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7th Year, Slytherin Common Room

Tang Bo has quite the odd reputation amongst his fellow Slytherins.

On one hand, he was from a pure blood family, dating back even before the creation of Hogwarts itself. On the other, he really couldn't care less about the family of those he would hang around with.

On one hand, he was one of the top students of his age. On the other, he keeps losing his own House points because of the trouble he constantly manages to get himself into since third year.

He was distant and can be typically seen brooding by himself inside the Slytherin common room. But for some reason, he's a mass of energy running around the corridors during class hours, yelling after a certain Hufflepuff that he was pretty close with.

So opinions about him are quite varied.

Like right now, not a single one of his fellow students dared to come in his vicinity. He took the spot next to the fireplace, for once seen without that dark look on his face. However, there was something equally terrifying than the usual gloom and doom he wears inside the common room.

There was literally a massive tiger. Just casually lounging next to him on the floor. As if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Now, pets aren't banned inside the school premises. But only if it is limited to small pets, like cats and owls.

This…this tiger isn't a small pet!

Actually, this was a common sight since he became a fifth year. His seniors once complained loudly to the staff about Tang Bo keeping a tiger inside the school. But, much to their chagrin, the Headmaster only found the situation funny and allowed him to keep it as long as it doesn't try to hurt anyone.

No one knows where his tiger sleeps or hangs around during the times he isn't in the dorm, though. It was as if that thing just vanished from thin air. There were some theories circulating around that it was probably out prowling in the Forbidden Forest, trying to claim its own territory against the centaurs and other magical beasts that live in the area.

As for Tang Bo, he couldn't care less about their opinions. Instead, he had his eyes fixed on the overgrown cat curled up comfortably next to him. It had its eyes shut tight and was paying no attention to the strange looks that everyone was giving them.

He cannot help it. Tang Bo reached out to pat the top of the tiger's head.

Much to his delight, he heard the familiar rumbling sound from the sleeping animal. A grin crept up his face, and he went to bury his head on the tiger's fur. His hand hasn't stopped lightly petting the giant thing.

“Are you purring?”

That sound stopped immediately. Its eyelids cracked open. A pair of pretty rose colored eyes peeked down at him with much confusion that an animal shouldn't be able to express this greatly. Then, it rolled its eyes and went back to sleep.

So cute! The purring was probably a subconscious thing as well! He had to stop himself from aggressively patting the tiger unless he wanted his head bitten off.

He peeked up from the mass of fur to look again. As if feeling his gaze, the animal opened its eyes to stare back.

“Hyung, is it really so comfortable here?”

Hyung? Those close enough to hear ask themselves. Is that some sort of nickname? Who in their right mind would nickname their pet as ‘Hyung’?

Most importantly, doesn't he already call someone else by that name? Would it really be okay if he found out Tang Bo named a tiger after him? Just the thought of that person sent shivers down their spine.

Anyway for that comment, he found himself toppling over and away from his comfortable bed of fur. The tiger snorted and turned its back on the collapsed wizard who was groaning on the cold floor.

Oh well. He deserved that for pointing out useless things.

“Yah! Why did you push me away!” He complained to the tiger.

He sees the tail flick in annoyance, almost hitting his face in the process. Tang Bo gaped at him for a bit, before diving down with his arms wide open. He tackled the massive tiger without hesitation, uncaring if it starts trying to slap him away.

“It’s over! It's over! You're not allowed to escape my arms—Ah! Wait, wait, I was kidding!”

Tang Bo shoots back up on his feet, hastily moving away when he sees the animal baring his teeth threateningly at him. Even with his wand hanging by his side, it was as if he forgot he could just easily use magic.

“It was a joke! A jooooke!”

He hastily jerked back to avoid the massive paw that tried to swipe at him.

“In my defense, your fur is comfortable, okay?!”

The tiger was glaring…how impressive. His fellow Slytherins didn't think anyone could actually annoy an animal this much.

It suddenly stood up, huffing angrily, before turning away from him and walking towards the exit of the common room.

“W—wait, where are you going?! I'm sorry! Don't leave!”

Too late for him, the portrait already shut close. Tang Bo sank on his knees, looking at it with a sort of blank despair.

3rd Year, Shrieking Shack

The massive tiger was, in fact, not his pet. Nor was it a random animal he picked up and befriended when he impulsively decided to trespass the Forbidden Forest during his second year. 

It was a human. A fellow student as well. But considering the fact that they're both Hogwarts students, dedicated to learning wizardry for seven years of their life, it wasn't that big of a surprise.

Their first proper encounter had been during the latter half of their third year. Tang Bo, as one of the top students since first year, would usually spend his free time reading advanced books on Transfiguration. That was originally how he found out about animagi before it was actually taught.

This is interesting, was his thought process once he'd finished reading.

The idea of turning into an animal and being able to infiltrate places without anyone knowing sounded like an interesting idea to him. But once he found out it was something that is usually only taught to seniors—well, he was disappointed.

But Tang Bo wasn't the kind of person to give up easily.

So he learned by himself.

Yes, it's illegal. Yes, it's dangerous. But so what? He wanted to learn, so he would learn. He was good at both Transfiguration and Potions anyway. If things were to go wrong, he would prepare a potion that he can drink to correct any mishaps that he might encounter.

So he spent his entire second year learning how to become an animagus. Surprisingly, the process was quite smooth sailing. By the time the next semester came, he had fully mastered the process. Although the only issue about this was the fact that he wasn’t registered.

(It’s fine. In the first place, he should be allowed to keep a few secrets, right? It wasn’t that he was distrustful of the Ministry of Magic, but he thinks there are some things that he should be able to hide from them.

At least, that’s what his mother used to tell him in hushed voices in the past.)

But why is it an advanced subject? Maybe I'm just a genius? He considered the possibility.

Well, he was. That much was established a long time ago. He was just relieved he didn't end up unable to transform back into a human.

In his third year, Tang Bo was already ahead of everyone else in his year, who was only about to start learning. While they were busy stuffing Mandrake leaves in their mouths, he was already able to turn into a snake, making his way stealthily around the school without anyone noticing. He even overheard, multiple times, conversations that his Housemates usually hide from him while slithering around the common rooms.

It was a wonder how no one noticed him.

There was one place he found when going around school as a snake. He found it purely by accident back, when he’d gone through an unfamiliar passageway and allowed his curiosity to overtake him. He only remembered accidentally getting a little too close to yet another banned area, the Whomping Willow, when he stumbled upon the area.

Really, if they would announce a place as banned, then it's basically like painting a massive sign that tells him to go explore that place. Tang Bo was a naturally curious person, after all.

He's usually the only person who actually had the guts to enter that place. It was a rather shabby place, he couldn't imagine anyone else spending time there if they were looking for a place to relax. Tang Bo himself only ventured down so he could practice in secret a few advanced hexes he found in the library.

Just as he lowered his guard down–

Something slammed down on top of his snake body.

A loud hiss escapes him. Tang Bo tried to thrash around to get away from whatever was on top of him. He lifted his head, teeth barred and ready to bite whatever it was.

Instead, he saw something he was completely unprepared to see.

There was another person inside his secret room, except there was something weird about him. He had dark hair, pulled up with a ponytail and he stared at the snake with an unnatural eye color. The most surprising thing about him was…the pair of orange cat ears at the top of his head, and a tail swishing unhappily from behind.

…Huh?!

Tang Bo diverted his attention to what was restraining him. Just as he thought, it was a massive paw with a tiger's pattern.

What's going on?

“What a weird snake,” the person commented. “What’s that bump on top of its head? Does it have a tumor?”

Feeling offended by that comment, he turned back into his human form. He felt a bit grateful that the clothes transform along him during the process, because he would like to keep as much dignity as possible when confronting this weird, rude person. He sees the other person's eyes widen in surprise, before he took away the way that was resting on top of Tang Bo’s back.

“Yah! Who has a tumor, you rude bastard!” He can’t help it if his snake form looked like that! In fact, he lamented over the imperfection for a long time. But alas, it never faded since it was his own defining characteristic as an animagus.

“...Who are you?” The stranger asked, squinting suspiciously at him.

Tang Bo narrowed his eyes. “I should be asking you that. You're intruding in my place.”

“Your place? I've been here the past few days and I've never seen you before.”

“I've been here since the beginning of the semester.”

“Tsk. Prove it, then. Besides, it hasn’t even been that long since the semester started!”

He wrinkled his nose in annoyance. This person, how can he be so arrogant when he's literally stuck in the middle of his transformation, ah? At least get rid of those ears? No, the tail is definitely more annoying. It kept flicking in what was most definitely irritation.

“Anyway, who even are you?!”

Tang Bo moved his head back slightly to avoid the paw that went towards his face. It was likely that this strange person was trying to point an accusing finger at him. Except it doesn't really work as well as human hands. His claws are also out, almost cutting the Tang’s face.

He stared in confusion. The reason why he hadn't answered the first question was because he assumed this weird guy would eventually realize it over time.

Who doesn't know him? His professors literally sing him praises (except in History of Magic). He was one of the best students of Slytherin, someone who came from a pureblood family! Even though he never announced that fact proudly, everyone was aware of that.

“Do you really not know me?”

“Nope. Don't care. Never seen you in my life before.”

“...”

Who…just who was this brat?

“What year are you?” He asked.

“Huh? Third year. Why does it matter?”

He's the same year as Tang Bo! It made even less sense that he doesn't know!

He tries to grasp some hints. Unfortunately, this strange guy was already in his casual clothes and did not have his House colors anywhere in sight.

“...”

This is a predicament.

Honestly, he doesn't know what to do after this. That person wasn't planning on introducing himself, and his questions of who Tang Bo was is purely rhetoric. Which means he wasn't expecting any sort of actual response. It was already awkward how they met, but when that weirdo turned around, he was given the hint that a conversation wasn’t welcomed.

He frowned and huffed.

“Just don’t get in my way complaining if I accidentally hit you.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

There it was again. That dismal response again. He’s never felt so astounded until that moment.

Tang Bo went back to doing what his original plan had been. Wand pointed at a random beam in the room, he had reviewed inside his head what he was supposed to do. But after a few minutes, he found himself unable to focus due to the sound of quiet mumblings and cursing from not too far away.

He briefly glanced at the other person, who still hasn’t figured out how to get rid of his animal features. Was he also trying to learn by himself? He exhaled again, feeling the heavy vials he always brought with him in case he was going to shift. However, since that stranger had been rude, he figured there was no reason for him to help him out with his problem.

He refocused on his hex. Taking a deep breath, he flicked his wand at this target.

It didn’t work as expected.

Since it was his first time trying it, he hadn’t expected much. Still, a bright light escaped from the tip of his wand, and flew opposite of where he had intended it to go. Tang Bo’s heart dropped when it went sideways and past him, straight to the other side of that room towards the grumbling student tucked off to the corner.

“Wait, watch out—”

It was too late. His haywire spell was already too close when he called out, and there would not be enough time for the other person to pull his wand. Not to mention, there was no way to properly hold a wand with paws for hands. So, face pale, he flinched while waiting for what would happen.

He only saw the other’s eyes flick towards his direction. And the light from his spell dissipated midair.

….Huh?

Huh?

For the second time, he found himself asking what happened. Tang Bo stood, holding his wand in a dumbfounded manner, staring at his only companion in the room.

If he squinted his eyes and looked closely, he would be able to see a faint round shape just blocking in front of the dark haired man.

That…that…

“What now?! Are you looking for a fight, you brat?!”

“Wandless magic?” He asked before he could stop himself, eyes wide. He didn’t even notice how he was called a brat.

Tang Bo has seen a lot of talented people in this school, but he’s never actually met anyone who can perform wandless magic with such ease. He heard a lot of muggleborns do so when their talents have started to manifest or when their emotions get too much, but none of them were able to retain it once they start studying.

Does this make sense? How’s this person, whom he’s never heard of, able to perform that like it was second-nature? And as a third year as well?

Isn’t that some sort of cheat?

“Oh, oops,” the other person mumbled to himself, remembering himself. “Sahyung would get mad at me.”

Sahyung? He asked himself mentally. Who calls someone ‘sahyung’ these days? You’re a wizard, not a martial arts disciple!

“Yah,” Tang Bo calls out loud. He digs inside his pocket and throws the vial he kept there. “Use that. Then tell me your name after.”

He caught it with both paws. Amazing how it did not slip from his hands.

“Huh? Who are you to tell me what to do?”

His eye twitched at that response. Could this bastard be from Gryffindor? Only those guys would have this much incredible ability to annoy him.

“Don’t you want to get rid of those ears?”

He sees the corner of his mouth quirk downward in discontent, probably not happy with having to follow someone else’s instructions. Still, it seemed like his desire to get rid of those stupid animal features won out in the end. He took one quick gulp, draining the vial immediately, and made a face.

“It tastes terrible.”

“It’s not supposed to be tasty, you know.”

“Tch.”

The effect was immediate. The ears and tail vanished with a poof, leaving only a few strands of fur behind. Even the tiger paws melted away to reveal a pair of human hands. The dark haired boy stared at it for a bit, before setting aside the vial.

“Okay, now that you’re not weird to look at—”

But unlike what he thought, that guy suddenly pulled out his wand and started charging straight towards him.

“No one points a wand at me while I’m not looking, you bastard!!! I will make you regret shooting a jinx at me!”

“Wh—Hey! It was an accident!” He yelled back, pulling out his own wand.

Contrary to his own expectations, the wand wasn’t used to fire a spell. Instead, it was wielded like it was a dagger, striking the base of his palm and hitting exactly where his hand finds itself weakening and letting go of his grip.

…What!!!

That’s not how wizards fight! This weirdo is really asking for it!!

“That’s foul play!” Tang Bo protested, trying to retrieve his wand.

“Foul play? Foul play, ah? Weren’t you the one who tried to jinx me while I wasn’t looking?!”

“It was an accident, you stubborn—”

“What was that?!”

Tang Bo, one of the best of his age and born from a notorious pureblood family, found himself being defeated that day.

By some rude, weird person who threw aside his own wand to fistfight with him instead, no less.

3rd Year, Charms classroom

It was their first Charms lesson for the year. For some reason, the professor had run into some problems and had to visit Hogsmeade to get it fixed during the first week. Then, the Ravenclaw towers ended up bursting into flames because of some madman who was trying to do an experiment inside the dorm room. He spent three days fixing everything in the dorm and the other two punishing the student. The other two days of the week don't have the class scheduled.

In other words, they were very behind on their lessons.

Most of the time, the Slytherins are also scheduled to go to class with the Ravenclaws. But there was some modification lately, which was why they are now attending the lesson with a different House. Thankfully, it wasn’t their red rivals.

Or maybe not? Tang Bo found himself staring slack-jawed at the person who was boredly standing in line, waiting for the room to open.

That…

Hey, isn’t that the guy who was beating him black and blue two days ago? The guy who can’t figure out how to get out of his half-animagus state?

What? What?

That violent guy is a Hufflepuff?! 

No, more importantly, he doesn’t recall that person being there in the few lessons they used to share with the Hufflepuffs. How does this make sense?

He must’ve been gaping for too long, because one of his Housemates looked at the direction he was looking at out of curiosity. When he saw the dark haired Hufflepuff, he rapidly turned pale and stepped back.

“What, did he do something to you?”

“Huh?” Tang Bo frowned looking over. “Hey, do you know that person?”

“So he did do something!”

“Am I not allowed to ask now?” he scowled, disliking how conclusions are immediately being jumped to.

“Uh…right. Sorry, Tang Bo. I was just—why do you even want to know?”

“None of your business.”

“...Oh.”

He crossed his arms, waiting impatiently for the reply. Although Slytherins were known for their pride, it all seemed to melt in the face of that scowling, intimidating person who also happened to be the top student of the House.

“He’s also in our year, named Cheong Myeong. I heard he was a really good Beater, but the other teams banned him from playing Quidditch after last year.”

“Why? What happened last year?”

Tang Bo never found any interest in watching the sport. He would rather lock himself inside the boys’ dorm rooms and read up on more charms. This was probably another reason why he doesn’t recognize this Cheong Myeong.

“I heard he hit someone so badly the other person was bedridden for a month.”

“...”

Tang Bo briefly thinks back to their encounter under the Whomping Willow and thought that it wasn’t that impossible to believe after all. He experienced that person’s sudden violence unexpectedly. He really can’t blame the other teams for rallying to ban him from playing.

Still, it was a bit pitiful. He can’t imagine being kicked out only a year after he started playing.

His staring caught the eye of Cheong Myeong. He turned his head and steadily met Tang Bo’s gaze. His eyebrows quirked upward by a millimeter due to recognition. He did nothing any more than that to acknowledge his presence, though.

Hmph. What a haughty man. Tang Bo thinks he would probably really dislike this person. No, he should probably resolve himself to not interact with him. They already started on the wrong foot, leaving bad impressions that had no way of being erased. He wasn’t so eager to find out just how worse things could get.

As if trying to screw up his plans, Tang Bo found himself sitting inside the Charms classroom, next to the odd Hufflepuff that he just told himself he would never associate himself with. Somehow, they’ve ended up as a pair for the task waiting for them, assigned personally by the professor.

…What kind of luck is this?

For his part, Cheong Myeong also did not say anything about their last encounter. He stared at what was written ahead, the instructions for the Cheering Charm. He just boredly drew out his wand and lazily swished it.

Tang Bo felt himself overcome by a strange feeling of giddiness.

“Oh.” He looks at his activity partner with strange eyes. Because he was such an underhanded and brute of a person, he almost forgot that this is the same guy who countered his hex without using a wand. Which means he must’ve had a certain expertise in magic as well.

“Excellent work as usual, Cheong Myeong-ah. Since you’re the first one to succeed, that's ten points to Hufflepuff,” the professor praised, coming from what felt like nowhere and eyeing the random upward tilts of Tang Bo who was trying to stop himself from smiling too much. He waved his wand, and the feeling vanished immediately.

Cheong Myeong-ah?

So he must have really excelled in this class, for the professor to openly praise him like this and call him comfortably. Cheong Myeong did not look too surprised as well, only shrugging and eyeing the other student who sat across from him.

“Don’t mess up this time around.”

“...”

Tang Bo almost fumbled in his wand motions at the sudden comment. He silently glared, recognizing it as a snide remark for what happened last time. And here he was thinking it won’t get mentioned for a while.

“I don’t need your reminder.”

With a swift motion, he successfully casted his own Cheering Charm. He witnessed with his own eyes how his activity partner grinned at him, teeth way too sharp for it to be friendly. Still, the professor recognized that his attempt was good as well, and was awarded five points to Slytherin.

By the end of the class, there was one thing Tang Bo concluded: It won’t do him well to get mixed up with this weird Hufflepuff. At all.

7th Year, Hogsmeade Station

“I hate this.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine!” Tang Bo assured, pulling him along by hand as they made their way across the station. There’s already a long line of students being checked for their pass to the village. From beside him, Cheong Myeong loudly complained while rubbing his hands together.

“It’s cold.”

“It’s winter, Hyung. Of course it’s cold.”

“I should be asleep!” He did not stop, teeth chattering as they followed the slowly moving line. “It’s not cold in the dorm rooms. I could be up there right now, bundled up in my blankets and not cold.”

“Ei, we made an agreement, remember?”

“No we—”

“Besides, haven’t you missed drinking Butterbeer?”

Seeing the hesitation on Cheong Myeong’s figure, Tang Bo grinned smugly. He knew he already won.

Still, that did not mean that his shivering stopped. He had to bury his hands under his armpits, even with the thick gloves that he was already wearing. Tang Bo noticed this detailed, and sighed.

He turned to the person behind him. It was his junior, two years behind.

“Yah, remember we’re the ones in line in front of you. Don’t forget.”

“...Yes.”

The poor girl cannot even find the courage to complain.

Anyway, Tang Bo pulled his companion aside so that they are able to stand still instead of going along with the constantly moving line. He unwrapped his scarf from his neck and moved it over to the other person, making sure to wrap it around him as snugly as possible to provide maximum warmth.

Cheong Myeong peeked up at him from within a thick layer of scarf. He already had one on, so it was a bit ridiculous to see him with another. However, since he slowly stopped shivering, then there was no problem with it.

“Better?”

“This is the least you could do for dragging me here,” the Hufflepuff scowled, before turning around again to return to their line.

Letting out a fond exhale, Tang Bo followed after him. He was easily able to match the other’s pace since it wasn’t brisk enough to make sure he could easily catch up. They rejoined the line of students, hearing some complaints from the back about them cutting the line until the rest of his Slytherin juniors turned to them, sneering about how they should just keep quiet about things they know nothing of.

“Huh?! What did you say, you slimy snakes?!”

“Hah! Leave it to you arrogant Gryffindors to kick up a fuss, huh?”

“Are you asking for a fight?”

Cheong Myeong watched them for a bit, entertained before turning his head back ahead.

“Your juniors are such bullies.”

“It can’t be helped, Hyung. They’re Gryffindors. You know how riled up everyone gets when it’s those two Houses involved. Besides, how come you’re the one telling me this, huh?!”

“Huh? What are you trying to say, you leech?”

“Weren’t you the one going around beating everyone up in the past?”

“In the past? Yah! Do you want me to beat you up, right here in the line?”

“Woah, look Hyung! It’s our turn! Finally, we get to enter Hogsmeade! Aren’t you excited to visit Three Broomsticks first?”

…The shamelessness of this guy is truly astounding. Cheong Myeong shook his head and just presented their ticket as proof that they had been allowed inside the village. There wasn’t much that happened after that. They were allowed to pass, and he had to try to bury himself further into his layers as the cold winter breeze blew when they took the first step.

“It’s c—Achoo! It’s cold!”

“I already gave you my scarf, though?”

“Well, it’s useless!”

“Then, should I hold your hand to warm you up?”

“Bastard, quit with those jokes already.”

“Okay.”

Tang Bo smiled, a little more subdued this time. They moved ahead so as to not block the way of the other students trying to get into the village as well. Inside his mind, he sighs.

I was being serious, though…

Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t given enough time to feel sorry for himself. At that moment, there was a sudden commotion just somewhere behind them. The loud noises easily caught the attention of the duo.

“Eugh…what is it this time…”

It wasn’t unusual for something to happen whenever it was the time to visit Hogsmeade. More often than not, students try to sneak in things that aren't allowed inside the school premises. Cheong Myeong himself was caught more than once for trying to bring with him an entire crate full of Butterbeer, claiming that his sahyung asked him to bring some for a party.

This time, it seems the problem stemmed from a group of kids trying to get inside the village.

“B–But…”

“You’re all second and first years. By the school rules, you aren’t allowed to enter Hogsmeade yet. Moreover, there is no special letter permitting you to go.”

“Just this once?”

“Absolutely not!”

Cheong Myeong stared blankly at the five—No, there is definitely one more hidden behind the one at the front. There are six kids trying their best to plead their way inside Hogsmeade, putting on the best pitiful faces that they could manage while their seniors were complaining endlessly behind them for the holdup.

“...I know those faces,” he mumbled to himself disbelievingly.

“Hyung, aren’t those the kids who kept following you around for no reason?”

“...Let’s not talk about that.”

It happened during his sixth year. There was this one newcomer who almost got lost in the Forbidden Forest by accident. Cheong Myeong, who made it his life goal to break every single Hogwarts rule there is, managed to find her by following the terrified screams. Ever since then, the young brat insisted on learning from him no matter how many times she was told that he would definitely learn eventually.

Yu Iseol was her name, if he was remembering right…?

And then there was another kid from Gryffindor. Although he hated Tang Bo with a burning passion, he always had to reluctantly agree to his presence once he figured out it was impossible to separate him from Cheong Myeong. His family was an old, strictly traditionalist one like the Tangs. They also had a line of pureblood Slytherins from their family, and the first one to break that history was him.

From what he remembers, the brat was once named Jin Dongryong. But he hated his family so much that he renounced them halfway through his first year and changed his name to Baek Cheon.

The reason why he hated Tang Bo so much was because the latter always made time to constantly annoy him by telling him every single contribution that his brother gives to their House. Baek Cheon, never the type to want to lose to his brother despite renouncing the family, naturally gets too fired up every single time.

Honestly, it would’ve been manageable if those two are the only ones clinging around him. But before he knew it, two Hufflepuffs named Yun Jong and Hye Yeon, an energetic Gryffindor called Jo Geol, and Tang Bo’s Ravenclaw cousin who had recently transferred from Beauxbatons had joined the group.

It was a mess.

And now, they were making an even greater mess by trying to trespass to Hogsmeade.

“Shouldn’t we do something?” Tang Bo asked, amused by how fiercely the younger students were trying to defend their side.

“I’d rather just leave them be. Tsk. Sticky brats.”

You love those brats, though.

And contrary to his words, he really did march up to their direction. As soon as Cheong Myeong appeared, those fiercely stubborn brats went as meek as sheep, staring innocently at him.

“You should be back in your dorm rooms doing your homework! Why are all of you out here, ah?”

“We want to go with you!” Tang Soso complains, immediately sticking to his side and protesting loudly. “Please?”

“It’s impossible.”

“But my cousin is allowed to!” She points straight at Tang Bo, who was snickering to himself while watching them.

“That’s because I’m older than you brats.”

“It’s unfair! So unfair!”

The Slytherin only smirked at them smugly. Weekends have always been his schedule with his Hyung. There was no way he was going to share Cheong Myeong to these snotty brats who keep trying to force themselves in between them.

Life was better before last year, really!

Contrary to his hopes, though, Cheong Myeong let out a resigned sigh.

“I guess we’re not going to Hogsmeade after all.”

These words also made Tang Bo trip into nothing.

“Wait, what?!”

“There’s no way these brats would go back quietly. Bo-ya, let’s just have that drink tomorrow. It’s still a weekend anyway.”

“B–but….But….”

“Really?!”

“Yeah, whatever. Let’s go.”

Tang Bo watched glumly as the group walked away from him, back to the direction of the massive school where there’s no alcohol and no interesting things happening.

He clenched his fist and stared helplessly at the sky.

He can’t wait to graduate from this accursed place. And maybe drag his Hyung with him as well. Or just follow him. It could go both ways, honestly. As long as they’re not leaving each other’s side.

Those kids though….they’re so frustrating.

….If things are like this, how on earth is Tang Bo supposed to ask the question he’s been meaning to bring up?

Eugh.

Really, what a mess.

Summer before 4th Year, Quidditch World Cup

It was too loud in this place. Too much excitement amongst everyone else present, and the World Cup itself hasn’t even started yet.

Tang Bo finds himself wrinkling his nose at the overly enthusiastic energy of everyone around him. He opted to leave the tent that his family set up for them, in search for something further away and more peaceful. He was never the type to enjoy high-energy places anyway.

In the first place, he was never that interested in Quidditch. He was only here because his family had insisted everyone watch the event. From what he knew, one of his cousins will be playing as the Chaser for their home country, but that won’t be until a few days later.

He lets out a heavy sigh.

Ultimately, Tang Bo ended up in an area with more trees compared to the clearing where the tents have been set up. He looked around for a bit, briefly thinking of climbing up a tree, before hesitating when he heard a noise somewhere nearby.

He fell silent, trying to hear it better. This time, he recognized it to be the voices of people, probably around the same age as him. There was more than one.

Out of curiosity, he ended up following the source of the voices. It led him further into the mass of trees, where there seemed to be five people facing each other.

No, observing closer, it seems like there’s four people facing one person.

He clicked his tongue. Really? Here in the Quidditch World Cup, some random kids are bullying another? He was so speechless that he stood there for a while. However, one of them moved to laugh at whoever it was they were teaming up against, and Tang Bo got a clear view of the last person.

He faltered.

Hey, isn’t that the Hufflepuff guy whom he doesn’t get along with? Cheong Myeong? The person who went to punch him without any proper reason?

He stared with a confused expression as Cheong Myeong did nothing while they laughed at him. No, isn’t this completely different from the personality he displayed back in Hogwarts? It was so bizarre that Tang Bo felt his head reeling from confusion.

“I suppose it’s only natural, you know? I heard he was only picked up when he was a kid. He doesn’t even know his mother, how can he be a pureblood?”

“Maybe he was left behind by his muggle parents because he was too weird?”

“That’s a bit pathetic!”

They fell into a round of laughter. Tang Bo’s eyes flicked towards the group. Frankly, it was a bit boring hearing them say those words. It’s like they were trying so hard to be mean that they’ve just been reusing the same lines over and over. Can’t these elitists have some sort of creativity?

Something caught his eye. No, that was definitely…

Cheong Myeong had his fist tightly clenched, as if he was holding himself back from beating up someone again. There was an annoyed glint in his gaze that made it clear just how much he’s had to restrain himself.

Tang Bo felt that if he doesn’t interfere, things won’t end well.

“Well, isn’t this a funny sight?”

Heads snapped towards his direction. The four people, although looking like they were the same age as the other two, weren’t someone he recognized at all. But it seemed like they knew him, because their faces paled when he came to full view for everyone.

They didn’t even show any discretion. Instead, they elbowed each other and started mumbling amongst themselves.

“Hey, isn’t that the Slytherin from the Tang Family?”

“Huh? Aren’t they all Slytherins?”

“I get what you mean. This is bad, that guy’s got nasty temper.”

“Let’s just leave, yeah. Let’s leave.”

Without even bothering to answer him or greet him, they all bolted away from that place, not even daring to look back as they went. Tang Bo watched their figures disappear for a long time, before turning back to the remaining person.

This guy…was someone he told himself he’s not getting himself entangled with. But for some reason, circumstances seem dead set on letting them keep meeting.

Cheong Myeong had his arms crossed, glaring so fiercely to the nearest tree that he could accidentally burn holes into it.

“I didn’t need your help.”

“You don’t, but they did,” Tang Bo replied off-handedly. Then, with narrowed eyes, he asked, “I don’t get why you were remaining silent. Normally you would’ve already hit them for those things they were saying.”

“I’m not allowed to do that during the World Cup.”

“Huh?”

“I promised sahyung not to cause trouble,” Cheong Myeong’s voice, this time, was a grumble. “He nagged my ear off for five hours the last time I did. If that’s happening again, then no thanks.”

Tang Bo stared in disbelief at this person.

“You’re not fighting because this… sahyung of yours banned you?”

“Yeah.”

“...I don’t get you at all.”

Considering Cheong Myeong’s reputation in school, with how talented he was as well, does it make sense for him to just obediently listen to whatever someone else told him to do? The idea of such a rowdy, uncontrollable guy to be restraining himself in fear of nagging was too much to wrap his head around.

There was also one more thing that piqued his interest, though.

He was going to ask, but he’s got more sense than straight out asking if someone was an orphan. So for now, he buried that memory in his mind, hopefully either until he forgets it or manages to get an answer from someone.

“Anyway, don’t come to help me next time. I don’t need it.”

“Fine.”

Casting one last strange look at that person, Tang Bo turned around again and left Cheong Myeong by himself in that area. He supposed he would have to look for somewhere else to go to instead.

7th Year, Hogwarts Great Hall

There was a group of female seventh year students chattering just outside the Great Hall when he was about to enter. They seem so absorbed in their conversation that they didn’t care about the passing Tang Bo who paused to listen to what they were saying.

“So, are you going?”

“But I’m not sure yet…”

“Why not?”

“Well, you know…” one giggled shyly. “Since it’s our last party before graduating, shouldn’t I find a date first?’

“Oh! You still don’t have one?”

“No….”

“Don’t worry! Your girl friends are here to help you find the perfect guy, okay?”

“Really?”

“Yes! Of course we would!”

Tang Bo looks away from them and keeps walking. This time, his thoughts were occupied by the conversation he just heard.

Actually, that was a big problem that he was mulling over for the past few days now. There will be a big party hosted by a professor for the seventh year students just before they graduate. It was supposed to be a farewell party of some sort, doubling as good luck for whatever it was they were going to do after school. But the problem was that it wasn’t just any casual party and it was encouraged that everyone who will come should go with a date.

Tang Bo already had a specific person in mind. However, his plans to ask him out in Hogsmeade have been ruined by the kids. So now, he lost his confidence and was waiting for a better opportunity to ask.

The Great Hall, this month, was decorated by a bunch of Christmas Trees to celebrate the holidays. He remembered some students volunteering to help raise some of them up inside the place. Unfortunately, he wasn’t one of those, since he wasn’t really all too interested in helping for the sake of doing so.

Since it was also the holiday season, there’s a lot of vacancies in all four tables. Tang Bo’s eyes first landed on the Slytherin table, where there’s at least half of the usual number of students. Apparently, most people in their House weren't fond of coming home for the holidays.

But instead of going there, his feet directed him to a different table altogether. Tang Bo shamelessly plopped down next to a certain dark haired student under the yellow banner.

“Good morning, Hyung.”

Cheong Myeong eyed him for a bit, unable to eat with his usual gusto due to his slight shivering.

“You just ruined the mood.”

Surely enough, the other Hufflepuffs in the table immediately slid as far away from them as possible. Even after all those years, they still weren’t very welcoming of Tang Bo’s presence at their table. After all, that guy was only friendly when interacting with Cheong Myeong. If it was anyone else, he would stare at them with a look that screams, So what?

“Happy holidays!”

“You’re awfully chipper this morning.”

“Because Christmas is approaching soon?”

“It’s not even Christmas yet.”

“Ei, Hyung. Just entertain me for once.”

Still shivering in his seat, Cheong Myeong exhaled and let the matter pass.

However, there was a group that, after seeing what Tang Bo did, hurriedly stood up to sit on the table as well. Those annoying kids were back, trying to squeeze themselves in the Hufflepuff table with their plates in hand.

“Happy holidays!” Jo Geol yelled happily as he sits down.

“It’s you guys again…” Tang Bo sighs. “Why didn’t you go home?”

All six of them turned to look at him for that comment. Only then did Tang Bo realize how absurd his question was.

Baek Cheon, had run away from his family, of course he won’t come back. Yu Iseol’s only living relative had died before she came here, so of course she won’t have anywhere to come home to. From what he also knew, Yun Jong was picked up by the same orphanage that raised Cheong Myeong.

As for the other three…he doesn’t know their reasons, but it might be valid as well.

“Why are you so sticky?” Cheong Myeong asked. “Who raised you to be like this, ah?”

Wasn’t it you, since you kept letting them? Tang Bo thought to himself.

Still, because this was the final year that these juniors of theirs can hang around with them like this, he did not kick them out of the table.

Thankfully, the kids had to leave sooner since they still have something to do with those from their year. Tang Bo was left with his Hyung on the table once more, finishing their meal quietly.

He eyed how there was still the same tremor in the other person’s figure.

“Hyung, do you want to have my scarf again?” He asked. “I brought a thicker one this time.”

“Eh? Give me.”

He was more than happy to take the scarf off again. Sadly, since he was across from Cheong Myeong, he was unable to wrap it himself. He just had to settle for watching, cheek resting on his palm, as the other person hides himself in the thick scarf.

“How did you survive the previous years?”

“Sahyung would send me sweaters and scarves through Cheong Jin,” he answered. “But the guy already graduated last year, so I would have to wait for the package to come by owl.”

“Cheong Jin? The Ravenclaw prefect?”

“Yeah. He’s my brother.”

Huh? Tang Bo recalls the amount of times that Cheong Jin would send them to detention in the past. He was aware that there was a connection between that person and Cheong Myeong, but considering how ruthless he was, he didn’t consider the possibility that they were brothers.

“We’re not blood relatives, if that’s what’s confusing you.”

“...Oh.”

Well, that makes more sense.

From what he knew, people from the Plum Blossom orphanage treated each other closely. On some occasions like Cheong Mun and Cheong Myeong, they see each other as brothers.

It seems like there was a third person in their family, though. At least he now knew why Cheong Myeong got that Howler back in fourth year. The memory of it exploding at the very center of the hall, Cheong Mun’s voice echoing terrifyingly for everyone to hear ranting about causing a headache for other Houses’ prefects, still left a clear impression in his mind.

That one lasted for the entire breakfast as well…

They went to leave the Great Hall once they were finished eating. Naturally, with nothing else to do, they had their guards down.

The original plan was just to probably visit Hogsmeade again since they have nothing to do and they have tickets anyway. But the two ended up wandering around aimlessly in the hallways, having given up on going outside because it seems like Cheong Myeong cannot handle the cold this time around.

This man, although he was so strong in everything else, just completely collapses when the enemy is cold weather…

After a bit of walking around, the duo found a random bench placed next to a Christmas tree in the hallway. Since walking takes energy, Tang Bo suggested they rest for a bit there.

For some reason, though, everyone who passed by the bench they were sitting on had sent them odd looks. Nobody stayed long enough for him to ask, though. The moment they saw the two, they’d hasten their pace as if to avoid them as quickly as possible while still repeatedly glancing back like they were reluctant to leave.

What’s with that?

By the time they’ve rested enough, Tang Bo went to stand up first.

But he found himself glued to the bench.

Huh? What?

Judging from the curses that Cheong Myeong was letting out just next to him, he figured he wasn’t the only one. Was everyone looking at them like that because they knew the bench was jinxed?

“You can’t escape like that!” someone yelled from one end of the hallway. Hey, why’s there other people watching them, ah? He turned to glare at them, but it was ineffective for once. 

“Look up!”

What?

Look up?

Simultaneously, the two of them looked above their heads. There was a bad feeling that came over Tang Bo.

Just as he expected, there really was a mistletoe hanging inconspicuously above their heads.

“Don’t tell me…they jinxed it to make people kiss under it?”

Cheong Myeong snorts. “What a cliche.”

That’s not the time to think about that! Can’t you see you two are the ones stuck under the mistletoe right now?

It was an opportunity. But at the same time, Tang Bo found himself hesitating at the last moment.

So to play for the safest route, he went to grab Cheong Myeong’s hand instead, and pressed a gentle kiss on his fingers. He sees rose eyes turned to him, wide due to the unexpected behavior. Then, he pulls away, tugging the hand with him and leaving the bench as quickly as possible.

“Thankfully, the rules are lax.”

“...Yeah.”

They headed back on their way, with the Tang too embarrassed with what he boldly did to even start a conversation.

What he failed to notice was that Cheong Myeong stopped shivering, his pink-tinted cheeks hidden beneath all the layers of scarves.

Tang Bo-ya, have you forgotten? Cheong Myeong could’ve easily just undone the spell…

…

This outcome wasn’t so bad, though.

4th Year, Hogwarts Dungeons

This morning, news from the Daily Prophet was published and released to the public. Someone from his table had a copy of it then, and he was reading it during breakfast with his fists clenched.

Tang Bo took it without asking for permission. No one got angry at him for it.

According to the news, it seems that there was something happening in the Wizarding World. The paper was talking about a group of people that appeared a few weeks ago and began going unspeakable things, not just to the magical folks, but also to muggles. Their recent crimes that were documented in the paper included a list of people they killed and tortured using the Forbidden Spells.

Who are these people?

The world has been at peace for a long time now. It almost felt sudden to have these people appear from what felt like nowhere. By the end of the article, there was a written passage about these people.

Apparently, they call themselves the Demonic Cult and were prattling on about waiting for the descent of someone they call the Heavenly Demon.

Isn’t this just ridiculous? A random cult causing chaos somewhere, and it doesn’t seem like the Ministry of Magic can do anything to catch them so far.

Originally, Tang Bo dismissed this information. As long as they are all in Hogwarts, it was impossible for anyone to get them. The school had layers after layer of protective charms, and the staff and professors are all renowned wizards and witches in their own right.

Unfortunately, it seems like not everyone shared his thoughts.

He was thirty minutes early to Potions Class, so he stood outside the classroom for a long time. But when he got there, what caught his eye was a group of people in a single area, muttering to themselves and seemingly looking at something that was on the wall.

Raising an eyebrow, Tang Bo pushed his way through the crowd to have a look as well.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!

You elitists have ruined everything too much!

Kick these pureblood elitists out!

He stared at it blankly for a while, not understanding why there are these kinds of words etched on the wall.

Come to think of it, these incidents have been happening for several days now. He only heard rumors, of course. So it was the first time he was witnessing these kind of treatment first hand.

“Look, isn’t that a Tang?”

“Oh, you’re right.”

There was a hushed silence as everyone looked at him.

It seems like the people in the crowd are a group of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws who just finished their Potions Class. The way they looked at him was full of hostility that he was almost taken aback.

Huh? So this is what he has been ignoring for the past few days.

Interesting. It was likely that none of them had the courage to actually target Slytherins just a few days ago. Whoever wrote these things on the wall must have really tried his best just to do so.

“It’s an elitist…”

“His entire family looks down on everyone else, right?”

“Who’s to say he’s not like that as well?”

Wow. It’s almost amazing how they looked at him. It was like they were waiting for him to bite their heads off. Or to pull out his wand and use a Torturing Curse on them.

Haha…How sudden. Although Tang Bo had a bad reputation, he wasn’t that kind of person at all.

“Huh? Don’t these bastards have anything better to do?”

The sudden different tone caught the attention of everyone. The gazes left Tang Bo, shifting to the person who had just arrived. It seems like the next class is also starting to come one after another.

The Slytherin’s eyes found the figure of a sour-faced Cheong Myeong standing at the end of the crowd. He was looking at everyone distastefully.

“That’s Cheong Myeong…”

“Let’s just leave before he loses his head.”

“You’re right. I heard he would hit everyone, even the seniors.”

“I can’t believe a Hufflepuff is defending an elitist.”

“Yah!” Cheong Myeong barked out, glaring straight at the person who muttered that. “Say that again!”

“...You must’ve misheard.”

Seeing the Hufflepuff start rolling up the sleeves of his robes, the entire group started running off in fear that they would get caught in that notorious temper. Soon, all that was left was Tang Bo, who was looking at Cheong Myeong with a weird feeling.

“Tsk. Cowards who bark but have no bite are pathetic.”

“Are you not going to glare at me as well?” Tang Bo asked, more out of curiosity than anything.

“Huh? Why would I do that? Do I look like I believe in those stupid rumors?”

“What rumors?”

Cheong Myeong turned to him, eyebrows scrunched together. “Don’t tell me you don’t know why they were acting like that?”

“No? I just saw the writing, I don’t have the context.”

His response left the dark haired man to scratch at his chin.

“How could you be in this school and not even know what’s happening…?”

“I don’t care about those?”

“...” Cheong Myeong looked at him like he was a weird person. “That’s happening because everyone is convinced that the Demonic Cult is a group of purebloods trying to purge the world of muggles.”

“What?”

“Are you deaf?”

This time, the Tang was the one who looked surprised. He turned his attention back to the words written on the wall. However, it vanished before he could look long enough. Cheong Myeong had his wand out, having erased the words already.

So they’re being blamed again. Considering the history of pureblood families in the Wizarding World, it’s no surprise. He was not a stranger to the stories of the past. Still, he thought the news from earlier won’t have much significance to him. To think that he would be proven wrong like this…

There was one thing bothering him, still.

“Why did you help me?”

The Hufflepuff let out a snort at that. “Help you?”

“Isn’t that what you did?”

“Huh. I guess so. But I wasn’t doing it for your sake.”

Tang Bo looks at him consideringly. “Is that so?”

“I just don’t think you’re a terrible person.”

“...Huh?”

Although he doesn’t know this, Cheong Myeong was actually a person who doesn’t forget to pay back those who helped him in the past. Because Tang Bo spoke up back during the Quidditch World cup when they encountered each other, he finds no reason to not do the same favor now that the other has run into some trouble of his own.

But the other person doesn’t understand this. Having grown up in a pace surrounded by cunning people, genuine goodwill was something he was having trouble understanding.

So he looked at Cheong Myeong for a long time, a spark of interest lighting up in him. He had no idea that after a few months, this small spark would explode into something greater.

“You’re a weird person.”

“Don’t worry, I think you’re strange as well.”

7th Year, Shrieking Shack

That tiger was already there when he arrived. Tang Bo tried his best to enter the place as quietly as possible, but alas, it was impossible. The sound of his snake form sliding through the floor was heard by the keen feline ears, which twitched once he was close enough.

His Hyung opened his eyes and watched Tang Bo approach. His tail flicked subconsciously as if greeting the newcomer.

Hmm. It seems like he wasn’t in the mood to return to his human form. That’s fine as well. Tang Bo went up to that curled up tiger and tried to squeeze his way near. His head briefly rubbed under the furry chin, before he went to coil himself on top of the sleepy animal.

His tongue flicked out for a momentary moment. Sensing the content atmosphere around Cheong Myeong, he lowered his head and rested as well. His tail was the only thing he didn’t have coiled up with the rest of his body. Instead, he languidly allowed the tiger’s tail to intertwine with it.

He hears it again. A soft, rumbling sound from below him. Just feeling the vibrations made him relax further from where he was lying down.

There’s a lot going on. Reviewing for the N.E.W.T.s isn’t easier than what he originally expected. Because of this, there’s less time to spend with Cheong Myeong than he would like.

At least in times like this, he understood why that person would prefer a quiet rest rather than having to entertain each other.

For the meantime, though, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to fall asleep.

5th Year, Hogwarts Potions Dungeon

In hindsight, Tang Bo only realized his feelings a year after he’d grown closer to the troublemaker of the Hufflepuffs.

He hadn't originally expected such a development, but he's grown to respect that person, not just for his talent in magic, but also for his ability to live as he pleases. Somehow, Cheong Myeong was even more uncaring of the opinion of other people, and only when it was Cheong Mun scolding him did he know how to sit still.

Tang Bo actually witnessed it firsthand during the summer, when he received a letter inviting him to Cheong Myeong’s home. It was only later did he find out that the letter was only sent because his sahyung was so insistent on him socializing and spending time with someone else who can handle him during the summer.

One thing led to another. And now, the two of them became inseparable.

The Potions Class that day was rather odd. As soon as he stepped inside the room, he immediately knew there was something wrong.

There was a thick smell of something that filled the entire area. It was familiar enough that it stopped him in his tracks, looking around in confusion.

That smell…plum blossoms?

How strange. It was the first time that this place smelled like this. Was the professor trying out a new way to get rid of the usual wet soil smell?

Tang Bo headed to his usual spot, right next to the Hufflepuff who was already dozing off at their table. He tried to poke his cheek a few times, but was unsuccessful in rousing him back awake.

He frowned in confusion. Thinking about it, wasn't the smell of the room similar to how Cheong Myeong naturally smells?

Later on, the professor walked inside the classroom with a swish of his robes. He gestured to the pot and asked random students to come up and tell him what they could smell.

Oh? Was it something that varies depending on the person? Suddenly, it made sense why the smell appeared in this place without warning.

Tang Bo tilted his head, going through the list on his head about the possible options that this potion could be. At that same time, Cheong Myeong was asked to go forward as well and tell the class what he could smell. This naturally brought the Tang out of his musings, eyes looking up in interest.

He wonders what he would hear.

The previous responses were actually pretty basic. Sandalwood, cotton candy, there was even one who claimed they could smell nothing. The professor only nodded when he heard this and asked the student to sit back down.

What would his Hyung say?

Cheong Myeong took one sniff of the potion brewing in the cauldron. Then, he jerked back and covered his nose with a displeased expression on his face.

“Eugh! Bitter!”

“Bitter?” The professor repeated. “You don't like it, then?”

Instead of answering, he only shrugged and said, “It was fine at first. Like, uh…mooncakes. And Butterbeer. But it’s weird because there’s suddenly something like herbs.”

“Herbs? Hmm…”

Finally, they were done calling forth random people to take a sniff. Tang Bo was a bit disappointed that he wasn't asked what he could smell, since he thought it was unique in its own right. He was looking at Cheong Myeong with an interested look, wondering why he reacted so strongly to what he smelled.

And then finally, the identity of the potion was revealed.

“This potion is generally banned within the school premises. But every year, a lot of stubborn female students would sneak in the ingredients to make it themselves, especially during Valentine's Day. Can anyone guess what it is?”

Banned?

Wait, why specifically on—

His eyes widened, a realization coming over to him. Just then, several hands shot up in the air.

“Yes?”

“Amortentia, the strongest love potion in the world.”

“Correct! Five points to Slytherin.”

Oh.

Oh.

…

Tang Bo sat, stunned in his own seat as this fact dawned on him.

Amortentia, the most potent love potion to ever exist. The scent that you smell is what you find the most attractive, even if you are aware of it or not.

He felt like he was sinking, before being dragged back to the surface and pushed off to the crater of a volcano.

Plum blossoms. He smelled plum blossoms. It was so strong that he can smell it even without having to approach the cauldron where it was brewing.

(There's only one person he knew who smelled like plum blossoms.)

Tang Bo can't even turn his head. There were several words echoing in his ears as he sank further and further down his seat.

Herbs.

Cheong Myeong, the person he was attracted to, likes someone. Although the question of where he was aware of it remains unanswered.

Cheong Myeong, whom he was in love with, likes someone who smelled like herbs. Could it be someone who frequents the greenhouses? Someone who's best subject is herbology?

Cheong Myeong was…he was…he…he—

…..

Cheong Myeong was in love with someone.

And Tang Bo doesn't know who it was.

7th Year, Hufflepuff Common Room

It's over. It's definitely over. Having to study for the N.E.W.T.s completely removed the plan of asking Cheong Myeong out for the party left his mind. There was less than a few hours left until the party itself. Not only was he not ready, he also don't know if the other man already had plans to go with someone else.

No, no. Don't think like that, Tang Bo! That guy never had any interest in other people anyway!

Right? …Right???

He can't have made plans with anyone else. If he did, then surely, he would've told Tang Bo. There was almost nothing that he's never told him and vice versa.

He paced anxiously just in front of the Hufflepuff Common Room, arms crossed while waiting for a certain someone to come out. As soon as he woke up that morning, he'd hurriedly thrown in come clothes to wear, foregoing the usual care he puts in choosing his attire, before rushing all the way to this place while struggling to button up his shirt.

His hair was a mess. It stuck up in all directions and wasn't tied up at all. Anyone who passed by and saw him got spooked.

Thankfully, Hye Yeon had came out at some point. He saw Tang Bo pacing around in front of the barrels, and found himself obligated to approach.

“Sunbae,” he called out. “What happened?”

Thank gods these kids have never been afraid of him. Tang Bo’s head snapped towards him, almost desperate.

“Cheong Myeong,” he says, grasping the first year’s shoulders. “Where's Cheong Myeong?”

“Uh? Ch—Cheong Myeong sunbae?” The poor boy seemed a bit dizzy as he was shook back and forth. “He's still up in his room…”

“Still asleep?!”

“Y—yes? He told us he won't…”

“Can you call him out?”

“Yes?”

“I mean right now!”

“Y—yes!”

Hye Yeon ran back inside their common room, glancing back for one last time at the disheveled Slytherin.

It was only then did Tang Bo felt self-conscious about himself. He paused, then hurriedly tried to make himself look more presentable. He fixed his robes and smoothened out his hair. He cursed himself for not having the foresight to bring with him a hairpin.

It almost felt like several agonizing hours had passed before the door opened.

The person he was waiting for walked out, not looking any better than Tang Bo himself. He was still in his pajamas, yawning loudly and squinting sleepily at the person in front of him.

“You better have a good reason—”

“Hyung!” He moved in a flash, grabbing both of the Hufflepuff’s hands in his. The action startled Cheong Myeong awake. His mouth gaped slightly, not understanding what was suddenly happening.

“Tang Bo-ya?”

“I'm sorry I forgot,” he said, biting his bottom lip. “I was really planning to ask you sooner, but the exams took up too much space in my head and it slipped off. I'm also not sure if someone else already asked you, but I would definitely be making a fool of myself if that was the case. And you probably look like a loser as well. Oh, what an I saying, it's going to be my fault anyway if that was—”

“Tang Bo!”

He was startled out of his hurried mumbles, not even realizing he was getting ahead of himself. Said person shut his mouth, cursing himself a hundred times inside his mind, wondering how he was messing things up this badly.

He hung his head, defeated.

“Hyung.”

He feels the hands he held squeeze him back tightly, enough to hurt. There was an annoyed expression on the Hufflepuff’s face.

“Just spill it, ah!” 

“Hyung…” he hesitated.

“...”

“...”

“...”

“Just say it, you damn lee—”

He threw all caution out the window and just went for it.

Cheong Myeong's words were cut short, not because he stopped himself, but because he was physically unable to keep talking. There was something pressing insistently against his lips, and the hold that was in his hands was firm enough to stop him from moving away.

His eyes were wide, staring at the person who had just kissed him without warning. But despite the suddenness and the insistence to keep him there—

…It was surprisingly gentle.

Tang Bo kissed him meekly, as if he was afraid that what he did will be rejected. He hesitated to push further than what he really wanted to do.

When they finally ended the kiss, he stared at Cheong Myeong, eyes dilated and focused completely at him.

“Hyung,” he says. “Please go with me to the party.”

“...”

The grip in his hands loosened. It was moved slightly so they can properly intertwine their fingers together. The warmth that came from the contact of their palms sent pleasant tingles that tickled the heart.

“Please go out with me.”

He then feels nails digging into the back of his hand.

“Yah,” a dangerous tone came from the other person. “I told you to not joke like this.”

“It's not a joke, Hyung.”

“Huh?”

“It's not a joke,” he repeats, not breaking eye contact for a single moment. “I really want to go to the party with you. I want to go out with you as well.”

“T…that—”

“Hyung. Cheong Myeong-ah.”

“You…!”

He lowers his head, trembling slightly. Said person, who did not expect hearing the term of endearment linked to his name, flinched violently.

“If you ask me to kneel and beg, then that's what I'd do. Please go out with me.”

…

There was a loud silence.

And no response.

He was really about to do it. Tang Bo's knees were ready to bend, about to beg the other man to say yes to his words…

But before he can, he finds himself unable to move any further. It seems that Cheong Myeong had casted a modified version of a stunning spell at him without the use of his wand.

“I didn't tell you to kneel,” he said, glaring at Tang Bo, who cannot move even a muscle.

Are you rejecting me, then?

But before he can wallow in his own despair, Cheong Myeong moved forward again and locked their lips for a second time. This one was longer, although only the other person was able to press harder because Tang Bo was still under the influence of the spell.

The next time it ended, he found himself back with the ability to control his limbs again. He swore he almost collapsed with how jelly his legs felt.

“I thought you didn't want to go,” Cheong Myeong said, moving away from his face and resting his forehead over the Tang’s shoulder instead.

As for Tang Bo, he felt like he was put in a stunning spell once more. He stood stiff as a statue, hyperaware of the person that was leaning against him.

“Hyung, is this a yes?”

“What else would it be, you leech?”

And that answer was enough.

Tang Bo snapped out of it, arms snaking out to wrap around the other man and entrapping him in his arms. A jovial laugh escaped his lips, and he slipped the urge to spin around happily because he can hear the startled protests of that man next to his ears.

It was quite a sight. Two seventh year students, one Hufflepuff and the other Slytherin, embracing next to the kitchens without properly dressing themselves yet. Some curious Hufflepuffs had gone out of their common room, confused by the sudden sounds that they can hear from inside. 

Seeing Tang Bo laugh so happily while a smile crept up Cheong Myeong’s face, none of them can find it in themselves to disturb the couple.

It took a while for then to calm down. But when it was done, Tang Bo still hasn't stopped grinning widely. He was a sharp contrast from the gloominess that he was reputed to have.

“I love you.”

“I changed my mind,” Cheong Myeong rasps, trying to stabilize himself. “Fuck that party. Let's just hang out somewhere else instead.”

Undeterred, Tang Bo repeated himself.

“I love you, Hyung. Let's get married after graduation.”

“What?!”

“Don't worry, I have enough money to buy a ring. I'd just have to go and—”

“Bo-ya!”

“Uh?”

The Tang stopped himself, watching the flustered man in amusement. He sees a fist clench and unclench, as if Cheong Myeong can't decide whether to punch him or what.

“Yes, Hyung?”

Still, there was no way for anyone to bring down his mood now.

Not when he heard the sweet words he'd been waiting for mumbled back next to him, as if the words was only for his ears to hear.

Consequences be damned, Tang Bo swore he's definitely marrying this man.

-

End.