Chapter Text
Your lungs burned as you sprinted, the cool night air doing nothing for you as you quickly dodged a tree. Two sets of running feet could be heard behind you and they were closing in fast. You were weak, sore, and exhausted, which is why these damned dog hybrids were about to catch you. Normally a hybrid of your caliber could outrun these domestic breeds in an instant. You growled in frustration as you pushed yourself to keep moving.
You were a snow leopard which happened to be a rare form of hybrid. An agile feline, that was known to be the perfect predator, was about to be caught by “man’s best friend.” Animal instinct directed you into the city ahead, you slowed as you approached the crowds of people, pulling your hood over your white spotted ears, and tucking your matching tail away. The slowed pace is a welcome relief to your straining chest as you walked deeper into the throngs of humans and hybrids.
The pursuing dog hybrids stopped in their tracks, confused and irritated at your sudden disappearance.
“I hate cats, they’re too fucking sneaky.” Pointed ears twitched, his voice dripping with irritation.
“Use your nose, idiot, she’s got a distinct scent.” His partner retaliated. The pair followed your scent trail at a slower pace.
“Boss is gonna be pissed.”
~~~
FInally, a sanctuary came into your line of sight, a bar sign glowing from a few feet away. The Jin and Tonic , lit sign reflected off your frown, as you quickly checked your surroundings. You were quick to pass between the crowd and enter into the building. Not a single person paid you any mind as you weaved through the throngs of drunken people. Luckily for you the place was in full swing, men were slinging back drinks while girls hung onto their arms chattering away about nonsense. Your sensitive nose scrunched as the mix of scents assaulted you. The air in the bar was thick with alcohol and emotions, an idea suddenly generated in your head like a lightbulb.
Just as you began to formulate your small plan, the two dog hybrids pursuing you burst through the door. You were well aware that you scent led them here.
Nearby, one man was busy mixing drops of moonshine into a glass, obviously he was trying to forget something as it was an extremely potent alcohol. You knew that smell better from a mile away, parties you’d been forced to attend in the past gave you a knowledge of various brews. You watched and waited, and the moment he set down the heavy bottle, your hand knapped it and tossed it towards the floor. Oops. Crash!
The man’s face wrinkled in anger, yet you didn’t hear him yelling before you made way to a different busy corner of the facility. The dog hybrids were groaning in unison, the intoxicating smell overwhelmed their sensitive noses. A few words were exchanged before they decided they had enough and headed out of the building.
You couldn’t help the sigh of relief that left you.
It dawned on you that you were in the clear, for once, you could breath. If only it were that easy, as you now were beginning to panic from the intense sounds and smells. They came crashing down on you in a wave. This was too much, this was a mistake, thoughts of being caught filled your head. Your master would not be kind when he found you. Dread began taking hold of your thoughts.
You mindlessly bumped between shoulders of other patrons, the world started to close in around you as the music’s beat began to match your pounding headache.
“Hey! Miss!” Interrupted the beat, a hand finding its way onto your shoulder and turning you around. The taste of freedom felt like it was washed out of your mouth in that instant.
You tried to yank your shoulder away, only for his hand to push down your hood by accident in the mess. His full lips opened in surprise, you could see the thoughts in his head processing all in once. Quickly as it happened, the hood was back on your head and his arm around your shoulder.
“Back off!” You hissed at the strange man, feebly trying to pull away.
Kim Seokjin, being the ever attentive bar owner, overheard the commotion and came to investigate. The last thing he needed was another bar fight. He had caught the sight of two dog hybrids in uniform fleeing and a mess of broken glass and alcohol on the ground. His dark eyes landed on your hooded form, and instantly knew you were the culprit of the disturbance.
When your hood fell his mouth dropped in shock at your haggard appearance. The first thing that caught his attention were the fluffy ears atop your head. They were mostly white and rounded, and he recognized them instantly. His prominent brows nearly disappeared into his hairline as his eyes settled on the deep bruise that marred your cheek.
Jin uttered your name. “...What are you doing here? What happened to you?”
His words were blurred as if you were underwater, the bar and everyone melded together and your body felt like lead, your knees giving out.
The taller man nearly lost his balance as you suddenly fell into his chest, your adrenaline rush fading fast, eyelids heavy.
“Seriously?! You cause a scene and then faint?” Was the last thing you heard as arms embraced your falling form.