#yyunho

The cold winter air bites harshly against your skin, frosty and desolate, much like your state. Sighing defeatedly, you tug the tattered coat tightly against your body, trying to save up all the warmth that you could.

Running away from the impossible comfort of your plush bed and warm quilt was not exactly recommended, especially at a time like this. But there is no time to ponder now, not when you’ve walked and run far away from the kingdom, aching legs dying for somewhere to sit. That has been on your mind for quite some time now. Where exactly were you going to spend the night, or the day after? Would you not succumb to the cruel winter if you find no place to hide your head? Maybe that was all you were worth, frozen and alone. Not much different from your life back home. The cold walls, cells caging you in.

As heavy legs aid you further, walking through the lonely night, the moon being the only source of light, you stumbled in front of an enormous gate looming over you.

Gulping, you knock on it once, then twice. It was foolish of you to think anybody would live here. Maybe it was a castle of some king ages ago, but you couldn't tell as the blizzard started, the dark and white snow creating a whirlwind, making it harder to see even your own hands. Pushing the door with all your might, you managed to get inside, the same gate closing behind you with a loud bang.

A chill ran down your spine, different from the cold outside. Old paintings hung strewed, as if slashed by some monster. A chandelier lay broken and lightless on the dusty floor, not having been used for decades or maybe even centuries. As your eyes glide past the chandelier, you feel your throat drying up. How were you able to see all this? Candels.

Candles lit by themselves in their holders, years of molten wax gathered at the base. “Hello?” You called out cautiously, pulling the hood over your head. “I apologise for barging in like this, but I pray you excuse me. The blizzard outside, you see,” you mumbled, trying to explain your situation to whoever you presumed lived in this castle. “I would’ve died if I stayed out. I am sorry.”

“And what makes you think I would’ve cared, you wench?” A voice bloomed across the room, raspy and irritated. You’ve disturbed someone’s slumber. How splendid.

“I-I’m sorry,” you bow your head, mind running a hundred thoughts a second. “I’ll see myself out. Excuse me”

“I asked you a question, wench,” The voice spoke again, impatient. “And I expect an answer.”

You looked around the starcase, but nobody was standing there. Not anything living, you’re certain. The hall was so quiet that you could hear the candles burning, your own breathing too loud against your ear. But the voice was speaking. Alive.

A hand suddenly arose from a casket that lay under a broken glass window, the moonlight falling gracefully over the limb. Unconsciously, your legs walk you to the strange scene, breath hitching as you observe the hand. Skin as pale as silver, nails painted red, adorned with jewels costlier than your father’s.

“Spoiled girls like you always think you’re free to do anything,” the voice groaned from under the red-velvet casket, slowly sitting up. “Spoiled fucking wench.”

You swayed, feet catching up in your dress as you fell back, eyes glued to the man, creature in front of you, bathing in the moonlight. Tall, taller than the tallest man in your city, slimmer than anyone you’ve ever known, hair as black as ravens that caw in the night. But beautiful. Beautiful like a fantasy. Ethereal.

The man tilts his head to the side, studying you, observing you. “Oh?” He leans down, sharp nails tracing your face. “You’re not a wench, are you?’’ He smirks, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Unsure of what to answer, you shake your head wordlessly, hoping this man won’t kill you right this instant.

“What are you is a little, lost sparrow. Aren’t I right, little sparrow?”

“Y-yes,” you answer quickly. “I am lost.”

He smirks, offering you his hand, which you hesitantly take. Skin as cold as ice. “Don’t worry, little sparrow. I won’t bite,”

As he steps out of the casket, he bows low, your hand in his as he presses a kiss to your palm.

“Seonghwa. And you are?”

“Y/n,” you say. His name sounds familiar to your ears, but you can’t quite put your finger on it.

“A beautiful name that suits this beautiful face, must I say,” he chuckles, brushing his red velvet coat.

“I’m sure you are hungry?” He asks as if you’ve not only met now, but ages ago. And you are not quite sure your heart tells you that it's true.

You keep your eyes low. It is quite enough that you have barged into this man’s abode unwelcome; you cannot burden him any further. “I am fine. I’ll leave by the earliest hours of sunrise, I promise,” you bow yet again, heart thudding against your chest. “I truly am, terribly sorry, Seonghwa, for barging in like this.”

The man stops in his tracks, eyes softening just for a second. “My doors are forever open to you, little sparrow,” he smiled, lifting your chin. “And if you do not eat anything, I’d have taken it that you are afraid of me killing you. That cannot be happening. So please, my little sparrow, let me feed you.”

A smile tugs at your lips, nodding. “Alright.”

Seonghwa guides you through the rooms, candles lighting up as the pair of you walk through, stopping in front of a grand mahogany table, two chairs already set in place. He walks behind one, pulling it out for you. “Come, little sparrow.”

The nickname already has you pink in the cheeks, heart easing in its cage. Offering you a gentle smile, he takes his place opposite you, piping hot turkey already served on your plate. Your brows knit in confusion, about to ask him where he arranged all of these from in such a short time, but he beats you to it, placing a finger to his pale lips. “Question later. Eat first.”

Pushing the thought to the back of your mind for now, you begin to eat, the food melting in your mouth. Your eyes widen in joy as you eat, hours of grumbling stomach at last getting some rest. Seonghwa watches you with fondness, a smile on his lips.

“She has returned,” the wind whispered in his ear.

“So it seems.”

He pushes a slice of clafoutis your way after you’re done eating. “You like this, right?”

Too overjoyed to find your favourite dessert after such a weary day, you forget to ask how he knows that. Nodding quickly, you take a bite, head falling back on the cushion of the chair, pure bliss on your face. “Love it!”

Seonghwa chuckles to himself, shaking his head. He pours you a drink, prancing around the table to your side. “Here, drink this. Best way to end a meal,” he smiles.

Grinning, you take the goblet from his hand, taking a sip. “Thank you for doing so much, Seonghwa. I was quite sure I would die tonight,” you giggle, the mere thought of the night seems so long ago.

Seonghwa’s smile haters for a bite, quickly masking it up. “Don’t say such words. You’re safe now.”

Gazing into his ethereal face, you feel your eyes drooping, your body growing lighter by the second. In a second, sleep clouds your mind, taking you to a dream in a faraway land.

Seonghwa’s breath hitches, mouth salivating as his eyes focus on your face, trailing down your throat. He licks his lips, eyes rolling at the mere scent of you.

“Bite now. She’ll be with you forever,” Ariel, the wind spirit under the vampire, speaks again, giddy with joy for his master.

Seonghwa tuts, shaking his head. “Not so quick, idiot. I need her to remember me. To love me again.”

Leaning down to your level, Seonghwa takes a whiff of your scent, the aroma making his head dizzy. He gulps, knuckles turning white as he holds onto the mahogany table to keep his sanity. “A bit longer, more.”

Lying your head gently onto his shoulder, he sneaks his hand underneath the chair, lifting you with ease. As he walks through the rooms and the grand stairwell, only one thing is on his mind. Keep you safe with him.

“Sleep well, my little sparrow,” he says under his breath, admiring the moonlight that fell on your face, making you glow with an otherworldly glow. “Welcome back home, my little sparrow.”

As the sunlight pours through the stained glass window of the room, you stir awake on the empty bed, eyes staring confusedly at the ceiling. Was that all a dream? Are you dead, and the dream from last night was just that, a dream? Where do you find a kind man who lets you dine and sleep in his castle? Must be right?

As you sat up on the canopy bed, you realised you were wrong. Because you did run away from the castle last night with nothing but yourself and a tattered blanket to hide you from the eyes of the guards, and this room is real. The bed was real. The dinner was real. Seonghwa, you thought, is real. Not a fragment of your tired mind.

As if on cue, the mahogany door opened, Seonghwa walking in with a smile on his face. How he looked so ethereal in such early hours of the morning astounded you.

“It's rude to stare, little lamb,” he chuckled, making your face heat up in embarrassment.

Averting your gaze, you clear your throat. “Thank you for letting me st–” he cuts you off, deft finger touching your lips so gracefully.

“Shh,” he tuts. “None of that. I told you, my doors are open for all of eternity for you, little sparrow,” face inches from yours.

Gulping, you jerk away, nodding. “A-alright, Seonghwa,” you manage a smile. Seonghwa smirks, leaning back up.

“Get down in a bit, alright? I’ll have them prepare the breakfast,” he smiled, walking away, leaving with your heart thumping loudly against your chest.

Breakfast was just as magnificent as the dinner the night before, delectable. You had thought you’d ask him about who prepares the food, but all questions die down on your tongue as soon as the food touches your mouth, filling more than your stomach.

“You’re not eating?” You frown as you point at Seonghwa’s empty plate. “It’s going to make me uneasy if you keep staring at me like that.”

The man shakes his head with a smile. “Don’t worry about me, I’m full. But help yourself, darling. It's all for you.”

Suppressing the pink that crept its way to your cheeks, you stuffed your mouth with some more potatoes. “Suit yourself,” you mumbled.

After breakfast, Seonghwa had left you alone, disappearing in one of the countless rooms of the derelict castle.

Left to your own devices, you wandered through the halls, dust-covered and neglected. You wondered why Seonghwa did not take care of his manor, and where were his servants who ought to serve in a place like this.

Humming an unknown tune, your feet landed you in front of a garden, rows upon rows of rose bushes covering a span of the land.

As you busied yourself with the hundreds of roses that bloomed, it seems, for you, unaware of the dark pair of eyes that watched your every move silently.

“She’s back in the garden, Master. Her garden”, Ariel whispered, trying to woo his master.

Taking a deep breath, Seonghwa stepped back from the window a little; the little sunlight that had grazed him had burned his skin a little. But he cared not for the burn, eyes trained on you. “About time she did,” he chuckled to himself, eyes filled with adoration. “They have waited for her long enough.”

Finally turning away, he frowned, dragging his finger across the table covered in dust. “You have been lacking in your work, Ariel. Have this cleaned, the entire manor be cleaned. Cannot let my love breathing in dust, for god’s sake!”

Ariel dispersed again with a giggle. “Certainly, master.”

Back at the garden, you had found a rabbit hiding among the bushes, her red eyes drawing you in. “Aren’t you a sight,” you muttered, petting her ears.

As you ran your fingers through the soft fur of the animal, your mind starts reeling again. What were you going to do now? Surely Seonghwa won’t let you stay here for more than a few days. And you are sure your father and that excuse of a man, your fiancé, had deployed over a hundred knights in search of you. And they will find you sooner rather than later.

But you found your heart torn. Something about this place, about Seonghwa, felt so warmly familiar. It made your heart hurt at the thought of leaving this mysterious man who saved you and calls you his little sparrow for whatever reason. In such a short time, no less.

But you must. No man would let you stay after you tell them that you ran away from the Prince of the neighbouring kingdom. From your own marriage.

But the days passed so beautifully, so slowly. Just like you wanted. The knights have yet to find a trace of you, and you were willing to keep it that way.

You and Seonghwa had fallen into a smooth routine; he fed you, took care of and let you roam without restrictions in his now-spotless manor, asking for nothing in return.

And you found yourself falling for the man who preferred the shadows.

You had managed to pull him to the garden one day, excited to tell him about all the trees and herbs you recognised in his vast garden.

And the man had let you drag him to your heart’s content, a smile plastered on his face.

You don’t need to know about the nights where Ariel hissed under his breath, ghostly fingers tending to his master’s burnt and bruised skin. “Things you do love, Ariel,” Seonghwa mused, wincing a little as the spirit cast spells to soothe his pale skin.

There was also a library, you discovered. Filled to the ceiling, curiously with books you read and preferred back in your castle.

“I didn’t know you liked to read, Hwa,” you pout, calling him by the nickname that you thought was only fair since he called you so many.

The man smiled, brushing your cheek with his fingers gently. “I used to like reading, you see long ago.”

You frowned. “Long ago? Do you not like it now?”

He shook his head. “I do, but I like the reader more,” he smirked, revelling in the way your cheeks flushed red.

Leaning on his shoulder as you flipped through the pages of a book on local folklore, your eyes stopped on a painting. “A vampire…”

Seonghwa’s eyes widened at your words, sitting up straight. “Hmm? What, little lamb?”

You sat up, turning to face him. “I had forgotten; a children’s story. A vampire who lived on the outskirts of the kingdom with his wife before she was killed,” your eyes were downcast, feeling sorry for the supposed vampire and his wife. “They say the two killed people. But they did not! Humans are such cruel animals,” you drifted.

Seonghwa stared at you, the corner of his hypnotic eyes filling with tears after more than a century. “They are, darling,” he cleared his throat, pulling you back into his chest. “Most definitely are vile creatures.” Hands hiding the painting of the vampire with his wife in the book, a flock of sprrows flying around the two.

And it all came crashing down just like a house of cards. Sleeping beside Soenghwa in the bed because you had said you were having nightmares, the lights broke down the massive door, seizing up the castle like an enemy territory.

“Y/n, come here!” Seonghwa screamed, holding you fluish against this chest as the knights pointed arrows and spears at the two of you, dark eyes burning with hatred. They won’t succeed this time.

“If you want to live, leave before I kill you all. Scoundrels!” He growled, fangs bared at the soldiers.

“Such empty threats won’t get you anywhere, creature,” came a mocking voice. Kim Hongjoong, your fiancé.

Your breath hitched at his voice, freezing up in Seonghwa’s arms. “....kill me,” you muttered, tears already streaming down your face. “Hwa,” you whispered, voice breaking. “He’s going to kill me, Hwa, he will kill me!”

If only Seonghwa didn’t need to hide his true self from you. If only he could bare his fangs and tear up these murderers right this instant, but he couldn’t. He had played out this instant a million times in his head how he would tell you that he was the vampire children of Wonderland were afraid of, the same vampire who lived on the outskirts of the kingdom with his darling wife, you. A century ago. A living dead awaiting his beloved to be reborn, and remember him. Oh, how long had he waited?

But none of the ways he had imagined were as dire as this one, the same tragic way all those years ago. He can’t lose you a second time, not like this. Not so soon, again.

“Let her go, Satan,” Hongjoong warned, eyes burning with hatred. “I will not be hesitant, I assure you. I will kill you,” he smiled cruelly. “Unlike my ancestors, Satan’s spawn.”

The foul names he called Seonghwa made you frown, utterly confused. “What are you talking about, Hongjoong?” You asked through gritted teeth, still holding onto Seonghwa.

“Oh, don’t act so naive, Y/n!” the Crown Prince scoffed, sword glistening under the moonlight. “As if you don’t know he’s the—”

“Take her and leave.”

Bewildered, you turn to look at Seonghwa, eyes filling with fresh tears. “Hwa…? What are you talking about?” you asked shakily.

“You heard me,” Seonghwa breathed in deeply, eyes closed as his hands fell from your sides. “Take the girl and leave. I don’t want any of the troubles.”

The man addressed clicked his tongue in satisfaction, snapping his fingers at the soldiers who instantly retracted their weapons. “Now you’re talking.”

“Seonghwa, please, don’t-I don’t want to leave!” You sobbed, shaking the man out of desperation. “My father is going to marry me off to this monster, can’t you see that?!” You screamed, hot tears streaming down your face, soaking Seonghwa’s clothes.

Seonghwa mirrored your actions, his own tears spilling. With closed eyes, with shaking hands, he pried your hands from his body. “Please, my little sparrow,” he begged. “Leave.”

Frozen with betrayal and shock, you let Hongjoong drag away your limp body, eyes fixed on Seonghwa, who was too ashamed to look you in the eyes.

“I will come for you, my love,” he whispered brokenly. Too late. The King’s men had already left with you in Hongjoong’s rotten hands.

“Wait for me.”

Wait, you did.

Weeks went by after you were dragged away from Seonghwa. Your father had reprimanded you a little, too, overjoyed to finally have his dear daughter back in the castle, your prison.

But he also could tell that the shine in your eyes had disappeared, a distant look ever-present in your eyes. Even your beloved garden held no reason for you to be happy anymore. Heartbroken and betrayed. Alone.

“The wedding is in a week,” your father announced one silent night during dinner. “The quicker you agree to your fate, the better for you.”

Your fork had stopped mid-way. This was inevitable. What were you trying to run away from? Fate is cruel.

“Yes, father.”

The day couldn’t have come any more dreadfully. Dark clouds growled all day long, pushing the wedding to nighttime. You found little hope in the fact that the shadows of the night would hide your gloom.

Sitting in the white gown beside the throne where Hongjoong sat with a proud grin, you fidgeted with the lace of your majestic gown. The priest had yet to arrive, giving you little time to yourself.

“He’s here.”

You perked up in your seat. Who was it? Looking around frantically, you thought you were hearing voices. Maybe you’ve finally lost it.

“He’s waiting for you.”

No, you were not hearing voices. Someone was speaking, maybe the wind, but you knew exactly who this entity was referring to.

Getting up from your chair, you expertly excused yourself without drawing much attention, feet running to where your heart knew he was.

“You’re here.” You whispered the words.

There he was, Seonghwa, your Seonghwa, standing on the balcony of an empty room, bathing under the moonlight just like you saw him the first time all those days ago.

“I am, my little sparrow,” he offered a small smile.

With calculated steps, you crossed the distance between you two, a stinging sound cutting through the low hum of music and chatter from downstairs.

Seonghwa held his cheek, head turned to the side.

“Traitor,” you cried, voice breaking. “You let me go. How dare you!”

The vampire kept quiet, eyes fixed on the floor.

“Too scared to face your wife?”

Eyes widened, he looked at you, mouth opening, but no words came out. “H-How…?”

“I’m not a child, Park Seonghwa,” you said softly, anger finally simmering down.

“I remember now.”

Words cannot explain how he feels right now. Happy that his darling wife finally remembered her past life, sad that he was not the one to tell her, angry that the world had taken her in the first place, all so selfishly.

He fell on his knees with a broken call of your name, eyes glinting with tears. “My love,” he started, hands reaching out to caress your face as you knelt before him.

“I’m so sorry,” he cried, holding you close. So close as if he was trying to make up for all the years that he could not.

“Sorry I let you go, darling, so so sorry. I failed you,” he sobbed against your chest.

Caressing his raven hair, you kissed the top of his head, your own tears mixing with his. “It’s okay now. I’m here. Alive.”

Your reunion was broken quite short when Hongjoong barged into the room with your father and a few guards beside them, a crowd already forming.

“Y/n!” Your father screamed, face growing red from anger and embarrassment. “He’s a monster! Get away before he harms you.”

Standing up cautiously, Seonghwa pushes you behind him, standing like a wall between the two of you. He will let nothing take you away this time around. Absolutely nothing.

“Another step will cost you your beloved Wonderland, King,” Seonghwa seethed, fangs bared at the men. Gasps were heard from the crowd collectively, stepping back in fear.

Shocking everyone, you pulled Seonghwa by the neck, kissing him deeply in front of the audience that had formed.

The man was shocked at first, his hands unsure of where to hold, stood frozen in the air as you deepened the kiss, pushing him back against the railing of the balcony.

“Bite me,” you mumbled as you parted for a second, eyes shining with the mischief Seonghwa so dearly loved. “Make me a vampire. Right here, right now.”

With newfound vigour, Seonghwa turned to the two of you, stretching your hand as your neck lay bare for his taking. Dramatically, he made sure to put up a show as he sank his fangs into the soft skin on the side of your neck, red blood oozing out almost instantly.

He sucked in deeply. Years of waiting finally brought fruition as he tasted blood for the first time after a century. How could he have drunk some other person’s or even an animal's blood after his tongue was spoiled by your utterly delicious and divine blood?

Once he had his fill, he slowly lifted you, your head lolling on his shoulder. “You have not changed a bit, you greedy bastard,” you muttered with a satisfied grin.

“And you taste ever the same, my love,” he chuckled, licking his lips clean of your blood.

Turning to the men, you looked at them, irises burning a red hue in them. “I, too, am now a vampire, father,” you smiled, baring your fangs for the sole purpose of scaring them.

Holding Seonghwa’s hands in yours tightly, the two of you share a look before bowing to the group, mouthing a goodbye before jumping off the balcony, mixing with the dark of the night.

No one will ever find any trace of you two now.

Together again. This time, for all of eternity.

𝔱𝔞𝔤𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔱: @kisssan @4erzschyyy @silenttrxxs @mae-murdock @life-is-a-game-of-thrones @zayn-210