Archive of Our Own

Hyunjin sighed before opening the door to Levanter. He had gotten a necklace with a stone from some jewellery seller, because he had felt the magic in it. There was supposed to be a protection spell on it. At least as far as he could tell with his very limited knowledge. He only had bought it because he had hoped it would be helpful.

Not everyone liked the results of his tarot readings and he had more than one occasion where he needed to save his face through punching first or running away. He had thought using a necklace with protection was the way to go. But that protection did not help at all and gave him even more problems. And because of that scam, Hyunjin wanted to get rid of the problematic pendant.

So he had searched online for a hopefully more serious shop and found Levanter. First it had just been a simple tea shop and now the shop also sold potions and jewellery. A Coven ran the shop so Hyunjin hoped the Spell Witch would be good and able to help him. Not that it could get worse than right now.

A little bell announced his entrance and the smell of fresh herbs and warm tea welcomed him. He looked around a little, taking in the shelves of jewellery and potions next to the full tea shelf. Nobody was behind the counter. But there was a cat bed on the counter though, which was occupied by a grey cat with a slowly swishing tail. Green eyes were staring at Hyunjin as he moved closer. The emotions he felt were less animalistic than he expected and had a human touch to them, which meant one thing, that was a Familiar.

As an Empath Hyunjin could feel almost everything and by now, he knew mostly how to react, even if the reaction was to run away because he got overloaded. Animals had harsh feelings and would react accordingly, humans tried more often than not to not react, seeming more relaxed than their feelings actually were. Familiars were weird in between cases, human but animalistic.

Hyunjin smiled at the cat that was still looking at him. A wave of curiosity welcomed him.

“Hi! Could you let me know how to call the Spell Witch working here?”, Hyunjin asked the familiar. The cat meowed at him before jumping off the counter and disappearing through a cat door.

Before Hyunjin could say take a closer look around, the back door opened and a man came out. He held the door for open for a moment, so the cat could follow through. Hyunjin smiled, trying not to show reaction to the genuine curiosity he felt from the guy. It was the hardest part he had to learn while dealing with his magic. Not showing on his face that he could tell what people were feeling. Not only was it quite weird sometimes to randomly laugh because someone was amused. But also because that could make some really mean people really dangerous all of a sudden.

But the guy seemed nice and a wave of healthy wariness greeted him. The Familiar was obviously comfortable staying close to him. The cat had sat down in their bed, turning a few times to find a good spot, before they closed their eyes. If the cat was comfortable enough to relax like that, just because the Witch was around, that was a really good sign, Hyunjin thought. He had learned the hard way that sleeping in a space, where you felt already on edge was a stupid idea.

“Nice to meet you, I am Changbin. How can I help you?”, Changbin asked and Hyunjin smiled genuinely for the first time in a long time.

*–*-*-*-*

Hyunjin has always been told he was a dramatic child. Over the top. Way too loud. Just crying to get attention from his parents, because he was crying for no reason more often than not.

“Pretending to be hurt”.

His twin sister, Yeji, was the silent type in comparison. Always watching and not reacting much. Most often than not the person who would comfort him. The only person who wasn’t angry at him for being emotional and his greatest support. But getting older also pushed them away from each other. Mostly against their will, but it did happen. Their father took special one on one time to teach Yeji all about the magic she needed to know as a Spell Witch, trying to split them up.

Meanwhile Hyunjin was on his own, at home, in school, in life. Being bullied in school was nothing he would wish anyone but sometimes he couldn’t help but hope they would find someone else to torment and ignore him. Being called a liar and a failure every day because he wasn’t a witch was getting to him.

Not being a Witch with a father who was as strong Spell Witch and a magicless mother was something that could happen, but was something happening once in a blue moon.. If one parent was a fullblood witch and the other parent human, the child became a witch. Just like his sister had. Waiting for his powers to come in and it never happening was devastating. Hyunjin had seen his father’s face, when the doctor had told them he couldn’t find any spell magic in his son, when Hyunjin was 10. The obvious disappointment still hurt. That was also the moment his father stopped being his father and started to ignore him like all the other witches in the Coven did. He had expected his father to behave differently, he was married to a magicless human after all. But he was just like every other Witch in the Coven, now openly preferring his sister, praising her, treating her as if she was an only child.

He wasn’t a witch and so Hyunjin grew up, talking mainly to his mom about everything. How his aunt also married a witch in a Coven at the other end of the country. About his grandma, who always seemed to know how to help, even when people couldn’t even tell how they felt. How much his mother missed her mom and Hyunjin could imagine the pain his mom went through, after not being able to visit often. They cried together after the stories; it was their bonding time. It was special because his mother made sure that he knew she loved him, just as much as his sister. With her they were siblings, cuddling and play fighting as if they were ten again.

Hyunjin had just turned 18 and was in his senior year when he realised he wasn’t just pretending to be hurt. He was hurt. Just not in the way everyone was expecting him to be. School had been awful. Hyunjin was one of the few magicless humans at the school, so they just had to stay at school and do homework, while all witches were visiting specialization classes catered to their magical abilities. Hyunjin knew that Yeji hated the classes because everyone was pretending, she was the only Hwang, as if her brother didn’t even exist.

Like most days Hyunjin sat outside on his own, waiting for the bell to ring and Yeji to come out, because he couldn’t bear to stay in that building any longer. It felt depressing and negative and his jealousy watching the witches practising their magic made him sad.

He was drawing faces, most of them resembling his or Yejis profile. This one had bloody tears flowing down the face, trying to capture his feelings, the anxiety and frustration. Drawing was his outlet and he hoped he could use it in the future. To make everything better.

“Hey Loser, what are you doing? Pretending to be sad again?” a known voice screamed over the school yard. Kwangho and his “friends” were walking over to him and Hyunjin cursed that he didn’t listen to the bell ring to meet his sister near the guards. Kwangho was the one who had started to make fun of him, when the news came out that he didn’t inherit his father’s magic. Hyunjins father was a well-known Spellbreaker witch in their Coven, so having a non-magical son had been a big blow to the ego.

“Just leave me alone”, Hyunjin stood up with a blank face and started packing up his stuff, before the bullies could reach anything.

Kwangho sneered at him. “Why should we? It's so much more fun like this. Not like anyone cares what happens to you anyway.”

Hyunjin tried breathing through the frustration and fear he felt. Don’t show them, don’t make yourself weak. “What do you want?”

Kwangho grinned at him and Hyunjin could feel the goosebump building up. That grin didn’t mean anything good. “Not sure about you Hyunjin, but I feel like it was too long for you to walk around without a blue eye. Colour is just so pretty on you, isn’t it guys?”

The other Idiots laughed as if Kwangho had made the best joke in existence. Half of them probably pretended that enjoyed hurting him as much as Kwangho did. Hyunjin wasn’t sure what the difference was to all the other times this situation happened, but he suddenly felt a wave of discomfort and he was sure it wasn't his own feeling.

Shock and uneasiness were for sure his own feelings. The discomfort was not his. The anxiety could be his but it didn’t feel right. More like it was being filtered through. Hyunjin looked around the boys behind Kwangho and saw that one of the followers was looking around for a teacher.

At the same time Hyunjin felt a wave of malicious glee and hatred he was sure were Kwanhos feelings. It felt closer and heavier than the other feelings, more like a direct attack. Kwangho hadn’t stopped talking the whole time and was standing closest.

“Hey Loser! Not listening to me will not help you, you know.”, Kwangho sneered and walked forwards to get even closer into Hyunjins face.

Before Hyunjin had time to think about what he was feeling, his panic set in and he had a short thought about letting everyone feel panic so he could get away. It felt like a bubble inside of him was bursting open and the whole group of bullied in front of him started gasping for breath. They all turned white and even Kwangho stopped his menacing monologue.

Using that one moment of surprised silence Hyunjin took his bag and turned without missing a beat. He was running to save his face and also to get away from all the sudden feelings around him. Leaving hatred and malicious glee and discomfort behind, he ran towards a group of girls, where he could see Yeji, many of them laughing and another wave of glee as well as spite and arrogance but also uneasiness punched him in the face, robbing him of his breath.

He met Yeji’s eyes and the uneasiness turned into happiness. Hyunjin just stopped in front of his sister to grab her wrist and started walking again, slower this time so she could follow without struggling, but still pulling her with him faster than normal off the school grounds into the direction of their favourite playground. Not many people still visited it, most kids of the Coven were already in their teen years. Yeji stumbled after him, happiness turning into confusion and concern.

"Hyunjin, are you okay?”

He ignored her question as he wasn’t sure how to answer, but his silence led to another wave of concern, clogging his senses for a moment. 

Not long after they reached the luckily empty playground Hyunjin let go of Yeji’s wrist but continued walking over to the swing set. Squeezing in, he sat down with a huff, the metal hinge started squeaking under his weight almost immediately. Yeji followed slower, sitting down in the second empty swing. Hyunjin started swinging slowly, trying to find a way to start the conversation . Yeji didn’t say anything, as if she knew that her brother needed a second. She followed with the slow swinging, so that the squeaking sound of the hinges and the wind were the only sounds around them.

Hyunjin looked over to his sister, who was just swinging around, trusting him to start talking when he was ready. Like she always did. Maybe it was the trust or the comfort he feelt, so he blurted out: “Have you ever thought about me having magic?”

Yeji looked over to him, surprise coloured her face and she sighed. They have never talked about the magicless-ness of Hyunjin.

“I thought about both of us being magic users, maybe building a coven together without Dad there to control us. But the thought became a dream, when you didn’t have any affinity to spells.” The answer came slowly, as if Yeji tried to answer without hurting him. Sadness and hopelessness shimmered in her face, but also in a dark wave, letting Hyunjin feel more than should have been possible.

“What would you say, if …I think, maybe, we would need to test again though, but maybe, well…”, he stammered, unsure how to finish the sentence. Maybe it was impossible and he just imagined the emotions and he was just good at reading faces or something?

Yeji’s snort pulled him out of his thoughts. “What are you talking about Jinnie?”

“I think I stopped Kwangho from pushing me around because I was panicking and they felt it?” Hyunjin answered fast and closed his eyes in preparation for a negative reaction.

Instead, he was met with silence. And a wave of confusion and disbelief. Without letting Yeji answer Hyunjin continued. “I was annoyed and afraid when they walked towards me. Because the only thing they can do is pick on me. And then suddenly I felt this huge wave of hatred and glee? But also, like anxiety and why on earth would I feel hatred? I don’t like them, but I don’t care enough for hatred and then this one guy was watching around for a teacher and there was even more anxiety and I thought maybe, I mean maybe I was feeling their feelings? Which is not possible, because I don’t have magic, but maybe…anyway and then I panicked, because what is happening? You know? And then I kinda send…? Yeah, send panic their way and they stopped and turned white and I didn’t ask and ran. So yeah…what do you think?”

Hyunjin gasped after his rambling, trying to slow his breathing. Yeji blinked twice before she started swinging again, obviously thinking about her reaction and Hyunjin could feel confusion and something else. Whatever that other feeling was.

“Do you remember Grandma? How she always knew what to say to make everyone around her feel better? That she had an aura that just made you feel better?” Yeji asked after a minute of silence and Hyunjin nodded when she looked at him. Yeji stopped the swing and turned as best as she could to Hyunjin. Silently she was staring at him for some more time and then smiled. The same eye squeezing, cheek bunching grin he knew from his own face and Hyunjin couldn’t help but answer it.

The grin turned into a softer smile and Yeji sighed, feet digging into the sand beneath their feet. “I know we didn’t meet grandma often, but the feeling mum always described is the same I always had with you. I got this comfort from you, whenever I felt bad. You always knew what to do to help me, even if I wasn’t sure what I was feeling. The way you talked for me when I was too shy, because I knew for sure you would find the option, I liked the most…”, she trailed off smiling at Hyunjin who had turned red the more she had talked.

“I just know you best”, Hyunjin mumbled a bit embarrassed.

“You know me best, yes. But you know mum that way and you knew Animals that way as well. So maybe the talk about how much Empathy grandma had been just human empathies, but magic.” Yeji grinned at Hyunjin and nodded, as if in agreement with her own statement. “Maybe you are magic Jinnie. Just with a rare type of magic.”

*-*-*-*-*

They talked a bit more before getting up to walk home. Their mum would wonder where they were, if they came even later. One hour was at least explainable. The walk was slow, both not motivated to get home, because they knew that their father would be home today and that was always uncomfortable for all, when he was praising Yeji for everything while ignoring Hyunjins existence, which pissed off his sister and made his mum sad.

Yeji unlocked the door and the first thing they heard was screaming, before Hyunjin gasped in surprise with the anger and annoyance that flushed him. Yeji turned to him, eyes wide at his reaction. Hyunjin put his fingers on his lips, to let her know not to ask any questions yet. They closed the door lightly, moving closer to the screaming match.

"I don't care what you want Jaehyung. I will not send one of my children to a foreign Institute for whatever just so you can get rid of him!" Their mum screamed, louder this time.

"It’s easier to get rid of him then let him stay here. He is magicless and unimportant. I don't want to pay for an extra mouth just because you want him!" Their father sounded angry and the twins shared a look of trepidation. "How would I know he is mine anyway, maybe you needed to find a home for a useless magicless extra baby. Yeji is the only heir of the Hwang Name!"

Hyunjin gulped and Yeji opened her mouth as if to protest, clenching her fists and a wave of anger washed over Hyunjin. But before they could react, they heard a slap, a hand meeting a cheek.

The next word their mum said, were quieter than the fight beforehand but with just as much venom. "Never ever say that to me again! And never say that again about my son. They are both our children and Hyunjin will stay here! Is that understood?"

Hyunjin felt tears coming, while listening to his mum's words. When they heard footsteps, Yeji turned around and slowly opened the door before closing it loudly with an "We're home!"

The sudden sound scared Hyunjin into movement and both sat their bags down, took off their shoes and walked in as if nothing had happened. When they reached the kitchen, their father was nowhere in sight.

"Hello my Loves!" Their mum answered as she came to greet them. They probably wouldn't have realised that she sounded a little teary, if they really just had come home. Their eyes met shortly and both kissed their mum on the cheek, squishing her cheeks and making her laugh in surprise.

"What was that for?"

"We love you mummy!" Yeji answered nonchalantly and Hyunjin added with a dramatic fall into his Mum's arms: "And we missed you, school was so schoolish today."

Hyunjin felt her arms slinging around him, hugging them close and a wave of love and adoration made him feel all tingly.

*-*-*-*-*

Hyunjin sat at his desk, homework open, in case someone came in. He was staring down at the list he had started writing in his drawing pad. And thinking about what else to pack.

Money, Phone and Charger, powerbank, Headphones, Clothes.

The fight between his parents had just shown him that talking about his newfound magic wouldn’t interest his father at all. Hyunjin didn’t have much knowledge about the different types of magic, because he wasn’t allowed to sit in the lessons Yeji had to endure, but she had told him as much as she could.

Empathy with all the possible specialisations was not an active and offensive usable magic. It was passive, more personally connected to the Empath and their emotions, making it hard to control and even harder to use it for damage in any way, as you were able to feel the possible damage caused. Hyunjin hadn’t been planning on using his magic in any way to hurt people. He has been sure about that, when he still had thought he would be a spell witch. But now it was even less of a possibility for him. Also, Empathy Witches were rare like Yeji had said. There weren’t many known witches with emotion-based magic in South Korea and none in the coven Hyunjin had grown up in and it was one of the biggest Covens in the country.

His father wouldn’t care. He didn’t care about feelings, emotions and impact he had with words and acts. And Hyunjin was sure he would be used to manipulate people in favour of his father. Not something he wanted to do ever. Hyunjin wanted to use his magic for good things. To help people and make a positive impact on their lives.

So, after dinner he went to his room to plan his way out. He couldn’t tell his mum. She would think it was her fault and he wouldn’t be able to leave if he felt her emotions, he was sure of it. The same for Yeji, his sister would want to come with him and she couldn’t. Her magic was active and she needed to finish school to learn how to control it. His father wouldn’t care, maybe he would be happy, because any love that he may have felt before was gone. Hyunjin had felt love and care from his mum and sister. His father just felt empty. Nothing positive, nothing negative, just void where feelings should have been and Hyunjin almost left the room because of it. He wasn’t sure if his father had some kind of shield in place or if he was just a robot.

The idea came and didn’t leave his mind. He could leave and he probably should. Go somewhere less magic, where people wouldn’t know him. Try to learn about his magic as much as possible, without anyone knowing. He also knew the risk. Leaving a Coven meant cutting contact. He could have searched for another Coven and then he would have been able to stay in contact. But if he left, he left the most important people in his life behind. A risk he had to take, because for some reason he wondered if he would be able to live long enough to turn 20 if he stayed here.

Hyunjin shook off the negative thoughts. He didn’t have time for that. He planned for the rest of the week. He would leave on Monday, instead of going to school, just walking to the bus terminal to take him to Seoul. His sister had classes later that day, so she wouldn’t know. Taking the first Bus he could get away from this side of the city to the magicless part.

In the week he had left Hyunjin took as much money from his bank account as he could, without it being obvious. He borrowed money from his mum and sister, feeling bad about it but he knew he would need as much as he could get. Just taking money from his dad, a little every day to not be obvious. Packing his bag with as much clothes as he could, another pair of shoes, all the essentials. Looking for places to stay.

And then Monday came, Hyunjin hugged his mum a last time, annoyed his sister with a hug as well, taking his backpack, full of clothes and plans and his full sport bag, when he was sure they wouldn’t see and started walking to the bus stop. He took a different bus, got out at the Intercity Bus Terminal, and bought a Ticket for Seoul Station. Just a one-hour drive, but to the magicless side of the city.

When he sat down on his seat he turned his phone to airplane mode, turned on his music, staring out of the window as the bus started rolling. His tears started falling at the same time as they hit the highway and he cried silently, his vision blurring as he left his home.

*-*-*-*-*

Hyunjin knew that Seoul really was problematic to find a flat or anything he could pay for without giving too much information. He ended up in a tiny Oneroom, sharing a bathroom with others and no window. But he could pay monthly and nobody cared who he was. Sitting on the bed Hyunjin put his bags down and took a deep breath. He had to find a job somehow to pay for all his costs. He could live here for two months with the money he had taken, if he didn’t spend too much money on food but not eating enough wasn’t a long-term solution.

Hyunjin got up, took some money and his phone and went outside.  His first mission was to get a new Sim Card, just in case. His heart ached at the prospect of not talking to his mum and Yeji anymore, but he couldn’t let them get in trouble for talking to him. His father was too traditional for that.

Walking down the streets of magicless Seoul was weird in a way. Nobody knew who he was, nobody cared what he did and if he walked alone in a specific direction. At home, the whole village just outside of Seoul on the magical side had been his Coven. Everyone knew him and mostly ignored or tried to exclude him in one way or another. Here he could do whatever he wanted. He just could be Hyunjin.

*-*-*-*-*

One week turned into two, turned into a month and without any input the time moved on and Hyunjin worked in a shitty convenient store to pay for his expenses. Taking the graveyard shift because he never had any plans for the day. The only other thing except working was trying to practise his magic on the few customers he got in the middle of the night without getting too overwhelmed. Or trying to find information about other empaths, but magicless libraries didn’t really have any in-depth documentation about magic and it was a struggle.

Another Thursday night turned into Friday and Hyunjin struggled to keep his eyes open, when a couple came into the store talking about a fair that was about to happen at the weekend. Even when he couldn’t follow the rest of the conversation when they walked around the store. The thought of the fair was exciting, something new he could try out, as he never had the chance before to go to any kind of fair or circus. His father thought only magicless humans would enjoy the pretence of magic in places like that. Hyunjin could see the sneer in front of his inner eye. So he would go for sure.

Saturday afternoon he walked out of the subway, following people to the fair. He walked aimlessly around, watching people playing at different booths, eating different snacks and enjoying the rides. He didn’t have that extra money to enjoy a ride or a game but he bought himself a churro with chocolate as a treat. Walking around while chewing his churro Hyunjin saw a couple come out of a little tent with big smiles. He caught the women sitting in the tent shuffling her tarot cards while smiling at the happy couple. Another thing his father had sneered about growing up. Tarot cards, even though they were a tool to practice magic, his father always made fun of them, because he thought them to be underneath him. The flashback let him stop his random walk around.

“Excuse me Ma’am, do you maybe have time for another reading?” Hyunjin asked the question before he really thought it through. She looked at him and smiled slowly.

“Of course. I always have time for handsome young men who want to know their future.” She waved him in and gestured to him to sit down. The tent was small and smelled like candles and some flower Hyunjin couldn’t name. “My name is Miss Lee. What question do you have today for the cards?”

Hyunjin sat down slowly. He couldn’t feel any magical items near Miss Lee. He didn’t have active magic but at least he could feel it. Here he only felt the big excitement of the women.

He hesitated for a moment, but answered slowly. “I want to know if my future will be better than it is now.”

Miss Lee nodded. “A question I often get asked.” She started shuffling the deck of cards before stacking it in front of him on the table. “Please divide the deck where you think is best.”

Hyunjin touched the deck and did as told. The women shuffled the divided deck again and let him choose three different cards. For the past, the present and the future.

“Please pick the first card. This is about your past.” She nodded in encouragement and Hyunjin picked the first card and turned it around. ‘The Tower’ was written on the card. As the name suggested a tower was seen on the card, surrounded by clouds and rain it seemed like.

“The tower is a card that means Chaos and sudden upheaval. Something in your life changed drastically in the past.” And while the woman talked as if she had rehearsed the meaning of the card without knowledge of what it actually could mean, Hyunjin felt like something was missing.

He turned the next card. It was ‘The Hermit’. “That card means self-reflection and that you need guidance.” He couldn’t help the little gasp. Why was this actually kind of fitting?

Miss Lee turned the last card before he could do it. It was ‘The Empress’.  Hyunjin stared at the women on the card. She was sitting on a throne covered in roses. What?

“Oh, that is the Empress. That means there will be fertility in your future! Your girlfriend is going to be really happy about that.” Miss Lee clapped excitedly and Hyunjin couldn’t help the small laugh. That made absolutely no sense. Here he was thinking the cards tried to give him a perspective but that was just nonsense. Miss Lee hadn’t heard his laugh and still talked about future babies and happiness and Hyunjin just wanted to go. He was sure that there would be no pregnant women near him anytime soon. Not pregnant by him at least.

He stood up abruptly, thanking Miss Lee, who finally had stopped talking about babies, disturbed by the screeching of his chair legs. Hyunjin paid and walked out of the tent.

Watching the next couple walking in and the small line waiting he got another idea. Maybe he could use tarot cards to practise his magic. Even if not, probably his reading would still be better than that. Pregnancy in the future of a gay man. As if.

Hyunjin turned around and walked back to the station. Ideas and the feeling of comfort the cards gave him accompanied him. He needed more information. Next stop was the library.

*-*-*-*-*-*

Hyunjin stared at the book about tarot cards and their meanings he had picked up at the library. The page with the Tower tarot card open. The meaning was so negative he didn’t even know what to think. The introduction had said that most people thought the death card was the worst. But death could also mean new beginnings. The tower however meant chaos and destruction, but also sudden upheaval and sudden change. Everything bad that could happen in life. Somehow the last months felt exactly like that. His whole life had changed and not for the better. Maybe he needed to fight for positive change. He turned the pages to look up the Hermit card.

‘The Hermit tarot card in an upright position generally indicates that you are entering a period of soul searching, self-reflections and enlightenment.’

Hyunjin finished reading the explanation and looked up. Gaining a deeper understanding of oneself, self-reflection, isolation after difficult life changes. It sounded right. Those two cards had felt right in the reading. Because he had chosen them. The last card wasn’t his choice he had realized after some time, so maybe that’s why it hadn’t made sense. He needed to buy a deck. Maybe he could give himself a reading.

When the package arrived Hyunjin tried giving himself a reading in his room as soon as he had cleansed the cards with crystals like the books had advised. And like Mrs. Lee hadn’t done he remembered, so if she was magic, it had been bad practice.

The Tower.

The Hermit.

The same two cards as before.

This time the third card was different.

The Eight of Swords Reversed. The card had come out of the deck upside down even though he had shuffled them upright. Hyunjin picked up the book about the card's meaning. He had given the library book back and bought his own version of the book, cutting back on his dinners that week. Just so he could have his own copy always on himself. He tried making notes from other books in a cheap notebook and added sticky notes with comments.

‘In general, the Eight of Swords can represent freedom, escape from abuse and finding solutions. It signifies releasing anxiety, taking back control and self-belief.’

Taking back control and finding solutions sounded like something he needed. This was good. He could make it good.

*-*-*-*-*

He started giving readings to people on park benches. It started with a couple high school girls giggling while looking at him shuffling cards. He was sure they didn’t care what he told them, while they sat down and stared at him. But somehow it turned into more high schoolers turning up, asking him for readings. And once he felt like half the high schoolers in Seoul had turned up to him, the ages changed. Older people, married couples, lovey dovey new couples. And he made many correct readings, using his Empathy to help people grief, giving hope to the nervous women before her next job interview. And the park bench turned into plastic chairs and a table in a small tent close to other tarot card tellers, but far enough that he wasn’t influenced by too many feelings.

He still worked at the convenience store to save more money just in case but turned from 7 days a week to 4 and his sleep schedule and food intake turned a bit more healthy and less instant ramen and energy drinks.

Walking home one day he stood in front of a small display of rings he found pretty, contemplating if he could afford one, when he felt magic in the display with necklaces. Without much thought he bought the magical necklaces, because it felt welcoming. Which was a mistake.

The next time he had the necklace with him during a tarot reading he got knocked down by the pissed ex-boyfriend of a client he couldn’t even remember and sported a blue eye for three days. Then the house his Oneroom was in got flooded by a broken water pipe and everyone had to move out for a few days. Which was annoying and expensive and he almost got robbed walking to the hostel room he had rented in a shady part of the city. He was cursed and it had started with this damn necklace he couldn’t get rid of somehow.

*-*-*-*-*

Changbin answered his smile with curiosity and Hyunjin tried to kick himself into motion to not stand around like a creep staring at the other witch.

“I have a necklace with a fucked-up spell on it. I think at least. It was supposed to be a protection spell, but if that is protection I don’t really want to know what a negative spell would do.” Hyunjin rambled and pulled out the necklace to put on the counter between them. “My question is, if you could fix it?”

Changbin took the necklace and his face turned disgusted after touching the pendant of the necklace. Light blue magic swirled around the pendant, while Changbin analysed the necklace. At least that’s what Hyunjin thought was happening. Active magic was nothing he had much experience with.

Changbin put down the necklace and Hyunjin was met with a wave of disgust and annoyance.

“It’s really bad, isn’t it?”

Changbin looked up at his sudden question. “Yes. It is. I don’t know who tried putting a protection spell on this but they did it wrong. It’s more like a magnet for bad energy and less protection or a shield.” Changbin poked the necklace that laid in front of them on the counter, but looked annoyed touching it. “This is the reason why Spell witches doing jewellery have such a bad name.”

A tiny meow sounded and the grey cat familiar rubbed against Changbins arm, balancing on tip toes to not fall down the counter. Hyunjin smiled as the disgust and annoyance he had felt turned soft and happy. Those two seemed bonded, if he had to guess. The fondness in the Witch for the familiar was obvious, even without empathy magic.

“Is that your familiar?” He asked without thinking and Changbin looked up from petting the cat.

He grinned at Hyunjin before answering. “That’s Felix, our shop mascot, because he loves pets in cat form.” Changbin turned to the fox in the big cat bed, who had opened his eyes to look at them, obviously giving up his sleep to watch them. “And grumpy pants over there is Jeongin. He doesn’t like people touching him.”

The fox huffed, his eyes squinting at the Spell witch and Hyunjin couldn’t help his snort at the indignation the familiar felt.

Changbin turned back to him and grinned a little before turning serious again. “Anyway, I would recommend just getting rid of this necklace, because it’s bad. But in theory I can get rid of the bad spell and put on a new one. A hopefully successful one, because the quality of this is not really made for magic this heavy.”

Hyunjin nodded. He had expected that somehow. It was just a cheap necklace so that it was able to hold a spell at all had surprised him.

“I think I would like a new necklace with a more heavy-set protection spell, if you have that.” Hyunjin answered by looking up from the counter to look at Changbin.

Changbin nodded, walking around the counter to the display of jewellery to look over the pieces. “Would you like a necklace or is something else also fine?”

Hyunjin followed looking at the different pieces, many necklaces, that felt different from the protection he actually wanted. He had no clue what the others were, but many rings and bracelets as well as earrings were on display.

“I think I would prefer a necklace. I don’t think it’s good to be on display that much. But if it’s strong that would be good as well. I don’t really have active magic.” Hyunjin said standing next to the Spell Witch, who was shorter than he had expected. The sheer muscle mass had diverted from the height.

“I don’t have a Coven right now.” Hyunjin added as an afterthought and braced himself for a wave of pity while turning to Changbin.

Changbin nodded in acceptance. The pity didn’t appear, just curiosity came over as Changbin walked back behind the counter, picking up a notebook and Hyunjin couldn’t help but stare a little. He wasn’t pitied.

Changbin smiled at him while petting Felix who was sitting on the counter, purring loudly. “What kind of design would you like?”

“I can pick out a design on my own?”

“Yes, that happens when you hire a Spell witch for jewellery, if you don’t buy anything pre made.” Amusement from Changbin and contentment from Felix made Hyunjin feel welcome and he enjoyed the thought. He didn’t want to go home into the magicless emptiness of his room.

A small cough pulled Hyunjin out of his blank stare as Changbin watched him carefully. “Are you okay?”

Hyunjin gulped and nodded. “Yeah...sorry. It’s just been a long time since I felt so much safe magic.” Nope not what he wanted to say. Before Changbin could say anything Hyunjin continued. “Anyway, I think I like the length of the necklace and the size of the pendant. Maybe you could use a red stone? That would be nice.”

Hyunjin tried to ignore the two pairs of eyes watching him. Taking the pen laying on the counter to sketch his spontaneous vision of a necklace. It would probably be expensive but it would be worth it to feel safe.

*-*-*-*-*

Hyunjin took a deep breath, standing in front of Levanter again. It had been two weeks since he had ordered the new necklace and Changbin had said he could come back and try it today. But somehow he was more nervous than he had expected. Maybe it was the price of the necklace hunting him, handmade and expensive, but Hyunjin somehow doubted it.

The last time he had been here, he had felt so safe and comfortable. The first-time magic actually felt nice and safe, not like back at home where only Yeji had been safe for him. Going home had felt cold and weird after the consultation and he had craved going back the whole two weeks.

Opening the door, the same little bell like the last time sounded and Hyunjin was greeted with an empty room except for shelfs of tea and flowers and plants everywhere. Seemingly empty at least. Felix was sitting on a shelf between flower pots watching the door. Hyunjin wondered if the familiars had shifts, so one would sit outside to alert for new clients.

Felix jumped down the shelf on the counter when he recognized Hyunjin and meowed loudly, a wave of welcome feelings like excitement and happiness swept over him. Hyunjin petted Felix and smiled at him.

“Hi Felix, is Changbin here?”

Felix mowed a bit and a small wave of sadness joined the happiness the cat familiar had felt before. Before Felix could do anything else to show answer the question Hyunjin nodded.

“I see. I might need to come back another time then” Hyunjin said in answer, not realizing the surprise of Felix and something else around him in his disappointment of having missed the Spell Witch.

“You could also stay and enjoy some tea if you would like!” A new voice said and Hyunjin jumped a little in surprise, his head whipped around to the door on the side that went to the private rooms of the shop. A new Witch stood in the doorway. Eye smile and dimples on full display. He wasn’t much taller than Changbin, but almost as big and Hyunjin could feel the magic calmly flowing around the witch.

The still living plans in the shop all seemed to turn to the witch and happiness spread around the room, leaving Hyunjin breathless. Feelings plants was new and absolutely unexpected, combined with the purring fluffy cat familiar under his hands Hyunjin stared with openmouthed.

The witch didn’t seem to realise the effect he had, or he just was used to people being overwhelmed in his shop, because the only thing that happened was the witch coming closer and the dimples deeper.

“My name is Chan. I am Head Witch of our Coven and this little shop belongs to me!” Chan held out his hand to shake and Hyunjin reacted on autopilot. The calmness and contentment of Chan was so nice that Hyunjin just wanted to curl up and never leave. He had thought Changbin was calm already but that was another level.

There was a moment of awkward silence, before Hyunjin realized Chan was waiting for a reply.

“Yes! Tea would be nice.” And after a moment he added. “I’m Hyunjin.”

“It’s nice to meet you Hyunjin.” Chan started preparing the tea and Hyunjin stood at the counter and continued to pet Felix, who had turned in a fluffy blob of purring contentment. The whole cat vibrated and Hyunjin enjoyed the buzz in the air.

“You know you can stop that right?” Chan said nonchalant while pouring water over the tea blend he had prepared and Hyunjin blinked in confusion.

“Stop what?”

“Broadcasting. We won’t hurt you.” Chan said. With a look at Felix, he added with a snort: “I think my familiar is liquified because of that already.”

Hyunjin took a look at the cat familiar, that seemed to melt into the countertop, legs spread and belly up. He stopped petting Felix and stepped back a bit and meanwhile tried to dull the feelings around him. He hadn’t learned how to block everything completely but he had practiced dulling everything, to not get overwhelmed in large crowds.

It did seem to work, because one second everything was happy and the next, he only felt his own confusion. Felix had stopped purring and sat up, eyes focused on Hyunjin the whole time. Chans small smile had disappeared. Instead there was a look of concern on his face. At least that was what Hyunjin thought and he suddenly realized how much he had clung to the feelings of people before. Maybe his whole life. Because with only the facial features he wasn’t too sure what the other thought.

“So..rry… sorry about that!” Hyunjin stuttered a bit and forced a smile on his face. He really didn’t want this to turn hostile somehow.

Felix sprung from the counter and on instinct Hyunjin closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he saw Felix for the first time in human form. Smaller than him, with freckles all over his face and blond fluffy hair, that stood all over the place, like his fur had.

“You didn’t do anything wrong Hyunjin.” Felix said, voice deeper than Hyunjin would have expected with that face. “Channie-Hyung just said it, so you don’t get overloaded.”

Hyunjin blinked again and looked over to the Green Witch, who was still standing behind the counter. “I don’t know what that means…”, he said slowly.

Chans frowned. “You don’t know what broadcast and overload are?”

Hyunjin shook his head in answer.

“Who taught you magic?” Chan asked seriously.

Hyunjin gulped a little and stuttered his way through his thoughts. “Well…nobody really…so I did it? Um, myself… I guess. I mean I’m not good but I’m trying!”

There was silence for a moment. Chan and Felix both looked surprised and feelings of shock and confusion filtered through to Hyunjin already again. His grasp on that active part was terrible.

“What do you mean nobody taught you? I thought its mandatory to get tested and taught in Korea?” Felix said, with his head turned to Chan for the second question.

Chan nodded. “It is mandatory as far as I know.”

“Only if you show potential in magic actually”, Hyunjin added and gulped, when both turned their heads to him immediately.

“But you’re obviously a witch!” Felix seemed personally offended by Hyunjins lack of education and he could only shrug in answer.

“My father didn’t think so, I don’t have active powers so who cares.”

“That’s bullshit. Who cared if the magic is active or not? Emotion Witches are rare and should be honored.”

Hyunjin looked at Chan with big eyes. “Honored?”

Chan had come over to the other side of the counter and was standing closer to Felix now.

“Yes, if I’m right and you are an Emotion Witch, you constantly use your magic. Even if you don’t try to, you actively have to try to not use it. It’s really different to my or Changbins magic for example. If we don’t use it whatever, but we have to actively try to use it.” Chan explained. “It’s two very different styles of magic.”

Hyunjin just stood there, trying to comprehend. He was always using his magic? All the time? He hadn’t even realized. He lifted his head, determined to ask and locked eyes with Chan.

“Can you teach me?”

The Green Witch started smiling again. Dimples once again appearing.

“It would be my pleasure.”

*-*-*-*-*

That one little conversation turned Hyunjins life around. Everyday he went to the little tea shop to have Chan teach him magic. They started with the basics. The explanations he should have been taught just because he grew up in a magical family.

He learned what overloaded meant, if he would use to much magic to feel others, he would have something close to a sensory overload and not be able to turn it down to a manageable level and would probably knock him out for at least a few hours. His sheepish “Oh that” was met with a disapproving glare from both Felix and Chan.

And broadcasting was apparently, that others felt what he wanted them to feel. He hadn’t even known, that he did that, but that explained why Felix always melted when he was pet. Apparently having a familiar would regulate that a little more and living without a familiar for so long had its toll on his abilities.

Besides the obvious lessons her learned about the different magical branches, Emotions, Spell and Gren Witches were a no brainer, but Elemental was new to him. The differences in specialisations had confused him more than Hyunjin would have thought.

He had never questioned before why Chan only sold tea and no potions until the Green Witch explained that those would need a different specialisation. Chan could do potions but not well enough to sell them. Changbin had joined those magic teaching lessons and explained more about the spells categorization with the clear aim to “broaden Hyunjins horizon”. Accompanied was that sentence by Felix standing close and doing jazz hands for dramatic effect. That was one day that had fried Hyunjins poor brain with information.

Between learning about magic, doing his tarot card readings in the evening, followed by the graveyard shifts in the convenience store around the corner Hyunjins days were full and tiring and didn’t give him much time to explore his skills on a personal level.

*-*-*-*-*

After a long week of studying, Hyunjin sat in the backroom of the shop to write down notes from the books Chan had bombarded him with. Everything remotely related to Emotion Witches got written down. How Empaths existed as well as Mediums and Clairvoyants. He hummed a little while reading the part about the different aids to use direct their magic. Candles and crystal balls, pendulums, athames and bells. And tarot cards. Hyunjin wondered if he would have chosen a different aid, if he hadn’t met that lady faking her skills.

While reading the part about tarot cards and them being a guide, the couch sunk down with someone sitting down next to him. One look revealed Changbin, holding something in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. Changbin set the tea down and pushed the cup over to Hyunjin.

“Hyung says you studied long enough and need a break, so he made you tea.”

Hyunjin picked up the cup with a smile, smelling the herb mix and took a sip.

“And he sent you as delivery boy?”

Changbin snorted. “That and I wanted to give you this.”

He held out his hand and let something fall down and dangle from it. In the light the necklace looked sleek and elegant with the small silver chain. The pendant was looking like a flower with pretty red stones.

“Your necklace, I’m done with it. I actually finished two days ago, but I always forgot to give it to you.” Changbin added in explanation.

Hyunjin had totally forgotten about that. He had paid in full, before he had been roped into learning. Slowly he reached out to touch the necklace and Changbin let it fall into his hand. The magic impeded spread over Hyunjin. He suddenly felt even safer and comfortable. The magic on the pendant obviously was Changbins but it seemed so concentrated into the small little stones, that it was overwhelming. Smidges of Chan and Felix were in there as well and Hyunjin didn’t know if that was standard, because they were a Coven or because they tried to help as well.

“Thank you Hyung.” Hyunjin said, a little breathless. Changbins answering grin was proud and happy.

“You’re welcome! Here let me put it on you.”

Changbin took the necklace back and motioned Hyunjin to turn around. He did and soon felt the necklace around his throat, while Changbin fastened it. The chain was just long enough to disappear under his collar, but not annoyingly dangly.

Hyunjin grabbed the pendant with a smile.

Without another word Changbin got up and left up the stairs while humming, leaving Hyunjin to organize his feelings.

*-*-*-*-*

It was day 27 since Chan had roped Hyunjin into learning about magic. Hyunjin came to the shop more asleep than awake at this point His pendant close to his heart was probably the only thing that saved him from being hit by a car until he arrived at the tea shop.

Hyunjin had tried to study after the convenience store shift and had fallen asleep at 7am. Being awake three hours later to learn have his next lesson and learn more was a big mistake already, but as he hadn’t gotten the phone number of the others coming and hoping for the best was his only possibility.

When Hyunjin walked in, Chan was talking to one of his regular customers, a small older lady who bought tea and ogled Chan every week at least once. With Chan distracted and Changbin organising a shelf around to add new pieces of his jewellery, Hyunjin just nodded at them and walked into the back rooms, where his lessons normally happened. On that comfortable couch that made relaxing so easy. He sat down and closed his eyes almost immediately. He was so tired that tears sprung into his eyes.

Being exhausted wasn’t anything new, but the safe magic of the tea shop and the sound of the two witches talking outside the room just were to much. Hyunjin lied down slowly, just for a moment to take a deep breath and relax before continuing his studies. Something rumbly and purring sat down on his chest, lulling him deeper into the tired dizziness he had felt for the last week. And then he fell asleep.

When Hyunjin opened his eyes again, he was hugging a fluffy purring cat, feeling safe and comfortable. The smell of tea and slow conversation was flowing over from the shop and the small murmurs of Changbin, who was sitting at his work table.

Hyunjin yawned. He hadn’t felt so good in a long time. Slowly he tried to sit up without disturbing Felix to much. The cat familiar was still a sleeping circle. Hyunjin softly put him down. Changbin was sitting with his back to Hyunjin working and Chan was probably still selling tea. He didn’t know how long he had slept, but something in him itched to do something.

Following his instincts Hyunjin pulled his tarot cars out of his bag pack, sat down on the floor to lean on the sofa and started shuffling his cards. He had cleaned them yesterday directly after his last use with a random girl who had gotten her heart broken. He patted himself on the back for making that a routine after using his cards on other people.

Satisfied with the amount he had shuffled his cards he split the deck evenly to pull one card out. Face down he laid the first card on the floor. Then after shuffling again and again he pulled card 2 and three out.

He put the rest of the deck down and turned the first card.

The Tower. Chaos and sudden upheaval.

That was one of the cards he picked most of the time, when trying to do the cards for himself. The Chaos was done yet it seemed like. With the way he had run away from home, the sudden upheaval would be a part for a bit longer. The past couldn’t be changed after all.

The second card was turned. The Present

The Reversed Four of Cups.

The Card was upside down and Hyunjin had learnt all meaning by heart. This way the card meant Clarity, Acceptance and choosing happiness.

Then Hyunjin stared at the card for moment and took a deep breath, before he turned the third card. The future.

The world.

The cards meaning was something like achievement, fulfilment and a sense of belonging.

Hyunjin said in silence for a moment, trying to interpret the meaning of the cards he had chosen. He could only interpret the cards as magic telling him he should accept his place here. Choosing happiness would mean to him choosing this Coven, that made him feel safe and comfortable. Which would lead to fulfilment apparently.

“What are the cards telling you Hyunjin?”

Chans Voice broke Hyunjin out of his thought. He jumped a little in surprise, looking up to Chan, who was standing in the door. Changbin had turned around and was looking over from his work place.

Hyunjin blinked. “Are you done working?”

Chan nodded. “For now, it was a slow day anyway and the ward will tell me if someone comes.”

“Since when were you using tarot cards Jinnie?”, Changbin asked, before Hyunjin could answer Chans questions.

Hyunjin looked to Changbin. That question was easier to answer. “I started when I came here. It felt right. Well, it still feels right.”

“It’s a common way of using magic as an Emotion With.” Chan said. “If my memory is not betraying me at least.” He added after a moment of thought.

Hyunjin just nodded. Curiosity and the feeling of being comfortable came from the couch. The talking had woken Felix apparently.

He didn’t really want to share his thoughts. Too afraid to have them interpret the cards differently and getting disappointed, that his frequent daydreams of being in the Coven with those three would burst like a balloon.

Chan sat down next to Hyunjin, careful not to touch the cards and Hyunjin couldn’t help but feel touched at the carefulness. Changbin scooted closer on his office chair with an awkward shuffle of legs an amusement floated around Chan at that.

“So, what are the cards telling you Hyunjin?” Chan repeated.

There was a moment of silence, before Hyunjin could bet the nerves and answer the Green Witch.

“The way I laid the cards represents the past, the present and the future” Hyunjin said, while pointing to the card. “The Tower, my past shows upheaval and sudden change, which makes sense with my …” Hyunjin stopped talking.

Nerves flooded him. He had never outright said, that he had run away from home, even if the others probably had their own thought about that. Especially as he was a witch without the classical training.

Felix sniffed around Hyunjins shoulder before flopping down over it, to see the cards as well and the soft fur on his neck somehow gave him the push to continue.

“With my running away from home.” He continued. “My dad is an emotionally abusing dickhead.”

As much as Changbin and Chan liked to play games and laugh about everything, Hyunjin understood in that moment that both were strong witches. The way theirs eyes snapped from the cards to his face and the strong wave of protectiveness and anger that flooded both of them made him choke in their fierceness.

Hyunjin cleared his throat to continue his explanation. “The second card is the present. It’s the reversed four of cups. The card would normally mean apathy and feeling disconnected. But the special thing about cards upside down is, that the meaning reserves as well.”

He stopped for a moment to think how to explain when Changbin continued.

“So, reverse would mean good thinks, like connection or something?”

Hyunjin nodded. “Yeah, and acceptance and choosing happiness.”

Changbin hummed in though, while Chan stared at the cards in deep thought.

“And what is the last one then? The future?”

“Yeah, The future.” Hyunjin answered. “It’s the card The World. It means achievement and fulfilment and…something like a sense of belonging.”

Felix moved back from Hyunjins shoulder back to the couch and there was a wave of magic before Felix’ voice joined the conversation.

“So that would mean that your future would mean you belong to something and it makes you happy?”

It was mostly a repeat of what Hyunjin had said, but that simple way of putting it made Hyunjin nervous as he hummed in agreement.

“Hyung.” Felix said and Hyunjin could see a toe poke Chan in the shoulder.

The Green Witch nodded but didn’t say anything yet.

Changbin sighed, as if he had expected nothing more than that reaction and poked Chan in the cheek as well. “Come on Hyung, the last time worked out too!”

Hyunjin just watched the dynamic between them with confusion.

“What worked out?”

He didn’t get a direct answer. Changbin and Felix only started the poking with new vigour until Chan slapped their hands away.

“The last time I felt the magic of a witch fit so well with mine and Felix was when we meet Changbin.” Chan said and looked at Hyunjin to wait for a reaction.

“Okay...?”

Hyunjin wasn’t really sure where Chan was trying to go with that sentence, but it was obvious all three of them had waited for some kind of reaction and his confusion was equally met with confusion.

Changbin furrowed his brows and leaned forward. “You don’t have more to say to that?”

“To what?” Hyunjins voice got a little high pitched in annoyance. It was obvious he didn’t get it, so why couldn’t they just say what they meant?

Felix hummed in thought, watching Hyunjin and something like an epiphany came over so fast that Hyunjins head whipped around to look at the familiar. Being confused yourself and someone else obviously not was a weird combination of feelings to have.

“I don’t think he knows it possible. Or that we would want that.” Felix said to Chan and Changbin and both looked from Felix back to Hyunjin and even feelings of understanding moved trough the room. Somehow that just annoyed him even more and Hyunjin couldn’t help the huff in irritation.

“Hyunjin.” Chans said vehemently to get his attention. “We would like to officially ask you to join our Coven.”

Hyunjin gaped with open mouth. They wanted him in the Coven? What good would he bring? He couldn’t help the sheepish question.

“But why? I can’t do anything.”

“You actually believe that don’t you?” Changbin asked, his mouth twisted and because of the storm of feelings in the room Hyunjin didn’t know what kind of feeling was connected. It wasn’t pleasant Hyunjin was pretty sure about that.  

“You are a Witch Hyunjin. Every Witch can be in a coven if they want to be.” Changbin continued. “Spell and Green Witches might need it more than you do, but you are still a Witch!”

“You could also just say you like us and would like to stay with us and say yes!” Felix interjected with a grin.

“You have more than just your empathy magic Hyunjin. Especially when using tarot cards is your way of using your magic.” Chan said as he took the Tarot cards and shuffled the deck again. Except for the three cards Hyunjin had pulled before.

“Just like Chan uses his plants and tea and I use stones.” Changbin added. “Every Witch has their own way of using their magic.”

Hyunjin tried to not cry with the love and hope in the room. All three really wanted him and he couldn’t find it in him to say no to them. He wanted that. That feel of belonging and family.

Felix picked up the tarot card The World and waved it around.

“Your cards agree with us Jinnie.”

“Are you really sure?” Hyunjins voice broke a bit with that questions and Chan just smiled that sweet dimply smile he had, when he was happy.

“We are!”

Hyunjin nodded and rubbed the tears away, that had started to fall, while they were talking. “I would love too.”

Happy screams and happy feeling washed over him and for once he was sure, that he had found his spot. His own little family.

*-*-*-*-*

Hyunjin sat down on the living room floor near the windows to not be in the way. The other two were busy walking around, in preparation for the ritual. He watched them and instead of the nervousness he expected all he got was excitement and happiness from them. Changbin was writing down the spell they would need, while Chan mixed different magical flowers like Calendula, Yarrow and Lavender together. They had explained they needed to burn them, so the bonding spell would be strong and healthy. All flowers had different attributes to them to help the bonding ceremony. Felix was already in his cat form. He had told Hyunjin that it was easier that way to support the magic that would be used in the bonding spell.

Hyunjin just felt nervous. He hadn’t found any information about Emotion Witches being part of Covens. He didn’t really need it the way active magic users needed the stability to balance their magic. What if it didn’t work and he was just going to stay as a Solo Witch while watching them be a proper Coven. That was his fear, but he kept quiet, because the other three had been so sure.

A weight on his lap pulled him out of his brooding. Felix meowed at him and tried rubbing over every part of Hyunjin he could reach. The contact instantly dampened the feelings surrounding him, letting him feel the nervousness of himself. Felix stopped moving to stare at Hyunjin. His paw was poking Hyunjins arm, like he was asking him what was wrong.

“I’m okay, just nervous.” Hyunjin said, petting Felix behind his ears. The Familiar meowed again and sat down. Joining Hyunjin in watching the other witches preparing all the necessary steps. Changbin added some kind of stone that Hyunjin still couldn’t remember the name of but was apparently helpful for their bonding. When everything was ready Chan and Changbin sat down and Felix got up from Hyunjins lab to stand between Changbin and Hyunjin.

“Everyone ready?” Chan asked and they all gave positive answers. “Okay let's do this.”

Changbin took the Paper with the bonding spell on it and started reading it out loud while the others started concentrating on their magic. It became easier the more Hyunjin had to do it. He had practiced everyday to be ready and as helpful as possible. He squeezed his eyes shut in concentration and listened to Changbins voice.

“...and bond the searching witch to us.”

After the last word Changbin lit the paper on fire and threw it with the match into the bowl with the herbs and stones. Hyunjin tried to let his magic do its own thing. Chan had said they would let their magic loose to let it do what it instinctively knew to do, but that part was the hard one. Hyunjin didn’t have such an active magic so he just hoped that his desire to be part of the Coven was enough.

There was a moment of silence and then a light breeze started, despite no windows being open. And then an electrical buzzing started as the magical energy of the whole Coven started growing in the middle of them. Their Cat Familiar seemed to buzz with energy. At first it felt like a fight, as if the magic tried to estimate the new member. Hyunjin gasped a little as magic swept over him, leaving him breathless.

The magic started growing between them and was sweeping around in circles. Hyunjin could feel the magic, the differences in energy. Chan’s magic felt green and breezy like the first warm day after winter, while Changbins magic seemed to be strong and steadfast, a building to stay for long. He wondered how his magic felt, if they could feel it the same way he did. Hyunjin took a deep breath, trying to open himself up to the feeling of safety and energy he got. A slow humming joined the rest of the magic and Hyunjin watched Felix who stood between them, eyes glowing with magic, fur standing up as if electrified.

The magic built up once more and then Hyunjin felt las if he was swaying with the energy. There was a loud pop and suddenly all magic was gone and the room was silent and still again. Hyunjin closed his eyes once more and took a deep breath and tried to feel his magic. A tingling feeling in the back of his head answered and he could hear Felix purring loudly.

“It worked right?”, he asked, voice shy of a whisper as he opened his eyes again.

Chan was beaming at him, happiness pouring out of him. “It did. Welcome to the Coven Hyunjin!”

*-*-*-*-*

Hyunjin sat down to wait while sipping his hot chocolate. He was staring at the entrance of the small coffee shop where he agreed to meet the unknown Emotion Witch. Without a face or name.

He had wanted to meet other Emotion witches. So, he asked Changbin if he knew about someone from his home Coven. His Hyung came from a big and old Coven that had lots of connections with other Covens all over the country. So Changbin had just shrugged and said he would ask around. And he had come home three weeks later with information about a Coven-less Emotion Witch someone in his home Coven had met sometime.

Hyunjin had almost cried with way too many happy emotions, because everyone had been happy for him. It was a new chance to learn something about his magic. He hoped the other witch could help him get better, maybe focus his magic more on helpful tactics. He was just happy they could talk, because the non-descript phone call with the witch had been hesitant, not believing that Hyunjin was an Emotion Witch as well.

Which explained him sitting here, waiting. The Emotion Witch was obviously suspicious about him. He had been really excited but the Witch didn’t seem to believe him. It felt like waiting for a weird blind date and Chan had forced him to share his GPS in their group chat, because their leader was paranoid like that.

Hyunjin watched different people enter the small shop and tried guessing who the right person would be. Quickly kicking out the girls and anyone over 40 from his mental map of people entering. Just based on the voice, text messages and a vibe he got because of it. Not really a good base to decide, but it was his game so whatever. Well, another clue was Changbin telling him about whoever it was, had met the Emotion Witch and “he” was really careful with his work for Covens. So Hyunjin was pretty safe to assume he would meet a guy here.

Then a guy around his age came in and looked around. And in Hyunjins humble opinion he was really pretty and Hyunjin had pretty guys around all day so he could judge. And he was staring at him. Really intensely. And for the first time Hyunjin felt magic, in a just magical way like Chan had taught him, but the emotions were dull. Like the guy had put a filter on his emotion to not show too much. Hyunjin stared at the pretty guy, eyebrows pulled together in confusion.

The guy walked over slowly and stopped in front of Hyunjins table.

“Are you Hwang Hyunjin?” His voice was smooth and melodic and Hyunjin just nodded. The guy smiled and sat across from him, before he introduced himself. “Nice to meet you, my name is Lee Minho. I think you wanted to meet me.”

Hyunjin stared, which was really rude but he couldn’t help it. He didn’t know what exactly he had expected but a cute guy his age somehow wasn’t it. Before Minho could turn away, now looking a little unsure, Hyunjin nodded rapidly.

“Yes, I’m Hyunjin, please sit!”

Minho smiled and sat down. His eyes glanced around the room as if he was watching people in the mostly empty coffee shop, before turning back to Hyunjin. “You wanted to meet me. Why?”

Hyunjin took a deep breath before answering. He was way more nervous than he had thought. “I heard about another Emotion Witch in Seoul.” He stopped, looking at Minho, who just stared at him with no expression at all, as if he tried not to react.

“Well, eh...my dad didn’t really think it was necessary to teach me about magic, because I didn’t show any magic abilities when I was younger, sooo …” He licked his lips nervously and just blurted out his question. “So, I wanted to ask, if you could teach me about being an Emotion Witch?”

There was a moment of silence, where Hyunjin stared at the table waiting for a reaction, when suddenly a huge wave of pride rolled over him. His head snapped up in surprise. Minho still sat there watching him, but with a small smile this time, his eyes flickering behind Hyunjin, as if he was listening to someone talk. The pride was tinged in fondness, the longer Minho stared behind him the stronger it got. Hyunjin resisted the urge to turn around to look at whatever Minho was looking at. He knew that there was no way someone was standing there.

The thought struck suddenly. “You’re a Medium”, Hyunjin whispered.

Minho's eyes turned back to him. The smile stayed on his face. “I am. You are an Empath.”

Hyunjin nodded. “I am.”

“Do you know who you got this from? You said your father thought you had no magic. Why?” Minho turned his head to the side in question and reminded Hyunjin of a curious cat.

“My mom doesn’t have any magic abilities, so they thought I followed her steps.” Hyunjin hesitated.

“But?”

“But I think I got my grandmother's Empath magic”, Hyunjin finished, thinking of the talk he had with Yeji some time ago. He missed her.

Minho nodded, eyes again on the wall behind Hyunjin. “You did. She is pretty sure that your mother has it as well, but not prominent enough to show in testing. And you didn’t get tested because your dad is a dickhead.”

Hyunjin snorted. Anger and amusement came over and he was pretty sure Minho had just quoted his grandma. The feelings felt different, the anger in comparison further away, as if it was filtered before they reached him. Hyunjin stared at Minho. He could talk to his grandma.

“Grandma, I did the right thing, right?” It was a little weird talking to his grandma, but looking at Minho's face. But he had to know her opinion. She had always told him and Yeji to take care of each other. And he had left his sister alone.

Minho’s smile turned sad. This time the little wave of pride was tinged with sadness. “She says that you did. Because otherwise you would have lost yourself in the negativity and emptiness of that house.”

Hyunjin nodded. Trying not to cry. “Do you know if…” His voice broke before he could say his sister's name. “If...is she okay?”

Minho looked behind Hyunjin, listening to the answer of his grandma. “Yeji is okay, your grandmother is watching over her until she can get out.”

The tears started falling slowly. Hyunjin had known that it would hurt, but he was so glad that Yeji was okay. He rubbed his face with his shirt sleeve and nodded. “Thank you.” He said with his grandma in mind and looked at Minho with purpose. “And thank you too.”

Minho just smiled and seemed to relax more into the seat. The subdued feelings underlying his were gone. And so was the ghost Hyunjin assumed.

“Well, that was quite interesting, I have to say.” Minho said. “I wasn’t expecting a session without anyone asking.”

“Do people normally just assume you are going to help them?” Hyunjin asked sceptically. That was quite rude.

Minho shrugged. “Yeah, or the ghosts realise I can see them and then start to haunt me, to finish their business. Not all of them but enough.”

Hyunjin nodded in understanding.

“But to answer your question.” Minho said. “Yes, I guess I can help you.”

Hyunjin sighed in relief. A Witch who could help with his Magic and not just the theory. “Thank you Minho-ssi.”

“Call me Hyung. Your grandmother told me I am older than you.”

Hyunjin laughed at that, sharing a grin with Minho.

“Thank you Hyung.”