#yoiz

CHAPTERS !

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

chapter two : not every answer you seek will be in a book, you understand that now.

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

chapter four : the undercurrents of water and relationships can come off as overwhelming.

chapter five : everytime sunghoon uses his courage, he wont ever go out of his comfort zone for another century. according to his two friends, that is.

chapter six : the journey to the truth is an exhausting one.

chapter seven : safe to say, you might want to see a shrink at this point.

chapter eight : 'amor primus nunquam obliviscitur' - first love is never forgotten.

chapter nine : ???

chapter ten : ???

chapter eleven : ???

chapter twelve : ???

chapter eleven : ???

chapter twelve : ???

chapter thirteen : ???

chapter fourteen : ???

chapter fifteen : ???

chapter sixteen : ???

chapter seventeen : ???

chapter eighteen : ???

chapter nineteen : ???

chapter twenty : ???

chapter twenty-one : ???

chapter twenty-two : ???

chapter twenty-three : ???

chapter twenty-four : ???

chapter twenty-five : ???

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.

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

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

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

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

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

"to master the tempest within,

first acknowledge the depths of thy soul.

fear not the darkness, for it holds

the key to harnessing thy true potential."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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