&&. 𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬. ( ateez )

peach | one

"hey hongjoong, welcome back!" minnie, the hybrid shelter front desk girl, said as she waved to the male who entered the shelter. walking up to the counter, hongjoong noticed the cage behind the older female and raised an eyebrow.

"hey, noona, what's that?" he pointed causing the girl to turn and look at what he was pointing at.

"ah, she's a new hybrid. they brought her in after her former owner called and reported her. apparently, she attacked him and left some pretty good scratches on him. we have her listed as feral," minnie explained sadly.

"feral? she doesn't look feral," hongjoong says.

"the guy said it wasn't the first time she attacked him, but she didn't fight when minhyuk and hyungwon were sent to pick her up. we think she only attacked in self defense."

"can i talk to her?" hongjoong said, his eyes never once leaving the cage.

"sure. she won't talk to any of us, so maybe you can try and help her," minnie said letting hongjoong go behind the counter and up to the cage where the cat hybrid rested.

"hey, my name's hongjoong. i just want to talk, promise." he says as he sits down in front of the cage. you give him a side glance before shifting a little bit. "what's your name?" he asked after a few minutes of silence.

you sense that he's not a threat, but you feel yourself hesitate as you lift your head up to look at him. he gives you a warm smile before you finally decide to answer him. "y/n."

"y/n? that's a beautiful name," he says, his smile never leaves his face. "i know you're probably scared and worried about what's going to happen to you, but i promise no one is gonna harm you here. this is a safe place for hybrids. i'm sure you'll find a new home that will take care of you."

"feral hybrids don't get adopted. they are left here to die or be put down because no one wants them," you say resting your head against the cage. "but thanks, i know you only mean best."

"then i'll adopt you," hongjoong said bluntly. you raised your head and looked at him with surprised eyes. "noona," hongjoong said standing up and turning towards minnie, "can you get some adoption papers ready, i want to adopt her," hongjoong says pointing to you.

"really? hongjoong, she's labeled as feral. do you know how big of a risk you're taking?"

"do you really believe she's feral. you said it yourself that she probably attacked in self defense. besides, i've been thinking about adopting another hybrid so yunho isn't so lonely when i go to work anymore," hongjoong says and minnie looks at him with a conflicted look before sighing.

"give me ten minutes to get the paperwork and i'll be right back," she says before walking off and hongjoong turns back to you with a smile.

"i'll take care of you, i promise."