had forged over their days of travel stirred within him an unquenchable curiosity, one that made the thought of separation all the more painful.

Though Seokjin didn't fully grasp Taehyung's intent, he could sense the urgency in the Wolfian's demeanor—a desperate yearning for companionship. However, he could not forsake his life in the city or neglect his duties. "I apologize, but I must take my leave and return home," he replied gently.

As Seokjin bowed slightly and turned to leave with Rangjae, Taehyung barked again, inching closer to the forest's edge yet still hesitant to step into the world beyond. His tail whipped around, a reflection of his anxiety.

Seokjin glanced back, hearing the soft whimper that escaped Taehyung as he paced restlessly, torn between two worlds. The Wolfian was so close to crossing the threshold, yet fear held him back, evident in the agitated flick of his tail and the nervous energy coursing through him.

Seokjin sensed the turmoil within Taehyung, and a flicker of empathy washed over him. Despite the long-standing animosity between their clans and the teachings of his upbringing warning him to avoid Wolfians, he felt his heartstrings tugged by the anxious creature before him. Taehyung appeared so lost and vulnerable, his whimpers and barks echoing with uncertainty.

Sighing softly, Seokjin closed his eyes, striving to think logically and rein in his sympathy. Yet, as he did, Taehyung's mournful howl pierced through his resolve. His eyes snapped open, and he turned to Taehyung, who gazed up at the dark sky with eyes glowing like molten gold, howling with deep sorrow.

Seokjin was momentarily mesmerized by the sight. It was only when Taehyung ceased his lament and looked back at him, his eyes gradually returning to their earthy brown, that Seokjin snapped out of his reverie. He felt a surge of foolishness at the thoughts racing through his mind—what he considered utterly ridiculous—yet he found clarity, unclouded by doubt, as he extended his hand toward the Wolfian.

Seokjin took a breath, trying to remain calm despite the heavy emotions swirling around them. "Would you like to come with me?" he asked softly, his heart racing as he offered the invitation.

Taehyung looked at Seokjin's outstretched hand, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. He glanced down at his own hand, rough and dirty, a stark contrast to Seokjin's slim, smooth skin, glowing faintly in the dim light. Hesitant but drawn by instinct, he mimicked Seokjin's motion, reaching out slowly before pulling back again, confusion swirling within him.

Another whimper escaped Taehyung, caught between desire and doubt.

Seokjin realized that lingering in this moment would accomplish nothing, especially as darkness encroached upon them. He had one final option, one he had often refrained from taking.

Drawing on his lineage as a direct descendant of the first Foxkin, he took a deep breath, channeling his thoughts into a focused calm. His brown eyes transformed to a deep lavender, reflecting the rare hue associated with his lineage, as he emitted a soothing aura, summoning the fox spirit within him to ease Taehyung's turmoil.

"Hush now," he urged, his voice imbued with an authority that compelled Taehyung to quiet his whimpers.

This unique ability, a rare inheritance of his bloodline, had once been a formidable power among the Foxkin, allowing its wielder to soothe emotions and command the will of others to bend to their desires. In the days of old, it served as a potent instrument of control, granting the Foxkin the capacity to impose their wishes upon others with absolutely no resistance.

Yet as the years flowed on, the lineage found itself burdened by the weight of sacrifice. Each generation had forfeited a portion of their strength, leading to a gradual physical frailty among their descendants. What had once been a source of pride and dominance was now diminished, the once-great ability reduced to a mere shadow of its former glory. To employ this gift now came at an exorbitant cost, for it demanded the sacrifice of nearly a thousand years of one’s lifespan—a dire price that rendered its use forbidden and heavily discouraged.

Thus, the revered art, once celebrated with honor, had transformed into a desperate act of self-defense, wielded only in moments of great peril. It became a whispered caution among the Foxkin, a stark reminder of the burdens entwined with their heritage, leaving behind the echoes of a power that had been and could no longer be.

Seokjin understood the weight of this knowledge deeply; he had never dared to use his ability before, holding it in reverence and fear. He knew it was a power meant for dire situations, a last resort reserved for moments of desperation when all other options had failed. Now, facing the Wolfian before him, he took a deep breath and focused.

A unique scent wafted toward Taehyung, and his eyes widened as he finally stilled, ceasing his restless movements. He gazed up at Seokjin, whose hand remained outstretched, accompanied by a gentle smile.

"Come to me if you wish. There is no need to fear; I will not harm you," Seokjin reassured him, though inwardly, he thought, 'I can only pray you won't harm me either.'

Though Taehyung couldn't understand Seokjin's words, the soothing cadence of his voice enveloped him, filling the moment with an enchanting allure. All he could think about was closing the distance between them, bridging the gap that had kept them apart.

Unbeknownst to him, as if entranced by Seokjin, he had already crossed the invisible boundary he had set for himself. He snapped back to reality only when he felt a large hand patting his head, his eyes widening at the unfamiliar gesture.

"Well done, you did it," Seokjin praised, his gentle smile warm and inviting.

Taehyung glanced back, realizing he had stepped beyond the forest—the place he had bound himself to for so long. The ground beneath him felt different, no longer the familiar soil of his home but a soft, grassy expanse, a transition between the forest and the city.

Seokjin kept a quiet smile as he moved away to take his horse's reins. Though it was unfortunate that he had used his ability for a Wolfian, even sacrificing a portion of his lifespan in the process, he did not regret it in the least. The look of amazement in Taehyung's eyes, witnessing his own steps beyond the forest, made the sacrifice feel worthwhile.

As Seokjin continued to set off toward the city, Taehyung instinctively followed, this time keeping close to both the man and his horse.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Fun fact: Hanyang, the capital of the Joseon Dynasty, is the present-day Seoul!