#jungwonxreader

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

Word Count: 2023ct

y/n pov

"Ouch, my body hurts..." I quietly wimper out in the middle of my cold room.

"Why was i even brought into this earth?" I quiently conteplate to myself as i let a tear escape my eyes.

Im in the middle of my room, laying on an old, thin matress with a dirty old blanquet that barely keeps me warm. My body aches from all the beatings from my parents... yes, i live in an abussive household. My parents hate each other and refuse to get a divorce. They feed off of eachothers missery, and its the point that they beat me and blame me for their fights. I should mention that i have a stepfather who is always abussive towards me and has sexual tendencies towards me. My mother heing completely blind , by love and manipulation, and believes that im the one at fault. I just turned 18, and she beats me up when im even near that man that she tells me to call Father.

It's currently 6 pm. I came home from school earlier.

《3 hours earlier》

I was on my way back home from school, its my last year of high school, and then i get to leave that hell whole they call school. Even at school, i can't escape getting beat up or attempted to at least.

I enjoy my peaceful walk back home.

When i get near the street where i live, i freeze, and I see that my stepfather is already home. My hands start to shake, and my skin starts to crawl in disgust. I literally feel that apple i ate a little while ago coming back up. I swallow heavily before continuing to walk into my house.

I open the door as quiet as possible, I see that he's sleeping sprawled out on the couch. But of course, with my luck and unknown gust of wind made the door slammed shut. Making my mothers husband wake up in a panic. He sees me and gives me a revulting smirk. I quickly try running to my room. But he catches my arm before i can get to the stair case.

"Where do you think you're going?" He says in a taunting voice.

"Why dont you stay here and keep me company," He says, getting close to me, almost hugging me from behind. I leap forward in impulse.

"Be a good girl and listen to me," He says, his face turning into a frown at my rejection.

"n-no," I whisper out.

"what did you say to me, you bitch!" He yells at me slaping me on the face making my body bounce back due to the impact.

"I said no" I say stirnly looking back at him and holding my cheek.

"come here!" He yells at me as he tries to get a hold of me again i quickly crouch down to dodge him and move to the side. He looks at me confused.

Most of the times i get beat up good its when both of my parents are here they gang up on me, and beat me while the other holds me. A literal punching bag for them...

we then hear the door open and close we turn to see my mom standing on the door way looking at us.

"What... DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING WITH MY HUSBAND YOU BITCH!" she yells at me.

My step father turns to me and gives me a sly smirk.

"Honey, she tried to get near me, so i pushed her," He says as calm and somewhat of a passive-aggressive tone.

"oh" She says. I know that oh..

I quickly book it to my room.

But they were too fast they graved my arm and pull me towards the ground, both of them started kicking me and punching me.

They stopped once they saw blood coming out if the injuries.

"thats enough for today" My mom says.

"now go to your room and stay there, you dont get dinner today, and dont get too friendly with my husband, just becauae you can't get a boyfriend" she says, i shrug it off since its not the first time she has said that to me.

I slowly get up trying not to make any noise. Amd head to my room.

《《《

So thats how it went 3 hours ago, Im just in bed, locked in my room, contemplating my life now.

I decide to just go to sleep, for the rest of the evening.

*ring, ring*

"hmm" I grunt out, feeling the beating more from yesterday. Good thing i dont think anything is broken. But it hurt so bad.

"oh- look at that, it's 5 a.m., time to get up for school," I whisper to myself as i look at the time on my phone. "Im glad i get to come home later today," continue to whisper to myself, as i think about what im going to do later. I work in a cafe 10 minutes from the school. It's very cute, the coffee and sweets are delicious.

I get out of my bed and head to the bathroom in my room, i quickly take a shower and put on my uniform, i put make-up on the areas where the bruises can be visible. Once i was satisfied, i fixed my shoulder-length hair, leaving it down. My bangs usually slightly covered my eyes, and I put my glasses on before heading downstairs to get something to eat before i leave.

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Jungwon pov

*DING!*

I hear a high pitch alarm and sit up in shock.

"its time to wake up for uni sir," I hear one of my men say. startling me.

"right," I say trying to seem unaffected by it.

I get out of my bed and make my way to my big luxurious bathroom.

I am the head of a big mafia gang.

How am i the head of a mafia group at the age of 19? Well, you see... My parents died- well... more like they were killed. Ambushed... in a trip they took together, they were happy on vacation, but were to distracted, but who could blame them they were trying to escape reality. But that ended up leaving me with this huge responsibility. I have 6 other friends that I trust dearly and apointed them leaders to different districts. Meaning all 6 are my partners in crime. We have no mercy for anyone who tries to hurt anyone in my gang or anyone at all that i deeply care for. And i have yet to find those who killed my parents. They will die a slow and painful death.

I finish up getting ready and showering, I get out of my bathroom in only a towel covering my lower half of my body. As i step out, i hear my door creak.

"whos there?" I asked a bit paranoid.

One of my maids walks in seductively.

what does she think shes doing!?

"can you get out of my room!" I yell at her to leave me.

"But sir i want to fullfil any desire you might have, isnt that one of the reasons why you hired me," She says with lustfilled eyes, that make me want to vomit. I dont care for those type of desires if its not with the one i love.

but... i have yet to find that special someone... Even if i have many following me around... all they want is money and power.

I quickly grab my robe thats on my bed and wrap it around my body to avert her eyes from looking at me like that. its revulting-

"I SAID LEAVE!" I yell at her in frustration.

"but-" she peeps

"youre fired" I say with the coldest gaze i could give.

"b-but"

"Leave before i kill you for disobeying me" I say stirnly looking into her eyes, as they slowly turn into a fear look.

serves her right, old hag.

she turns around, "also how dare you try to get your way with a teenager, when youre atleast 40," she lowers her head before leaving my room.

"ugh now im going to be late because of her" I grunt in annoyance.

I quickly go to my walk-in wardrobe (that, by the way, it's basically the size of his room) and get some clothes to wear.

Before rushing downstairs to get some breakfast on the go.

Even mafia leaders have to go to school~

We do everything else on a schedule.

Y/n's pov

After walking through my usual route for school, i finally made it. I push past the front door, looking down at my feet, but still making sure I am focusing on my periferal vision.

I walk to my locker and place my things in, and take what i need for my classes out. Suddenly, my locker door slammed shut, i looked to see, but i knew who it was... Eunchae, she is the very popular, pretty girl that everyone worships. Every guy wants to date her, and every girl wants to be her. But the thing about Eunchae is that she is a big bully. No one says anything to her because of her pretty privilege. Also, im nobody, so no one step to help me. They turn a blind eye.

"Oops, my hand slipped," She says sarcastically with a smirk.

I nod and walk away from her. "Hey, im not done talking to you, freak!" She yells out, trying to grab my wrist, but i pull it before she can she stubles around, losing her balance in the process of me pulling away. We hear people gasp, I ignore it, and keep walking.

I dont have time for this...

I speed walk away from them and get to my classroom. I may not have a good life at home, but I am not too far behind on school, Im actually in the top 5.

Im trying to aim for the top 3 at least by the end of the year so i can get into a good university, i really want to study to be in the medical field.

I sit in my assigned seat, in the back next to Niki, He waves at me as i make my way towards him, I wave back.

"I saw your little argument with Eunchae," Niki says apologetically.

"ohh, how emberrasing," I whisper to myself.

"Sorry, i didn't step in, I knew you would handle it well," He says, laying his hand lightly on my shoulder. I hiss in pain at the pressure that came to my bruise on my shoulder.

"a-are you okay? sorry, did i hurt you?" Niki says in a panic.

"n-no dont feel bad, i hit myself yesterday, i dropped a book from the top shelf in the library and it hit my shoulder" I says letting out a nervouse chuckle hoping he'll buy it.

Niki is one of the popular guys here, but he's very nice to me, mostly because we have known each other since middle school, and im not after him like other girls. We get along well, and i see him like an older brother.

Another thing is ... he doesn't know about my family situation. I rather not burden him with that... But... now that i think about it, I dont know much about Niki's personal life either. When we have group projects, we will go to a cafe or the library.

"mwoh! why didn't you text me? You know i can help you!" He says with a pout. I pinch his cheeks at his cuteness.

"Im sorry, i thought i could reach it," I say, shrugging in embarrassment.

"y/n" he pats my head lightly, "you're short, you should've expected not being able to reach it," Niki says, calling me out on my height.

"It's not my fault im short! why are you so tall? long ass thing!" I say in annoyance. Just then, the teacher walks in we make faces at each other before looking to the front of the classroom.

Not long did it take after the whole village discovered, the enchanting girl who lives at the house by the well was indeed a witch, her collecting herbs, flowers, and questionable things should be something noticeable from the very first time, they said. To the stake did she was taken, and to the fire they let her body be devoured by. From the windows of his castle did the vampire prince witnessed his lover slowly and painfully turn to ash upon being burnt. Aside of being able to feel warmth after the existence of his lover, he finally felt something else burning in his chest. It was pain – bitter.

He also longed to taste the blood of his lover. Everything inside of him screaming to just pounce on her and devoured every single drop of blood out of her, though he didn’t want to rush things and ended up waiting. He had never smelled something so sweet, agonizingly sweet like his lover. Now she’s gone, left to ashes that the wind had swept away, he was left with the excruciating ache and hunger. To his room he went, inside his coffin he rested. Not just a regular rest he’s about to get, but a painfully long rest he’s getting. Closing his coffin from inside, he lets himself rest, no one even himself knows how long.

Jungwon, the vampire prince drowned himself to a long rest.

ㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ.           .           .

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The moment he opened his eyes, Jungwon knew, it wasn’t a 50 year rest he had taken, it was even longer than he guessed. Climbing out of his coffin, it wasn’t a shock for him to see the castle filled with spiders, dusts, and rotting furniture, not even close to the word neat, clean, and expensive looking like how he would describe before his eternal slumber he had just gotten out of. Dusting anything it is from his cape, Jungwon walked out of the castle.

Shouldn’t be a surprise for Jungwon to see the village he used to see on the distance is no longer in sight. Trees and vines now decorating the body of the castle also blocked the view to where the people, who despised him, who wanted to hunt him used to reside at. Also the same people who burnt his lover alive. A pang of pain and anger could still Jungwon feel, but there’s nothing much he can do, it was long time ago.

Jungwon then left his castle. He lost count of how far he had gone, until a bright place he saw. Tall houses, which then he knew were called buildings, soared against the sky. Jungwon was confused, he had never seen anything like this in his whole life. People, with their new clothing and styles walked here and there on the busy streets of the night. All of them were chattery, with lots of words Jungwon didn’t get to understand; modern language, he thought. He was also bewildered upon seeing a small slim brick on the hands on most people he saw. Them touching it endlessly, or pressing it against their ear, with devices… or whatever it is hooked to their ears. Jungwon needed a time to breathe and calm himself down.

It took Jungwon quite some time to adjust with the modern life served in front of his nose. Technology and new changes did freak him out, but he had to adjust with everything he’s looking at right now. Wandering around for months it is until he realized it was a 300 year rest he had taken, and he’s familiar with nothing right now. Relying on his bat figure for some time while inspecting how ‘modern people’ live, Jungwon finally managed to find a place to stay. A small, neat cozy apartment with quiet neighbors, he liked that. He thinks now it’s time for him to find a job at least.

“Hold the elevator!” a voice yelled one night. Groggily, as he just learnt how elevator works, Jungwon held the open button of the elevator, waiting for whoever the person was.

A young man showed up, almost tripping on his own feet for how rushed he is trying to catch the elevator. With an embarrassed smile, he was about to press on the button then realized the tenth floor button was already pushed by Jungwon. The elevator door then momentarily closed, before it takes them upstairs.

“So… a neighbor.” The young man said, not long after they passed the second floor. An awkward smile did Jungwon flashed. Great, it was a 300 year slumber he had taken and there’s no way he’d be that good on socializing also with the fact that he was a prince, and he only had little to no interactions on his prince days.

“Are you new here? Don’t think I’ve seen you before.” The young man continued, resting his elbow on the elevator railing. Looking over to the young man, Jungwon pushed a little confidence on himself to at least give the young man an answer, “Yes… I just moved here last week.”

“Cool.” The young man continued. Silence wrapped, while the elevator kept on bringing them upstairs. Jungwon wanted to break the silence, he just doesn’t know how.

“I’m Jake.” Jungwon looked back at the man, reaching his hand out to Jungwon. Glancing to the young man’s reached out hand for a while, Jungwon then finally get a held of it, shaking it.

“My name is Jungwon.” Jungwon said with a smile.

Jungwon’s first friend after 300 years; Jake. A freelance writer with a really messy way of living; sleeps at sunrise, drinks coffee more than water, and snacks more than actual meals. A struggling college student lifestyle, that’s how Jake would describe as he was a fresh graduate himself and still couldn’t live without the lifestyle he had been living with for the past years of him going to college. Jake’s messed up sleeping schedule keeps him awake at night, that’s why Jungwon thinks they’d go pretty well together. It didn’t take long until Jake started inviting Jungwon to hang out at his place by night, which Jungwon gladly came over. Of course, he still needs to adjust with the modern lifestyle he’s going to live with now and needs at least someone to show him things.

“How about you?” Jake asked one night, popping some popcorns to his mouth, gaze fixated towards the TV as Vampire Diaries played. Jungwon, despite being overly focused on how the media describe his kinds on screen then looked at Jake and his hanging question in confusion.

“You haven’t told me much about yourself.” said Jake, without sparing even a second to look at Jungwon.

Jungwon hummed, internally panicking of how he should describe himself to Jake. Of course, regretting how he used the past nights before getting too amazed with TV until he didn’t realize, he hadn’t thought about a new identity for himself. A mask identity that he’d be using to hide his real identity. He wouldn’t just pop out and tell Jake that he’s a vampire, would he? Either Jake would freak out, or Jake would think Jungwon’s an absolute lunatic. Jungwon doesn’t even plan to tell Jake who he really is anyways, and hope Jake wouldn’t find out at the end of the day.

“Yes… I just moved to the city.” Jungwon said, managed to not sound groggy, or Jake would probably catch him suspicious.

“And… still in need of someone to rely on, perhaps.” Jake then turned to look at Jungwon, chuckling before turning his attention back to the TV.

“That’s why you speak so formal and didn’t know about technology?” Jungwon didn’t give Jake’s words an answer. Didn’t even catch that Jake was joking, in fact he agreed on that. Sleeping for 300 years, used to be a prince, there’s no way he would speak so modern-like nor understand that well about technology.

Jake turned to see Jungwon after hearing his silence, thinking Jungwon was probably offended by his joke. Jake then nudged Jungwon’s shoulder slightly, “Joking, mate.”

“Ah… not to worry. I simply agree on that.” Jungwon said, quickly flashing out a smile to not give Jake the wrong idea even more.

Another laugh from Jake, returning to munching his popcorn while attentively watching the TV, “Right.”

ㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ.           .           .

ㅤ

Jungwon should’ve known better. He should’ve known what Jake is into upon realizing how oddly often would Jake put on vampire related themes on movie nights. Of course Jungwon wouldn’t disclose to Jake that he is a vampire, but couldn’t help himself but to secretly throw gaze to Jake whenever the movie’s playing. Worry burning deep down beside him if Jake ever noticed Jungwon’s fangs, or how Jungwon had his slumber on mornings and afternoons, how Jungwon’s apartment room would always be dark, concealed away from the sunray. Unless Jake never brought the topic to the surface, Jungwon shouldn’t actually worry about it.

Then there’s one night, where Jake finally had something to write, and decided to not start a movie night, like he used to. Though it’s still more than welcomed for Jungwon to crash at his place, just for a good company. Jake was sat on the dining table, with the sound of typing against the keyboard and his sighs alternating each other. His glasses started sliding half his nose bridge, and his cigarette half burnt on the ashtray. He didn’t manage to budge either, must be too stressed or too focused on whatever he’s writing on his laptop. Jungwon, on the other side, sprawled on the couch, with a phone on his hand. Finally getting a grip on how phone works, he’s on it almost 24/7.

An hour or two passed. Having his phone battery almost depleted, Jungwon then asked for a charger, which Jake then told Jungwon to get it on his nightstand at his bedroom. Quickly retrieving the charger, it was a shock for Jungwon upon seeing something on Jake’s room.

A shelve near the door, filled with encyclopedias of vampires. First Jungwon was amazed to have found the fact that Jake, had an obsession for vampires. Right, he should’ve realized when Jake wouldn’t stop watching shows and movies about vampires. Though the worry inside of him started to rise upon seeing the other books on the lower shelve was filled with vampire hunting topics, how to kill a vampire – vampire annihilation. Then it shocks Jungwon the most upon seeing a small jar… filled with perhaps two to three pairs of sharp canines, which he can guess, vampire canines. Vampire encyclopedias should be acceptable, but books about killing vampires and even their canines in a jar?

“Found it?” Jake shouted from the dining table. Jungwon snapped out of his thought, realizing it did take him long at Jake’s room.

“Yes. I’ve found it!” said Jungwon, hurrying his steps back to the living room.

Jake, now had his laptop closed, started stretching his limbs upon hours and hours of sitting down and brainstorming. Jungwon then sat down beside him, just sitting there, nicely, as he knew Jake wouldn’t let him return back to his room until sunrise. Jake then took off his glasses, folding his arms then resting his head on it before momentarily closing his eyes. Curiosity filled Jungwon’s mind, as it aches him more and more to know. After waking up from the slumber, and on his prince days, he wasn’t much of a curious individual himself, but he can’t bury this question, he needs to know.

“Hey, Jake.” Jungwon called. Jake opened his eyes almost immediately.

“Quick question,” Jungwon proceeded on his words, “Yeah?”

“I saw your shelves… You like vampires?”

Jake chuckled, rubbing his eyes before sitting back straight. Taking one of his Marlboro Red out of the cigarette box, lighting it up before resting his back on the backrest of the chair. He didn’t speak out anything, other than blowing out smokes while looking at Jungwon ridiculously long.

“Do you believe in vampires, Jungwon?” Jake questioned, taking another puff of his cigarette.

“Yes… they’re… amazing?” Jungwon answered out impulsively. Should’ve thought about a more acceptable answer, but Jungwon doesn’t want to make things weird by him thinking long of just a simple question Jake had asked.

Another chuckle from Jake, tapping the ashes off the burnt edge onto the ashtray in the middle of the dining table.

“We’re pretty chill already so I think it’s okay for you to know who I really am.” Jake said, scooting his chair closer to Jungwon’s. The first time in hundreds of years did finally Jungwon felt his heart beating fast again, just the worry that Jake might find the fact that Jungwon’s a vampire himself.  

ㅤ

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“I’m a freelance writer,” now Jake’s body did he move towards Jungwon, and to Jungwon’s ear Jake whispered, “But I also hunt for vampires.”

ㅤ

ㅤ

Jungwon hid his worries and shock with a smile, as Jake scooted his chair back to give out some space between him and Jungwon. He should’ve known better. Resting his back, Jake slipped the cigarette between his lips. Jungwon would be lying if he said Jake’s side occupation doesn’t scare him. It is indeed dangerous, being friends with someone who actually hunts your kind down. It’s best for Jungwon to run. But thinking he might be able to find his kind, and live with them if he sticks around with Jake a little while longer, he just had to be careful of his actions and words.

“Do you despise any mythical creature?” Jake broke the silence. Jungwon hummed in response, thinking of anything he could remember from 300 years ago.

“Werewolves?” Jungwon remembered it clearly. How he was taught that werewolves are the kind to not interact or mess with, as it was said they were the vampires’ originated enemies. That’s the way it has been, and always will be. 

Jake nod in satisfaction upon hearing Jungwon’s answer, “Any reason for that?”

Jungwon paused for a moment. In fact, he doesn’t, not even one. He had just seen one werewolf on his entire lifespan, and it’s just from the distance. He was obedient, of the values that he had been taught since the moment he was born. Jungwon doesn’t even know what separates both vampire and werewolf.

“Uh… full of furs?” innocently Jungwon answered. Jake threw his head back with a loud laugh, a long one, he must find Jungwon’s answer funny. Ridiculously funny. Jungwon was confused at first, but decided to play along and just lightly laugh between Jake’s bursting laughter.

“God, you should really meet my friends.” Jake said, clutching his abdomen in pain of the loud laugh he just combusted.

“Your friends?” Jungwon asked. Jake nodded, giving out one last puff before pressing the cigarette edge to the ashtray. Jake cleared his throat, looking at Jungwon.

ㅤ

“Yeah, they’re just like me.”

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ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ.           .           .

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Jungwon really thanked the heavens or anything out there as Jake said he would meet his friends at night. Though it rings a bell inside of Jungwon’s head, who are Jake’s friends, and what did he mean by the statement that they’re ‘just like Jake’?

A few hours after sunset, Jungwon was awaken from his slumber upon hearing banging sounds coming from his door. With a yawn and annoyance, he then walked towards the door, eyes half closed. Opening the door, Jungwon saw Jake leaning against the wall with a mocking cocky expression.

“Ready to go, handsome?”

Of course, not yet familiar with the concept of alarm as he used to rely on his servants on waking him up. Jungwon didn’t take long to get ready, as he puts on whatever it is he can find in his closet, for a moment hating the way he looks with a pair of hoodie and sweats. He do believe he look like a sack, but whatever, modern day fashion. It was around a thirty minute drive away from the apartment building where Jungwon and Jake lived at, and in front of a house Jake parked his car at. Beyond the house Jungwon could see trees and a river, then Jungwon could guess the house exactly locates at the end of the city.

“Jake, what’s up!” A voice greeted upon the arrival of Jake and Jungwon. A wide smile Jake pulled out, giving the girl greeting him a high-five.

“Yujin! All good, all good.” Followed up with a high-five with a boy sat next to the Yujin girl. Awkwardly Jungwon stood there, both his hands clasped in front of him while Jake started a conversation with the guy, about whatever it is, an update of their new hunt Jungwon supposed.

“Oh, are you new here?” Yujin kindly greeted, which caught Jungwon off-guard, didn’t expect she would actually talk to him.

“Ah, yes,” Jake said, turning his attention away from Sunoo’s laptop and walked his way towards Jungwon’s side. Throwing an arm around Jungwon, he then looked back at Yujin and Sunoo, “Should’ve waited for everyone else, but…”

ㅤ

“Meet Jungwon,

he’d be joining us on our next hunts.”

ㅤ

They’re just like Jake. Jake did find the most proper way to describe his friends here. They’re a bunch of people, with their own occupations, real life occupations, most of them pays good and even had the job lots of people dreamt of. Then once the moon had replaced the sun at night, they would turn themselves into hunters, mythical creature hunters. Jungwon seriously had no idea what their motives were, killing creatures whose existence even leave normal people to skeptic.  

Jungwon came to learn some things that he had learnt from there; there are approximately fifteen people of this… somehow underground association. So far he had met Jake, Sunoo, and Yujin for the first few days, then other members he came to learn the names; Changgu, Chaewon, and Yeonjun, then other members he hadn’t had the chance to meet. He then also noticed that not only vampires did they hunt for, Jungwon also noticed that they had sell body parts or possessions of mythical creatures to the museums or crazy rich collectors, let it be preserved mermaid tail, the lower body part of centaur, authentic witch hat, and the list goes on, for an unbelievably high price. High enough to probably cover one’s rent for a year or two. Jungwon would think it’s vile, scary, and very inhumane of them, but he wants to know where his being existed at, to come for their aid and unite with them, therefore choosing to not flee himself away.

“(Name)!” Sunoo greeted as someone arrived to the ‘headquarters’. Jungwon, on the other hand was too busy reading werewolf articles or whatever it is. At least he’s pretending that he cares or even placed interest in it at the first place, as that’s not what he’s here for. Jake, being all excited and giddy told the group that Jungwon’s here as a werewolf slayer, therefore Yujin, also being in charged to do so then delightfully taught Jungwon everything she knew.

“Gosh, it’s good to be back.” You said, giving Chaewon a hug, missing her the most after weeks of not stopping by to the headquarters. Slaying vampires did give you good cash, buying things that you used to save up for months to even consider to buy, it’s now a lot easier. Though still, you can’t just leave your real occupation, and having to serve ungrateful bitchy clients for weeks drained your mental, you decided to put the vampire slaying activity to a halt, therefore not coming to the headquarters for weeks long. And it feels like home going back.

Still with his pretentious interest, Jungwon didn’t even lift his gaze away from the book. Too busy pretending to look engrossed with the encyclopedia as you chattered along with Jake and the others, catching up for the fun and the new things you missed. Not an interest passed by Jungwon’s mind to look at you until he couldn’t help but to smell something. Something so good, so warm, and so alluring. Something just as familiar.

Jungwon raised his gaze, as it landed on you. He froze, feeling somehow an electrocuting feeling of shock spread throughout his body. It’s you. Yes. Not even worth a minute of denying that it isn’t you. It’s you, who he had been missing all these time. It’s you, who he had been longing for all these time. It’s you, who brought love and warmth to his heart 300 years ago. It’s you, his lover. Looking just as beautiful.

“Oh, a new face!” gleefully you said, fleeing yourself off from Chaewon, making your way towards Jungwon.

Disappointment did fill himself. Did you forget him? Did he get the wrong person? It can’t be. It is you, his lover, on his prince days. Jungwon was expecting you to be shocked as he was, momentarily pausing, then ran your way towards him, like you used to secretly under the gleam of the full moon, pulling him to your arms and starting the rendezvous with a kiss, like you used to. It’s a total contrast now, did you not die upon being burnt on the stake? Were you resurrected? Or you’re just born again? Impossible to him, you looked and smelled just the same.

“Yeah, he just joined a week ago.” Yujin answered, putting more werewolf documents in front of Jungwon, he mentally groaned, only if all the readings can be put to a halt, he just found a new interest here.

“Nice to meet you, I’m (name).” reaching your hand out, Jungwon had his shock state back. Staring your hand for a while before snapping out of his thought, “Jungwon.”

ㅤ

Jungwon then could feel himself internally aching even more, as he realized even your hands felt just as soft.

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ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ.           .           .

ㅤ

Jake had been teasing Jungwon non-stop about you. At first Jungwon was too naïve, and thought Jake is able to read minds. No, silly, Jake said. Jake said Jungwon made it all too obvious, that he had just fallen in love at first sight. If only Jake new, he was indeed in love with you, even after hundreds of years of a deep slumber. Even Chaewon sometimes would tease Jungwon while you’re not around, asking when will he make his move, and bombing him with non-stop compliment about you. Jungwon was moved to hear all the facts he can gather about you, you are indeed his lover, a modernized version if he could say – you’re just the same.

You on the other hand, thought Jungwon was super cute – but so far, that’s it. Not going to repeat your mistake on thinking you’d ended up dating those who you found cute. Moreover knowing Jungwon’s a few year youngers than you (or that’s what you thought), you always had soft spots for younger ones. And facing a younger one with absolute cute chipmunk features? You don’t think you can resist that.  

Chaewon and Yujin did joke about setting you up with Jungwon, multiple times. As multiple times did you rolled your eyes playfully at them and told them to not overdo it, or else the outcome might usually be total contrast. Though at the end you can’t help but subconsciously got yourself closer with Jungwon, starting conversations, would place your elbow on his shoulder while attentively listening to someone who’s talking to the whole group. On his shoes, Jungwon’s heart would beat like crazy, running seven laps every time you pulled out that familiar smile, or whenever you started talking to him, and the small skin contacts made between the both of you. He felt like he was taken back 300 years ago.

Then the talking stage continues, as it gets more intense, Jungwon would want to know about how your day went, or constantly assuring if you’re okay, patting your shoulder or even pulling you to a hug when everything at work that day is just beyond shitty. It may sound weird or rushed, but every attention he’s put in you made you feel so secure, so protected, so… homey. Then it's only a matter of weeks until Jungwon plucked up the courage and finally asked you out on a date. You’d be lying if you said your heart didn’t pound like crazy, even almost jumping out of your body. With a sheepish smile, you then told him it’s a yes.

You love Jungwon, you really do. After some sweet cute night dates with him and endless talking on texts, phones, and meeting up at the headquarters, you can finally feel the warmth on your heart that you’ve been craving for years long, and it’s now here, all thanks to Jungwon. Although sometimes when Jungwon kissed you sweetly, locking eye contact with you, or when you’re wrapped in his arms, you sensed a strong feeling of familiarity. Whatever, this might be a true everlasting love like how your grandma used to tell you for bedtime stories when you’re little. Everything with Jungwon just feels so right.

Thanks to your packed 9 to 5 job, you can only meet Jungwon at night. At first, guilt filled you up as you thought you were just bothering Jungwon’s rest time, little did you know. Jungwon would always assure you that he’s fine with night dates, or coming over to your place at night, even sometimes keeping you company while you finished up the job you brought home. You would usually sit on your dining table, typing away, while Jungwon would sit next to you, chin on his hand, taking a view of your beautiful, perfect features, smiling to himself, he’s lucky to be able to get you twice. Sometimes taking one of your hand if you’re not busy, peppering soft kisses on it, you think it’s sweet, it would give you butterflies, while he gets an even closer sniff of your scent.

It was then one night something happened. Work was shit. A non-stop complaining client, your work superior yelled at you for something you didn’t even do, the coffee shop you usually stopped by at ran out of your favorite vanilla latte, your laptop didn’t work for some reason – everything was wrong. You were almost on your last straw, and with a simple agreement from Jungwon for him to come over to your place at least did calm you, just a bit. You were ranting, blabbering, on the verge of tears while you rambled everything about your day to Jungwon, while he patiently acted as your emotional punching bag, stroking your hair, having you in his embrace.

“Don’t worry, you did your best today.” Jungwon reassured once you’ve closed your ranting talk. Heaving out a sigh, you continued on resting your head on Jungwon, just enjoying yourself in the embrace of someone who really matters to you.

You looked up to him from his chest, while he was already looking at you too at the first place. Admiring every single perfection on his face, little did you know he was doing the same thing. Dazed in love while looking at you, the love of his life, closing the gap between the both of you, your lips then met with a kiss. Sweet, like it’s always been. Jungwon never wanted to let go whenever the both of you kissed, though at the end you just had to, to catch some breath. You tasted sweet, like candy, or even way sweeter. His mind screams he wanted more and more with the sweetness, he wanted it forever, he never wanted to let go. Jungwon was too busy with the thought, he didn’t realize he lost his control.

“Ow!” you gasped in pain, pulling away from the kiss as Jungwon looked at you in shock. Was too carried away by the kiss he didn’t even realize he accidentally bit your lips, hard. Your fingers grazed to your lips as blood trickles down your lips.

Jungwon’s eyes widened in shock, his heart pounding loudly he can even hear it from his ears. Feeling all of his senses sharpened, his gaze fixated on your lips, where your blood visibly drops out. His lover’s blood, the one he had been dying to taste for achingly too long. His brain started going fuzzy, also perhaps feeling his breath getting shorter and shorter, even started lightly shaking.

“Jungwon? Are you okay?” A miracle that Jungwon could get a grip of himself even after you spoke, as he started panicking, for hurting you.

“I- I’m… I’m sorry.” Jungwon started muttering out apologetically, started rumbling around in search of tissues or anything that can hopefully stop your lips from bleeding. While you think it’s not such a big deal, then tried calming the panicked out Jungwon as if he had just committed an arson crime and got caught for it.

Jungwon couldn’t stop thinking about it a few days afterwards, feeling nothing but guilt filling his insides. You actually thought he’s overreacting, but of course not telling it as it might hurt his feelings for caring for you too much. For some span of time, Jungwon avoided kissing you, on the lips. Only planting his lips on your cheeks, hands, temples, or forehead, just never your lips. He’s trying his best to minimize any lip contact for now on, fear that he might actually ended up hurting you. Foremost, fearing that he would actually lose control seeing his lover’s blood, the one he had been dying to taste for achingly too long.

A normal Friday night for you and Jungwon then. Now your turn to stop by his apartment, just holding hands and cuddling by the couch, watching TV and talking about each other’s days. While you were blabbering about work, then switching to the hot topic of how Chaewon just got back from wherever it was she travelled to, and managed to hunt down a siren. With eyes gleaming and a bright smile, you of course were so proud of your best friend, counting her achievements, this should be her third attempt of successfully hunting down one. Though you’d appreciate more if Jungwon paid attention to your words, Jungwon doesn’t seem to care about that. His eyes gleaming as well, taking the view of you, so lovingly. He thanked whatever it is out there that blessed creatures with life, for the luck hooked to his fingers right now. Deeply falling in love with his lover ages ago, and getting to fall in love with the exact reincarnation of his lover now. He doesn’t want to let you go.

“Are you even listening?” You complained, realizing how minimum Jungwon’s responses are but for his cheeky smile and gleaming eyes that lingered his attention to your face for oddly long. Jungwon snapped out of his thoughts, chuckling at himself for getting so lost in you, your beauty.

Jungwon cupped both side of your cheeks, leaning closer to place a sweet cute kiss on your nose, “I love you.”

Your heart fluttered as his words, as per usual. Though it’s not the first time Jungwon had said that he loves you, but still, it’s still something so exciting for you to hear.

“You know…” Jungwon said, once he leaned back and rested his back on the backrest of the couch, now placing his gaze to the TV.

“Back in my place… there’s this one castle… which people said used to be a vampire prince’s nest.” Said Jungwon. Your eyes brightened, as you then turned to look at him. Going with Jungwon to his hometown and even having the chance to visit the place that aligns with your job? You’d sign yourself up any time.

“Really? We should tell the others. Maybe we can go for the hunt with Jake too?” You suggested gleefully. Thinking Jake lives a few rooms away from Jungwon’s, he should probably know this news tonight.

With a small smile, Jungwon shook his head, placing his hand above yours, “No.”

“It’s just the two of us.” Jungwon said. About to frown, you then swallowed it immediately. You then realized it would be romantic; just the two of you, in his hometown as he would show you here and there, probably introduce you to his relatives or family as well. Appreciating how Jungwon puts up with the idea, you thought that would be a marvelous idea to spend the weekend.

“I want the time just for the two of us.” Jungwon get a hold of your hand, bringing it close to his lips to place a soft kiss.

Jungwon’s up for an idea.

ㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ.           .           .

ㅤ

Your mouth did gape in amaze upon seeing the castle lying before you. Your entire vampire hunting career, you have never witnessed a ‘vampire castle’ before. It’s somehow similar like stereotypical vampire castles that’s usually drawn on books or on vampire related contents. Big, dark, in the middle of the forest… scary. Jungwon who stood behind you couldn’t conceal his proud smile. So proud of himself for finally making his return home sweet home, back with his lover.

Scared, a bit, you got to admit. It surely would be embarrassing for you to admit that you’re afraid of something you’ve been hunting down for all these years. It was cold upon entering the castle, as cold as getting closer to winter. Weirdly, you just can’t brush off the feeling this place kinds of hint warmth inside of you. You swear you feel weird – oddly warm and familiar. Almost the same as Jungwon, as he felt warm and familiar with his own home.

“Wow… wish everyone’s here right now.” You said, switching your phone flashlight on for some sense of grip, also breaking the ice as Jungwon had been ridiculously silent ever since the both of you entered the place.

“Yeah.” Jungwon managed to reply, shortly. Both his hands behind his back, as he relaxedly tailed on your curious steps.

Your gaze swept here and there. It was just like you imagined, tall walls decorated with red and gold curtains and furniture. Looks so lavish, classic, and expensive yet so dirty at the same time with the dusts and cobwebs covering each and every spots. Small smiles in amusement formed on your lips whenever you realized how awesome it is, as halls and halls you and Jungwon walked through.

“This castle used to look so royal.” Jungwon said, when the both of you were on the dining room. You nodded at his words, continued on examining exactly one set of gold, expensive looking cutlery set on the table. Jungwon must be right, someone, or even a particular creature must have lived here before.

“Used to be all so red.” Continued Jungwon on his words, while you were walking even deeper to the part of the castle. It gets darker, and colder, you can’t help but to feel more scared upon the situation.

ㅤ

“So cold…

yet so homey…”

ㅤ

Shivers ran down your spine, your fear risen up, as well as you feeling more and more uncomfortable. It was great for Jungwon to spare some time and idea to explore this part of his hometown, but he made you afraid now. Being so talkative most of the time, then being silly silent once the both of you entered the castle and saying out-of-the-blue things on all sudden. You’d be a champ if that doesn’t scare you.

Jungwon and you went inside a room by the end of the hallway. You can barely see anything, but thanks to your flashlight, you can easily identify that this room is a bedroom. King sized bed, vanity table, all red red red. In the midst of your fear, you can still feel a little bit amused of how royal and classic this room layout looks. Then that’s it, you really wanted to get out of here.

“So, what do you think of the castle?” Jungwon asked, finally saying something after the spooky remarks he had been saying earlier that left you scared and upset. You turned to look at him, accidentally flashing his face, quickly squinting his eyes and blocking the light with his hand as a response.

“Uh…” You hummed, tilting your phone away for the light to shine somewhere else, “It’s… classic and beautiful?”

Jungwon nod his head hearing your answer, a small smile formed on his lips.

“But it’s funny…” you said, “how I think I’ve seen this castle lots of times before in my dreams.” You confessed, Jungwon eyes shot up to look at you. A proud smile and expression painted his face, as it fuzzed your head even more. You are scared and confused… of the castle and how Jungwon acted.

“I don’t feel good, Jungwon.” You said, feeling of fright started growing even more inside of you, due to how minimum Jungwon responded to you, and the castle itself, “Let’s just go home.”

Jungwon stood silent, right where he was, a few steps away from you. Didn’t budge to reply even a word from you being so scared of the situation, and the things he said earlier that pushed you to the edge. Jungwon pulled out a small smile, still with his wide eyes. So small it scares you, very much.

“My sweet lover.” Jungwon said, taking some steps closer to you. Thinking he’s going to aid you with secure, you had it for a few moments. Seeing his eyes glow red, you can’t help but pull your arms back in disbelief and horror, “You’re back.”

Jungwon gave out a wide smile, allowing you to witness a pair of sharp fangs from his teeth. You froze, from the bottom of your toes to the top of your head, not being able to move even a muscle even though your brain screams for you to run. Strangled gasps escape your lips, whatever it is blocking your throat to release an actual scream of terror. You were shocked, you couldn’t believe it. After all this time hunting down his kind, for the sake of money and pride, he was one of them? All these years you’ve slaughtered his kinds, you ended up falling in love with one of them? You’re that blind of this?

You couldn’t move an inch, even after Jungwon swiftly looped his arms around your neck. You finally pulled out a scream in fear, while Jungwon, in between his chuckle then punctured your neck with his sharp fangs. Tears started pooling in your eyes, as you weakly reached for Jungwon’s arm, too shocked and too weak to even move while Jungwon continuously milked out your blood. Gripping on your shoulder, you can even practically feel his nails digging on your shoulder, he must like it. Too much. You always loved when he playfully placed his lips on your neck, but not for now. It hurts, like hell. Probably a taste of your own medicine after what you’ve done to his kinds.

“You smell as sweet as you were,” Jungwon breathily said, eyes still gleaming red, as red as the blood dripping from his fangs, down to his chin and neck. Your visions grew darker and darker, knees getting even weaker. Falling down, Jungwon still have your body caged around his arms, as he leaned down to your ear, pressing his lips to your ear, whispering out the sentence caught by your ears before totally falling to the darkness;

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Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

Word Count: 2696 ct.

Authors pov

Y/n and Niki sit in class. They are both paying attention. Niki looked over to y/n and had to take a double take when he noticed her face being on full display. She lifted her bangs with her hand so she could see. He never noticed how long her eyelashes were. She looks so perfect in glasses to him, her rosy cheeks and natural pink puffy lips that pout when she is concentrating on writing something. But.. wait… what's that on her eyebrow- It looks almost like a scar. He gulps before quickly turning back to the board before she can notice his stare on her.

I have yet to see her smile-

I hope- No niki stop- y-you shouldn’t be thinking like that about her, we are friends, and i don’t want to ruin that. Niki thinks to himself as he looks back at the board. He shakes the thought off his head. The bell rang soon after, signaling it was time for lunch.

Niki pov

It's lunch time~

 signaling its half way through the day.

I see y/n heading out of the class, "Hey, wait for me," I call out to her.

"Okay, hurry," She says with the same stoic yet slightly happy look she gives.

I really wonder what her story is... she is always so sad, sometimes she would come to school slightly limping, but I'm too scared to ask what's wrong, I dont want to lose my cool in front of her. But I desperately want to know. The only time I saw her genuinly happy was, when we saw a kitten on the sidewalk that walked up to her, she gave off a small smile that I only got 1 second glimpse of, it quickly faded. "I wish I could keep her," She whispers sadly. "Why not?" I recall asking her. "My parents. wont let me keep her, " she says, pausing for a second. "I'll keep her for us," I say happily, knowing my hyungs wouldn't mind if i have a kitten around the house. "Are you sure?" She asks me, looking up at me. It's hard to look into her eyes since her hair is always in the way. "yeah i'll keep her for you," I say, holding the kitten in my hand. “Thank you, niki," she says with the same small smile that only lasted a second. I recall as we are walking to the cafeteria.

"You okay, niki?" she says, looking at me with concern in her face i can tell she's arching her eyebrows in a worried expression, her bangs slightly move up when she does.

"Yes, I was just recalling that time we were together, and we saw a kitten." I say.

"Oh? how is she doing, by the way?" She asks in a cheerful tone.

"She's doing pretty well. She's grown a lot. You should come visit her," I say to her.

"Are you sure I can come over? " she asks with a stoic yet excited tone in her voice.

"Yes, of course, just have to let my roommates know," I say happily, knowing the guys would love to meet her.

Also, I should tell her about my secret, she deserves to know. Jungwon is the most known mafia member, I'm not that well known yet. I'm so young and a little more new to the big role, so it was easier for me to keep it a secret.

"Okay, please tell me when you're okay with me coming over, just not today, I work," She informs me.

"Okay, maybe another day then," I say, the curiosity hits me.

"Wait, I didn't know you had a job! Where do you work!?" I say in a dramatic, surprised look.

"Umm, niki, i could've sworn I told you, but i work at Jangmi(rose) Coffee bar," she says with an are-you-serious tone.

"oh sorry i must've forgotten," I say, scratching the back of my neck in embarrassment.

hmmm maybe i can have the rest of Enhypen meet her somehow~

y/n pov

me and niki make our way to our table together. Before I saw Eunchae sticking her foot out for me to trip over.

wow- she is not smart at all...

but the fact that she thinks we are gonna walk past her is funny.

We made a turn 2 tables before hers and sat there. Once we sit, Niki lets out a snort.

"she really thought-" He whispered and started laughing. I lay my head on the table and chuckle a little.

"i know," I whispered, giving a small smile. This was very funny to me.

"You should smile more often," Niki blurts out and gives me a small smile.

"Hehe, I'll try," I say, a bit emberrased.

《 after lunch》

Me and Niki head to our classes for the rest of the day.

Currently, I'm heading to my art class. Which haha, to my surprise… I have the class with Eunchae. I quickly take a seat in the middle of two classmates, Chaewon and Yuna. So that Eunchae doesn't get the chance to sit next to me to bother me. I let out a sigh of relief. I'm not scared of her... i just hate getting into arguments with people like her, i dont like giving them the pleasure of getting me upset.

The class starts, and just then, Eunchae walks in late. "Miss Eunchae, try not to be late next time," Mr. Jung scolds her before she shruggs and takes her seat.

I then get the urge to go to the bathroom, I excuse myself from class and head to the bathroom. I quickly finish my business and get out of the stall. "Hmm, no one can save you from me," I hear Eunchae say in an intimidating tone. I looked over to her a bit surprised. She walks over to me. I dont say a word.

"Stay. Away. From Niki!" she warns.

"youre no one to tell me who to hang out with," I growled.

"Are you sure about that," She says about grabbing a fist full of my hair, but I swat her arm out before sliding to the right to get away from her.

"Leave niki alone! He's mine!" she yells in annoyance and stomping in frustration.

"No, he's no ones' property," I say to her, I chuckled before leaving her.

ugh, i really hate her.

I go back to the classroom and go back to my seat. I continue to pay attention to the rest of the lecture.

《 after school 》

School is over for the day. 

The bell has rung, and I'm on my way out. I head to my locker first, putting my things in, and taking my book bag out.

I am ready to go to work. But I'm not excited to go home.

I head out of the front door that I came in through and make my way to the Café.

I walked and listened to music on my earbuds, keeping me calm. I smiled to myself, I rarely smile. When I work I have to force a smile but if it’s not necessary I would rather not. I dont feel happiness a lot, 99.7% of my life is sadness, crying, anger, and frustration. I wish something good would happen to me for once. I feel so unlucky… I want to dissapear.

I made it to the café, "y/n!!!" I hear the manager call out to me.

"Hi Jihyo!" I say cheerfully. This is Jihyo, she's my manager, but also like a second mom, a caring mom. She knows everything about me, including my parents' beatings. She hugged me, but I winced in pain due to the preasure on my still sore and bruised body. She quickly pulls away and looks at me, "baby, your face, your pretty face," She says cupping my face to take a closer look, if you get close to my face you can see the bruises on it, i'm pretty sure she noticed it, she examined my face and started to tear up.

"Jihyo unnie, not here" I whisper to her.

"What did i tell you? Call me, eomma," She says before I drag her with me.

"Yes, Jihyo Eomma," I say in defeat.

She beams happily, letting the tear escape her eyes.

"Y/n you have to report your parents for child abuse," She says stirnly with her arms on her hips.

"I- i know" I say looking down.

"i will Eomma," I say looking up at her a bit hesitant. Because... deep down i'm scared, i'm scared they will do much worse when I do report them.

"Promise you will the next time they do or else I will report them!" Jihyo says in anger.

"Please calm down," I say, hugging her tightly.

"I love you jihyo, thank you for caring" I say, squeezing her lightly.

"I love you too, as soon as you leave your parents i will help you get an apartment, or you can come live with me," She says happily.

"no Jihyo Unnie, i dont want to impose.”

"I told you to call me eomma," She says, crossing her arms.

"Eommaaaa" I say whining and rocking us back and forth.

"fine, fine ill just help you find an apartment," She says, kissing my cheek.

I hissed in pain, "sorry, sorry," She says, worried about me and holding my face, making sure I'm okay.

"I'm okay, I’m okay," I say.

"Alright alright, let’s get to work," She says once she hears the bells signaling customers have arrived.

There was a family that came in with 2 toddlers.

"table for 4?" I asked them with a small smile.

They nod before I take them over to their table. "Here you go" I say and hand them the cafe menu.

"Unnie, pweitty" The male toddler says, making the female toddler look at me. She smiles at me, making me smile. "Yungho, dont bother the nice lady," the mom says in surprise.

"Also when did he learn that," The father asked, confused, making the wife laugh. I look at them laughing together.

I wish this was my family...

"ahh, ahh" I hear, making me snap out of my daydream. It’s the little girl. "she wants you to carry her," The father says. I smile awkwardly, "um is it okay with you if i do?" I ask.

"Yeah, it's completely fine," He says as the toddler starts giggling.

"Hi baby," I say in a baby voice.

She then lifts my bangs, making me surprised, since it's the side where I have that ugly scar my step father inflicted on me when I was 13. Just, then I hear the bells of the restaurant ring.

oh another custo- i look at who came in my bangs still being away from my face. My mouth was a bit agape at who I saw entering the Cafe, J-Jungwon. 

The atmosphere is a bit thick now that he entered he looked at me, his gaze was on me for a while, no expression on his face, but my heart fluttered. I broke eye contact to look at the child in my arms.

"go back to your father, so i can get your guys' order," I say with a small smile leaning to give her dad his child back.

"mmm noo" she protests.

"whats your name sweetie?" i asked her curiously.

"Yeji," She says cutely.

"Yeji, why dont i bring you and your brother a cookie if you go back to dad?" i whisper to the little girl. she nods in agreement.

"sorry for that, she's very outgoing and when she likes someone she wants to get picked up by them," The mother says apologetically.

"don’t apologize, she's a very sweet girl," I say with a small smile once again.

"alright i’ll let you guys choose, while i take care of the other tables, okay?" I say they all nod.

"and i’ll bring that cookie i promised you, Yeji," She smiles happily and i smile back.

"oh- before i do, does she or Yungho have any allergies?" I ask to make sure.

"no, but thank you for asking," they say with big smiles. I bow and go to the kitchen to get the two cookies for them.

"y/n" I heard Jihyo say.

"Can you take care of Jungwon's party?" she says nervously.

"sure," I say, a bit nervouse

I quickly walked back to the family's table and handed them the cookies.

"We still need some time," The mother says.

"okay let me know when you guys are ready, or let Jihyo over there know, okay?" I say to them, to which they nod in response.

I then walked to Jungwon, the mafia leader's party.

I force a smile on, not getting too close to them. Jungwon kept a stoic face the whole time.

"table for 7" He says sternly, making my skin form goosebumps.

"wheres-" when i was about to ask, 6 other handsome men walked in.

wait-

is that-

"hi y/n!!" Niki says happily waving with a small excited jump, making the other member look at him weirdly.

leave it to niki to make a mafia gang look unintimidating.

"Niki?" I question, almost not recognizing him covered in a luxorious clothing and wearing sunglasses.

"wh-" I say before I interrupted myself.

"sorry, let me take you to your table first," I say, going back to work mode.

Niki pouts before following us.

Still keeping my distance from them.

"Here is your table," I say pointing at the longest table in our restaurant.

They all take seats, "hi y/n nice to meet you, I’m Sunoo" He says with a small bow and a cheerful smile.

"Uhh" I'm not able to form words…

"Hi, im Heesung," Heesung says with a smile, and a wink.

I look at him a little weird.

"I'm Jay, Niki talks about you quite a bit," He says. I look at niki.

"what- you’re my only close friend in school," He admits making my heart feel warm at him considering me a friend too.

The introductions go on, i get slightly close to the table, now that i'm more comfortable. A small fly was flying around me and it landed on my cheek making me rub my face to get it away, in the process i smeared my makeup off, but I forgot about it since I was too nervous in front of the mafia gang to really click things together or think for that matter.

They all looked at me confused. I see Jungwon's expresion change from nonchalant to concern and anger.

"Is everything okay?" I ask them.

Niki walks over to me reaching to touch my face, I flinch in the process, "Sorry, y/n I didn't mean to scare you," he says with sympathetic eyes. "Is that a bruise on your face?" he says, examining my face. I widen my eyes, "wh-"

"Tell me who did this to you?" He says in a very angry tone making me flinch again.

"And your arms," he says, reaching for my arm making me flinch, but continues to hold it gently.

"Don't worry I won't hurt you." He says softly.

"This wasn't from you trying to reach for books at the library was it?" He continues to question.

"Your make-up must've worn off when you were working," Niki continues to point out, as tears slowly start to fall from my eyes.

"Tell us what happened?" Jungwon finally spoke, getting up from his seat, his voice creating butterflies in my belly that I have never felt before. I snap out of my trance.

"fuck my i--" I didnt know what to say and i sped off to the breakroom near the back. feeling emberrased, and trying to find an excuse.

I started crying, crying becaue I was so mortified, i dont know if i can look at Niki in the eye anymore. I dont want him to get involved, risk getting him hurt.

It was a normal day for him, watching his knights sparred with each other on the sparring hall, matching powers with each other, or just practicing, when one of the king’s messengers summoned him to meet the king by his throne, at once. Upon his arrival there, he saw the queen sobbing her eyes out, and the king tried calming her down; this must be something serious. The princess had been abducted, on her way back from a neighboring kingdom, by a group of bandits, that’s what the information of the surviving knight said. Jungwon’s breath hitched on his throat as shock and anger bewildered inside of him. How did the security become so loose that even bandits can outrun the knights? He did believe they were well trained, and successfully escorted the princess on trips before, he was also disappointed on the unfortunate incident happening that resulted the princess to slip out of safety. Not wasting time, he excused himself and immediately rounded up the units and assigned them to different directions in search of the princess. In search of you.

A thing that stands out the most from your childhood memory would most likely be Jungwon. A gleeful kid with chubby hamster cheeks did fill your days with laughter and endless funs. Maybe being a princess do sound amazing; life filled with luxury and lavishness, having everything served good and warm, all you need to do is ask. Though everything has a dark side, having little to no social interactions with kids at your age, you pretty much didn’t have any friends. Your choices are either the maids who took care of you, your parents when they’re off duty, or a much older brother who had his attention slowly ripped off of you once he had to learn his duties once he sat on the throne as the next king as a replacement for your father once it’s time. You were bored, and all you did was complain, since you can’t really do anything about it. It goes on up to the age of seven, until you were strolling around the palace in company of your mother when you saw someone, someone as tall and as childish looking as you are – finally someone your age!

The kid happened to be the child of your father’s most trusted advisor, and a lady who works at the palace too. Both held an important and such high titled jobs thus it’s easy for you to befriend the kid; Jungwon then became your first friend.

First meetings should be awkward and full of shyness, but not for you. It was one of the happiest days of your life now that you finally had a friend of your age to spend time with. Jungwon, on the other hand was all shy and flustered, but loosen up that quickly a week after constantly spending time with you. Though Jungwon did label you as weird and overly hyper at first judging how talkative and jumpy you are. Of course, Jungwon had more privilege on talking and playing with children on his age before, but he then slowly learnt to understood your situation.

Being a princess, of course all you were taught were all about manners and femininity. Sit pretty and sip your tea while taking small bites of cake. As for Jungwon, not having any royal blood running to his veins, he doesn’t have anything much to worry about, though he’s still taught basic manners of course. Whenever Jungwon and you spent time together, you would always have two different options; you wanted to play tea parties meanwhile Jungwon wanted to play pretend fights with makeshift wooden swords. At first, it’s always either one of you who complied one’s preference of play, either Jungwon with tea parties or you with pretend fights, though actually neither of you enjoyed it and one would end up crying, but then continued meeting up with each other the following days like nothing happened. You both were young, but given the circumstances of always fighting upon having different interests, you both understood that it’s important to pick something that both of you would genuinely enjoy doing. It would then either be playing hide and seek around the palace, or at the palace library where you both would pretend to be intelligent and read whatever it is you both could reach.

Jungwon became your best friend growing up. Having an interest on swords and fights, a dream of becoming a knight grew on him. As you both started growing up, of course all of the childish acts and routines has come to an end. No more little pairs of feet running down the castle halls, or mischievous acts Jungwon and you pulled to the maids or the guards. However still spending some time wandering around the library, reading books while actually understanding what you read now that you both have started entering adolescent years, it’s always a good time with Jungwon.

You remembered, on the ripe age of fifteen, Jungwon became a squire, a knight’s apprentice. Of course you were proud, Jungwon had great dream of becoming a knight, and now knowing he’s a few steps closer to becoming a knight, you couldn’t be happier. Though you should’ve known better, Jungwon will be training a lot, and having a schedule for now on, he wouldn’t be free like he used to. It kind of hurt you whenever Jungwon turned you down whenever you asked him to hang out by the library, or by the castle yard.

“Next time, I’m busy.” Jungwon said shortly. You frowned when he just walked past you. Not giving up that easily, you brought back the smile to your face as it was when you asked him to hang out.

“But c’mon… I do believe you need some time off!” gleefully you said, catching up with Jungwon’s steps. He sighed, still proceeding on his step without even looking at you.

“Don’t bother me, (name). This is an important thing for me.” Jungwon said. Your steps decreased upon hearing his answer, as Jungwon walked further and further from you, leaving you alone in the hall.

The busier he gets, the more cold shoulder he gave to you. At least he can reject nicely, you said to yourself whenever Jungwon rejected your offers bitterly, saying he’s too busy now and he can’t hang out. Again, you should’ve understood that Jungwon is pursuing his dream, and that’s what he should be prioritizing, but still, it hurts how a gap started forming in the middle of your friendship.

On the age of eighteen, Jungwon was officially knighted. After years of not talking, and him only bowing with his fellow squires whenever you walked past him on the castle halls with the maids on your aid. Despite how distant you two have grown apart, you can’t help but feel proud of how he successfully achieved his dream. You knew squires had a ritual a night before they’re officially knighted, and Jungwon spent a night in the chapel for the ritual. You spared some time peeking for him entering the chapel, before you returning back to your room with a sad smile, yet such proud feeling deep inside you. The next day Jungwon and a few other squires were knighted, honored by your father at the palace. Watching from one of the balconies of the hall, you saw it was Jungwon’s turn to have his shoulders tap with a sword; he’s officially knighted. As the sounds of clapping and cheering echoed throughout the hall, another proud smile formed on your lips.

A few months after, something happened to the kingdom, precisely to your family. Your brother, the next heir of the throne, unfortunately passed away. An unknown illness struck, and it’s only a matter of weeks before he finally released his last breath. You passed out upon hearing the news. Of course, growing up being really close with him, having a healthy sibling relationship with him, there’s no way shock and sadness didn’t strike to you. Waking up, you were already in your room. Heaving out a shaky sigh, you realized, this is reality. Your brother is gone, and this is it. Not worrying about the fact that you’re now the one and only heir left for the throne, all you can think about was you’re the remaining memories of you and your brother stuck inside your head, forevermore.

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ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ.           .           .

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For a few days after your brother’s passing, you pretty much didn’t do anything. Princess duties are still on going, remembering you had to take over what’s usually assigned to your brother after this, but once you’re done, that’s it. You’d curl up in your room, or zone out by the castle yard. Dayeon, your lady-in-waiting patiently waited for you, and comforted you the best she can. And also for a few days too did Dayeon tell you, that Jungwon constantly asked if you’re doing better whenever they bumped past each other on castle hallways, and asked her to take absolute good care of you. In fact you did see Jungwon during your brother’s funeral, with his head down as he silently read his prayers. It’s actually a simple act, and how someone should probably act basically, but seeing him showing an act of care, that did warm your heart.

Then the unfortunate day happened. Travelling back home after running some errands on a neighboring kingdom. The carriage stopped in the middle of the forest, and it left you and Dayeon confused. It’s only a matter of seconds until you heard a commotion happening outside the carriage. Dayeon peeked outside, and before she could say anything, the carriage door opened, bandits. At first they pulled Dayeon by the hair, she couldn’t resist as she was completely pulled out from the carriage. You were next, getting pulled outside the carriage, you saw the guards escorting you are either laying down on the ground, either unconscious or lifeless, and some of them are also fighting for their life against the bandits. You were fumed of how they were outnumbered, and put on a fight against the bandit. You successfully resisted for a few moment, before finding yourself unconscious having one of the bandits hit your head.

Here Jungwon is now, speeding his life to South as the unit of knights tailed behind him. Anger and anxiety burning inside of him. Thinking of the worst scenario that could happen, he started blaming himself. Why were he so cold to you these years? Why is he so selfish? Knowing you’re in a stage of deep grief, why didn’t he volunteer on escorting you instead of those lousy guards?

It didn’t take long for him and his unit to spot a tall tower on the distance. Reaching closer and closer, it looked abandoned and rusty. It’s a guessing game, it might just be an old dirty tower with nothing but bats and spiders inside, or he can actually find you there. Barging inside the tower, Jungwon glad he actually thought of the second probability. Around seven fully armed bandits were there the first thing he and his unit found out after barging the door open. Though it’s also a guessing game that these bandits might be just regular bandits, or they really had you. Pulling his swords, the whole unit started getting down to business.

Sounds of swords slashing against each other filled the air, as both knights and bandits held on even numbers of personnel, they had to take one each. Filled with rage, of course Jungwon took down fast. He’s also glad that he had his units trained intensively, as they were skillful and fast on taking the bandits down.

“Get the princess!” one of the bandits accidentally yelled. Jungwon already had anger fuming inside of him ever since he heard you were kidnapped, and it just gets progressively worse, moreover after learning that you’re actually here, in the tower. One of the bandits clumsily started running upstairs, then Jungwon caught on his track fast, slashing his sword on the unarmored bandit. Blood spurted out of the bandit’s back as he fell down, with a loud groan of pain. While the other knights took care of the remaining bandits, Jungwon speeded up the stairs, alongside Sunoo, a knight from his unit who happens to be his favorite.

A door did Sunoo and Jungwon spotted halfway through the stairs of the tower. Not even gambling whether you’re there or you’re still way upstairs. It was locked, and Sunoo didn’t even need to wait for Jungwon’s instruction before he barged the door. One barge, two barge, three barge, the door opened. It was a tiny room, stuffy and smelly, with nothing inside but a young maiden sitting down, her hands and feet bounded as well as her mouth. Upon seeing Sunoo opening his helmet, Dayeon started screaming in desperation, only muffles going out of her mouth for the cloth that stuffed her mouth at the current situation. Almost immediately Sunoo and Jungwon untied the ropes and cloths bounded on her.  

“The princess… quick!” Dayeon said once the cloth successfully left her mouth. Jungwon was halfway through untying the ropes binding Dayeon’s feet, but then immediately ran upstairs as he then left Dayeon on Sunoo’s good hands.

On his steps upstairs did Jungwon looked down. The bandits were all knocked out, or even dead. All left were his knights, catching their breath, some of them looked like they’re wounded, as some followed his and Sunoo’s steps upstairs. His lungs were about to burst speeding his way upstairs without even taking a break, the bandits’ were all down, but he’s not taking any chance spinning out time.

Another door on the very top of the tower, exactly locked like the room that keeps Dayeon earlier. Still having full rage on him, it only took two barges for him to fully knock the door over. It was nothing different from the room that keeps Dayeon downstairs, stuffy and smelly, what can be expected more from an abandoned tower? A figure laid down in the room. All the worries and rage swept away like the wind. It was worth it; the speeding, the rage he used to blindly fight the bandits who had the courage to even lay a finger on you, as well as climbing the whole staircase of the tower. Jungwon kneeled down beside your laying figure, carefully scooping you to his arms. As it goes just like fairy tales, where a knight in shining armor came to aid and save the princess, you started going back to your senses and feel nothing but iron armors caging you on their arms. You then realized that you had just been saved, by a knight. Though it can be anyone from the knighthood who saved you, you’re still eternally grateful. Once the knight opened his armor helmet, you can’t help but feel mixed emotion inside of you. Happy, glad, warm, touched, as a familiar face did save you from danger. The boy with the chubby hamster cheeks flashed out a smile, the ones you hadn’t seen in years;

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