sucker4mafia

[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!]

PREVIOUS | NEXT

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.

[sucker4mafia]

pookie are you okay??

are you feeling well? I've missed you i miss your writing i really really do

i hope you're okay and if you're not get well soon 🧚🏻‍♀️✨💗🫧

ive been STRESSING recently yall. like my skin has been breaking out cause of it and i usually never break out so im tryna just ignore my problems and stick to my hobby of writing <3 🧚🏻‍♀️

[sucker4mafia]

Feel better xen!! Take as much time as you <3

ily ♥️ im back ~

[sucker4mafia]

Hiii you doing okay?

YES SO SORRY !! ♥️ lifes been difficult lately, but new chapter tomorrow ! im gonna lock in and get these chapters up :)

[sucker4mafia]

so sorry guys, ive been so sick, i need to rest for a bit then ill upload ! meanwhile you guys can send me messages about the story or send me your ideas blah blah etc <3 !!

[sucker4mafia]

NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE UPLOADED TOMORROW ! SORRY FOR THE DELAY, I WILL BE POSTING ANOTHER CHAPTER THIS UPCOMING WEDNESDAY TO MAKE UP FOR IT ! ♥️♥️♥️

[sucker4mafia]

This might seem bit of a weird question but uh...will eternal night have smut in it? If no then that is completely fine because it's going to be great regardless but yeah ..sorry for the question just curious

[++ you ask & i shall answer ~ !⠀₊⠀ׁ⠀ꔛ]

never a weird question babe !

it was my fault for not putting it in the masterlist warnings, ill do it rn ! yes there will be eventual smut,🫢🫢

THATS ALL I SHALL SAY !

[sucker4mafia]

━━━ 'CHAPTER FOUR' [ETERNAL NIGHT]

SYNOPSIS ➢ the undercurrents of water and relationships can come off as overwhelming.

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, past trauma, ptsd, mentions of being held against will, feeling helpless, almost drowning, sensual sprinkles, mentions of blood-drinking, mentions of gore, blood, cannibalism [let me know if i missed any!]

PREVIOUS | NEXT

sunoo's eyes widened in disbelief. "you're joining the swimming team?" before you could respond, woonggi burst in, his face alight with excitement. "you're joining the swimming team?!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands enthusiastically. the stark contrast between sunoo's skepticism and woonggi's eagerness hung in the air.

you knelt beside the trunk, rummaging through your clothes, tossing items aside. sunoo and woonggi stood behind you, observing. "yes, i'm telling you," you said, sitting back on your legs, exhaling. "jaeyun and that guy jungwon, they knew something." you repeated for the fifth time.

returning to your search, you muttered under your breath. sunoo crossed his arms, striving to understand. "right... right..." he trailed off, shaking his head. "so because they knew something, you're gonna join... the swim team?" his tone reflected confusion.

you sighed, exasperated by sunoo's question. "if i keep following them around, they'll report me. but if we just happen to be in the same club..." you trailed off, waiting for sunoo to catch on. sunoo raised an eyebrow, still puzzled.

"alright, fine," he said, distracted, reopening his compact mirror to admire his reflection. "but i'm not joining. i look better outside the water." woonggi grinned mischievously. "come on, sunoo! there'll be shirtless guys! i'll join y/n!" his eyes sparkled with excitement, and his smile hinted at flirtation. sunoo rolled his eyes, snapping his mirror shut. "you're only joining for the eye candy, aren't you?" woonggi's grin widened, unapologetic.

"what do you mean i can't try out?" woonggi demanded, his anger simmering as he faced coach lucien. coach lucien, a stern pure-blood with an air of authority, shook his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "you're not allowed to join any clubs until your six-year suspension is over. you know this." his gaze drifted from woonggi to you, his expression unyielding.

"i'm sorry, there's nothing i can do," he said, a low chuckle escaping his lips before he turned away, striding towards the opposite side of the pool. "williams, i told you to leave that kid alone!" his voice echoed off the indoor pool's walls, the sound reverberating through the tense atmosphere.

woonggi trudged up the bleachers, arms crossed, and plopped down beside sunoo, who sat serenely, sipping from a straw inserted into a pouch of crimson liquid. sunoo's eyes met woonggi's frustrated gaze and handed over his own pouch. "here."

woonggi accepted it gratefully, taking a long swig of the animal blood. as a half-blood, it was the only thing that could satiate his vampire side. sunoo swung his legs, looking like a harmless schoolboy, his expression contrasting with the dark, crimson liquid he sipped.

"thanks," woonggi muttered, feeling a temporary calm wash over him. sunoo nodded, eyes never leaving the pool below, where coach lucien was now yelling at another student.

you remained still, gazing down at the water's surface, memories of centuries past swirling in your mind. when had you last swum? the thought lingered, until coach lucien's shrill whistle pierced the air. you lifted your eyes to see him gathering the tryout hopefuls. your gaze drifted to the bleachers, where sunoo gave you a discreet thumbs-up. beside him, woonggi's scowl deepened, though his attention was clearly elsewhere - fixed on the cluster of athletic hopefuls, his eyes scanning the toned physiques with interest.

you allowed a faint smile, sensing woonggi's distraction. coach lucien's voice rose above the chatter. "alright, let's get started! we'll begin with the 100-meter freestyle." the group began to murmur, adjusting their goggles and caps.

you took a deep breath, clad in a long-sleeve compression shirt and thin swimming shorts, and made your way to the other side of the pool. the rest of the males wore thin shirts, clustered in friendly groups, while you stood alone. coach lucien began, "alright, i'm gonna walk you through—" but his words trailed off as his gaze fixed on the entrance. his mouth agape, he froze. curiosity spread, and the group slowly turned to see what had captured coach lucien's attention.

the three sons of the founding mothers walked in, shirtless, their shorts hanging low on their hips. tall and chiseled, their physiques commanded attention. a collective intake of breath rippled through the room. whispers began to circulate. woonggi's eyes widened from across the pool, his interest piqued. sunoo's thumbs-up from earlier still echoed in your mind.

coach lucien's composure returned, though his voice remained strained. "ah, welcome, young masters. glad you could join us." the atmosphere shifted, the dynamics of the tryouts forever altered. as they entered, their suppressed aura burst forth, commanding attention. all eyes locked onto them, and they seemed accustomed to the admiration.

some boys giggled, waving enthusiastically, hoping to catch their notice. jaeyun lapped up the attention, winking and waving charismaticly, eliciting squeals from the enthralled onlookers.

"apologies, coach," jungwon said, halting first, jaeyun and the tallest one following. "we're still unfamiliar with the hallways."

coach lucien's awestruck whisper escaped: "hail the evil ones..." his demeanor transformed, shedding its usual rudeness. "don't you dare apologize, you muscle machines!" he cackled, beaming. "you're right on time!" the contrast between his previous behavior and newfound obsequiousness was striking. jaeyun's gaze swept the room, locking onto you, his eyes widened for a fleeting moment before moving on. pretending he didn't see you.

coach lucien's sudden change in demeanor raised your suspicions. "right on time, indeed," he repeated, eyes gleaming. "let's get started, shall we? alright, everyone get in lines behind the jumping platforms, we will go in groups. all i wanna see is you swim to and back. nothing less and nothing more!”

jaeyun flashed a captivating smile, and the trio strode toward the group, their confidence noticeable. jungwon's gaze swept the room, his eyes lingering on you before moving on. the tallest one, still silent, seemed to be observing everything with an air of detachment.

as the crowd surged forward, you slipped into the nearest line, stealing glances at jaeyun, a few people ahead in the adjacent line. you hesitated, then turned to the boy in front of you. "excuse me, i'm really nervous. mind if i go ahead?" the boy's face flushed as he nodded, allowing you to pass.

"thanks," you said, repositioning yourself. your gaze drifted back to jaeyun, who was now stretching, his movements fluid. you patted the other boy now in front of you, catching his scowl. "hi cutie, think you could let me cut just this once?" you batted your lashes.

his annoyance melted into a smirk. "just this once," he conceded. "thanks," you repeated, sneaking another glance at jaeyun. your maneuvering hadn't gone unnoticed; jaeyun's eyes met yours, a hint of amusement dancing in them. woonggi's voice carried from the bleachers, "what's gotten into him?" sunoo's chuckle followed, "looks like someone's playing the charm card." you flashed a bright smile to the boy in front of you, focusing on jaeyun as the line inched forward.

coach's whistle pierced the air, and the line surged forward as divers splashed into the pool. you stood one person away from jaeyun, your heart racing. you patted the tall boy in front of you, his timid eyes meeting yours. he looked young so you changed your approach.

"hi there, sweetheart," you said with a disarming smile. "mind if i go ahead of you?" he blinked, confusion etched on his face. "me?" he asked, his deep voice barely above a whisper, pointing at himself.

you darted a glance at jaeyun, who was engrossed in conversation with the person ahead of him. returning your focus to the tall boy, you poured on the charm. "yeah, you. who else?" his hesitation was palpable, so you offered your hand. "i'm y/n."

the boy's large hand enveloped yours, his shake firm but cautious.

"i'm... niki," he replied, his voice still soft. niki’s reluctance to yield his spot was evident, but your persistence and charm began to win him over. jaeyun's gaze drifted toward you, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the scene. "so how about it, niki?" you asked, with a charming smile. niki’s cheeks flushed, and he stepped aside, allowing you to pass.

"thank you, i owe you" you whispered, smiling up at him. now positioned beside jaeyun, you sensed his awareness of your proximity. the air seemed to thicken as coach lucien called out the next swimmer.

"i'm ready," jaeyun said, gaze fixed ahead, his voice low and smooth. you sensed his words were meant for you alone. "what?" you asked hesitantly, eyes forward, pretending indifference.

jaeyun's smirk grew, though he still didn't look at you. "i'm ready for you to flirt with me next. isnt that what you were gonna do?" his chuckle made you roll your eyes, feigning annoyance. "look, i need you to tell me what those flowers do because..." coach lucien's whistle pierced the air, and divers plunged into the water.

you took a deep breath, voice barely above a whisper. "because i think the person who gave me them... might..." your words trailed off as reality hit: you were in danger. jaeyun's gaze finally met yours, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. "might what?" niki, now behind you, watched with interest. the line inched forward, and coach lucien called out the next swimmer.

"jaeyun." jungwon's deep, velvety voice carried a subtle warning, his gaze fixed straight ahead, eyes narrowed slightly.

you followed jaeyun's line of sight to jungwon, his chiseled profile stern, jawline sharp. the single word hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. jaeyun's demeanor shifted, seriousness replacing his earlier playful amusement. his sympathetic eyes, like dark, polished onyx, met yours, as if apologizing for an unspoken consequence.

coach lucien's final whistle pierced the air, echoing off the indoor pool's tile walls. the boy ahead of you, a lean, muscular swimmer, sprinted down the board, plunging into the water with a precise dive. your turn.

jaeyun's gaze lingered on yours, his expression a mixture of concern and curiosity, before he faced forward, jaw clenched. a subtle tension rippled through his broad shoulders.

jungwon's presence seemed to command the space around him, his tall, imposing frame radiating an aura of quiet authority. niki watched from behind, his eyes wide with interest, his tall frame leaning slightly forward. the diving board beckoned, its springy surface awaiting your feet.

you stepped onto the diving board, the chlorine-scented air filling your lungs. your gaze dropped to the turquoise water below, its surface rippling with the previous swimmer's waves. jaeyun's whisper reached you, low and husky: "if you can keep up, i'll tell you."

he pretended to adjust his goggles, his eyes locking onto yours. a spark of challenge danced in their dark, polished depths. what secrets did he hide? coach lucien's voice echoed through the pool area, “come on boys, show me what you're made of!” the diving board seemed to stretch before you, you knew coach's words were meant for the founding mothers sons but you took them as your own.

as coach lucien's whistle pierced the air, your muscles tensed, ready to unleash their pent-up energy. you launched off the diving board, your body a perfect arc. time compressed, and the world narrowed to the water rushing up to meet you. your slice into the pool was smooth, barely creating a ripple.

as you swim through the water, the churned liquid created a turbulent barrier around you, distorting your view. however, your vampire heritage granted you exceptional speed and agility, allowing you to navigate the pool with ease. despite this advantage, the presence of jaeyun and jungwon - two formidable opponents - pushed you to dig deeper, extracting every last ounce of energy.

your lungs burned, protesting the intense exertion, while your heart pounded in your chest, threatening to burst free. yet, you refused to yield, drawing upon every shred of determination. with each stroke, you devoured the distance, your muscles working in harmony to propel you forward. once you tapped the otherside, you quickly twisted your body and began pushing yourself back to where you started. your arms and legs working overtime to be as fast as you possibly could be.

finally, the pool's edge loomed ahead, and with one final surge, you touched the wall, signaling the end of the lap. turning to face coach lucien, his booming voice cut through the air, "times!"

as you emerged from the water, gasping for air, jaeyun and jungwon flanked you, their piercing gazes locking onto yours in a silent challenge. jaeyun's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, while jungwon's narrowed gaze conveyed a fierce competitiveness. meanwhile, sunoo’s enthusiastic cheers and woonggi's shouted encouragement created an electrifying atmosphere, heightening the tension. the air was thick with anticipation, each swimmer awaiting the announcement of their times, knowing that every fraction of a second counted in this high-stakes tryout.

your gaze shifted to the electronic board on the wall, anticipation building as you awaited the display of names and times. the seconds ticked by, and then, in bold red letters, the rankings appeared. a boy named sunghoon had claimed the top spot, jungwon secured second place, and jaeyun landed third. your eyes scanned the list, your heart sinking with each passing line.

you trailed off near the bottom, second to last, the stark reality of your performance hitting hard. still gasping for breath, frustration simmered beneath the surface, threatening to boil over. self-doubt crept in, and you couldn't help but wonder: would your results have been different if you possessed pure vampire lineage? the nagging thought lingered, fueling your discontent.

disappointment etched on your face, you stayed there, struggling to reconcile your aspirations with the harsh truth. your desired outcome and the actual result gnawed at you, intensifying your determination to improve, to push beyond the limitations imposed by your mixed heritage.

as the remaining groups prepared to take their turns, your embarrassment lingered, refusing to dissipate. struggling to shake off the disappointment, you avoided eye contact with jaeyun, instead focusing on extracting yourself from the water.

preoccupied with your thoughts, you didn't notice niki opening his mouth to offer words of encouragement, but he thought better of it, letting his comment fade unspoken.

you swiftly made your way to the sideline, joining the cluster of swimmers who had already completed their laps. seeking solace in familiar faces, your gaze drifted across the group, landing on sunoo. his understanding expression offered a sense of comfort. with a subtle nod and a calming gesture, he wordlessly urged you to breathe, to reassess and regain composure.

sunoo's empathetic demeanor helped ease your frustration, reminding you that one disappointing performance didn't define your entire potential. as you stood there, water dripping from your body, you began to recalibrate your mindset, funneling disappointment into determination.

the quiet murmurs of encouragement from teammates and the gentle hum of conversation in the background gradually penetrated your awareness, helping shift your focus toward redemption.

as coach lucien blew the whistle once more, you pushed aside the lingering thoughts of the mysterious flowers. your gaze swept across the pool, focusing on each swimmer, and your mind began to drift. however, the murmurs from the boys beside you grew louder, their excited whispers and pointed fingers drawing your attention.

following their gazes, your eyes landed on a swimmer cutting through the water with astonishing speed. it was as if a mythical siren had emerged, effortlessly gliding across the pool. you realized, with a start, that this exceptional swimmer was in the same lane as you.

in awe, you watched as he touched the opposite wall, leaving most of the other swimmers struggling to reach the midpoint. your eyes widened further as you took in the swimmer's impressive physique – powerful arms slicing through the water, propelling him forward with incredible force.

time seemed to slow as you studied his technique, mesmerized by the fluidity and strength on display. the sounds around you – cheering, shouts of encouragement, and splashing water – faded into the background, replaced by your own silent admiration for this swimmer's remarkable talent.

the boy's incredible speed left the competition in its wake, as he effortlessly completed the lap and returned to the starting side while others were merely halfway through their swim. your gaze shifted to the electronic board, anticipating the display of names and times.

the numbers flickered, still being calculated as the remaining swimmers struggled to finish. finally, the last competitor touched the wall, and you turned back to the board. the updated rankings flashed, and your eyes locked onto the top spot.

in a stunning turn of events, 'niki' occupied the number one position, his time eerily matched with sunghoon's – a dead tie for the lead. the display read:

1. niki - 22.58

2. sunghoon - 22.58

the crowd's murmur intensified, and whispers of "tie" and "unbelievable" spread through the air. your attention remained fixed on the board, awaiting further developments.

the boy’s mutterings escalated into a fervent buzz, with whispers and speculation spreading like wildfire. "isn't niki a half-blood?" someone asked, incredulity lacing their voice. "how did he achieve that time?" another onlooker wondered. "he must possess an affinity for water, or some hidden ability," a nearby spectator theorized.

as the commotion grew, niki humbly acknowledged the congratulations and praise, bowing sheepishly to the crowd. with a shy look, he made his way toward your side, removing his swim cap and goggles as he walked. his dark hair, damp from the swim, clung to his forehead, framing his cat-like eyes.

niki's understated demeanor belied the electrifying accomplishment that had just sent shockwaves through the tryout. as he approached, his gaze met yours, and for an instant, you sensed a flicker of quiet pride and gratitude. the subdued confidence surrounding him commanded attention, sparking curiosity about the enigmatic half-blood who had shattered expectations.

niki positioned himself not so discreetly behind you, slightly to your left, creating a pocket of personal space amidst the bustling crowd. his subtle presence invited attention, as if seeking a private moment amidst the chaos.

you turned to face him, a warm smile spreading across your face. your eyes met, and an unspoken understanding passed between you. it was as if niki awaited your words, his gaze encouraging you to share your thoughts.

"pretty impressive, sweetheart," you said, a playful smirk curling the corners of your mouth. the nickname, reused from earlier, hung in the air, imbuing the moment with warmth. niki's eyes fluttered upward, meeting yours for a fleeting instant. a soft, shy smile trembled on his lips, but he couldn't sustain eye contact. his gaze dropped, focusing on the swim cap he nervously manipulated in his hands.

his cheeks hinted at a blush, and the subtle smile still lingered, though now directed at the floor. the brief exchange had established a connection, your friendly tease had cracked his reserve, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability and affection.

suddenly, a familiar arm draped over your shoulders, pulling you away from niki. jaeyun's lean frame settled against yours, his smirk evident as he said, "guess who kept up pretty well?" his friendly demeanor caught you off guard, and you blinked rapidly, confusion etched on your face. you elbowed jaeyun, prompting a slight cough, and he took a step back. "what are you talking about?" you asked, arms crossed, "i came in last." your tone conveyed puzzlement.

just then, jungwon emerged from behind jaeyun, his wet hair pushed back from his face. "actually," he began, his gaze locked onto yours with a neutral, almost curious expression, "you came second to last, only six seconds behind jaeyun."

your understanding deepened, but jungwon's next words ignited a spark of irritation. "that's odd for a half-blood," he stated, his tone matter-of-fact. you shot jungwon a pointed glare, accompanied by a sarcastic smile. "i appreciate the insult."

jungwon's expression remained impassive, his response curt. "you're welcome." with that, he turned and walked away, leaving you to ponder the subtle tension and underlying dynamics. jaeyun's arm returned to your shoulders, his voice low. "don't mind him." niki watched the exchange, his eyes darting between you, jaeyun, and jungwon, before focusing on you with an expression that hinted at concern.

"it's kinda hard not to," you retorted, exhaling sharply, as frustration simmered beneath the surface. your gaze lingered on jungwon's retreating figure before shifting toward coach lucien. unconsciously, you began rubbing your arms to generate warmth, recognizing the telltale signs of dropping body temperature – goosebumps, trembling limbs. your teeth clenched to suppress the shivering.

just then, coach lucien's booming voice cut through the air, echoing off the walls. "alright, everyone! put your caps back on. i need everyone in the pool, now!" the room sprang into action. swimmers scrambled to obey, urgency infused in every movement. jaeyun's attention was stolen as he reached for his cap.

niki stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "you okay?" he asked quietly, noticing your shivering. with a nod, you forced a weak smile. "just cold," you replied, teeth still clenched.

coach lucien's whistle pierced the air, emphasizing the urgency. "move, move, move! we don't have all day!" the pool deck bustled with activity as swimmers hastened to comply, their faces set with determination.

you swiftly grabbed your cap, securing it in place before easing into the pool alongside the others. coach lucien's voice rose above the din, clipboard in hand. "alright, simple task: hold your breath for as long as possible. easy enough, right? take a breath!" everyone inhaled deeply, and you closed your eyes, seeking a calming focal point. your father's warm smile materialized in your mind's eye, a comforting presence.

the whistle pierced the air, and you took one final breath before submerging your head into the water. the world above receded, replaced by an eerie silence, punctuated only by the occasional bubble's soft escape.

your mind settled, tranquility washing over you as you relaxed your body. thoughts of your father filled the mental space – memories of laughter, guidance, and unwavering support. the ache of his absence lingered, tempered by the longing for him to witness your growth, your perseverance.

time lost meaning beneath the water's surface. your focus remained steadfast, anchored to the image of your father's smile, as the stillness enveloped you. in this suspended state, you found solace, your heart reaching out to a loved one across the distance.

unbeknownst to you, jungwon's piercing gaze settled upon your serene face, his eyes never leaving your tranquil expression. submerged in the water, you were oblivious to the intensity of his stare. something about your peaceful demeanor ignited a spark within him, a smoldering ember that threatened to blaze.

jungwon remained unaware of the scrutiny he himself faced. niki, positioned behind him, observed jungwon's fixed gaze on you. niki's eyes narrowed, his expression a mask of quiet comprehension. with a subtle nod to himself, niki closed his eyes, focusing on his own breath. his facial muscles relaxed, and his mind quieted, shutting out distractions. the water's stillness enveloped him, a soothing balm for his thoughts.

meanwhile, jungwon's gaze lingered, his thoughts turbulent beneath the surface. the calm surrounding you seemed to stir a maelstrom within him, an unsettling juxtaposition. the silence between heartbeats grew heavy with unspoken emotions.

in this submerged world, three individuals existed in separate realms: you, lost in memories of your father; jungwon, grappling with unknown emotions; and niki, seeking inner balance. each occupied their own space, yet their fates intertwined like ripples spreading through the water.

your serene reverie shattered, disrupted by the unsettling images that invaded your mind. flashes of the black dahlias, their dark petals unfolding like ominous omens, seized your attention. memories of shiloh's overpowering grip, slamming you against the wall, resurfaced with visceral intensity.

your body flinched underwater, reflexively recoiling from the remembered sensation of helplessness. the feeling of being pinned, vulnerable, and at the mercy of a pure-blood's superior strength, washed over you anew.

a toxic voice, laced with venom, echoed in your mind – your mother's words, sharp as knives: "..so worthless!" the phrase stung, reopening old wounds, and for an instant, you were transported back to a place of crippling self-doubt. the water's silence couldn't drown out the painful memories. your mind wrestled with the lingering emotions, struggling to break free from the shackles of past traumas. your heart rate quickened, disrupting the tranquility.

in this submerged turmoil, your thoughts became a battleground. the darkness of your past threatened to consume you, testing the fragile resilience you'd built.

unaware of your physical reactions, you continued to flinch, involuntarily expelling air from your mouth. your body slowly sank deeper into the pool, the water pressure increasing around you.

in your mind's eye, shiloh's assault replayed, and your arms instinctively rose to defend yourself. blue bolts of energy erupted from your hands, a manifestation of your distress. struggling to calm your racing thoughts, you found it impossible to shake the vivid, recent memories.

meanwhile, jungwon's lungs began to protest, and he swiftly kicked toward the surface. breaking through the water's tension, he gasped, filling his lungs with air. scanning the pool, he noticed some swimmers had already resurfaced, while others were just beginning to emerge.

coach lucien stood at the poolside, clipboard in hand, scrutinizing the electronic scoreboard across the pool. his pen scratched against paper, recording the times as the swimmers surfaced. his eyes narrowed, analyzing the data, as he searched for any signs of improvement or weakness.

jungwon's gaze scanned the scoreboard, noting every swimmer's name listed. only six blank spaces remained, indicating those still submerged. times were filled in beside the names of those who had resurfaced.

beneath the water, you involuntarily hugged yourself, seeking comfort from the haunting memories. unaware, your feet had touched the bottom of the 10-foot pool. blue sparks radiated from your body, compact and contained, affecting only the surrounding water.

meanwhile, jaeyun assisted jungwon out of the pool, his exhaustion evident. "i think i tired myself out," jaeyun admitted with a chuckle, acknowledging his time wasn't his best.

jungwon removed his cap, shaking his head to get the excess water off of him, before surveying the swimmers who had exited the pool. his eyes lingered on each face, assessing their conditions. niki remained submerged, his focus unwavering. coach lucien continued to update the scoreboard, his expression unreadable. the air was thick with anticipation, as everyone awaited the final results.

beneath the surface, your sparks intensified, a visual representation of your inner turmoil. the silence was broken by jaeyun's casual remark to jungwon, "wonder who'll take the last spots." jungwon's gaze drifted back to the pool, his eyes searching for any sign of movement from the remaining swimmers.

jungwon's gaze swept the area, his eyes scanning for something – or someone. then, he spotted niki breaking the surface, gasping for air. niki wiped his face and began swimming toward the pool's ladder. jaeyun noticed jungwon's intensity and asked, "what's wrong?" but jungwon remained silent, his focus fixed on the scoreboard.

only two names remained blank, and jungwon's eyes locked onto yours. niki's score – 3 minutes and 10 seconds – flashed beside his name, implying you were approaching the four-minute mark.

just then, the second-to-last swimmer resurfaced, gasping loudly and coughing. friends rushed to assist, offering oxygen cans to alleviate his distress. the sudden influx of oxygen often made breathing easier. "wait, where's y/n?" jake began to ask, but jungwon was already in motion.

without hesitation, jungwon dove into the water, his powerful stroke eating up the distance. jaeyun's concerned voice echoed through the air, "jungwon, what are you doing?" coach lucien's expression turned grave, his eyes fixed on the pool's depths. the scoreboard seemed forgotten, replaced by a sense of urgency.

niki, now standing at the poolside, watched jungwon's rescue effort with a mix of surprise and understanding. his eyes narrowed, pondering the motivations behind jungwon's sudden action. the water's surface rippled, and jungwon's form disappeared beneath, leaving everyone wondering – what happened?

woonggi and sunoo sprinted down the stairs, their faces etched with concern, and knelt beside the pool's ladder. "y/n!" sunoo's scream was muffled, but jungwon heard it as he swam toward you with all his might.

through the water, jungwon saw you encased in a shrinking cocoon of blue bolts. without hesitation, he grabbed you, but the contact sent his body into agonizing shock. ignoring the pain, he focused on your limp form.

bubbles escaped your mouth, and the blue bolts dissipated. jungwon knew time was running out. securing your waist with one arm, he used his other three limbs to propel himself upward with desperate strength. "what's going on? i need oxygen tanks, now!" coach lucien barked, striding toward the poolside where woonggi and sunoo knelt. he gently shooed them away, clearing space.

niki teleported to the utilities closet and back in an instant, urgency etched on his face. "here, coach," he said, passing the large oxygen tank to coach lucien. coach lucien's expression turned grave as he accepted the tank. "everyone, move back!" he ordered, voice firm but controlled.

jaeyun and the others retreated, their faces laced with worry. jungwon broke the surface, gasping, with you in tow. your face was pale, and your body hung limply. "hold on, y/n!" sunoo whispered, tears welling up in his eyes. jungwon's chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath, still reeling from the shock. coach lucien swiftly attached the oxygen mask to the tank, preparing for emergency protocols. the air was heavy with tension, the only sound the hiss of the oxygen tank and the quiet murmurs of concern from the onlookers.

coach lucien carefully placed the oxygen mask over your face, adjusting the straps to secure it. "breathe, kid, breathe!" he urged, his voice calm but urgent. jungwon's eyes never left yours, his face etched with concern. the shock from touching you still lingered, but he didn't care.

niki stood beside coach lucien, his eyes fixed on your pale face. "come on," he whispered, his voice barely audible. sunoo and woonggi hovered nearby, their faces twisted with worry. jaeyun and the others watched anxiously, their voices hushed.

your chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, the oxygen mask fogging with each exhalation. suddenly, your eyelids fluttered open.

"y/n!" sunoo exclaimed, relief washing over his face. your gaze drifted, unfocused, before locking onto jungwon's intense stare. a faint flicker of recognition sparked in your eyes.

jungwon's expression softened, his eyes had a hint of concern but it was hard to see through his glare "you idiot," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the oxygen tank's hiss. coach lucien's face relaxed, a hint of a smile on his lips. "oh devil, thought i was gonna have to resign as a swimming coach." as the tension dissipated, the group shared collective sighs of relief.

coach lucien dismissed the team for the day, announcing that the results would be posted tomorrow. the group scattered, heading toward the changing room.

meanwhile, you lay on the pool deck, wrapped in two towels, sunoo gently rubbing your back, and woonggi holding the oxygen mask to your mouth. you had complained about the straps causing headaches. your eyes closed, your body shuddered uncontrollably, struggling with the aftereffects of oxygen deprivation and prolonged ability use. nearby, the same nurse who had treated you earlier conferred with coach lucien.

finishing their conversation, the nurse gestured to sunoo and woonggi. oblivious, you didn't notice until woonggi hesitantly handed you the mask, whispering, "we'll be right back." sunoo and woonggi stepped away, joining the nurse and coach lucien.

left alone, your shaking hands betrayed you, and the oxygen mask slipped from your grasp, clattering to the ground.

your lungs protested, burning from the sudden lack of oxygen. the nurse's instructions echoed in your mind – keep the mask on until your breathing normalized. panic crept in as you struggled to retrieve the mask, your trembling fingers unable to secure it. jungwon, lingering nearby, noticed your distress.

without hesitation, jungwon strode over, gently picking up the mask and securing it back over your nose and mouth. "breathe," he ordered, his eyes locked onto yours, filled with annoyance. your gaze met jungwon's, gratitude and relief washing over you.

jungwon sat beside you, cradling the oxygen mask to your lips with an unexpected gentleness. his eyes locked onto yours, a jarring contrast to the venom in his words.

"i'm only helping you because you're a half-blood," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "you tend to be weaker than us." yet, his hands told a different story – soft, reassuring, and patient. the warmth of his touch seeped into your chilled skin.

your gaze searched jungwon's face, seeking answers. the harsh words stung, but the tenderness in his eyes and hands confused you. was this a moment of genuine concern or merely pity? did jungwon truly see you as inferior, or was this a defense mechanism? as you inhaled oxygen, your lungs easing, you sensed a deeper complexity beneath jungwon's surface. sunoo and woonggi returned, exchanging worried glances. coach lucien and the nurse followed, their faces somber. "let's get you to your dorm," the nurse said, his voice firm but gentle.

the three sons of the founding mothers stood watching, their shirtless bodies glistening with dampness, towels draped over their shoulders. your limp form, cradled between sunoo and woonggi, stirred something within jaeyun.

usually, your fiery spirit and sharp wit left him on edge, but now, your helplessness struck a chord. a pang echoed in his chest, an unfamiliar ache.

jungwon, too, felt that burning sensation, a phantom pain he hadn't experienced since...since you. neither boy voiced their emotions, the unspoken understanding between them palpable.

as sunoo and woonggi carried you away, jaeyun's gaze lingered, his expression softening. jungwon's eyes, still fixed on you, held a depth that belied his earlier harsh words. the distance between them grew, yet the connection remained, an invisible thread binding the four of you together. as the group disappeared into the infirmary, the founding mothers' sons stood frozen, lost in thoughts they couldn't quite articulate.

© all rights reserved to “sucker4mafia”. please do not plagiarize, steal, repost w/o credit for momentary gain.

[sucker4mafia]

hi i wanna ask something if thats okay

so i was wondering if the reader powers was something like zeri from league of legends or storm from x-men?? or it's from another reference? cause my brain suddenly had a malfunction imagining it, but you don't have to answer it if it's have something to do with the plot so just don't mind me.🧜🏻‍♀️

[++ you ask & i shall answer ~ !⠀₊⠀ׁ⠀ꔛ]

first of all [love the pfp 🫢♥️]

second of all, what a great question. i actually got the idea from marvels thor who is the god of thunder. but i did not base the readers whole power exactly like thor's. storm would be a better way to describe , visually wise, how his powers occur.

however the reader has no power over the weather, he only has power within electricity itself. he can harbor it from within and also manipulate electrical currents for example : a lightbulb. due to the readers inability to control his powers, he might learn to do more things in the future 🫢.

heres visual representations of when the reader can use it out of his hands :

bolts :

balls of electricity :

but thats all for now !! lol thank you so much for the questions, i love answering them or just chatting !!

[sucker4mafia]

Hiiii just wanted to say I just found your blog and boy am I really looking forward to reading Eternal Night!! I also am kind of new, but figured I would give Tumblr a try haha, either way also hope you have a great day and or night c:

[++ you ask & i shall answer ~ !⠀₊⠀ׁ⠀ꔛ]

no wayy ! welcome ! trust me i used to write on wattpad and although my stories would get alot of views, i enjoy writing on tumblr so much more for some reason now ~

if you ever see a blog that has the name 'xen' mostlikely its me writing lol >~< thank you for becoming a reader of mine, i hope to one day have actual books with gay romance & spooky vibes lol. ill let you guys know if i ever get published !

enjoy the new chapter <3 & another will be posted tomorrow !

[sucker4mafia]

When I saw you post chapter 3 of eternal night, I squealed.

[++ you ask & i shall answer ~ !⠀₊⠀ׁ⠀ꔛ]

the kind hype i need in my real life <3 LOVE YA

[sucker4mafia]

━━━ 'CHAPTER THREE' [ETERNAL NIGHT]

SYNOPSIS ➢ admist the mysterious and dark energy lurking in the corners of the academy, a terrifying encounter with a familiar student brings a rather confusing encounter with another.

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, assaulted, being attacked, fighting, held against will, past trauma, tiny fluff, mentions of gore, blood, cannibalism [let me know if i missed any!]

PREVIOUS | NEXT

in the library's intimate upstairs nook, soft candlelight danced across the plush rug and cozy chairs, casting a warm glow. the gentle hum of footsteps and muted conversations drifted from downstairs, creating a soothing background melody. settled on the spacious windowsill, you reclined on your belly, propping your head with one hand and cradling your chin. your other hand held "mundane fairytales," now open to the 7th chapter. legs crossed, you were lost in the uncommonly optimistic tales of vampiric authors, where happy endings were a rare delight.

as you read, the atmosphere remained tranquil, until woonggi's announcement broke the silence. "alright, i finished!" he exclaimed, rising from his seat and sprawling across the floor like a starfish.

"devil, that was exhausting," he huffed, releasing a relieved sigh. the room's peaceful ambiance was momentarily disrupted, but the soft crackling of candles and gentle creaks of old bookshelves soon restored the cozy atmosphere. across the room, sunoo's fingers flew across his computer keyboard, the soft clacking filling the air. his focus remained unwavering, even as woonggi's gaze shifted toward him.

"what are you typing anyway?" woonggi asked, his voice tinged with curiosity, as he looked up at sunoo, whose feet rested casually next to his head. "i thought you finished your paper a while ago?" woonggi's question hung in the air, awaiting clarification.

sunoo's response was nonchalant, his eyes never leaving the screen. "i'm making myself a study guide for the exam due next month." the soft glow of the computer screen illuminated sunoo's features, highlighting his intent expression. his hands continued their swift dance across the keyboard, the only sound breaking the silence.

woonggi's head lolled to the side, his expression incredulous. "you gotta be kidding me. it's not due for a month, you nerd," he groaned, his voice laced with playful exasperation. sunoo's fingers never paused in their typing rhythm. "nerds are hot," he replied, his tone effortlessly nonchalant. woonggi scoffed, rolling his eyes. "whatever."

you tuned out the banter, focusing on the pages of "sleeping beauty" in front of you. your brow furrowed in annoyance. why did the prince have to awaken aurora? she was fine, peaceful, in her slumber. his kiss, uninvited and presumptuous, stirred unnecessary complications. the notion bothered you. who wrote these mundane tales, anyway? didn't they realize the beauty in subtlety, in silence? as you pondered, the soft clacking of sunoo's keyboard and woonggi's occasional snicker filled the background, a gentle reminder of their presence.

you turned the page, your eyes scanning the text with renewed skepticism. the prince's actions reeked of entitlement, disregarding aurora's autonomy. your mind wandered to the darker, vampiric tales you'd read, where sleep was a vulnerability, not a romantic plot device.

sunoo's typing slowed, and he leaned back in his chair, eyes still fixed on the screen. "almost done," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. woonggi, now sitting up, stretched his arms overhead, arching his back. "finally, i'm starving," he declared, standing up and shaking off his languid pose. "let's grab some food." you marked your page with a slender finger, hesitant to leave the cozy nook. "i'll stay here, finish this chapter."

sunoo nodded, his gaze flicking to you before returning to his screen. "we'll bring you something." woonggi winked. "don't worry, we won't disturb your prince-filled reverie." with a chuckle, he headed downstairs, sunoo following closely. their footsteps faded into the background hum of the library. the silence enveloped you once more, broken only by the occasional creak of old bookshelves. you refocused on "sleeping beauty," your thoughts intertwining with the tale's dark undertones. as you read on, a faint rustling echoed from the floor below, growing louder. footsteps, lighter than woonggi's or sunoo's, approached the cozy nook.

you immersed yourself in the tale, aurora's impending awakening captivating your attention. would she exact vengeance on the prince who dared disturb her slumber?

the faint "psst" pierced the air, a gentle whisper that made your ear perk up. you turned toward the staircase, expecting to see woonggi or sunoo returning with snacks. but the staircase was empty, the landing quiet. your eyebrows furrowed in confusion. had you misheard? was the sound meant for someone else?

the silence stretched, with no further noise or movement. shrugging, you returned to your book, curiosity about aurora's fate overriding the momentary distraction. as you delved back into the story, your mind wandered to the darker possibilities. perhaps aurora would unleash a vampiric wrath upon the prince, teaching him the true meaning of eternal sleep. lost in the tale, you didn't notice the subtle shift in the room's atmosphere or the pair of eyes watching you from the shadows.

the second, more insistent whistle, left no doubt – someone was trying to get your attention. you straightened, crossing your legs and leaning back on your hands, eyes scanning the room with a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

"a little dramatic, don't you think?" you whispered, voice low but audible, as you searched for the source. "if you're trying to scare me, i think you've lost that opportunity." your senses heightened, taking in every detail. the soft creak of old bookshelves, the faint scent of dusty pages, and the gentle hum of the library's ventilation system. your gaze swept the cozy nook, lingering on potential hiding spots. the shadows cast by the candles seemed to deepen, as if darkness itself was watching. your skin prickled, but you refused to show unease.

"show yourself," you murmured, eyes narrowing, daring the mysterious person to reveal their presence. a faint rustle, like silk brushing against fabric, echoed from the corner of the room. the sound was subtle, but unmistakable.

with lightning-quick reflexes, you stood up, hand raised, and unleashed a small, shimmering blue bolt. the energy shot across the room, striking its target with precision.

the figure, attempting to flee between bookshelves, let out a pained "ah!" as the bolt hit their hand. the impact halted their escape. you strode confidently toward the stunned individual, arms crossing over your chest. recognition sparked as you took in the familiar features. "well, well, well," you said, a sly smirk spreading across your face.

the person, now immobilized, looked up at you with a mix of shock and embarrassment. their hand, still throbbing from the blue bolt, cradled against their chest. the dim library lighting danced across their chagrined expression, illuminating the faint flush rising to their cheeks.

"you're not very scary," you added, eyes glinting with amusement. the air was charged with tension, but your demeanor remained relaxed, commanding.

hyunwoo's scoff was accompanied by a captivating smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement. he effortlessly rose to his feet, towering over you with his imposing stature. his uniform accentuated his toned physique, making him appear even more formidable.

"wasn't trying to scare you, sweet thing" he assured, deep chuckling while nursing his hand, the blue bolt's aftermath still evident. you maintained your smile, intrigued by the mystery surrounding his actions. "so, why were you hiding, then?" you asked, curiosity lacing your voice. hyunwoo's gaze locked onto yours, his expression transitioning from playful to intense. "wanted to talk to you... alone," he admitted, his deep voice low and smooth.

the air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken intentions. the library's gentle hum and soft candlelight receded into the background, leaving only the two of you, suspended in a bubble of tension.

hyunwoo's eyes, dark and piercing, held yours, as if daring you to probe deeper. his proximity, coupled with the uniform's tailored fit, made your heart flutter. "what's so important it requires secrecy?" you pressed, voice steady, despite the growing anticipation. hyunwoo's smile returned, cryptic and alluring. "you'll see," he whispered, his breath grazing your ear.

hyunwoo strode past you, his gesture beckoning you to follow. you trailed behind, curiosity piqued, as he led you to a secluded corner of the upstairs section.

a small, elegant table came into view, adorned with a breathtaking bouquet of black dahlia flowers. their dark, velvety petals seemed to absorb the surrounding light, exuding an air of mystery. beside the flowers, a slender envelope rested, its surface embossed with an intricate silver seal. your eyebrows furrowed in confusion, you turned to hyunwoo, seeking explanation. he stood beside the table, a captivating smile spreading across his face.

"what's this?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. hyunwoo's eyes sparkled with amusement. "a gift, and a message," he replied, his tone low and enigmatic. he reached out, gently lifting the envelope, and handed it to you. the seal felt cool against your fingertips.

"open it," he encouraged, his gaze never leaving yours. the air was heavy with anticipation, the black dahlias seeming to witness the unfolding moment. you broke the seal, and a faint scent of sandalwood wafted out. inside, a small message was scribbled on the note: "you free on white day?." your eyes met hyunwoo's, searching for clarity. hyunwoo's eyes crinkled at the corners as his charming smile grew wider. he took another step closer, his voice dropping to a gentle, persuasive tone.

"i was thinking we could get to know each other, and maybe..." he paused, his gaze locking onto yours, "i could try going on a date with a cutie like you." your eyebrows shot up in surprise, suspicion swiftly following. "you want to take me on a date?" you asked, incredulity lacing your voice.

hyunwoo's name was already on your lips, a protest forming, when you began shaking your head. but he swiftly intercepted, his words spilling out in a passionate rush. "look, i know you and heeseung just broke up a couple of weeks ago, but i'm not that kinda man," hyunwoo assured, the southern drawl very clear in his voice, his eyes burning with sincerity. his hand reached out, gently grasping your wrist, halting your motion. the touch sent a spark through your skin.

"i'm gonna stop you right there," you declared, hand firmly planting on hyunwoo's chest, halting his advance. your finger rose, counting off points. "one," you began, "me and heeseung never dated, it was a fling."

hyunwoo's gaze flicked to your raised finger, then back to your face, intrigue dancing in his eyes. "two," your second finger joined the first, emphasizing your point. "i'm not really looking for a..." your words trailed off, lost to the sudden gasp echoing through the air.

your eyes met hyunwoo's, confusion mirrored in his expression. simultaneously, you both turned to locate the source of the sound. hyunwoo's head swiveled behind him, while your gaze shot upward, and your eyes widened in shock.

sunoo and woonggi were suspended on the wall, their bodies eerily bent like spiders, their faces frozen in rapt attention. their eyes locked onto you and hyunwoo, an unspoken understanding passing between them. your face flushed with embarrassment. quickly, you spun hyunwoo back around, ensuring his focus remained solely on you.

"sorry! i just lost my train of thought," you said hastily, attempting to divert attention from the eavesdropping duo. hyunwoo's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the sudden shift in conversation.

"i was saying, um, yeah, i uh, i'm not really looking for a..." your words stumbled, and hyunwoo's brow rose, anticipating the completion. "boyfriend?" he offered, his tone gentle. you struggled to regain composure, aware of sunoo and woonggi's attentive ears. "well," you began, forcing a carefree tone. “cause i dont understand darling, just give me a chance-”

but before he could continue, your words tumbled out in a jumbled rush: "lets just go on a date." hyunwoo's confusion was palpable. "what?" he asked, ensuring he'd heard correctly. your bright, forced smile masked the irritation brewing toward your eavesdropping friends. "yeah, on white day. like you said," you nodded, trying to sound enthusiastic. hyunwoo's face lit up, oblivious to the underlying tension. "well, that's just perfect then!" he exclaimed, reaching for your hands.

his dry skin sent a shiver through you, but you suppressed the urge to pull away. as his hands enveloped yours, a spark of electricity ran through your body. you couldn't help but wonder if this date would be a disaster or a surprise sunoo and woonggi remained suspended, silent observers to the unfolding scene.

"i'll see you then, darling," hyunwoo said, handing you the black dahlias and releasing your hands. with a charming wink, he waved goodbye and descended the stairs.

as soon as he vanished from view, your expression transformed. you hissed, eyes flashing upward, seeking the elusive eavesdroppers. but woonggi and sunoo had vanished, leaving no trace. seething, you stomped back to the cozy corner, book abandoned. upon arrival, you spotted the culprits lounging, feigning busyness.

"give me one good reason not to throw you out that window right now," you snarled, baring teeth. sunoo's giggles escaped despite his attempt to stifle them. "we had to make sure you were alright," he excused, peeking from behind a book.

woonggi nodded in agreement. "yeah, we saw you weren't here anymore, so we went to find you." sunoo's muffled laughter resurfaced. "then we found you and hyunwoo..." his voice trailed off, hiding behind the book once more.

woonggi chuckled, leaning forward in his chair. "so? you're gonna see him on white day, right?" he asked, seeking confirmation. their amusement only fueled your irritation. "you two were spying on me!" you accused, hands on hips. sunoo and woonggi exchanged a look, their grins synchronizing.

"research," sunoo corrected, still chuckling. "we're ensuring your love life is on track." woonggi nodded vigorously. "yeah, and hyunwoo seems perfect." your frustration simmered, but their playful banter chipped away at your resolve. as you glared at sunoo and woonggi, your mind wandered to hyunwoo. his charming smile, piercing eyes, and effortless confidence left a lasting impression. you couldn't deny the flutter in your chest when he touched your hand or the way his words made you feel seen. his interest seemed genuine, and the black dahlias' symbolism – commitment and loyalty – resonated deeply.

but caution lingered. you'd been burned before by your own mother, and trust didn't come easily. "where's the food?" you asked, shifting the focus away from hyunwoo and the fluttering in your chest. you adjusted your grip on the beautiful black dahlias, their delicate petals and subtle scent calming your nerves.

sunoo sprang up from the plush armchair, phone in hand, checking his reflection with a self-absorbed grin. he smoothed his tousled hair, ensuring every strand was perfectly in place. "oh right, we came back to get you so we could all just go eat in the dining hall," sunoo said casually, tucking his phone into his pocket. his bright blue eyes sparkled with amusement.

woonggi rose beside you, wrapping his arm around yours with a conspiratorial glance. his warm smile put you at ease, and you couldn't help but play along. "he also wanted to spy on the newcomers," woonggi whispered, eyes sparkling with mischief. his voice was low and playful, hinting at sunoo's true motives.

your sarcasm was palpable. "oh really?" you asked, raising an eyebrow. sunoo's eyes darted up, feigning innocence. "what? no, we just wanted to... observe," he said, his tone light and carefree.

you raised the other eyebrow, skeptical. "observe?" you repeated, flowers still clutched in your hand. the delicate petals seemed to mock you, reminding you of hyunwoo's thoughtful gesture. woonggi chuckled, his deep laughter rumbling through the cozy room. "yeah, see if anyone's worthy of joining our crew," he said, his arm tightening around yours. sunoo nodded vigorously, his bangs bouncing with the motion.

"we can't let just anyone in, you know," he added, his expression serious for a moment before cracking a smile. the banter was familiar, comforting. but your mind still lingered on hyunwoo and the mysterious date. the way he said "darling" echoed in your thoughts, sending a shiver down your spine.

meanwhile, the three of you strolled toward the dining hall, laughter and conversation flowing effortlessly. the black dahlia bouquet remained securely in your grasp, its delicate petals and subtle scent intertwining with the warmth of the evening.

sunoo regaled you with an animated story, his hands gesturing wildly, while woonggi chuckled and playfully interjected. you couldn't help but giggle at their antics. as you turned a corner, heeseung came into view, leaning against the wall with two friends. his eyes locked onto yours, and a charming smile spread across his face.

but his expression faltered as his gaze dropped to the bouquet in your hands. confusion etched his features, followed by a flicker of curiosity. 'did someone give you that?' he wondered, his mind racing. heeseung's eyes narrowed, focusing on the blood-red bow and the small, intricate sigil attached to it. the symbol was unmistakable – a mark of the pure-blood families. a shadow crossed his face, and his jaw clenched. anger simmered beneath the surface, fueled by the thought of someone else giving you such a meaningful gift.

your laughter and carefree smile only intensified his emotions. he watched, transfixed, as you ran a hand through your hair, the bouquet cradled in your other arm. heeseung's friends exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the shift in his mood. they murmured something, attempting to break the tension, but heeseung's attention remained fixed on you. the air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken emotions and unresolved history.

"i'm gonna go put these in my room really quick," you told sunoo and woonggi, hastily excusing yourself with the precious black dahlia bouquet.

as you jogged toward your dormitory, the flowers' delicate petals seemed to dance in your grasp. you slowed to a walk, ascending the stairs to the second floor.

suddenly, a familiar sound pierced the air: "psst." your gaze swept the area, searching for the source. but the hallway remained empty, devoid of any signs of life. your eyebrows furrowed, confusion giving way to a sly smile. you suspected only one person would tease you thus – hyunwoo.

a group of boys passed by, engrossed in a video game on their phone, oblivious to your brief pause. you continued toward the music room, its door slightly ajar. the soft glow of the room beckoned. "i told you already, you're not scary," you whispered, laughing as you slid into the room.

but before you could fully enter, your body was slammed against the nearby wall with a resounding thud. the impact knocked the wind from your lungs. you moaned in pain, your vision blurring for an instant. as you looked up, your eyes widened in shock.

it wasn't hyunwoo's charming smile or piercing gaze that met yours – but shiloh's intense, brooding stare. his eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, and his grip on your shoulders tightened.

he had a look of worry and aggression, his eyes blazing with an inner turmoil. "shiloh-" your words were cut off abruptly as he ripped the black dahlias from your grasp. shiloh strode away, scrutinizing the flowers with an unnerving intensity. he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible.

"..yes....i know...he'll be fine...im not gonna apologize, especially when-" your gasp filled the silence, hand clutching your chest where the flowers once rested. the air crackled with tension as you summoned a burst of energy. an electric shock ball materialized, shooting toward shiloh's back. the blast sent him stumbling across the desks, flowers slipping from his fingers. the bouquet scattered on the floor, petals trembling from the impact.

seizing the opportunity, you rushed to gather the scattered flowers. as you hastily retrieved the last petal, shiloh's growl echoed through the room.

however, shiloh's recovery was swift and relentless, his athletic build allowing him to leap from the desks with ease. his eyes blazed with a fierce determination, his jaw set in a resolute line.

you barely had time to react as he tackled you to the floor, the impact sending shockwaves through your body. your palms scraped against the cold tile, and your shoulders jarred from the sudden collision. the black dahlias slipped from your grasp, petals scattering across the floor like dark, velvety tears. the delicate stems snapped, their beauty lost amidst the chaos.

"shiloh, stop! what are you doing?" you shouted, alarm and frustration mingling in your voice. your words echoed off the music room's acoustic panels, amplifying the desperation. shiloh's response was a primal growl, his eyes burning with an inner fire. his face was inches from yours, his warm breath dancing across your skin. he pinned you down, using his body weight to immobilize you. his chest pressed against yours, the heat from his skin seeping into yours. you groaned, straining against his grip. your legs flailed, attempting to dislodge him, but shiloh's strength was unyielding. his hands encircled your wrists, holding them captive above your head.

"let me go!" you demanded, voice rising. your pulse pounded in your temples, and your mind raced with fear. shiloh's gaze locked onto the scattered flowers, his expression twisted in anguish. his eyes seemed to hold a deep sorrow, a pain that threatened to consume him. "those flowers...they're not what you think," he muttered, his voice barely audible. his words hung in the air, heavy with an unspoken meaning. the flowers, once a symbol of hyunwoo's affection, now seemed tainted by shiloh's ominous warning.

swiftly noticing shiloh's momentary lapse in focus, you seized the opportunity to strike. with a surge of adrenaline, you summoned the last vestiges of your energy.

electricity sparks began to crackle and dance across your body, enveloping you in a halo of blue-white light. the air around you charged with anticipation, as if the very atmosphere itself was electrified. the sparks intensified, arcing outward like miniature lightning bolts. whatever touched you would be shocked, and shiloh, still within proximity, was the first to feel the effects.

his body tensed, rigid and unyielding, as if he'd been struck by a taser. "gah!" he gritted through clenched teeth, his eyes wide with shock. shiloh's muscles locked, his limbs splayed awkwardly, and his body toppled off yours. the sudden release freed you from confinement.

gasping, you halted your ability, and the electrical discharge dissipated. the sparks vanished, leaving behind an eerie silence. you took a deep, shuddering breath, your chest heaving with exertion. your heart still racing, you assessed the situation. shiloh lay sprawled on the floor, slowly regaining control over his muscles. his eyes narrowed, burning with a mix of anger and caution. here is

you quickly crawled up and grabbed your flowers that were now falling apart. you crawled towards the sliding door and opened it wider, panting as you crawled out, attempting to stand up but only making it a few steps into the hallway and falling to your knees in exhaustion.

your hands grasped for the battered black dahlias, petals dropping like dark tears as you gathered the fragile stems. with the flowers clutched tightly, you crawled toward the sliding door, its glass pane reflecting the chaos within. you pushed it wider, the soft whoosh of the door's mechanism a stark contrast to the turmoil inside.

as you exited, the cooler hallway air enveloped you, offering little respite from the turmoil. your breath came in ragged gasps, exhaustion and adrenaline warring within.

you struggled to stand, legs trembling beneath you. each step felt like an eternity, your knees buckling under the weight of fatigue. only a few feet into the hallway, your strength abandoned you. your knees hit the floor with a soft thud, the impact jarring your already frayed nerves. the black dahlias slipped from your grasp, petals scattering across the polished floor. your vision blurred, and for a moment, the world spun around you.

suddenly, you feel yourself being lifted and cradled, enveloped in a warm, secure embrace. strong arms wrap around you, lifting you off the cold floor. you could hear someone speaking to you, their voice low and soothing, but the words blur together, indecipherable. your mind struggles to focus, but exhaustion overwhelms you.

your eyelids grow heavy, weighted down by fatigue. no matter how hard you try, you can't shake off the relentless sleepiness. as your consciousness fades, you're vaguely aware of the person carrying you breaking into a run. their footsteps pound the ground, rhythmic and steady.

the world around you dissolves into a haze, sounds muffled and distant. you feel the gentle bounce of each step, the warmth of the person's chest against your cheek. despite the turmoil, you feel a strange sense of safety, protected in this embracing cocoon. your thoughts fragment, scattering like leaves on the wind.

sleep claims you, pulling you under its dark, soothing waves. your last awareness is of the steady heartbeat against your ear, a lullaby of sorts.

...everything fades to black.

you woke up slowly, to the sound of three voices, their laughter and conversation drifting through the air like a gentle breeze. your body ached, protesting even the slightest movement, so you lay still, letting your eyes blink open slowly.

as your gaze focused, you saw three figures sitting in a relaxed circle around you. woonggi and sunoo were easily recognizable, their smiles and laughter familiar. but the third voice, the third person, was a mystery. your eyes narrowed, trying to place them.

"wow, so you're like pretty good at swimming," its tone light and teasing.

"i suppose, i tend to work out a lot in general, so," the voice was deep with a small chuckle.

"yeah, i can totally see that," another tone chimed in.

your eyesight blurred, a hazy fog lingering as you struggled to focus. the room spun, and your gaze drifted, searching for an anchor.

woonggi and sunoo's playful banter wafted through the air, their flirtatious tones intertwining with the unknown person's smooth responses. but then, a scent wafted in, slicing through the chaos. amber and cinnamon, a warm, inviting blend that stirred something deep within.

your eyes trailed the fragrance, homing in on its source. the person beside you, clad in a black school blazer, seemed to radiate the aroma. slowly, you turned your head upwards, hesitant to break the spell. the side profile of the newcomer came into view, chiseled features and sharp jawline. your mind faltered, unable to recall his name. but the memory of his face lingered, etched from that fateful assembly.

"oh my devil! y/n! are you okay? can you hear us?" sunoo's anxious voice pierced the air as he rushed to your side, his eyes scanning your face.

you lay in the elevated medical coffin, surrounded by the familiar comforts of the schools infirmary. but your mind was a jumbled mess. woonggi stood up, pouting, "yah, y/n, you said you were going to our dorm, you liar!" his playful scolding was a stark contrast to the concern etched on sunoo's face. you groaned, your body protesting every movement. your voice, hoarse from disuse, cracked as you spoke, "what's going on?"

"yeah, that's what we wanna know, you idiot," woonggi shot back, earning a stern elbow from sunoo. sunoo's gentle touch on your shoulder was a soothing balm. "easy, y/n, take your time." you closed your eyes, wincing silently as pain lanced through your body. memories swirled, fragmented and elusive.

"i cant remember..." you trailed off, frustration creeping in.

"jake said he saw you crawling out of the music room and collapsed on the floor," sunoo began, his words measured. "then he saw a guy running out of the music room. did someone do something to you? cause i'll fucking stake someone—"

"stop talking so fast," you groaned, slowly pulling the blankets off you. your head spun, and sunoo's words blurred together.

as you turned to your right, a stranger's face came into view. his features were chiseled, with piercing brown eyes that seemed to hold a deep intensity. "and who's jake...?" you asked, your gaze locked onto the mysterious figure. jake's expression softened, and he nodded, "please, call me jaeyun. i saw you... struggling. i'm glad i was able to get you help."

jaeyun bowed with refined elegance, his movements fluid and precise, like a prince acknowledging his subject. you reciprocated with a slow, awkward bow, "right... um, yes, thank you." your eyes darted between jaeyun and your friends, a mix of gratitude and unease swirling within.

sunoo's concerned voice broke the silence, "you don't remember what happened?" his brow furrowed, eyes scanning your face. you took a moment to gather your thoughts, but like a dam breaking, memories flooded back. shiloh's ominous words echoed in your mind: "the flowers aren't what you think they are."

your gaze dropped, and your brow furrowed. "black dahlias..." you whispered, the words barely audible. sunoo's confusion was palpable. "what?" he leaned in, his voice soft.

your head snapped upwards, scanning the room frantically, as if searching for a lost piece of yourself. "where's the flowers?" your voice was laced with urgency, a hint of desperation creeping in. you pulled your legs towards the edge, ready to stand, but woonggi's firm hand on your shoulder held you back. his grip was gentle yet firm, concern etched on his face.

"hyunwoo's?" woonggi asked, exchanging a questioning glance with sunoo. the soft glow of the dorm room's lamp cast a warm light on their worried expressions. you nodded fervently, your eyes pleading for understanding. memories of shiloh's ominous words and the black dahlias' eerie beauty swirled in your mind.

sunoo and woonggi shrugged, turning to jaeyun for answers. he stood with arms politely clasped, his expression serene, like a statue untouched by the turmoil around him. noticing everyone's gaze, jaeyun explained, "when i found you, there were no flowers..." his voice trailed off, accompanied by a charming smile, as if expecting praise for his good deed. your confusion deepened. you were certain you'd grabbed the black dahlias and brought them with you, their delicate petals and dark centers etched in your memory.

jaeyun's smile faltered for a fleeting moment, a flicker of something else in his eyes, before he recovered. just then, his phone chimed softly, breaking the tension. he pulled it from his pocket, scanning the text message. his eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of intrigue on his face. "oh, i've gotta get going, but it was very nice meeting you three," jaeyun said, his bright smile reclaiming its place. the warmth in his tone seemed genuine, yet you sensed an undercurrent of haste. sunoo and woonggi bowed, shy smiles on their faces, as jaeyun turned to leave. "make sure to take care of yourself," jaeyun said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he addressed you. for a moment, his gaze held a depth that made you wonder if he saw more than he let on.

with a final nod, jaeyun departed, leaving an air of mystery in his wake. the soft click of the door closing behind him echoed through the room. as the silence stretched, sunoo whispered, "what just happened?" his brow furrowed, confusion etched on his face.

woonggi's eyes narrowed. "and what's with the flowers?" his tone held a hint of suspicion. you sat, lost in thought, the black dahlias' significance weighing heavily on your mind. shiloh's words, jaeyun's enigmatic smile, and the flowers' disappearance swirled into a maddening puzzle.

you shook your head in frustration, trying to clear the jumbled thoughts. but before you could speak, a nurse walked in, his dark orange scrubs a vibrant contrast to the dull hospital room. "i see you're awake," he said with a warm smile. you nodded, still trying to gather your bearings. "we took care of him," woonggi chimed in, a chuckle underlying his voice. the nurse's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "i see that as well."

he approached you, a small flashlight in hand. "let's check your pupils." you winced as the bright light pierced your eyes, but obeyed, following the beam as instructed. "you know, using your abilities continuously can be draining for half-bloods. your human side is not meant to withhold such strength,” he lightly scolded, “you may be feeling a bit of aching everywhere and sensitivity to loud noises for a little while," the nurse began, scribbling notes on his clipboard.

woonggi whispered to sunoo, his voice barely audible, "check and check." his smirk hinted at amusement. sunoo stifled a snicker, his eyes darting between you and the nurse.

the nurse continued, oblivious to the exchange. "i’ll give you just some painkillers for the aching. you're lucky to have such attentive friends. please just rest for today." as the nurse finished his examination and left, you couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

"jaeyun is so hot, i'm jealous he didn't pick me up," woonggi whined, his eyes sparkling with playful envy. sunoo nodded, his voice filled with awe. "can you believe he has a body like that with just swimming?" but your mind was elsewhere, consumed by the dark memories of shiloh's attack. his sinister power, the feel of his hands on you, the black dahlias....

your heart racing, you stood up as quickly as you could, grabbing your ruby blazer and throwing it over your shoulders. the familiar weight of the fabric offered a semblance of comfort. "lets head back to the dorm, i need to tell you guys something," you said, urgency lacing your tone. woonggi and sunoo exchanged curious glances but followed you without question.

as you stormed out of the infirmary, the bright fluorescent lights gave way to the dimly lit corridors of the school. your footsteps echoed through the empty halls, your mind racing with the words you'd say to your friends.

two hours had passed since your revelation, and the familiar dorm room now felt like a battleground. the shouting echoed through the vents, a cacophony of emotions. "stop yelling, please!" you pleaded, holding onto your head, trying to ward off the brewing headache.

sunoo stood up from his closed coffin, his eyes wide with disbelief. "we've gotta tell someone," he urged, his voice laced with urgency. woonggi gestured dramatically towards the door. "that fucker is out there, probably waiting to attack someone else!" his face reddened with anger. you sighed, attempting to reason with your friends. "you don't get it. i think... i think he was trying to warn me." sunoo and woonggi exchanged incredulous glances, their expressions unyielding.

"y/n, listen to me," woonggi began, his voice measured, each syllable enunciated slowly. "shiloh is a psychopath, who wanted to hurt you." his hands grasped yours, warmth and concern radiating from his touch. "he attacked you, left you for dead," sunoo added, his tone firm but gentle. "what warning could possibly justify that?"

you shook your head, struggling to articulate the fragmented thoughts. "the black dahlias... shiloh's words... it felt like a message." woonggi's grip tightened. "a message? he nearly killed you!" the divide between your perspectives seemed insurmountable.

"you guys don't understand," you tried to explain, pulling your hands free from woonggi's grasp. "shiloh's never been one to involve himself with people. he's always kept to himself."

sunoo's expression softened slightly, curiosity replacing some of the anger. "what makes you think he was trying to warn you, specifically?" you took a deep breath, gathering your thoughts. "it's just... shiloh's always been distant, never participating in classes or social events. but that day, he sought me out. and those flowers... the black dahlias... they meant something."

woonggi's skepticism remained unwavering. "so, you're saying this psychopath, who's been hiding in the shadows, suddenly decides to attack you because..of the flowers?"

you nodded, conviction growing. "exactly. shiloh is too timid... 'the flowers aren't what you think they are'... it's like he was trying to tell me something without saying it outright." sunoo's eyes narrowed. "but what could he possibly want to warn you about?" you shook your head, frustration mounting. "that's what i need to figure out." the room fell silent, each of you lost in thought.

sunoo's voice broke the silence, his tone cautious. "y/n, promise me we're going to tell someone about shiloh and what he did."

you hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "y/n, promise me," sunoo repeated, his eyes locked onto yours, searching for assurance. woonggi's gaze also bore into you, equally concerned. you took a deep breath, weighing your options. "i... i need to do something about this myself." sunoo's eyes widened. "what do you mean?"

your resolve hardened. "i'm going to find shiloh myself. i need to know why he did what he did." woonggi's face fell, alarm etched on his features. "y/n, no! that's crazy! sunoo's voice rose. "you can't seriously think that's a good idea!" you stood firm, determination burning within. "i have to know the truth. and i have to hear it from him." the room fell silent once more, tension hanging heavy.

woonggi's expression transformed from concern to determination. he strode to his dresser, yanked open a drawer, and pulled out a sharp comb. "alright, we're going with you," woonggi declared, his eyes flashing with resolve.

sunoo's face reflected his internal struggle, but eventually, he nodded in agreement. "we can't let you do this alone." you felt a surge of gratitude toward your friends. "we'll find shiloh together," sunoo vowed, his voice firm.

woonggi began to comb his hair with swift, aggressive strokes. "and when we do, he'll regret ever messing with you." the comb's sharp teeth glinted in the dim light, a makeshift weapon at the ready. "let's move," woonggi said, tucking the comb into his back pocket. sunoo stood, his eyes locked on yours. "stay sharp. we don't know what we're up against." with a deep breath, the three of you set out to uncover the truth behind shiloh's ominous warning and the mysterious black dahlias. the corridors of eternal academy loomed before you, shrouded in uncertainty.

you three scoured the school grounds, searching every nook and cranny for any sign of shiloh. the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the deserted corridors, and illuminating the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves. the crisp air carried the scent of damp earth and decaying foliage.

"where could he be?" sunoo muttered, frustration etched on his face, his brow furrowed in concern.

woonggi checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "we've been searching for hours. he can't just vanish." you decided to try another approach, your mind racing with possibilities. "let's check his dorm. maybe someone's seen him."

as you entered shiloh's dormitory, you were greeted by the familiar sight of his dorm-mates lounging on their beds, surrounded by scattered textbooks and laptops. the soft glow of the evening lights cast a warm ambiance.

"hey, have you guys seen shiloh?" you asked, approaching ej, who was engrossed in a video game.

ej paused his game, his eyes squinting slightly. "haven't seen him since morning announcements." taki, who was reading a novel on his bed, nodded in agreement. "yeah, he left right after assembly. kept mumbling to himself that he had stuff to take care of." you exchanged concerned glances with sunoo and woonggi, your hearts sinking.

"did he say what he was doing?" sunoo asked, his voice laced with curiosity. ej shrugged, his shoulders barely rising off the bed. you thanked them for the information, your minds racing with possibilities. "where could he be?" woonggi wondered aloud, his voice barely above a whisper.

sunoo's expression turned grim, his jaw clenched. "and what's he planning?” the darkness gathering outside seemed to mirror the uncertainty within. the school's usually lively atmosphere had given way to an eerie silence.

as you stepped out of the dorm, the cool night air enveloped you, carrying the faint scent of smoke from the school's chimney. "let's check the library," you suggested, a hunch forming in your mind. sunoo nodded. "and then the greenhouses. maybe he's hiding something." woonggi's hand instinctively went to the comb in his back pocket. "we'll find him." the three of you ventured into the night, determined to uncover shiloh's secrets.

you winced, a sharp pang stabbing through your temples. your head was throbbing, the tension and worry over shiloh's disappearance taking its toll. "ugh, not now," you muttered, digging into your pocket for the bottle of painkillers.

you quickly popped another tablet into your mouth, dry-swallowing it with a grimace. sunoo's concerned gaze met yours. "y/n, maybe we should take a break. you're not exactly..." you shook your head, cutting him off. "no, we need to keep looking. we can't just leave shiloh out there."

woonggi's eyes narrowed. "what if he doesn't want to be found?" you pushed on, determination driving you forward. "then we'll just have to try harder." the painkiller began to kick in, numbing the ache in your head. but your mind remained razor-sharp, focused on the task at hand.

"library's next," sunoo reminded, his voice softening. as you entered the library, the musty scent of old books enveloped you. the dim lighting and hushed atmosphere felt like a refuge from the darkness outside. you scanned the shelves, searching for any sign of shiloh. the silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the occasional rustle of pages.

"i think we should split up to cover more ground," you suggested, your voice barely above a whisper. sunoo's eyes narrowed, concern etched on his face. "are you sure that's a good idea? we should stick together." woonggi's eyes widened, his voice trembling. "no, no, no. bad idea. what if we get separated? what if... what if shiloh's lurking around to attack us?"

noticing woonggi’s courage was now gone, you reassured them with a nod. "we'll be fine. we can cover more ground this way. meet back here in 20 minutes?" sunoo hesitated, his gaze lingering on you. "be careful, okay?" woonggi's anxiety was palpable. "what if i find something? what if... what if i find him?" you offered a reassuring smile. "just shout. we'll hear you."

with reluctant nods, the three of you parted ways, disappearing into the labyrinthine corridors of the old victorian library. the creaking of wooden shelves and faint rustle of pages echoed through the silence as you ventured deeper.

your footsteps echoed off the high ceilings, the ornate chandeliers casting flickering shadows on the walls. you navigated through rows of dusty bookshelves, scanning the titles for any clues. every now and then, you'd catch a glimpse of sunoo or woonggi, their faces illuminated by the faint glow of candles.

you walked down the aisle of bookshelves, the soft creaking of the wooden floorboards beneath your feet echoing through the silence. the air grew thick with the musty scent of old books and dust, and the faint glow of overhead lamps cast long shadows across the walls.

as you delved deeper into the library's shadowy and isolated areas, the silence seemed to swell, like a living entity enveloping you. you strained your ears, ready to pick up any sound that might betray shiloh's presence. your footsteps slowed, and you paused, listening intently. the silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the occasional creak of the old building.

suddenly, a faint rustle caught your attention. you froze, your heart quickening. the sound came from the next row of bookshelves, about 20 feet away. you crept forward, your senses on high alert. the rustling grew louder, accompanied by the soft whisper of pages turning. your hand instinctively went to the edge of the bookshelf, using it for cover as you peeked around the corner.

you peeked around the corner, and your gaze landed on none other than jake, leaning effortlessly against a bookcase. his eyes sparkled with amusement as he charmed three besotted boys, who gazed at him with adoration. "you're literally a work of art, jake," one of them sighed.

"i know, right?" jaeyun replied, flashing a disarming smile. "i've been told i'm the modern embodiment of david." the trio giggled, their eyes shining with admiration. "we wish we could be as beautiful as you," another boy said wistfully. jaeyun chuckled, his hair falling across his forehead. "beauty is subjective, boys. but thanks for the vote of confidence."

you tried not to roll your eyes at the scene unfolding before you. jaeyun’s charm was undeniable, but the fawning attention seemed excessive. as you observed, jaeyun caught your gaze, his eyes locking onto yours for a brief moment. a hint of amusement danced in his expression, as if daring you to join the fan club. you quickly looked away, feigning disinterest. but your heart skipped a beat at the brief eye-contact.

keeping to the task at hand, you looked away from jaeyun’s captivating scene and tried to seem nonchalant. you turned your head to the other side, focusing on the rows of books stretching before you. the musty scent of old pages and leather bindings enveloped you, a comforting familiarity.

you followed through the corridor of books, your footsteps quiet on the worn carpet. the shelves seemed to close in around you, casting long shadows that danced across the walls. as you walked deeper into the humongous library, the silence grew thicker, punctuated only by the occasional creak of wooden shelves or rustle of pages. the air vibrated with the weight of knowledge, each book a portal to a new world.

you wandered through the stacks, running your fingers over the spines of the books. titles blurred together – classics, bestsellers, and obscure texts. your eyes scanned the shelves, searching for a glimpse of shiloh. the library's labyrinthine layout seemed designed to get lost in. you turned a corner, entering a section dedicated to ancient civilizations. dusty tomes and leather-bound volumes lined the shelves.

you turned a corner, lost in thought, when suddenly a book fell from the shelf above, landing with a soft thud right in front of you. you jumped, your heart racing, and instinctively balled your fist with electricity spiking around it.

"you gotta be kidding me," you sighed, embarrassment washing over you. your face warmed as you realized how startled you'd been. you took a deep breath, clearing your throat nervously. "way to stay calm," you muttered to yourself. as you bent to pick up the book, you noticed its title: "the art of stealth and deception." irony wasn't lost on you.

just as you stood up, a low chuckle echoed from the prior shelves. you turn wide-eyed by the sound, "someone's a little jumpy." you turned to face the speaker, your eyes scanning the rows of books. a figure emerged from the shadows – jaeyun. his piercing gaze met yours, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "find what you're looking for?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

you sighed from relief, your tension dissipating as you recognized the boy who saved you earlier. "oh, it's just you," you said, a hint of gratitude in your voice. you closed the book, shaking your head. "i was uh... browsing..." you trailed off, attempting to come up with a convincing excuse. but before you could continue, another book fell from the shelf, landing with a thud between you two, more so in front of him. the sudden noise made you both pause.

jaeyun picked up the book, his eyes still locked on yours for a fleeting moment. you shared a look, both of you searching for answers.

you broke eye contact, gazing upwards to locate the source of the fallen book. the high shelves stretched above, rows of leather-bound tomes and dusty volumes seeming to touch the ceiling. as you scanned the shelves, jaeyun opened the book, his eyes scanning the pages. "what does it say?" you asked, curiosity getting the better of you.

jaeyun's eyes darted towards you, a soft smile spreading across his face. "it's called... 'chance encounters, forever entwined'". the title hung in the air, filling the space between you with a promise of possibility. you exchanged gentle glances with jaeyun, the tension between you shifting from unease to anticipation.

you raised an eyebrow, "..interesting." your tone was neutral, but your mind whirled with questions. you looked back up at the high shelf where the book came from, searching for answers. but there was nothing – no sign of disturbance, no hint of movement.

the silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the soft creak of leather-bound books. jaeyun closed the book, his eyes never leaving yours. he stepped closer, his arm brushing against yours as he slid the book into a nearby shelf.

the title, "chance encounters, forever entwined", disappeared from view, but its words lingered in your mind. jaeyun's proximity made you acutely aware of the narrow space between you. his warmth and scent enveloped you, making your heart skip a beat.

you stare at his side profile and think for a second, you asked suddenly, "hey, why did you tell me to call you jaeyun instead of jake?" jaeyun's expression shifted from calm to contemplative. he looked down at you, his eyes narrowing slightly as he hummed. he took a tiny step back, creating space to gather his thoughts. the movement was subtle, but it spoke volumes. you didn't realize the question would be so difficult to answer. jaeyun's voice was measured when he spoke, "i give people i don't like a... different name to call me."

his pause was deliberate, as if choosing words carefully. "meaning, they think we're close, but we aren't," he concluded, his gaze holding yours. the admission hung in the air, revealing a glimpse of jaeyun's guarded nature. you sensed a deeper meaning behind his words, a hint of vulnerability. "why tell me?" you asked, curiosity getting the better of you.

jaeyun's eyes searched yours, as if weighing his response. "maybe i want you to know the difference," he said, his voice low and thoughtful. you felt a flutter in your chest, unsure how to interpret his words. "the difference?" you repeated, your voice barely above a whisper. jaeyun nodded, his gaze still locked on yours.

the air thickened with tension, the distance between you shrinking. you sensed a hidden message, a promise of sorts. "and which one would i be?" you asked, your heart racing. jaeyun's smile was enigmatic. "that's for you to decide."

you felt a chill run down your spine as realization dawned. jaeyun's charming smile, the flirtatious banter – it was all a ruse. you were just another plaything to him, a temporary distraction. you werent into the idea of being treated like one of his fanboys. jaeyun's charming smile, the flirtatious banter – it was all a ruse. you were just another plaything, a temporary distraction. your gaze turned icy, narrowing as you stared at jaeyun. his expression faltered, sensing the shift in your demeanor.

an image flashed in your mind – the black dahlias. jaeyun's face, his hands carefully selecting the flowers. your mind reeled. connection after connection clicked into place. jaeyun's face, etched in your memory, was the same face that had picked up the flowers before picking you up. jaeyun's eyes, once warm and inviting, now seemed calculating. his smile, a clever facade.

you took a step forward, your voice firm. "you..." jaeyun's eyes locked onto yours, his expression transforming from calm to cautious. "...you did pick up the flowers," you stated, realization crystallizing. jaeyun's brow furrowed, his head tilting slightly in confusion.

"you lied," you accused, your tone sharpening. "why?" before you could press for answers, jaeyun began backing away, his eyes never leaving yours. he retreated down the corridor, his movements fluid and deliberate.

you sprinted after jaeyun, determined to keep pace. "wait!" you urged, your voice echoing down the corridor. jaeyun's long strides devoured the distance, but you refused to let him escape. "you know something, don't you?!" you pressed, your words tumbling out in a rush. jaeyun's pace faltered, his shoulders tensing. for an instant, he slowed, and you seized the opportunity.

you grasped his arm, spinning him around to face you. "tell me," you demanded, eyes locked on his. jaeyun's expression twisted, a mix of surprise and wariness.

before jaeyun could answer your urgent question, a sudden gust of wind swept through, sending your hair flying and books tumbling to the ground. the overwhelming scent of cherry and musk made you struggle to not appear surprised, but jaeyun remained steadfast, unmoved by the disruption.

that's when you noticed him – a newcomer standing behind jaeyun, his broad, angular shoulders exuding confidence. he didn't acknowledge you, his gaze fixed on jaeyun as he spoke in a monotone, authoritative tone. "swimming tryouts are in two hours. we should head over."

jaeyun nodded obediently, his earlier tension replaced by compliance. you felt a moment of understanding as you realized this newcomer's ability was speed – and he seemed to wield significant influence over jaeyun. the air was thick with unspoken dynamics, leaving you wondering what had just transpired.

as jaeyun and the newcomer turned to leave, you grasped jaeyun's arm, halting his departure. "jaeyun, wouldn't it be better to finish our very important conversation first?" you asked, your tone laced with urgency.

jaeyun flinched at the sound of his name, his eyes darting nervously to the newcomer. the stranger's movements slowed to a stop, his gaze locking onto jaeyun with an air of curiosity.

"jaeyun...?" he muttered, his voice tinged with a hint of surprise and questioning. you exchanged a confused glance between the two, sensing a subtle undercurrent. jaeyun offered only a sheepish shrug, his expression a mask of awkwardness. the tension hung like a challenge, awaiting resolution.

the newcomer's gaze drifted away from jaeyun's uneasy expression, tracing a deliberate path down to your hand, still wrapped around jaeyun's arm. his eyes lingered, then continued their ascent, locking onto your face with an unnerving intensity.

his dark, piercing eyes conveyed a clear message: disdain. silence hung heavy, thick with unspoken tension. no words were needed; the stranger's gaze spoke volumes. jaeyun remained frozen, caught between your grasp and his companion's disapproving stare.

the air seemed to vibrate with tension as the newcomer's gaze bore into yours. jaeyun shifted uncomfortably, his arm tensing beneath your hand. "ah, jungwon," jaeyun ventured, his voice tentative, "this is..."

jungwon’s eyes never left yours, his expression unyielding. "i know who he is," jungwon interrupted, his voice low and even. the undertone was unmistakable – a warning. jaeyun's arm slipped from your grasp, and he stepped back, creating distance.

"we’re going," jungwon stated, his eyes still locked on yours. jaeyun nodded, his eyes darting between you and his friend. "yeah, swimming tryouts," jaeyun muttered. with that, they turned to leave, jungwon's dark eyes no longer lingering on yours. how did he know who you were?

© all rights reserved to “sucker4mafia”. please do not plagiarize, steal, repost w/o credit for momentary gain.

[sucker4mafia]

Oh no D: I hope you get your Google docs back...sucks that happened :c

[++ you ask & i shall answer ~ !⠀₊⠀ׁ⠀ꔛ]

it does but im trying not to dwell on it ! all i have to do is wait now as google support helps me get my account back ! :)

believe & you shall recieve ♥️

[sucker4mafia]

omggg !! whens the next chapter coming out ? 🔖🕯️🍁 im so excited !!

keep up the good work xen ! <3

[++ you ask & i shall answer ~ !⠀₊⠀ׁ⠀ꔛ]

unfortunately, someone hacked into my google docs so im trying to get it back rn !

since thats where i write all my chapters and edit and review them before posting ! so sorry for the delay, ill be contacting google until then ! if i get it back soon, expect 2 chapters this week !! :))

[sucker4mafia]

Hello! Your story with Sunghoon, Jake and Jungwon is amazing!!! But I wanted to know one thing: do you use any playlists to write the chapters? Or do you recommend that we who are reading listen to some music while reading?

[++ you ask & i shall answer ~ !⠀₊⠀ׁ⠀ꔛ]

what an amazing question omg 🥲 unfortunately...i, myself, do not read with music playing. instead i search for specific ambiences on youtube and listen to those while i read ! if you or anyone else wanted to make a playlist for it, i will link them in the masterlist for anyone you listen to !

here are my go-to ambiences to listen to :

ambience 1

ambience 2

ambience 3

ambience 4

ambience 5

[sucker4mafia]

omggg ! i have a question, so you described the boys (jungwon, jake, and sunghoon) in the chapter of their hair and style and stuff. i was just wondering if you were basing their aesthetics off of a photoshoot or something ? i love visuals tbh so just curious ~

[++ you ask & i shall answer ~ !⠀₊⠀ׁ⠀ꔛ]

oh im so glad you asked 🫢 ! i picked these photos to represent their personality better in the story so this is how i think they would look like in the story !

sunghoon's two visual appearances :

jungwon's two visual appearances :

jake's two visual appearances :