Embrace Of The Wolf And Fox [Taejin]

5 | Language Of Touch

Seokjin glanced back intermittently as he walked, ensuring the Wolfian kept pace with him. Taehyung was crouched low to the ground, moving in an animalistic manner, yet when he sensed Seokjin's gaze, he paused, lifting his head.

Their eyes met, and Taehyung let out a soft huff. It was as though he was attempting to communicate, perhaps to show a trace of trust or familiarity—a silent acknowledgment of the man walking before him. Seokjin's lips curved in response, unable to resist the curiosity sparking within him. He found himself wondering if Wolfians like Taehyung truly existed, so tamed yet still untamed.

There was a gentleness in Taehyung's presence that defied the fierce, dangerous reputation Wolfians carried. His movements softened in Seokjin's company, as if he had learned to follow his lead, revealing a rare tamed quality in his wild nature. Yet, beneath that calm exterior, his gaze remained sharp, his instincts finely tuned—every reaction measured, a creature poised between loyalty and primal caution. And perhaps the most remarkable thing of all was that, in all their days together, not once had he shown a hint of aggression toward Seokjin. The restraint, the trust—it was as if Taehyung had willingly bridged the space between his untamed self and the quiet, steady bond they had formed.

Facing forward again, Seokjin continued his stride, though a sudden halt from behind caught his attention. Taehyung's ears twitched, his body frozen, eyes wide with alertness. The city's bustling sounds drifted toward them from a distance, an overwhelming tide of noise that seemed to ignite his unease.

The path they had been traveling on slowly transitioned into cobblestone, a prelude to their entry into the city. Taehyung halted at the edge of the grassy terrain, his gaze fixed anxiously ahead, and his nose quivered, sniffing the array of new scents that filled the air—each one foreign and intimidating. A soft whine escaped his lips as he pressed closer to the familiar safety of the wilderness behind him.

Sensing Taehyung's hesitation, Seokjin turned back with a gentle expression. Recognizing the need to shield him from the unfamiliar sights and sounds, he removed his durumagi—the outer robe worn over the hanbok—and, bending down, carefully draped it over Taehyung's trembling form. The robe cascaded over him like a protective shield, engulfing him entirely, covering even his head in a cocoon of warmth.

Taehyung's eyes widened, momentarily distracted by the unfamiliar weight of the robe. The subtle scent of cedarwood from Seokjin's clothing filled his senses, soothing him as he looked up at Seokjin, catching the calm reassurance in his gaze.

It was enough to ease his worries, at least for the moment. But as Seokjin's gaze shifted to the road ahead, he couldn't shake the thought of how unusual they'd appear once they reached the city gates. Taehyung, entirely unclothed beneath the oversized robe, would be crouched low and moving on all fours. This strange sight would undoubtedly raise suspicion, sparking rumors and drawing attention they could not afford.

Determined, Seokjin steadied himself, exhaling as he turned to Taehyung. "Forgive me for the impropriety," he murmured, his voice a gentle blend of warmth and resolve. Without hesitation, he stepped closer, sliding one arm beneath Taehyung's knees while the other wrapped firmly around his back, lifting him smoothly off the ground.

The suddenness of it startled Taehyung, who let out a surprised yelp, instinctively squirming in protest. His legs kicked, his arms flailed, and a small growl of panic escaped him as he tried to break free, the foreign sensation of being lifted setting off every alarm in him.

"Steady now; you're safe," Seokjin said in a soothing tone. But Taehyung's panic persisted, his movements restless. With a patient sigh, Seokjin tightened his hold, pulling Taehyung closer against his chest, using gentle strength to still him. Finally, Taehyung's resistance waned, his struggle subsiding as he began to recognize the unwavering hold Seokjin had on him.