In the Shadows
Author: dreamingdaegu (AO3)
Link: AO3 | Words: 47k
Characters: Jungkook x Yoongi, side Taehyung x Jimin, side Jin x Namjoon
Genre: humor, fluff, smut | AU: modern, vampires | Audience: mature
Warnings: language, smut, mild angst, brief reference to mugging
Author’s Summary:
“Jungkook never expected to meet the love of his life in a parking lot of a 7/11.
Then again, he never counted on meeting someone quite like Yoongi.”
~
I was beyond thrilled to learn that author dreamingdaegu had released some newer works this year, and I loved this one so much that I flew through it. The writing shines with its balance of slightly ridiculous (and absolutely delightful) humor, sweet pining, and even sweeter fluff. There is a sprinkling of angst and smut for dramatic kick, but the story’s most compelling draw is the compassionate relationship forged over time between the two main characters. They face some hurdles—notably, Jungkook misidentifying his savior* so confidently that he is unprepared for the truth and its consequences—and overcome them with honesty and trust. (*See the tag: “guardian angels(?).”)
The attention and care given to the supporting cast are also noteworthy in the story and not at all surprising given this strength in dreamingdaegu’s other works. Some eye-opening revelations are in store for both characters and reader, which I will not spoil here. Suffice to say, these are some of my favorite Jimin/Taehyung and Jin/Namjoon dynamics, and Taehyung’s fanfic obsession (*whispers* there was only one bed) is a fun wink and nod to the fandom.
As a whole, they are a sometimes-chaotic, always-loving group of friends who warmly welcome Yoongi into the fold... just as I happily accepted them into my heart.