━━━ 'CHAPTER ONE' [ETERNAL NIGHT]
SYNOPSIS ➢ the three musketeers seem to live in every dimension, but in this one theyre pretty and vampires.
PAIRING ➢ poly!enhypen x male!reader, sim jaehyun x male!reader, park sunghoon x male!reader, yang jungwon x male!reader
AU ➢ strangers-to-lovers au! x enemies-to-lovers au! x vampire au!
CONTENT WARNING ➢ this chapter contains; someone missing, sensual innuendo's, big angst, bit of embarrassment, past trauma, mentions of satanism, mentions of gore, blood, cannibalism [let me know if i missed any!]
NEXT
a gentle stir, a whispered voice, and the fragile threads of sleep snapped. "yah, is y/n-ie gonna sleep all night too?" the soft words drifted through the darkness, piercing the haze of slumber that shrouded your coffin. your glowing hazel eyes fluttered open, adjusting slowly to the dimly lit corridors you shared with your two roommates, sunoo and woonggi. the air was heavy with the scent of old wood and the distant tang of blood. woonggi loomed over your coffin, his features etched with annoyance, his dark hair mussed from sleep. his eyes, piercing and intense, seemed to bore into yours. "hurry up, the moon's gonna be at its peak before you get dressed," he snapped, his foot connecting with the wooden lid of your resting place in a soft kick.
your gaze drifted to sunoo, who sat cross-legged on his own coffin, watching the exchange with an air of quiet amusement. his silken blonde hair cascaded down his neck like a river of night, and his eyes gleamed with subtle curiosity. you groaned, yawning as you sat up, rubbing the remnants of sleep from your eyes. the velvet-lined interior of your coffin creaked softly as you moved. "would you shut up already...?" your voice trailed off, heavy with the weight of waking. the darkness seemed to vibrate with woonggi's restless energy, while sunoo's calm presence anchored the space. outside, the night was young, and the moon's allure beckoned – a siren's call to the creatures of the night.
you swung your legs over the side of the coffin, standing up with a languid stretch. too tired to bend down, you shut the lid with a lazy kick of your foot, wary of succumbing to the cozy warmth within. sunoo's snicker cut through the quiet. "you're not even gonna fix the inside?" he scoffed, his voice dripping with amusement. "gosh, you never did shake off your caveman tendencies, huh?" he tutted, eyes fixed on his phone's camera as he smoothed his already-immaculate hair. the soft glow of the screen illuminated his chiseled features.
you rolled your eyes, exasperation etched on your face. "priorities, sunoo," you muttered, shaking your head. with a resigned sigh, you reopened the coffin and began to tidy the interior. slender fingers smoothed the soft silk sheets, and you fluffed the cushioned pillow that cradled your neck perfectly. as you worked, woonggi sauntered closer, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "someone's a little grumpy tonight," he teased, voice high yet husky. you softly closed the coffin, the wooden lid clicking shut with a hint of finality.
"i don't want to hear anything for the rest of the night," you warned, eyes narrowing at your roommates, who now stared at you with unabashed amusement. sunoo's lips curled into a sly smile. "oh, but the night's just beginning," he whispered, pocketing his phone. woonggi chuckled, the sound sending shivers down your spine.
woongi swept open the long, dark red drapes, unveiling a ceiling-tall window that framed the moon like a glowing crescent pendant. soft, silvery light spilled into the room, illuminating the space with an ethereal radiance. candles flickered to life along the walls, their warm, golden glow complementing the lunar illumination. "get dressed, we'll meet you in the quad," woonggi instructed, his voice firm but tinged with a hint of understanding. with a nod, he turned to leave, sunoo shadowing his steps. the two disappeared into the darkness beyond the room, leaving you alone amidst the soft, dancing flames.
the three of you had always been punctual and impeccably dressed, a habit honed from years of navigating eternal academy's intricate social hierarchy. but this meticulous presentation was no badge of honor – merely a survival tactic in a place where vulnerability was devoured.
your thoughts soured as the anniversary of your confinement loomed closer. nearly a decade had passed since your mother and aunt had abandoned you within these unforgiving walls. resentment simmered, a slow-burning fire that fueled your longing for freedom. yet, escape was a luxury denied. headmaster barnabus’s magical wards ensured that no student slipped beyond the academy's boundaries, their enchantments tightening like a noose around the grounds. only during the daylight hours did the spell's grip relax, but even then, the risks of departure were too dire to contemplate.
vampires, though powerful, weren't immune to sunlight's destructive touch. the memory of blistered skin and charred flesh made your stomach twist with dread. eternal academy might be a prison, but it was also a sanctuary – a twisted haven from the world's dangers. with a heavy sigh, you began to prepare for the night ahead, the weight of your past and present pressing upon you like the shadows that shrouded the room.
you moved with deliberate slowness, selecting a crisp white shirt and black trousers from your wardrobe. the familiar routine offered a semblance of control in a life dictated by the academy's rigid rules. as you dressed, your gaze drifted to the window, where the moon's gentle light seemed to mock your confinement. ten years. a decade of your life surrendered to this foreboding institution, with no end in sight. bitterness welled up, but you pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. a glance in the mirror revealed a face both familiar and foreign – hazel eyes, sharp cheekbones, and skin pale from years of nocturnal existence. with a critical eye, you smoothed your hair, the locks falling obediently into place. a flicker of vanity, perhaps, but in eternal academy's cutthroat social landscape, appearances mattered.
satisfied with your reflection, you headed toward the quad, the soft click of your heeled shoes echoing through the deserted corridors. as you emerged into the quad, woongi and sunoo awaited, their faces illuminated by the moon's gentle beam. woonggi's eyes narrowed, his gaze scrutinizing your attire.
"presentable, for once," he teased, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. sunoo chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "let's not keep the headmaster waiting." together, the three of you strode toward the academy's central building, the night's mysteries waiting to unfold.
the central building's grand entrance loomed before you, its heavy wooden doors adorned with intricate carvings of crescent moons and stars. the symbol of eternal academy, a constant reminder of the institution's mystical legacy. as you pushed open the doors, a warm glow spilled out, beckoning you into the opulent foyer. crystal chandeliers refracted the light, casting rainbow hues across the polished marble floor.
as the doors swung open, a surge of students flooded into the auditorium, scrambling for seats among the scattered chairs. the room buzzed with hushed conversations and nervous laughter. professor barnabus, flanked by staff members on the stage, raised his hands, appealing for silence. the chatter gradually subsided, replaced by an expectant stillness. "welcome, students," the headmaster began, his voice laced with a hint of nervousness. "i'm sure you've all been hearing various rumors surrounding... shigeta harua's disappearance."
your brows furrowed in confusion, eyes scanning the room as if searching for answers. shigeta harua? the name sounded familiar, but you couldn't quite place him. a younger student, barely nearing his first anniversary at eternal academy. memories resurfaced: a quiet, reserved boy with an unassuming smile. you'd seen him occasionally in the corridors, always keeping to himself. his disappearance had gone unnoticed by you, lost amidst the academy's chaotic rhythm. the headmaster's words cut through your thoughts. "i want to assure you that we're doing everything in our power to locate harua and ensure his safe return."
a murmur rippled through the crowd, fueled by concern and speculation. woonggi's gaze met yours, his expression serious. sunoo's eyes narrowed, his mind already racing with possibilities. "we understand that rumors can spread quickly," headmaster barnabus continued, "but i implore you: refrain from spreading unsubstantiated claims. we'll provide updates as more information becomes available." the headmaster's eyes swept the room, his gaze lingering on select students before moving on. "in the meantime, please report any information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – to your dormitory advisors or the staff."
the room remained tense, heavy with unspoken questions.
you leaned in close to woonggi, voice barely above a whisper. "did you know about this?" your eyes locked onto his, searching for any hint of prior knowledge.
woonggi's head shook subtly, his expression a mixture of surprise and intrigue. "i mean... i heard rumors he ran away during daylight," he whispered back, "but there's no way." his words trailed off, leaving the unspoken implication hanging in the air. escape during the day was unthinkable, a feat bordering on impossible. the magical wards surrounding eternal academy were designed to prevent exactly that.
your mind reeled with the implications. could it be true? had shigeta harua somehow breached the enchantments and survived the deadly sunlight? the very idea sent a hot air down your neck. sunoo, attentive to your conversation, leaned in, his voice a low murmur. "if he did escape, how did he manage it? and what's to say he's still... alive?" casting a shadow over the surrounding faces. students were whispering, their hushed conversations weaving a tapestry of speculation and fear. you scanned the room, noticing the varied reactions. some seemed genuinely concerned, while others appeared calculating, as if weighing the possibilities of escape.
professor barnabus’s voice cut through the murmurs, his eyes scanning the room with a mix of warning and reassurance. "let's focus on finding harua, rather than speculating about his disappearance. we'll keep you updated as the investigation unfolds." the headmaster's words did little to alleviate the tension.
"okay, gentlemen, onto better things," headmaster barnanus continued, his voice growing distant as your mind began to wander. "for those who haven't submitted their quarterly check-ins, you have until friday to turn them in..." the headmaster's words faded into a gentle hum, overshadowed by the nagging concern that refused to let go. a vampire gone missing? it was unthinkable. the founding mothers of eternal academy were notorious for their iron-clad grip on the vampire community.
your thoughts spiralled downward, lost in the implications. vampires disappearing didn't happen – not without severe consequences. the academy's founders had woven a complex web of surveillance and control, monitoring every whisper, every movement within the vampire world.
the mundane world remained blissfully unaware of the shadows lurking among them. eternal academy's secrets were sacrosanct, protected by ancient spells and ruthless determination. the very idea of a vampire vanishing gave you fear. woonggi's elbow nudged yours, a subtle reminder to focus. but your attention remained split, ears hearing the headmaster's words while your mind wrestled with the mystery. "...reminders will be sent to your dormitory advisors," headmaster barnabus droned on, "and please, do not hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns."
concerns? that was a gross understatement. shigeta harua's disappearance threatened the fragile balance between the vampire world and the human realm. eternal academy's carefully constructed facade was at risk of crumbling. sunoo's gaze met yours, his eyes narrowed in unspoken understanding. the three of you shared a bond forged from years of navigating the academy's treacherous politics. and now, a missing vampire had thrown everything into chaos.
"also, white day is coming up!" professor barnabus announced, a wistful smile spreading across his face. his eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in nostalgia. "i remember when it was around this time... many would bring each other candy, gifts, confessions..." a hint of melancholy crept into his voice, and he sighed, the sound barely audible. "although, i never did get one from anyone i liked..." the headmaster's gaze drifted off, his thoughts momentarily elsewhere.
sunoo and woonggi exchanged a knowing glance with you, their expressions skeptical. you shrugged, sharing their unspoken sentiment: what was the point of white day in a place like eternal academy? the holiday, meant to celebrate relationships and affection, felt hollow within the academy's cold walls. here, alliances were forged from necessity, not sentiment.
professor barnabus snapped back to the present, his smile forced. "anyways! i'm sure many of you are looking forward to it. a small reminder: please keep gifts discreet and within reason. we wouldn't want... misunderstandings."
the headmaster's eyes swept the room, his gaze lingering on select students. his warning was clear: no displays of affection, no overt gestures. eternal academy's strict rules governed even the smallest aspects of life. sunoo leaned back in his chair, his expression neutral. woonggi's eyes sparkled with mischief, but he said nothing. you simply shook your head, already dismissing the thought of white day.
the assembly concluded, and students began to file out of the auditorium. you stood, stretching your legs and exchanging a look with sunoo and woonggi.
"white day, huh?" woonggi said, his voice squeeking with excitement. "who'd have thought the headmaster was a romantic?" sunoo snorted. "please, he's just nostalgic for a time when he wasn't stuck running this prison." you chuckled, falling into step beside them. "either way, it's just another excuse for the academy to pretend we're normal." as you exited the auditorium, the cool evening air enveloped you, carrying the scent of damp stone and old books. eternal academy's gothic spires loomed above, casting long shadows across the grounds.
woongi flashed a flirtatious smile at a passing student, his eyes sparkling with mischief. the recipient of his attention blushed, stumbling over his own feet as he hurried away. woongi chuckled, rejoining you and sunoo with an air of nonchalance. "have any idea on what your white day plans are?" woonggi inquired, his tone innocent.
you raised an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading across your face. "you mean 'who' your white day plans are?" you retorted, voice laced with amusement. sunoo snickered, his shoulder brushing against yours as he leaned in. he covered his mouth, attempting to stifle his laughter. woonggi rolled his eyes good-naturedly, "oh please." but sunoo wouldn't let up. his laughter grew louder, more uninhibited. "what? come on, you should change your name to 'casanova' by now," he teased, arm linking with yours as you descended the stairs into the garden section behind your dorm building.
the evening air enveloped you, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of crickets. "you're just jealous of my charm." sunoo grinned, his eyes sparkling. "well, sorry but someone needs to keep you in check." you smiled, enjoying the easy banter between your friends. but amidst the laughter, a nagging thought persisted: shigeta harua's disappearance remained unsolved, a shadow looming over your carefree moments.
as you strolled through the garden, the sound of running water grew louder. a small fountain bubbled in the center, surrounded by intricately carved stone benches. woonggi plopped down on a bench, patting the space beside him. "join me, my fellow incubuses, and let's discuss our white day strategies." you attempted to hold back a sigh but raised an eyebrow instead. woonggi was always into the idea of being a sensual demon, however all of you were different demons of the night. "you mean your strategies for snagging gifts from multiple admirers?"
woonggi winked. "perhaps." you settled onto a weathered rock, facing your friends with a hint of amusement. "seems like you've got your plan," you said, a small smile playing on your lips. "now we can talk about literally anything else." woonggi's expression transformed, his eyes widening in mock offense. he clutched his heart, his voice dripping with drama. "i'm sorry, we haven't gone over your plan, actually." sunoo snickered, producing a lipstick from his pocket. he began to reapply, his gaze locked onto yours. "we gotta get you over heeseung already," he said, his tone matter-of-fact.
your annoyance flared, simmering just below the surface. "i hate that you guys keep saying that," you snapped, your words crisp and final. "i told you a million times, i'm over him. plus, it was just a summer fling, and we both knew that." the air seemed to vibrate with your emphasis, a clear warning to drop the subject. woonggi's expression softened, his teasing grin faltering. sunoo, however, remained nonchalant, capping his lipstick with a flourish.
"just making sure," sunoo said, tucking the lipstick away. "you know we're only looking out for you." the tension dissipated, replaced by a familiar sense of camaraderie. but you knew your friends wouldn't let the topic die easily. heeseung's name still lingered, a ghostly presence in your relationships. woonggi leaned forward, his voice conspiratorial. "so, who's on your white day radar?" you raised an eyebrow, wary of another heeseung-related jab. but woonggi's expression remained innocent, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"no one," you replied, your tone firm. "i'm not interested in playing games this year." sunoo chuckled, shaking his head. "you're no fun." woonggi grinned mischievously. "come on, it's white day. everyone gets a little something. even if it's just a friendly gesture."
you sighed, knowing your close friends wouldn't relent. "fine. if someone catches my eye, i'll consider it.” sunoo's eyes then sparkled. "that's the spirit!" as you conversed, the garden's tranquility enveloped you.
"anyways," woonggi said, a mischievous glint in his eye as he dipped his hand into the fountain's crystal-clear waters behind him. the soft glow of the garden's lanterns danced across his face, accentuating his sly smile. "we all know who's rejection record is gonna be high once again this year." with a swift motion, woonggi splashed sunoo, who let out a startled screech. water droplets clung to sunoo's eyelashes as he glared at woonggi, his fangs bared in a playful snarl. "i swear i'll stake you, you idiot!"
you couldn't contain yourself, covering your mouth to stifle your laughter. the sound of your muffled giggles blended with the gentle burble of the fountain. "it is true," you managed to choke out, your eyes watering from holding back. sunoo turned to you, his gaze momentarily piercing. his irises seemed to shimmer in the dim light, like polished onyx. "why don't you try accepting someone's confession this year? you never know, maybe it'll make your heart actually beat again." the words stung, but sunoo knew you didn't mean harm. your concern was genuine, hidden beneath your teasing exterior.
however, woonggi and you erupted into laughter, your hyena-like cackles echoing through the garden. the sound sent a flutter through the nearby bird sanctuary, and a soft chorus of nocturnal birds responded, their melodic trills weaving into your laughter. sunoo rolled his eyes, standing up with an air of mock indignation. his slender fingers brushed water droplets from his jacket, the movement fluid and elegant. "so funny," he sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "i'll have you both know that i actually do plan on accepting someone's confession this year."
the declaration caught you off guard, and your laughter faltered. woonggi's eyes sparkled with intrigue, his brow arched in curiosity. "oh? and who's the lucky victim?" sunoo's smile was enigmatic, his lips curling upward like a whispered secret. "you'll just have to wait and see." with that, he turned and strode away, leaving you and woonggi exchanging curious glances. the sound of his footsteps faded into the night, swallowed by the shadows.
"looks like someone's got a secret," woonggi whispered, his eyes still shining with mirth. you shook your head, chuckling. "only sunoo would make accepting a confession sound like a revenge plot." as you watched sunoo disappear into the darkness, you yawned once again.
"come on, let's catch up," you sighed, your voice carrying across the tranquil garden. you motioned to sunoo, who was walking away with confident strides, his slender figure silhouetted against the warm glow of the high moon. you stood up from the weathered rock, brushing off the lingering warmth. a faint scent of blooming flowers clung to your clothes as you patted your pants clean. the gentle rustle of leaves accompanied your movements, a soothing melody that filled the evening air.
woonggi fell into step beside you, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "yah, you brat!" he called out to sunoo, his voice echoing through the garden. "wait up!" sunoo paused, turning back to face you both with an expectant smile. his eyes crinkled at the corners, and his light hair was mussed, as if he'd been running his hands through it. sunoo held open the massive wooden door to the dining hall, its intricate carvings depicting scenes of mythological creatures. the door creaked on its hinges, revealing a warm, golden light that spilled out into the evening.
"after you," woonggi said, gesturing for you to enter. his smile was gracious, but his eyes gleamed with mischief, hinting at secrets yet to be shared. as you stepped into the dining hall, the sounds of lively chatter and clinking silverware enveloped you. the air was thick with the aroma of raw meats and freshly poured blood.
sunoo led the way, navigating through the crowded tables with ease. you followed, your eyes scanning the room for familiar faces. the dining hall was a hub of social activity, where alliances were forged and gossip spread like wildfire. woonggi leaned in, his voice low. "they better not have the same thing as last week.” you smiled, your eyes locked onto sunoo's swaying back. “the day they actually serve us mundies, ill walk in the sun." you smirk.
woonggi chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "looks like you’ll burst into flames then.." the vampire-specific menu was a running joke among your friends. while the academy catered to various supernatural dietary needs, the options often left much to be desired. as you reached the food line, the chef, a stout dwarf with a bushy beard, greeted you with a warm smile. "tonight's specials: dragon's breath chicken and shadow steak."
sunoo raised an eyebrow. "shadow steak? sounds ominous." woonggi grinned. "that's just code for 'we ran out of regular meat'." you playfully rolled your eyes. "you're such a cynic." the line moved forward, and you selected your meal, exchanging banter with the chef as he loaded your plate. as you made your way to your empty table, you spotted shiloh sitting across the room, his eyes meeting yours for a fleeting moment.
you hesitated before sending a small, sympathetic smile towards him, who sat alone at a nearby table. but instead of acknowledging your gesture, he looked away, his forehead thudding onto the wooden surface. shiloh was always by himself, his isolation a self-imposed exile. he never mingled with his peers, preferring the solitude.
rumors swirled around shiloh's unique abilities – he could see and communicate with ghouls, creatures invisible to the rest of the world. but this gift came with a crippling curse: he couldn't turn it off. the constant barrage of ghostly whispers and visions had driven him to the academy, seeking refuge and understanding. you felt a pang of sorrow for shiloh, but experience had taught you to respect his boundaries. he didn't crave company, and your attempts at friendship had been met with resistance. just as you turned back to your friends, a sudden elbow jabbed you from behind, sending you stumbling forward. but before you could fall, the same hands caught you, steadying you.
"sorry, darling, didn't see you there," a low, southern drawl apologized, the voice dripping with honey. you turned to face yoon hyunwoo, one of the youngest scions of the influential yoon family. his long blonde hair was swept behind one ear, revealing piercing grey eyes that sparkled with amusement.
as you met his gaze, a small smirk played on your lips. "maybe actually use your eyes to look," you suggested, your tone laced with playful sarcasm. yoon hyunwoo's entourage gathered around him, their designer-clad bodies forming a semi-circle as they assessed you, sunoo, and woonggi. their gazes lingered, weighing your worth.
sunoo's eyes narrowed, his expression wary. woonggi, however, grinned, seemingly entertained by the sudden attention. "hyunwoo, always graceful," woonggi quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm. yoon hyunwoo chuckled, his smile flashing. "and always apologized for, courtesy of my charming friends." the tension dissipated, replaced by an air of cautious camaraderie. but you sensed underlying currents, the intricate dance of alliances and rivalries that defined eternal academy's social hierarchy.
yoon hyunwoo's gaze lingered on you, his expression thoughtful. his piercing grey eyes seemed to bore into your soul, as if searching for secrets. "i didn't know you were friends with sunoo and woonggi," he said, his tone neutral. "we're more like acquaintances who tolerate each other," woonggi joked, his eyes sparkling with mischief, his grin flashing. his lean figure relaxed against the table, exuding a casual air.
sunoo shot woonggi a dry look, his light eyebrows arching. "that's accurate," he said, his deep voice laced with sarcasm. you chuckled, shaking your head, your hair swishing. "we're a package deal, unfortunately," you added, your smile wry. yoon hyunwoo's smile widened, his perfect fangs gleaming. "well, i suppose that's interesting. maybe i'll join you for lunch sometime," he suggested, his tone light, but his eyes gleaming with intrigue.
the invitation hung in the air, weighted with implications. yoon hyunwoo's social circle rarely intersected with yours. his family's influence and wealth were legendary, their name whispered in awe.
suddenly, hyunwoo's eyes looked above your head, his gaze locking onto something - or someone - behind you. his expression transformed, his eyes narrowing into a glare. before you could ask what was wrong, a cluster of boys joined your table, their faces set in identical scowls, all directed at hyunwoo.
you recognized them as heeseung's friends, their athletic builds and arrogant swagger unmistakable. heeseung's crew had a reputation for being ruthless, their loyalty to their leader unwavering. you turned around, already annoyed, and found heeseung standing behind you, his head held high, his chin tilted upward. his green eyes sparkled with triumph. "sorry, looks like there won't be much room," heeseung said, his voice dripping with condescension, as he gestured to his friends occupying the empty spots at the table.
woonggi whispered-whined, "what a cockblock," under his breath, while sunoo pouted and nodded in agreement. their disgruntled expressions mirrored your own. heeseung's family, the lees, had a long-standing rivalry with the yoon family, fueled by ancient grudges and competing interests. but that had nothing to do with you. why was heeseung inserting himself into your conversation?
"hm," hyunwoo said, his voice laced with fake calm, his eyes flashing with irritation. his fingers drummed against the table, a subtle sign of tension. you rolled your eyes at heeseung, his smug expression grating on your nerves. "and youre here because..?" you asked, your tone laced with annoyance. heeseung's smile widened, his eyes glinting with amusement. "just ensuring the right company, that's all." you turned back to hyunwoo, whose gaze remained fixed on heeseung, his expression inscrutable. "looks like the table isnt full to me," hyunwoo said, his voice neutral, but his eyes conveying a different message. the air was thick with tension, the rivalry between heeseung and hyunwoo insufferable.
"can you guys not?" sunoo called out, his voice laced with frustration, as he didn't even bother to look up from his task. he was too focused on meticulously fixing woonggi's eyebrow makeup, his slender fingers moving with precision.
"y/n isn't into guys who like to start fights, ya know?" sunoo added, his tone matter-of-fact, though his words carried a hint of playful teasing. the nonchalant comment had an unexpected effect. both hyunwoo and heeseung relaxed visibly, their postures easing as they took a step back. hyunwoo's gaze lingered on you, his expression softening. heeseung, too, seemed to unwind, his jaw unclenching. although the words were a lie, you loved a man who'd kill for you, but now wasn't the time for territorial disputes. you weren't either of theirs, and you wouldn't be swayed by their rivalry.
"how about i catch you later today, hm?" you said to hyunwoo casually, aiming to keep the peace. your tone was light, but your eyes conveyed a deeper message: let's not escalate this. hyunwoo's smile returned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "sounds like a plan," he said, his voice low and smooth.
heeseung nodded curtly, his expression still wary, but his anger seemed to have dissipated. woonggi, now sporting perfectly groomed eyebrows, flashed you a grateful smile. "thanks for defusing that, y/n," he whispered. sunoo patted woonggi's cheek. "all part of the service," he quipped while taking credit for your work. the moment passed, but the undercurrents remained. you sensed that this wasn't the last confrontation between hyunwoo and heeseung.
you turned back around, your movements crisp with irritation, and grasped your lunch tray. you sidestepped heeseung, deliberately avoiding eye contact, and settled into your seat beside woonggi. the scraping of your chair against the floor seemed amplified in the tense silence.
"oh devil, you just don't know how to mind your business, do you?" you asked rhetorically, your voice low and venomous, with a hint of a hiss. your anger simmered, fueled by heeseung's brazen claim on you in front of hyunwoo – a potential love interest – and, more infuriatingly, in front of a new potential boytoy.
heeseung's group member, diagonal from you, spoke up, his mouth full of raw meat. his obnoxious chomping seemed designed to grate on your nerves. "oh come on, he was just protecting you," he said, his tone dripping with condescension.
another group member, seated beside sunoo, chimed in, sipping his goat blood with an air of superiority. "no yeah, he definitely was. plus, why would you wanna hang with those pure-blooded-jerks anyways?" his tone implied that hyunwoo's faction was beneath yours. sunoo's expression twisted in disgust. "i'm sorry, who are you?" he asked, his voice laced with disdain, his eyes scanning the speaker as if searching for any other flaws.
"thank you," you said simply, your gratitude aimed at sunoo's defense. woonggi rolled his eyes, exasperation written across his face. "you men know nothing," he muttered, shaking his head. with a flick of his wrist, woonggi tossed a piece of meat at the peer in front of him, who winked in response. the casual exchange seemed a deliberate contrast to the tension between heeseung's group and yours.
heeseung let out a deep sigh, his eyes never leaving yours, before settling into the chair across from you. his movements were deliberate, a silent refusal to back down.
"you can all leave now, we didn't want company," you said, forcing a bright, artificial smile onto your face. your tone was sugary sweet, but laced with venom. heeseung's gaze narrowed, his eyes flashing with understanding. "didn't seem like that a minute ago," he spoke, his voice low and even, his words dripping with innuendo. he was unmistakably referencing hyunwoo's brief interaction with you. you dropped your fork, the clatter echoing through the tense silence, and leaned forward, your elbows on the table. your eyes locked onto heeseung's, your expression innocent, almost childlike.
"my apologies, i meant your company," you clarified, your tone dripping with saccharine sweetness. "did that get through your head this time?" you asked, your voice infused with mock patience, as if speaking to a stubborn child. woonggi and sunoo exchanged a look, their faces mirroring each other's amusement. they couldn't help but giggle at heeseung's reaction, their snickers like sparks to dry kindling. heeseung's face darkened, his jaw clenched, as his friends shifted uncomfortably beside him. their eyes darted between you and heeseung, sensing the escalating tension.
"oh, he’s kinda hot when he’s angry," woonggi whispered, his voice barely audible, but his eyes shining with mirth. sunoo's chuckle was more subdued, but his grin remained, a silent endorsement of your verbal jab. heeseung's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with intensity. "you're enjoying this, aren't you?" he asked, his voice low, his tone a mixture of fascination and irritation.
"quite the opposite," you said, your voice low and even, your eyes menacingly locked onto heeseung's. the sweetness from moments before had vanished, replaced by a glacial intensity. heeseung's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of surprise danced in his eyes. he hadn't expected your tone to darken so swiftly. woonggi's and sunoo's giggles ceased, their faces sobering as they sensed the escalating tension. the air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken threats.
"then why toy with me?" heeseung asked, his voice laced with curiosity, his eyes never leaving yours. his tone implied a deeper understanding, a hidden dynamic between you two.
"i'm not toying with you, heeseung," you replied, your voice dripping with venom. "i'm warning you. stay out of my business." heeseung's smile was slow, deliberate. "or what?" he challenged, his eyes glinting with amusement. the table seemed to shrink, the space between you and heeseung shrinking to nothing. the unspoken threat hung like a guillotine, poised to drop. woonggi shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting between you and heeseung. "y/n, maybe—"
"no," you cut in, your gaze never leaving heeseung's. "he wants to play games? fine." the silence was oppressive, heavy with anticipation.
the lights above the table began flickering continuously, like a stuttering heartbeat, as you rose from your seat. the air seemed to vibrate with electricity, heavy with anticipation. you clenched your fists at your sides, your knuckles whitening. dark blue electric volts crackled to life, sparking from your fingertips like miniature lightning bolts. the sparks danced across the table, casting eerie shadows on the faces around you. "lets play." you whisper.
your eyes transformed, shifting from their natural color to an unnerving, radiant deep blue. the glow intensified, illuminating the surrounding faces with an otherworldly light. woonggi's and sunoo's eyes widened in horror as they stared at you, their faces drained of color. "fuck!" woonggi exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper.
heeseung's expression remained calm, but his eyes flashed with a mixture of fascination and wariness. his gaze locked onto yours, his pupils constricting as if shielding himself from the intensity of your glow. "y/n, stop!" sunoo urged, his voice trembling, as he reached out a cautious hand. but you didn't respond. your focus remained fixed on heeseung, your electrically charged fists trembling with restraint. the sparks escalated, arcing across the table like wild, blue tendrils. the air crackled with energy, the hairs on the back of your arms standing on end.
heeseung's friends recoiled, their faces pale, as they sensed the building storm. heeseung, however, remained seated, his eyes never leaving yours. suddenly, two pair of hands clamped onto your shoulders, their grip like vice clamps, forcing your eyes to revert to their natural color. the flickering lights ceased, plunging the table into a comfortable silence.
the hands pushed you back down into your seat, their pressure relentless. you felt a surge of frustration, but before you could react, a low, smooth voice intervened. "let's not start a scene, fellas. hm?" jay said, his tone even, but laced with a hint of warning. jay's face came into view, his features chiseled, his eyes a piercing brown. heeseung's best friend and right-hand man, jay exuded an aura of calm authority. heeseung's gaze never wavered from yours, his expression unreadable. but jay's presence seemed to have stayed his hand, for now.
woonggi and sunoo exchanged uneasy glances, their faces still pale from the sudden display of your powers. "y/n, you okay?" woonggi asked, his voice barely above a whisper. you nodded, still feeling the residual tension. jay's grip on your shoulders eased, but his hands remained, a subtle reminder of his intervention. jay's gaze flicked to heeseung, a silent communication passing between them. "let's take a walk, guys," jay suggested, his tone measured.
heeseung nodded, his eyes lingering on yours for a moment before he stood up, his movements fluid. "let’s," he said, his voice dripping with promise. as heeseung and jay walked away, their entourage following closely, the tension dissipated, leaving an uncomfortable silence in their wake. sunoo spoke up, his eyes still widened in awe. "what a man," he sighed dreamily, clearly impressed by jay's effortless display of strength. meanwhile, you sat motionless, your head bowed, staring blankly at your lap. your mind reeled from the confrontation, emotions swirling like a maelstrom.
woonggi and sunoo exchanged concerned glances, noticing your vacant expression. "yah y/n-ah, don't worry about it," woonggi coaxed, his voice gentle. sunoo nodded in agreement, his dreamy expression replaced by concern. "yeah, don't let heeseung get to you. you know how he is." your reputation for struggling to separate your emotions from your abilities was well-known. whispers of your volatile powers and fragile control had circulated, making you a subject of both fascination and wariness. "y/n, you good?" woonggi asked, his voice laced with worry.
you slowly lifted your head, your eyes focusing on your friends. a faint smile crossed your lips, an attempt to reassure them. but woonggi's gaze lingered, sensing the turmoil beneath your surface. "let's get out of here, okay?" he suggested. sunoo nodded vigorously. "yeah, let's grab some fresh air. forget about heeseung and his drama." with a gentle nudge from woonggi, you stood up, letting your friends guide you away from the tense atmosphere. as you walked, the murmurs of the cafeteria patrons followed, their whispers like a constant hum.
"did you see that? y/n's lost control again..."
"heeseung's really asking for it, messing with y/n..."
your ears burned, but you kept moving, surrounded by your friends' comforting presence. as you walked out of the cafeteria with woonggi and sunoo, the cool air slapped you in the face, snapping you back to reality. the sounds of clinking dishes, murmured conversations, and muted laughter receded into the background, replaced by the pounding of your heart. your emotions still simmered, a cauldron of frustration, anger, and helplessness threatening to boil over. you felt like a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash destruction.
"hey, y/n-ah, you okay?" woonggi asked again, his brow furrowed with concern, his voice laced with a gentle urgency. you nodded, forcing a smile onto your face, a fragile mask hiding the turmoil within. "yeah, i'm fine. just... needed to calm down." but your mind screamed otherwise. you were a danger to those around you, a liability waiting to happen. the memories haunted you: shattered lights, scorched walls, and the terrified faces of those you cared about. the weight of your responsibilities crushed you, making your lungs constrict.
sunoo couldn't contain his excitement, his eyes sparkling like diamonds in the afternoon sunlight. "oh devil, did you see jay's moves back there? so smooth," he mimicked jay's gestures, his hands swooping through the air with exaggerated flair. "the way he stepped in, calmed the situation." woonggi chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "sunoo's got a crush," he teased, his voice laced with humor.
you couldn't help but smile, your earlier tension forgotten in the face of sunoo's infectious enthusiasm. the warm sunlight and gentle breeze seemed to amplify his excitement. "i think sunoo's more interested in jay's biceps than his strength," you joked, nudging sunoo playfully. sunoo playfully shoved you, your laughter echoing through the campus quad. "shut up! it's not just about the physical stuff. jay's got, charisma." you watched the exchange, feeling a sense of normalcy wash over you. for a moment, the worries about your powers and heeseung's provocations faded into the background, replaced by the simple joy of friendship.
"you know, sunoo," woonggi said, "jay's not just about looks and strength. he's been by heeseung's side for years, and that says a lot about his loyalty and dedication." sunoo's eyes sparkled with curiosity, his interest piqued. "oh? what do you mean?" he asked, leaning in, his voice barely above a whisper.
"jay's more than just a pretty face or a skilled fighter," you chimed in to explain, your expression serious. "he's heeseung's right-hand man, his strategist. he's the one who keeps heeseung in check." sunoo nodded, intrigued, his mind racing with possibilities. "i knew it. there's depth to him." as you continued walking, sunoo's gushing about jay turned into a lively discussion about the intricacies of heeseung's group and their dynamics. the campus buildings seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the complex web of alliances and rivalries.
the three of you strolled through the corridors of eternal academy, a prestigious victorian-era institution with ornate stone walls, stained glass windows, and sweeping staircases. the soft murmur of conversations, the creaking of wooden floorboards, and the occasional chime of a clock echoed through the halls. you listened, smiling, as the conversation meandered through topics like favorite books, upcoming exams, and the latest gossip. just as sunoo was launching into a dramatic retelling of jay's heroics, a small, crystal-like bell rang out loudly through the hallways, its clear tone piercing the air. the sound signaled the start of the first class of the day.
"ah, time to face the grind," woonggi sighed, shouldering his backpack. sunoo groaned, his enthusiasm momentarily dampened. "ugh, i have professor everwood's law-abiding class. wish me luck." you checked your schedule, a neatly printed card tucked into your pocket. "i've got professor thackery’s vampirism history lecture. see you two later?" woonggi nodded. "yeah, meet at the usual spot."
sunoo waved, already hurrying off toward his classroom. "good luck, y/n! don't let professor thackery bore you to tears!" as you parted ways, the corridors filled with students rushing to their respective classes. the atmosphere shifted from leisurely to hectic, the air thickening with anticipation. you quickened your pace, joining the flow of students streaming toward their destinations.
you slipped into professor thackery’s history lecture, taking a seat near the back of the dimly lit classroom. the air was thick with the scent of old books and dusty chalk. professor thackery, a bespectacled man with wispy gray hair, stood at the front, surveying the room with a keen gaze. his eyes twinkled behind wire-rimmed spectacles.
"welcome, students, to today's discussion on the implications of the industrial revolution on mundane and vampiric society," he began, his voice low and soothing. as he launched into the lecture, you pulled out your notebook and began scribbling notes. professor thackery’s words painted vivid pictures of smoke-filled factories, bustling cities, and the struggles of the working class. your mind wandered briefly, drifting back to the confrontation with heeseung and jay's intervention. but professor thackery's engaging narrative drew you back in. you couldnt help but wonder if hyunwoo had seen your little outrageous scene.
as the lecture progressed, professor thackery posed thought-provoking questions, encouraging debate among the students. discussions erupted around you, with classmates sharing insights and perspectives. you participated hesitantly, your thoughts still lingering on the events of the day. but as the discussion deepened, your engagement grew. "what do you think, y/n?" professor thackery asked, his eyes locking onto yours.
you hesitated, collecting your thoughts before responding. "uh, yes. uh, i-i mean i think the industrial revolution highlighted the tension between progress and social responsibility." professor thackery nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "excellent point, y/n. the interplay between technological advancement and social conscience is indeed crucial." the lecture concluded, leaving you feeling invigorated and intellectually stimulated.
as you packed up your belongings, your gaze drifted across the room, taking in the familiar faces of your classmates. but one desk caught your attention - the empty seat on the right side of the room. first-year student, yechan, was noticeably absent. his desk, usually cluttered with colorful pens and scribbled notes, lay bare and untouched.
"professor," you asked, your voice low, "is yechan alright?”
professor thackery's expression turned somber. "ah, yes. yechanie... he’s been struggling to adapt. the headmaster has taken him under his wing for special guidance." you nodded, understanding the euphemism. "special guidance" often meant intensive counseling, or worse, reevaluation for expulsion. but expulsion wasn't truly possible. once you entered eternal academy, the only way to leave was if the headmaster deemed you ready to rejoin mundane society. the academy's motto echoed in your mind: "in perpetuum, donec mundus paratus" - forever, until the world is ready.
you felt a chill run down your spine. yechan’s absence was a stark reminder of the academy's true nature - a sanctuary, a prison, or both? "excuse me, professor," you said, gathering your thoughts. "i'll make sure to keep up with my work." professor thackery nodded, his eyes piercing. "see that you do, y/n. we wouldn't want anyone to... lose their way." the unspoken warning hung in the air, a reminder of the academy's unwritten rules.
you left the classroom, lost in thought. what had happened to yechan? was he truly struggling, or was there more to the story? the empty desk lingered in your mind, a haunting symbol of the academy's mysterious inner workings.
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