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sucker4mafia · 21 days ago

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━━━ '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!]

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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.

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sucker4mafia · 24 days ago

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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 !!

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sucker4mafia · 24 days ago

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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 !

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sucker4mafia · 24 days ago

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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

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sucker4mafia · 24 days ago

Text

━━━ '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?

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sucker4mafia · 25 days ago

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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 ♥️

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sucker4mafia · 25 days ago

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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 !! :))

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sucker4mafia · 1 month ago

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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

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sucker4mafia · 1 month ago

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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 :

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sucker4mafia · 1 month ago

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Oh my days, I absolutely love eternal night 💓 it's really good so far, was wanting to ask if it's okay, but how many chapters are you planning on doing 0:?

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

im honestly not sure, im writing chapters as i go but i plan this story and the love interests to be quite a build up so i would say 30-40 chapters per say ~ once i write up a few more chapters i might post twice a week instead of just every friday <3

(thank you so much for your question, i love when people ask questions or share their reactions and thoughts on my stories)

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sucker4mafia · 1 month ago

Text

CHAPTER TWO IS OUT !

━━━ 'CHAPTER TWO' [ETERNAL NIGHT]

SYNOPSIS ➢ not every answer you seek will be in a book, you understand that now.

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, men's wrongs, mentions of stealing, past trauma, sensual sprinkles, mentions of satanism, mentions of gore, blood, cannibalism [let me know if i missed any!]

PREVIOUS | NEXT

the night had went on for a few more hours, now you settled into a quiet corner of the library, surrounded by towering shelves of leather-bound books and the soft glow of table lamps. the air was thick with the scent of old paper and knowledge. pulling out your textbooks and notes, you began tackling the day's assignments. professor thackery's history essay required meticulous research, and you dove into the task, losing track of time.

as you worked, the library's gentle hum provided a soothing background noise. occasional whispers, rustling pages, and the creaking of wooden chairs created a symphony of studious activity. your focus wavered only once, when you stumbled upon an obscure text referencing the academy's founding. eternal academy's history was shrouded in mystery, and you couldn't resist exploring. "established in 1850 by silas eternalton, esq.," the text read. "a sanctuary for gifted individuals, providing refuge from the tumultuous world." you wondered what eternalton had envisioned for his academy. shaking off the distraction, you refocused on your essay. the words flowed effortlessly, your thoughts organized and coherent.

as the hours passed, the library's population thinned. moonlight streaming through the stained glass windows began to fade, casting a warm orange glow across the room from the candles flames. you packed up your belongings, satisfied with the day's progress. the librarian flew upwards and closed the curtains of all the windows, making sure no sun would come in. your essay was nearly complete, and you felt confident about meeting professor thackery’s expectations.

just as you stood to leave, a book slipped off the shelf nearby, its cover thudding against the floor. you turned to see a title embossed in gold lettering: "the art of control." curiosity piqued, you look around you before hesitating and walking backwards, you picked up the book, blowing off the dust. the pages yellowed with age, the text within promising secrets about mastering one's inner turmoil.

you carefully returned "the art of control" to its shelf, aligning it precisely with the adjacent books. your focus needed to remain on your assignments, not stray into intriguing but unnecessary reading. as you turned to leave, the library's silence was broken by a faint creaking sound. you spun around, watching in surprise as "the art of control" slid off the shelf once more. you narrowed your eyes and walked to the other side of the wall of books, ready to yell at whoever was behind the mysterious book falling. however, to your dismay, no one was to be seen. the feeling of unease was settling in your chest now, fumbling with your bag strap as you slowly walked over to the book that layed on the floor. this time, the book landed open-faced, its pages fluttering to a specific passage:

"to master the tempest within,

first acknowledge the depths of thy soul.

fear not the darkness, for it holds

the key to harnessing thy true potential."

the words seemed to leap off the page, resonating with an otherworldly intensity. you felt an inexplicable pull, as if the book was urging you to explore its secrets. "curiouser and curiouser," you muttered, quoting alice's adventures in wonderland. you just stood over the book and stared at it for a bit.

the librarian, mrs. jeong, looked up from her desk, her eyes narrowing. "everything alright, dear?" you hesitated, unsure how to explain the book's strange behavior. "oh um, yeah, sorry just dropped this." you awkwardly smile and nod. mrs. jeong’s gaze lingered, her expression knowing. "well make sure to pick it up." she chuckles before continuing to type something in her computer.

“right..” you whisper to yourself before kneeling and picking up the book in your hands. you sat back down, your curiosity getting the better of you. the book's words seemed to beckon, promising secrets and answers. as you delved into "the art of control," the library's sounds faded into the background. the words on the page became your sole focus:

"the mind is a maelstrom, a whirlpool of thoughts and emotions. to tame it, one must first understand its depths."

the author's prose was lyrical, weaving together philosophy, psychology, and mysticism. you felt like you were unraveling a puzzle, each page revealing a new piece. time lost all meaning as you read. the library's lamps seemed to burn brighter, casting a golden glow across the pages.

"the key to mastery lies not in suppression, but in balance. acknowledge the shadows within, and integrate them into your whole." the words resonated deeply, echoing your own struggles with your powers. you felt a sense of kinship with the author, as if they understood your inner turmoil. as you turned the page, a piece of paper slipped out, yellowed and worn. a handwritten note, tucked between the pages:

"for those who seek mastery. -s.e."

the initials seemed familiar, but you couldn't quite place them. suddenly, your gaze drifted toward the librarian, stationed behind the circulation desk, her eyes fixed intently on the screen of her computer. her expression remained impassive, oblivious to the internal struggle unfolding within you. as you pondered the significance of the initials, a spark of mischief ignited within. the allure of uncovering the secrets hidden within the pages proved too great to resist. you glanced around the library, taking in the scattered patrons, each engrossed in their own pursuits. the soft hum of fluorescent lights above and the muted rustle of pages turned by other readers created a soothing background melody. no one seemed to notice your fascination with the book, or the growing intent to possess it.

seizing the opportunity, you carefully closed the book, ensuring no markers or slips were displaced. your movements became deliberate, measured. with a deep breath, you slipped the volume into your backpack, the soft thud of its impact muffled by the bag's contents. you zipped the backpack shut, the sound barely audible over the library's ambient noise. a thrill coursed through your veins as you swung the pack over your shoulder, the weight of the book now yours to bear.

with a casual air, you stood up, smoothing your clothes. the librarian remained absorbed in her work, unaware of the valuable item now concealed. you began a leisurely stroll toward the exit, heart beating slightly faster with each step as you approached the door.

you stepped out into the dark, unlit hallway, the stark contrast to the library's muted tones momentarily dazzling. the sounds of the vampiric world – muffled conversations, footsteps echoing off of the marbled floors – enveloped you. as you adjusted to the different light, your gaze drifted ahead, scanning the slightly crowded corridor. suddenly, a figure emerged from the sea of faces, his eyes locking onto yours with an unnerving intensity. you froze, heart skipping a beat after the act you just committed, as sunoo's familiar features coalesced before you. his usually calm expression was replaced by a look of determined urgency.

"where have you been?" sunoo asked, his voice high and laced with a hint of frustration. "i've been looking everywhere for you." you felt a jolt of surprise, your mind racing to reconcile the tranquil library atmosphere with the sudden confrontation. your hand instinctively tightened around the backpack's strap, the weight of the stolen book pressing against your shoulder.

"i... was studying," you stammered, attempting to mask the guilt rising to the surface. sunoo's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking to the backpack and back to your face. "what's going on? you've been ignoring my texts." the air seemed to thicken between you, heavy with unspoken questions and suspicions. you sensed the precarious balance of your secret teetering on the edge, threatened by sunoo's probing gaze.

sunoo's expression transformed in an instant, his serious demeanor shedding like a mask. a mischievous smirk spread across his face, and his eyes sparkled with amusement. "did you do something naughty?" he asked, his voice dripping with playful insinuation, as he raised an eyebrow. the evil grin spreading across his face made him look like a troublemaker. you rolled your eyes, a laugh escaping your lips despite the nervousness still lingering from the stolen book's weight in your backpack. "shut up, before one of the staff hears you," you whispered, playfully swatting at his arm as you walked past him. sunoo chuckled, falling into step beside you. "oh, now i'm intrigued. what's in the backpack?" he teased, his eyes glinting with curiosity.

you quickened your pace, sunoo matching your stride. the corridors seemed to blur together as you navigated through the crowd, the sounds of students and teachers fading into the background. "nothing," you insisted, attempting to sound nonchalant. "just some books for an exam." sunoo snorted. "are you really trying to lie to me?" his voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "yah, what is it?" you felt a surge of hesitancy, your grip on the backpack tightening.

"let's head back to our room," you suggested, eager to divert sunoo's attention and escape the prying eyes of the corridor. the fluorescent lights overhead seemed to hum louder, amplifying your desire for solitude. sunoo nodded, still wearing a hint of mischief on his face. "devil, youre so secretive." he shouldered his own bag, a faded black canvas with frayed straps.

once inside your dorm room, you locked the door, the soft click echoing through the cozy space. sunoo flopped into his coffin, sending his pillow tumbling to the floor. he picked it up, fluffing it before settling in. "alright, spill," he said, his tone a mixture of curiosity and amusement, as he leaned back against the headboard. the afternoon sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the messy strands of his dark hair.

you hesitated, weighing the risks of sharing your secret. but something about sunoo's genuine interest put you at ease. you settled onto your own bed, the worn wooden frame creaking beneath you. "i found this book in the library," you began, pulling the volume from your backpack. the leather cover creaked as you handed it to sunoo. "it literally kept falling off the shelf. i’d put it back and then it would be on the floor again." sunoo's eyebrows shot up, his eyes widening. "okay, thats.. weird." he said, tracing the embossed letters on the cover. you watched as he examined the book, his fingers running over the gilt edges. "oh! and the initials on the inside," you continued, "they seemed familiar, but i..i dont know, i feel like i know it." sunoo opened the book, scanning the yellowed pages. "looks old. really old. and thats saying something," he breathed, his voice filled with reverence. a look of disgust as he saw his hand was full of some dust.

the room fell silent, the only sound the rustling of pages as sunoo delved deeper into the book. you leaned against the desk, eyes locked on your friend, the shared secret forging a different type of bond between you. sunoo's gaze drifted up, meeting yours. "you think it's connected to…you?" his voice was barely above a whisper, the suspicion noticeable. you nodded, a thrill of anticipation coursing through you. "i do. i mean, its gotta be, right? it would be a hell of a coincidence. theres gotta be some kinda old ritual on it-" you ask unsure with sunoo’s hesitant eyes.

the door to the room slammed open, startling you both. sunoo's eyes snapped up from the book, while you jerked upright, heart racing. woonggi burst into the room, his face alight with mischief. "surprise!" he exclaimed, giggles bubbling from his lips. attached to his neck, clinging like a limpet, was a boy with a mop of messy black hair and bright, sparkling eyes. the boy's cheeks flushed pink as he gazed up at woonggi, his arms wrapped tightly around woonggi's neck.

sunoo's eyebrows shot up. "woonggi, what—" woonggi chuckled, spinning around to display his human accessory. "meet jihan, my new friend!" he announced, beaming. jihan's gaze darted between you and sunoo, his smile faltering for an instant before he buried his face in woonggi's neck. "woonggi, what have you done now?" you asked, shaking your head.

woonggi grinned. "rescued jihan from the clutches of boredom! he was wandering the halls, looking lost." sunoo closed the book, setting it aside. "could you not bring back strays?" he asked sarcastically while he crossed his legs and watched as the boy was swaying a bit due to being ‘vital drunk’. you had read about it before, especially with headmaster banning it from happening in the academy’s walls, yet it somehow always happens. the definition was something along the lines of; in which drinking from another undead causes them to have the same symptoms as consuming too much alcohol. you've also heard one of the main symptoms is arousal.

you shared a look with sunoo, a silent understanding passing between you like a spark of electricity. sunoo's eyes crinkled at the corners as he sprang into action, grabbing woonggi's arm and pulling him away from jihan. "time for a timeout, woonggi," sunoo said, his voice low and playful, tinged with a hint of warning. you stepped forward, gently but firmly taking jihan's elbow. your fingers wrapped around his slender arm, guiding him toward the door. "sorry, it's almost midday. you should head to your coffin by now." your tone was polite, but firm, with a subtle edge.

jihan's eyes darted to woonggi, who was now engaged in a mock-struggle with sunoo, laughing and pretending to escape. the sound of their playful scuffle filled the room, a stark contrast to the tension building inside you. "but... i didn't mean to intrude..." jihan stammered, his cheeks flushing pink.

you offered a small, reassuring smile, softening your expression. "no intrusion. really. but we have... studying to catch up on." your gaze flicked to the book on sunoo's bed, its leather cover gleaming in the sunlight. with a gentle tug, you guided jihan toward the door, the wooden floor creaking beneath your feet. he hesitated, glancing back at woonggi, who was now grinning mischievously.

"thanks for understanding," you said, opening the door. the hallway outside seemed to stretch out like a vast, empty canvas. jihan nodded, stepping out into the corridor. "sorry again..." his voice trailed off as he disappeared into the river of students flowing through the hall. you shut the door behind him, locking it with a soft click. the sound echoed through the room, a signal that your private sanctuary was once again secure. the silence enveloped you, a welcome respite.

woonggi's giggles intensified, his eyes shining with mirth as he gazed at sunoo. "you're so cute, sunoo," he cooed, attempting to pinch sunoo's cheeks. his slender fingers danced through the air, only to be swatted away by sunoo's swift hand. sunoo's face flushed a deep pink, his eyebrows furrowed in annoyance. "cut it out, woonggi." you rolled your eyes, shaking your head. the soft creak of the wooden floorboards beneath your feet echoed through the room as you stepped forward. "woonggi, focus. if the headmaster hears about this, we’ll all get it." but woonggi's attention remained captivated by sunoo, his grin mischievous and childlike. "just one little pinch?" he pleaded, his voice tinged with a playful whine.

sunoo's scowl deepened, his lips pressing into a firm line. "no." you intervened, walking over to woonggi. the faint scent of sandalwood wafted from his hair, mingling with the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air.

"here, lay down," you suggested, guiding woonggi toward his own red wood coffin. the soft sheets enveloped him like a cocoon. woonggi's arms wrapped around your shoulders, pulling you into a gentle hug. "mmm, thanks," he hummed, his breath tickling your ear. "i'm so happy we're all friends. oh my gosh, and we're all so good-looking." his voice dripped with sincerity, each word infused with genuine warmth. woonggi's face hovered mere inches from yours, his warm breath mingling with yours. you could smell the faint scent of blood on his teeth, a subtle reminder of his true nature. you turned your head away, attempting to distance yourself from woonggi's intoxicating scent. but his proximity made your skin prickle, the hairs on the back of your neck standing on end.

woonggi's pupils dilated, his eyes resembling polished onyx, dark and depthless. his gaze seemed to pull you in, hypnotic and unsettling. the room around you melted away, leaving only the two of you suspended in time. "you're so pretty, jihan" woonggi whispered, his lips grazing your earlobe. the gentle touch made you revolt back, “ew, stop it. jihan left already.”

sunoo cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "woonggi, stop flirting."

woonggi chuckled, nuzzling into his pillow. "can't help it.” his voice seemingly innocent. "just rest," you reminded him, attempting to steer the conversation back on track. woonggi pouted, but settled onto the bed, his eyes never leaving yours. the soft mattress creaked beneath his weight. sunoo watched, a mix of amusement and concern etched on his face. "keep an eye on him," he whispered, his voice barely audible. you nodded, aware of woonggi's unpredictable nature. the shadows in the room seemed to deepen. the room fell still, the tension dissipating like mist in the morning sun.

you slowly closed woonggi's coffin, the soft creak of the wood echoing through the room like a mournful sigh. the darkness seemed to swallow him whole, leaving you with an unsettling sense of unease, as if the shadows themselves were watching. your gaze drifted to sunoo's bed, where the mysterious book lay, its leather cover worn and creased. you retrieved it, feeling the weight of its secrets in your hands. walking over to your desk and sat down, next to you, you turned on the small lamp, its switch clicking softly. but a spark flew from your hand, like a tiny lightning bolt, and the light bulb burst, sending shards of glass scattering across the desk.

"fuck... not again," you groaned, frustration etched on your face. you buried your head in your hands, the darkness closing in like a suffocating shroud. the spark's aftermath lingered, a tingling sensation in your fingertips. your mind replayed the incident, searching for answers. sunoo's footsteps echoed through the room, his calm demeanor a balm to your growing anxiety. he flipped the switch on his vanity desk, illuminating the space before him. the massive victorian mirror above his desk reflected the room, casting an eerie glow. its intricately carved frame seemed to dance in the light.

sunoo settled into his chair, beginning his nighttime routine. he removed his makeup with gentle wipes, revealing his natural complexion. "it's fine," he told you softly, his voice a gentle breeze on a summer's day. "we can get a new one tomorrow."

you raised your head, watching sunoo wipe away the last of his makeup. his eyes met yours in the mirror, his expression empathetic. he began his skincare routine, each step meticulous. the soft lapping sound of the cleanser, the gentle patting of his face dry.

"we shouldn't have to keep buying new ones," you sighed, disappointment weighing heavy. your gaze drifted to your hands, as if searching for answers. sunoo's eyes never left yours, understanding reflected in their depths. "it's not your fault," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. but you knew better. the sparks, the shattered bulbs – it was all connected to your... condition. a curse, some might call it. a reminder of the fragile balance within.

sunoo finished his routine, patting his face dry. "just focus on the book," he suggested, his tone light. you nodded, though your mind lingered on the broken light, a symbol of your fragile control. the room fell silent, the only sound the creaking of the old wooden floorboards beneath your feet. the shadows seemed to deepen.

sunoo's words hung in the air, a gentle reminder of the mystery waiting to be unraveled. the book, with its worn leather cover and yellowed pages, beckoned like a siren's call, its secrets whispering your name.

you took a deep breath, shaking off the lingering frustration. the scent of old paper and forgotten knowledge wafted up, transporting you to a world of ancient secrets. your mind wandered to the countless hours spent poring over dusty tomes, searching for answers. "what secrets do you hold?" you whispered, tracing the book's intricate title page. sunoo nodded, continuing to change into his night-wear while you were at the desk. you delved into the book's secrets, poring over ancient texts and cryptic symbols etched into the margins. the hours ticked by, the day deepening outside. the sun cast its yellow glow but couldnt be seen through the window, protected by the sun resistant curtains.

"what am i missing?" you whispered to yourself, frustration simmering beneath the surface. as you read, the words began to blur, your eyes straining from the dim light. sunoo noticed, his gaze flicking to your face. you poured over the pages, scrutinizing every word, every symbol. your pen scratched across the paper, jotting down notes and insights that had eluded you before. but despite your diligence, a nagging sense of disappointment grew.

you had hoped for a revelation, a hidden key to tame the unpredictable sparks within. instead, the book offered only familiar platitudes: "take deep breaths" and "think before acting." advice that, though well-intentioned, missed the mark. it was easy for others to offer solutions, but they didn't grasp the primal urge that coursed through your veins. the sparks that ignited within you were a force of nature, impossible to contain. with a sigh, you leaned back in your chair, rubbing the tension from your neck. hours of studying had taken its toll, your muscles protesting the prolonged hunch. your gaze drifted to the coffins, now closed and shrouded in silence. woonggi's and sunoo's peaceful slumber seemed a world away from your own turmoil.

when had sunoo retired for the night? you hadn't noticed, lost in the labyrinthine pages. twilight's soft glow now filtered through the windows, casting the room in a muted, ethereal light. the shadows seemed to deepen, emphasizing the stillness. the grandfather clock's gentle tick-tock echoed through the hallway, a reminder of time's relentless passage. your thoughts swirled, a maelstrom of frustration and longing. the book, once a promise of answers, now lay closed, its secrets insufficient. in the silence, your mind began to wander, seeking solutions in the darkness.

you revisited the scribbled notes in your notebook, re-reading the details as your eyelids grew heavy. the words began to blur, your focus waning. despite your best efforts, exhaustion crept in, seeping into your bones. your head nodded forward, your chin dipping toward your chest. the notebook slid from your grasp, pages fluttering shut. the soft thud echoed through the room, a gentle surrender. sleep claimed you, a silent thief stealing away your consciousness. the world outside receded, leaving only the gentle hum of the room's silence.

then, without warning, the early night academy chime pierced the air, its melodic tones echoing through the speaker embedded in the high ceiling. the sudden sound jolted you awake. grogginess clung to you, a lingering haze. you blinked, disoriented, as the chime's final notes faded away. the room's shadows seemed to shift, adjusting to the new time. outside, the sky was a deep shade of indigo, stars twinkling like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse. the moon cast its silvery glow, illuminating the darkness.

you rubbed your eyes, shaking off the remnants of sleep. your mind slowly cleared, memories of the previous night's studies resurfacing. the notebook lay open on your lap, pages rumpled. your gaze fell upon the scribbled notes, and with a sigh, you began to review them once more.

woonggi pushed open his coffin with a groan, the creaking wood echoing through the room. "ugh, that stupid melody," he complained, his voice laced with sleep-induced irritation. "who told someone to make that?" you turned to face him, a small smile playing on your lips. woonggi's hair was a tangled mess, his usually impeccable style now resembling a bird's nest. his face was pale, with a hint of fatigue etched into his features. sunoo's coffin opened with a smooth, silent glide, a stark contrast to woonggi's dramatic exit. sunoo yawned, stretching his lean frame as he sat up. he removed his blue sleep mask, revealing bright, alert eyes. with a casual gesture, sunoo used the mask to push his blonde hair out of his face, the strands falling into perfect, effortless waves. his gaze met yours, and he offered a warm, sleepy smile.

"morning," sunoo said, his voice low and soothing. woonggi, still grumbling, swung his legs over the side of the coffin, his bare feet dangling in the air. "can't they change that awful chime? it's torture." you chuckled, shaking your head. "it's just a school melody, woonggi." woonggi shot you a mock-glare. "easy for you to say. you're not the one with sensitive ears." sunoo chuckled, standing up and stretching. "you're just grumpy because you didn't sleep well."

woonggi's scowl deepened, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "i slept fine. that chime just ruined my beauty sleep." the room filled with the gentle sounds of morning routines: sunoo humming as he began his stretches, woonggi's muttered grumblings, and the soft creaking of the old wooden floorboards beneath your feet. woonggi groaned, stumbling out of his coffin with a graceless awkwardness that belied his usual elegance. his bare feet tangled in the hem of his pants, threatening to send him tumbling.

sunoo winced, his gaze drawn to woonggi's neck. two puncture holes marred the pale skin, surrounded by a web of purple veins that seemed to pulse with a life of their own. "oh, that's gross," sunoo exclaimed, recoiling in mock horror. "woonggi, please cover your neck before i throw up." he clutched his stomach, pretending to gag. you turned to witness woonggi's inspection of his reflection in the vanity mirror. his eyes widened in dismay as he took in the unsightly marks.

"ugh, he said he wasn't going to drink a lot..." woonggi whined, his voice laced with frustration and embarrassment. without hesitation, woonggi spun around, pleading eyes fixed on sunoo. "sunoo, can you please cover this up? i don't want to look like a pure-blood's snack all day." sunoo rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "fine, but next time remind your 'donor' to be more careful." he strode over to his makeup station, expertly gathering concealer and foundation.

you stiffled a chuckle as sunoo began shooting woonggi a knowing glance. woonggi's face flushed, but he remained silent, aware that sunoo was right. as sunoo began to work his makeup magic, woonggi's gaze met yours in the mirror. his eyes sparkled with mischief, and he mouthed, "he was worth it." you raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the unspoken story behind woonggi's provocative statement. "and you know what? that's why you don't give it away so easily!" sunoo scolded, his voice firm but laced with concern. "especially to pure-bloods!" he added, shaking his head, his gaze piercing. woonggi attempted to deflect sunoo's reprimand with a charming smile, but sunoo remained unyielding.

you watched the exchange, recalling the complexities of vampire society. half-bloods, like yourselves, occupied a unique realm – vampires born from the union of human and vampire, never fully dead, yet not entirely alive. the distinction was crucial. your human ancestry, courtesy of one mortal parent, ensured a vestige of life's essence coursed through your veins. the ones who shared that genetic distinction was you, sunoo, woonggi, and heeseung.

this contrasted sharply with pure-bloods, vampires untainted by human lineage. born from the transformative bite of another pure-blood, they knew only the eternal realm. names flashed through your mind – jay, shiloh, hyunwoo, and jihan – pure-bloods who embodied the unyielding, ancient power. but with that power came a daunting reality. to many pure-bloods, half-bloods were viewed as prey, sustenance for their unrelenting hunger. eternal academy, your supposed sanctuary, was also a hub for young pure-bloods to hone their control, to learn the delicate art of feeding without succumbing to their primal nature. your existence, a mere convenience for those who craved the vitality that flowed through your veins. sunoo's warning took on a deeper significance. woonggi's carelessness could invite danger, jeopardizing the fragile balance between half-bloods and pure-bloods.

fortunately, it is against all vampiric commandments to murder another vampire, half or pure. the consequences you had heard of were so severe, no one actually knows what happens when you get caught. luckily, there hasn't been an attack on half-bloods for over a century.

the delicate dynamics between half-bloods and pure-bloods grew even more complex when intimacy was involved. few half-bloods chose to share their vitality with pure-bloods, reserving this ultimate trust for those with whom they shared a deep, soulful bond. such bonds transcended mere attraction, forged through shared experiences, vulnerability, and mutual understanding. only then would a half-blood permit a pure-blood to partake in the sacred ritual of blood-sharing. but woonggi and many other young adult vampires reveled in a different thrill. they indulged in the reckless abandon of sharing their vital blood with anyone, often pure-bloods, without the anchor of a meaningful connection.

the rush of adrenaline, the intoxicating allure of danger, and the fleeting sense of belonging drove this hedonistic pursuit. woonggi's latest encounter was a stark reminder of this perilous game. sunoo's censure was not merely about the risks of pure-blood manipulation but also about the inherent value of their half-blood existence. by treating their blood as a commodity, woonggi and others like him undermined the very essence of their heritage.

"you're not just giving away your blood, woonggi," sunoo's unspoken words seemed to say. "you're compromising our dignity, our autonomy, and our future." the weight of sunoo's concerns settled upon you, a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that came with your half-blood legacy.

"ugh, you guys are such prudes," woonggi declared, rolling his eyes as he gestured towards you and sunoo. his voice took on a sultry tone, dripping with indulgence, as he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "i'm telling you, the feeling is amazing," he purred, lost in reminiscence, his eyes drifting shut. the soft glow of the lamp beside him danced across his features, highlighting the curve of his lips.

“plus, only pure-bloods will make you finish-” but woonggi's words trailed off as you abruptly slammed the book shut, the sound echoing through the room like a crack of thunder. you stood up quickly, your movements sharp, sending your chair scraping against the floor. sunoo's gaze dropped, his eyes widening as he spotted small blue electric bolts crackling from your shaking palm. the air seemed to vibrate with your contained energy, the hairs on your arms standing on end.

woonggi's expression transformed from seductive to concerned, his eyes locking onto the back of your head. then, his gaze drifted to your ears, flushed and burning with embarrassment, the tips reddening. "awe, y/n-ah is so cute when he gets flustered!" woonggi teased, his voice laced with amusement, a chuckle rumbling in his chest. sunoo relaxed, a soft smile spreading across his face. “for being so old, he still tries to remain innocent.” he chuckles.

woonggi's jest broke the tension, and you felt your flush deepen, warmth spreading across your cheeks. but sunoo's calm demeanor helped ease your embarrassment. "well, i don't know about y/n-ie," sunoo began, his voice confident, "but i've already figured out who i'm going to let have me." he stated, his head held high, his shoulders squaring. as sunoo gathered his makeup to conceal woonggi's puncture wounds, his words hung in the air. a quiet declaration, hinting at secrets and unspoken understandings.

woonggi's gaze lingered on sunoo, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "what? tell me you whore!" he asked, leaning forward, his elbows on his knees. sunoo's smile grew enigmatic, his focus on the makeup. "that's for me to know, and you to guess," he replied, a hint of mystery in his voice. the air was thick with unspoken tensions, desires, and allegiances. the dynamics between half-bloods and pure-bloods seemed to shift, ever complex, like the shadows cast by the flickering candles. “it better not be jihan! he’s mine,” woonggi playfully punched sunoo, who rolled his eyes in response. “arent they all?” he mutters to himself.

seeking escape from the flustering conversation, you hastily declared, "i'm going to go shower and brush my teeth." the words tumbled out, a convenient excuse to flee the charged atmosphere.

woonggi's knowing gaze followed you, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "running away, y/n-ah?" he teased, his voice low and playful. sunoo, however, offered a sympathetic smile. "go ahead, we'll finish up here," he said, nodding toward woonggi's neck, where the makeup concealment was underway.

you seized the opportunity, beating a swift retreat to the bathroom. the door creaked shut behind you, enveloping you in a sanctuary of silence. as you turned on the shower, the warm water pattered against the tiles, a soothing melody that calmed your frazzled nerves. you let out a deep breath, feeling the tension ease from your shoulders. but your mind lingered on the conversation, woonggi's provocative words and sunoo's enigmatic declaration swirling in your thoughts. the dynamics between half-bloods and pure-bloods, already complex, seemed to grow more intricate by the day. you stepped under the shower's warm cascade, letting the water wash away your embarrassment and confusion. but the thoughts lingered, refusing to be rinsed away.

memories long buried began to resurface, like whispers from a forgotten past. flashes of your parents' tumultuous arguments flickered through your mind, the echoes of their raised voices still haunting.

your mother, a pure-blood vampire, had been cruel and heartless, her words cutting deep into your father's soul. he, a young human, had loved her with every fiber of his being, and you, their precious child, had been the unintended consequence of their brief union. but to your mother, you were merely a mistake, a reminder of her momentary weakness. she had wanted nothing more than a fleeting indulgence, never intending to be tied down by the constraints of love or family. your father, however, had been different. his love was pure, unwavering, and eternal. he had dreamed of building a life together, of marrying and growing old with the woman he adored.

but your mother had shattered those dreams, abandoning him when she realized his intentions. she had left, leaving behind a heartbroken young man and a vulnerable child. you had stayed by your father's side until his final days, cherishing every moment, every laugh, and every tear. oh, how you had wished you could have saved him, transformed him into a vampire like yourself, but that gift was beyond your power. it required a pure-blood's bite, and your mother was the only one who could have granted that mercy. but she had been absent, indifferent to your father's suffering. only when your father's life had faded did your mother return, reclaiming you as her own. you had spent centuries by her side, struggling to reconcile the love you held for her with the pain she had inflicted.

yet, despite her cold-blooded nature, you refused to emulate her emotional numbness. you had vowed to retain your humanity, your capacity for love and compassion, no matter how much the world around you seemed to value the opposite. the memories still stung, but you held onto them, reminders of the love that had shaped you and the resilience that had carried you through the darkness.

you walked back into your shared room, the door creaking softly behind you. the atmosphere was alive with hushed conversation, sunoo and woonggi's whispers immediately silencing as you entered. their guilty gazes met yours, and you couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "you think heeseung will try to get back together with y/n…?" woonggi's unfinished sentence hung in the air.

resplendent in your ruby red and white school uniform, its expensive old satin fabric gleaming in the soft light, you scoffed. "you know, you can talk about him; i told you i'm over him." your dismissive tone belied the faint irritation simmering beneath. sunoo and woonggi exchanged hesitant glances before breaking into warm smiles. "i think heeseung still has feelings for you, for sure," woonggi declared, his eyes locking onto yours through the mirror's reflection. "so my guess is he's gonna try to rekindle with you." you shook your head, a sigh escaping your lips. "well, i definitely don't plan to speak to him. especially after yesterday." the memory of heeseung's actions still rankled.

sunoo turned to you, his expression transforming into a warm, reassuring smile. "well, let me do your makeup today; i'll make you look even more desirable than usual." his offer was a gentle distraction from the tension. you settled into the chair sunoo ushered you toward. "uh, i'll take your offer of doing my makeup, but just something for my dark circles; i didn't sleep last day." the exhaustion still lingered, a reminder of the previous night's turmoil.

sunoo's skilled fingers began to work their magic, gently concealing the evidence of your sleepless night. woonggi, now reclining on his bed, observed the process with interest. "you know, y/n-ah, you're even more captivating when you're tired," woonggi teased, his voice low and smooth. sunoo playfully rolled his eyes. "woonggi, stop flirting; i'm trying to work here." you laugh. the banter was a comforting reprieve, easing the tension that had settled over the room.

the three of you strode through the halls, a vision of elegance in your matching ruby red satin uniforms. the expensive fabric gleamed in the soft light, accentuating your refined features. sunoo's expert makeup artistry had transformed your tired eyes, erasing the evidence of your sleepless night. woonggi's styling skills had tamed your hair, now perfectly coiffed to frame your face.

together, you exuded confidence, your poised strides echoing through the corridors. the atmosphere was alive with the murmur of students, their whispers and glances acknowledging your group's striking presence. as you approached the grand auditorium, the din of conversation grew louder. the eternal academy's student body was gathering, eager to hear the headmaster's daily announcement.

you exchanged assured glances with sunoo and woonggi, your unity and friendship palpable. the trio of half-blood vampires, renowned for your striking beauty and unyielding spirit, commanded attention. heads turned as you entered the auditorium, pure-bloods and half-bloods alike regarding you with interest. jay, shiloh, hyunwoo, and jihan, the esteemed pure-bloods, watched from their privileged seats, their gazes lingering on your group.

heeseung, seated among them, caught your eye, his expression indifferent. yesterday's events still weighed heavily on your mind, but you refused to let his presence unsettle you. with sunoo and woonggi by your side, you claimed your seats, poised and prepared to face whatever the day might bring. the headmaster's voice, low and authoritative, filled the auditorium, silencing the chatter. "welcome, gentlemen, to another day at eternal academy. today's announcement concerns something very special! we have the absolute honor of now having three eldest sons from each of the three founding mothers that built eternal academy, now attending it!" headmaster barnabus announced, his voice swelling with pride. sunoo and woonggi's eyes met, their faces mirroring each other's surprise. they straightened, their gazes scanning the stage to catch a glimpse of the esteemed newcomers.

you, still dozing against woonggi's shoulder, remained oblivious to the commotion. the three eldest sons stepped forward, flanking the headmaster. with synchronized movements, they bowed, their handshake with the headmaster exuding refinement and wealth. sunoo nudged woonggi, his voice barely above a whisper. "wake him up, now.” woonggi nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the trio. his gaze lingered, drinking in their chiseled features and impeccable attire.

reluctantly, woonggi turned to you, gently shaking your shoulder. "y/n-ah, wake up," he whispered, his voice laced with urgency. as you stirred, sunoo leaned in, his voice low. "you won't want to miss this." your eyelids fluttered open, and you sat up, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. your gaze followed sunoo's and woonggi's, locking onto the three newcomers.

time seemed to pause as you took in their majestic presence. each man embodied the essence of their respected pure-blood lines: elegance, power, and an aura of nobility. one’s piercing gaze, the other’s chiseled jawline, and lastly one’s captivating smile – each feature was etched into your mind. the auditorium's atmosphere shifted, the air thickening with anticipation. the arrival of these three eldest sons signaled a new era at eternal academy.

"oh yeah, they're definitely hot," you yawned, your voice languid, still shaking off the remnants of sleep. sunoo's eyes sparkled, his gaze fixed on the trio. "like, so hot," he breathed, his tone reverent.

woonggi nodded vigorously, his voice barely above a whisper. "like, really, really hot." his eyes shone with awe, as if royalty had indeed descended upon the academy. the two were starstruck, their usual composure abandoned in the face of these captivating newcomers. you, however, felt a different sentiment brewing. while acknowledging the trio's breathtaking beauty, your exhaustion reasserted itself. the dull fatigue that had been lingering since the previous night now threatened to overwhelm you.

as sunoo and woonggi continued to swoon, you leaned back in your seat, suppressing another yawn. the grandeur of the auditorium, the esteemed pure-bloods, and even the allure of the newcomers faded into the background. your mind began to wander, craving the solace of a quiet nap, or better still, a peaceful retreat to your dormitory. the blood moon ball, the founding mothers, and the academy's intrigue temporarily lost significance. sunoo's elbow nudged you, his voice whisper-soft. "y/n-ah, are you okay? you look...dazed." you forced a weak smile, attempting to reassure him. but your gaze drifted back to the trio, their presence now a blur of elegance and refinement. “just sleepy.” you yawn again, “ill be fine.” you gave a smile to reassure him.

your eyelids drooped once more, surrendering to exhaustion, as the dull murmur of the headmaster's voice faded into the background. but sunoo's gentle shaking roused you from your slumber, his hand wrapped around your wrist.

"come on, get up, sleepyhead," sunoo urged, his voice soft but insistent, his breath carrying the scent of mint and coffee. you blinked, disoriented, and took in your surroundings. The grand auditorium, once filled with the murmurs of students, was now emptying, its ornate chandeliers casting a dim glow on the departing crowd. "done already?" you asked, still sleepy, stretching your arms above your head, feeling the soft satin of your uniform pull across your chest.

sunoo grinned, his eyes sparkling like polished onyx. "yeah, but hey, today's our free day, so let's go eat at that new café in the east wing. i heard they serve the best blood-red velvet cake." his enthusiasm was infectious, a testament to his love for learning – and indulging in the finer things in life. “then we can finish any assignments we have for the week too!”

few knew that sunoo's passion for knowledge was matched only by his penchant for mischief. his inability to follow mundane laws had landed him at eternal academy, a school notorious for reforming wayward vampires. his parents had discovered his secret: sunoo had a fascination with stealing clothing, always justifying his actions with a charming smile. "it would look better on me," he'd say, his eyes gleaming with mischief. the habit had grown troublesome, attracting unwanted attention from the vampire authorities. and so, sunoo's parents had enrolled him in eternal academy, hoping the structured environment, strict rules, and watchful eyes of the faculty would reform their wayward son.

as you stood, woonggi fell into step beside you, adjusting his cufflinks. "sounds good. i need to finish that paper on ancient bloodlines and their influence on modern vampire society." sunoo nodded vigorously, his light hair bouncing with the motion. "i've already started outlining my essay on the history of vampire diplomacy and its impact on human-vampire relations." you said, nodding your head. together, the trio made their way out of the auditorium, into the vibrant hum of eternal academy's daily life. the corridors bustled with students, their laughter and conversations filling the air.

as you stepped into the east wing's newest café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods enveloped you, instantly reviving your senses. the soft glow of pendant lights and plush furnishings created a cozy ambiance, a welcome respite from the academy's grandeur. "welcome to 'midnight bites'!" a charming barista, with piercing emerald eyes and raven-black hair, greeted you from behind the counter. "what can i get for you gentlemen today?" sunoo's eyes scanned the menu, his brow furrowed in concentration. "i'll have the blood-red velvet cake, please. and a café au lait."

woonggi ordered a cappuccino and a slice of lemon tart, while you opted for a simple espresso and a croissant. as they prepared your orders, you claimed a corner table, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the academy's gardens. "this place is lovely," sunoo said, settling into his seat. "i can see why it's become so popular."

woonggi nodded, his gaze drifting toward the café's patrons. "it's definitely a hub for the academy's elite." your eyes followed woonggi's, taking in the familiar faces. heeseung sat nearby, engaged in a heated conversation with hyunwoo. "looks like the pure-bloods have claimed this spot as their own," you observed, a hint of amusement in your voice.

sunoo smirked. "well, we're certainly crashing their party." the barista returned with your orders, expertly balancing a tray laden with delicate china and steaming cups. "enjoy, gentlemen." as you indulged in the rich flavors and aromas, the café's atmosphere wrapped around you, a warm cocoon of comfort and camaraderie.

but your tranquility was short-lived. a commotion near the entrance caught your attention – jay, the pure-blood patriarch, stood at the doorway, his piercing gaze sweeping the room. you glance and see jay quickly walk over to hyunwoo and heeseung. they seem to be having a hushed argument and jay seems to be moderating it. "wonder what theyre talking about.." woonggi trails off as he stares as well.

to say you were suprised to see them sitting at the same table would be an understatement. "oh, did you wanna study for that exam in two weeks?" sunoo asked woonggi, his voice infused with a hint of responsibility, as he delicately balanced his fork and cake.

woonggi shook his head, a lazy grin spreading across his face. "no way, it's in two weeks; that's plenty of time." his nonchalance was a stark contrast to sunoo's studious nature.

you tore your gaze away from heeseung, who was still engrossed in his conversation with hyunwoo, and refocused on your friends. their carefree banter was a welcome distraction from the tension simmering between you and heeseung. "you're going to regret that attitude, woonggi," sunoo teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "i'm already halfway through the study guide."

woonggi chuckled, his shoulders shaking. "i'll be fine, sunoo. i've got this." you smiled, feeling a sense of normalcy wash over you. moments like these, surrounded by friends and laughter, made the complexities of eternal academy's social hierarchy fade into the background.

as you sipped your espresso, the rich flavor grounded you, reminding you that not everything revolved around heeseung and his mercurial nature. "besides," woonggi continued, "we have more pressing matters to attend to. like finishing our assignments and enjoying white day."

sunoo's eyes lit up. "ah, yes! the day of love. we need to make sure our outfits are impeccable." your thoughts drifted to the upcoming event, the intrigue and politics surrounding it. but with sunoo and woonggi by your side, you felt a sense of reassurance. together, you could navigate the treacherous waters of eternal academy's social scene. just as the conversation was flowing smoothly, a voice interrupted your tranquility. "mind if i join you?" heeseung asked, his tone neutral, but his gaze piercing.

heeseung's gaze locked onto yours, his eyes searching for a spark of acknowledgment. but you refused to indulge him, instead leaning back into your chair with a deliberate nonchalance. you ripped a piece of croissant off, the flaky pastry crumbling between your fingers, and popped it into your mouth, savoring the buttery flavor. your eyes never left your plate, your gaze drifting down as if fascinated by the cutlery.

woonggi seized the opportunity to intervene, his voice smooth. "sorry, we're actually busy with..." but heeseung didn't let him finish. with a fluid motion, he pulled up a chair and sat down, his presence suddenly intrusive. he dragged his chair closer to you, his knee almost touching yours.

you rolled your eyes, a subtle gesture, but one that conveyed your annoyance. sunoo and woonggi exchanged a knowing glance, their faces neutral. heeseung's expression turned contrite, his eyes locking onto yours with a sincere intensity. "listen, i wanted to apologize about what happened yesterday," he began, his voice low and measured.

"i realized i acted like a jerk, and i shouldn't have. i wanted to apologize in person." his words hung in the air, awaiting your response. woonggi leaned in, whisper-shouting to sunoo beside him, ensuring heeseung caught the comment. "usually when someone apologizes to me, they bring me a huge bouquet of flowers." sunoo's eyes sparkled with mischief as he chimed in, taking a sip of his drink. "or expensive makeup." his voice was laced with playful nonchalance.

heeseung's gaze flickered to woonggi and sunoo, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "i, uh, didn't think of that." you observed the exchange, your expression neutral, but a hint of amusement dancing in your eyes. heeseung's apology, though genuine, seemed to falter under woonggi's and sunoo's playful jabs.

"flowers or makeup wouldn't have made a difference," you said finally, breaking the silence. your tone was even, neither accepting nor rejecting his apology. heeseung's eyes searched yours, seeking reassurance. "i just wanted to make things right between us."

the tension around the table remained, but woonggi and sunoo's banter had shifted the dynamics. heeseung's apology now seemed less about reconciliation and more about easing his own guilt. "so, what exactly are you apologizing for?" you asked, your voice tinged with curiosity. heeseung's expression faltered, his eyes darting to woonggi and sunoo before returning to yours.

"you know..." heeseung trailed off, his eyes darting to sunoo and woonggi for assistance. but they deliberately looked away, feigning interest in their drinks and pastry. heeseung's hesitation was palpable. "..for making you upset when i... was teasing you." his words hung in the air, uncertain. you raised an eyebrow, gesturing for him to continue with a languid motion of your hand. "and?" you prompted, taking a sip from your espresso.

heeseung's eyebrows furrowed, "there's more?" his tone questioned whether he'd omitted something.simultaneously, sunoo and woonggi groaned, their faces contorted in disgust. "oh no.." they whispered to each other, looking away from heeseung. "you know, i love men, but gosh, they make it so hard," woonggi whispered to sunoo, shaking his head. sunoo fanned his face with his hand, nodding vigorously. "you got that right."

your smile wavered between amusement and annoyance. "you were going to apologize for humiliating me and claiming me in front of hyunwoo," you reminded heeseung, your tone laced with expectation. but heeseung's expression transformed, his jaw setting in defiance. "look, y/n, i really was making sure you weren't getting yourself involved with someone like him. i'm not going to apologize for that." he stood up, his hands raised in a defensive gesture. your eyes narrowed, crossing your arms as you leaned back in your chair. an eyebrow arched, scrutinizing heeseung's sudden reversal. "so, you're saying your actions were justified?" you asked, your voice dripping with skepticism. heeseung's face reddened, his eyes flashing with indignation. "i'm saying i'd do it again if it meant protecting you."

sunoo and woonggi exchanged a disbelieving glance, their faces reflecting your incredulity. "protecting me?" you repeated, your tone laced with disdain. "from what? myself?" the air around your table grew heavy with tension, heeseung's words hanging like a challenge.

the silence between you and heeseung stretched, a palpable tension filling the space. then, after a mere two-second stare-down, heeseung's resolve crumbled. he sank back into his chair, his expression resigned. "alright, alright. i apologize for... that." his voice trailed off, the words hesitant, as if he couldn't bring himself to acknowledge his mistake fully.

the pause was telling, his inability to articulate his wrongdoing speaking volumes. sunoo and woonggi exchanged a skeptical glance, their faces reflecting your own doubts. "that?" you repeated, your tone laced with incredulity. "you can't even say it?"

heeseung's eyes dropped, his gaze fixed on the table. "i apologized, didn't i?" his defensiveness was tempered by a hint of shame. sunoo leaned in, his voice low. "apologies require specificity, heeseung. otherwise, they're just empty words." woonggi nodded in agreement. "yeah, own up to it." heeseung's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with frustration. but he knew he'd overstepped. "fine," heeseung muttered, his voice barely audible. "i apologize for humiliating you and claiming you in front of hyunwoo without your consent." the words hung in the air, a begrudging acknowledgment of his mistake. you studied heeseung's face, searching for sincerity. his expression was contrite, but his eyes still held a hint of defiance.

"well then," you began, prepared to address heeseung's apology, but your words were cut short as the café doors swung open. your gaze drifted toward the entrance, and your breath caught in your throat. the three new boys strode in, their presence commanding attention. now that they were closer, you could appreciate their features. all three were tall and well-built, their broad shoulders filling out the black academy blazers. but it was the blazers themselves that caught your notice. you'd never seen that particular design in your 9 1/2 years at the academy. the embroidered crest on the sleeve seemed to shimmer in the light, signifying nobility. your eyes roamed over the trio, taking in their distinct styles.

one had black hair with subtle blonde highlights, styled in a sleek, pushed-back look that accentuated his chiseled features and impressive shoulders.

another had jet-black hair that cascaded down his forehead, partially obscuring his eyes. but his wire-framed glasses added a touch of vulnerability to his intense gaze.

the last boy's hair was the longest, a rich, soft brown that framed his face and the rest tucked behind one ear. his dark eyebrows provided a striking contrast, balancing the softness of his features with a hint of ruggedness.

heeseung's apology was forgotten in the face of this new distraction. sunoo and woonggi followed your gaze, their interest piqued. "oh my gosh," sunoo whispered, his eyes locked on the trio. woonggi's brow furrowed. "i've never seen them so up close before. i mean no one has really, since ya know, theyre families are always secretive," heeseung's gaze turned cold, his expression guarded. "they're probably just like the rest of the pure-blooded-idiots." he says with spite.

you rolled your eyes at heeseung, but before you could retort, his attention shifted to jay, who was approaching their table. unaware of the tension, jay turned toward heeseung, and their eyes locked in a silent standoff. the air seemed to vibrate with unspoken words. you'd almost forgotten heeseung's telepathic abilities, but now it was painfully evident. the two engaged in a wordless conversation, their faces reflecting the intensity of their mental exchange.

jay's expression turned frustrated, his jaw clenched. heeseung's gaze remained steady, but a hint of submission crept into his posture. after a few tense seconds, heeseung stood up, his movements deliberate. a sigh escaped his lips before he bowed at your table, his voice laced with formality. "gentlemen," he said, straightening up, "i've had such a lovely time, but now i must go."

with a measured pace, heeseung walked away, leaving your table in an uncomfortable silence.

"please do," sunoo muttered under his breath, his eyes tracking heeseung's departure. you couldn't help but laugh at sunoo's dry comment, the tension broken. woonggi chuckled, shaking his head. "well, that was awkward."

"let's not stare," sunoo whispered, his eyes darting toward the three boys as they ordered their food and scanned the café for a table. you indulged in one last glance, your gaze lingering on the nobles' chiseled features. then, feigning nonchalance, you began smoothing your hair. "or drool," you added under your breath, earning a disgusted look from woonggi. "oh, shut it," you hissed at him, playfully. woonggi retaliated with a mock-offended hiss, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"back to our white day plans," you said, changing the subject as you ripped another piece of your croissant. "ah, yes!" sunoo exclaimed, his excitement palpable. "what should we wear? should we do a theme together or just color coordinate?" sunoo's eyes lit up, his passion for fashion igniting. he only ever displayed such unbridled enthusiasm when discussing style. "theme, definitely," woonggi said, his brow furrowed in thought. "but what kind?"

"i was thinking 'midnight bloom'," sunoo suggested, his voice animated. "dark florals, velvet accents... it'll be stunning." your imagination began to whirl with possibilities. "i love it. and we can coordinate our outfits without matching exactly." the ryker brothers chose a table nearby, their presence subtly influencing the café's atmosphere. but your focus remained on the fashion discussion, lost in the thrill of planning the perfect white day ensemble. "we need to make a statement," sunoo declared, his eyes shining with creative fervor.

“how about white instead?” you suggested, exhaling frustration. “i feel like i’ve been wearing too many dark clothes.” woonggi’s brow furrowed, lost in thought. “that’s true, and we also haven’t worn white all together since…” his voice trailed off, seconds ticking by before he shrugged. sunoo’s face fell, his creative vision crumbling. “ugh, you guys love to tear down my creativity,” he muttered, crossing his arms and eye-rolling dramatically.

you felt a pang of guilt for crashing sunoo’s plans and sought to make amends. “how about we wear white but with white floral prints and velvet accents still?” you proposed, rubbing sunoo’s arm to lift his spirits. sunoo pretended to ponder, his expression thoughtful. then, a sly grin spread across his face. “come on! we’ll look so innocent and hot. you know pure-bloods love that crap.”

woonggi seized the opportunity, shaking sunoo’s shoulder pleadingly. “think about it, sunoo – we’ll be the epitome of elegance, and they’ll be green with envy.” sunoo’s resistance crumbled, his excitement reigniting. “alright, alright! white with floral prints and velvet. but we’re doing it my way.” the tension dissipated, replaced by the thrill of planning the perfect white day outfits. as you delved into the details, the new boys nearby presence became a subtle backdrop, their quiet conversation weaving into the café’s ambient hum.

“we’ll need to coordinate accessories,” sunoo said, his mind already racing with design possibilities. “and hairstyles,” you added, your eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. your laughter intertwined with theirs, creating a joyful melody that lit up your table. the rest of the time was spent with studying and friendship bonding, the new boys can wait til tomorrow.

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sucker4mafia · 1 month ago

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━━━ 'CHAPTER TWO' [ETERNAL NIGHT]

SYNOPSIS ➢ not every answer you seek will be in a book, you understand that now.

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!

PREVIOUS | NEXT

"to master the tempest within,

first acknowledge the depths of thy soul.

fear not the darkness, for it holds

the key to harnessing thy true potential."

"the mind is a maelstrom, a whirlpool of thoughts and emotions. to tame it, one must first understand its depths."

"for those who seek mastery. -s.e."

sunoo cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "woonggi, stop flirting."

seeking escape from the flustering conversation, you hastily declared, "i'm going to go shower and brush my teeth." the words tumbled out, a convenient excuse to flee the charged atmosphere.

woonggi shook his head, a lazy grin spreading across his face. "no way, it's in two weeks; that's plenty of time." his nonchalance was a stark contrast to sunoo's studious nature.

one had black hair with subtle blonde highlights, styled in a sleek, pushed-back look that accentuated his chiseled features and impressive shoulders.

another had jet-black hair that cascaded down his forehead, partially obscuring his eyes. but his wire-framed glasses added a touch of vulnerability to his intense gaze.

with a measured pace, heeseung walked away, leaving your table in an uncomfortable silence.

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sucker4mafia · 1 month ago

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS !!

#eternal academy

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sucker4mafia · 1 month ago

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━━━ 'CHAPTER ONE' [ETERNAL NIGHT]

SYNOPSIS ➢ the three musketeers seem to live in every dimension, but in this one theyre pretty and vampires.

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; someone missing, sensual innuendo's, big angst, bit of embarrassment, past trauma, mentions of satanism, mentions of gore, blood, cannibalism [let me know if i missed any!]

a gentle stir, a whispered voice, and the fragile threads of sleep snapped. "yah, is y/n-ie gonna sleep all night too?" the soft words drifted through the darkness, piercing the haze of slumber that shrouded your coffin. your glowing hazel eyes fluttered open, adjusting slowly to the dimly lit corridors you shared with your two roommates, sunoo and woonggi. the air was heavy with the scent of old wood and the distant tang of blood. woonggi loomed over your coffin, his features etched with annoyance, his dark hair mussed from sleep. his eyes, piercing and intense, seemed to bore into yours. "hurry up, the moon's gonna be at its peak before you get dressed," he snapped, his foot connecting with the wooden lid of your resting place in a soft kick.

your gaze drifted to sunoo, who sat cross-legged on his own coffin, watching the exchange with an air of quiet amusement. his silken blonde hair cascaded down his neck like a river of night, and his eyes gleamed with subtle curiosity. you groaned, yawning as you sat up, rubbing the remnants of sleep from your eyes. the velvet-lined interior of your coffin creaked softly as you moved. "would you shut up already...?" your voice trailed off, heavy with the weight of waking. the darkness seemed to vibrate with woonggi's restless energy, while sunoo's calm presence anchored the space. outside, the night was young, and the moon's allure beckoned – a siren's call to the creatures of the night.

you swung your legs over the side of the coffin, standing up with a languid stretch. too tired to bend down, you shut the lid with a lazy kick of your foot, wary of succumbing to the cozy warmth within. sunoo's snicker cut through the quiet. "you're not even gonna fix the inside?" he scoffed, his voice dripping with amusement. "gosh, you never did shake off your caveman tendencies, huh?" he tutted, eyes fixed on his phone's camera as he smoothed his already-immaculate hair. the soft glow of the screen illuminated his chiseled features.

you rolled your eyes, exasperation etched on your face. "priorities, sunoo," you muttered, shaking your head. with a resigned sigh, you reopened the coffin and began to tidy the interior. slender fingers smoothed the soft silk sheets, and you fluffed the cushioned pillow that cradled your neck perfectly. as you worked, woonggi sauntered closer, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "someone's a little grumpy tonight," he teased, voice high yet husky. you softly closed the coffin, the wooden lid clicking shut with a hint of finality.

"i don't want to hear anything for the rest of the night," you warned, eyes narrowing at your roommates, who now stared at you with unabashed amusement. sunoo's lips curled into a sly smile. "oh, but the night's just beginning," he whispered, pocketing his phone. woonggi chuckled, the sound sending shivers down your spine.

woongi swept open the long, dark red drapes, unveiling a ceiling-tall window that framed the moon like a glowing crescent pendant. soft, silvery light spilled into the room, illuminating the space with an ethereal radiance. candles flickered to life along the walls, their warm, golden glow complementing the lunar illumination. "get dressed, we'll meet you in the quad," woonggi instructed, his voice firm but tinged with a hint of understanding. with a nod, he turned to leave, sunoo shadowing his steps. the two disappeared into the darkness beyond the room, leaving you alone amidst the soft, dancing flames.

the three of you had always been punctual and impeccably dressed, a habit honed from years of navigating eternal academy's intricate social hierarchy. but this meticulous presentation was no badge of honor – merely a survival tactic in a place where vulnerability was devoured.

your thoughts soured as the anniversary of your confinement loomed closer. nearly a decade had passed since your mother and aunt had abandoned you within these unforgiving walls. resentment simmered, a slow-burning fire that fueled your longing for freedom. yet, escape was a luxury denied. headmaster barnabus’s magical wards ensured that no student slipped beyond the academy's boundaries, their enchantments tightening like a noose around the grounds. only during the daylight hours did the spell's grip relax, but even then, the risks of departure were too dire to contemplate.

vampires, though powerful, weren't immune to sunlight's destructive touch. the memory of blistered skin and charred flesh made your stomach twist with dread. eternal academy might be a prison, but it was also a sanctuary – a twisted haven from the world's dangers. with a heavy sigh, you began to prepare for the night ahead, the weight of your past and present pressing upon you like the shadows that shrouded the room.

you moved with deliberate slowness, selecting a crisp white shirt and black trousers from your wardrobe. the familiar routine offered a semblance of control in a life dictated by the academy's rigid rules. as you dressed, your gaze drifted to the window, where the moon's gentle light seemed to mock your confinement. ten years. a decade of your life surrendered to this foreboding institution, with no end in sight. bitterness welled up, but you pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. a glance in the mirror revealed a face both familiar and foreign – hazel eyes, sharp cheekbones, and skin pale from years of nocturnal existence. with a critical eye, you smoothed your hair, the locks falling obediently into place. a flicker of vanity, perhaps, but in eternal academy's cutthroat social landscape, appearances mattered.

satisfied with your reflection, you headed toward the quad, the soft click of your heeled shoes echoing through the deserted corridors. as you emerged into the quad, woongi and sunoo awaited, their faces illuminated by the moon's gentle beam. woonggi's eyes narrowed, his gaze scrutinizing your attire.

"presentable, for once," he teased, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. sunoo chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "let's not keep the headmaster waiting." together, the three of you strode toward the academy's central building, the night's mysteries waiting to unfold.

the central building's grand entrance loomed before you, its heavy wooden doors adorned with intricate carvings of crescent moons and stars. the symbol of eternal academy, a constant reminder of the institution's mystical legacy. as you pushed open the doors, a warm glow spilled out, beckoning you into the opulent foyer. crystal chandeliers refracted the light, casting rainbow hues across the polished marble floor.

as the doors swung open, a surge of students flooded into the auditorium, scrambling for seats among the scattered chairs. the room buzzed with hushed conversations and nervous laughter. professor barnabus, flanked by staff members on the stage, raised his hands, appealing for silence. the chatter gradually subsided, replaced by an expectant stillness. "welcome, students," the headmaster began, his voice laced with a hint of nervousness. "i'm sure you've all been hearing various rumors surrounding... shigeta harua's disappearance."

your brows furrowed in confusion, eyes scanning the room as if searching for answers. shigeta harua? the name sounded familiar, but you couldn't quite place him. a younger student, barely nearing his first anniversary at eternal academy. memories resurfaced: a quiet, reserved boy with an unassuming smile. you'd seen him occasionally in the corridors, always keeping to himself. his disappearance had gone unnoticed by you, lost amidst the academy's chaotic rhythm. the headmaster's words cut through your thoughts. "i want to assure you that we're doing everything in our power to locate harua and ensure his safe return."

a murmur rippled through the crowd, fueled by concern and speculation. woonggi's gaze met yours, his expression serious. sunoo's eyes narrowed, his mind already racing with possibilities. "we understand that rumors can spread quickly," headmaster barnabus continued, "but i implore you: refrain from spreading unsubstantiated claims. we'll provide updates as more information becomes available." the headmaster's eyes swept the room, his gaze lingering on select students before moving on. "in the meantime, please report any information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – to your dormitory advisors or the staff."

the room remained tense, heavy with unspoken questions.

you leaned in close to woonggi, voice barely above a whisper. "did you know about this?" your eyes locked onto his, searching for any hint of prior knowledge.

woonggi's head shook subtly, his expression a mixture of surprise and intrigue. "i mean... i heard rumors he ran away during daylight," he whispered back, "but there's no way." his words trailed off, leaving the unspoken implication hanging in the air. escape during the day was unthinkable, a feat bordering on impossible. the magical wards surrounding eternal academy were designed to prevent exactly that.

your mind reeled with the implications. could it be true? had shigeta harua somehow breached the enchantments and survived the deadly sunlight? the very idea sent a hot air down your neck. sunoo, attentive to your conversation, leaned in, his voice a low murmur. "if he did escape, how did he manage it? and what's to say he's still... alive?" casting a shadow over the surrounding faces. students were whispering, their hushed conversations weaving a tapestry of speculation and fear. you scanned the room, noticing the varied reactions. some seemed genuinely concerned, while others appeared calculating, as if weighing the possibilities of escape.

professor barnabus’s voice cut through the murmurs, his eyes scanning the room with a mix of warning and reassurance. "let's focus on finding harua, rather than speculating about his disappearance. we'll keep you updated as the investigation unfolds." the headmaster's words did little to alleviate the tension.

"okay, gentlemen, onto better things," headmaster barnanus continued, his voice growing distant as your mind began to wander. "for those who haven't submitted their quarterly check-ins, you have until friday to turn them in..." the headmaster's words faded into a gentle hum, overshadowed by the nagging concern that refused to let go. a vampire gone missing? it was unthinkable. the founding mothers of eternal academy were notorious for their iron-clad grip on the vampire community.

your thoughts spiralled downward, lost in the implications. vampires disappearing didn't happen – not without severe consequences. the academy's founders had woven a complex web of surveillance and control, monitoring every whisper, every movement within the vampire world.

the mundane world remained blissfully unaware of the shadows lurking among them. eternal academy's secrets were sacrosanct, protected by ancient spells and ruthless determination. the very idea of a vampire vanishing gave you fear. woonggi's elbow nudged yours, a subtle reminder to focus. but your attention remained split, ears hearing the headmaster's words while your mind wrestled with the mystery. "...reminders will be sent to your dormitory advisors," headmaster barnabus droned on, "and please, do not hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns."

concerns? that was a gross understatement. shigeta harua's disappearance threatened the fragile balance between the vampire world and the human realm. eternal academy's carefully constructed facade was at risk of crumbling. sunoo's gaze met yours, his eyes narrowed in unspoken understanding. the three of you shared a bond forged from years of navigating the academy's treacherous politics. and now, a missing vampire had thrown everything into chaos.

"also, white day is coming up!" professor barnabus announced, a wistful smile spreading across his face. his eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in nostalgia. "i remember when it was around this time... many would bring each other candy, gifts, confessions..." a hint of melancholy crept into his voice, and he sighed, the sound barely audible. "although, i never did get one from anyone i liked..." the headmaster's gaze drifted off, his thoughts momentarily elsewhere.

sunoo and woonggi exchanged a knowing glance with you, their expressions skeptical. you shrugged, sharing their unspoken sentiment: what was the point of white day in a place like eternal academy? the holiday, meant to celebrate relationships and affection, felt hollow within the academy's cold walls. here, alliances were forged from necessity, not sentiment.

professor barnabus snapped back to the present, his smile forced. "anyways! i'm sure many of you are looking forward to it. a small reminder: please keep gifts discreet and within reason. we wouldn't want... misunderstandings."

the headmaster's eyes swept the room, his gaze lingering on select students. his warning was clear: no displays of affection, no overt gestures. eternal academy's strict rules governed even the smallest aspects of life. sunoo leaned back in his chair, his expression neutral. woonggi's eyes sparkled with mischief, but he said nothing. you simply shook your head, already dismissing the thought of white day.

the assembly concluded, and students began to file out of the auditorium. you stood, stretching your legs and exchanging a look with sunoo and woonggi.

"white day, huh?" woonggi said, his voice squeeking with excitement. "who'd have thought the headmaster was a romantic?" sunoo snorted. "please, he's just nostalgic for a time when he wasn't stuck running this prison." you chuckled, falling into step beside them. "either way, it's just another excuse for the academy to pretend we're normal." as you exited the auditorium, the cool evening air enveloped you, carrying the scent of damp stone and old books. eternal academy's gothic spires loomed above, casting long shadows across the grounds.

woongi flashed a flirtatious smile at a passing student, his eyes sparkling with mischief. the recipient of his attention blushed, stumbling over his own feet as he hurried away. woongi chuckled, rejoining you and sunoo with an air of nonchalance. "have any idea on what your white day plans are?" woonggi inquired, his tone innocent.

you raised an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading across your face. "you mean 'who' your white day plans are?" you retorted, voice laced with amusement. sunoo snickered, his shoulder brushing against yours as he leaned in. he covered his mouth, attempting to stifle his laughter. woonggi rolled his eyes good-naturedly, "oh please." but sunoo wouldn't let up. his laughter grew louder, more uninhibited. "what? come on, you should change your name to 'casanova' by now," he teased, arm linking with yours as you descended the stairs into the garden section behind your dorm building.

the evening air enveloped you, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of crickets. "you're just jealous of my charm." sunoo grinned, his eyes sparkling. "well, sorry but someone needs to keep you in check." you smiled, enjoying the easy banter between your friends. but amidst the laughter, a nagging thought persisted: shigeta harua's disappearance remained unsolved, a shadow looming over your carefree moments.

as you strolled through the garden, the sound of running water grew louder. a small fountain bubbled in the center, surrounded by intricately carved stone benches. woonggi plopped down on a bench, patting the space beside him. "join me, my fellow incubuses, and let's discuss our white day strategies." you attempted to hold back a sigh but raised an eyebrow instead. woonggi was always into the idea of being a sensual demon, however all of you were different demons of the night. "you mean your strategies for snagging gifts from multiple admirers?"

woonggi winked. "perhaps." you settled onto a weathered rock, facing your friends with a hint of amusement. "seems like you've got your plan," you said, a small smile playing on your lips. "now we can talk about literally anything else." woonggi's expression transformed, his eyes widening in mock offense. he clutched his heart, his voice dripping with drama. "i'm sorry, we haven't gone over your plan, actually." sunoo snickered, producing a lipstick from his pocket. he began to reapply, his gaze locked onto yours. "we gotta get you over heeseung already," he said, his tone matter-of-fact.

your annoyance flared, simmering just below the surface. "i hate that you guys keep saying that," you snapped, your words crisp and final. "i told you a million times, i'm over him. plus, it was just a summer fling, and we both knew that." the air seemed to vibrate with your emphasis, a clear warning to drop the subject. woonggi's expression softened, his teasing grin faltering. sunoo, however, remained nonchalant, capping his lipstick with a flourish.

"just making sure," sunoo said, tucking the lipstick away. "you know we're only looking out for you." the tension dissipated, replaced by a familiar sense of camaraderie. but you knew your friends wouldn't let the topic die easily. heeseung's name still lingered, a ghostly presence in your relationships. woonggi leaned forward, his voice conspiratorial. "so, who's on your white day radar?" you raised an eyebrow, wary of another heeseung-related jab. but woonggi's expression remained innocent, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"no one," you replied, your tone firm. "i'm not interested in playing games this year." sunoo chuckled, shaking his head. "you're no fun." woonggi grinned mischievously. "come on, it's white day. everyone gets a little something. even if it's just a friendly gesture."

you sighed, knowing your close friends wouldn't relent. "fine. if someone catches my eye, i'll consider it.” sunoo's eyes then sparkled. "that's the spirit!" as you conversed, the garden's tranquility enveloped you.

"anyways," woonggi said, a mischievous glint in his eye as he dipped his hand into the fountain's crystal-clear waters behind him. the soft glow of the garden's lanterns danced across his face, accentuating his sly smile. "we all know who's rejection record is gonna be high once again this year." with a swift motion, woonggi splashed sunoo, who let out a startled screech. water droplets clung to sunoo's eyelashes as he glared at woonggi, his fangs bared in a playful snarl. "i swear i'll stake you, you idiot!"

you couldn't contain yourself, covering your mouth to stifle your laughter. the sound of your muffled giggles blended with the gentle burble of the fountain. "it is true," you managed to choke out, your eyes watering from holding back. sunoo turned to you, his gaze momentarily piercing. his irises seemed to shimmer in the dim light, like polished onyx. "why don't you try accepting someone's confession this year? you never know, maybe it'll make your heart actually beat again." the words stung, but sunoo knew you didn't mean harm. your concern was genuine, hidden beneath your teasing exterior.

however, woonggi and you erupted into laughter, your hyena-like cackles echoing through the garden. the sound sent a flutter through the nearby bird sanctuary, and a soft chorus of nocturnal birds responded, their melodic trills weaving into your laughter. sunoo rolled his eyes, standing up with an air of mock indignation. his slender fingers brushed water droplets from his jacket, the movement fluid and elegant. "so funny," he sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "i'll have you both know that i actually do plan on accepting someone's confession this year."

the declaration caught you off guard, and your laughter faltered. woonggi's eyes sparkled with intrigue, his brow arched in curiosity. "oh? and who's the lucky victim?" sunoo's smile was enigmatic, his lips curling upward like a whispered secret. "you'll just have to wait and see." with that, he turned and strode away, leaving you and woonggi exchanging curious glances. the sound of his footsteps faded into the night, swallowed by the shadows.

"looks like someone's got a secret," woonggi whispered, his eyes still shining with mirth. you shook your head, chuckling. "only sunoo would make accepting a confession sound like a revenge plot." as you watched sunoo disappear into the darkness, you yawned once again.

"come on, let's catch up," you sighed, your voice carrying across the tranquil garden. you motioned to sunoo, who was walking away with confident strides, his slender figure silhouetted against the warm glow of the high moon. you stood up from the weathered rock, brushing off the lingering warmth. a faint scent of blooming flowers clung to your clothes as you patted your pants clean. the gentle rustle of leaves accompanied your movements, a soothing melody that filled the evening air.

woonggi fell into step beside you, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "yah, you brat!" he called out to sunoo, his voice echoing through the garden. "wait up!" sunoo paused, turning back to face you both with an expectant smile. his eyes crinkled at the corners, and his light hair was mussed, as if he'd been running his hands through it. sunoo held open the massive wooden door to the dining hall, its intricate carvings depicting scenes of mythological creatures. the door creaked on its hinges, revealing a warm, golden light that spilled out into the evening.

"after you," woonggi said, gesturing for you to enter. his smile was gracious, but his eyes gleamed with mischief, hinting at secrets yet to be shared. as you stepped into the dining hall, the sounds of lively chatter and clinking silverware enveloped you. the air was thick with the aroma of raw meats and freshly poured blood.

sunoo led the way, navigating through the crowded tables with ease. you followed, your eyes scanning the room for familiar faces. the dining hall was a hub of social activity, where alliances were forged and gossip spread like wildfire. woonggi leaned in, his voice low. "they better not have the same thing as last week.” you smiled, your eyes locked onto sunoo's swaying back. “the day they actually serve us mundies, ill walk in the sun." you smirk.

woonggi chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "looks like you’ll burst into flames then.." the vampire-specific menu was a running joke among your friends. while the academy catered to various supernatural dietary needs, the options often left much to be desired. as you reached the food line, the chef, a stout dwarf with a bushy beard, greeted you with a warm smile. "tonight's specials: dragon's breath chicken and shadow steak."

sunoo raised an eyebrow. "shadow steak? sounds ominous." woonggi grinned. "that's just code for 'we ran out of regular meat'." you playfully rolled your eyes. "you're such a cynic." the line moved forward, and you selected your meal, exchanging banter with the chef as he loaded your plate. as you made your way to your empty table, you spotted shiloh sitting across the room, his eyes meeting yours for a fleeting moment.

you hesitated before sending a small, sympathetic smile towards him, who sat alone at a nearby table. but instead of acknowledging your gesture, he looked away, his forehead thudding onto the wooden surface. shiloh was always by himself, his isolation a self-imposed exile. he never mingled with his peers, preferring the solitude.

rumors swirled around shiloh's unique abilities – he could see and communicate with ghouls, creatures invisible to the rest of the world. but this gift came with a crippling curse: he couldn't turn it off. the constant barrage of ghostly whispers and visions had driven him to the academy, seeking refuge and understanding. you felt a pang of sorrow for shiloh, but experience had taught you to respect his boundaries. he didn't crave company, and your attempts at friendship had been met with resistance. just as you turned back to your friends, a sudden elbow jabbed you from behind, sending you stumbling forward. but before you could fall, the same hands caught you, steadying you.

"sorry, darling, didn't see you there," a low, southern drawl apologized, the voice dripping with honey. you turned to face yoon hyunwoo, one of the youngest scions of the influential yoon family. his long blonde hair was swept behind one ear, revealing piercing grey eyes that sparkled with amusement.

as you met his gaze, a small smirk played on your lips. "maybe actually use your eyes to look," you suggested, your tone laced with playful sarcasm. yoon hyunwoo's entourage gathered around him, their designer-clad bodies forming a semi-circle as they assessed you, sunoo, and woonggi. their gazes lingered, weighing your worth.

sunoo's eyes narrowed, his expression wary. woonggi, however, grinned, seemingly entertained by the sudden attention. "hyunwoo, always graceful," woonggi quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm. yoon hyunwoo chuckled, his smile flashing. "and always apologized for, courtesy of my charming friends." the tension dissipated, replaced by an air of cautious camaraderie. but you sensed underlying currents, the intricate dance of alliances and rivalries that defined eternal academy's social hierarchy.

yoon hyunwoo's gaze lingered on you, his expression thoughtful. his piercing grey eyes seemed to bore into your soul, as if searching for secrets. "i didn't know you were friends with sunoo and woonggi," he said, his tone neutral. "we're more like acquaintances who tolerate each other," woonggi joked, his eyes sparkling with mischief, his grin flashing. his lean figure relaxed against the table, exuding a casual air.

sunoo shot woonggi a dry look, his light eyebrows arching. "that's accurate," he said, his deep voice laced with sarcasm. you chuckled, shaking your head, your hair swishing. "we're a package deal, unfortunately," you added, your smile wry. yoon hyunwoo's smile widened, his perfect fangs gleaming. "well, i suppose that's interesting. maybe i'll join you for lunch sometime," he suggested, his tone light, but his eyes gleaming with intrigue.

the invitation hung in the air, weighted with implications. yoon hyunwoo's social circle rarely intersected with yours. his family's influence and wealth were legendary, their name whispered in awe.

suddenly, hyunwoo's eyes looked above your head, his gaze locking onto something - or someone - behind you. his expression transformed, his eyes narrowing into a glare. before you could ask what was wrong, a cluster of boys joined your table, their faces set in identical scowls, all directed at hyunwoo.

you recognized them as heeseung's friends, their athletic builds and arrogant swagger unmistakable. heeseung's crew had a reputation for being ruthless, their loyalty to their leader unwavering. you turned around, already annoyed, and found heeseung standing behind you, his head held high, his chin tilted upward. his green eyes sparkled with triumph. "sorry, looks like there won't be much room," heeseung said, his voice dripping with condescension, as he gestured to his friends occupying the empty spots at the table.

woonggi whispered-whined, "what a cockblock," under his breath, while sunoo pouted and nodded in agreement. their disgruntled expressions mirrored your own. heeseung's family, the lees, had a long-standing rivalry with the yoon family, fueled by ancient grudges and competing interests. but that had nothing to do with you. why was heeseung inserting himself into your conversation?

"hm," hyunwoo said, his voice laced with fake calm, his eyes flashing with irritation. his fingers drummed against the table, a subtle sign of tension. you rolled your eyes at heeseung, his smug expression grating on your nerves. "and youre here because..?" you asked, your tone laced with annoyance. heeseung's smile widened, his eyes glinting with amusement. "just ensuring the right company, that's all." you turned back to hyunwoo, whose gaze remained fixed on heeseung, his expression inscrutable. "looks like the table isnt full to me," hyunwoo said, his voice neutral, but his eyes conveying a different message. the air was thick with tension, the rivalry between heeseung and hyunwoo insufferable.

"can you guys not?" sunoo called out, his voice laced with frustration, as he didn't even bother to look up from his task. he was too focused on meticulously fixing woonggi's eyebrow makeup, his slender fingers moving with precision.

"y/n isn't into guys who like to start fights, ya know?" sunoo added, his tone matter-of-fact, though his words carried a hint of playful teasing. the nonchalant comment had an unexpected effect. both hyunwoo and heeseung relaxed visibly, their postures easing as they took a step back. hyunwoo's gaze lingered on you, his expression softening. heeseung, too, seemed to unwind, his jaw unclenching. although the words were a lie, you loved a man who'd kill for you, but now wasn't the time for territorial disputes. you weren't either of theirs, and you wouldn't be swayed by their rivalry.

"how about i catch you later today, hm?" you said to hyunwoo casually, aiming to keep the peace. your tone was light, but your eyes conveyed a deeper message: let's not escalate this. hyunwoo's smile returned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "sounds like a plan," he said, his voice low and smooth.

heeseung nodded curtly, his expression still wary, but his anger seemed to have dissipated. woonggi, now sporting perfectly groomed eyebrows, flashed you a grateful smile. "thanks for defusing that, y/n," he whispered. sunoo patted woonggi's cheek. "all part of the service," he quipped while taking credit for your work. the moment passed, but the undercurrents remained. you sensed that this wasn't the last confrontation between hyunwoo and heeseung.

you turned back around, your movements crisp with irritation, and grasped your lunch tray. you sidestepped heeseung, deliberately avoiding eye contact, and settled into your seat beside woonggi. the scraping of your chair against the floor seemed amplified in the tense silence.

"oh devil, you just don't know how to mind your business, do you?" you asked rhetorically, your voice low and venomous, with a hint of a hiss. your anger simmered, fueled by heeseung's brazen claim on you in front of hyunwoo – a potential love interest – and, more infuriatingly, in front of a new potential boytoy.

heeseung's group member, diagonal from you, spoke up, his mouth full of raw meat. his obnoxious chomping seemed designed to grate on your nerves. "oh come on, he was just protecting you," he said, his tone dripping with condescension.

another group member, seated beside sunoo, chimed in, sipping his goat blood with an air of superiority. "no yeah, he definitely was. plus, why would you wanna hang with those pure-blooded-jerks anyways?" his tone implied that hyunwoo's faction was beneath yours. sunoo's expression twisted in disgust. "i'm sorry, who are you?" he asked, his voice laced with disdain, his eyes scanning the speaker as if searching for any other flaws.

"thank you," you said simply, your gratitude aimed at sunoo's defense. woonggi rolled his eyes, exasperation written across his face. "you men know nothing," he muttered, shaking his head. with a flick of his wrist, woonggi tossed a piece of meat at the peer in front of him, who winked in response. the casual exchange seemed a deliberate contrast to the tension between heeseung's group and yours.

heeseung let out a deep sigh, his eyes never leaving yours, before settling into the chair across from you. his movements were deliberate, a silent refusal to back down.

"you can all leave now, we didn't want company," you said, forcing a bright, artificial smile onto your face. your tone was sugary sweet, but laced with venom. heeseung's gaze narrowed, his eyes flashing with understanding. "didn't seem like that a minute ago," he spoke, his voice low and even, his words dripping with innuendo. he was unmistakably referencing hyunwoo's brief interaction with you. you dropped your fork, the clatter echoing through the tense silence, and leaned forward, your elbows on the table. your eyes locked onto heeseung's, your expression innocent, almost childlike.

"my apologies, i meant your company," you clarified, your tone dripping with saccharine sweetness. "did that get through your head this time?" you asked, your voice infused with mock patience, as if speaking to a stubborn child. woonggi and sunoo exchanged a look, their faces mirroring each other's amusement. they couldn't help but giggle at heeseung's reaction, their snickers like sparks to dry kindling. heeseung's face darkened, his jaw clenched, as his friends shifted uncomfortably beside him. their eyes darted between you and heeseung, sensing the escalating tension.

"oh, he’s kinda hot when he’s angry," woonggi whispered, his voice barely audible, but his eyes shining with mirth. sunoo's chuckle was more subdued, but his grin remained, a silent endorsement of your verbal jab. heeseung's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with intensity. "you're enjoying this, aren't you?" he asked, his voice low, his tone a mixture of fascination and irritation.

"quite the opposite," you said, your voice low and even, your eyes menacingly locked onto heeseung's. the sweetness from moments before had vanished, replaced by a glacial intensity. heeseung's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of surprise danced in his eyes. he hadn't expected your tone to darken so swiftly. woonggi's and sunoo's giggles ceased, their faces sobering as they sensed the escalating tension. the air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken threats.

"then why toy with me?" heeseung asked, his voice laced with curiosity, his eyes never leaving yours. his tone implied a deeper understanding, a hidden dynamic between you two.

"i'm not toying with you, heeseung," you replied, your voice dripping with venom. "i'm warning you. stay out of my business." heeseung's smile was slow, deliberate. "or what?" he challenged, his eyes glinting with amusement. the table seemed to shrink, the space between you and heeseung shrinking to nothing. the unspoken threat hung like a guillotine, poised to drop. woonggi shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting between you and heeseung. "y/n, maybe—"

"no," you cut in, your gaze never leaving heeseung's. "he wants to play games? fine." the silence was oppressive, heavy with anticipation.

the lights above the table began flickering continuously, like a stuttering heartbeat, as you rose from your seat. the air seemed to vibrate with electricity, heavy with anticipation. you clenched your fists at your sides, your knuckles whitening. dark blue electric volts crackled to life, sparking from your fingertips like miniature lightning bolts. the sparks danced across the table, casting eerie shadows on the faces around you. "lets play." you whisper.

your eyes transformed, shifting from their natural color to an unnerving, radiant deep blue. the glow intensified, illuminating the surrounding faces with an otherworldly light. woonggi's and sunoo's eyes widened in horror as they stared at you, their faces drained of color. "fuck!" woonggi exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper.

heeseung's expression remained calm, but his eyes flashed with a mixture of fascination and wariness. his gaze locked onto yours, his pupils constricting as if shielding himself from the intensity of your glow. "y/n, stop!" sunoo urged, his voice trembling, as he reached out a cautious hand. but you didn't respond. your focus remained fixed on heeseung, your electrically charged fists trembling with restraint. the sparks escalated, arcing across the table like wild, blue tendrils. the air crackled with energy, the hairs on the back of your arms standing on end.

heeseung's friends recoiled, their faces pale, as they sensed the building storm. heeseung, however, remained seated, his eyes never leaving yours. suddenly, two pair of hands clamped onto your shoulders, their grip like vice clamps, forcing your eyes to revert to their natural color. the flickering lights ceased, plunging the table into a comfortable silence.

the hands pushed you back down into your seat, their pressure relentless. you felt a surge of frustration, but before you could react, a low, smooth voice intervened. "let's not start a scene, fellas. hm?" jay said, his tone even, but laced with a hint of warning. jay's face came into view, his features chiseled, his eyes a piercing brown. heeseung's best friend and right-hand man, jay exuded an aura of calm authority. heeseung's gaze never wavered from yours, his expression unreadable. but jay's presence seemed to have stayed his hand, for now.

woonggi and sunoo exchanged uneasy glances, their faces still pale from the sudden display of your powers. "y/n, you okay?" woonggi asked, his voice barely above a whisper. you nodded, still feeling the residual tension. jay's grip on your shoulders eased, but his hands remained, a subtle reminder of his intervention. jay's gaze flicked to heeseung, a silent communication passing between them. "let's take a walk, guys," jay suggested, his tone measured.

heeseung nodded, his eyes lingering on yours for a moment before he stood up, his movements fluid. "let’s," he said, his voice dripping with promise. as heeseung and jay walked away, their entourage following closely, the tension dissipated, leaving an uncomfortable silence in their wake. sunoo spoke up, his eyes still widened in awe. "what a man," he sighed dreamily, clearly impressed by jay's effortless display of strength. meanwhile, you sat motionless, your head bowed, staring blankly at your lap. your mind reeled from the confrontation, emotions swirling like a maelstrom.

woonggi and sunoo exchanged concerned glances, noticing your vacant expression. "yah y/n-ah, don't worry about it," woonggi coaxed, his voice gentle. sunoo nodded in agreement, his dreamy expression replaced by concern. "yeah, don't let heeseung get to you. you know how he is." your reputation for struggling to separate your emotions from your abilities was well-known. whispers of your volatile powers and fragile control had circulated, making you a subject of both fascination and wariness. "y/n, you good?" woonggi asked, his voice laced with worry.

you slowly lifted your head, your eyes focusing on your friends. a faint smile crossed your lips, an attempt to reassure them. but woonggi's gaze lingered, sensing the turmoil beneath your surface. "let's get out of here, okay?" he suggested. sunoo nodded vigorously. "yeah, let's grab some fresh air. forget about heeseung and his drama." with a gentle nudge from woonggi, you stood up, letting your friends guide you away from the tense atmosphere. as you walked, the murmurs of the cafeteria patrons followed, their whispers like a constant hum.

"did you see that? y/n's lost control again..."

"heeseung's really asking for it, messing with y/n..."

your ears burned, but you kept moving, surrounded by your friends' comforting presence. as you walked out of the cafeteria with woonggi and sunoo, the cool air slapped you in the face, snapping you back to reality. the sounds of clinking dishes, murmured conversations, and muted laughter receded into the background, replaced by the pounding of your heart. your emotions still simmered, a cauldron of frustration, anger, and helplessness threatening to boil over. you felt like a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash destruction.

"hey, y/n-ah, you okay?" woonggi asked again, his brow furrowed with concern, his voice laced with a gentle urgency. you nodded, forcing a smile onto your face, a fragile mask hiding the turmoil within. "yeah, i'm fine. just... needed to calm down." but your mind screamed otherwise. you were a danger to those around you, a liability waiting to happen. the memories haunted you: shattered lights, scorched walls, and the terrified faces of those you cared about. the weight of your responsibilities crushed you, making your lungs constrict.

sunoo couldn't contain his excitement, his eyes sparkling like diamonds in the afternoon sunlight. "oh devil, did you see jay's moves back there? so smooth," he mimicked jay's gestures, his hands swooping through the air with exaggerated flair. "the way he stepped in, calmed the situation." woonggi chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "sunoo's got a crush," he teased, his voice laced with humor.

you couldn't help but smile, your earlier tension forgotten in the face of sunoo's infectious enthusiasm. the warm sunlight and gentle breeze seemed to amplify his excitement. "i think sunoo's more interested in jay's biceps than his strength," you joked, nudging sunoo playfully. sunoo playfully shoved you, your laughter echoing through the campus quad. "shut up! it's not just about the physical stuff. jay's got, charisma." you watched the exchange, feeling a sense of normalcy wash over you. for a moment, the worries about your powers and heeseung's provocations faded into the background, replaced by the simple joy of friendship.

"you know, sunoo," woonggi said, "jay's not just about looks and strength. he's been by heeseung's side for years, and that says a lot about his loyalty and dedication." sunoo's eyes sparkled with curiosity, his interest piqued. "oh? what do you mean?" he asked, leaning in, his voice barely above a whisper.

"jay's more than just a pretty face or a skilled fighter," you chimed in to explain, your expression serious. "he's heeseung's right-hand man, his strategist. he's the one who keeps heeseung in check." sunoo nodded, intrigued, his mind racing with possibilities. "i knew it. there's depth to him." as you continued walking, sunoo's gushing about jay turned into a lively discussion about the intricacies of heeseung's group and their dynamics. the campus buildings seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the complex web of alliances and rivalries.

the three of you strolled through the corridors of eternal academy, a prestigious victorian-era institution with ornate stone walls, stained glass windows, and sweeping staircases. the soft murmur of conversations, the creaking of wooden floorboards, and the occasional chime of a clock echoed through the halls. you listened, smiling, as the conversation meandered through topics like favorite books, upcoming exams, and the latest gossip. just as sunoo was launching into a dramatic retelling of jay's heroics, a small, crystal-like bell rang out loudly through the hallways, its clear tone piercing the air. the sound signaled the start of the first class of the day.

"ah, time to face the grind," woonggi sighed, shouldering his backpack. sunoo groaned, his enthusiasm momentarily dampened. "ugh, i have professor everwood's law-abiding class. wish me luck." you checked your schedule, a neatly printed card tucked into your pocket. "i've got professor thackery’s vampirism history lecture. see you two later?" woonggi nodded. "yeah, meet at the usual spot."

sunoo waved, already hurrying off toward his classroom. "good luck, y/n! don't let professor thackery bore you to tears!" as you parted ways, the corridors filled with students rushing to their respective classes. the atmosphere shifted from leisurely to hectic, the air thickening with anticipation. you quickened your pace, joining the flow of students streaming toward their destinations.

you slipped into professor thackery’s history lecture, taking a seat near the back of the dimly lit classroom. the air was thick with the scent of old books and dusty chalk. professor thackery, a bespectacled man with wispy gray hair, stood at the front, surveying the room with a keen gaze. his eyes twinkled behind wire-rimmed spectacles.

"welcome, students, to today's discussion on the implications of the industrial revolution on mundane and vampiric society," he began, his voice low and soothing. as he launched into the lecture, you pulled out your notebook and began scribbling notes. professor thackery’s words painted vivid pictures of smoke-filled factories, bustling cities, and the struggles of the working class. your mind wandered briefly, drifting back to the confrontation with heeseung and jay's intervention. but professor thackery's engaging narrative drew you back in. you couldnt help but wonder if hyunwoo had seen your little outrageous scene.

as the lecture progressed, professor thackery posed thought-provoking questions, encouraging debate among the students. discussions erupted around you, with classmates sharing insights and perspectives. you participated hesitantly, your thoughts still lingering on the events of the day. but as the discussion deepened, your engagement grew. "what do you think, y/n?" professor thackery asked, his eyes locking onto yours.

you hesitated, collecting your thoughts before responding. "uh, yes. uh, i-i mean i think the industrial revolution highlighted the tension between progress and social responsibility." professor thackery nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "excellent point, y/n. the interplay between technological advancement and social conscience is indeed crucial." the lecture concluded, leaving you feeling invigorated and intellectually stimulated.

as you packed up your belongings, your gaze drifted across the room, taking in the familiar faces of your classmates. but one desk caught your attention - the empty seat on the right side of the room. first-year student, yechan, was noticeably absent. his desk, usually cluttered with colorful pens and scribbled notes, lay bare and untouched.

"professor," you asked, your voice low, "is yechan alright?”

professor thackery's expression turned somber. "ah, yes. yechanie... he’s been struggling to adapt. the headmaster has taken him under his wing for special guidance." you nodded, understanding the euphemism. "special guidance" often meant intensive counseling, or worse, reevaluation for expulsion. but expulsion wasn't truly possible. once you entered eternal academy, the only way to leave was if the headmaster deemed you ready to rejoin mundane society. the academy's motto echoed in your mind: "in perpetuum, donec mundus paratus" - forever, until the world is ready.

you felt a chill run down your spine. yechan’s absence was a stark reminder of the academy's true nature - a sanctuary, a prison, or both? "excuse me, professor," you said, gathering your thoughts. "i'll make sure to keep up with my work." professor thackery nodded, his eyes piercing. "see that you do, y/n. we wouldn't want anyone to... lose their way." the unspoken warning hung in the air, a reminder of the academy's unwritten rules.

you left the classroom, lost in thought. what had happened to yechan? was he truly struggling, or was there more to the story? the empty desk lingered in your mind, a haunting symbol of the academy's mysterious inner workings.

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