Soulmate ✦ norenmin

02

"There's a fucking crack in the seal," Mark hisses as he barges into Jeno's home without being invited inside nor politely greeting him.

"A crack in what seal?" Jeno asks as he allows Donghyuck in as well before shutting the door.

"The seal keeping all the demons in Hell," Donghyuck adds.

"What? How?" Jaemin questions as he descends the last few steps of the stairs to meet with the others.

"Yuta. It was spell he cast when you were kicking his ass. Thankfully it's not a situation where he's unleashed Hell on Earth, but demon souls are slowly leaking out and wreaking havoc." Mark stressfully runs a hand through his hair and paces the entrance of the living room.

"You guys were able to seal it before, right? That means you can do it again," Jeno clutches for some sort of hope that things weren't all that bad.

"Yeah, but the crack is much bigger than before. We'll need more angels to help us seal it again," Mark explains as his eyes immediately fall on Jaemin.

Jeno wants to argue and tell Mark he doesn't need to drag Jaemin along for a mission which puts him in close proximity to demons that would be willing to tear him limb from limb, but he knows better. He has to allow Jaemin to make that call on his own.

"I'll go," he says without hesitation, "I'm sure we could ask Chenle if he's willing to join us too. That should help, right? The four of us going should be enough?"

Jeno's heart sinks at this. He didn't want him to go, but he had to trust that he and the others would keep him safe.

"I plan on asking Yeeun if she can help too. She may not be an angel, but hopefully her witchcraft can contain some of the demons that come crawling out when we get there," Donghyuck confirms.

"It's worth a shot," Jaemin agrees.

"I'll come too," Jeno interjects, hoping he could at least help protect Jaemin while he aids Donghyuck and Mark.

"No, you should stay. I need someone to watch over Renjun to make sure he'll be safe and taken care of," Jaemin denies with pleading eyes that make Jeno want to melt into the floor.

"But...what if I asked Jisung to watch him?" Jeno suggests, but this falls on deaf ears.

"He's busy locating all demon affected areas with possessed individuals," Mark denies, "So far, it seems pretty localized in this town. I'm certain that was Yuta's intention, but we have to keep an eye out so we know where to go."

Jeno frowns deeply, feeling at a complete loss and utterly useless. The way Jaemin looks at him, it was clear he noticed.

"You guys go talk to Chenle and Yeeun. I'll meet you in Heaven once I get a few things situated here," he prompts the others.

"Thank you, Jaemin. We'll see you soon," Mark sighs in relief before he and Donghyuck vanish in a flash of light.

Jaemin slowly approaches Jeno and takes his face into his hands.

"I'll be okay," he assures him, but it doesn't bring Jeno much comfort.

"I trust you," he replies, refusing to add his thoughts as he knows it'll only cause an argument.

"I promise I'll come back in one piece. You have my word," Jaemin smiles warmly at him, "I'll have the others with me. I know you want to protect me, but they need me. And I need you to keep Renjun safe. I can hold my own, but Renjun is too weak right now. If demons are wandering earth as we speak, someone has to look out for him. I trust you. I know you'll guard him with your life. You can do that for me, right?"

Jeno hesitates responding but ultimately nods as he concedes to Jaemin's wishes.

"Thank you," he whispers as he leans in and kisses Jeno softly, "I'm gonna go talk to Renjun, then I'll be on my way."

Jeno frowns, but he doesn't object.

"I love you...Please be safe," he utters quietly.

"I will," he hums, "I love you too."

He lets go of Jeno and turns to walk back up the stairs. Jeno places his hand gently where Jaemin had been touching his cheek. He worries for his safety, but he knew he had to let him go if he wanted Jaemin to trust him again. It was painful and terrifying, but it was for the best. He just hopes Yeeun would accept the other's request to join them so that she could help keep demons from attacking Jaemin. He knew she cared for him and would protect him at all costs while the others focused hard on sealing the crack. If he couldn't be there, at least Yeeun could.

Now...how the hell am I going to put up with being alone with Renjun for the next few hours?