The first week of having Yoongi live with Namjoon and I feels like a fresh breeze in the middle of the hottest summer, or like thousands of stars to light up the darkest of nights.

Ends up that they get along very well, even if there are moments when they're a bit awkward around each other. Yoongi, without fail, always gets the morning cuddles in the bed while Namjoon always gets the evening ones on the couch, and I think they've made peace with that.

After taking a break for a whole month, which has gone by incredibly fast, Namjoon went back to locking himself in his secret room to work, and I was left to stare at the door just like before, hoping to see him come out for meals despite his irregular work schedule.

The good thing about it this time is that Yoongi has been there to distract and make me laugh whenever I look sad, something that made our human feel a lot better, because he didn't have to feel like he was neglecting me anymore.

Not willing to go too far on our own even though we both never remove our tags except for showers, we've spent days running outside around the house, both in our human and animal forms, and it's been great to have someone to spend that excess of energy with.

When we aren't playing and teasing each other, we're cuddling in front of a movie or with some relaxing music in the background, and when comes the time to think about food, we cook together before eating with a tired but otherwise happy Namjoon.

I think he missed working, even if he'd never say it out loud. I still don't know what he does for a living that requires him to hide in that room for entire days, but at least he looks satisfied when he joins us in the living room at the end of the day, and that's all that really matters.

"Why don't you two head to the park today? Or anywhere, really, you could go to the coffee shop nearby and have some pastry and a warm drink. The weather's good, not too warm, it'd be perfect with a light coat. You're allowed to walk in town with your tags" Namjoon speaks one morning during breakfast, the three of us sat at the table in comfortable silence.

My ears twitch a little at his suggestion, and my tail curls around me as worry begins to gnaw at my insides, just like Yoongi who's sat in front of me, with Namjoon at the end of the table and between us like always.

"The forest around the house is good enough" I let out after putting my fork down, and Yoongi nods his head eagerly, which makes our human frown lightly as he observes us. "And anyway, I'm not sure if I remember the path" I add, hoping to convince him that it's not a good idea.

"Y/N, you lead the way the last time we went to the park on foot".

I purse my lips, ears falling slightly forward to cover my eyes from his sight.

"You won't be there" Yoongi says in my stead, sharing my concern. We've never been allowed outside on our own before, so what if things go wrong? What if people try to stop us? Two hybrids walking without an owner, what would humans do? What if they call a shelter to arrest us?

Better understanding what's at stake now, Namjoon doesn't relent either way.

"That's why you have a tag, to let people know that you're mine" my heart stutters at that, just like Yoongi's does, "and I think it would be a nice change of pace for you. You're always at home while I work and I'm sure it gets boring after a while".

Appetite now gone, I keep my gaze down until I feel his hand over mine, warm and comforting.

"You have your phone, sweetie, you know that you can call me should anything happen. You have your cards to pay for your expenses, which have no limits, and I hope you'll make use of them one day, that would make me very happy".

Tummy now into knots, I look up slowly to gaze into his gentle eyes, full of trust and hope. Then I stare at Yoongi who's got the same look as me on his face, with a slight determination crawling amidst the worry.

"Well... we could try. Not too far at first, because we've never been left alone outside before, but... we could try".

Pleased with what he's heard, Namjoon nods his head before gathering their empty plates to bring to the kitchen while I've yet to finish mine. I don't think I'll be able to eat more, not with what today is becoming.

"We'll be together, Y/N, so it's going to be fine. I want to visit the town with you, little by little" Yoongi tries to calm by nerves by using his soothing rasp, and it helps a little, though I would also feel immensely more at ease with Namjoon.

It's not about whether I trust my kitty or not, it's about me being terrified of something happening to either of us, or maybe to the both of us. There are things out of our control, and human behaviour is at the very top.

But if I let that fear win today, then I'm never going to be able to do this, and that would make Namjoon sad. Yoongi would be sad too, and he would think that I don't trust him for this experience. I don't want that to happen.

"Yeah... okay, we can go" I murmur, voice shakier than I would like, but it makes both men smile and it makes me feel better, tail thumping against the back of the chair even with my nervous heart. If it makes them happy, then I'll do my best, even if it scares me.

"Let's go after you've finished eating breakfast, then".

Oh... I guess there won't be any avoiding that.

"Okay, Yoongi, I will".

---

"You two be careful, alright? Stay on the sidewalk, and look both ways before crossing the street. If someone tries to start something with you, show them your tags and call me, I'll keep my phone near just in case".

Namjoon adjusts my coat, then Yoongi's, and he hums to himself once sure that we won't get cold.

"We'll be fine" Yoongi reiterates for the tenth time, and I know it's more to convince himself than it is to convince Namjoon, because his hand feels colder than usual around mine, fingers intertwined the only thing preventing them from trembling.

"I know you will, I just want to make sure. I won't be there to keep an eye on you two, and I want you to come back home in one piece. Call me if you get lost, or if you're too far, or you're getting too tired to walk anymore. Leave your GPS on and- ah, wait, let me send you a request to follow you so I can get updated on where you are from time to time".

Yoongi and I have no idea what that means or how to even do that, so Namjoon takes our phones to do it for us, and he's a lot faster than when Jin would use his own. But then again, Jin is slow in everything he does, except for when he scolds someone. He speaks very fast when he's mad.

Once satisfied after he's played around with the settings or whatever, he gives us our devices back and I put mine in my bag, the pretty bag that he bought me. I can finally use it with one of the pretty outfits he got me and that alone serves to make me feel better about this outing.

Yoongi called me beautiful as soon as I left the bedroom in these clothes, and I had to say the same to him because he too looked very handsome as he wore one of his new outfits after getting changed in the bathroom.

He even tried to style his hair a little, and now it's curling around his ears and slightly over his forehead, the fur of his ears and tail shining and smooth to the touch.

"We'll be fine... it might even be fun, who knows. We'll get going, Namjoon. Come, angel" Yoongi mumbles with a firm nod of the head, and Namjoon smiles at us, looking proud as he watches us open the door and step outside.

"Have a good time, and buy yourselves a few things if you feel like it, doesn't matter what it is, as long as it makes you happy".

The door closes on those words, and I observe the pathway leading into the trees with a heavy ball of anxiety in my chest. Yoongi squeezes my hand, himself looking far from confident now that we're face to face with something new.

"Should we head to the park first? We can see what's around once we're there?".

I swallow, then hum. "We can do that, it's pretty close once we're out of Namjoon's property. And there are a few shops on the street facing the gardens by the park, maybe there will be something fun. We have to have fun".

His soft tail wraps around our wrists, and when I turn to stare at him, it's to find him smiling at me.

"I know I've said this a lot since earlier, but we'll be fine. It's scary because it's new, but Namjoon wouldn't have given us that mission today if he didn't believe it safe. Even if it's scary, we should at least trust him".

"A mission?" I repeat, confused.

"Isn't that what he did? He wants us to get used to the town on our own so we can see for ourselves what it means to be his hybrids. The tags, so we can see what it's like to have proof that we belong to someone who cares, and the cards with his money to help us understand that we're allowed to do the same things as everyone else".

My eyes widen a little, is that what he was trying to do? A mission... that gives even more importance to today's outing, then. We have to do well.

"Let's go to the park" I state as I pull him along with me by the hand. "Today, I'm going to buy Namjoon something. With his money, but it'll be from me".

"That sounds nice, what do you want to get him?".

We reach the path of trees, and the smells and sounds of the forest begin to calm my nerves as we progress at a nice pace, not too fast, but not too slow. The coat is perfect for today's weather too, Namjoon was right.

"I don't know yet. I thought... he breaks a lot of mugs, so a new one could be nice, but he might break it too and that would make him sad. For his clothes... I don't really know if I could choose something that he'd like, and I don't know his size. But sometimes, I see him writing notes by hand and he always uses the same pen and that old, boring notebook. What if I got him new ones?".

Yoongi nods at my every points until I mention the last ones, and he hums before smiling softly, looking already calmer as we keep our minds busy with our conversation. While we can't bring Namjoon with us, talking about him helps, at least for me.

"A pen and a notebook could be both useful and meaningful. It's something he can bring everywhere with him, and whenever he'll write something down with them, he'll think about you. I think that's a good idea, angel, let's find him a great set".

The mission has gained a new task, and by far, it's the one I like the most. I hope that'll make him happy!

Once we reach the end of the pathway, it's to find ourselves in a bright and rich residential area that shows a few human children playing outside by some houses, their laughter loud to our ears despite the distance between us.

Instinctively, I lean into Yoongi's side, half hoping that he could hide me into his coat where it would probably be safer for me. Human children scare me the most because of how unpredictable they are, but having him wrap a protective arm around me soothes the shaking of my bones and I exhale softly.

"Sorry, Yoongi. I'll be okay in just a minute" I let out, a little ashamed, but he shakes his head and pulls me closer, his scent of peppermint pushing out to ease my nerves while he keeps an eye on our surroundings, no one has noticed us yet and it's probably a good thing.

"It's alright, angel, I get it".

Slowly, but surely, I relax enough to be released of his safe embrace, then allow myself a look toward where I know the park to be. I must be brave for today until I get Namjoon's gift, but it will not be easy, that much has been clear.

Once this is over, I can run back home and hide all I want, but not before I get his gift.

"The park is this way" I say while pointing in its direction, and we resume walking in silence, thankful when it takes us away from the rowdy children. I don't feel comfortable walking near them for some reason, like something bad would happen if we did.

We don't see a lot of people at first, but for the few that we cross paths with, they only eye us briefly until they find our tags at our necks. Seeing that makes Yoongi more confident that we can get through the day intact, and it shows with the way that he eventually begins to swing our hands gently.

"It really is a good day to be walking outside" he muses as he looks up at the sky, at the trees and flowers, and at the hybrids that play in the park not too far from where we are. Some are shifted, others not, but they all play and laugh together anyway.

Namjoon never takes me here when there are this many people, but I know it's because he doesn't like strangers too much. Yoongi is a little like that too, but not with me. He opened his arms wide open the first time we met, maybe because he instinctively knew that I needed it.

"So this is the park?" he asks once we stop near the path leading deeper into the crowded green area, and I nod my head once.

"Yes, it's great because there's a cabin for when we want to shift, over there" I tell him while pointing at the little building we can see from here, a hum past his lips when we see a young boy walk inside only to come out looking like a puppy.

His owner walks inside to gather his clothes in a bag, and then throws a ball from somewhere between the trees. They both get out of sight after that.

"It's nice, but too crowded, I don't think I'd feel good going there today" he comments with a small grimace that makes me smile. They're the same when it comes to that sort of thing, and it's familiar. I like what's familiar, they're easier to handle for me.

"I know, Namjoon would think the same. Those are the shops I told you about, but I don't know what they sell, and I don't think the people would be happy if we visit each ones without buying anything".

Understand why I feel like that, Yoongi stares at each windows to try and see what's within, but it's hard to tell from a distance.

He feels bad that he can't be more helpful, and a bit pitiful too. He knows almost nothing about the world since he was basically raised in a cage, and it's the same for me, so this is completely unknown territory for us.

"Well... it's not like we'll break anything, why couldn't we visit each shops?" he speaks indignantly - though his ears are slightly pulled backwards - before pulling on my hand to make us cross the street after making sure it's safe, and my heart beats nervously the closer we reach the buildings where many more humans hang out.

Some of them eye us with disgust, others try to smile, but without exception, all of them look for a tag, or a lack thereof. What stands out to me the most is the deception that I find in some of those eyes upon seeing that Yoongi and I are already someone's hybrids.

That gives me chills, and not the good kind.

"We can do this, we'll be fine" Yoongi reminds himself, but we're both trembling again. I wonder if we'll stop feeling like this one day, so... vulnerable, like we're preys surrounded by wild animals ready to tear us apart, piece by piece.

Now closer, we glance into each windows until we find one that appears to have a selection of pens and agendas, which is harder done than said. Someone touches my tail, someone else Yoongi's, and it feels violating, humiliating.

I'm less and less comfortable being out here, and I can see that he's already thinking about calling Namjoon when I see him clench his fingers around the phone in his pocket. The only thing keeping him from doing so is because I'd probably cry if we go back home empty-handed.

"That one seems to have what you're looking for" he finally says with a hint of hope in his voice while pointing at the area within one of the most popular shops. "What do you think? Want to have a look inside?".

I nod my head quickly, eager to leave the street and curious to see what they have in store, and we push the door open together before he gently guides me inside first, himself standing close behind me and with our hands never letting go. The last thing we need is losing each other from sight.

We enter a trendy and gigantic room that shows a large amount of books, toys, plushies and even hundreds of cartoon figurines, and I feel myself immediately perk up at the colourful sight. I'd love to spend some time and see everything they have, I've never seen so many different things in one place!

One of the employees working here finds Yoongi and I standing near the entrance with an amazed look on our faces. I notice how they say something to another person who seems to be their colleague, and then they come in our direction while looking us up and down.

"Where is your owner? We don't allow hybrids inside unless they're accompanied by a human" the clerk's clear disgust of us as they speak makes my tail droop low while Yoongi's fur bristles, but before we can say anything, someone stands behind us and ruffles my hair softly.

He smells good, like cinnamon and chocolate, a mix of both? It's gentle, spicy but gentle.

"They're with me, is that a problem?".

"Uh... no, not at all, sir. Let me know if I can help you find anything, I'll be right over there" the clerk says before leaving us be, looking unhappy that he couldn't kick us out, and the man who just rescued us huffs lightly.

"Not a chance that I ask that guy, that's for sure. Are you two alright? Sorry for getting so close and personal so suddenly, but I didn't like the way they were looking down at you".

Yoongi and I turn around as the hand drops from my head to see a handsome man smiling sweetly at us, his lips in the shape of a heart, that's what I notice first. Then it's the kind eyes, the glow that lights them up from within. That's a good person, I can tell right away.

"Thank you for standing up for us" Yoongi says with a hesitant frown, still on edge because of what just happened. He almost hissed at the employee and that surely would've gotten us out of here and possibly every other shops in an instant.

"No problem. It might be best if I stick around for now, otherwise they'll see through the lie. My name's Hoseok, by the way. Are you looking for something here? I know the shop well, so maybe I could help".

"I'm Y/N, and this is my mate, Yoongi" I start, only to giggle when I find my kitty preening at being introduced like this by me. He could listen to me calling him my mate forever, he loves the sound of those words on my tongue.

"I wanted to get our owner a pen and a notebook, because he writes a lot. We saw them from the window, but we didn't know we weren't allowed inside. It's our first time in the town on our own, so we don't know the rules" I explain our situation to the kind man, and he hums knowingly.

"I see, it's no wonder that you looked so lost, then. Not every shops are against hybrids, mind you, but that behaviour is still the norms around here, sadly. I can tell you more about the shops that would welcome you warmly if you want, after you've found your gift. There's a coffee shop not too far from here that hires only hybrids and the food and drinks are delicious".

Unsure of how to reply to that offer, I decide to leave the choice in Yoongi's hands, because I'm far too trusting sometimes. I'll trust this Hoseok only if Yoongi feels like we can trust him, otherwise, we'll be going back to Namjoon as soon as we have his gift.

"Well... it wouldn't hurt to know more about the town and where we can go, honestly".

I blink up at Yoongi, surprised to hear him accept the offer so easily, but at least it confirms that Hoseok truly seems to be a good person. It's reassuring to know that my instincts aren't always lying to me.

"What do you think, angel?" he seeks confirmation from me, head tilting slightly when he finds me already staring at him with large doe eyes.

"That's fine with me" I murmur softly, and the human smiles brightly before helping us aside when a group of people walk inside with loud chatter than my sensitive ears don't really like. I don't know if I'll ever get used to this amount of noise.

"Wonderful! Now, let's find that gift first, shall we? Everything's this way, and I'm sure that you'll be able to find something that will make your owner very happy"

"Yes..! Thank you, Hoseok"