sucker4mafia

[sucker4mafia]

okay serious inquiry 🧐 do you guys like nsb ? ( north star boys) like please comment under this with your opinions of them or use my anon message to lmk ! im thinking of making a nsb fic but i already have so many plans for writing this year that i had decided to put it off but the idea i have is eating me alive to write 😻 soo be honest and lmk !

[sucker4mafia]

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN OUT THIS THURSDAY, THE 20TH !!

[sucker4mafia]

━━━ 'CHAPTER SEVEN' [ETERNAL NIGHT]

SYNOPSIS ➢ safe to say, you might want to see a shrink at this point.

PAIRING ➢ poly!enhypen x male!reader, sim jaehyun x male! reader, park sunghoon x male!reader, yang jungwon x male!reader

AU ➢ strangers-to-lovers au! x enemies-to-lovers au! x vampire au!

CONTENT WARNING ➢ this chapter contains; some angst, feelings of being uncomfortable, fear, being chased, disgust, nonconsensual conversation, mentions of blood-drinking, mentions of gore, blood, cannibalism [let me know if i missed any!]

PREVIOUS I NEXT

the first shadow of dusk crept over the eternal academy's sprawling campus, woonggi, sunoo, and you huddled together, your tired eyes a testament to the sleepless day you’d just endured. your trio had sacrificed rest to concoct a plan, fueled by determination and a dash of desperation. today was white day, a celebration infamous among young adults for its lavish gift-giving and professions of eternal love. even the vampire students of eternal academy weren't immune to its allure, and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. amidst the whirlwind of romantic gestures and sugary sweet sentiments, woonggi, sunoo, and you had more pressing concerns – like survival.

sunoo's eyes darted around the room, ensuring they were alone, before he discreetly handed you a small, intricately etched blade. the delicate weapon, adorned with the markings of a werewolf's fangs, seemed almost fragile in your palm. "keep this hidden, under your pants, just in case," sunoo whispered, his voice laced with a mix of concern and urgency. you turned the blade over, studying it carefully, before looking up at sunoo with a questioning gaze. "is that real silver?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

meanwhile, woonggi was busy working his magic on your hair, expertly wielding a curling wand to create soft, flowing waves. "stop moving, y/n!" woonggi scolded, his eyes fixed intently on the strands of hair he was carefully curling. "i'm almost done, and i don't want to burn you." despite the tension in the air, woonggi's teasing tone was a welcome distraction, and you couldn't help but smile as you carefully tucked the silver blade into your waistband.

sunoo beamed with pride as he replied, "of course it is." he settled in beside you, watching with interest as woonggi worked on your hair. "my cousin from beezlebett gave it to me," sunoo explained, his voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. "she always says you never know when a werewolf might be lurking around." woonggi let out a dismissive laugh, but it faltered mid-breath as a flicker of concern crossed his face. "werewolves can't reach us here, though...can they?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of unease.

you ignored woonggi's question and turned your attention to sunoo, seeking clarification. "you want me to use this on hyunwoo?" you asked, your eyes locked on sunoo's. sunoo's expression turned serious, and he shrugged slightly. "only if he tries anything, and we're not around to intervene. the white day ball is going to be packed, and we'll try to stay close, but it's always better to be prepared." with that, sunoo helped you secure the knife to your thigh, the cool metal pressing against your skin as he carefully strapped it into place. he then assisted you into your flowy white pants, the fabric draping elegantly over the hidden blade.

you let out a soft sigh as you gazed at your reflection in the mirror. the elaborate hairstyle, courtesy of woonggi's skilled hands, and the elegant outfit had transformed you, making you appear more vibrant, more alive. sunoo's voice cut through your reverie, his tone laced with a hint of exasperation. "it's not going to kill him, if that's what's worrying you." woonggi nodded in agreement, his expression reassuring. "true, it'll just hurt him for a bit. and he's a pure-blood, so he can handle it." despite their attempts to alleviate your concerns, you couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. you knew that reporting hyunwoo wouldn't be straightforward; in vampire society, informing on another vampire was viewed with disdain.

vampires were already perceived as malevolent beings, and snitching on one of their own only served to reinforce that notion. for a half-blood like yourself, being seen as a snitch could have dire consequences, making it even more challenging to navigate the treacherous world of vampire politics.

sunoo's voice was steady and reassuring as he reiterated the plan. "remember, all you have to do is get him to admit that he poisoned the flowers with that magic liquid to manipulate you into sleeping with him, and to get vital-drunk on your blood." he handed you your phone like it was no big deal, and you took a deep breath, mentally preparing yourself for the task ahead. "right, okay," you replied, sitting up straighter, a surge of determination coursing through your veins. you muttered to yourself, a quiet affirmation of your capabilities. "i am more than capable... i do not fear any pure-blood."

woonggi's voice interrupted your thoughts, his tone cheerful as he declared, "all done!" he spritzed a light mist of hairspray to set your wavy locks in place. the hairstyle was perfect, capturing the innocent and sweet look you, sunoo, and woonggi had discussed earlier. as you all made your way out of the dorm room, sunoo paused to take a few photos of the three of you together. you smiled, feeling confident and united with your friends. with arms linked, you strolled towards the hall where the nightly announcements were held.

the atmosphere was lively, with many boys milling about, dressed in their finest white and black attire. the air was electric with excitement, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of nervous anticipation as you made your way into the crowded hall.

as you entered the hall, the din of conversation and laughter enveloped you, making your heart beat slightly faster. you scanned the room, taking in the sea of elegant outfits and carefully styled hairdos. the atmosphere was alive with the promise of romance and possibility, and you couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement mixed with nerves.

sunoo and woonggi flanked you, their presence a reassuring reminder that you weren't alone in this. together, the three of you made your way through the crowds, exchanging smiles and nods with familiar faces.

as you walked, you caught sight of hyunwoo standing by the refreshments, a glass of crimson liquid in hand. his eyes met yours, and he flashed a charming smile, his fangs glinting in the light. you felt a shiver run down your spine as he raised his glass in a silent toast, his eyes never leaving yours.

"showtime," sunoo whispered, his voice barely audible over the music and chatter. woonggi gave your arm a gentle squeeze, and you took a deep breath, steeling yourself for what was to come.

you smiled back at hyunwoo, trying to appear nonchalant despite the butterflies in your stomach. as you made your way over to him, you could feel sunoo and woonggi's eyes on you, their silent encouragement giving you the strength to keep going.

"hyunwoo," you said, your voice light and airy, as you reached his side. "you look stunning tonight." he chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and handed you a glass of the crimson liquid.

"thank you, y/n," he replied, his voice low and smooth. "you look breathtaking yourself. i must say, i'm loving the new hairstyle." his eyes locked onto yours, and you felt a shiver run down your spine as he raised his glass to his lips, his fangs glinting in the light. to your left, you saw sunoo and woonggi mingling with a group of students, their eyes flicking towards you every now and then. you knew they were waiting for your signal, waiting for hyunwoo to slip up so you could catch him in the act. you took a sip of the drink, trying to appear relaxed, and leaned in closer to hyunwoo. "so, tell me," you said, your voice barely above a whisper. "what's the plan for tonight?"

with a subtle movement, you slid your hand into your pocket and discreetly pressed the record button on your phone. the soft click was masked by the music and chatter surrounding you, and hyunwoo didn't seem to notice. you continued to smile and lean in, your eyes locked on his, as you waited for his response. the phone, now silently recording, was a reassuring weight in your pocket, capturing every word of the conversation. you had to be careful, though - one misstep, and hyunwoo might discover your plan. but for now, you were in control, and the recording device was your secret ally.

hyunwoo's eyes sparkled with amusement as he replied, "oh, i think we can come up with something suitably... entertaining." his voice was laced with innuendo, and you felt a shiver run down your spine. you maintained your smile, trying not to reveal your true feelings.

"i'm sure we can," you said, playing along, as you took another sip of the crimson liquid. the recording device in your pocket seemed to be working, capturing every word of the conversation. you hoped that hyunwoo would slip up soon, revealing his true intentions.

as you continued to chat, you noticed sunoo and woonggi hovering at the edge of the crowd, their eyes fixed on you with a mixture of concern and encouragement. you gave them a subtle nod, reassuring them that everything was under control... for now.

you gazed up at hyunwoo, a hint of playful confusion dancing in your eyes. "you know, i'm a bit confused," you said, gently swirling the contents of your glass. the crimson liquid swirled hypnotically, but your focus remained fixed on hyunwoo. "i thought you were taking me on a date. unless, you meant us staying here with every other lonely vampire." your voice was laced with a subtle edge, a hint of disappointment and curiosity.

hyunwoo's response was immediate, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he chuckled. "well, darling," he said, his voice low and smooth. the nickname, once a term of endearment that made your heart flutter, now sent a shiver of revulsion down your spine. you forced a smile, maintaining the facade of a carefree, flirtatious vampire. but beneath the surface, your mind was racing, waiting for hyunwoo to reveal his true intentions. the recording device in your pocket remained silent, capturing every word of the conversation.

hyunwoo's chuckle sent a wave of unease through you, but you maintained your smile, playing along. "i had something a bit more... exclusive in mind," he continued, his eyes glinting with amusement. "a private dinner, just the two of us. somewhere quiet, where we can get to know each other better." his voice was laced with suggestion, and you felt a shiver run down your spine.

you raised an eyebrow, feigning interest. "oh? and where did you have in mind?" you asked, your voice light and curious. the recording device in your pocket continued to capture every word, and you hoped that hyunwoo would soon reveal his true intentions.

hyunwoo's smile grew wider, his fangs glinting in the light. "somewhere special," he said, his voice low and mysterious. "somewhere we can be alone."

"alone, you say?" you repeated, your voice tinged with a hint of nervousness. your eyes darted towards sunoo and woonggi, seeking reassurance, but they were both distracted by the attention of their admirers. jay had appeared out of nowhere, bearing a small, elegantly wrapped gift, which sunoo was accepting with a charming smile. meanwhile, woonggi's boytoy from the other day had returned, this time bearing a bouquet of white lilies, which woonggi was admiring with a pleased grin.

your friends were oblivious to your growing unease, too caught up in their own little moments of romance. you felt a pang of anxiety, realizing you were on your own in this situation. hyunwoo's eyes seemed to gleam with amusement, as if he knew exactly what was going through your mind. "yes, alone," he repeated, his voice low and husky.

you felt a surge of adrenaline as hyunwoo's words hung in the air, his eyes locked on yours with an unnerving intensity. the music and laughter surrounding you seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of you, suspended in a moment of tense anticipation.

"i'm not sure that's such a good idea," you said, trying to sound casual despite the growing unease in your chest. "i mean, we're in the middle of a crowded hall. wouldn't it be more... fun to stay and enjoy the party?" you forced a smile, hoping to deflect hyunwoo's intentions, as you go back on your word.

but hyunwoo just seemed confused and chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "oh, i think we can find something far more... enjoyable to do," he said, his voice dripping with suggestion. "trust me, darling. you won't regret it." he believes youre trying to play hard to get.

"well, let me just tell my friends really quick so they don't look for me," you said, attempting to casually extricate yourself from the situation. but as you tried to walk past hyunwoo, he swiftly reached out and grasped your arm, his fingers wrapping tightly around your wrist. you felt a jolt of surprise, and before you could react, a tiny spark of electricity leapt from your skin to hyunwoo's, causing him to yelp in pain. "yow!" he exclaimed, releasing his grip on your arm as if burned.

you feigned apology, trying to downplay the incident. "oh, sorry! i'm so sorry!" you batted your eyelashes, attempting to appear contrite, all the while thinking that this little shock might just be the distraction you needed. a few nearby vampires had noticed the exchange, their eyes flicking towards you with interest. hyunwoo, still nursing his stinging hand, raised an eyebrow as he regarded you with newfound curiosity. "you're a sparky one, aren't ya?" he asked, his voice tinged with amusement, as he waved his hand in the air, trying to dissipate the lingering pain.

you smiled sheepishly, trying to play off the incident. "i guess i am," you said, shrugging your shoulders. "sorry again about that." you glanced around, noticing that the nearby vampires were still watching you with interest. you could feel their eyes on you, sensing the spark of electricity that had leapt from your skin.

hyunwoo's eyes seemed to gleam with amusement as he regarded you. "no need to apologize," he said, his voice low and smooth. "i find it... intriguing." he took a step closer to you, his eyes locked on yours. "perhaps we can explore this... spark further?" he suggested, his voice dripping with suggestion.

you tried to hold yourself from rolling your eyes as you realized where this was going. you needed to think fast, to come up with a way to deflect hyunwoo's advances without arousing his suspicion. but before you could respond, a voice cut through the din of the party, "y/n!" you turned hesitantly, unsure if you'd actually heard your name. but as you scanned the crowd, you saw jaeyun pushing his way through a group of admirers, his polite smiles and nods a stark contrast to the eager hands reaching out to grab him.

"jaeyun?" you whispered, your voice barely audible over the music.

hyunwoo's head snapped towards you, his eyes narrowing as he tried to follow your line of sight. "who?" he leaned in, his breath whispering against your ear.

you hesitated, unsure how to respond. but before you could say anything, jaeyun finally broke through the crowd and jogged over to you. his hair was styled differently, the middle part more prominent, framing his face as he tucked the rest of his hair behind his ears. he looked handsome, regal even, in his all-black luxurious outfit.

"hey," jaeyun said softly, his smile genuine as he stood up straight, his eyes locked on yours. "you look...." he gestured towards you, his smile faltering for a moment as he took in the sight of you.

you felt a flush rise to your cheeks at the compliment, but before you could respond, hyunwoo's hand wrapped around your waist, his fingers digging possessively into your skin. hyunwoo's grip on your waist was like a vice, his fingers digging into your skin as he pulled you closer to him. you felt a surge of discomfort at the possessive gesture, and your eyes flicked up to jaeyun's face, hoping to convey your unease. jaeyun's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the sight of hyunwoo's hand on your waist. his gaze locked onto hyunwoo's, a flicker of tension passing between them. "hello," jaeyun said. "i didn't know you were... escorting y/n tonight."

hyunwoo's smile was a thin, cruel line. "oh, i'm just making sure he’s... taken care of," he said, his voice dripping with malice. his grip on your waist tightened, and you felt a yourself push away.

you pushed hyunwoo's hand away, trying to create some distance between you. "it's getting a little hot in the hall already," you said, forcing a laugh. "i think i need some air." hyunwoo's face fell, his eyes narrowing in disappointment. but he didn't push the issue, instead nodding curtly and stepping back. "very well," he said. "i'll give you some space."

"no, you're fine," you told hyunwoo with a nervous laugh, trying to brush off the awkwardness. but your eyes darted towards jaeyun, who was still watching you with a confused and concerned expression. you took a deep breath and tried to diffuse the tension by making introductions. "jaeyun, this is hyunwoo," you said, gesturing towards hyunwoo. "hyunwoo, this is jaeyun."

hyunwoo's face broke into a charming smile as he extended a hand towards jaeyun. "pleasure to meet you," he said, his voice smooth as silk. jaeyun's expression remained guarded, but he politely shook hyunwoo's hand. "likewise," he said, his voice neutral. the tension between the two was palpable, and you could sense the underlying current of hostility. you wondered what jaeyun had been told about hyunwoo, and whether he knew about jungwon's warning.

as you glanced around the crowded hall, you turned to jaeyun and asked, "hey, did jungwon come?" jaeyun's face broke into a mischievous grin. "oh, yeah, grumpy cat is gonna come later," he said, his voice low and amused. you couldn't help but laugh at jaeyun's nickname for jungwon. "grumpy cat?" you repeated, chuckling.

jaeyun's grin faltered for a moment, and he looked around nervously before leaning in closer. "don't tell him i told you that," he whispered, his eyes sparkling with mirth. he laughed and scratched the back of his neck, looking adorably sheepish.

just as you were enjoying the lighthearted moment with jaeyun, hyunwoo interrupted, his voice smooth but with an undercurrent of possessiveness. "it was nice meeting you, jaeyun," he said, his eyes glinting with a hint of challenge. "but i'm afraid y/n and i have plans. we had already discussed going on a date tonight, and he graciously agreed." hyunwoo's gaze locked onto yours, his eyes daring you to contradict him. "we were just about to head out, actually," he continued, his voice dripping with confidence. "so, if you'll excuse us..."

jaeyun's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at hyunwoo, then at you, a hint of surprise and confusion on his face. "oh, i didn't know that," he said, his voice neutral, but you could sense a hint of tension beneath the surface. hyunwoo's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with triumph. "yes, well, we didn't want to make a big announcement," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "but i'm sure you understand. y/n and i have a lot to... discuss."

jaeyun's gaze locked onto yours, his eyes searching for some kind of confirmation or denial. you felt a surge of discomfort, knowing that you had to think fast to get out of this situation. but before you could say anything, jaeyun nodded curtly and took a step back. "well, have fun on your date, then," he said, his voice cool and detached. hyunwoo pulled you along, leading you out of the crowded hall and the hallways. you stumbled slightly, trying to keep up with his long strides.

hyunwoo pulled you through the deserted halls, whistling a jaunty tune as he went. you looked back over your shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of the ball, but it was too far away now. you couldn't see jaeyun, woonggi, or sunoo anywhere, and a shiver ran down your spine as you realized you were truly alone with hyunwoo. "maybe we should head back," you suggested, trying to sound casual despite the growing sense of unease in your chest.

hyunwoo chuckled and shushed you, his hand on your waist guiding you to match his pace. "i know you want to be alone," he said, his voice low and smooth. "no one will interrupt us anymore, i promise you that." you felt a surge of alarm at his words, and you tried to think of a way to extricate yourself from the situation. you remembered the silver blade on your thigh, and a spark of inspiration struck. "actually, i'm still feeling a bit ill from a few days ago," you said, trying to sound weak and fragile. hyunwoo's grip on your waist tightened, his eyes glinting with concern. "ouchy," he cooed. "we'll get you all fixed up, don't worry." but his words only made you feel more trapped, and you knew you had to think fast if you were going to get out of this situation alive.

meanwhile, jungwon strolled through the crowded ball, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as he walked side by side with a decidedly sheepish-looking sunghoon. sunghoon's usual nonchalant demeanor was nowhere to be found, replaced instead by a nervous energy that made him look like he was scared to be seen.

"stand up straight, you look better now than before," jungwon said, his voice quiet, as he gazed straight ahead, seemingly unbothered by the commotion surrounding them. sunghoon muttered under his breath, his hands fussing with his hair, which now framed his face and exposed his forehead. his heterochromatic eyes, normally hidden behind a pair of glasses, sparkled with annoyance as he tried to adjust to his new look. "my hair feels too weird," he grumbled, his anger and frustration palpable.

jungwon's expression remained neutral, his eyes fixed on some point ahead, but a hint of amusement danced in his voice. "you're just not used to being seen," he teased, his tone light and playful.

sunghoon's scowl deepened, but he said nothing, merely continuing to fiddle with his hair as they walked. jungwon's gaze flicked to sunghoon's face, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, before he returned his attention to the path ahead. despite his nonchalant demeanor, jungwon's eyes were constantly scanning their surroundings, his mind focused on their mission to investigate, rather than indulging in the frivolities of the white day ball.

as they walked, jungwon's eyes scanned the crowd, his gaze lingering on the various students and guests. his expression remained neutral, but his eyes seemed to bore into those they passed, as if searching for something or someone.

sunghoon, still fidgeting with his hair, glanced up at jungwon with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. "what's wrong?" he asked, his voice low.

jungwon's gaze flicked back to sunghoon, his expression unreadable. "nothing," he replied, his voice even. "just making sure we're not missing anything." sunghoon raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, his eyes dropping back to his hair as he continued to fuss with it. jungwon's gaze lingered on sunghoon for a moment, before returning to the crowd, his eyes scanning the sea of faces with an intensity that made sunghoon sigh.

just as jungwon and sunghoon were about to turn a corner, jaeyun appeared, his face a mask of concern. his eyes, usually bright and warm, were clouded with worry, and his brow was furrowed in a deep frown. "hey, have you guys seen y/n?" he asked, his voice low and urgent, his words tumbling out in a rush. "i was just talking to him, and then hyunwoo took him out of nowhere."

jungwon's eyes narrowed, his gaze locking onto jaeyun's face with an intensity that made jaeyun take a step back. "what happened?" jungwon asked, his voice sharp, his tone commanding. jaeyun hesitated, his eyes darting between jungwon and sunghoon. he seemed to be choosing his words carefully, his expression cautious. "hyunwoo said something about them having a date," he explained, his voice measured, "and then they just... left. i tried to follow them, but i lost them in the crowd."

sunghoon's eyes widened, his face pale. "date?" he asked, his voice rising in alarm, his eyes darting wildly between jaeyun and jungwon. "how? doesn't he know-" jungwon's expression turned grim, his jaw clenched in anger. he raised a hand, silencing sunghoon with a curt gesture. "where did they go?" he demanded, his voice low and deadly, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity.

jaeyun shook his head, his eyes filled with worry. "i don't know," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "i tried to follow them, but like i said, i lost them in the crowd. i'm sorry. i should have done something to stop him." the three of them stood there for a moment, their faces tense with concern, their minds racing with worst-case scenarios. then, without a word, jungwon turned and strode off, sunghoon and jaeyun following close behind, their long strides eating up the distance as they set out to track down hyunwoo and rescue y/n from his clutches.

hyunwoo strolls down the hallway, his steps slow, deliberate. without warning, he leans in, his nose grazing the air just above your hair, inhaling with a smirk. the idea of him this close makes your stomach twist, but you swallow it down, keeping your expression steady. "bless the demons who made you," he groans, voice dripping with something that makes your skin crawl. you let out a laugh, light but forced, shoving him away just enough to create space. "you're such a flirt, hyunwoo.” you go to quickly change the subject, “actually, i wanted to thank you about the flowers you gave me. they were beautiful." your voice is sweet, teasing, but you’re fishing—for something specific. his eyes flick to you, that familiar smile curling his lips. once, it had been charming. now, odd. "you liked 'em, huh?"

"yeah, they were so unique. where’d you even get them?" your hand slips into your pocket, fingers brushing against your phone, making sure it's in place—recording. he doesn't answer right away. you’re so focused on his response, you don’t notice as he subtly changes course, leading you right toward his dorm. his fingers work at the lock. "geez, i can't really remember." a lie. you can hear it in the way his voice dips, the way his body stills for just a second too long. he’s holding something back. your stomach twists, but you don’t let it show. instead, you let out a soft chuckle, shifting your weight onto one foot, like you're just making casual conversation. "can't remember? come on, hyunwoo. they were so rare… i've never seen flowers like that before." you say. his fingers pause on the doorknob, just for a second, just long enough for you to notice before he turns it and steps inside. "guess i just have a knack for finding pretty things." his voice is smooth, playful, but there's something else there, something just beneath the surface. you hesitate at the doorway, a small part of you screaming not to go in. but you step forward anyway, keeping close to the doorframe, keeping your exit in sight. your fingers press against your phone in your pocket, making sure it’s still recording.

his dorm is dimly lit, the air thick with something that smells faintly sweet—like vanilla, but with an edge of something bitter. the curtains are drawn, shutting out the hallway light. his desk is cluttered, but not in a messy way—more like he’s been in the middle of something, pages scattered, a single candle flickering. he watches you with that same unreadable smirk as he pushes the door shut behind you. "so mysterious," you say, forcing a teasing lilt into your voice, masking the way your pulse picks up. he chuckles, low and almost amused, moving toward his desk, fingers brushing over a book before flipping it shut. "you think too much, you know that?" you shift slightly, keeping him in your line of sight. "maybe. or maybe you don’t think enough."

his smile falters for just a breath before he regains it, his head tilting slightly. "what are you trying to say?" your fingers tighten around your phone. you take a slow step back, just slightly. "just that… those flowers? i looked them up." you keep your voice light, almost curious, but you watch him carefully. "couldn’t find anyone that let people order them from the academy." you hesitantly say. his expression doesn’t change at first. then, slowly, that smirk stretches wider, something in his eyes shifting. "maybe you’re looking in the wrong places." something about the way he says it makes your blood run cold.

a chill runs down your spine, but you keep your posture relaxed, forcing yourself to stay composed. the air in the room feels heavier now, like the walls are pressing in, like something unseen lingers beneath the surface of this conversation. "wrong places?" you echo, keeping your voice even, curious—but not too curious. you don't want him to know you’re onto something. hyunwoo leans against the edge of his desk, arms crossing over his chest. the candlelight flickers against his sharp features, casting shadows along his jawline. "yeah," he says smoothly, tilting his head. "some things… aren’t meant to be found so easily." your fingers tighten around your phone in your pocket. "interesting," you murmur, stepping further into the room, scanning for anything out of place. your eyes flick to the desk—papers scattered, some stacked neatly, but one slightly askew catches your attention. beneath it, a glimpse of something deep black, a petal perhaps.

hyunwoo follows your gaze before pushing himself off the desk, blocking your view. "why so curious all of a sudden?" he asks, his voice lighter now, amused even, but his eyes—his eyes are watching you too closely. you shrug, keeping your movements slow, calculated. "just thought it was strange. i mean, flowers that unique should have a birthplace, right?" you take another step back, closer to the door. "or at least be in some database. but nothing. not even a similar species." he exhales through his nose, shaking his head with a small chuckle. "maybe they're just special," he says, voice smooth as silk. "yeah, maybe." you glance at the door, debating whether to leave now or push further, but before you can decide, he moves toward a shelf near his bed, running his fingers along the spines of several books. then, as if remembering something, he plucks one from the row and tosses it onto the desk.

"here," he says, stepping aside. “since you're so interested, take a look." you hesitate, then step closer, eyeing the worn leather cover. there’s no title, just an embossed pattern that looks almost floral. you flip it open, the pages yellowed with age, inked with careful handwriting. at first, it looks like botanical notes—sketches of flowers, descriptions of their uses—but then, as you turn a few more pages, the words shift. "feeding ritual application: inducing hallucinations, extracting lust, binding intentions." your pulse jumps. the sketches grow stranger—flowers intertwined with symbols, roots tangled around something that looks unsettlingly like bones. hyunwoo watches you with that same smirk, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. "still think they’re just flowers?" he asks, voice barely above a whisper.

your breath catches, but you don’t let your expression falter. instead, you let your fingers trail over the aged paper, pretending to be fascinated rather than unnerved. "this is… interesting," you murmur, flipping another page. the inked sketches become darker, more intricate. twisted vines, petals that seem to bleed into the parchment. beneath one drawing, a description stands out in sharp, precise handwriting: "bloomed under the wrong hands, these flowers do not wither. they linger a spell." your stomach tightens. "where did you get this?" your voice is steady, but you don’t look at him. not yet. hyunwoo hums, stepping closer yet too close. you can feel the warmth of his presence at your side, can hear the soft rustle of his clothing as he moves. "a gift," he says, his tone light, casual. but when you glance at him, his eyes are dark with something unreadable.

your fingers press into the edge of the book. "who gave it to you?" his smile widens just slightly. "you ask a lot of questions." your heartbeat ticks faster, but you force a smirk, finally meeting his gaze head-on. "you avoid a lot of answers." for a moment, the room is silent except for the soft crackle of the candle’s flame. then, he laughs. low, quiet, as if the two of you are sharing some private joke. "fair, darling" he concedes, stepping away at last. he leans against his desk again, watching you with something almost... entertained. “let’s just say, someone thought i’d appreciate it. and they were right."

"so you believe this stuff?" you press, tapping a finger against the text. his smile lingers, but there’s something sharp underneath it. "don’t you?" you swallow, turning another page. more symbols, more sketches, but this time, beneath one of the drawings—one that looks eerily similar to the bouquet he gave you—there’s a note scrawled in smaller handwriting: "do not inhale. do not touch bare skin. do not—" the rest is smudged, blurred as if someone had deliberately tried to erase it. your skin prickles. hyunwoo watches, tilting his head. "what’s wrong?" your mind races. you think back to the flowers he gave you, how their scent had lingered on you longer than it should have, how the petals were impossibly fresh. you steady yourself, force a slow inhale. "nothing," you say, closing the book gently.

he studies you for a long moment, then smirks. "good, sweetie." but something in his expression tells you he knows that’s a lie. you inhale sharply, steadying yourself as you turn, leaning back against his desk. every nerve in your body is on high alert, but you force your muscles to relax, your posture to stay loose, as if you are unbothered. inside, though, panic coils tight in your chest. you glance toward the door, calculating the distance. too far.

if you ran now, you wouldn’t make it. so you don’t. you stay still. you act as though you are comfortable, as if the weight of his presence isn’t suffocating you.hyunwoo takes it as an invitation, his lips curling at the edges as he closes the space between you. he moves with that same effortless grace, slow and deliberate, his tongue darting out to wet his bottom lip. his gaze never wavers from yours, dark and unreadable. your body screams at you to run, to fight, to react. but you don’t move. not yet.

your half-blood instincts hum beneath your skin, raw and primal, whispering to you like an unspoken promise of survival. your energy is depleted, but the urge to protect yourself flickers to life, sharpening your senses, making you hyper-aware of every breath, every movement. hyunwoo reaches out, his fingers ghosting over your hair, pushing a strand aside with a featherlight touch. “you’re gonna take my bite well, right, darling?” his voice is smooth, almost affectionate, but the hunger in it is unmistakable.

his hand trails lower, grazing the edge of your jaw, moving down to your throat. his touch is gentle, but there’s possession in it, as if he already sees you as his. what he doesn’t see is your fingers slipping underneath your pants. he also doesn’t notice is the cool silver pressing against your palm, small but deadly.

his fangs extend, glinting in the dim light, and he takes one final step forward, his breath warm against your skin, and then you strike. the knife sinks into his ribs with a sharp, precise thrust. hyunwoo’s reaction is instant, a sound erupts from his throat, something between a screech and a snarl, raw and guttural. his body jerks violently, his back slamming into the wall with a sickening crack. his fingers claw at the wound, his breath shuddering as a thick, viscous substance oozes between them. his face contorts, sharp features twisting in pain, in disbelief. he looks down at his own hand, watching the dark liquid stain his skin, spreading like ink. you dont hesitate with the book clutched in one hand and your knife still slick in the other, you lunge for the door, your heartbeat thundering in your ears. your fingers wrap around the knob, twisting it desperately. then you make the mistake of looking back. hyunwoo is still pressed against the wall, his body rigid, his breathing uneven. but his focus isn’t on you.

his eyes are locked on his hand, watching the black substance drip between his fingers. something flickers across his face—shock, confusion, something else you can’t quite place. then, slowly, his lips curl back, his fangs gleam as his expression twists into something almost amused, almost intrigued. suddenly, his body was no longer visible, a sharp gasp catches in your throat. your eyes dart wildly around the room, your pulse a hammering rhythm in your chest. the air shifts, electric with something unseen, something wrong.

your instincts scream to move as you rip the door open and bolt. your feet pound against the floor as you sprint down the hallway, gripping the book tightly in one hand, the knife firm in the other. “help! anyone!” your voice shatters the eerie silence, bouncing off the walls as you run. no one answers you as the hallway stretches before you, empty, unnaturally still. no doors creak open, no voices call out. it’s as if the entire dormitory has been swallowed by something unseen, something watching. your lungs burn, your legs ache, but you don’t stop. because somewhere behind you, lurking just out of sight, you know hyunwoo is still there.

your breath comes in sharp, ragged gasps as you push forward, your feet sliding against the polished floor as you turn sharply into another hallway. the dormitory is a maze, a series of corridors you once knew by heart, but now—now everything feels wrong. the walls seem to stretch, the doors blur together, and the path you once memorized twists into something unfamiliar.

you need to get back to the ballroom, to focus, but panic grips you like a vice. your body moves on instinct, dodging left, sprinting forward, and pushing past the ache in your lungs. you force yourself to ignore the way the overhead lights flicker, casting fleeting shadows that seem to shift in the corners of your vision. a crash occurs behind you, something slams against the floor behind you.

you don’t look back as the hairs on your arms stand on end as the sound repeats, bookshelves toppling, chairs scraping violently against the floor, and doors slamming shut one by one as if something is chasing you, forcing you forward. however, you don’t stop while your legs burn as you sprint faster, slipping around corners, gripping onto the walls to steady yourself as you nearly lose your footing. another turn was indeed another long, stretching corridor. the grand double doors of the ballroom should be ahead by now. they should be close. but they’re not.

a sharp chill crawls up your spine as you couldnt recall where they ly. the halls begin to blur together, identical in their emptiness, their suffocating silence. your chest tightens. the air feels thinner, the space around you warping with every step, just the. a whisper in the abyss, that was low, taunting, and too close. "stop being such a prude, you can’t run forever, darling."

your stomach drops as it is now noticeable that hyunwoo is in fact hunting you. your fingers tighten around the book, your other hand still gripping the small silver knife, slick with his blackened blood. you do not slow down, you cannot. you throw yourself into the next hallway, heart pounding in your ears, lungs burning, vision blurring that caused your foot to slip. the ground rushes up to meet you as your knee scrapes against the hard floor. the book nearly tumbles from your grasp. pain sparks through your leg, but you bite down a curse, forcing yourself to scramble forward.

your fingers tremble as you push yourself up, forcing your legs to move, ignoring the sting in your knee. you take off again, your breaths uneven, your mind screaming at you to find the exit, find the ballroom, to find safety. you barely have time to register the sudden force hitting you from the side. one moment, you're running, desperate to escape, and the next, your body is weightless, thrown off course as something—someone—tackles you to the ground.

it doesnt feel violent yet still you brace yourself for the harsh impact, expecting the unforgiving floor to slam against your back, but instead, you're caught, held. whoever tackled you twists mid-air, their grip firm yet controlled, and when you finally land, your fall is cushioned, not by the ground, but by the body beneath you. your chest heaves, your breath stuck in your throat as your mind races. for a moment, you can't move. you can't think. your fingers tighten around the book, your knife still in your grasp, ready to strike if necessary. slowly, hesitantly, you open your eyes and your breath catches. just inches from yours, a pair of almost glowing green eyes stare at you, sharp and burning with something unreadable. anger? frustration? relief?

your faces are so close you can’t immediately make out who it is. his features blur together—sharp cheekbones, tousled dark hair, parted lips, fangs peeking out. your heart hammers wildly, unsure whether to be afraid or relieved. but before you can react, he moves with almost unbelievable speed, he flips your positions, swift but careful, controlled but protective. he shifts his weight, shielding you completely beneath his large, solid frame. his arms press into the floor beside your head, creating a barrier, his presence overwhelming, almost suffocating in its intensity.

suddenly as it was, you recognize the boy, jaehyun and jungwon’s friend. sunghoon, someone you’ve seen lingering in the shadows, always watching but never speaking. someone who was always there, yet somehow invisible. this look was different, you never seen him dressed so sharply, his usually concealed features now fully visible. never noticed the sharp lines of his jaw, the almost ethereal glow of his skin under the dim lights. and certainly never seen his fangs bared like this. your breath stutters as your gaze drops lower to see two set of fangs on top and bottom, baring. stomach tightens as you know that two set of fangs werent common in vampires but in something else.

werewolves.

your eyes widen, but before you can speak, another voice slices through the thick tension. "sunghoon, enough." your head snaps to the side to see, standing just a few feet away, jungwon towers over hyunwoo’s crumpled form. his expression is unreadable, his foot pressed firmly against hyunwoo’s back, keeping him pinned to the ground. hyunwoo snarls beneath him, but he doesn’t move. he can’t. because just beside him, jaehyun stands, his palm raised, fingers curled around a flickering ball of fire. the flames dance, crackling softly, reflecting in jaehyun’s dark eyes as he stares down at hyunwoo with cold calculation.

one wrong move, and he will set him ablaze. hyunwoo must know it too, because for the first time tonight, he stays still.

[sucker4mafia]

CHAPTER SEVEN WILL BE OUT TUESDAY THE 11TH !!

[sucker4mafia]

:c

;)

[sucker4mafia]

Can’t wait for the next chapter for eternal nights🤩

IM ON IT 👨🏻‍💻

[sucker4mafia]

━━━ 'CHAPTER SIX' [ETERNAL NIGHT]

SYNOPSIS ➢ the journey to the truth is an exhausting one.

PAIRING ➢ poly!enhypen x male!reader, sim jaehyun x male! reader, park sunghoon x male!reader, yang jungwon x male!reader

AU ➢ strangers-to-lovers au! x enemies-to-lovers au! x vampire au!

CONTENT WARNING ➢ this chapter contains; some angst, depression, feelings of sadness, physical and mental exhaustion, mentions of blood-drinking, mentions of gore, blood, cannibalism [let me know if i missed any!]

PREVIOUS I NEXT

sunoo strolled through the academy's hall, his burgundy long coat billowed behind him, making him almost unmissable. his eyes were fixed on his phone, thumbs scrolling swiftly as he blocked men who didn't quite meet his standards. his other hand cradled his trusty laptop, a reminder of the second class he'd just wrapped up. his plan was to head back to his room, rest, and catch up on some reading – specifically, updates from someone special.

lost in his own little world, sunoo didn't notice heeseung and jay spotting him from afar, exchanging a nod before falling into step beside him. it wasn't until sunoo's gaze drifted to his shoes that he realized he was no longer alone – two other pairs of shoes flanked his own. his eyebrows arched slightly as he turned to his left, where heeseung greeted him with a goofy grin and an enthusiastic wave.

sunoo's response was a dismissive eye-roll, but his attention was quickly hijacked by the sight of jay's chiseled side profile to his right. jay's handsome features had a profound effect on sunoo, leaving him feeling a little weak at the knees.

heeseung's attempt to initiate a conversation was swiftly derailed as sunoo's gaze remained fixed on jay. "sunoo, i need to talk to you," heeseung began, but his words were cut short by sunoo's soft, swoony utterance: "hi jay." sunoo's eyes sparkled with admiration, and a gentle smile played on his lips.

jay's response was characteristically understated – a brief nod, a faint smile, and a return to his forward gaze. sunoo, however, was undeterred, his eyes still locked on jay's profile. heeseung facepalmed, his frustration palpable as he walked alongside sunoo. "sunoo, come on, i really need to talk to you. how's y/n doing?" he pressed, seeking an update on their mutual acquaintance.

sunoo's response was dismissive, his side glare a clear indication that he was no longer interested in the conversation. "he's fine, stop asking," he said curtly, before swiftly pivoting back to jay. "so, jay, i heard you're into fitness," sunoo said, his tone dripping with enthusiasm. jay nodded, his eyes flicking downward once more, and sunoo's reaction was nothing short of dramatic. he covered his mouth, his eyes widening in adoration. "wow, i can totally tell – it's really paying off!" he gushed, batting his lashes at jay in a flirtatious display.

heeseung's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze darting between sunoo's besotted expression and jay's impassive one. he cleared his throat, attempting to steer the conversation back on track. "sunoo, focus," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "i need to ask you something. why was y/n trying out for the swim team?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

sunoo's gaze lingered on jay for a moment before he reluctantly turned his attention to heeseung. a hint of a smile still played on his lips, but his expression gradually sobered as he considered heeseung's question. "oh, that," sunoo said, his voice tinged with a mixture of nonchalance and evasiveness. "i think he just wanted to try something new." his response was deliberately vague, and heeseung's raised eyebrow suggested he wasn't buying it.

"something new?" heeseung repeated, his tone skeptical. "y/n's not exactly the ‘water’ type." he pressed, his eyes locked on sunoo's, seeking a more candid explanation about y/n’s abilities.

sunoo let out a soft sigh, his shoulders sagging slightly as he resigned himself to having this conversation. "heeseung, listen," he began, his voice low and serious. "y/n's not interested in you anymore. he's moved on, and you should too." sunoo's words were blunt, but not unkind; he was trying to convey a message he knew heeseung needed to hear.

heeseung's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with indignation. "i'm not trying to win him back," he scoffed, his voice rising in protest. "i just... care about him, okay? as a friend." heeseung's tone was defensive, and sunoo raised an eyebrow, skeptical of his friend's claims. "save it," sunoo said dryly, his gaze piercing. "i know you too well. you're still hung up on him, and it's time to let go." sunoo's words were firm but gentle, a testament to his concern for his friend's well-being.

jay's hand came to rest on sunoo's shoulder, his touch warm and gentle. the gesture was subtle, but it was enough to bring their little procession to a halt. sunoo, heeseung, and jay stood there, frozen in a sudden tableau.

jay's smile was a picture of gentlemanly concern, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he spoke. "sunoo, we're a bit worried about y/n's... associations," he said, his voice low and measured. "not all pure-bloods are as... kind as myself," jay added, his tone dripping with understatement.

sunoo's reaction was immediate and arresting. his eyes locked onto jay's, shining with a fox-like adoration that was almost mesmerizing. heeseung, who had been watching the exchange with interest, felt a pang of amusement at sunoo's obvious infatuation. sunoo's gaze was so intent, so focused on jay, that it was as if nothing else existed in that moment. jay, for his part, seemed oblivious to the effect he was having, his expression remaining calm and collected.

sunoo's voice was barely above a whisper, his words tumbling out in a stuttering rush. "i-i understand, jay. y/n knows that, too... even in his... state, right now." sunoo's gaze never wavered from jay's face, his eyes shining with a mixture of adoration and a hint of vulnerability.

jay's expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he offered sunoo a gentle smile. "i'm glad to hear that," he said, his voice low and soothing. "please, take care of him, sunoo. we're all... concerned." jay's words were laced with a quiet sincerity, and sunoo's heart skipped a beat as he nodded, still entranced by jay's gentle demeanor.

sunoo beat a hasty retreat, murmuring something about needing to freshen up before lunch. as he walked away, he turned back to jay, his face lighting up with a shy smile. he waved goodbye, his hand fluttering in the air, and jay responded with a warm smile of his own. heeseung, however, was not so easily deterred. he opened his mouth to ask another question, but jay's elbow subtly nudged him, silencing him. sunoo, oblivious to the exchange, disappeared from view, leaving the two friends standing alone in the hallway.

as soon as sunoo was out of sight, jay's smile faltered, his expression turning serious. he turned to heeseung, his eyes narrowing slightly. "i think sunoo knows something," jay said, his voice low and thoughtful. "but he's not going to tell us, no matter how hard we push." jay's gaze lingered on heeseung's face, his eyes searching for understanding. heeseung's expression was thoughtful, his brow furrowed in consideration.

jay walked in the opposite direction, his feet carrying him away from the spot where they'd last seen sunoo. his hands slipped into his pockets, his fingers drumming a restless rhythm against the fabric. he was itching for a cigarette, the familiar craving scratching at the back of his mind. but he refrained, knowing that the staff were notorious for confiscating contraband. instead, he exhaled a slow breath, letting his thoughts simmer.

heeseung fell into step beside him, his eyes fixed on the floor as he ran a hand through his hair. frustration etched lines on his face, his brow furrowed in concern. "you think he's got a boyfriend?" he asked, his voice low and hopeful.

jay's pace slowed, his eyes narrowing as he considered heeseung's question. the new pure-bloods had certainly caused a stir, their arrival sparking a mix of curiosity and suspicion. jay's mind whirled with possibilities, his thoughts tangling around the threads of intrigue and deception. "it's possible," he said finally, his voice measured. "but i think there's more to it than that."

“so youre gonna to talk to some of the pure-bloods right?” heeseung anxiously asks. jay's expression turned wry, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "let me be clear," he said, his voice dry. "i'm only getting involved with the other pure-bloods because you wanted to know who gave y/n those flowers." heeseung's face fell, his eyes dropping in a sheepish gesture. "i know. and i'm sorry. but... i just can't ask y/n about it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

jay's eyebrows arched, his curiosity piqued. "why not?" he asked, his tone gentle. heeseung's eyes flashed with a mixture of emotions, his face twisted in a complex expression. but before he could respond, jay's words hung in the air, leaving the question unanswered

heeseung's voice was laced with a hint of vulnerability, his eyes clouding over with memories. "because we have history, jay," he said, his words barely above a whisper. "and i don't want y/n to think that i still... have feelings for him." heeseung's face twisted in a mixture of pain and regret. jay's expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding. heeseung's words hung in the air, a palpable tension between them.

heeseung's voice dropped to a growl, his eyes flashing with anger. "i just don't want y/n to get hurt by some pure-blooded jerk who thinks he can just give flowers to any half-blood that he wants to have sex with for a day." heeseung's words trailed off, his implication clear. jay's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in a silent show of agreement.

jay let out a soft sigh, his eyes searching heeseung's face. "what are you going to do, huh, when the guy who gave y/n those flowers turns out to be a sweet guy?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. heeseung's expression turned incredulous, his eyes wide with bewilderment. "that's not possible," he said, his voice firm. "all pure-bloods are... terrible." heeseung's words were laced with a deep-seated conviction, a reflection of his own experiences.

jay's eyes sparkled with amusement, his lips curling into a gentle smile. heeseung's gaze faltered, his eyes dropping as he hesitated. then, in a gesture that was both awkward and endearing, heeseung reached out and patted jay on the back. "except you," he said, his voice soft. jay shook his head, a low chuckle rumbling in his throat. "alright, alright," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "i'll ask around, but that's about it. i'm not exactly thrilled about mingling with the other pure-bloods either." jay's expression turned wry, his voice laced with a hint of distaste.

heeseung's face lit up with a relieved smile, his eyes shining with gratitude. "thanks, jay," he said, his voice sincere. "i owe you one." jay's chuckle deepened, his head shaking in amusement. "you don't owe me anything, heeseung," he said, his voice low and gentle. "just be careful, alright?" heeseung nodded, his expression solemn. "i will," he said, his voice firm. "thanks again, jay." with that, heeseung turned and walked away, leaving jay to watch him go with a thoughtful expression.

sunoo slipped into the dorm room with the quiet stealth of a ghost, careful not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere. he closed the door behind him with a soft click, the lock engaging with a gentle hum. his phone and laptop were discarded onto the closed coffin, the soft thud of the devices hitting the wooden surface the only sound breaking the silence.

sunoo padded across the room, his footsteps light on the floor as he made his way to the shared washroom. he pushed open the door and stepped inside, the soft glow of the fluorescent lights overhead illuminating his reflection in the mirror.

as he washed his hands under the warm stream of water, sunoo's eyes met his own gaze in the mirror. he studied his reflection, his eyes scanning his face with a critical intensity. his hair was mussed, his eyes a little tired, but overall, he looked... calm. serene, even. sunoo's lips curled into a small, enigmatic smile as he continued to wash his hands, lost in thought.

sunoo returned to his vanity mirror, settling into the chair with a quiet sigh. he began to gather his makeup, searching for the perfect shade of blush to refresh his look. however, as he rummaged through his collection, he realized that the one he wanted was missing. his brow furrowed in concentration, he recalled that he had lent it to you last time you two had spent time together.

assuming it would be on your desk, sunoo got up and walked over to your coffin. but as he approached, he noticed that it was closed. his eyes narrowed, a hint of concern creeping into his expression. he remembered the nurse's advice to keep the coffin open, especially for half-bloods, who were prone to dusty lungs if they stayed in their coffins for too long. sunoo's hand hesitated over the coffin lid, his mind whirling with questions. why was it closed? had you gotten up and closed it yourself? or had someone else...? sunoo's eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of disturbance, but everything seemed quiet and still.

sunoo's curiosity about the closed coffin was momentarily set aside, and he told himself that maybe you had simply closed it himself mid-slumber. he pushed the thought aside and focused on finding the blush. he began to search through your drawers, hoping to find the missing makeup.

as he opened the first drawer, he was met with a sea of organized papers and folders. sunoo's eyebrows rose in surprise; he had never seen your schoolwork so neatly arranged. he rummaged through the papers, but there was no sign of the blush. he moved on to the next drawer, and the next, but all he found were more papers, folders, and school supplies. the blush seemed to have vanished into thin air.

sunoo's hand hovered over the coffin lid, hesitating for a moment before he decided to open it and ask you if you knew where the blush was. but as he lifted the lid, his eyes widened in horror. the coffin was empty, the sheets rumpled and unmade. sunoo's gasp was audible as he slammed the coffin lid shut, his heart racing with a mix of fear and panic.

"y/n!" sunoo exclaimed, his voice shaking slightly as he spun around the room, searching for any sign of your whereabouts. but the room was empty, the silence oppressive. sunoo's mind was racing with questions, his thoughts tangled in a web of worry and concern.

jungwon's fingers flew across the keyboard, the sound of typing echoing through the room. he let out a frustrated huff and rubbed his forehead, pushing his white sleeves upwards in a gesture of exasperation.

"mr. sim is testing my patience," jungwon said, turning to face his friend. but as he looked over, he was met with the sight of sunghoon fast asleep in his large wooden coffin. jungwon's annoyed gaze softened, his expression melting into a warm smile.

sunghoon's peaceful slumber was a stark contrast to jungwon's frazzled state. jungwon's eyes lingered on his friend's serene face, feeling a pang of envy. he wished he could be as carefree as sunghoon, but mr. sim's relentless emails had him on edge.

"mr. sim is lucky jaeyun is his son," jungwon muttered to himself, shaking his head. "otherwise, i'd have blocked his consecutive and curious emails by now." he sighed, turning back to his laptop, but his gaze kept drifting back to sunghoon, who slept on, oblivious to jungwon's frustration.

suddenly, the unexpected kncok from his door became his unexpected savior. jungwon's eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed at the door, his mind wondering who could be visiting. he glanced over at sunghoon, who was still fast asleep, before getting up from his chair and approaching the door. he reached for the handle, half expecting it to be hyunwoo asking for sunghoon, but as he opened the door, he was met with a surprise. standing in the doorway, looking up at jungwon with sunken eyes, was you. your cheeks were flushed with a rosy hue, but your eyes looked tired and weak. you coughed, clutching your dark velvet cloak to your chest, made jungwon's expression soften with concern. only a bit before they hardened again.

"you?" jungwon asked, his voice confused. "why are you here?" jungwon's eyes scanned your face, taking in your pale complexion and the dark circles under your eyes. as you go to answer you're riled up with another coughing fit, he rolls his eyes before stepping aside, gesturing for you to enter. "hurry up."

as you slipped into the dorm room, you sidestepped jungwon, allowing him to scan the hallway with an air of caution. his eyes darted back and forth, ensuring they were alone, before he quietly shut the door and turned the lock with a soft click. the sound echoed through the room, a subtle reminder of the secrecy that shrouded your conversation.

jungwon's gaze shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in your slightly hunched figure. you stood there, your eyes scanning the room with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. the dim light cast long shadows across the walls, making the space feel intimate and foreboding.

jungwon's voice was barely audible, a low murmur that seemed to vibrate through the air. "for a half-blood, you seem determined to dance with death.." his words hung in the air, a subtle warning that sent a shiver down your spine. despite the quiet tone, you felt the weight of his statement, the unspoken danger that lurked beneath the surface.

jungwon strode over to his desk, his movements fluid and deliberate. he sank into the chair, his hands coming to rest on his thighs as he let out a soft sigh. the sound seemed to carry a weight of exhaustion, a subtle hint at the burdens he carried.

as you watched him, you realized that this was a rare moment - a private conversation with jungwon, unmediated by jaeyun's presence. it was a strange feeling, like the air had been charged with a new kind of tension. without jaeyun's easy smile and effortless charm, the atmosphere felt more strained, more awkward.

jungwon's eyes flicked up, meeting yours with a piercing gaze. "i'd rather you not pass out on my floor," he said, his voice dry and matter-of-fact. "so, sit." he crossed one leg over the other, the movement economical and precise. with a curt gesture, he indicated the chair standing alone in the center of the vast room. the invitation was gruff, but the concern underlying it was unmistakable.

you stood there for a moment, clutching your red cloak tightly, as if unsure of what to do next. then, with a quiet resolve, you began to walk towards the chair, your footsteps eerily silent on the floor. jungwon's eyes followed you, his gaze narrowing slightly as he noticed the way you seemed to glide across the room, making barely a sound.

as you sat down, jungwon's expression turned guarded, his arms crossing over his chest in a defensive gesture. "if you're here to thank me, don't," he said, his voice low and even. "i didn't do it for your gratitude." you pushed back your hood, revealing a disheveled state that was more apparent in the dim light of the room. jungwon's eyes flicked over your face, taking in the details of your appearance. then, you met his gaze with a deadpan look, your voice flat as you said, "i'm actually looking for jaeyun."

jungwon's lips twitched, a smirk threatening to break through his reserved exterior. he found it amusing, the way you always seemed to have a retort ready, never backing down from his jabs. the spark of amusement danced in his eyes, but he carefully kept his expression neutral, not wanting to give you the satisfaction of getting a rise out of him. "he's out, as you can see," jungwon said, his voice low and detached, his eyes fixed on your hands as they rubbed together in a gentle attempt to warm themselves up. the soft friction of your palms created a soothing sound that filled the brief silence that followed.

jungwon's gaze lingered on your hands, his expression unreadable. but as he glanced up at your face, he caught the faint lines of worry etched on your forehead. his eyes narrowed slightly, his attention drawn to the subtle tension in your features. he couldn't help but stare, his curiosity piqued by the concern that seemed to be simmering just beneath the surface. "i need to know why one of my peers attacked me over some flowers?" you asked, your voice quiet and measured, your eyes fixed on some point across the room. jungwon's silence was palpable, and you felt compelled to look up, to meet his gaze and gauge his reaction.

as your eyes locked onto his, you saw the faintest hint of turmoil in his eyebrows, the slightest tension in his jaw. his lips were pressed together, and his teeth had sunk into his bottom lip, as if he was weighing his options, deciding whether to reveal the truth or keep it hidden. the air was thick with unspoken words, and jungwon's silence seemed to vibrate with secrets.

you rose from the chair, your determination evident in the set of your jaw and the fire in your eyes. "if you won't tell me, then i'll go ask the man who gave it to me, myself," you declared, your voice firm and resolute.

but jungwon's reaction was not what you expected. he uncrossed his legs, his movements fluid and deliberate, and his eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded you. "you underestimate pure-bloods," he began, his voice low and even, but with a hint of warning. your eyebrows furrowed, unsure of where jungwon was going with this. but his next words sent a shiver down your spine. "if you do this by yourself, there'll be an announcement of your disappearance in less than 12 hours," he said bluntly, his eyes glinting with a serious light. the words hung in the air, a stark and chilling reality that made your heart skip a beat. you felt a cold dread creeping up your spine as you realized the danger that jungwon was warning you about. his expression was deadpan, but you knew he meant every word. the thought sent a shiver down your spine, and for a moment, you felt frozen in place, unsure of what to do next.

as jungwon opened his mouth to speak again, a loud creaking sound echoed through the room, making you turn to see a figure slowly sitting up in a coffin. the man stretched, arching his back in a languid yawn, his long, wavy hair tumbling down to cover his eyes like a veil. he blinked slowly, his gaze unfocused, as if he was still shaking off the remnants of sleep.

"it's about time you woke up," jungwon said loudly, his voice piercing the quiet of the room. he strode over to the coffin, reaching for a pill bottle on the nearby shelf. he handed a couple of pills to the man, along with a glass of water, which was accepted with a lazy nod. the man's movements were economical, as if he was following a well-rehearsed routine. standing there, you felt like an intruder, a spectator to a private ritual. the man's gaze slowly drifted towards you, his eyes squinting slightly as he took in your presence. he reached for his glasses, perching them on the end of his nose, and suddenly, his features snapped into focus. you recognized him as sunghoon, the third son of one of the founding mothers, his reputation whispered about in hushed tones.

as sunghoon’s gaze met yours, a faint flush rose to his cheeks, and he hastily looked away, his eyes dropping to the floor. the shy gesture belied his reputation as a member of one of the founding families, and for a moment, he seemed almost vulnerable.

his loose, white shirt with long sleeves added to the impression of fragility, making him appear smaller than he actually was. it was a curious contrast, given that sunghoon was the tallest of the three, his lanky frame normally commanding attention. but now, as he sat in the coffin, his shoulders hunched and his eyes downcast, he seemed almost... delicate.

a sudden gust of wind swept across your face, making you blink in surprise. when you opened your eyes again, jungwon was standing right in front of you, his movements so swift and silent that you hadn't even seen him move. it was as if he had materialized out of thin air, his presence both startling and intimidating.

jungwon's hands were tucked into his pockets, his eyes narrowed as he gazed down at you with a stern expression. his voice was low and serious, his words dripping with a warning. "the person who gave you those dahlias is not someone you should keep close to you," he said, his tone brooking no argument.

his eyes seemed to bore into yours, as if scolding you for even daring to associate with this person. "just forget them and go on with your life," he advised, his voice firm but laced with a hint of concern. your eyes locked onto jungwon's, and for a moment, you felt a jolt of pure fear. the thought that hyunwoo might be trying to hurt you intentionally sent a shiver down your spine. jungwon's words seemed to echo in your mind, a warning that you couldn't ignore.

"how am i...?" your voice began to rise in anger, but the words trailed off as the sound of the door opening caught your attention. jungwon's head also swiveled towards the entrance, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the new arrival.

jaeyun stood frozen in the doorway, a bag of snacks clutched in his hand, his eyes darting back and forth between you and jungwon. his expression was one of shock and confusion, as if he had stumbled into something he hadn't been meant to see. he seemed to feel like an intruder, his eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and concern. "y/n, hey, you're supposed to be on bed rest!" jaeyun scolded, his voice firm but worried, as he slowly closed the door behind him. his eyes never left yours, his gaze searching for answers. "why are you here?" he asked, his voice softer now, as he dropped the bag of snacks on the floor beside him, his movements cautious, as if he was trying not to disrupt the tense atmosphere.

"he only came to thank me for saving his life the other day," jungwon said smoothly, his voice dripping with sincerity. he stood up straight, his posture confident, as he delivered the blatant lie. you felt a surge of annoyance at his audacity, and you shot a glare at the back of his head, your eyes narrowing in disgust.

jaeyun's eyes darted back and forth between you and jungwon, his expression a mask of polite surprise. "oh...okay," he said slowly, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism. he seemed to be struggling to maintain a neutral face, his eyes flashing with a mixture of curiosity and concern. the air was thick with unspoken questions, and jaeyun's gaze lingered on you, as if searching for confirmation or denial of jungwon's dubious claim.

"i should go," you said, your voice low and even, as you reached up to pull the velvet hood back over your head. the soft fabric settled around your face, casting a shadow over your features, and you felt a sense of anonymity wash over you.

jaeyun stepped aside, his eyes scanning your exhausted face, his expression softening with concern. "you're leaving already?" he asked, his voice tinged with disappointment. in his haste to catch up to you, he tripped over his own shoe, but quickly regained his balance and grasped the door handle, pulling it open just as you were about to close it behind you.

"how are you feeling?" jaeyun asked, his voice low and gentle, as he leaned against the doorframe, his eyes locking onto yours with a deep concern. you turned to meet his gaze, and for a moment, you felt a pang of guilt at the worry etched on his face.

"couldn't be better," you said, forcing a bright smile onto your lips, but it felt brittle and insincere. jaeyun's eyes searched yours, as if trying to see beyond the facade, but you just shook your head and continued down the hallway, leaving him standing in the doorway, staring after you with a longing expression.

as you walked away, you could feel jaeyun's gaze on your back, a warm and gentle pressure that made you want to turn around and reassure him. but you kept walking, your footsteps echoing down the hallway, until you turned a corner and jaeyun's concerned face was lost from view. you let out a soft sigh, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside you. you were grateful for jaeyun's concern, but you also felt a pang of guilt for not being honest with him. you wondered what he would say if he knew the truth - about the dahlias, about jungwon's warning, about the fear that was growing inside you.

you pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. you needed to get out of there, to clear your head and figure out what to do next. but as you walked, you couldn't shake the feeling that you were being watched, that unblinking eyes were trained on you from the shadows.

you couldn't shake the feeling of frustration and vulnerability that washed over you. it seemed absurd to think that jungwon or jaeyun wouldnt willingly share information with you about the mysterious flowers, especially when it seemed like your life was hanging in the balance. a nagging sense of unease crept in, making you wonder if they were somehow involved in the danger that lurked around you. were they hiding something from you? did they know more about the flowers and their significance than they were letting on?

you swiftly dug into your pocket and retrieved your phone, your anxiety spiking with every passing second. your fingers flew across the screen as you attempted to send a text to sunoo, but just as you were about to hit send, a sudden jolt of electricity shot out from your hand, coursing through the device. the phone's screen flickered wildly, the display distorting into a mess of glitching pixels and fragmented code. "oh shit," you muttered in frustration, your heart sinking as you realized your phone was now useless.

"get it together," you whispered sternly to yourself, feeling the sting of tears prick at the corners of your eyes. the weight of stress and anxiety threatened to overwhelm you, making your breath catch in your throat. you felt like you were on the verge of shattering, like the slightest pressure would send you crumbling to pieces.

taking a deep breath, you squared your shoulders and forced yourself to move forward. you passed by a few staff members, nodding curtly in acknowledgement as you hurried by.

your feet carried you swiftly back to the half-bloods' dormitory, the familiar surroundings a welcome respite from the turmoil brewing inside you. you just wanted to find a quiet corner, lock yourself away, and try to make sense.

as you reached out to open your dorm door, it suddenly swung open with a loud creak, and you were met with a frantic sunoo, his phone clutched in his hand as he paced back and forth across the room. his voice was laced with panic as he spoke into the phone, "i cant find him..." but as his eyes landed on you, his words trailed off, and he rushed towards you, grabbing your arm and pulling you into the room with a mix of relief and urgency. "ill call you later, i found him," sunoo spat into the phone, his anger and frustration noticeable.

with a loud slam, sunoo shut the door behind you, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity as he turned to face you. "you have 10 seconds to tell me where the hell you were," he growled, his voice low and menacing, as if daring you to withhold the truth.

you stood there, frozen, as sunoo's intense gaze bore down on you, making you feel small and vulnerable. you couldn't meet his eyes, instead, you looked down at your feet, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over you. your voice was barely above a whisper as you began to explain, "they told me they would tell me about the flowers after the swimming tryouts, but i never got the chance to ask them because... you know."

you wrapped your arms around yourself, seeking comfort, as sunoo's eyes narrowed, trying to piece together the fragments of your story. "so you went to see them?" he asked, his voice firm, seeking confirmation. "did they tell you?" he pressed on, his impatience growing, as he took a step closer to you.

you shook your head, feeling a mix of emotions: frustration, fear, and disappointment. you turned away from sunoo and walked over to your desk, feeling the need to put some distance between you. sunoo let out a deep breath and plopped down into his coffin, looking relieved that you were safe, but also clearly still stressed. as you stood there, trying to process everything, you told sunoo what jungwon had said, your voice laced with a mix of anger and hurt. "he just told me to forget about it and to stop talking to the person who gave me the damn flowers."

a heavy silence hung in the air, a palpable tension that seemed to vibrate between you and sunoo. you let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of your emotions bearing down on you, and slowly laid your head on the desk, the cool surface a welcome respite from the turmoil brewing inside.

for a moment, you just lay there, wondering if it would be easier to just forget the whole thing, to let go of the questions and the fears that had been plaguing you. but as you lay there, you knew you couldn't just give up, not yet. sunoo's voice broke the silence, his words low and thoughtful. "whats our next move then?" he asked, his tone a gentle prod, urging you to think, to plan, to take action. you lifted your head, meeting sunoo's gaze, and knew that you had to keep pushing forward, no matter how daunting the unknown seemed.

"what?" you asked, surprise etched on your face as you stared at sunoo, trying to understand his sudden change in demeanor. sunoo walked over to your desk, his movements fluid and deliberate, and leaned against the edge, his eyes locked onto yours. "white day is tomorrow, if you've forgotten," he said, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice, accompanied by a playful eye roll. but his expression quickly turned serious, his eyes narrowing slightly as he added, "who knows what might happen to you tomorrow with hyunwoo?"

you felt a surge of confusion, your mind racing to keep up with sunoo's train of thought. "wait, you think i should still go out with him?" you asked, your voice laced with incredulity. sunoo's expression remained matter-of-fact, his voice steady as he replied, "if shiloh warned you about those flowers, we need to know if hes given those to anyone else." his words hung in the air, a stark reminder that nothing was as it seemed, and that the truth was still waiting to be uncovered.

sunoo's words sent a shiver down your spine as you considered the possibility that hyunwoo might be involved in the mysterious events surrounding the flowers. you thought back to the day he gave you the bouquet, his smile and kindness seeming so genuine at the time.

"but why would hyunwoo do that?" you asked, your mind racing with questions and doubts. sunoo's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing as he considered the possibilities.

"that's what we need to find out," he said finally, his voice low and determined. "if hyunwoo is involved, we need to know what his motives are. and if he's not... then we need to figure out who is behind this and what they want from you." sunoo's words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the danger and uncertainty that lurked around you. you felt a surge of fear, but also a sense of determination. you were ready to face whatever lay ahead, as long as sunoo was by your side.

sunoo's smirk was infectious, and you couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity as he spoke. "and i know the perfect person to ask," he said, his voice dripping with confidence, as he tossed a cozy jacket in your direction. you caught the jacket, feeling the softness of the fabric as you wrapped it around your shoulders. the warmth and comfort of the jacket were a welcome respite from the chill that had settled in your bones. sunoo's thoughtful gesture didn't go unnoticed, and you felt a pang of gratitude towards him.

"who's that?" you asked, your curiosity getting the better of you, as you zipped up the jacket and felt a sense of coziness wash over you. sunoo's smirk grew wider, and he seemed to savor the moment before responding.

sunoo's soft greeting was met with a warm smile from jay, who elegantly wiped his mouth with a napkin before responding. "nice to see you again," jay said, his voice refined and polished, as he nodded in your direction. you sat down beside sunoo, feeling a bit out of place as you stared at the two of them. you couldn't help but wonder how jay, with his refined manners and elegant demeanor, could possibly be of help in uncovering the mystery surrounding the flowers.

sunoo seemed to sense your confusion, and he shot you a reassuring glance before turning his attention back to jay. "jay, we need your help with something," sunoo said, his voice low and serious, as he leaned forward slightly in his seat. jay's expression turned curious, and he raised an eyebrow, inviting sunoo to continue.

"we're trying to figure out some information about hyunwoo," sunoo said, his eyes locked onto jay's, as if searching for any sign of knowledge or recognition. jay's expression remained neutral, but you noticed a faint flicker of interest in his eyes.

"what kind of information?" jay asked, his voice measured and cautious, as he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together in a thoughtful gesture.

sunoo hesitated for a moment, as if unsure how much to reveal, before responding. "we're trying to find out if he's involved in something... suspicious," sunoo said, his voice low and serious, as he glanced around the room, ensuring they were not being overheard. jay's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded slowly, as if processing the information. "i see," he said, his voice dripping with intrigue. "and what makes you think hyunwoo might be involved in something... suspicious?" sunoo and you share a glance. "i just want to know if hes seeing anyone else." you quickly come up with a lie, "he gave me flowers recently and i need to know if he gave anyone else any? theyre black dahlias-"

"no," jay said bluntly, a sly smile spreading across his face as he raised his glass of deer blood drink to his lips. he took a sip, his eyes never leaving yours, as if savoring the moment. you and sunoo let out a synchronized sigh, feeling a pang of disappointment at jay's initial response. but then, jay's expression turned thoughtful, and he set his drink down, his movements elegant and deliberate. "but i can see what i can do about the playboy stuff," he said, his voice low and smooth, as he leaned forward, his eyes glinting with intrigue. you felt a spark of hope ignite within you, and you exchanged a hopeful glance with sunoo, wondering what jay might be able to uncover.

"great," sunoo said, a flirtatious smile spreading across his face as he pulled out his phone. he navigated to the contact page, his eyes locked onto jay's as he asked, "how about you give me your number and you let us know if you find anything out?" he gestured to the phone, his movements fluid and confident.

jay's eyes flicked to yours, a raised brow asking a silent question. you smiled and closed your eyes, a gentle nod encouraging him to play along. jay nodded, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, and rattled off his phone number. as you and sunoo stood up to leave, jay asked, "how would i text you if you have my number?" his voice was laced with a hint of dry humor, but sunoo just winked at him, a mischievous glint in his eye. "look forward to my text!" sunoo said, his voice dripping with flirtation, as he sashayed away, his hips swaying in an exaggerated motion. jay scoffed, shaking his head as he watched sunoo walk away, a look of bemusement on his face. he wasn't sure what he had just gotten himself into, but he had a feeling it was going to be interesting. at least he had one answer - hyunwoo had indeed given you those flowers.

“this has to be a joke. hyunwoo, of all people?!” heeseung exclaimed, his voice laced with incredulity, as he held a basketball next to his hip. jay and their friends were in the midst of a lively game, shooting balls into the hoop with varying degrees of success.

jay confirmed heeseung's suspicions with a nod, his eyes fixed on the ball as he dribbled it with precision before shooting it into the hoop. the ball swooshed through the net, a satisfying sound that echoed through the gymnasium.

heeseung's eyes widened as a thought struck him. "you think he's doing it just to get back at me for that time at lunch?" he asked jay, his voice tinged with concern.

but jay's response was not what heeseung had expected. instead of offering words of comfort or reassurance, jay met heeseung's gaze with a dead stare. "doesn't seem like y/n really cares about you that much," jay said bluntly, his voice devoid of emotion, as he nodded in greeting to another guy who walked into the gymnasium.

heeseung's face fell, and he looked like he had been punched in the gut. "y/n? i was talking about hyunwoo...now i'm even more worried," he said, his voice laced with heartache. he threw the basketball away from him and trudged over to the bench, collapsing onto it with a defeated look.

jay's expression softened as he watched his friend struggle with his emotions. he knew heeseung still cared deeply for you, and he could see the pain and worry etched on his face. jay walked over to the bench and sat down beside heeseung, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "if it makes you feel better, y/n thinks hyunwoo's not loyal," jay said, his voice low and gentle, as he tried to offer his friend some measure of comfort.

heeseung's eyes lifted, and he looked at jay with a mixture of sadness and curiosity. "really?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. jay nodded, his expression serious. "yeah, i got that impression from talking to him," he said, his eyes locked onto heeseung's.

heeseung's gaze drifted away, his eyes fixed on some point across the gymnasium. jay could almost see the wheels turning in his friend's mind as he processed this new information. after a moment, heeseung spoke up, his voice laced with determination. "i need to talk to y/n," he said, his eyes snapping back into focus. jay raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "you think that's a good idea?" he asked, his voice skeptical. heeseung nodded, his jaw set in a firm line. "yeah, i need to know what's going on," he said, his voice firm. jay sighed, shaking his head. "let me rephrase that, i dont think its a good idea," he said, standing up and offering heeseung a hand up.

heeseung let out a deep sigh, his shoulders sagging in defeat. "i don't know what to do," he admitted, his voice laced with frustration and uncertainty. jay's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing as he considered his friend's dilemma.

the sound of shoes squeaking on the polished floor filled the air, punctuated by the occasional shout or laugh as the guys played their intense game of 1v1. jay's gaze drifted out onto the court, his eyes watching the players as he thought. after a moment, he turned back to heeseung, a suggestion forming on his lips. "maybe you should try to get to know someone else," jay said, his voice measured and thoughtful. "white day is tomorrow, remember?" he added, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

heeseung's eyes widened slightly, a look of surprise crossing his face. but as jay's words sank in, a glimmer of interest sparked in his eyes. maybe, just maybe, jay's suggestion was exactly what he needed to take his mind off things and move forward.

"wait, you're gonna ask someone out tomorrow?" one of the boys in their friend group asked, his hands on his knees as he panted from playing basketball. his eyes sparkled with curiosity, and he looked at heeseung with a mixture of surprise and amusement.

"who?" another boy chimed in, his voice laced with excitement. the group began to gather around, their faces filled with anticipation.

one of the boys, still chuckling from his exertions, grinned mischievously. "he's gotta try to talk to some of the single half-bloods that are practically pure-bloods, those are the hottest ones," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. heeseung's eyes lit up, and he added, "yeah, y/n was like that..." but his words trailed off as he met the glares of his friends. he winced, realizing his mistake, and quickly added, "or uh, woonggi?" the group burst out laughing, their teasing and jokes filling the air. "woonggi? are you kidding? he'd eat you alive," one of them joked, and the others chimed in, their laughter and banter creating a lively atmosphere.

"lets try to stay away from anyone close to y/n as well," jay said, his voice laced with caution, as if warning heeseung of potential danger. heeseung let out a resigned sigh, "yeah, alright," he agreed, his shoulders sagging slightly in defeat.

jay glanced down at his phone, checking the time, before looking back up at heeseung. "ive gotta head somewhere, but ill meet you in quad later?" he asked, his voice casual, as he passed the ball to heeseung.

but instead of a gentle toss, the ball shot towards heeseung with unnatural speed, making him cough as he struggled to catch it. "you didnt have to use your ability, you know..." heeseung hissed, his eyes narrowing in annoyance. jay just saluted him, a mischievous glint in his eye, before turning and walking away, leaving heeseung to nurse his bruised chest and pride.

woonggi was lounging by the window, the cool night breeze drifting in through the open pane as he relaxed. he sat up, his eyes fixed on you as he asked, "so we're just waiting on a text now?" his voice was casual, but his gaze was intent.

you nodded, your mouth full of medicine supplements that were supposed to help you heal faster. being a half-blood was a constant reminder of your limitations - you were practically 50% worse at everything compared to the pure-bloods. the "half" part of your heritage was a constant source of frustration. you swallowed the supplements in one gulp, feeling the bitter taste linger on your tongue. "yes, i told you that three times already," you said, your voice a bit irritated, but woonggi just chuckled and leaned back against the window frame.

sunoo, meanwhile, was changing into his loungewear, shedding his school uniform in favor of comfortable clothes. "woonggi, make yourself useful," sunoo said, his voice lazy, as he gestured to the small kitchenette in the corner of the room.

woonggi raised an eyebrow, but he didn't argue. instead, he pushed himself away from the window and ambled over to the kitchenette. "what do you want me to do?" he asked, his voice drawling slightly as he opened the small refrigerator and peered inside.

sunoo flopped down onto the couch, looking relieved to be out of his uniform. "can you make some tea?" he asked, his eyes closing in anticipation. "i'm exhausted."

woonggi snorted, but he started rummaging through the cupboards, looking for tea leaves and a pot. you watched him, feeling a sense of gratitude towards your friends. despite the challenges you faced as a half-blood, you knew you could always count on sunoo and woonggi to have your back. as woonggi worked on making tea, sunoo started to drift off to sleep, his chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm. you smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over you. for a moment, at least, everything felt okay.

suddenly, the loud ping of an incoming message echoed through the room, making everyone freeze. the atmosphere was electric as everyone scrambled towards sunoo, who quickly reached for his phone. "what is it?!" woonggi asked, his voice tinged with excitement, as he knelt beside sunoo.

sunoo's eyes scanned the screen, his expression intent. "it's jay," he announced, his voice neutral. he handed the phone to you, and you quickly read through the text messages. jay's messages were brief, but they sent a shockwave through the room. "fortunately, hyunwoo is loyal," the first message read. but the second message was the one that made your heart skip a beat. "unfortunately, it seems the guys in his friend group are giving the same type of flowers to their crush. no originality.."

you looked up at sunoo, your eyes wide with shock. "they're giving them to other people too," you said, your voice barely above a whisper. woonggi grabbed the phone from you, his eyes scanning the messages as well. as he read, a smirk spread across his face. "why did you add a heart to his contact...?" he asked, his voice teasing, as he raised an eyebrow at sunoo.

[sucker4mafia]

im revising rn, itll be out tomorrow morning !

[sucker4mafia]

Heyyyy where are you??? You okay?

im just having writers block sorry ! i wanna make sunghoon & y/n's first actual interaction a cute one ~ YOULL SEE THIS FRIDAY !

[sucker4mafia]

I meant to send that "super excited for the new chapter!" On anon o.o oops

♥️♥️♥️

[sucker4mafia]

Next chap gonna be so good I can feel it

it will be out this friday !! ~

[sucker4mafia]

gonna stay up all night to post a hefty chapter, will update yall ~

[sucker4mafia]

me rn

[sucker4mafia]

Did you mean yesterday Friday or did you mean next week Friday? Looking forward either way c:

so sorry ! i meant friday the 20th ! but i might upload it tuesday instead :) we'll see ~

[sucker4mafia]

Miss you

im sorry ! my winter arc is about to be insane guyssss !! just for yall being troopers, next chapter this friday is gonna be a long one so saddle up !

[sucker4mafia]

Xennnn how are you doingg, where are you???

so sorry ! new chapter is up ! ♥️ lifes been crazy :((

[sucker4mafia]

━━━ 'CHAPTER FIVE' [ETERNAL NIGHT]

SYNOPSIS ➢ everytime sunghoon uses his courage, he wont ever go out of his comfort zone for another century. according to his two friends, that is.

PAIRING ➢ poly!enhypen x male!reader, sim jaehyun x male! reader, park sunghoon x male!reader, yang jungwon x male!reader

AU ➢ strangers-to-lovers au! x enemies-to-lovers au! x vampire au!

CONTENT WARNING ➢ this chapter contains; some angst, mentions of sex, making-out, sensual sprinkles, mentions of blood-drinking, mentions of gore, blood, cannibalism [let me know if i missed any!]

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it was the next night, jaeyun fidgeted in his seat, his leg bouncing anxiously as he struggled to focus on the lesson. the teacher's words blurred together, his mind drifting to you. yesterday's events replayed in his mind – your fragile form, jungwon's unexpected gentleness, and the unsettling feeling that lingered.

"has anyone seen seungmin?" the teacher asked, scanning the room. the class fell silent. jaeyun's gaze wandered to the empty desk, seungmin's name etched on the plaque. a half-blood student, seungmin's absences had become frequent. rumors swirled, but jaeyun knew little about the boy.

his thoughts shifted back to you, concern gnawing at him. how were you faring after the ordeal? jungwon's words echoed in his mind: "you're weaker than us." yet, jaeyun saw strength in your vulnerability. the teacher's voice pulled him back to reality. "if anyone hears from seungmin, please let me know."

jaeyun's gaze drifted out the window, his mind wandering back to the black dahlias. those flowers had been a recurring topic, a fascination bordering on obsession for you. he recalled the day he took them, his intention not to hurt but to protect. the sigiled red ribbon, a subtle detail, revealed a darker truth.

the black dahlias, infused with an ancient potion, were designed to manipulate half-bloods. the pure-bloods' cunning trickery – using love as a tool for control. jaeyun's grip on his pencil tightened. he'd saved you from potential heartache, but at what cost? your trust, already fragile, now teetered on the brink. "jaeyun, pay attention," the teacher whispered, nodding toward the chalkboard. jaeyun's focus snapped back, but his thoughts lingered.

jaeyun's mind raced, driven by a growing sense of urgency. he had to uncover the truth behind the black dahlias. who had given them to you, and more importantly, why you?

a few hours later jaeyun strode down the hallway, his long legs devouring the distance. he bypassed clusters of students, his focus fixed on reaching his dorm. as he climbed the stairs, pure-bloods called out, waving and attempting to ensnare his attention. their flirtatious smiles and playful touches didn't deter jaeyun.

"hey, jaeyun, want to study together?" one asked, batting eyelashes.

"maybe later, i have stuff to take care of," jaeyun replied, his polite smile masking his impatience. he swiftly opened his dorm door, shutting it behind him with a soft click. the lock engaged, and he released a sigh of relief. alone at last. jaeyun leaned against the door, collecting his thoughts.

"class finished?" a deep, soft voice drifted through the room, prompting jaeyun to turn. he found sunghoon lounging on the window sill, bathed in the gentle moonlight streaming through the panes. sunghoon's relaxed posture and tranquil expression offered a calming contrast to jaeyun's turbulent thoughts.

"yeah, finally," jaeyun replied, shedding his tension as he approached his friend. jaeyun dropped his bag onto his desk, the thud breaking the silence. "hey, do you know where jungwon is?" he asked, his eyes locked on sunghoon.

sunghoon's gaze remained fixed on the moon, his expression serene. he slowly shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. “haven't seen him since early night."

"i'm gonna find out how the flowers are being brought into the school, in the first place," jaeyun muttered to himself, fingers flying across his phone's screen. he sent a text to jungwon, arranging to meet outside by the fountain after his lecture. “if we dont come back with any type of evidence for my father, we’ll for sure be pulled out of here.” he muttered to himsef, worried.

glancing up, jaeyun expected sunghoon's response, but his friend remained lost in thought, staring at the moon. a peculiar expression clouded sunghoon's eyes, his gaze distant. "look, come with me," jaeyun coaxed, flashing a charming smile as he approached sunghoon. "i need all the help i can get, anyways.”

sunghoon turned, his eyes avoiding jaeyun's. his solemn expression sent a shiver down jaeyun's spine.

"don't worry so much. you’ve still got time," jaeyun said, concern seeping into his voice. sunghoon's silence was unsettling, his eyes still fixed on some invisible point. jaeyun's instincts screamed that something was off.

"sunghoon, come on," jaeyun pressed, his smile fading. slowly, sunghoon's gaze lifted, his eyes locking onto jaeyun's. for an instant, jaeyun saw a glimmer of something – fear, maybe, or warning. then, it vanished. "okay," sunghoon said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

sunghoon stood up slowly, his movements deliberate. jaeyun's smile returned, and he wrapped his arm around sunghoon's shoulders. "now thats what i like to hear," jaeyun said, his voice filled with relief. "i knew i could count on you." sunghoon didn't respond, but his tension eased slightly. his eyes still held a guarded look. jaeyun steered sunghoon toward the door, his arm remaining around his shoulders.

jaeyun approached lawrence, who dusted an ancient vase with meticulous care, his gnarled fingers tracing the intricate patterns etched into the porcelain. the soft glow of the west wing's candelabras cast a warm light on lawrence's weathered face, deepening the lines etched by years of service. "lawrence, sir," jaeyun said, his voice respectful, carrying above the soft creaking of the old wooden floorboards.

lawrence turned, his eyes warm behind wire-rimmed glasses perched on the end of his nose. a faint smudge of dust marred his left cheekbone. "y-yes, young s-sire," he stuttered, his voice laced with a gentle humility.

jaeyun's gaze lingered on lawrence's worn hands, the skin roughened by years of labor. "how long have you worked at the academy, lawrence?" he asked, his curiosity genuine. lawrence's brow furrowed in concentration, his eyes drifting toward the faded tapestries adorning the walls. "t-ten... y-y-years, s-sire," he replied finally, the stutter more pronounced.

jaeyun nodded sympathetically. "do you know how the food comes in and out of the academy?" he pressed, his eyes locked onto lawrence's. lawrence's gaze darted toward the door, ensuring they were alone, before returning to jaeyun. "w-well, s-sire... f-food s-suppliers come through the east gate... every m-morning," he whispered.

jaeyun's mind began to spin connections. "what about other deliveries? packages, maybe?". lawrence's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of unease crossing his face. "o-occasionally... p-packages come in through the w-west gate... usually at d-d-daytime," he stammered.

sunghoon shifted behind jaeyun, his gaze sweeping the area for potential eavesdroppers lurking in the shadows. the candelabras cast eerie silhouettes on the walls. jaeyun's eyes locked onto lawrence's, his voice low. "do you know who handles those deliveries?" lawrence's stutter grew more pronounced, his voice barely above a whisper. "i-i think... it's... th-the headmaster's... p-personal staff."

jaeyun's jaw clenched, his determination solidifying. "thank you, lawrence. you've been incredibly helpful." lawrence smiled, relieved, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "y-you're w-welcome, s-sire." as jaeyun turned to leave, sunghoon fell into step beside him, their footsteps echoing through the deserted corridor.

"find out anything?" sunghoon whispered, his voice carried away by the drafts whispering through the west wing. jaeyun nodded. "lawrence mentioned deliveries through the west gate at night. might be our lead." sunghoon's eyes narrowed. "i see." jaeyun and sunghoon lingered by the fountain, its gentle gurgle a soothing backdrop to their quiet conversation. classmates passed by, some casting admiring glances or whispering to each other. jaeyun's eyes scanned the courtyard, ensuring they weren't overheard.

suddenly, jungwon materialized beside them, his steady breathing evident. he'd utilized his supernatural speed to traverse the courtyard swiftly. jaeyun's expression turned stern. "jungwon, what were you thinking?" he whispered harshly. "you know we cant draw attention like that." as if their mere existence were not attention already.

"i've discovered something," jungwon said, his brief statement piquing jaeyun's curiosity.

jaeyun rose from his seat, a look of excitement on his face. "well so did i," he revealed, a hint of pride in his voice. "turns out that the headmaster's staff has the authority to place orders on behalf of the academy during the daytime, while the rest of us are asleep." jaeyun's eyes sparkled with satisfaction, clearly pleased with himself for unearthing such valuable information. his smile grew wider as he awaited jungwon's response, eager to share more details about his findings.

"yes, i'm aware," jungwon replied, his concise response causing jaeyun's enthusiastic smile to falter. "you knew..?" jaeyun started to ask, but jungwon cut him off, eager to share his own discovery.

"the potions used on the flowers are sourced from one location," jungwon began, "but what's odd is that none of the packages bear the name of the person placing the order." jungwon concluded his revelation by displaying a photo of the packages on his phone.

sunghoon, seated nearby with a book in hand, looked up at jungwon and jaeyun with curiosity. "how?" he asked, his gaze lingering on the image on jungwon's phone, his brow furrowed in interest.

"i had access to one of the headmaster's staff members' dormitories and found a package hidden underneath her bed," jungwon elaborated, his voice matter-of-fact. "using my speed, i left swiftly and didnt catch any eyes." as he spoke, he tucked his phone into his blazer's inner pocket. jaeyun's expression transformed from curiosity to astonishment, his eyes widening in awe of jungwon's resourcefulness and cunning. he stared, momentarily speechless, struggling to reconcile the depth of jungwon's intelligence with his understated demeanor. sunghoon, still seated with his book, raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the boldness and precision of jungwon's actions.

"what's our next move?" jaeyun asked, shoving his hands into his pockets. "now that we know the staff's involved, we need to determine how the students are obtaining these potions," jungwon replied, his gaze drifting toward the dormitory building.

"sounds like a plan," jaeyun agreed, turning to sunghoon. "shall we head out?" he said, giving sunghoon's arm a friendly pat. however, sunghoon's response was subdued. he gazed down at the ground near jungwon's feet, his voice low and measured. "i think i'll head back." jungwon's expression turned concerned. "are you sure?" he asked.

sunghoon nodded slowly, closing his book and rising from his seat. "i'll text you later. we can grab dinner," jaeyun suggested, his smile unwavering. sunghoon nodded again, a faint, polite smile on his lips before he turned to leave, his departure casting a subtle shadow of uncertainty over the group.

sunghoon navigated the corridor, his footsteps echoing off the polished floors. he clutched his book tightly under his arm, lost in thought. as he turned a corner, he encountered a cluster of teachers on their lunch break, their lively chatter filling the air. "only a few days until white day," one teacher exclaimed. "i heard the students are planning something special."

"i'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with," another teacher replied, smiling. "it's always a lovely celebration." sunghoon bowed politely as he passed by, but his mind wasn't on the upcoming holiday. his thoughts lingered on the mysterious potions and jungwon's daring discovery.

as he continued through the winding corridors, the moon's silvery glow followed him, visible through the open windows. its steady presence felt almost oppressive, as if it was monitoring his every move. sunghoon couldn't shake the feeling that the moon was mocking him, its gentle light illuminating the shadows within himself. he quickened his pace, the sound of his footsteps mingling with the distant chatter of students and staff. the corridors seemed to stretch on endlessly, each window framing the moon like a constant reminder of his own unease.

sunghoon's solitude was shattered when a sudden shove sent him stumbling forward. his book and glasses slipped from his grasp, clattering to the floor. "aw, devil! sorry 'bout that," a familiar voice drawled. sunghoon turned to face hyunwoo, whose bright smile and southern accent belied the abruptness of his gesture. hyunwoo chuckled, bending to retrieve the fallen book. “hey, youre uh.. one of them new pure-bloods, arent you?” he asks but sunghoon just gives a curt nod in response while grabbing his glasses off of the floor. “sunghoon.” was all he said. “the names hyunwoo lee.” he dusted off sunghoons shoulders playfully.

"so, you into astrology then?" hyunwoo asked, handing the book back to him. "this looks like some heavy stuff – moon phases, star alignments... sounds like you're tryin' to predict the future or somethin'." sunghoon shrugged, adjusting his glasses. "just interested, that's all," he replied, his tone neutral. hyunwoo's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "you know, i've always found it fascinating too. maybe we can discuss it sometime? pure-bloods should stick together, ya know?" sunghoon nodded noncommittally, tucking the book under his arm. "maybe."

hyunwoo clapped him on the back. "great! i'll hold you to that. see you around!" with a wave, hyunwoo strode off, leaving sunghoon to ponder the unexpected encounter. sunghoon resumed his walk, book securely under his arm, but his departure was halted by the sound of familiar voices. "got any white day plans, guys?" someone asked.

hyunwoo's friends shared a knowing chuckle. "we all know who hyunwoo's got plans with," one of them said, their tone playful. the group erupted into laughter. "you mean with that hottie, y/n?" another voice chimed in. sunghoon's footsteps faltered. his heart skipped a beat as he froze, his back still turned to the group.

y/n? the name echoed in his mind, stirring a mix of emotions. curiosity, surprise, and a hint of unease swirled within him. sunghoon's gaze drifted over his shoulder, his eyes instinctively searching for hyunwoo's reaction. hyunwoo's cackle was prominent as he looked away, chuckling charmingly. "shut up, guys," he said with a laugh.

sunghoon hesitated, grabbing his phone from his pocket. his fingers hovering over jungwon's contact on his phone. he almost pressed the call button, but something held him back. instead, he gazed back at hyunwoo and his friends, now disappearing into the crowd. a spark of determination ignited within him. sunghoon slipped his phone into his pocket and swiftly turned around, lengthening his stride to catch up with hyunwoo who had walked away from his friends now. "hyunwoo," sunghoon called out, his voice calm and even.

hyunwoo turned, a hint of surprise on his face. "sunghoon! what's up?" sunghoon fell into step beside hyunwoo, his eyes locked on the latter's profile. "think i’ll..take you up on that offer. so white day plans..?" he asked, attempting nonchalance. hyunwoo's smile faltered for a moment before he recovered. "yeah... just the usual stuff." sunghoon's gaze wavered. "with..y/n?" hyunwoo's eyes darted around, as if searching for an escape route. "how did you...?"

sunghoon's expression remained awkwardly nuetral. "i overheard your friends." hyunwoo's face turned back into an eager one, and he cleared his throat. "yeah... him and i are... sort of going steady."

hyunwoo's grin widened mischievously, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "sorry, i'm just ready ya know? i keep thinking about tasting a half-blood for the first time," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. sunghoon's confusion deepened, his brow furrowing. "tasting a half-blood?" he repeated, feeling a growing sense of unease.

hyunwoo chuckled, his laughter low and throaty. "come on, sunghoon. you know what i mean," he said, his tone implying a shared secret. sunghoon shook his head, feeling lost and increasingly uncomfortable. "no, i don't," he admitted, his voice measured. hyunwoo's laughter grew louder, echoing through the corridor. "all pure-bloods do it. it's a rite of passage," he explained, as if it was common knowledge.

sunghoon's frown intensified, his mind racing with possibilities. what could hyunwoo possibly mean by 'tasting'? the word conjured images of food, but the context seemed far more sinister. “'tasting'?" sunghoon pressed, his voice firm but laced with concern. hyunwoo's amusement began to fade, replaced by a hint of surprise. "you really don't know?" he asked, his tone incredulous.

sunghoon's silence spoke volumes. he felt like he was missing a crucial piece of information, something everyone else seemed to understand. hyunwoo leaned in, his voice lowering to a whisper. "maybe it's better you don't know. yet," he said, his words dripping with mystery.

"alright, sunghoon, i've gotta head to my dorm," hyunwoo said, his tone casual. "but come by later, when everyone's asleep. i'll show you how the boys here have real fun." sunghoon's unease deepened, unsure what hyunwoo's plans entailed.

"i'll think about it," sunghoon replied, trying to sound noncommittal. hyunwoo's grin returned. "don't think, just do," he said, patting sunghoon on the back. with a salute, hyunwoo jogged toward one end of the hallway, disappearing around the corner.

sunghoon watched him go, his mind reeling. what had he just gotten himself into? as he stood there, lost in thought, the corridor seemed to darken, shadows deepening. the air thickened with an ominous energy. shaking off the feeling, sunghoon headed toward his own dorm, his heart heavy with foreboding.

sunghoon swiftly slammed the door to his dorm shut, the sound echoing through the silence as he secured the lock. seeking solace, he strode over to his coffin, its dark wood a sanctuary from the words he had just exchanged.

with a resolute motion, he lowered the heavy lid, enveloping himself in darkness. settling into stillness, his hands rested on his chest as he closed his eyes, focusing on the steady rhythm of his breath. the words hyunwoo had spoken continued to sear his mind, igniting a firestorm of anger and unease. the mere thought of being intimate with a half-blood, or even sampling their blood, was utterly horrorifying.

as he lay there, the weight of his emotions slowly began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm determination. in the quiet, dark space, sunghoon regained control, his breathing slowing as his thoughts clarified.

"his name is hyunwoo?" jungwon asked, crossing his arms over his chest, his muscles tensing beneath his uniform. sunghoon nodded silently, his gaze drifting back to the window, where the carefree laughter of students outside formed a stark contrast to the tension within. jungwon's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, his hand rising to cup his chin. "and he instructed you to meet him at his dorm tonight?" he pressed, seeking clarification. sunghoon's nod was curt, his attention still fixed outside.

jake intervened, his hands gesturing emphatically. "you know what needs to happen, right? he's gotta go!" his declaration was laced with conviction.

jungwon's sigh was immediate, a mixture of frustration and resignation. sunghoon's head snapped towards jake, confusion etched on his face. "w-what?" he stammered, his voice laced with uncertainty.

sunghoon sprang to his feet, shaking his head vigorously in denial. "no, just... you guys go," he suggested, his voice laced with unease. jaeyun approached sunghoon, his hands grasping his shoulders firmly. "sunghoon, listen, hyunwoo specifically invited you, not jungwon or me. that means he trusts you enough to share his secret," jaeyun reasoned, his eyes locked onto sunghoon's.

sunghoon's face contorted in distress. "i... i can't..." his words faltered, trapped in his throat. nearby, jungwon continued pacing, lost in thought. suddenly, he stopped and began shedding his formal attire, exchanging it for comfortable clothes. his movements were fluid and deliberate, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within.

"come on, man, don't let fear dictate this," jaeyun urged softly, his grip on sunghoon's shoulders tightening. "we need to know what hyunwoo's planning, and you're our only link." sunghoon's eyes darted to jungwon, who now wore a pair of sleek sweatpants and a fitted t-shirt, his expression introspective.

jungwon turned to sunghoon, his gaze piercing, yet silent. without a word, he strode over to his coffin, its dark wood a sanctuary from the unspoken tensions. settling into its depths, he announced, "i'm going to rest for a bit." the casket's lid closed with a soft thud, enveloping jungwon in darkness. jaeyun and sunghoon exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes lingering on the sealed coffin. they both craved jungwon's guidance, but he had retreated, shutting himself off from their concerns. jaeyun's brow furrowed, frustration etched on his face. "what's going on with him?" he whispered, seeking sunghoon's insight.

sunghoon shook his head, equally perplexed. "don't know," he murmured, his gaze still fixed on the coffin.

jaeyun leaned in, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. "come on, sunghoon, i’ll stay on call with you the whole time. you’l be fine. i’ll be listening in, and if anything even slightly off happens, i’ll be there in a flash. well, more like jungwon would be there in a flash.." sunghoon hesitated, clearly tempted by jaeyun’s words. "but what if—"

"no what-ifs," jaeyun interrupted, his confidence growing. "you’ll be safe, and we'll get this done. trust me." sunghoon took a deep breath, weighing his options. the silence between them stretched out until finally, he nodded. "alright... i’ll do it."

jaeyun’s face lit up with a triumphant smile. "that’s the spirit! i’ll dial the number and get you connected. just put your phone connection to your earbuds, and i’ll be with you every step of the way." with a mix of excitement and trepidation, sunghoon pulled out his phone and dialed the number jaeyun provided. as the call connected, jaeyun’s voice became a steady presence in his ear.

sunghoon takes a deep breath, feeling jaeyun's words echo in his mind. he slowly raises his trembling hand to knock on the door, his heart racing with anticipation. his palms are sweaty, and he can't help but wonder what hyunwoo's reaction will be. will he be happy to see him? or will he be annoyed at the sudden visit?

as he hesitates, jaeyun's voice comes through the earbud again, "come on, sunghoon, you got this. just knock already!" sunghoon's lips curve between his teeth, feeling a bit more at ease knowing his friend is rooting for him.

with newfound determination, sunghoon raps his knuckles against the door, the sound echoing through the quiet hallway. he steps back, fidgeting with his jacket hem, waiting for hyunwoo to answer.

moments tick by, and sunghoon's anxiety starts to creep back in. what if hyunwoo's not alone? what if he's busy? what if...?

the door swung open, revealing hyunwoo lounging in flowy black attire that accentuated his physique. his tousled blonde hair framed his face, exuding a effortlessly chic vibe. hyunwoo’s eyes sparkled as he spotted sunghoon, and he swiftly enveloped him in a warm hug. sunghoon stiffened, his arms remaining at his sides as hyunwoo’s enthusiasm washed over him.

"you’re here!" hyunwoo exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement. "i knew you weren't like the rest. i told the guys, but they didn't believe me." a low chuckle rumbled in hyunwoo’s throat as he pulled sunghoon closer.

"come on in!" hyunwoo urged, releasing sunghoon from the hug. sunghoon’s gaze swept the empty space, his curiosity piqued. who were these "guys" hyunwoo mentioned? and what exactly had hyunwoo told them? sunghoon froze, his palms growing damp with anticipation, as he realized he was utterly alone. the silence was broken when hyunwoo approached the closet with deliberate calmness, gently sweeping aside the carefully arranged clothes that concealed a hidden entrance. the secret door, seamlessly integrated into the closet's design, slowly revealed itself, exuding an air of mystery and intrigue, as if crafted to remain forever undiscovered.

hyunwoo beckoned sunghoon closer with a casual wave, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he swung open the hefty door, its creaking hinges echoing through the stillness. "come on in, virgin," he teased, his chuckle low and playful, sending a ripple of unease through sunghoon's composed facade. sunghoon's hesitation was brief, quickly masked by a faint, strained smile, a futile attempt to conceal his growing apprehension.

beyond the door lay a scene that would forever sear itself into sunghoon's memory. a huge amount of tangled bodies, writhing and entwined, filled the space. boys, seemingly starved of affection, surrendered to unbridled passion. everywhere, lips locked, hips ground together, and clothes were shed with reckless abandon. couches, blankets, and pillows were scattered, creating intimate sanctuaries amidst the chaos. the dark, moody lighting, usually alluring to a vampire's senses, now felt oppressive, heightening sunghoon's unease.

his gaze darted wildly, drinking in the unwanted desire that permeated the air. his heart plunged, weighed down by discomfort, as he struggled to process the unbridled indulgence unfolding before him.

sunghoon remained oblivious as hyunwoo guided him deeper into the sprawling room, the door clicking shut behind them, enveloping them in an irresistible aura. the air reeked of unrelenting lust, intensifying as sunghoon's senses honed in on the half-bloods. their eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intensity, pupils dilating threefold, resembling entranced zombies.

each half-blood's gaze locked onto sunghoon, their irises shimmering like moonlit pools, drawing him in. the atmosphere pulsed with primal desire, sending shivers down sunghoon's spine as he struggled to comprehend the hypnotic scene.

the purebloods reclaimed their half-bloods' attention with ravishing kisses and bites, reigniting the moans that echoed through the room, sending sunghoon's pulse racing. hyunwoo's whisper caressed his ear, "i don't care what the bible says, this is actual heaven." his fangs gleamed in the dim light as he smiled.

nearby, entwined half-bloods broke apart, noticing sunghoon and hyunwoo. they strode over, their eyes burning with desire. a blonde boy with freckles approached sunghoon, his gaze smoldering with lust. "your mother's one of the women who built this sanctuary, isn't she?" he asked, tracing a finger along sunghoon's chest, sending a feeling in his gut.

sunghoon's heart skipped a beat as the blonde boy's finger lingered on his chest, his touch igniting a flutter in his stomach. he nodded, voice caught in his throat, as the boy's eyes sparkled with intrigue.

"i've heard stories," the boy whispered, his breath dancing across sunghoon's skin, "about the founders' bloodline." his gaze locked onto sunghoon's, intense curiosity burning within. hyunwoo chuckled, his fangs glinting mischievously. "seems you've piqued their interest, virgin." the half-bloods closed in, their faces tilted upward, eyes shining like stars in the dim light. sunghoon's senses reeled as their collective attention enveloped him, his heart pounding in anticipation.

meanwhile, jungwon and jaeyun exchanged weighted glances, their eyes locking in a flash of understanding. "you're an idiot for letting him go," jungwon snarled, his voice venomous, as jaeyun stumbled over his words. "well, i—" jungwon's speed ability erupted, sending papers swirling as he burst through the dorm door, his jacket billowing behind him. the air rippled with his fury. "jungwon, wait! you can't!" jaeyun yelled, sprinting after his friend, desperation edging his voice. "he's still in there!"

"you're so good-looking," the red-haired half-blood cooed, clinging to hyunwoo's waist, his gaze fixed on sunghoon. sunghoon's cheeks flushed as he averted his eyes, his gulp audible. the two half-bloods erupted into giggles at his bashful response.

"gentlemen, meet sunghoon," hyunwoo announced, his voice dripping with amusement. "a royal who's never indulged in a half-blood's charm." sunghoon's composure wavered; his virginity, once a non-issue, now felt like a vulnerability. the room's intoxicating atmosphere suffocated him. as the half-bloods exchanged stunned whispers, sunghoon edged backward.

"i think i should go," he stammered, clearing his throat. his shaggy hair veiled his eyes, and his glasses fogged, shielding him from the tempting scene.

the blonde half-blood pouted, his lip curling downward. "no, don't go! stay and hang out with us." his sentence ended with a tantalizing bite of his lip. sunghoon knew he had to resist; his reputation and mother's warnings echoed in his mind. hyunwoo and the redhead disappeared onto the couch, engulfed in passion.

as sunghoon turned to leave, a firm grip seized his hand. the blonde boy's eyes sparkled mischievously, his gaze treating sunghoon like a toy to be played with. "stay," the blonde whispered, his breath caressing sunghoon's ear, sending shivers down his spine. the blonde half-blood pouted, his lip curling downward. "no, don't go! stay and hang out with us." his sentence ended with a tantalizing bite of his lip. sunghoon knew he had to resist; his reputation and mother's warnings echoed in his mind. hyunwoo and the redhead disappeared onto the couch, engulfed in passion.

as sunghoon turned to leave, a firm grip seized his hand. the blonde boy's eyes sparkled mischievously, his gaze treating sunghoon like a toy to be played with. "stay," the blonde whispered, his breath caressing sunghoon's ear. sunghoon's instincts took hold, and he jerked his hand free with a low growl. his gut churned, as if a force within him stirred, eager to emerge and shield him from the blonde's invasive grasp.

sunghoon swiftly unlocked the door and escaped the room, slamming the heavy door shut behind him. he hadn't realized how much he'd sweated until that moment.

his heart pounded fiercely, threatening to burst through his chest and back. footsteps echoed, and sunghoon spun around, startled.

jungwon stood before him, a broken doorknob clutched in his hand, jaeyun panting behind him. "hey buddy, we're...here," jaeyun managed between breaths, hands on knees, exhaustion etched on his face. sunghoon's eyes widened, relief washing over him at the timely arrival of his friends.

jungwon's gaze narrowed, inspecting sunghoon's flushed face and damp skin. "what happened?" he demanded, his voice low and urgent. jaeyun straightened, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "did something go down?"

sunghoon swallowed hard, hesitating before speaking. "just...hyunwoo and those half-bloods. they were...different." jungwon's expression darkened, his grip on the doorknob tightening. "we're leaving. now." his command was low and everyone followed through with it. sunghoon nodded fervently, clutching his chest as if soothing his racing heart. he kept his head low, avoiding eye contact.

jaeyun's hand rested on sunghoon's damp back, offering comforting pats. "easy, man, we've got you," he whispered.

jungwon led the way, his protective gaze scanning their surroundings. the trio moved swiftly, leaving the unsettling encounter behind. as they walked, jaeyun's calming touch and jungwon's reassuring presence slowly steadied sunghoon's frayed nerves. sunghoon's voice barely rose above a whisper. "...they smelled different too." his brow furrowed, concern etched on his face. "smelt like..some kind of.. perfume." jaeyun's pats slowed, his expression thoughtful. jungwon's pace remained steady, his eyes scanning ahead.

"vital-drunk," jungwon stated, his tone matter-of-fact. sunghoon's head jerked up, comprehension dawning. "oh," he breathed, pieces clicking into place. jaeyun nodded sympathetically. "yeah, that's what it looks like." jungwon's gaze flicked to sunghoon. "you okay?" sunghoon nodded, still processing. "think so..”

meanwhile, in the dorm room, you slumbered peacefully within your coffin, lulled by medication's soothing embrace. across the room, woonggi sprawled on his stomach, feet swaying lazily behind him. his gaze scrolled through eternalgram, the social hub exclusive to eternal academy students. woonggi's fingers danced across the screen, scrolling through eternalgram's endless feed, where eternal academy's students shared moments from their lives.

he paused, admiring shirtless selfies of chiseled torsos, winking boys with captivating smiles and charming poses. a thumbs-up gesture indicated his approval, accompanied by an occasional smile or chuckle. but one photo halted his scroll.

woonggi's face contorted in distaste. "ew, that's not his color," he said, referencing the boy's bold, clashing outfit. he shook his head, disappointed in the fashion choice. woonggi's gaze drifted from his screen, locking onto your serene form within the coffin, bathed in soft, silver light.

his expression softened, replaced by deep concern and heartfelt compassion, as he ensured your slumber was peaceful. he watched your chest rise and fall gently, a soothing rhythm. woonggi's heart ached, witnessing his dear friend rendered vulnerable, usually vibrant and radiant. determination etched on his face; he vowed to stand by you, through every trial.

"i'm not leaving your side," he whispered, commitment shining in his eyes. the room filled with an unspoken promise: unity and unwavering support. woonggi returned to eternalgram, scrolling mechanically, though his mind remained fixed on you. he checked your vitals, ensuring the medication worked its calming magic.

as you slumbered, your subconscious mind embarked on a vivid journey. you found yourself strolling through a serene forest, bathed in warm sunlight filtering through lush foliage. unusually, your skin remained calm and unaffected, defying its typical sensitivity to solar rays.

curiosity piqued, you glanced down at your hands, discovering you wore only crisp white pajama pants and a lightweight, long-sleeved white top. the simplicity of your attire contrasted beautifully with the vibrant surroundings.

a subtle instinct prompted you to gaze upward, and your eyes locked onto a figure hastily concealing himself behind a tree. the fleeting glance sparked recognition, yet his identity remained elusive. his black hair was styled upwards, revealing his forehead, and his piercing eyes seemed to see right through you, holding secrets and stories untold. interested, you took a step forward, but intuition cautioned patience, so you paused, waiting.

the mysterious figure peeked again, his gaze lingering, boring into your soul with an air of familiarity, yet unknown. time suspended as you stood frozen, lost in this captivating stare, surrounded by rustling leaves, soft sunlight filtering through, and anticipation hanging in the air.

despite the mysterious figure's unsettling demeanor, you felt no fear, only wonder. his tilted head and furrowed brows sparked a mirrored response from you, as if connected by an unseen thread. suddenly, a chilling breeze swept behind you, rustling your clothes. you turned slowly, and two piercing crystal blue eyes emerged from the bushes, belonging to a majestic black wolf. its snarl exposed hunger and desperation, and it began charging towards you with ravenous intent.

in a flash, a hand grasped your waist, pulling you to safety. your vision darkened, and your echoing gasp resonated through the air, the only sound in the abrupt silence.

who was he again? memory seemed to fade as well.