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Last movie: Roman Holiday (for the first time, loved it!)
Last tv show: Mysteries at the Museum (currently watching on my dads couch)
Sweet, savory, or spicy: sweet, always
Relationship status: hopelessly crushing đ„Č
Last google search: what is a swimmers treadmill (someone won it on a game show I was watching with my dad lol)
Looking forward to: lots of little things (getting to work with my favorite coworker on Tuesday, my dadâs birthday this week, getting to see my stepsisters baby hopefully soon, nice weather, etc.)
tagged by: @emmanuel-that-psych
I tag: @leeroy1915 @1-lamentis @special-agent-spooky-mulder @spacecasepc @so1987
Last Song : muah! - the deep
Last Book : how to kill your family - bella mackie
Favorite Color : (strawberry) red rn!!
Last Movie : uhhh. hsm 3
Last TV Show : AO HARU RIDE!! fav anime 11/10
Sweet, savory, or spicy : spicy deffo
Relationship status : non existent :D
Last Google search : fungi classes erm
Looking forward to : GETTING DONE W EXAMS đđ
Would you all like to read SKZ sci fi futuristic SMAU with maybe clones and a dark twist on the Kpop Wave ? Starring either Bangchan or Hyunjin as the ML ?
Would you all like to read SKZ sci fi futuristic SMAU with maybe clones and a dark twist on the Kpop Wave ? Starring either Bangchan or Hyunjin as the ML ?
CONTEXT: â What rumour would you and your bias have together? â . . . this game was inspired by our followers, and their suggestions. there were many different yet similar ones, so we decided to host a game that is simple yet interesting.
. . . RULES !
đ like and reblog this post as well as our paid readings.
đ you have to follow us.
đ no anons allowed.
đ if you want a private answer then state it in the beginning of your ask.
đ would appreciate initials, emoji or anything you can be identified by or referred to while shuffling for you.
đ you have to state who your bias is.
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đ any ask which does not follow these rules will be deleted. no exceptions.
Would you all like to read SKZ sci fi futuristic SMAU with maybe clones and a dark twist on the Kpop Wave ? Starring either Bangchan or Hyunjin as the ML ?
Would you all like to read SKZ sci fi futuristic SMAU with maybe clones and a dark twist on the Kpop Wave ? Starring either Bangchan or Hyunjin as the ML ?
Thank you for the tag, apologies for missing the last like 10. Half are probaly buried in my drafts partly done lol.
Accurate, except for the movie. I only recognize it because rsl (dr wilson) was apparently in it when he was younger lol. Could not tell you the plot or even his character's name.
I hate my workplace on some days. Shit people, can't even understand that women can accidentally stain on periods and not make a scene about it. One hand you're telling me to cover up and now you're complaining behind my back to Hr and manager đ
To Our Maknae on Top I.N. I just wish he gets to spend time with his family and is truly healthy and happy this year đđ
( Staymas update: I'm still burnt out from that Seungmin fic so even though I wanted to release the I.N fic next... I can't âčïž I don't have ideas to move it forward, but surely I'll have it posted before February ends đ)
when you get this, list 5 songs you like to listen to, publish. then, send this ask to 10 of your favorite followers or moots (positivity is cool) đđ
àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ. A Knight In Christmas Armor àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.
(Pt 2)
àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.Pairing - Seungmin x Fem Reader
àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.Plot - When your aunt leaves for a Christmas trip, she gives you the keys to her house and cats to look after, and you eagerly accept. However, strange and creepy things start happening, culminating in eerie voices echoing through a chilly night. After a scream sends your annoying ex-best friend, Seungmin, to your door, you find yourselves trapped inside with the cats and mysterious voices, as the faulty door wonât lock or open properly.
àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.Warnings - Supernatural stuff, blood, a lot of swearing, mentions of sacrifice, action, angsty, hurt to comfort, fluff, horror comedy, non idol au, ex best friends to lovers
àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.A/N - Episode 7 of Staymas is here, bringing a mix of supernatural fantasy and comedy because whatâs Staymas without a hint of horror? Itâs my first attempt at this genre in a while, and while I feel itâs a bit rushed, Iâd love to hear your thoughts! (Slightly proofread, so apologies for any mistakes đââïž ) Split into two parts because Tumblr, as always, hates me đ
In another room, dimly lit and eerily still like yours, Seungmin stood before his own mirror. The same blood-red rose rested in his hand, its thorns pressing into his skin. He hesitated, staring at his reflection, his jaw tightening as if he could hold himself together through sheer will.
The ghost brideâs voice coiled around him, cold and unyielding. âFace your past, Seungmin. Only then can you move forward.â
With a sharp inhale, Seungmin pricked his finger on the roseâs thorn. The mirror rippled like water, and the glossy surface transformed, pulling him into a swirl of memories.
The first image surfaced, a younger Seungmin, small and timid, standing at the entrance of a classroom on his first day of school. His hands gripped the straps of his backpack, his gaze darting nervously across the room. And then he saw you.
Bright-eyed, a whirlwind of energy, you bounded over to him without hesitation. âHi! Iâm Y/N. Want to sit with me?â
He remembered his hesitation so vividly, the way his heart had pounded in fear of rejection. But your smile was so genuine, so welcoming, that it had pulled him in like a lifeline.
The scene shifted, flickering like a reel of film. The playground came into view, the two of you laughing as you pushed each other on the swings. The memory of your laughter echoed around him, warming his chest despite the chill of the room.
The mirror rippled again, showing the times you had stood up for him when others teased him for being too quiet. How you always knew when he needed space but never let him retreat too far into himself.
âYouâre my best friend, Minnie,â your younger self said, clutching his hand tightly after a particularly rough day. âIâve got your back, okay?â
He had held onto those words like a lifeline. Through the years, as you both grew older, they had anchored him.
The scenes shifted again. High school. Late-night study sessions where you teased him about how meticulous he was, but you stayed, no matter how late it got. The time you stood in the front row at his music recital, cheering louder than anyone else, your face glowing with pride as if his success were your own.
You had become his safe space, a constant in a world that often felt cold and unpredictable. With you, he didnât have to wear a mask or pretend to be someone he wasnât. He could be quiet, thoughtful, even vulnerable, and you never once made him feel like those were flaws. With you, he could just be.
But as the reflection darkened, the comfort of those memories gave way to shadows of his past.
Seungminâs smile faded as the mirror revealed a different part of his story, his home.
There, in the dim light of his childhood dining room, sat his younger self. Small, timid, and sitting in silence as his parentsâ cold, disapproving voices echoed around him.
âWhy canât you be more like your brother?â his fatherâs voice boomed, sharp and cutting.
âYouâre too quiet, Seungmin,â his father continued, his gaze piercing. âYouâll never succeed if you donât speak up. No one respects a boy who doesnât know how to lead.â
His motherâs words werenât any softer. âNo one will want you around if you donât learn to stand out. Youâre forgettable, Seungmin. Do you want to be forgotten?â
He remembered sitting there, forcing himself to swallow every word, every pang of shame, every tear threatening to spill. He buried it deep, locking it away where no one could see, pretending it didnât hurt. But it had. Their words carved themselves into his soul, lingering long after the arguments ended, shaping the way he saw himself.
The voices echoed in the mirror, relentless and cruel.
âYouâll never be enough!â
But then, as if to chase away the darkness, your image appeared in the mirror. Like a beam of light breaking through storm clouds, there you were, pulling him out of the house on a warm evening.
He saw the memory as vividly as if he were living it again, your determined expression as you tugged his hand, leading him to the ice cream shop after school. âYou need to get out of that stuffy house,â you had said, handing him a cone and giggling as you accidentally smeared whipped cream on your nose.
âYouâre too serious, Minnie,â you teased, your voice warm and full of life. âSmile more. The worldâs not so bad when you have ice cream.â
And he had smiled then,not because of the ice cream, but because of you. You had this inexplicable way of making the world feel lighter, as though your presence could shoulder some of the burdens he carried. In that moment, with you, he almost believed that maybe, just maybe, he wasnât as unworthy as heâd been told.
The reflection shifted again, moving forward in time. College.
It wasnât just your smile or the way your laugh seemed to fill even the emptiest spaces. It was the way you saw him. Not the quiet, unsure boy his parents had scorned, but the Seungmin who loved music, who thought deeply, who cared more than he let on. You saw him, all of him and you accepted every part.
The mirror showed the small moments he had cherished without even realizing it. The way his heart raced whenever you rested your head on his shoulder after a long day. The way you tapped your pen absentmindedly when you were deep in thought. The way your nose scrunched up just slightly when you were confused.
Those moments had built into something undeniable, something he couldnât ignore even if he tried.
But then, as if to remind him that happiness wasnât his to keep, the mirrorâs image darkened. The familiar setting of the party appeared, and with it, a sense of dread settled in his chest.
Seungminâs breath caught as the memory unfolded with painful clarity. He had been standing in the corner, watching the crowd with a detached gaze, when his eyes found you. His heart had leapt at the sight of you, so beautiful, so radiant, you made the world around him blur.
Tonight, he had told himself. Tonight, he would finally tell you how he felt. Weeks of rehearsing confessions in his mind had led to this moment. He was determined to let you know what you meant to him, to lay his heart bare for you.
But then, he saw Hyunjin.
The mirror showed how his entire body had tensed, his chest tightening like a vice as Hyunjin stumbled toward you, grabbing your arm. Seungminâs breath had hitched, unease curling in his stomach like smoke. Then, when Hyunjin pulled you into a hug, the unease ignited into something sharper, something scorching and unfamiliar.
Jealousy.
It wasnât an emotion Seungmin was used to feeling, but in that moment, it consumed him. Doubts and insecurities came rushing in, louder and crueler than ever. Of course, youâd choose Hyunjin. How could you not? He was everything Seungmin wasnât confident, charming, effortlessly magnetic. The kind of person who could command a room without even trying.
The voices of his parents echoed in his mind, cruel and unrelenting. âYouâll never be enough, Seungmin. No one will want you.â
But the mirror showed him what he hadnât seen that night: the moment you shoved Hyunjin away, your voice firm, your eyes blazing with anger as you told him to leave you alone. It showed the way you stormed off, your face flushed with frustration, your eyes scanning the crowd, desperately looking for him.
Seungminâs hands trembled as he watched the memory play out, a tear slipping from the corner of his eye. But the mirror didnât stop.
It replayed the way he had turned away, his chest heaving with anger and pain. His vision had blurred with unshed tears as he reached for a drink, downing it in one bitter gulp. He hadnât seen you looking for him. He hadnât heard you calling his name over the pounding music.
And then she appeared. Beth.
âSeungmin,â Beth had said, her voice smooth, dripping with false sympathy. âYou look upset. Want to talk about it?â
He had barely spared her a glance, his emotions clouding every ounce of his judgment. He knew what kind of person Beth was. You despised her and for good reason. She had mocked you, belittled you at every chance she got, and Seungmin had always stood by your side, knowing she wasnât worth his time.
But that night, in the haze of heartbreak and anger, he didnât care.
âNot in the mood, Beth,â he muttered, brushing past her.
But she didnât relent. She followed him, persistent, into a quieter corner of the party. âCome on, Seungmin. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone. Iâm here if you need me.â
Her voice grated on him, but the pain in his chest was unbearable. He just wanted to forget, forget what he saw, forget how much it hurt. He didnât want to feel anything at all.
Beth stepped closer, her hand brushing against his arm. He shouldâve pulled away. He knew he shouldâve. But the anger, the doubt, the crushing ache, all of it made him hesitate. When she leaned in, her lips hovering just inches from his, he didnât move.
And in that fleeting, reckless moment, he let it happen.
Meanwhile, Seungminâs present self watched in the mirror as you frantically searched for him, your heart pounding against your ribs. Desperation clung to every breath as you pushed through the crowd, determined to find him, to explain. Whatever he thought he saw, it wasnât trueâit couldnât be. You had to make him understand.
But when you finally found him, the sight before you made your world crumble.
There he was, standing in the shadows with Beth. Her hands rested on his chest as she leaned in close, whispering something into his ear. And then, before you could even process it, he leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that made your breath hitch, your heart shattering into a thousand pieces.
âSeungminâŠâ you whispered, the sound barely audible over the noise of the party.
At the sound of your voice, he pulled away from Beth, his eyes widening in shock as he saw you standing there. For a fleeting moment, everything around him seemed to stop. The music, the chatter, the laughter, it all faded, leaving only the heavy weight of his mistake.
âY/N,â he started, his voice shaking, but you raised a trembling hand to stop him.
âDonât,â you said, your voice breaking under the strain of holding back tears. âDonât say anything.â
Your face was pale, your eyes glistening with heartbreak, and before he could take another step toward you, you turned and ran. The pain in your chest was unbearable, a searing ache that grew with every step. Behind you, Seungminâs voice called your name, but you didnât stop. You couldnât.
The mirror darkened, leaving Seungmin staring at his own reflection, the weight of his actions suffocating him. His chest ached as the memory replayed over and over, every second a brutal reminder of how badly he had messed up.
âYouâre such an idiot,â he whispered to himself, his voice thick with emotion. âFuck, I messed up so bad.â
Tears streamed down his face as the realization hit him with full force. âI love her⊠Y/N, I love her so much,â he choked out. His knees felt weak as the words tumbled from his lips. âAnd I⊠I lost her. I lost the only chance I had.â
His reflection in the mirror was unrecognizable, broken, haunted by the pain he had caused. He let out a bitter laugh, the sound laced with anguish. âOf course she hates me now. Why wouldnât she?â
And for the first time, he allowed himself to feel the full weight of his regret, sinking to the ground as his sobs echoed in the empty room....
Meanwhile, on your side of the mirror, it revealed how, by the time you reached the door, Seungmin wasnât following you. You glanced back, hoping, praying, that he would appear, that he would chase after you, but the doorway remained empty. Later that night, driven by desperation and heartbreak, you tried calling him. Each ring felt like an eternity, only for your hopes to be crushed when your call went straight to voicemail.
Morning brought no comfort. Instead, it delivered the truth. Seungmin had left the city. No explanation, no goodbye. When you tried calling him again, hoping for answers, your stomach sank as the call refused to go through. Thatâs when you realized.....he had blocked your number.
Your chest felt hollow as you stared at the empty screen. The weight of his betrayal pressed down on you, suffocating and relentless. Seungmin was gone, and with him, the pieces of your shattered heart. You didnât know if you would ever recover from the pain he had left behind.
The mirror shifted again, showing his side of the story, how guilt consumed him that night. He had convinced himself that the best thing to do was to disappear, to leave you behind and start over. For a fresh start, he moved into his friendâs tiny apartment on the far side of Seoul. The two of them scraped by, taking part-time jobs to make ends meet.
One evening, as he worked at a restaurant, his aunt came to visit. She saw the exhaustion etched into his face and, with a knowing sigh, said, âI know how horrible your parents are, Seungmin. You donât have to go through this alone.â
She offered him a place to stay, a real home, until he could save enough to rent one of his own. Reluctantly, he accepted, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Seungmin experienced what family could be. His aunt was nothing like his parents. She didnât demand or criticize. She cared for him, supported him, and reminded him that he was worthy of love.
The mirror then showed the moment weeks later when his parents found him. They barged into his auntâs home, their voices sharp and cutting, filled with the same nagging accusations and belittlement that had haunted him for years. But this time, Seungmin didnât let them win. He stood his ground, refusing to let their words wound him any further. He shut them out of his life, finally freeing himself from their hold.
The scene shifted one last time, showing him just a week ago. He had moved again, this time to the house next door, to your aunt Choiâs place.
As the reflection faded, you were left staring at your own tear-streaked face in the mirror. The weight of the memories pressed down on you like a physical force, each revelation hitting you harder than the last. But one thought stood out above everything else:
Seungmin.
âSeungmin, I'm proud of you but youâre a horrible idiot,â you choked out, your voice cracking as you stared at the mirror. Tears streamed down your face as you buried your head in your hands. âHow could you even think I would ever go back to Hyunjin? How could you not see....â Your voice broke as the words spilled from your lips, unbidden yet true.
âI loved you, Seungmin. I always have, and I always will.â
The confession left your lips in a whisper, and as you wiped your tears, they only came faster, hot and unrelenting. You hadnât said the words to him, not when it mattered most. Now, you werenât sure if heâd ever hear them at all.
Suddenly, the ghostly brideâs chilling smile widened as she materialized in front of your mirror. Her translucent, icy fingers trailed across your cheek in the reflection, and the cold seemed to seep through the glass into your skin. You flinched instinctively, recoiling from her eerie touch. On the other side of the wall, Seungmin jerked back in his own room, mirroring your reaction.
âWell, well,â the bride purred, her voice soft but laced with malice. âShall we proceed to the next task?â
A shiver raced down your spine, and your stomach churned at her words. Just then, the oppressive darkness in the room shifted. The air grew heavy with an unexpected floral fragrance, mingled with the aged scent of wood and candle wax. Flickering candlelight danced across the walls, casting soft yet unnerving shadows that blurred the line between beauty and menace.
Behind you, the door slammed shut with a deafening force, making you jump. The sound echoed through the room, leaving a ringing silence in its wake. You held your breath, the only noise now was the frantic thudding of your heart.
In an identical room beyond the wall, Seungmin stood frozen, his sharp eyes scanning his surroundings. His chest heaved as he tried to steady his breathing, his jaw tightening as his gaze fell on the wooden desk before him. Like yours, it was empty except for a single sheet of yellowed parchment and a black fountain pen resting atop it, waiting ominously.
The brideâs voice returned, reverberating through the walls like a cold wind. âWrite,â she commanded, her tone sharp yet disturbingly hypnotic. âWrite what lies in the depths of your heart, every truth, every lie, every regret youâve buried. Write as if your very souls depend on it. Because if you donâtâŠâ
A blood-curdling screech erupted, a sound like nails raking across stone, sending a jolt through your entire body. You flinched violently, wrapping your arms around yourself for comfort as a chill swept over the room.
âYou will face the consequences,â the bride hissed, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper....
Seungminâs hands clenched into tight fists, his knuckles white as he gripped the back of the chair before him. His mind raced, his heart pounding against his ribs. The thought of you alone, just on the other side of this wall, terrified and vulnerable, was unbearable. His every instinct screamed at him to tear through the barrier, to reach you and hold you close. But the suffocating presence of the bride was unrelenting, pinning him in place like a weight he couldnât shake.
In your room, you stared down at the parchment, its blank surface a cruel taunt. The brideâs command echoed in your mind. Write? About him? Your chest tightened as years of emotions rose to the surface, unspoken truths, buried regrets, and all the feelings you had tried so hard to suppress. How could you possibly put them into words, especially now?
Your hand trembled as you picked up the pen, its cold weight pressing into your palm. The silence around you grew louder, the emptiness of the page magnifying the storm inside you. With a deep, shaky breath, you placed the pen to the parchment. The ink began to flow, and with it, so did your heart, spilling the truths you had kept hidden for far too long....
"Seungmin, I donât even know where to begin. Iâve carried so much, so many feelings, for so long that I feel like I might drown in them. I loved you. I still do. But when you left without a word, it felt like a piece of me was torn away. I kept asking myself what I did wrong, what I couldâve done to make you stay. But maybe the problem wasnât me at all. Maybe it was you⊠your fears, your insecurities, the walls you built between us."
Tears dripped onto the parchment, smudging the ink slightly, but you didnât stop.
"I wanted to fight for you, but how could I, when you wouldnât let me in? You were my safe place, my home, and I believed in you. I still do, even after everything. But you didnât believe in us, did you? You ran when things got hard, leaving me to pick up the pieces of what we could have been. Even now, I wish things had been different. I wish you had trusted me enough to stay. And I hate myself for still hoping youâll come back, despite the pain you caused."
Your hand faltered, trembling under the weight of the emotions pouring out of you, but you continued.
" I donât even know if you care. But if you ever loved me, if even a part of you still love me, then I need you to know: I never stopped loving you. Even when it hurt. Even when it felt impossible. Even now, when I know I should let go."
You signed your name at the bottom, a single tear rolling down your cheek as you folded the letter.
On the other side of the wall, Seungmin sat frozen, the pen heavy in his grasp. His heart felt like it was caving in under the weight of his regrets. The brideâs cold presence loomed, but it wasnât her command that compelled him to write, it was you.
His hand moved shakily, the words spilling out before he could overthink.
"Y/N, Iâm sorry. Those words feel so small compared to the damage I caused, but theyâre the only place I can start. I was a coward. I let my fears and my past ruin the best thing that ever happened to me. You. I thought I was protecting you by leaving, by pushing you away, but the truth is I was only protecting myself,from rejection, from failure, from everything I thought I wasnât enough for."
His chest tightened as he continued.
"You were the one person who made me feel seen, who made me believe I could be more than the mess my parents always said I was. And I threw that away because I was too scared to believe I deserved you. But I did love you, Y/N. I loved you more than Iâve ever loved anything or anyone in my life. And I still do. Every day, I regret leaving. Every day, I wonder if itâs too late to tell you everything I couldnât say before. I want to believe itâs not too late, but Iâm so scared youâll never forgive me."
His hand paused, his breathing unsteady.
"If this is the last thing I ever say to you, then I need you to know this: Iâm sorry I hurt you. Iâm sorry I wasnât brave enough to stay. And I love you. I always will."
He folded the letter carefully, his fingers trembling as he stood and moved toward the door.
The brideâs chilling smile reappeared as she instructed both of you to slide the letters beneath the door. Slowly, hesitantly, you did as she said, your heart pounding as you pushed the folded paper through the small gap. On the other side, Seungmin did the same, his breath catching as the parchment disappeared from sight.
Moments later, you picked up his letter, your hands shaking as you unfolded it. The moment your eyes skimmed the first words, a rush of emotions overwhelmed you. The pain, the anger, the heartbreak, it all surged to the surface, but beneath it, there was something else. Hope.
In his room, Seungminâs eyes scanned your words, each one hitting him like a blow to the chest. He could barely breathe as he read your heartbreak, your love, your unspoken truths. By the time he finished, tears blurred his vision.
For both of you, the letters were like a release. A weight you hadnât even realized youâd been carrying seemed to lift. The air around you felt lighter, and for the first time in what felt like forever, there was clarity.
Through the wall, you could feel his presence, the weight of his emotions mirroring yours. And though the ghostly bride loomed, the connection between you and Seungmin felt stronger than it ever had before.
Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Seungmin. Relief flooded your chest as his familiar smile met your eyes, and you couldnât help but grin back. For a brief, fleeting moment, the weight of fear lifted, replaced by the quiet comfort of his presence. But that happiness was short-lived.
The air grew colder, biting at your skin with unnatural intensity. Then, her voice returned, echoing through the room like a haunting melody, dripping with venomous satisfaction.
âWell done,â she purred, her words lingering like smoke in the air. âYouâve bared your hearts. Now, letâs see just how far youâre willing to go for love.â
The atmosphere shifted violently, heavy and suffocating, pressing down on you until it felt as though your lungs were collapsing under the weight. Every sound around you vanished into a suffocating void, leaving only the faint, sinister rustling of something unseen yet impossibly close. The presence was undeniable, wrapping around your senses like a vice, sinking deep into your very bones.
And then, the laughter began, low and hollow at first, like a whisper slithering through the dark. It spiraled into a bone-chilling crescendo, echoing endlessly and slicing through the silence. You and Seungmin instinctively stepped closer together, your shoulders brushing. His hand found yours, clasping it tightly, as though that fragile connection was the only thing grounding you to the world.
From the oppressive shadows, she emerged.
The Bride.
Her skeletal form loomed, grotesque and otherworldly, shrouded in a decayed wedding gown that clung to her like a shroud of despair. The tattered fabric swayed as though caught in a nonexistent breeze, stained with dark, dried streaks of blood. Her veil hung over her hollow face like cobwebs spun from nightmares, fluttering with an eerie life of its own. And beneath that veil, her empty eye sockets glowed faintly, twin embers of agony and hatred burning with an unnatural light. Her very presence seemed to twist the air around her, more menacing and all-consuming than before, as though the darkness itself had made her stronger.
âYou speak of love as though it is eternal,â she sneered, her voice rasping like iron dragged across stone. Her skeletal jaw clattered as she stepped closer, her veil rippling with unnatural movement. âAs though it is pure. But love is neither. It is fleeting. It is cruel. And it demands sacrifice.â Her glowing gaze burned into you both as her bony fingers curled into claws. âProve to me,â she hissed, âthat your love is worth the price.â
With one deliberate motion, the bride raised her hand high.
The ground trembled beneath your feet, a deep, bone-shaking rumble that stole your balance. Then, with an earsplitting crack, the floor splintered apart, fissures racing outward like jagged spiderwebs. Chunks of stone broke away, leaving crumbling platforms suspended over an abyss.
Below, the chasm pulsed with a deep, crimson glow, the light alive with a foreboding energy. It was as if the very void was breathing, a malevolent presence lurking just out of sight. The air reeked of something ancient and wrong, a sense of dread radiating from its depths.
âProve to me,â the bride repeated, her voice cutting through the chaos like a blade, âthat love is worth more than life itself. One of you must pay the price.â
Her words barely had time to sink in before the platform beneath you shifted, chunks of rock crumbling into the abyss. You stumbled, your arms flailing as you tried to regain your footing. Seungminâs hand shot out, gripping yours firmly and pulling you back from the edge just as a piece of stone fell away into the endless void.
But your relief was fleeting. Shadows erupted from the abyss below, inky tendrils writhing and clawing their way upward. They moved with terrifying purpose, splitting the platforms further apart and isolating you and Seungmin on unsteady, crumbling ledges.
âY/N, stay close!â Seungmin shouted, his voice taut with urgency as his eyes darted around for a way to reach you. But the bride wasnât done.
She raised her other hand, and the shadows obeyed her unspoken command. They surged forward, twisting and coiling like serpents, slithering between you and Seungmin. They thickened into a barrier, cutting him off from you with a wall of impenetrable darkness.
âNo!â Seungmin yelled, his voice cracking with desperation. He fought against the shadows clawing at him, but for every inch he gained, they dragged him farther back, their icy tendrils curling around his arms and legs. His grip on your hand faltered as the darkness yanked him away.
âSeungmin!â you screamed, your heart pounding as the shadows snaked around your own legs. They were cold and unrelenting, pulling you backward inch by inch. You thrashed and clawed at them, but their grip only tightened.
âHold on!â Seungminâs voice rang out again, fierce and determined. His eyes stayed locked on yours as he fought to break free, clawing at the shadows binding him. He lunged forward, trying desperately to close the distance, but the tendrils struck back with brutal force, forcing him farther from you.
Your hands stretched toward each other, fingertips brushing for the briefest moment before the shadows surged between you, severing the connection. The distance between you grew unbearable as the chasm yawned wider, swallowing everything in its path. Seungminâs frantic shouts became muffled, drowned out by the suffocating dark.
Above you, the bride hovered, her skeletal frame glowing faintly in the crimson light of the abyss. Her laughter rang out again, cold and merciless.
âYou cannot fight the abyss,â she mocked, her voice dripping with cruel satisfaction. âLove cannot survive here unless it is tested. Unless it is proven. One of you must fall.â
The shadows surged with renewed vigor, dragging you and Seungmin into opposite corners of the labyrinth. The ground beneath you crumbled completely, and you fell into the suffocating void, its icy grip consuming you whole.
âSeungmin!â you cried one last time, your voice barely a whisper against the howling abyss.
His faint reply reached you just before the darkness claimed everything: âY/N, donât let go!â
When the shadows finally released you, they dropped you unceremoniously onto cold, damp ground. The air was frigid, and the room you found yourself in reeked of decay. Your head throbbed, and it took a moment for your vision to adjust to the dim, flickering light. The chamber around you seemed to breathe, its walls pulsing with a sickly, black ichor that dripped down like tears. You could hear faint whispers echoing from every corner, an otherworldly chorus of agony and despair.
The whispers grew louder with every breath you took, rising to an unbearable cacophony. Then, just as suddenly as they began, they fell silent, replaced by the brideâs disembodied voice.
âLove demands sacrifice,â she said, her words slithering into your ears like venom. âTo save him, you must make a choice.â
In the center of the room, illuminated by a faint, red glow, stood a weathered stone table. Upon it lay a blood-stained parchment, a quill made from what looked like bone, and a gleaming dagger with a serrated edge. You approached the table hesitantly, every step feeling heavier than the last.
The brideâs voice rang out again, this time colder, harsher. âWrite a single name on the parchment: yours or his. The one whose name you write will be sacrificed. The other will go free.â
Your heart clenched as you stared at the parchment. The weight of the decision pressed down on you like an iron shackle.
Your name ?
His name ?
The mere thought of condemning Seungmin to death made your stomach churn, but the idea of leaving him behind while you lived filled you with equal dread.
Your hands trembled as you reached for the quill. The whispers in the room rose again, a mocking, taunting chorus. They called your name, hissed his name, laughed cruelly at your hesitation.
âThere has to be another way,â you whispered, tears streaming down your face. Your voice cracked, the words barely audible over the growing noise.
The whispers didnât answer, they only grew louder, suffocating you with their relentless mockery. The dagger glinted in the dim light, a cruel reminder of the brideâs demand.
As your fingers wrapped around the quill, a sudden, searing pain shot through your chest, and you stumbled back. The whispers roared with laughter, their tone growing more sinister. It felt as though the room itself was mocking your indecision.
âEvery second you hesitate,â the bride hissed, her voice reverberating through the chamber, âthe abyss draws him closer to death. Choose!â
Your mind raced. You could see Seungminâs face in your mind, his determination, his love, his unwavering belief in you. How could you make this choice? How could you possibly decide who deserved to live and who deserved to die?
âNo,â you said aloud, your voice shaking but resolute. âI wonât play your game.â
A surge of anger seemed to ripple through the room, the ichor on the walls bubbling furiously. The whispers turned to shrieks, and the brideâs voice roared, âYou dare defy me?â
Your eyes landed on the dagger. An idea, reckless and desperate, began to take shape in your mind. If the bride wanted blood, maybe there was a way to give it without giving her the satisfaction of your surrender.
You picked up the dagger, its blade unnervingly cold in your grip. Holding your breath, you pressed the tip against your palm, wincing as it pierced your skin. Blood welled up, warm and sticky, and you let it drip onto the parchment.
The room erupted in chaos. The whispers turned to enraged howls, and the walls trembled violently. Shadows surged toward you, wrapping around your arms and legs, pulling you toward the table with an almost unbearable force.
âDefiance will not save him!â the bride roared, her skeletal form materializing before you in a burst of black mist. Her hollow eyes burned with fury as she loomed over you.
The shadows tightened their grip, dragging you closer to the table. Your mind screamed Seungminâs name, the thought of him giving you the strength to fight back.
âYou cannot cheat the abyss!â the bride bellowed, her voice shaking the very ground beneath you.
With every ounce of strength you had left, you clutched the dagger tighter and drove it into the parchment, tearing it in two. A blinding light erupted from the table, and the shadows recoiled, their shrieks of agony echoing in your ears.
The bride screamed, her form flickering and fading. âNo! You cannot defy me! You will both pay for this insolence!â
The light engulfed you, and the last thing you heard was Seungminâs voice, faint and distant, calling your name. Then, everything went dark....
Seungminâs voice echoed faintly in the distance, growing louder as you disappeared into the blinding light. His heart raced, his chest tightening with panic. When the light finally dimmed he found himself standing in an unfamiliar room, its walls lined with endless, towering mirrors, each gleaming with an unnatural shimmer. His breath caught in his throat as he looked closer.
In every mirror, he saw you, but not the same version of you. Some mirrors showed you smiling, your face lit with joy and laughter. Others showed you sitting on the ground, clutching your knees, your shoulders shaking as if overcome by despair. Then there were the mirrors that made his stomach twist, images of you lying lifeless, your eyes open but empty.
The air grew colder as the brideâs voice slithered into the chamber, her tone venomous yet mocking. âDo you see them, Seungmin? These are reflections of Y/N, fragments of her possible futures. Each one is a path. Only one is real. Only one will lead you to her. But if you choose incorrectlyâŠâ
The air around him shifted, heavy with malice, as the voice grew sharper. âThe real Y/N will die, and you will live with the weight of your failure for eternity.â
Seungminâs hands balled into fists, his nails digging into his palms as he stared at the endless rows of mirrors. Panic clawed at his chest, but he forced himself to breathe. âThis is a trick,â he said, his voice tight. âYouâre trying to confuse me.â
The bride chuckled, her voice echoing like shards of broken glass. âPerhaps. Or perhaps this is the price of love, deciding who they truly are in the moments that matter most. You claim to know her heart, Seungmin. Prove it.â
He scanned the mirrors, his heart racing as he tried to process the overwhelming sight. In one reflection, you stood confidently, your posture strong, your face set with determination. In another, you smiled brightly, your laughter almost audible. Then his gaze fell on another image, a version of you hunched over, tears streaking down your face as you clutched your chest in anguish.
âChoose wisely,â the bride hissed. âThe wrong choice will doom her.â
Seungmin stepped closer to the mirrors, his mind racing. The confident version of you seemed so sure of yourself, so capable of surviving anything. But as he studied it, something felt off. The smile in that mirror didnât reach your eyes. It was an illusion, a façade.
He turned to the mirror showing you laughing, your expression full of joy. His heart yearned to believe this was the real you, but doubt gnawed at him. It felt too perfect, too staged.
Finally, his eyes returned to the mirror of you crying. The sight of your pain made his chest ache, but something about it felt raw, genuine. This version of you wasnât polished or perfect, it was vulnerable, real.
âLove isnât about perfection,â he whispered to himself, his voice trembling. âItâs about seeing someoneâs flaws, their pain, and loving them anyway.â
The brideâs voice hissed in his ear. âAre you sure, Seungmin? What if youâre wrong? What if your choice destroys her?â
His hands shook as he reached toward the crying reflection. Every instinct in him screamed to choose the happy version of you, the one that didnât hurt to look at. But he knew love wasnât always easy. It wasnât always joyful.
âLove is pain sometimes,â he said softly, his fingers brushing the surface of the crying mirror. âBut itâs worth it.â
As his hand touched the glass, the mirror shattered, shards flying through the air before dissolving into mist. The bride shrieked, her voice filled with rage. âInteresting⊠Youâve passed the first test. But your trials are far from over.â
Before Seungmin could react, the ground beneath him cracked open, and he plummeted into darkness. The brideâs laughter echoed around him as he fell, the cold abyss swallowing him whole....
Seungmin hit the cold, fractured surface of the bridge with a sharp gasp, his body jarred by the impact. He groaned as he pushed himself up, blinking against the swirling, oppressive darkness that surrounded him. Slowly, the scene came into focus, a massive, decaying stone bridge that stretched into the void, the expanse between him and the other side fractured and crumbling. Jagged stones hovered in midair, the only connections between the broken pieces of the bridge. Beneath the unstable structure loomed an endless chasm, pulsing faintly with an eerie crimson glow, like a living, breathing entity waiting to devour its next victim.
âY/N!â he called, his voice hoarse but desperate, echoing endlessly into the abyss.
A faint figure appeared at the other end of the bridge, your figure. His breath caught in his throat as relief flooded his veins. You were alive. You were trembling, your face streaked with tears, and though your form was barely visible through the darkness, the unmistakable fear in your posture gripped his heart.
âSeungmin!â you cried out, your voice raw and broken. âYouâre here! I thought...â
Your words were cut off as the shadows tightened around your legs, pulling you back. You stumbled, crying out in pain as the tendrils slithered like serpents, holding you in place.
Seungmin surged forward instinctively, but the bridge groaned under his weight, pieces of stone falling into the void below. He froze, his heart pounding as he assessed the impossibility of reaching you.
Before he could say another word, the air grew frigid, and an all-too-familiar sound sent chills down his spine: the brideâs haunting, hollow laughter. Her form materialized between you, skeletal and shrouded in tattered black veils that flowed like smoke. Her empty eye sockets burned with an unnatural light, and her jagged, bony grin twisted into mockery.
âHow quaint,â she sneered, her voice echoing like shards of glass in the dark. âTwo lovers reunited by fate, only to face the inevitable. But love is not about reunion. Love is pain. Love is sacrifice.â She lifted her bony hand, and the shadows around you coiled tighter, pulling you closer to the edge of the bridge.
âNo!â Seungmin shouted, stepping forward despite the groaning protests of the bridge beneath him. His eyes burned with desperation as he stared at you, helpless against the shadows.
The bride tilted her head, amusement dripping from her tone. âA choice must be made. One of you will fall into the abyss, offering your soul to the void. The other will walk free. Decide quickly, or the void shall claim you both.â
The bridge trembled violently, cracks spreading beneath your feet. Your sobs echoed across the void as you struggled against the darkness. âThere has to be another way!â you cried. âPlease, weâll do anything....just donât make us do this!â
The brideâs laughter sharpened, her hollow eyes gleaming. âThere is no other way. Sacrifice is the only proof of love. Now choose, or I shall decide for you.â
Seungminâs heart pounded as he locked eyes with you. A silent moment passed, heavy with unspoken words. Then, with deliberate steps, he moved forward, his gaze never leaving yours.
âIâll do it,â he said, his voice steady but trembling with heartbreak. âTake me. Let Y/N go.â
âSeungmin, no!â you screamed, thrashing against the shadows. âYou canât! I wonât let you!â
âYou deserve to live,â he said softly, his eyes filled with a love so pure it left you breathless. âYouâve fought so hard, Y/N. Let me do this. Please.â
âIf you fall, Iâll follow,â you choked out, shaking your head violently. âI wonât live without you, Seungmin. Donât you dare leave me!â
The brideâs hollow laughter turned into a roar. âFools!â she hissed, raising her skeletal hands. âIf neither of you will choose, then I shall take you both!â
The shadows surged forward like a tidal wave, gripping both of you and dragging you to the edge. The ground crumbled beneath your feet, sending chunks of stone tumbling into the abyss. You screamed as you clung to the ledge, your fingers digging desperately into the crumbling stone. Beside you, Seungmin dangled precariously, his body slipping further with each passing second.
âI wonât let you fall!â he shouted, his hand reaching for yours. His grip was strong, but the relentless pull of the void was stronger.
âSeungmin!â you sobbed, tears streaming down your face. âDonât do this! Please!â
His voice broke as he whispered, âI have to. I canât lose you, Y/N. I love you too much.â
With one final, heart-wrenching look, he let go of the ledge, surrendering himself to the abyss. Your scream ripped through the air as his body began to fade into the darkness. But in that instant, something inside you snapped.
âNo!â you cried, lunging forward and grabbing his wrist with both hands. The force nearly tore you over the edge, but you held on, your grip unyielding. âIf you fall, I fall! I wonât let you go, Seungmin!â
The brideâs skeletal form flickered, her hollow eyes narrowing in rage. âHow dare you defy me?â she bellowed, her voice shaking the crumbling bridge. âLove is sacrifice! One must fall!â
âNo!â you shouted, your voice echoing with raw defiance. âLove is fighting for each other! Love is refusing to let go, no matter the cost!â
As if in response, a radiant golden light erupted from your joined hands, warm and blinding. The darkness recoiled, hissing and writhing as the light grew stronger, engulfing the void. The bride shrieked in fury, her form disintegrating into smoke.
âThis cannot be!â she screamed as the light consumed her. âLove cannot overpower the curse!â
But her voice faded, and with it, the shadows vanished. The bridge stopped shaking, its cracks sealing as the golden light spread, illuminating the abyss. The chasm dissolved, replaced by a vast meadow bathed in sunlight.
You and Seungmin collapsed onto the solid ground, gasping for breath. He turned to you, his face pale but filled with emotion. âYou didnât let go,â he whispered, his voice trembling.
Tears streamed down your face as you cupped his cheeks. âYou were willing to give your life for me,â you said softly, your voice breaking.
âSo were you,â Seungmin replied, his eyes glistening as he pulled you into his arms....
The golden light that had vanquished the bride began to fade, leaving behind a sense of calm and serenity. The meadowâs warmth seeped into your skin, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, you could breathe without fear. You looked at Seungmin, his hand still clasped tightly in yours, and felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude and love.
But before you could speak, the air shimmered around you, and the meadow began to blur. The light intensified again, growing so bright that you had to close your eyes. A faint, soothing hum filled your ears, and when you opened your eyes, you were no longer on the bridge, or in the meadow.
Instead, you found yourself sitting back in Aunt Choiâs cozy living room, the soft glow of the fireplace warming the space. Pepper and Sage, her ever-affectionate cats, were curled up against you, their gentle purring filling the quiet air. You blinked in disbelief, your body still trembling from the ordeal.
Seungmin sat beside you on the worn couch, his face pale but calm. He glanced around the room, his eyes scanning every corner, as if to confirm that the nightmare had truly ended. He let out a shaky laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.
âDid that... really happen?â you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.
He turned to you, his gaze softening. âIt did,â he said, his tone gentle but firm. âBut itâs over now. Weâre safe.â
You exhaled deeply, the weight of everything that had happened finally hitting you. Your head leaned back against the couch, and you felt Pepper nuzzle your hand, her soft fur grounding you. For a moment, the two of you sat in silence, the crackle of the fireplace and the catsâ purring the only sounds in the room.
Seungmin didnât say anything at first, his eyes fixed on the flickering flames. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice quiet but thoughtful.
âWould you like to rest at my place?â he asked, his gaze shifting to meet yours. âI donât think staying here tonight is the best idea, especially after everything.â
You hesitated, glancing around Aunt Choiâs familiar but now eerie house. Despite its warmth, it felt heavy with memories of what had just transpired. The thought of staying there alone sent a chill down your spine.
Looking back at Seungmin, you saw the exhaustion in his eyes, but also the quiet concern. There was no judgment, no pressure, just an open invitation. You nodded slowly, your voice soft but firm. âIâd like that.â
A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he stood, offering you his hand. âCome on, letâs get out of here.â
You scooped up Pepper and Sage, their soft fur brushing against your arms as they purred contentedly. The chill of the night air nipped at your skin as you stepped outside, but with Seungmin by your side, the lingering weight of fear and uncertainty finally began to lift. The world around you seemed quieter, calmer, like even the shadows had retreated, no longer holding their ominous grip.
Ahead, Seungminâs house came into view, its golden light spilling warmly through the windows and cutting through the lingering darkness. The sight was like a beacon, a safe haven amidst the unsettling remnants of Aunt Choiâs eerie home....
Seungmin opened the door for you, hesitating briefly before stepping aside to let you in. The moment you crossed the threshold, you were enveloped in warmth, the kind that wrapped around you like an embrace. The faint scent of cedarwood and vanilla lingered in the air, mingling with the soft, comforting undertones of his cologne.
His home was modest yet undeniably inviting. Amber light bathed the living room, casting a gentle glow over the space. The couch looked well-loved, draped with a cozy blanket, and a forgotten book rested on the coffee table, its pages slightly bent. It was a space that spoke of quiet evenings and warmth, a stark contrast to the turmoil of the night youâd just endured.
Seungmin lingered behind you, his hands tucked into his pockets as he watched you set Pepper and Sage down. The cats immediately made themselves at home, Pepper curling up near the heater while Sage explored the corners of the room with curious paws.
âYou can take my room,â Seungmin offered suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice was soft, almost hesitant. âIâll sleep out here on the couch.â
You turned to him, raising an eyebrow. âAbsolutely not. Youâre not sleeping on the couch in your own house, Seungmin. Thatâs absurd.â
âItâs fine,â he insisted, his tone firm but gentle. âYouâve had a long day. You need proper rest.â
âAnd you donât?â you countered, crossing your arms. âLook, weâll figure something out, but youâre not exiling yourself to the couch. End of discussion.â
He opened his mouth to argue but seemed to think better of it when he caught the determined look in your eyes. With a small sigh, he relented. âFine. But youâre still taking the bed.â
You gave him a pointed look, a playful smile tugging at your lips. âWeâll see.â
After freshening up, you found yourself sitting together in the living room. The quiet between you wasnât uncomfortable, but it was heavy, laden with words left unsaid. Seungmin sat at the edge of the couch, his hands fidgeting slightly as he stared at the floor, his expression unreadable.
âIâm sorry,â he said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence. His eyes lifted to meet yours, filled with guilt and something raw, something vulnerable. âFor everything. For leaving abruptly. For not protecting you the way I should have. ForâŠâ He paused, his hands tightening into fists. âFor being a coward.â
Your chest tightened at the tremor in his voice, at the way his shoulders hunched as though he was carrying the weight of the world.
âI hurt you,â he continued, his words spilling out now, as though he couldnât stop them. â, I betrayed your trust and I pushed you awayâŠI donât even know if I deserve to sit here with you right now, but I needed to tell you...Iâm sorry. For everything.â
You let his words settle between you, the sincerity in his voice tugging at your heart. Slowly, you reached out, your fingers brushing against his.
âI forgive you,â you said softly, your voice steady.
His head shot up, his eyes wide. âYou⊠forgive me?â
You nodded, a small smile curving your lips. âI do. Because the truth is, Seungmin, I like you. Iâve liked you for a long time. And yes, you hurt me, so much, but I know you didnât mean to. I know your heart.â
His breath hitched, his lips parting slightly as though struggling to process your words. âYou⊠like me?â
You leaned in slightly, your voice softening. âI do. And I think you like me too. Am I wrong?â
A quiet laugh escaped him, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush. âNo. Youâre not wrong.â
The tension in the room shifted then, melting into something warmer, softer. He reached out tentatively, his hand brushing against yours before fully taking it. âCome here,â he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
You let him pull you closer, the space between you disappearing until your faces were mere inches apart. His gaze flickered to your lips, and your heart raced in your chest.
When he finally leaned in, his lips met yours in a kiss that was hesitant at first, almost shy. But as you kissed him back, the hesitation faded, replaced by a quiet intensity that sent warmth spreading through your entire body. His hand moved to cradle your cheek, his touch grounding and gentle.
When you pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, his breath mingling with yours in the quiet of the room. âThank you,â he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
âFor what?â you asked, your own voice barely audible.
âFor giving me a chance,â he said softly. âAnd for staying.â
You smiled, your fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from his face. âNo more apologies, okay? Letâs just⊠move forward.â
Together, you settled onto the couch, Pepper and Sage curled up nearby, their soft purring filling the space. Seungmin wrapped an arm around you, pulling you closer as you rested your head against his shoulder. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your cheek was soothing, lulling you into a sense of peace.
For the first time in what felt like forever, everything felt right. The weight of the night faded, replaced by warmth and the quiet comfort of being with him. And as you drifted off to sleep in his arms, you knew this was exactly where you were meant to be.
The next morning, you awoke to the faint aroma of something warm and inviting wafting through the air, a mix of butter sizzling in a pan and something sweet, like maple syrup. For a moment, you stayed wrapped in the blanket on Seungminâs couch, enjoying the comforting stillness, until the sound of quiet humming broke through your half-asleep haze. Blinking, you slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from your eyes.
The golden morning light spilled through the curtains, casting soft rays across the room. Pepper stretched lazily near the heater, her fur gleaming in the sunlight, while Sage perched on the windowsill, watching the world outside with a flick of his tail. Everything felt so peaceful, almost as if the events of the previous night had been nothing more than a fleeting nightmare.
But they hadnât been.
Your thoughts drifted back to the eerie visions, the haunted reflections in the mirror, and the suffocating dread that clung to Aunt Choiâs house. Even as you tried to push it all away, a faint unease lingered in the back of your mind, like a shadow you couldnât shake.
Shaking off the thoughts, you followed the sound of humming into the kitchen. There, standing at the stove, Seungmin was flipping pancakes with surprising ease. His hair was slightly tousled, a sign of his morning grogginess, and an apron hung loosely over his sweatshirt. The sight of him, so effortlessly at ease in the kitchen, pulled at something deep inside you, making your chest tighten in a way you couldnât quite place.
âYouâre up,â he said, glancing over his shoulder with a small, warm smile. âHope youâre hungry.â
You leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, raising an eyebrow. âI didnât know you could cook.â
He turned back to the stove, the smile on his lips growing slightly. âThereâs a lot you donât know about me.â
âClearly,â you teased, stepping into the kitchen as he placed a stack of fluffy pancakes onto a plate. âCoffee or tea?â
âCoffee,â you replied, taking a seat at the small dining table. The warm, comforting atmosphere began to chip away at the lingering tension in your chest. âYou didnât have to do all this, you know.â
Seungmin set a steaming mug of coffee in front of you before sitting down across the table. âI wanted to. Besides,â he added, his voice softening, âafter everything that happened last night, I thought we could both use something normal to start the day.â
You smiled at him, feeling the knot in your chest loosen just a little. For a moment, the two of you sat in comfortable silence, the quiet clink of utensils against plates filling the air. Pepper wandered into the kitchen, sniffing around curiously before curling up at Seungminâs feet.
As you reached for the syrup, your phone buzzed on the table, breaking the peaceful moment. You picked it up, expecting a routine message, but your cousin Jiwonâs name flashed across the screen.
Your brow furrowed as you opened the message fully.
Your jaw dropped, and the fork slipped from your hand, clattering onto the plate.
âWhatâs wrong?â Seungmin asked, noticing your stunned expression.
You held up your phone for him to see. âApparently, last night was⊠staged. My cousin, Aunt Choi, and some of our friends thought it would be fun to play matchmaker with an immersive horror experience.â
Seungmin blinked, clearly struggling to process the words. âYouâre kidding.â
âI wish I was.â You scrolled back to reread the text, your disbelief growing. âThey planned the cook off the dance the rose⊠all of it. Just to ânudgeâ us together.â
He leaned back in his chair, a mixture of shock and amusement crossing his face. âI get the matchmaking part, but staging a horror experience? Who even comes up with that?â
Before you could respond, another text arrived.
Your blood ran cold, the uneasy knot in your stomach tightening. The ghost bride⊠hadnât done anything? Then who...or what...had been behind the mirrors, the whispers, and the visions?
âWhat is it?â Seungmin asked, his voice laced with concern as he noticed the change in your expression.
You read the text aloud, your voice barely steady. âTheyâre saying the actress didnât do anything after the rose scene. The mirrors, the visions⊠none of it was part of their plan.â
Silence fell between you, the weight of the revelation settling over the room.
Seungminâs fork clinked softly as he set it down. âSo⊠what we saw in those mirrorsâŠâ His voice trailed off, his expression darkening.
âWasnât part of the act,â you finished, your voice trembling.
He leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, as he ran a hand through his hair. âThat doesnât make sense. What were those reflections? We saw each other in ways we couldnât see before. It felt so⊠real. Our childhood, our past, the partyâŠâ
You nodded, a chill running down your spine. âAnd the whispers⊠the shadows in the corner⊠That wasnât a team of actors.â
The once-warm morning atmosphere evaporated, replaced by a suffocating heaviness. The more you thought about it, the more unsettling it became. The staged horror was just a facade, but something real had been in Aunt Choiâs house that night, something beyond explanation.
âWe need answers,â you said, your voice firm despite the unease creeping up your spine. âI donât know whatâs going on, but thereâs something about that house we donât understand.â
Seungminâs expression hardened. âNo. We donât need to go back there.â His voice was tight with emotion. âWeâve been through enough already, and whatever it was in that house succeeded in its mission.â
He reached across the table, taking your hand in his. âBesides,â his voice softened, âI canât lose you again.â
You squeezed his hand gently, offering him a soft smile. âYou wonât. Iâm here, Seungmin.â
His gaze softened, and he whispered, âI love you, Ynnie.â
You met his eyes, your voice unwavering. âI love you too, Minnie.â
In that moment, with the warmth of his hand in yours and the promise of being together, you felt a sense of peace. The horrors of the past night had shaken you, but you werenât facing them alone. Whatever mysteries lingered in Aunt Choiâs house, you would face them, together. The bond between you and Seungmin had deepened, and no matter what came next, you knew you had each other. And for the first time that morning, the unease began to lift, replaced by the quiet certainty that, with him by your side, you could face anything....
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àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.ENDNOTE - Everything Here is a work of fiction and my own imagination. This does not represent the real life characteristics of Stray Kids. Make sure to like, reblog comment, and follow me for new updates!
you are so talented I can barely even put it into words đ but characterisation of the bride, the PLOT TWIST (I was so not expecting that?), I could visualise the descriptions so clearly in my head it was THAT good
àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ. A Knight In Christmas Armor àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.
(Pt 2)
àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.Pairing - Seungmin x Fem Reader
àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.Plot - When your aunt leaves for a Christmas trip, she gives you the keys to her house and cats to look after, and you eagerly accept. However, strange and creepy things start happening, culminating in eerie voices echoing through a chilly night. After a scream sends your annoying ex-best friend, Seungmin, to your door, you find yourselves trapped inside with the cats and mysterious voices, as the faulty door wonât lock or open properly.
àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.Warnings - Supernatural stuff, blood, a lot of swearing, mentions of sacrifice, action, angsty, hurt to comfort, fluff, horror comedy, non idol au, ex best friends to lovers
àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.A/N - Episode 7 of Staymas is here, bringing a mix of supernatural fantasy and comedy because whatâs Staymas without a hint of horror? Itâs my first attempt at this genre in a while, and while I feel itâs a bit rushed, Iâd love to hear your thoughts! (Slightly proofread, so apologies for any mistakes đââïž ) Split into two parts because Tumblr, as always, hates me đ
In another room, dimly lit and eerily still like yours, Seungmin stood before his own mirror. The same blood-red rose rested in his hand, its thorns pressing into his skin. He hesitated, staring at his reflection, his jaw tightening as if he could hold himself together through sheer will.
The ghost brideâs voice coiled around him, cold and unyielding. âFace your past, Seungmin. Only then can you move forward.â
With a sharp inhale, Seungmin pricked his finger on the roseâs thorn. The mirror rippled like water, and the glossy surface transformed, pulling him into a swirl of memories.
The first image surfaced, a younger Seungmin, small and timid, standing at the entrance of a classroom on his first day of school. His hands gripped the straps of his backpack, his gaze darting nervously across the room. And then he saw you.
Bright-eyed, a whirlwind of energy, you bounded over to him without hesitation. âHi! Iâm Y/N. Want to sit with me?â
He remembered his hesitation so vividly, the way his heart had pounded in fear of rejection. But your smile was so genuine, so welcoming, that it had pulled him in like a lifeline.
The scene shifted, flickering like a reel of film. The playground came into view, the two of you laughing as you pushed each other on the swings. The memory of your laughter echoed around him, warming his chest despite the chill of the room.
The mirror rippled again, showing the times you had stood up for him when others teased him for being too quiet. How you always knew when he needed space but never let him retreat too far into himself.
âYouâre my best friend, Minnie,â your younger self said, clutching his hand tightly after a particularly rough day. âIâve got your back, okay?â
He had held onto those words like a lifeline. Through the years, as you both grew older, they had anchored him.
The scenes shifted again. High school. Late-night study sessions where you teased him about how meticulous he was, but you stayed, no matter how late it got. The time you stood in the front row at his music recital, cheering louder than anyone else, your face glowing with pride as if his success were your own.
You had become his safe space, a constant in a world that often felt cold and unpredictable. With you, he didnât have to wear a mask or pretend to be someone he wasnât. He could be quiet, thoughtful, even vulnerable, and you never once made him feel like those were flaws. With you, he could just be.
But as the reflection darkened, the comfort of those memories gave way to shadows of his past.
Seungminâs smile faded as the mirror revealed a different part of his story, his home.
There, in the dim light of his childhood dining room, sat his younger self. Small, timid, and sitting in silence as his parentsâ cold, disapproving voices echoed around him.
âWhy canât you be more like your brother?â his fatherâs voice boomed, sharp and cutting.
âYouâre too quiet, Seungmin,â his father continued, his gaze piercing. âYouâll never succeed if you donât speak up. No one respects a boy who doesnât know how to lead.â
His motherâs words werenât any softer. âNo one will want you around if you donât learn to stand out. Youâre forgettable, Seungmin. Do you want to be forgotten?â
He remembered sitting there, forcing himself to swallow every word, every pang of shame, every tear threatening to spill. He buried it deep, locking it away where no one could see, pretending it didnât hurt. But it had. Their words carved themselves into his soul, lingering long after the arguments ended, shaping the way he saw himself.
The voices echoed in the mirror, relentless and cruel.
âYouâll never be enough!â
But then, as if to chase away the darkness, your image appeared in the mirror. Like a beam of light breaking through storm clouds, there you were, pulling him out of the house on a warm evening.
He saw the memory as vividly as if he were living it again, your determined expression as you tugged his hand, leading him to the ice cream shop after school. âYou need to get out of that stuffy house,â you had said, handing him a cone and giggling as you accidentally smeared whipped cream on your nose.
âYouâre too serious, Minnie,â you teased, your voice warm and full of life. âSmile more. The worldâs not so bad when you have ice cream.â
And he had smiled then,not because of the ice cream, but because of you. You had this inexplicable way of making the world feel lighter, as though your presence could shoulder some of the burdens he carried. In that moment, with you, he almost believed that maybe, just maybe, he wasnât as unworthy as heâd been told.
The reflection shifted again, moving forward in time. College.
It wasnât just your smile or the way your laugh seemed to fill even the emptiest spaces. It was the way you saw him. Not the quiet, unsure boy his parents had scorned, but the Seungmin who loved music, who thought deeply, who cared more than he let on. You saw him, all of him and you accepted every part.
The mirror showed the small moments he had cherished without even realizing it. The way his heart raced whenever you rested your head on his shoulder after a long day. The way you tapped your pen absentmindedly when you were deep in thought. The way your nose scrunched up just slightly when you were confused.
Those moments had built into something undeniable, something he couldnât ignore even if he tried.
But then, as if to remind him that happiness wasnât his to keep, the mirrorâs image darkened. The familiar setting of the party appeared, and with it, a sense of dread settled in his chest.
Seungminâs breath caught as the memory unfolded with painful clarity. He had been standing in the corner, watching the crowd with a detached gaze, when his eyes found you. His heart had leapt at the sight of you, so beautiful, so radiant, you made the world around him blur.
Tonight, he had told himself. Tonight, he would finally tell you how he felt. Weeks of rehearsing confessions in his mind had led to this moment. He was determined to let you know what you meant to him, to lay his heart bare for you.
But then, he saw Hyunjin.
The mirror showed how his entire body had tensed, his chest tightening like a vice as Hyunjin stumbled toward you, grabbing your arm. Seungminâs breath had hitched, unease curling in his stomach like smoke. Then, when Hyunjin pulled you into a hug, the unease ignited into something sharper, something scorching and unfamiliar.
Jealousy.
It wasnât an emotion Seungmin was used to feeling, but in that moment, it consumed him. Doubts and insecurities came rushing in, louder and crueler than ever. Of course, youâd choose Hyunjin. How could you not? He was everything Seungmin wasnât confident, charming, effortlessly magnetic. The kind of person who could command a room without even trying.
The voices of his parents echoed in his mind, cruel and unrelenting. âYouâll never be enough, Seungmin. No one will want you.â
But the mirror showed him what he hadnât seen that night: the moment you shoved Hyunjin away, your voice firm, your eyes blazing with anger as you told him to leave you alone. It showed the way you stormed off, your face flushed with frustration, your eyes scanning the crowd, desperately looking for him.
Seungminâs hands trembled as he watched the memory play out, a tear slipping from the corner of his eye. But the mirror didnât stop.
It replayed the way he had turned away, his chest heaving with anger and pain. His vision had blurred with unshed tears as he reached for a drink, downing it in one bitter gulp. He hadnât seen you looking for him. He hadnât heard you calling his name over the pounding music.
And then she appeared. Beth.
âSeungmin,â Beth had said, her voice smooth, dripping with false sympathy. âYou look upset. Want to talk about it?â
He had barely spared her a glance, his emotions clouding every ounce of his judgment. He knew what kind of person Beth was. You despised her and for good reason. She had mocked you, belittled you at every chance she got, and Seungmin had always stood by your side, knowing she wasnât worth his time.
But that night, in the haze of heartbreak and anger, he didnât care.
âNot in the mood, Beth,â he muttered, brushing past her.
But she didnât relent. She followed him, persistent, into a quieter corner of the party. âCome on, Seungmin. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone. Iâm here if you need me.â
Her voice grated on him, but the pain in his chest was unbearable. He just wanted to forget, forget what he saw, forget how much it hurt. He didnât want to feel anything at all.
Beth stepped closer, her hand brushing against his arm. He shouldâve pulled away. He knew he shouldâve. But the anger, the doubt, the crushing ache, all of it made him hesitate. When she leaned in, her lips hovering just inches from his, he didnât move.
And in that fleeting, reckless moment, he let it happen.
Meanwhile, Seungminâs present self watched in the mirror as you frantically searched for him, your heart pounding against your ribs. Desperation clung to every breath as you pushed through the crowd, determined to find him, to explain. Whatever he thought he saw, it wasnât trueâit couldnât be. You had to make him understand.
But when you finally found him, the sight before you made your world crumble.
There he was, standing in the shadows with Beth. Her hands rested on his chest as she leaned in close, whispering something into his ear. And then, before you could even process it, he leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that made your breath hitch, your heart shattering into a thousand pieces.
âSeungminâŠâ you whispered, the sound barely audible over the noise of the party.
At the sound of your voice, he pulled away from Beth, his eyes widening in shock as he saw you standing there. For a fleeting moment, everything around him seemed to stop. The music, the chatter, the laughter, it all faded, leaving only the heavy weight of his mistake.
âY/N,â he started, his voice shaking, but you raised a trembling hand to stop him.
âDonât,â you said, your voice breaking under the strain of holding back tears. âDonât say anything.â
Your face was pale, your eyes glistening with heartbreak, and before he could take another step toward you, you turned and ran. The pain in your chest was unbearable, a searing ache that grew with every step. Behind you, Seungminâs voice called your name, but you didnât stop. You couldnât.
The mirror darkened, leaving Seungmin staring at his own reflection, the weight of his actions suffocating him. His chest ached as the memory replayed over and over, every second a brutal reminder of how badly he had messed up.
âYouâre such an idiot,â he whispered to himself, his voice thick with emotion. âFuck, I messed up so bad.â
Tears streamed down his face as the realization hit him with full force. âI love her⊠Y/N, I love her so much,â he choked out. His knees felt weak as the words tumbled from his lips. âAnd I⊠I lost her. I lost the only chance I had.â
His reflection in the mirror was unrecognizable, broken, haunted by the pain he had caused. He let out a bitter laugh, the sound laced with anguish. âOf course she hates me now. Why wouldnât she?â
And for the first time, he allowed himself to feel the full weight of his regret, sinking to the ground as his sobs echoed in the empty room....
Meanwhile, on your side of the mirror, it revealed how, by the time you reached the door, Seungmin wasnât following you. You glanced back, hoping, praying, that he would appear, that he would chase after you, but the doorway remained empty. Later that night, driven by desperation and heartbreak, you tried calling him. Each ring felt like an eternity, only for your hopes to be crushed when your call went straight to voicemail.
Morning brought no comfort. Instead, it delivered the truth. Seungmin had left the city. No explanation, no goodbye. When you tried calling him again, hoping for answers, your stomach sank as the call refused to go through. Thatâs when you realized.....he had blocked your number.
Your chest felt hollow as you stared at the empty screen. The weight of his betrayal pressed down on you, suffocating and relentless. Seungmin was gone, and with him, the pieces of your shattered heart. You didnât know if you would ever recover from the pain he had left behind.
The mirror shifted again, showing his side of the story, how guilt consumed him that night. He had convinced himself that the best thing to do was to disappear, to leave you behind and start over. For a fresh start, he moved into his friendâs tiny apartment on the far side of Seoul. The two of them scraped by, taking part-time jobs to make ends meet.
One evening, as he worked at a restaurant, his aunt came to visit. She saw the exhaustion etched into his face and, with a knowing sigh, said, âI know how horrible your parents are, Seungmin. You donât have to go through this alone.â
She offered him a place to stay, a real home, until he could save enough to rent one of his own. Reluctantly, he accepted, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Seungmin experienced what family could be. His aunt was nothing like his parents. She didnât demand or criticize. She cared for him, supported him, and reminded him that he was worthy of love.
The mirror then showed the moment weeks later when his parents found him. They barged into his auntâs home, their voices sharp and cutting, filled with the same nagging accusations and belittlement that had haunted him for years. But this time, Seungmin didnât let them win. He stood his ground, refusing to let their words wound him any further. He shut them out of his life, finally freeing himself from their hold.
The scene shifted one last time, showing him just a week ago. He had moved again, this time to the house next door, to your aunt Choiâs place.
As the reflection faded, you were left staring at your own tear-streaked face in the mirror. The weight of the memories pressed down on you like a physical force, each revelation hitting you harder than the last. But one thought stood out above everything else:
Seungmin.
âSeungmin, I'm proud of you but youâre a horrible idiot,â you choked out, your voice cracking as you stared at the mirror. Tears streamed down your face as you buried your head in your hands. âHow could you even think I would ever go back to Hyunjin? How could you not see....â Your voice broke as the words spilled from your lips, unbidden yet true.
âI loved you, Seungmin. I always have, and I always will.â
The confession left your lips in a whisper, and as you wiped your tears, they only came faster, hot and unrelenting. You hadnât said the words to him, not when it mattered most. Now, you werenât sure if heâd ever hear them at all.
Suddenly, the ghostly brideâs chilling smile widened as she materialized in front of your mirror. Her translucent, icy fingers trailed across your cheek in the reflection, and the cold seemed to seep through the glass into your skin. You flinched instinctively, recoiling from her eerie touch. On the other side of the wall, Seungmin jerked back in his own room, mirroring your reaction.
âWell, well,â the bride purred, her voice soft but laced with malice. âShall we proceed to the next task?â
A shiver raced down your spine, and your stomach churned at her words. Just then, the oppressive darkness in the room shifted. The air grew heavy with an unexpected floral fragrance, mingled with the aged scent of wood and candle wax. Flickering candlelight danced across the walls, casting soft yet unnerving shadows that blurred the line between beauty and menace.
Behind you, the door slammed shut with a deafening force, making you jump. The sound echoed through the room, leaving a ringing silence in its wake. You held your breath, the only noise now was the frantic thudding of your heart.
In an identical room beyond the wall, Seungmin stood frozen, his sharp eyes scanning his surroundings. His chest heaved as he tried to steady his breathing, his jaw tightening as his gaze fell on the wooden desk before him. Like yours, it was empty except for a single sheet of yellowed parchment and a black fountain pen resting atop it, waiting ominously.
The brideâs voice returned, reverberating through the walls like a cold wind. âWrite,â she commanded, her tone sharp yet disturbingly hypnotic. âWrite what lies in the depths of your heart, every truth, every lie, every regret youâve buried. Write as if your very souls depend on it. Because if you donâtâŠâ
A blood-curdling screech erupted, a sound like nails raking across stone, sending a jolt through your entire body. You flinched violently, wrapping your arms around yourself for comfort as a chill swept over the room.
âYou will face the consequences,â the bride hissed, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper....
Seungminâs hands clenched into tight fists, his knuckles white as he gripped the back of the chair before him. His mind raced, his heart pounding against his ribs. The thought of you alone, just on the other side of this wall, terrified and vulnerable, was unbearable. His every instinct screamed at him to tear through the barrier, to reach you and hold you close. But the suffocating presence of the bride was unrelenting, pinning him in place like a weight he couldnât shake.
In your room, you stared down at the parchment, its blank surface a cruel taunt. The brideâs command echoed in your mind. Write? About him? Your chest tightened as years of emotions rose to the surface, unspoken truths, buried regrets, and all the feelings you had tried so hard to suppress. How could you possibly put them into words, especially now?
Your hand trembled as you picked up the pen, its cold weight pressing into your palm. The silence around you grew louder, the emptiness of the page magnifying the storm inside you. With a deep, shaky breath, you placed the pen to the parchment. The ink began to flow, and with it, so did your heart, spilling the truths you had kept hidden for far too long....
"Seungmin, I donât even know where to begin. Iâve carried so much, so many feelings, for so long that I feel like I might drown in them. I loved you. I still do. But when you left without a word, it felt like a piece of me was torn away. I kept asking myself what I did wrong, what I couldâve done to make you stay. But maybe the problem wasnât me at all. Maybe it was you⊠your fears, your insecurities, the walls you built between us."
Tears dripped onto the parchment, smudging the ink slightly, but you didnât stop.
"I wanted to fight for you, but how could I, when you wouldnât let me in? You were my safe place, my home, and I believed in you. I still do, even after everything. But you didnât believe in us, did you? You ran when things got hard, leaving me to pick up the pieces of what we could have been. Even now, I wish things had been different. I wish you had trusted me enough to stay. And I hate myself for still hoping youâll come back, despite the pain you caused."
Your hand faltered, trembling under the weight of the emotions pouring out of you, but you continued.
" I donât even know if you care. But if you ever loved me, if even a part of you still love me, then I need you to know: I never stopped loving you. Even when it hurt. Even when it felt impossible. Even now, when I know I should let go."
You signed your name at the bottom, a single tear rolling down your cheek as you folded the letter.
On the other side of the wall, Seungmin sat frozen, the pen heavy in his grasp. His heart felt like it was caving in under the weight of his regrets. The brideâs cold presence loomed, but it wasnât her command that compelled him to write, it was you.
His hand moved shakily, the words spilling out before he could overthink.
"Y/N, Iâm sorry. Those words feel so small compared to the damage I caused, but theyâre the only place I can start. I was a coward. I let my fears and my past ruin the best thing that ever happened to me. You. I thought I was protecting you by leaving, by pushing you away, but the truth is I was only protecting myself,from rejection, from failure, from everything I thought I wasnât enough for."
His chest tightened as he continued.
"You were the one person who made me feel seen, who made me believe I could be more than the mess my parents always said I was. And I threw that away because I was too scared to believe I deserved you. But I did love you, Y/N. I loved you more than Iâve ever loved anything or anyone in my life. And I still do. Every day, I regret leaving. Every day, I wonder if itâs too late to tell you everything I couldnât say before. I want to believe itâs not too late, but Iâm so scared youâll never forgive me."
His hand paused, his breathing unsteady.
"If this is the last thing I ever say to you, then I need you to know this: Iâm sorry I hurt you. Iâm sorry I wasnât brave enough to stay. And I love you. I always will."
He folded the letter carefully, his fingers trembling as he stood and moved toward the door.
The brideâs chilling smile reappeared as she instructed both of you to slide the letters beneath the door. Slowly, hesitantly, you did as she said, your heart pounding as you pushed the folded paper through the small gap. On the other side, Seungmin did the same, his breath catching as the parchment disappeared from sight.
Moments later, you picked up his letter, your hands shaking as you unfolded it. The moment your eyes skimmed the first words, a rush of emotions overwhelmed you. The pain, the anger, the heartbreak, it all surged to the surface, but beneath it, there was something else. Hope.
In his room, Seungminâs eyes scanned your words, each one hitting him like a blow to the chest. He could barely breathe as he read your heartbreak, your love, your unspoken truths. By the time he finished, tears blurred his vision.
For both of you, the letters were like a release. A weight you hadnât even realized youâd been carrying seemed to lift. The air around you felt lighter, and for the first time in what felt like forever, there was clarity.
Through the wall, you could feel his presence, the weight of his emotions mirroring yours. And though the ghostly bride loomed, the connection between you and Seungmin felt stronger than it ever had before.
Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Seungmin. Relief flooded your chest as his familiar smile met your eyes, and you couldnât help but grin back. For a brief, fleeting moment, the weight of fear lifted, replaced by the quiet comfort of his presence. But that happiness was short-lived.
The air grew colder, biting at your skin with unnatural intensity. Then, her voice returned, echoing through the room like a haunting melody, dripping with venomous satisfaction.
âWell done,â she purred, her words lingering like smoke in the air. âYouâve bared your hearts. Now, letâs see just how far youâre willing to go for love.â
The atmosphere shifted violently, heavy and suffocating, pressing down on you until it felt as though your lungs were collapsing under the weight. Every sound around you vanished into a suffocating void, leaving only the faint, sinister rustling of something unseen yet impossibly close. The presence was undeniable, wrapping around your senses like a vice, sinking deep into your very bones.
And then, the laughter began, low and hollow at first, like a whisper slithering through the dark. It spiraled into a bone-chilling crescendo, echoing endlessly and slicing through the silence. You and Seungmin instinctively stepped closer together, your shoulders brushing. His hand found yours, clasping it tightly, as though that fragile connection was the only thing grounding you to the world.
From the oppressive shadows, she emerged.
The Bride.
Her skeletal form loomed, grotesque and otherworldly, shrouded in a decayed wedding gown that clung to her like a shroud of despair. The tattered fabric swayed as though caught in a nonexistent breeze, stained with dark, dried streaks of blood. Her veil hung over her hollow face like cobwebs spun from nightmares, fluttering with an eerie life of its own. And beneath that veil, her empty eye sockets glowed faintly, twin embers of agony and hatred burning with an unnatural light. Her very presence seemed to twist the air around her, more menacing and all-consuming than before, as though the darkness itself had made her stronger.
âYou speak of love as though it is eternal,â she sneered, her voice rasping like iron dragged across stone. Her skeletal jaw clattered as she stepped closer, her veil rippling with unnatural movement. âAs though it is pure. But love is neither. It is fleeting. It is cruel. And it demands sacrifice.â Her glowing gaze burned into you both as her bony fingers curled into claws. âProve to me,â she hissed, âthat your love is worth the price.â
With one deliberate motion, the bride raised her hand high.
The ground trembled beneath your feet, a deep, bone-shaking rumble that stole your balance. Then, with an earsplitting crack, the floor splintered apart, fissures racing outward like jagged spiderwebs. Chunks of stone broke away, leaving crumbling platforms suspended over an abyss.
Below, the chasm pulsed with a deep, crimson glow, the light alive with a foreboding energy. It was as if the very void was breathing, a malevolent presence lurking just out of sight. The air reeked of something ancient and wrong, a sense of dread radiating from its depths.
âProve to me,â the bride repeated, her voice cutting through the chaos like a blade, âthat love is worth more than life itself. One of you must pay the price.â
Her words barely had time to sink in before the platform beneath you shifted, chunks of rock crumbling into the abyss. You stumbled, your arms flailing as you tried to regain your footing. Seungminâs hand shot out, gripping yours firmly and pulling you back from the edge just as a piece of stone fell away into the endless void.
But your relief was fleeting. Shadows erupted from the abyss below, inky tendrils writhing and clawing their way upward. They moved with terrifying purpose, splitting the platforms further apart and isolating you and Seungmin on unsteady, crumbling ledges.
âY/N, stay close!â Seungmin shouted, his voice taut with urgency as his eyes darted around for a way to reach you. But the bride wasnât done.
She raised her other hand, and the shadows obeyed her unspoken command. They surged forward, twisting and coiling like serpents, slithering between you and Seungmin. They thickened into a barrier, cutting him off from you with a wall of impenetrable darkness.
âNo!â Seungmin yelled, his voice cracking with desperation. He fought against the shadows clawing at him, but for every inch he gained, they dragged him farther back, their icy tendrils curling around his arms and legs. His grip on your hand faltered as the darkness yanked him away.
âSeungmin!â you screamed, your heart pounding as the shadows snaked around your own legs. They were cold and unrelenting, pulling you backward inch by inch. You thrashed and clawed at them, but their grip only tightened.
âHold on!â Seungminâs voice rang out again, fierce and determined. His eyes stayed locked on yours as he fought to break free, clawing at the shadows binding him. He lunged forward, trying desperately to close the distance, but the tendrils struck back with brutal force, forcing him farther from you.
Your hands stretched toward each other, fingertips brushing for the briefest moment before the shadows surged between you, severing the connection. The distance between you grew unbearable as the chasm yawned wider, swallowing everything in its path. Seungminâs frantic shouts became muffled, drowned out by the suffocating dark.
Above you, the bride hovered, her skeletal frame glowing faintly in the crimson light of the abyss. Her laughter rang out again, cold and merciless.
âYou cannot fight the abyss,â she mocked, her voice dripping with cruel satisfaction. âLove cannot survive here unless it is tested. Unless it is proven. One of you must fall.â
The shadows surged with renewed vigor, dragging you and Seungmin into opposite corners of the labyrinth. The ground beneath you crumbled completely, and you fell into the suffocating void, its icy grip consuming you whole.
âSeungmin!â you cried one last time, your voice barely a whisper against the howling abyss.
His faint reply reached you just before the darkness claimed everything: âY/N, donât let go!â
When the shadows finally released you, they dropped you unceremoniously onto cold, damp ground. The air was frigid, and the room you found yourself in reeked of decay. Your head throbbed, and it took a moment for your vision to adjust to the dim, flickering light. The chamber around you seemed to breathe, its walls pulsing with a sickly, black ichor that dripped down like tears. You could hear faint whispers echoing from every corner, an otherworldly chorus of agony and despair.
The whispers grew louder with every breath you took, rising to an unbearable cacophony. Then, just as suddenly as they began, they fell silent, replaced by the brideâs disembodied voice.
âLove demands sacrifice,â she said, her words slithering into your ears like venom. âTo save him, you must make a choice.â
In the center of the room, illuminated by a faint, red glow, stood a weathered stone table. Upon it lay a blood-stained parchment, a quill made from what looked like bone, and a gleaming dagger with a serrated edge. You approached the table hesitantly, every step feeling heavier than the last.
The brideâs voice rang out again, this time colder, harsher. âWrite a single name on the parchment: yours or his. The one whose name you write will be sacrificed. The other will go free.â
Your heart clenched as you stared at the parchment. The weight of the decision pressed down on you like an iron shackle.
Your name ?
His name ?
The mere thought of condemning Seungmin to death made your stomach churn, but the idea of leaving him behind while you lived filled you with equal dread.
Your hands trembled as you reached for the quill. The whispers in the room rose again, a mocking, taunting chorus. They called your name, hissed his name, laughed cruelly at your hesitation.
âThere has to be another way,â you whispered, tears streaming down your face. Your voice cracked, the words barely audible over the growing noise.
The whispers didnât answer, they only grew louder, suffocating you with their relentless mockery. The dagger glinted in the dim light, a cruel reminder of the brideâs demand.
As your fingers wrapped around the quill, a sudden, searing pain shot through your chest, and you stumbled back. The whispers roared with laughter, their tone growing more sinister. It felt as though the room itself was mocking your indecision.
âEvery second you hesitate,â the bride hissed, her voice reverberating through the chamber, âthe abyss draws him closer to death. Choose!â
Your mind raced. You could see Seungminâs face in your mind, his determination, his love, his unwavering belief in you. How could you make this choice? How could you possibly decide who deserved to live and who deserved to die?
âNo,â you said aloud, your voice shaking but resolute. âI wonât play your game.â
A surge of anger seemed to ripple through the room, the ichor on the walls bubbling furiously. The whispers turned to shrieks, and the brideâs voice roared, âYou dare defy me?â
Your eyes landed on the dagger. An idea, reckless and desperate, began to take shape in your mind. If the bride wanted blood, maybe there was a way to give it without giving her the satisfaction of your surrender.
You picked up the dagger, its blade unnervingly cold in your grip. Holding your breath, you pressed the tip against your palm, wincing as it pierced your skin. Blood welled up, warm and sticky, and you let it drip onto the parchment.
The room erupted in chaos. The whispers turned to enraged howls, and the walls trembled violently. Shadows surged toward you, wrapping around your arms and legs, pulling you toward the table with an almost unbearable force.
âDefiance will not save him!â the bride roared, her skeletal form materializing before you in a burst of black mist. Her hollow eyes burned with fury as she loomed over you.
The shadows tightened their grip, dragging you closer to the table. Your mind screamed Seungminâs name, the thought of him giving you the strength to fight back.
âYou cannot cheat the abyss!â the bride bellowed, her voice shaking the very ground beneath you.
With every ounce of strength you had left, you clutched the dagger tighter and drove it into the parchment, tearing it in two. A blinding light erupted from the table, and the shadows recoiled, their shrieks of agony echoing in your ears.
The bride screamed, her form flickering and fading. âNo! You cannot defy me! You will both pay for this insolence!â
The light engulfed you, and the last thing you heard was Seungminâs voice, faint and distant, calling your name. Then, everything went dark....
Seungminâs voice echoed faintly in the distance, growing louder as you disappeared into the blinding light. His heart raced, his chest tightening with panic. When the light finally dimmed he found himself standing in an unfamiliar room, its walls lined with endless, towering mirrors, each gleaming with an unnatural shimmer. His breath caught in his throat as he looked closer.
In every mirror, he saw you, but not the same version of you. Some mirrors showed you smiling, your face lit with joy and laughter. Others showed you sitting on the ground, clutching your knees, your shoulders shaking as if overcome by despair. Then there were the mirrors that made his stomach twist, images of you lying lifeless, your eyes open but empty.
The air grew colder as the brideâs voice slithered into the chamber, her tone venomous yet mocking. âDo you see them, Seungmin? These are reflections of Y/N, fragments of her possible futures. Each one is a path. Only one is real. Only one will lead you to her. But if you choose incorrectlyâŠâ
The air around him shifted, heavy with malice, as the voice grew sharper. âThe real Y/N will die, and you will live with the weight of your failure for eternity.â
Seungminâs hands balled into fists, his nails digging into his palms as he stared at the endless rows of mirrors. Panic clawed at his chest, but he forced himself to breathe. âThis is a trick,â he said, his voice tight. âYouâre trying to confuse me.â
The bride chuckled, her voice echoing like shards of broken glass. âPerhaps. Or perhaps this is the price of love, deciding who they truly are in the moments that matter most. You claim to know her heart, Seungmin. Prove it.â
He scanned the mirrors, his heart racing as he tried to process the overwhelming sight. In one reflection, you stood confidently, your posture strong, your face set with determination. In another, you smiled brightly, your laughter almost audible. Then his gaze fell on another image, a version of you hunched over, tears streaking down your face as you clutched your chest in anguish.
âChoose wisely,â the bride hissed. âThe wrong choice will doom her.â
Seungmin stepped closer to the mirrors, his mind racing. The confident version of you seemed so sure of yourself, so capable of surviving anything. But as he studied it, something felt off. The smile in that mirror didnât reach your eyes. It was an illusion, a façade.
He turned to the mirror showing you laughing, your expression full of joy. His heart yearned to believe this was the real you, but doubt gnawed at him. It felt too perfect, too staged.
Finally, his eyes returned to the mirror of you crying. The sight of your pain made his chest ache, but something about it felt raw, genuine. This version of you wasnât polished or perfect, it was vulnerable, real.
âLove isnât about perfection,â he whispered to himself, his voice trembling. âItâs about seeing someoneâs flaws, their pain, and loving them anyway.â
The brideâs voice hissed in his ear. âAre you sure, Seungmin? What if youâre wrong? What if your choice destroys her?â
His hands shook as he reached toward the crying reflection. Every instinct in him screamed to choose the happy version of you, the one that didnât hurt to look at. But he knew love wasnât always easy. It wasnât always joyful.
âLove is pain sometimes,â he said softly, his fingers brushing the surface of the crying mirror. âBut itâs worth it.â
As his hand touched the glass, the mirror shattered, shards flying through the air before dissolving into mist. The bride shrieked, her voice filled with rage. âInteresting⊠Youâve passed the first test. But your trials are far from over.â
Before Seungmin could react, the ground beneath him cracked open, and he plummeted into darkness. The brideâs laughter echoed around him as he fell, the cold abyss swallowing him whole....
Seungmin hit the cold, fractured surface of the bridge with a sharp gasp, his body jarred by the impact. He groaned as he pushed himself up, blinking against the swirling, oppressive darkness that surrounded him. Slowly, the scene came into focus, a massive, decaying stone bridge that stretched into the void, the expanse between him and the other side fractured and crumbling. Jagged stones hovered in midair, the only connections between the broken pieces of the bridge. Beneath the unstable structure loomed an endless chasm, pulsing faintly with an eerie crimson glow, like a living, breathing entity waiting to devour its next victim.
âY/N!â he called, his voice hoarse but desperate, echoing endlessly into the abyss.
A faint figure appeared at the other end of the bridge, your figure. His breath caught in his throat as relief flooded his veins. You were alive. You were trembling, your face streaked with tears, and though your form was barely visible through the darkness, the unmistakable fear in your posture gripped his heart.
âSeungmin!â you cried out, your voice raw and broken. âYouâre here! I thought...â
Your words were cut off as the shadows tightened around your legs, pulling you back. You stumbled, crying out in pain as the tendrils slithered like serpents, holding you in place.
Seungmin surged forward instinctively, but the bridge groaned under his weight, pieces of stone falling into the void below. He froze, his heart pounding as he assessed the impossibility of reaching you.
Before he could say another word, the air grew frigid, and an all-too-familiar sound sent chills down his spine: the brideâs haunting, hollow laughter. Her form materialized between you, skeletal and shrouded in tattered black veils that flowed like smoke. Her empty eye sockets burned with an unnatural light, and her jagged, bony grin twisted into mockery.
âHow quaint,â she sneered, her voice echoing like shards of glass in the dark. âTwo lovers reunited by fate, only to face the inevitable. But love is not about reunion. Love is pain. Love is sacrifice.â She lifted her bony hand, and the shadows around you coiled tighter, pulling you closer to the edge of the bridge.
âNo!â Seungmin shouted, stepping forward despite the groaning protests of the bridge beneath him. His eyes burned with desperation as he stared at you, helpless against the shadows.
The bride tilted her head, amusement dripping from her tone. âA choice must be made. One of you will fall into the abyss, offering your soul to the void. The other will walk free. Decide quickly, or the void shall claim you both.â
The bridge trembled violently, cracks spreading beneath your feet. Your sobs echoed across the void as you struggled against the darkness. âThere has to be another way!â you cried. âPlease, weâll do anything....just donât make us do this!â
The brideâs laughter sharpened, her hollow eyes gleaming. âThere is no other way. Sacrifice is the only proof of love. Now choose, or I shall decide for you.â
Seungminâs heart pounded as he locked eyes with you. A silent moment passed, heavy with unspoken words. Then, with deliberate steps, he moved forward, his gaze never leaving yours.
âIâll do it,â he said, his voice steady but trembling with heartbreak. âTake me. Let Y/N go.â
âSeungmin, no!â you screamed, thrashing against the shadows. âYou canât! I wonât let you!â
âYou deserve to live,â he said softly, his eyes filled with a love so pure it left you breathless. âYouâve fought so hard, Y/N. Let me do this. Please.â
âIf you fall, Iâll follow,â you choked out, shaking your head violently. âI wonât live without you, Seungmin. Donât you dare leave me!â
The brideâs hollow laughter turned into a roar. âFools!â she hissed, raising her skeletal hands. âIf neither of you will choose, then I shall take you both!â
The shadows surged forward like a tidal wave, gripping both of you and dragging you to the edge. The ground crumbled beneath your feet, sending chunks of stone tumbling into the abyss. You screamed as you clung to the ledge, your fingers digging desperately into the crumbling stone. Beside you, Seungmin dangled precariously, his body slipping further with each passing second.
âI wonât let you fall!â he shouted, his hand reaching for yours. His grip was strong, but the relentless pull of the void was stronger.
âSeungmin!â you sobbed, tears streaming down your face. âDonât do this! Please!â
His voice broke as he whispered, âI have to. I canât lose you, Y/N. I love you too much.â
With one final, heart-wrenching look, he let go of the ledge, surrendering himself to the abyss. Your scream ripped through the air as his body began to fade into the darkness. But in that instant, something inside you snapped.
âNo!â you cried, lunging forward and grabbing his wrist with both hands. The force nearly tore you over the edge, but you held on, your grip unyielding. âIf you fall, I fall! I wonât let you go, Seungmin!â
The brideâs skeletal form flickered, her hollow eyes narrowing in rage. âHow dare you defy me?â she bellowed, her voice shaking the crumbling bridge. âLove is sacrifice! One must fall!â
âNo!â you shouted, your voice echoing with raw defiance. âLove is fighting for each other! Love is refusing to let go, no matter the cost!â
As if in response, a radiant golden light erupted from your joined hands, warm and blinding. The darkness recoiled, hissing and writhing as the light grew stronger, engulfing the void. The bride shrieked in fury, her form disintegrating into smoke.
âThis cannot be!â she screamed as the light consumed her. âLove cannot overpower the curse!â
But her voice faded, and with it, the shadows vanished. The bridge stopped shaking, its cracks sealing as the golden light spread, illuminating the abyss. The chasm dissolved, replaced by a vast meadow bathed in sunlight.
You and Seungmin collapsed onto the solid ground, gasping for breath. He turned to you, his face pale but filled with emotion. âYou didnât let go,â he whispered, his voice trembling.
Tears streamed down your face as you cupped his cheeks. âYou were willing to give your life for me,â you said softly, your voice breaking.
âSo were you,â Seungmin replied, his eyes glistening as he pulled you into his arms....
The golden light that had vanquished the bride began to fade, leaving behind a sense of calm and serenity. The meadowâs warmth seeped into your skin, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, you could breathe without fear. You looked at Seungmin, his hand still clasped tightly in yours, and felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude and love.
But before you could speak, the air shimmered around you, and the meadow began to blur. The light intensified again, growing so bright that you had to close your eyes. A faint, soothing hum filled your ears, and when you opened your eyes, you were no longer on the bridge, or in the meadow.
Instead, you found yourself sitting back in Aunt Choiâs cozy living room, the soft glow of the fireplace warming the space. Pepper and Sage, her ever-affectionate cats, were curled up against you, their gentle purring filling the quiet air. You blinked in disbelief, your body still trembling from the ordeal.
Seungmin sat beside you on the worn couch, his face pale but calm. He glanced around the room, his eyes scanning every corner, as if to confirm that the nightmare had truly ended. He let out a shaky laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.
âDid that... really happen?â you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.
He turned to you, his gaze softening. âIt did,â he said, his tone gentle but firm. âBut itâs over now. Weâre safe.â
You exhaled deeply, the weight of everything that had happened finally hitting you. Your head leaned back against the couch, and you felt Pepper nuzzle your hand, her soft fur grounding you. For a moment, the two of you sat in silence, the crackle of the fireplace and the catsâ purring the only sounds in the room.
Seungmin didnât say anything at first, his eyes fixed on the flickering flames. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice quiet but thoughtful.
âWould you like to rest at my place?â he asked, his gaze shifting to meet yours. âI donât think staying here tonight is the best idea, especially after everything.â
You hesitated, glancing around Aunt Choiâs familiar but now eerie house. Despite its warmth, it felt heavy with memories of what had just transpired. The thought of staying there alone sent a chill down your spine.
Looking back at Seungmin, you saw the exhaustion in his eyes, but also the quiet concern. There was no judgment, no pressure, just an open invitation. You nodded slowly, your voice soft but firm. âIâd like that.â
A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he stood, offering you his hand. âCome on, letâs get out of here.â
You scooped up Pepper and Sage, their soft fur brushing against your arms as they purred contentedly. The chill of the night air nipped at your skin as you stepped outside, but with Seungmin by your side, the lingering weight of fear and uncertainty finally began to lift. The world around you seemed quieter, calmer, like even the shadows had retreated, no longer holding their ominous grip.
Ahead, Seungminâs house came into view, its golden light spilling warmly through the windows and cutting through the lingering darkness. The sight was like a beacon, a safe haven amidst the unsettling remnants of Aunt Choiâs eerie home....
Seungmin opened the door for you, hesitating briefly before stepping aside to let you in. The moment you crossed the threshold, you were enveloped in warmth, the kind that wrapped around you like an embrace. The faint scent of cedarwood and vanilla lingered in the air, mingling with the soft, comforting undertones of his cologne.
His home was modest yet undeniably inviting. Amber light bathed the living room, casting a gentle glow over the space. The couch looked well-loved, draped with a cozy blanket, and a forgotten book rested on the coffee table, its pages slightly bent. It was a space that spoke of quiet evenings and warmth, a stark contrast to the turmoil of the night youâd just endured.
Seungmin lingered behind you, his hands tucked into his pockets as he watched you set Pepper and Sage down. The cats immediately made themselves at home, Pepper curling up near the heater while Sage explored the corners of the room with curious paws.
âYou can take my room,â Seungmin offered suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice was soft, almost hesitant. âIâll sleep out here on the couch.â
You turned to him, raising an eyebrow. âAbsolutely not. Youâre not sleeping on the couch in your own house, Seungmin. Thatâs absurd.â
âItâs fine,â he insisted, his tone firm but gentle. âYouâve had a long day. You need proper rest.â
âAnd you donât?â you countered, crossing your arms. âLook, weâll figure something out, but youâre not exiling yourself to the couch. End of discussion.â
He opened his mouth to argue but seemed to think better of it when he caught the determined look in your eyes. With a small sigh, he relented. âFine. But youâre still taking the bed.â
You gave him a pointed look, a playful smile tugging at your lips. âWeâll see.â
After freshening up, you found yourself sitting together in the living room. The quiet between you wasnât uncomfortable, but it was heavy, laden with words left unsaid. Seungmin sat at the edge of the couch, his hands fidgeting slightly as he stared at the floor, his expression unreadable.
âIâm sorry,â he said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence. His eyes lifted to meet yours, filled with guilt and something raw, something vulnerable. âFor everything. For leaving abruptly. For not protecting you the way I should have. ForâŠâ He paused, his hands tightening into fists. âFor being a coward.â
Your chest tightened at the tremor in his voice, at the way his shoulders hunched as though he was carrying the weight of the world.
âI hurt you,â he continued, his words spilling out now, as though he couldnât stop them. â, I betrayed your trust and I pushed you awayâŠI donât even know if I deserve to sit here with you right now, but I needed to tell you...Iâm sorry. For everything.â
You let his words settle between you, the sincerity in his voice tugging at your heart. Slowly, you reached out, your fingers brushing against his.
âI forgive you,â you said softly, your voice steady.
His head shot up, his eyes wide. âYou⊠forgive me?â
You nodded, a small smile curving your lips. âI do. Because the truth is, Seungmin, I like you. Iâve liked you for a long time. And yes, you hurt me, so much, but I know you didnât mean to. I know your heart.â
His breath hitched, his lips parting slightly as though struggling to process your words. âYou⊠like me?â
You leaned in slightly, your voice softening. âI do. And I think you like me too. Am I wrong?â
A quiet laugh escaped him, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush. âNo. Youâre not wrong.â
The tension in the room shifted then, melting into something warmer, softer. He reached out tentatively, his hand brushing against yours before fully taking it. âCome here,â he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
You let him pull you closer, the space between you disappearing until your faces were mere inches apart. His gaze flickered to your lips, and your heart raced in your chest.
When he finally leaned in, his lips met yours in a kiss that was hesitant at first, almost shy. But as you kissed him back, the hesitation faded, replaced by a quiet intensity that sent warmth spreading through your entire body. His hand moved to cradle your cheek, his touch grounding and gentle.
When you pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, his breath mingling with yours in the quiet of the room. âThank you,â he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
âFor what?â you asked, your own voice barely audible.
âFor giving me a chance,â he said softly. âAnd for staying.â
You smiled, your fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from his face. âNo more apologies, okay? Letâs just⊠move forward.â
Together, you settled onto the couch, Pepper and Sage curled up nearby, their soft purring filling the space. Seungmin wrapped an arm around you, pulling you closer as you rested your head against his shoulder. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your cheek was soothing, lulling you into a sense of peace.
For the first time in what felt like forever, everything felt right. The weight of the night faded, replaced by warmth and the quiet comfort of being with him. And as you drifted off to sleep in his arms, you knew this was exactly where you were meant to be.
The next morning, you awoke to the faint aroma of something warm and inviting wafting through the air, a mix of butter sizzling in a pan and something sweet, like maple syrup. For a moment, you stayed wrapped in the blanket on Seungminâs couch, enjoying the comforting stillness, until the sound of quiet humming broke through your half-asleep haze. Blinking, you slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from your eyes.
The golden morning light spilled through the curtains, casting soft rays across the room. Pepper stretched lazily near the heater, her fur gleaming in the sunlight, while Sage perched on the windowsill, watching the world outside with a flick of his tail. Everything felt so peaceful, almost as if the events of the previous night had been nothing more than a fleeting nightmare.
But they hadnât been.
Your thoughts drifted back to the eerie visions, the haunted reflections in the mirror, and the suffocating dread that clung to Aunt Choiâs house. Even as you tried to push it all away, a faint unease lingered in the back of your mind, like a shadow you couldnât shake.
Shaking off the thoughts, you followed the sound of humming into the kitchen. There, standing at the stove, Seungmin was flipping pancakes with surprising ease. His hair was slightly tousled, a sign of his morning grogginess, and an apron hung loosely over his sweatshirt. The sight of him, so effortlessly at ease in the kitchen, pulled at something deep inside you, making your chest tighten in a way you couldnât quite place.
âYouâre up,â he said, glancing over his shoulder with a small, warm smile. âHope youâre hungry.â
You leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, raising an eyebrow. âI didnât know you could cook.â
He turned back to the stove, the smile on his lips growing slightly. âThereâs a lot you donât know about me.â
âClearly,â you teased, stepping into the kitchen as he placed a stack of fluffy pancakes onto a plate. âCoffee or tea?â
âCoffee,â you replied, taking a seat at the small dining table. The warm, comforting atmosphere began to chip away at the lingering tension in your chest. âYou didnât have to do all this, you know.â
Seungmin set a steaming mug of coffee in front of you before sitting down across the table. âI wanted to. Besides,â he added, his voice softening, âafter everything that happened last night, I thought we could both use something normal to start the day.â
You smiled at him, feeling the knot in your chest loosen just a little. For a moment, the two of you sat in comfortable silence, the quiet clink of utensils against plates filling the air. Pepper wandered into the kitchen, sniffing around curiously before curling up at Seungminâs feet.
As you reached for the syrup, your phone buzzed on the table, breaking the peaceful moment. You picked it up, expecting a routine message, but your cousin Jiwonâs name flashed across the screen.
Your brow furrowed as you opened the message fully.
Your jaw dropped, and the fork slipped from your hand, clattering onto the plate.
âWhatâs wrong?â Seungmin asked, noticing your stunned expression.
You held up your phone for him to see. âApparently, last night was⊠staged. My cousin, Aunt Choi, and some of our friends thought it would be fun to play matchmaker with an immersive horror experience.â
Seungmin blinked, clearly struggling to process the words. âYouâre kidding.â
âI wish I was.â You scrolled back to reread the text, your disbelief growing. âThey planned the cook off the dance the rose⊠all of it. Just to ânudgeâ us together.â
He leaned back in his chair, a mixture of shock and amusement crossing his face. âI get the matchmaking part, but staging a horror experience? Who even comes up with that?â
Before you could respond, another text arrived.
Your blood ran cold, the uneasy knot in your stomach tightening. The ghost bride⊠hadnât done anything? Then who...or what...had been behind the mirrors, the whispers, and the visions?
âWhat is it?â Seungmin asked, his voice laced with concern as he noticed the change in your expression.
You read the text aloud, your voice barely steady. âTheyâre saying the actress didnât do anything after the rose scene. The mirrors, the visions⊠none of it was part of their plan.â
Silence fell between you, the weight of the revelation settling over the room.
Seungminâs fork clinked softly as he set it down. âSo⊠what we saw in those mirrorsâŠâ His voice trailed off, his expression darkening.
âWasnât part of the act,â you finished, your voice trembling.
He leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, as he ran a hand through his hair. âThat doesnât make sense. What were those reflections? We saw each other in ways we couldnât see before. It felt so⊠real. Our childhood, our past, the partyâŠâ
You nodded, a chill running down your spine. âAnd the whispers⊠the shadows in the corner⊠That wasnât a team of actors.â
The once-warm morning atmosphere evaporated, replaced by a suffocating heaviness. The more you thought about it, the more unsettling it became. The staged horror was just a facade, but something real had been in Aunt Choiâs house that night, something beyond explanation.
âWe need answers,â you said, your voice firm despite the unease creeping up your spine. âI donât know whatâs going on, but thereâs something about that house we donât understand.â
Seungminâs expression hardened. âNo. We donât need to go back there.â His voice was tight with emotion. âWeâve been through enough already, and whatever it was in that house succeeded in its mission.â
He reached across the table, taking your hand in his. âBesides,â his voice softened, âI canât lose you again.â
You squeezed his hand gently, offering him a soft smile. âYou wonât. Iâm here, Seungmin.â
His gaze softened, and he whispered, âI love you, Ynnie.â
You met his eyes, your voice unwavering. âI love you too, Minnie.â
In that moment, with the warmth of his hand in yours and the promise of being together, you felt a sense of peace. The horrors of the past night had shaken you, but you werenât facing them alone. Whatever mysteries lingered in Aunt Choiâs house, you would face them, together. The bond between you and Seungmin had deepened, and no matter what came next, you knew you had each other. And for the first time that morning, the unease began to lift, replaced by the quiet certainty that, with him by your side, you could face anything....
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àŁȘ ÖŽÖ¶ÖžâŸ.ENDNOTE - Everything Here is a work of fiction and my own imagination. This does not represent the real life characteristics of Stray Kids. Make sure to like, reblog comment, and follow me for new updates!
you are so talented I can barely even put it into words đ but characterisation of the bride, the PLOT TWIST (I was so not expecting that?), I could visualise the descriptions so clearly in my head it was THAT good
