#I just kinda wanna be owned and do violence :3

[knight-in-skunks-armour]

DND PEOPLES

This is a Google sheets based DND character sheet. I found it a couple of months ago and whenever I was bored in school I would just make character sheets and then add features that seemed helpful.

Its very useful for making relatively simple homebrew Races, Classes, Weapons, and Other Misc equipment

I am very proud of what I added, especially the spell list and other QOL shtuff, so pls use!!! I will be very happy

[heartpascal]

the world is brighter

▹— joel miller x platonic!f!reader

▹— summary: joel is trying to be someone he’s not.

▹— a/n: so this is meant to be the reluctant daughter fic…. and it didn’t turn out exactly the way i planned :( not sure that i like it at all honestly, but i wanna put smth out for y’all and this is 13K words that i cba to rewrite so… love you.

▹— warnings: references to suicide attempt, familial loss, previous good relationship with (assumed) biological dad, blood, so much blood, murder (you kill someone), fighting, i think you could class this as dissociation/blackouts but i’m not sure (pls tell me if it’s something different), fighting, canon-typical violence, angst — please tell me if there’s more, ive been trying to keep up to date but i’ve written this fic over so many days. be mindful, this one might be kinda heavy.

▹— tags: @auggiesolovey @just-kaylaa @evyiione @lemonlaides @fariylixie0915 @erensloveinterest @dazedshoon @faceache111 @randomhoex @canpillowscry @sleepygraves @pedropascalsrealgf @star-wars-lover @coolchick333 @soobsdior @ilybbg @rvjaa @oliest19xx @pedropepsi @sunflowersdrop @truthfuleeyours (if you’ve been tagged it’s because you requested to be on my general taglist! if you want your tag removed, drop me a message! <3)

masterlist

howl’s song associations!

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Living in Boston QZ hadn’t been your idea. No — you never would have chosen the so-called safety of the walls, which were only filled with bad people and worse authority, but you had been left with no other choice.

Pronounced an orphan on your way to the QZ, you didn’t know what else to do. With nobody to guide you or advise you, you had gone ahead with the original plan, walking the final twenty-something miles alone, in some sort of absent state.

The journey was a blur, and so was the arrival, you only really remember seeing the green flash of the cordyceps tester, reminding you of all you had lost. Every time you closed your eyes after that, the shade of green haunted you.

They had put you up in a FEDRA school, and so you began your training to become an officer. You hated it, hated the FEDRA organisation as a whole, and hated being in Boston when the person who had wanted to be there didn’t make it.

You tried not to make a habit of sneaking out after the first time, but you couldn’t help yourself. Most days, you were so exhausted from your nightly adventures through the QZ that you got everybody into doing more drills. Not many people were a big fan of you, but that was the way you preferred it.

You liked being alone, really. Enjoyed the silence that echoed through your room, the absence of other people letting you simmer in your own feelings. Your father had always reprimanded you for wallowing in your own self-pity, but he was no longer around to do such a thing. So, you wallowed.

Between climbing out of your bedroom window, jumping across rooftops to reach a particular apartment building with an actual view outside of the wall, you spent your time disconnected from the hellscape you lived in. Everything felt so far away, so out of touch, and the only moments you blinked back to reality, you were dripping in blood. Down your face, your hands, so much of it that you didn’t know where it started or ended. Or if it was your own.

Everything coming back into focus at once was dizzying enough, and sometimes that feeling was so closely related to blood loss that you had been sure somebody must’ve stabbed you, must’ve finally managed to get past your survival instincts, must’ve brought you to your end, at last.

But then you’d wake up, blood dried, no sign of the looming figure of death in front of you. There was only one occasion where the blood must’ve been mostly your own, and that was a broken nose. You pretended not to be disappointed, each and every time. Despite everything you had done to survive, everything you still do, there was a darker part of you that hated yourself for it. That blamed you.

It was one of those times yet again, where one moment you swore you were paying attention in your FEDRA classroom, and the next you blinked, eyes opening to the sight of bloodied hands in front of you.

It was everywhere, you would swear on it, underneath your fingernails, between each digit on your hand, even dripping down your wrist. It was warm and clung to your skin, even when you wiped your hands against the jeans on your legs. You blinked again, finally moving your eyes away from your sticky hands, and you gulped down a lump in your throat at the sight in front of you.

You recognised the man — a snarky guard at FEDRA, one who always had it out for you. You could see a slither of the face that always glared over at you underneath all of the red blood.

It didn’t take much realising to know that you wouldn’t get away with this thing, that this would be something that killed you. If they found out, if, then you were dead.

You needed to know, had to be sure, if this was going to be the final thing, your final action, if you had actually killed a FEDRA guard. But despite that, despite knowing that you didn’t have another option than to look if his chest was rising and falling, you couldn’t draw your eyes in the direction. Even when you tried, your chin fell to your chest, eyes back on the hands that were cradling one another in your lap, feeling far too heavy for your arms.

With the sharp way your breath was coming into your chest, you were starting to realise that your hearing hadn’t returned with your sight, and you jumped when the realisation brought it back, a rush of sound hitting you all at once.

The distant sound of gunfire, the whirring of a generator nearby, the sound of your own hyperventilating breaths, it all echoed too loudly, far too much going on for you to comprehend it all. So much so that you missed the footsteps heading your way, missed the sound of crunching stone as somebody else stepped foot on the rooftop.

A hand against your shoulder had you rearing around, fists drawn back and pushing forward until they hit the person, hard, and the hand was immediately withdrawn. You continued forward, eyes blinking closed in a flinch as the hand grabbed your wrists, holding tight until you stopped trying to pull them away.

“Jesus Christ— Tess, get on out here!” The voice belonging to the person holding on to you yelled out, about as loudly as he dared, and you bared your teeth with clenched fists at the woman who pulled herself up from the fire escape on the apartment building.

“Jesus,” She echoed, looking between you and the FEDRA agent with raised eyebrows, a slight grimace, marring her features. She looked over at the man who was grasping your wrists in a bruising grip with a questioning gaze. “What the fuck went on here?”

“Get your fucking hands off of me!” You spat out, tugging your arms, trying to get out of the man’s grip as you grit your teeth, your mind still reeling with everything that was going on.

He stared sternly at you, “You gonna calm down?” When you responded with a more than angered nod, he nodded, releasing your wrists and stepping away, leaning to look at the FEDRA guard still lay at your side. He kicked the guy in the side, and there was no hint of a reaction. “Dead.” He told the woman, Tess, with an odd look on his face.

“Well, shit, kid.” Tess sighed, hands on her hips as she looked at the situation before her. She shook her head with a tut, and approached to have a look at the guard herself. “What happened?”

You just continued baring your teeth, metaphorical hackles raised high, and Tess just responded with a blank look on her face, a dismissive purse to her lips as she moved her gaze over to the man.

He tilted his head, looking between you and the body, “Could’ve been anyone.” He suggested to Tess, rocking his head from side to side in something like deliberation. You stared hard at the two of them, confusion still buzzing through your head.

“Could’ve been.” She agreed.

They shared a look, communicating between only their eyes, and they had no reaction to the way your hands clenched, your head snapping between them. You didn’t know what had happened, couldn’t understand what was going on, and you had no idea who these people were. It really didn't provide any reassurance, and your eyebrows lowered over your eyes, a glare prominent on your features as Tess huffed.

“C’mon, kid.” The man said to you, offering a hand to help you up from the ground. When you stared at him, that glare on your face, he raised his eyebrows in annoyance. “It’s either you come with us, or you’re found here with him and hung. Your choice.” He told you, hand still offered out, and you grit your teeth as you took it, letting him pull you to your feet, and steady you when you stumbled, everything feeling a bit too real.

You focused on where you were going, rather than who was leading you there, as the two of them took you down the fire escape, hurrying you into an open window on the second flight down from the top. You didn’t take any notice of the bloody handprint Tess wiped away after you had managed to get yourself through the gap, instead looking for the doors.

“You can calm down, kid, we ain’t gonna hurt you.” Tess said, sounding snarky as she moved past you to their kitchen, where she helped herself to a glass of illegal alcohol. You raised your eyebrows, knowing that wasn’t a FEDRA-supplied bottle.

You huffed, watching the man look around the area before he shut the window, flicking the lock into place. “Can never be too careful.” You murmured in response.

“Ain’t that the truth.” Tess said, somewhat amused. “I mean if anybody here’s showed some aggression, that’d be you. Gonna tell us what went on up there?” She asked between careful sips from her glass, measured, or maybe, savouring sips.

At her question, your eyebrows furrowed once more, and you pulled your bloodied hands close to your chest, jaw clenched.

“No?” She asked, leaning forward with an expectant expression, and she opened her mouth to ask some more questions, say something else, but the man cut her off.

“Tess,” He warned, eyebrows raised, “Take it easy.” He glanced back to you, to the hands you held close to yourself, and frowned. With a nod of his head, clearly expecting you to follow, he headed down the hallway. You looked at Tess, hesitantly following the man as she nodded with an exasperated scoff.

He opened a door, revealing their bathroom, which had certainly seen better days. You wouldn’t exactly cheer for the bathrooms at FEDRA school, but jesus — at least it was better than what the general public got. “Head on in, clean yourself up. Don’t want anybody seein’ that on you.”

With some reluctance, you kept a hostile expression plastered on your face as you stepped into the bathroom, flicking on the tap in the sink and running your hands under it. Up until that point, you had remained ignorant to the way the blood clung to your skin, sticky and not quite cold, but now there was the opportunity to be rid of it, you became desperate.

The water helped, slightly, but not fast enough for your liking, resorting to the scraping of your dull nails against the drying blood, up until flakes of red started to melt away, colouring the water as it drained.

Their mirror was broken, and you couldn’t have been more glad. You were sure that if it had been there when you glanced up, if you had to look yourself in the face, you would be sick. You didn’t want to face the fact that all of this was real. You had just killed a FEDRA guard.

“Alright, that’s enough of that, now.” The man said, reaching into the sink and pulling your hands away from the stream of water when you ignored him. He shut the tap off, staring at you with that same strange expression, only glancing away to grab the towel that hung over the door. You took it, drying your hands hastily before you shoved it back towards him.

You were shoving past him before he could get another word out, barely even able to grab the towel as you passed it back. He blinked, a frown forming a deeper crease than usual between his brows.

“Listen, I—I really need to get back. Curfew is going to be over soon, I think.” You fumbled around the words, hurrying down the hallway you came from and spinning around in the room to try and reorient yourself. You finally saw the door you believed to be the exit, and headed towards it.

“Well, hold up,” Tess said, frowning and reaching out to you, stepping back with a slight scoff when you moved away from the reaching arms. “Daylight’s gonna break any second, you’d be better off waiting for curfew to be over with. And,” She added, tilting her head at you with a stern look, “You still haven’t told us what went on. We’re covering your ass, right now. If anything goes to shit it’ll be us keeping you safe. You realise that?”

You did realise something — and that was the kind of people you were dealing with. You’d heard from them, and not from the FEDRA teachers, but from other trainees, other students.

When the world went up in flames, FEDRA had been the first to seize onto power, and they held on to the pretence that they had never let go. But the world was still burning, and the people had begun rioting, and there was another opportunity for a power-grab. It was people like this who had taken that opportunity, who had made something of themselves in a world on fire.

You knew then that the way she had likely gotten that bottle of alcohol was through her own network. She was a manipulator, clearly, a blackmailer. She used the resources she had, and she definitely made the most of them. She wasn’t bluffing.

“So, what? I don’t tell you and you sell me out?” You ask, despite knowing the answer. Part of you wants to hear her say it, though, wants to hear the admission of being a bad person. Then again, maybe she was the good guy, you thought, after remembering the blurry image of that guard, lay still on the roof above where you stood.

Tess tilted her head, “Pretty much.”

“Well, fine. Be my guest. As much as I would love to comply with your blackmail, I couldn’t tell you. Don’t have a fucking clue what happened up there. I’d say try asking him, but…” You snarked in response, another bare of your teeth, another raising of your hackles. Tess was looking more frustrated by the moment, if the slight twitch of the skin of her brows said anything. She held herself together pretty well. If it weren’t for the stark difference between times like now and the times of blacked out memories, blurred images, you likely wouldn’t have even noticed. But it was like everything was so clear when you actually looked, and you noticed details that most people wouldn’t.

“Joel,” Tess sighed out, and even the cadence of her voice revealed the annoyance that was growing within her. “Help me out, here?” She asked, because despite every front that the man put up, he was still better with kids than she was. There was something about him, an authority, she wondered, that just made people fess up.

You looked over to the man, to Joel, to see his eyes looking at you with more recognition by the second, a pull to the frown on his lips that suggested he knew something that you didn’t. You weren’t a fan of the look.

He gritted his teeth at the whole situation, his chest aching with familiarity. Joel knew, probably better than anyone, that look in your eye. “I believe her,” Joel answered Tess, hesitantly, rolling his eyes when the two of you immediately looked at him with dumbfounded expressions. “Look, Tess is right. You’re better off sticking ‘round here ‘til curfew drops.” He told you then, his voice gruff as he leaned to look out of the window, seeing the light outside growing brighter each passing minute.

You huffed, but crossed your arms in defeat, shoulders slouching where you stood.

“But remember, you owe us.” Tess said scathingly, a crease running along her forehead before she turned away, heading down the hallway. She pretended that she didn’t hear the way you scoffed at her words.

You and Joel stood opposite each other, the room tense. He cleared his throat, uncrossing his arms so the two of you didn’t mirror each other quite so accurately, and he turned to grab his own glass of booze. “So, uh, you go to school? FEDRA?” He asked, talking over the sound of liquid being poured into his glass.

“Yeah.” You responded lamely, tapping a foot against the floorboards of their apartment, avoiding looking at the man.

“You know the guy, then?” He questioned, eyebrows raised as he turned back around to look at you.

The look you gave him was scathing, but you gritted your teeth and responded anyway, seeing no other choice. “I guess. Gives me— gave me a hard time for dumb things. Don’t know what happened last night, before you ask.” You said, correcting your words to the past tense, and your chest felt hauntingly empty, despite what you had done.

Joel shrugged at you, “Wasn’t goin’ to.” He responded, mouth set in a thin line before he took a long sip from his drink. “Get some rest, kid. Got an hour or so, yet.” He told you, seeing your exhaustion before you had even felt it, apparently.

You blinked at him, surprised. The idea was tempting, you could admit, but it didn’t feel like a good idea to go to sleep around two strangers. At any moment, they could have a change of heart. It was best to stay on guard, to be ready to run at a moment’s notice. That was the way you always played these type of things, and it worked out.

He drained his glass, shrugging at you when you didn’t move to head towards the sofa he had vaguely gestured at, and said, “Suit yourself.” Before he walked down the hallway, following Tess.

You waited there for more than a few minutes, so still, making sure you didn’t make a sound, waiting to hear when one of them would come back to keep an eye on you. You had never felt more confused when they didn’t.

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Ever since then, the world seemed to blur around you even more. And despite getting out in the hold at school after getting caught trying to sneak back in, it didn’t deter you, and they didn’t seem to suspect you of anything. You had heard the whispers about the dead FEDRA guard, though.

You tried not to listen.

Instead, you spent even more of your time sneaking out, but allowed that haze to fall over you with even less of a fight each time you went out. It was easier, that way, to let the world fall away and leave you with memories smudged in blood, that you certainly didn’t remember acquiring. Nothing in them was clear, and the cycle of waking up covered in blood didn’t stop.

More often than not, though, it was beginning to be your own blood. Apparently, your hazed self had become terrible at picking the battles you fought, and you’d blinked back to reality more than once when sparring at school, the jolt of pain when somebody caught an injury bringing you back faster than anything else had.

When you blinked back into reality this time, however, it was with warm blood dripping down your face, a hand gripping onto your head and keeping it upright when it began to fall to one side. You didn’t expect to see a familiar face, that was for sure.

“Joel?” You asked, incredulous, your voice slurred as you spoke through blood in your teeth.

“Well, she’s alive.” He said, not to you, barely even acknowledging your questioning tone as he glanced behind him to somebody you couldn’t see. Tess, presumably. “What have you gotten yourself into this time, kid?” He grumbled, voice gruff as he looked over your head for injuries, a grimace on his face at the amount of blood dripping down your temple.

His hand left your head a moment later, and you just about caught the weight of it before your chin could hit your chest, leaning back and settling the crown of your head against what felt like a brick wall.

A hand against your shoulder caught your attention when your eyes had been drifting closed, without you knowing they had even begun to do so, and you blinked them back open. “Jesus, how many times are we gonna have to save your ass?” Tess asked rhetorically, a grimace that matched Joel’s on her face as she looked at the state of you.

“‘M fine.” You grumbled, moving to try and push her hand away but only pulling your hand back with a hiss at the sudden throbbing pain that bloomed in your fingers.

Tess smiled sarcastically, “Yeah, sure you are. Those are broken, by the way.” She said, nodding down to the fingers on your hand which were bloodied and bruised, swollen and now so painful you had to grind your teeth together. Your knuckles were split, and you looked around, seeing no sign of a body, but you couldn’t help wondering what the other guy must look like.

You didn’t say anything else to her, just focusing on keeping your eyes open and attempting to remember whatever had happened to lead you to such a state. Nothing came up.

Even when Joel lifted your arm, hand gripping your wrist tightly as he pulled your elbow around his neck until he was holding most of your weight. He stumbled slightly when you did, and let out a gruff comment about you handling some of your own weight.

You did your best, but he ended up practically carrying you all the way back to their apartment, which was a couple of blocks. You vaguely wondered how they had even come across you, but figured you were in no place to ask questions.

“Remember what happened this time?” Tess asked, opening the door to their shared apartment so Joel could pull you through it, his arms straining to keep you upright. It was a much harder task when you were conscious but barely in control of your own limbs. He had thought about carrying you, but decided that was much too strange.

You shook your head, but realised she was facing away from you, and you hoped Joel hadn’t noticed your mistake. “Not a fucking clue.” You slurred out, tongue feeling heavy in your mouth as it tried to spell out the words.

Joel huffed out a breath through his nose as he set you down against their couch, his shoulders slouching as he finally relaxed his muscles, feeling a distant ache in his arm from being so tensed. He went down the hallway a second later, disappearing from your view.

“You are one lucky kid.” Tess drawled, the scene so familiar to the first time you met the two of them, as she held a glass of alcohol loosely in her hand. Distantly, you wondered if they had a glass every day, and if that meant they had shitloads of the stuff stored away somewhere, but decided you probably shouldn’t be thinking about it.

You scoffed, brows furrowed in aggravation despite the fact they had probably saved your lives. “Yeah, lucky. Sure.” You said, likely the clearest you had been able to speak since you’d woken up. Or become aware. You weren’t really sure which was more accurate.

Tess smiled, a sarcastic one that was full of humour and annoyance, “Oh, you don’t think so? Should we think about what could’ve happened if somebody else had found you there?” She asked, eyebrows raised, and you grit your teeth to stay silent.

You, better than anyone, knew what could’ve happened. You knew what people in this QZ — hell, in this world, — were capable of. So maybe you were lucky that Joel and Tess had found you, considering that they hadn’t ratted you in to FEDRA just yet, but you knew that the one thing this world would never generate is trust. They could be just as bad, or worse, as anyone else who might have discovered you there, bloody, injured, and completely unaware.

After all, you were at their apartment, with no idea why.

“She knows, Tess,” Joel grumbled, reappearing from the hallway and looking just as unhappy as ever. He sighed, drawn out and heavier than you had expected, and held up a wet cloth. “Come on, kid, get yourself cleaned up.” He handed it over to you, and ushered Tess to follow him back down the hallway, where they spoke in harshly whispered voices.

You wiped the side of your face, getting rid of the sticky blood that was coming from the side of your head. It was kind of difficult to do with no mirror, but you wiped as much of it off as you could get to before you stopped, breathing through the pain in your head, your fingers, the left side of your chest. You grimaced as you tried to wipe blood away from your split knuckles, your broken fingers. It hurt, and it was too real of a pain.

You paused when you heard Tess’s voice raise, “She’s going to get us caught, or killed, Joel!” She said, before her tone lowered once more, further discussion happening between them. You wondered what they could be talking about — they held no obligation to pick you up off of the streets. They didn’t owe you anything. As far as you were concerned, you didn’t owe them anything, either. Everything they had done was of their own volition, meaning you hadn’t forced them into anything.

For whatever reason, they felt the need to help you. You couldn’t pretend to understand it, but you did know that this couch was much more comfortable than the stones of whatever street you had been lay on were.

Joel came down the hall soon enough, a crease between his brows, and he grunted when he saw the poor job you had done of cleaning yourself up. “Get to the bathroom, kid. We’ll patch you up there.”

“Why?” You asked, before you could help yourself. They didn’t need to be doing this, so why were they? Tess was right, you were only a danger to whatever operation they had going on, so why?

“It’s either that or you carry on bleeding out on our couch.” Tess called out, rustling through something as soon as she emerged from the hallway, busying herself in drawers and cupboards.

You figured it’d be in your best interest to not bleed out on their couch.

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Weirdly, it was the fourth time you ran into Joel and Tess that everything seemed to fall into place. Except this time, it was you doing just that, running into them. Or more accurately, him.

You had hit against shoulders in your fast pace, sending various people tumbling backwards or stepping out of your path. Helpful for you, yes, but also helpful for the group chasing you. You tried not to look back, but the footsteps chasing you were growing louder and you had to know how close they were.

One look over your shoulder led to you colliding with somebody, and you cursed as it sent you spilling to the floor at their side. With a scathing glare on your face, your heart going a mile a minute, you looked up to see none other than Joel fucking Miller.

“You’ve gotta be kiddin’ me.” Joel murmured, eyes wide as he looked to where you had fallen after running into him. The alarm in your eyes made him move to face where you were looking, and there were three of Robert’s goons. He noticed, quickly, the knife that one of them was holding.

Without a second thought, he stepped between you and the group approaching, his hands clenching into fists as he grit his teeth. He wasn’t good at negotiating, at talking — that was more of Tess’s side of the deal. If it came to it, though, he could take on these fools. And he could play it off as if he was defending himself from the knife they were carrying, if need be.

They sputtered to a stop in front of him, a wary look exchanged between the two men, as the woman behind glared daggers at him. “Come on, Miller, move outta the way.” The man holding the knife said, tilting his head to one side as if that was going to make Joel listen to his directions.

Joel’s eyebrows set lower on his face as he looked back to you, with your wide eyes, and the way you scrambled up to stand just behind him. He huffed, a tired sigh leaving him, and turned back to the goons.

“Not happening.”

The three of them scoffed, incredulous, and the woman stepped forward with a sneer on her face. “What? You some kinda saviour now, Miller? Gonna start defending all the helpless little girls?” She said, voice venomous, but she stepped back when Joel went to move forward.

You, however, were not having that.

“Helpless?” You questioned, a scathing heat burning its way down your throat, “I’d like to see you go and ask your boss how helpless I am.”

Joel’s hand blocking your path stopped you from stepping towards the woman, your teeth bared at her, but you remained behind the man. You may not like listening to him, but he seemed to know what he was doing far more than you did.

“You bitch,” The final man said, no weapon held in his hand, but there was something dark about him that even Joel could see. Joel pushed against you, putting you further behind him as the man stepped forward. “When I—”

Joel’s eyes darkened considerably, and he knew from the expressions on the group’s faces that they had seen his face harden. “When you what?” He asked, looking down at the group before him, something violent in his words, as if daring the man to finish his sentence, to say something that Joel didn’t like, to give him the excuse.

“Can’t you just mind your own goddamn business, Miller?” The one with the knife asked, his lips drawn back in what was almost a snarl as he tried to catch a good look at you from around Joel’s shoulder.

“This is my goddamn business. Now run yourselves back to Robert before this gets out of hand.” Joel said, the threat in his words clear despite him having said nothing particularly violent. It was explicit in his tone, apparently. His gruff words were somewhat of a comfort to you, though, a slight relief that you could stop running, for now. You were also hoping that this meant your messed up shoulder would be your only injury of the day.

“Are you having a fucking laugh?” The woman asked, incredulous, as she stared at where Joel stood tall in front of you.

“Do I look like I’m laughing?” Joel asked, being met with nothing but deadly silence. You peeked around his arm to see the three of them looking like fools in front of him, their cocky, entitled attitudes falling apart under the weight of his words. The three of them shared a glance, gritted teeth and angered glares, and looked to Joel with a more than annoyed expression.

The man with no weapon caught sight of you looking around Joel, and pointed his hand at you, “Just you fucking wait.” He threatened, putting his hand down when Joel’s shoulders straightened, his legs moving to take a step towards the man, who quickly backed away alongside his two companions. They left without another word, throwing angry looks over their shoulders until they disappeared out of sight, at which point Joel turned to you.

“How is it that I always find myself savin’ your ass?” Joel asked, mostly to himself, as he looked at where you stood, a hand holding your other and close to your chest. He sighed, heavily, “You hurt?”

“I’ve been worse.” You admitted, though Joel knew better than anyone. He could see on your face that the swelling from around your black eye hadn’t long faded to almost normal, he could see the stitched cut along the back of your forearm, could see the way you winced as you attempted to shrug, give up halfway.

Joel nodded, studying you for a moment, his eyes drawn to the way your clothes had been ripped after your fall to the ground. He frowned. It was getting colder as the days went on, and he was already sceptical about the lack of layers you wore. He huffed out another sigh, a frown pinched between his eyebrows, and looked back down the street to ensure the goons hadn’t decided to come back. When the coast was clear, he turned back to you where you stood almost nervously, and he realised this was the first time he had seen you out during the day time. Every other time he had discovered you it had been the midst of the night.

“C’mon, let’s get back.” He murmured, keeping the mean look on his face in case anybody else came after you. For once, you didn’t say anything, just following along at Joel’s side, wincing every time you moved your arm.

“I remember what happened this time,” You offered, when the two of you finally reached Joel and Tess’s shared apartment, with you taking your seat on their couch with a half-repressed sigh. Your feet were aching, and your shoulder was killing, but at least you could rest here for a while.

Joel looked up from his rummaging at that, surprised by not only what you said, but the fact that you had said it at all. Each time, one of them prompted you for information, and you never remembered. Or you weren’t willing to share the small details you did recall. It was strange for you to offer such information to him. “Yeah?” He prompted absently, continuing to look through drawers after his slight pause.

“Yeah,” You answered as you raised an eyebrow at his actions, wondering what he could be searching for. Before you could lose your nerve, you continued, “Got into some stupid business with some guy called Robert, and then he tried to rip me off. I got kicked outta school trying to get what he needed, too.” You scoffed as you spoke, paying less attention to Joel’s reaction and focusing more on your annoyance at the whole situation. “I just… got angry, started hittin’ the guy. Then ran away, and they started chasing me.”

“What were you goin’ into business with him for?” Joel asked after you had finished, his eyebrows creased together. Robert had a way of getting to old world stuff, but everyone knew he was dodgy. Often times, it was double-sold, or broken. He was a scammer, and that was coming from Joel, who had upped prices to ridiculous amounts on the shit he and Tess smuggled in, per her order, of course.

You huffed, “I dunno, just wanted something. Doesn’t matter, anyway. He didn’t have it.”

“Well, you tell me what it is and I’ll see what I can do.” Joel offered, unsure as to why. He hated himself for doing this, for letting you in, for feeling some inexplicable reason to help you each time you were hurt. He couldn’t understand it. Perhaps, he could say you reminded him of someone who’s name he refused to speak, but that wasn’t right. You shared very few similarities with her, in fact, Joel would argue that you looked more like him. That lost look in your eyes, the blurred vision you saw through when he found you covered in blood, the memories lost to bloodshed… it was like looking in a mirror.

He felt some sort of responsibility towards you — as if helping you could heal his own wounds. Joel figured he should’ve known by now that something like that would never work.

Perhaps, he just wished that someone could’ve pulled him out of that state, when he was in it. He couldn’t say your reasons for being like this, hell, it could just be a product of the apocalyptic world you lived in, but he figured that one day, you’d grow to be like him. And god, he was hoping that you could avoid it. So if him helping you could do that, could steer your path away from seeing him in your reflection, he’d do it.

“I said it didn’t matter.” You responded, snappily. Clearly whatever you had been after was personal, held close to your chest. He couldn’t blame you for not wanting to reveal it.

Joel said nothing for a moment, but looked at you from where he stood across the room. “You got kicked outta school?” He asked, instead of pressing the subject. He saw a weight lift off of your shoulder at the change in topic.

“Yeah, got caught sneaking out too many times. Said I must have some place else to go, and that I’m old enough to know what the fuck I’m doing.” You said, rolling your eyes at the memory. You weren’t all too bothered about it. Learning about the world through a government’s perception wasn’t all that mind blowing, and you hated drills. You didn’t want to be a FEDRA soldier. So, in reality, it was quite the gift.

You had to think that way, too stubborn to remember how your father had always talked about you going to those kind of schools, about you getting an education that was more than him just pointing out words and teaching you basic math. He had never quite understood that you learned more from him than you would from anybody else.

Joel’s eyebrows pinched, a look that was almost concern shining through his eyes. “You’re just a kid.” He said, having no reaction to the way you glared at him.

“I can take care of myself.” You told him, firmly, trying your best not to think about how many times he and Tess had pulled you out of shit, likely saving your life. It didn’t matter. At the end of the day, all you had was yourself.

“Where are you staying?” He asked, eyebrows raised at you, as if he was proving his point by asking it, especially when you didn’t answer immediately. All orphans went to FEDRA school, until they were old enough to get sent to a position as a guard or they were kicked back out to the street. He knew you weren’t old enough to be put in that position just yet. After all, FEDRA didn’t allocate housing to people of your age.

You looked to your hand in your lap, picking at the blood still stuck underneath your nails. “Not important.”

“No?” Joel asked, just a hint away from mockingly. You furrowed your brows at him, a frown pulling at your lips in defence.

“No.” You answered.

∘₊✧───── ───── ───── ─────✧₊∘

You think now, that you would have never been in this situation if you hadn’t accepted Joel’s insistence that you stay with him and Tess. It had gotten to a point of normalcy, something so close to domestic that it had you sneaking out of their apartment, up the fire escape back to the roof where it all began to unravel, all those nights ago.

The stain of blood on the ground is still there, and you had been staring at it long enough that you were starting to miss where it began and ended. You still couldn’t pull the memories from that night from your skull, and you were starting to think they weren’t in there at all.

It had all led you to here, to where you sat, legs swinging over the edge of the air-conditioning unit on the roof of the building. Or at least, that’s what Joel told you these things were. You frowned at the memory.

You hated the way you had let all of this happen, had let yourself get closer to the people who seemed to always be there. They were more present in your life than any other figure, even before you moved in with them. It had seemed as if you only woke up from your haze when they pulled you out of it. You couldn’t begin to understand why, and honestly, you didn’t really want to.

All you knew was that this was exhausting. You had been present for the longest time you could remember since before your father had… well, since before everything changed. And it was all because there was a ball of anxiety in your chest, hammering loudly within the beat of your heart.

Maybe it was selfish, or foolish, maybe it was both, to feel so dejected over something that should be good. But it was all feeling too familial for your liking, and it was like a constant waiting game, constantly wondering when the other shoe would drop. There had to be some sort of catch, something would surely go wrong, because life with Joel and Tess was becoming too comfortable. You should’ve been happy for it. Perhaps any other kid your age would have been, but all you could think of was the time before Boston.

Images of a house, a father who cared about you, who bought you paints and brushes even when that would have been better spent on new boots for himself. You could remember the way the sole had been peeling away when you had last seen him, remember the way he had yelled at you, begged you to leave him behind.

Sure, you had listened, had walked away from him slumped against the wall of a decrepit convenience store, but you had never truly left him behind. All the times you had spent in Boston, in a subconscious state, there had been no more memories. Before Tess and Joel, the most vivid thing you could recall was your dad.

If you closed your eyes, shut out the image of the blood staining concrete, and focused hard enough, you could hear his laugh. Reluctant laughter was something you had often drawn out of him, because he found the only joy he had left in the world within you. But there was always that nagging worry, at the very back of his mind, reminding him that things weren’t okay.

Hell, the whole reason he had insisted upon leaving the house where you had spent most of your life was because he believed you would be safer in Boston, in a QZ rather than a small community with not enough firepower to cope with any hordes.

He’d been a firm man, with a furrow between his brows that you could now see in Joel’s face, and you hated it. Your dad had given up everything for you. Why were you seeing similarities between him and Joel?

“Come on, it’s time to get going!” Tess called to you, dragging you from where you were trying to conjure up an image of your dad that wasn’t his last moments. You huffed, pushing off of the air conditioning unit, and headed down the fire escape, taking your backpack from Tess where she held it out to you.

It hadn’t been your choice to go along with Joel and Tess, more of an order, given that they didn’t want to leave you alone at their apartment. They were running low on ration cards, not enough for you to survive alone, especially if anything went wrong. That was the whole purpose of their trip, they had told you, to get something they could trade for more cards. The two of them hadn’t explained to you the radio and music catalogue that sat in their apartment, but you had figured out that it must’ve been some sort of communication system. If you were going to go off of the way Joel’s head had snapped up when some song you didn’t recognise came on.

The three of you were setting off the next day, so it must’ve meant something to them.

Joel had said something about you being in for some kind of treat, assuring you that the trip would be worth it, despite the way you remained unconvinced. You didn't want to leave the QZ again, but part of you, that stupid childish part, was curious.

So you followed them.

You were quiet most of the trip, despite Joel trying to encourage conversation with you, a crease of concern to his face the more checked out you became.

In your own defence, you seemed to be on guard well enough when you retreated to that state where it wasn’t really you, and the whole trip was too familiar. If you didn’t focus hard enough on your surroundings, you would wake up and be with your father again, or you’d lack attention and hear that gunshot as you walked away.

It was easier this way. Safer.

You also didn’t expect for Joel or Tess to notice anything different, but then you were blinking back into reality some time later, though you couldn’t tell how much. Joel’s face was in front of your own, his eyebrows furrowed, expression angrier than you had seen it in a while.

Looking around the area, over Joel’s shoulder, you saw a burning building some ways behind him, and your eyebrows raised in surprise. “What happened there?” You asked, your throat sore as you said it, your chest aching, and you were more confused than anything else at the sensation.

“What were you thinking?” Joel seethed, seemingly becoming angrier at your question, and you tried not to pay the emotion any mind. You looked around again, squinting your eyes and catching sight of Tess stood before the building, her gun raised to the doorway as if expecting something to come out of the blaze. “Huh?” He questioned, drawing your attention back.

“What are you talking about?” You asked, getting more confused by the second. You looked down to where your fingers were apparently covered in soot, and slowly connected that with the burning building across the way. “Wait, did I—”

“You can’t check out like that! You’re gonna get yourself killed.” Joel said, and you felt his hand squeeze your shoulder far more gently than the way he was speaking. He seemed… frantic, almost. You frowned, because nobody had ever really noticed you blanking out before, or at least, nobody had ever said anything to you about it.

Your awareness came back to you fully then, and you could feel the heat from the fire even all the way over here, so you couldn’t imagine the heat Tess was feeling. With a huffed breath, you pulled yourself to your feet, shrugging Joel’s hand off when he tried to help you as you stumbled slightly. Your bag felt lighter than it had before, but at least you still had it.

Joel grumbled, his hard expression unchanging as he turned away from you to go and grab Tess, nodding at you to follow them as you hurried away from the burning building, blinking as you tried to remember what had happened.

∘₊✧───── ───── ───── ─────✧₊∘

Arriving at Bill and Frank’s compound was… overwhelming. Which was probably the biggest understatement ever.

Tess and Joel didn’t think it pertinent to tell you where you were headed before leaving Boston, and you weren’t all that well versed in where smugglers got their items to smuggle. You figured it would be some run down place, that was mostly untouched by the outbreak.

You didn’t expect this.

Initially, it reminded you of the small community you had lived in with your father, all that time ago. Though this place was guarded much better, with that electric fence that Joel warned you away from. The houses looked good, and there was one down the street, with a wide porch and old kids toys piled in the garden, which made your heart clench.

You wanted to retreat back into yourself, to hide in that haze, to let the blanket of emptiness cover you, but then Frank was emerging from the doorway of their house, his grip tight on a walking stick, but his smile was wide. He was tailed by Bill, whose hands hovered hesitantly as he followed Frank.

“Tess! Joel!” Frank called, and held his arms out for Tess when she approached, sharing a hug like they were family. You were pretty sure that they were just friends, had no connection before the outbreak. It was strange, really, to think of hugging someone that wasn’t a relation. Or perhaps it was the caring part of it that had your brows creased. “And who’s this?” He asked, smiling at you.

With a nod from Joel, you introduced yourself to the man, trying not to shrink into yourself at his cheerful demeanour, and the suspicious glances of Bill from beside him.

“Bill, it’s fine,” Frank sighed, a roll of his eyes as he turned to the man. “Go get started on dinner! We’re going to sit out here, while the weather is nice.”

Bill grumbled, eyes darting between the three of you and the man he loved, but he turned with a resigned sigh. Frank grinned, a fond look on his face.

Tess busied herself setting the table, ignoring the way Frank scolded her for doing his job, only shooting him an exasperated smile. After a moment, Frank realised there were only four chairs set around the small garden table.

“Oh, I think there’s another in my art room.” He said, as he looked between you and the four chairs.

Unable to help yourself, “You have an art room?” You asked, which was probably the most you had spoken for the past few days. You ignored the way Joel seemed to perk up at your words, a glance going between him and Tess.

Frank smiled. He seemed to do a lot of that. “You wanna have a look?” He asked kindly, nodding his head and starting towards the house.

“Go on.” Joel encouraged with his monotone murmur. You hesitantly followed Frank into the house.

You didn’t look around much, instead opting to focus on keeping close to the man in front of you. If you looked to closely, you think you might see similarities to the home you had with your dad, and after already shutting down once on this journey, you figured that Joel wouldn’t be too pleased if you did it again.

It was wracking your nerves, the closer you got to Frank’s art room. You wouldn’t have admitted it to anyone, not even your father, had he been here, but you were scared. You had gotten so good at removing yourself from a multitude of situations, but the concept of art had you grounded in place no matter how much you might have wanted to fade back into your mind. You can remember nights spent staying up late, dipping brushes in colours that resembled the world around you almost too accurately. The gentle swipe of paint across paper, canvas, walls, wood — whatever your father could give you, at the time.

It was the best thing you had.

You realise, now, that you had been escaping from the world for your whole life. Only back then, it had been to nicer lands, beauty put down on different mediums so you could physically touch it, could know it was true, it was real. The only thing that had changed was your method of escaping, really. Where you had once clambered for colours and depictions of the world in a different light, you now escaped to the very depths of your mind, hidden deep under sadness and fear and loneliness. Somewhere that you couldn’t be disturbed, wouldn’t have to think about the world and what it had taken from you.

You’re scared of wanting that old method of escape back.

When you enter the art room, you know your fear is valid. You know that the longing you have for paints and pencils and whatever supplies your father could get his hands on was back, or perhaps it was just the longing for your father returning full force from where you had buried it. Whatever it might have been, it was overwhelming.

It made everything feel like it meant more. Like the careful brushes of meticulously selected colours on white canvases was personal to you.

Frank’s art was covering the entire room, a stack of empty canvases in one corner, dwarfed by the amount of wooden frames that had sketched or painted pictures stretched over them. It was bright in here, the colours seemingly glowing from the light that was shining through the large windows, looking out on parts of the garden.

“This one isn’t finished,” Frank said, his voice quiet, and you looked to where you had forgotten he was standing. He leant heavily on his walking stick, gesturing with his free hand toward a canvas stood upon an easel — the first easel you had seen. When your dad first encouraged your interest in art, he had told you all about what his time in art class at school had been like. He’d told you about the easels, the shitty school paints — which were heavenly compared to what yours had been like — and his own art teacher. But easels weren’t the most common thing, and so you had never used one.

The painting that stood upon the strange-looking three legged stand looked like the beginnings of Bill’s face, blue eyes surrounded by carefully mixed colours to bring about the contours of the man’s skin. It was much better than anything you had ever painted.

“Have you ever painted?” Frank asked, after a few moments of hesitation. He’d lived in the apocalyptic world, too, but he hadn’t grown up in it. The man had more awareness than you expected, given his presence in such a protected home, but you supposed that if he knew Tess and Joel, it made sense that he would be sensitive of the world’s horrors.

You looked at the paintbrushes set out to dry beside an open window, and quickly drew your gaze away. “Yeah,” You responded, voice uncharacteristically gentle. You cleared your throat, annoyed at your own involuntary vulnerability. “My dad used to get paints, before I got to Boston.”

If Frank noticed your choice of pronoun ‘I’ and not ‘we’, he didn’t comment on it. He let your words settle for a moment, and you realised this was probably the most open you had been, the most you had spoken of your life before Boston. It was almost… sad. You think your dad would’ve loved Bill and Frank’s home, and the knowledge that nobody else would ever be able to consider what he would like was a painful admission.

“Well, I’m sure you could take some back with you.” Frank offered, a gentle smile on his face. He seemed to know more than he let on, even when your words were limited and he didn’t know you, hadn’t even met you before today.

You tried to brush your discomfort away, tried to unwind the stiffness to your shoulders. “That’s okay.” You said, fiddling with a button on your jacket as you took one more glance around the room, an uncomfortable tightening in your throat. “We’d better get back.” You prompted, walking to the chair in front of the easel and picking it up, gesturing for Frank to lead the way back to the garden.

“You alright?” Joel asked quietly as you set the chair down by his side, taking a seat in it a moment after as Frank and Tess began chatting away.

“I’m fine.” You snapped.

∘₊✧───── ───── ───── ─────✧₊∘

It was on the way back from Bill and Frank’s that everything seemed to go wrong. For this portion of the journey, you made sure to cling on to every slither of awareness you had, digging your claws into consciousness and not letting go. You wouldn’t admit it, but the whole situation on the way there had shaken you.

You supposed it was different to the way blanking out in the QZ had been. After all, there was a certain amount of control in the QZ, much less of a wild factor than there was in the outside world. You could anticipate everything that you might come into contact with at the QZ, and each time, nothing was scary enough for you to even consider holding on to consciousness. Out in the real world, that was very different.

Despite travelling in it to the Quarantine Zone, there wasn’t a whole lot of that you could remember after the incident with your father. Everything was unpredictable, out here, and you were foolish to forget that. Especially after what it cost you the first time.

There may have been something else, though, something that had your fingers grasping onto reality so tightly you didn’t think you would ever let go. And that was the fact that it wasn’t just yourself that you were putting in danger, anymore, but Tess and Joel, too. And would you ever be able to forgive yourself if you came to awareness, just to see their blood on your hands? To find their bodies lay still? To be at fault once again for killing the only people left in the world that would see you safe? You could pretty confidently say no, you would never be able to forgive such a thing.

Even with your best attempts to cling on to your own awareness, it was clear that Joel and Tess didn’t quite trust your efforts. Given the fact that they refused to let you take a watch when night fell early, stopping to wait the darkness out just over halfway back to the Zone. Tess had already taken first watch, shaking Joel awake despite your offer to watch the area for him, so it was just you and Joel, Tess’s breaths long-since evened out.

“You can get some rest, y’know.” Joel said, his voice low to avoid waking Tess. You were well aware that she was a light sleeper, though you couldn’t blame her. It was the apocalypse, after all. Besides, it wasn’t like you were able to catch much sleep, too hyper focused on staying present to drift even into slumber, fearing you wouldn’t become conscious afterwards, fearing you would just wake.

“‘M fine, Joel.” You grumbled in response, eyes flitting around the rustling grass surrounding you, as if something was going to jump out at any moment.

Joel huffed, something between exasperation and vague amusement in it, and shook his head. “Sure, you are, kid.” He responded, adjusting his grip on the gun and resigning himself to the fact that you were going to stay up, no matter what he said. “Not gonna let anythin’ hurt you, you do know that, right?” He asked, after a long pause, and ignored the unpleasant way your face twisted.

“Why do you two help me? I don’t get it. Not done anything to help you, so why?” You questioned, instead of answering his question, too desperate to know to avoid the opening in the conversation. Joel sighed, a roll of his eyes, a deflection, as always.

“So impossible to believe that we could just be good people?” Joel replied, after your expectant silence lingered on uncomfortably. He shuffled, pausing when Tess moved, but only turned in her sleep.

You huffed, and Joel tried to ignore the way he was sure it sounded just like him. “Yes, it is impossible to believe that. You found me after I…” You paused, unsure how to go about admitting something you didn’t even remember. “After that FEDRA guard. Good people wouldn’t help me, after seeing that.”

“Been in your shoes, kid.” Joel said, at last, and you furrowed your brows at his answer. And the nickname he had taken to calling you. Joel didn’t exactly want to talk about it, both for the unpleasantness he had experienced and the worry that you’d retreat if he was honest. He could barely even explain the why to himself, so he had no idea how he could formulate it into words to tell you. “Not a good place to be, even worse if you’re alone.” He admitted, though he hadn’t been alone for as long as he could remember. There had always been Tommy, and after Tommy there was Sarah, and then his brother returned, but even then — he had Tess. But despite all that company, Joel knew exactly how it felt to be isolated, to be alone in your situation, to feel no other option than to retreat into yourself to get through the day.

He wouldn’t wish it upon anyone, let alone you.

You wanted to deny it, to tell Joel that you weren’t alone. That you already had a family you loved, that you already had a dad who cared about you, but what could you say? The truth was, he was gone.

“Get some sleep.” Joel said, dismissing the conversation before you could figure out anything to say. You just frowned at him, staring at him like his expression held all the answers, but as always, Joel revealed nothing. No reasoning, no answers, nothing. Finally, you turned away from him, resting your head against your backpack, eyes remaining open so you could keep an eye on the forest ahead of you for the last few hours of the night.

When the light finally a swept the last of the darkness away, the three of you set off again. Now, you were at the final stretch of your journey — so close to the QZ you could almost smell the pungent scent of fire and unrest. You never thought you’d be glad to see the decimated land around the Boston zone, but here you were, five steps ahead of Tess and Joel, who shared secret glances, communicating in a language you couldn’t understand.

They joined your side when you paused, waiting for them, just along the edge of where FEDRA usually patrolled. You looked to the two adults expectantly, not sure where you’d be entering the Zone, and figuring you must’ve been out of it if they had ever actually told you that part.

Now this, this was where it all went downhill.

“On your knees.” A voice from behind the three of you said, and you recognised the sound of a familiar FEDRA officer, from your time spent as a trainee. You just hoped he wouldn’t remember you. “I said, get on your knees!” He repeated, when the three of you had hesitated a moment too long, stepping forward and jabbing the end of his gun into the back of your knee. You grit your teeth as your knees buckled from the hit, dropping to the ground with your hands raised. You watched Joel and Tess follow when the guard moved towards them. Joel’s jaw was clenched.

“We’re just lookin’ to get to the QZ, man, that’s all.” Tess said, keeping her hands in the air and her head tilted as she tried to negotiate, as usual.

“Just a precaution, ma’am.” The guard responded, a snark to his voice. Despite what he said, when you first arrived to the QZ, there was no precautions this far out. In fact, it was only when you stalked towards the gate that guns were trained on you, your wrists bound until they got you through the main gate to test you.

He was patting down Tess, and you would’ve sworn you could hear Joel grinding his teeth together, clenching his jaw shut so tightly you wouldn’t have been surprised if it had broken. Meanwhile, you focused on trying to remember the name of the guard, trying to recall his temperament, whether he was easily swayed. You blinked your eyes shut, trying to see through the haze that clouded your memories as the guy moved on to Joel, but without seeing the guy’s face, it was too difficult.

“What kinda QZ has precautions this far out?” Joel grumbled as the guard moved along, checking the distance towards the gate with squinted eyes, and trying his best not to clench his fists as the guard moved towards you.

“You born yesterday, man? World’s fucked.” The guard answered, stepping away from you and moving to go around to see the front of the three of you. “Well, I never.” He chuckled, catching sight of your face as it fell, finally putting the voice to the face as you looked at him. “Don’t recall seeing your name on the exist list, trainee.” FEDRA had a bunch of awful guards, but this guy… Jerry, you were pretty fucking sure, was amongst the worst of them.

“Not a trainee, anymore.” You bit out in response, practically feeling the two adults beside you tensing up at the FEDRA guard’s recognition of you. “You even know my name, Jerry?” You asked, tilting your head upwards with your best reinvention of the careless expression that used to rile the man up so much.

He smiled, a grin full of rotten teeth and breath that stung your eyes as he leaned towards you. You resisted the urge to throw up over his shoes as he said your name, proving your hopeful taunt incorrect.

“Alright, now, no need for trouble.” Joel said placatingly, trying to keep the grimace off of his face in exchange for a more… reasonable expression. “We ain’t Infected, just a couple of folks tryin’ to be on their way.”

“Shut your mouth, and mind your business, fella.” Jerry spat towards Joel, before he looked back to you, a grin on that ugly face. “I’ve been trying to get the dirt to have you hung for months, now. Unauthorised exit? Well, that ought’a do it.” He said, morbid amusement dancing across his face. You just bared your teeth at him, a sarcastic expression donning your features.

“Careful, Jerry. You’re soundin’ awfully obsessed. Didn’t they out you for that, once already?” You asked, sarcastically, recalling the way he had been shamed outright by a higher up for getting on the trainee’s cases too much. FEDRA was strict already, so if he was getting publicly scolded for his obsessive behaviour, you figured it must’ve been bad.

You saw the way Joel was tensed up out of the corner of your eye, but didn’t dare turn to look at him, or even attempt to see how Tess was fairing.

It was when Jerry reared back, his rotten teeth bared, a sneer pulling at his features, that you saw Joel move. He’d noticed a second before you did, the way that the FEDRA guard was reaching for his smaller weapon, his handgun, barely getting it out of the holster before Joel was launching up and forwards, pushing Jerry and falling alongside him as they rolled down the slight slope to go towards the QZ gate.

“Joel!” Tess yelled out, a curse falling from her lips as she grabbed the stuff that Jerry had been attempting to confiscate before realising who you were. She dug through her bag, looking for her own gun, too risky to have it on her person this close to the QZ for this goddamn reason. You glanced between her searching frantically and the duo fighting slightly below you, before you caught a glint of metal in one of their hands. Did Joel have a knife? Did he have a knife, or was that Jerry’s? Was Jerry about to fucking stab Joel, who had tackled him to protect you?

You stumbled down the slight decline after the two of them, just as Jerry was catching the upper hand, something red trickling down his sleeve. You pulled the very gun he had tried to pull on you from its holster at his side, before he could even react to you having moved from where you were. He was slow, this guy, but that didn’t mean he was incapable. He was freakishly strong, and he bared bloody teeth at you as he moved to swing the blade in his hands down.

A crack interrupted his movements, blood dancing a crimson path down the side of his forehead.

Jerry’s body slumped backwards, falling away from where he had been about to fucking kill Joel Miller, all for what? His helmet made a dull thunk against the ground as it connected, and Joel was groaning, shoving the deadweight off of him with a bit of a struggle.

“The fuck were you thinking?” Tess asked, grasping onto Joel’s shoulders to help him up, only for him to hiss and pull away, and you vaguely saw Tess’s hand covered in a sticky sheen of blood that had leaked through the material of Joel’s jacket. “Jesus, Joel, you could’ve gotten yourself killed.” She scolded, pulling the jacket away and unbuttoning the top few buttons of his shirt to look at the wound. She dug through her bag to pull a few rags out of it, pressing the material against the fucking stab wound, and waiting for Joel’s steady hand to take over before she moved away. “Come on, we can’t wait around. If they’re patrolling this far out, something must’ve gone down, and I doubt anyone’s far enough to have not heard that.” She said, nodding pointedly towards the gun gripped tightly in your fingers.

At her reminder, you shivered, taking the knife from Jerry’s limp hand and replacing it with the gun. You wiped the blood — Joel’s blood — off of the blade onto the side of your jacket, before shoving it back in its place on Jerry’s vest, which you hadn’t even realised was there. You wondered if Joel knew, before he decided to attack him.

∘₊✧───── ───── ───── ─────✧₊∘

You blinked, and realised you were already back at the apartment you stayed in with Joel and Tess.

Joel was sat at the table, med kit set out open in front of him, with Tess being nowhere in sight. He barely spared you a glance as you stood up from the sofa you didn’t remember sitting on, your brows furrowed as you looked around the room, as if the answers—the memories—you wanted would be revealed.

“She went to trade what we managed to get from Bill and Frank’s.” Joel told you, not even looking in your direction as he focused on fixing himself up. He had the rag in his hand once again, wiping at the blood still trickling from his wound. You wondered if Tess didn’t tell you where she was going, or if Joel just knew you weren’t present if she did.

You didn’t even know what had sent you back to the depths of your mind, this time. Was it shooting Jerry? Killing somebody whilst actually being fully responsible for your actions? Was it his threats about getting you hung? Or was it that very wound that Joel was tending to right now? The fact that once again, somebody got hurt, and it was your fault?

“Can you hand me the, uh…” Joel trailed off, gesturing over towards the counter where amber liquid sat in a glass bottle. You went over and grabbed it, placing it down on the table in front of Joel far harsher than you realised you were going to. You hadn’t quite noticed the way anger, or something defensive at least, had settled in your chest, stirring that brimming pot of guilt until it was almost flowing over the edges. “Thanks.” Joel said gruffly, splashing some of the booze onto the rag and pressing it to his shoulder.

You stared at him, waiting for him to say something, to explain himself, but he made no move to do so.

“What is wrong with you?” You said, finally, your voice loud and echoing around the barely furnished room, like it had burst from your chest, like you had no choice in the matter.

“Got stabbed, in case you didn’t notice.” Joel quipped, which seemed even further out of character for him. You vaguely wondered if you had just lost your mind, if this was all some made up scenario playing out in your head.

“Why did you attack him? He didn’t attack you, I—I don’t understand!” You told him, gritting your teeth when Joel just continued tending to his wound, not acknowledging your questioning. Part of you wished Tess was here so she could dismiss you before you could continue, but she was clearly nowhere nearby, given that she hadn’t burst into the room to stop any conflict. “Joel, answer me.”

He finally looked up, shaking his head. “What do you want me to say, huh? Somebody’s gotta protect you! Lord knows you don’t do it yourself! Rilin’ that guard up— it was reckless. He could’ve killed you, kid, and what would I have done then?” Joel questioned, his voice louder than your own, a booming thing that had you wanting to retreat. You refused, pushing it down in favour of the confrontation that you’d been putting off for months, by now.

“I can take care of myself.” You answered, spitting the words out like there was a semblance of truth to them. “I’m not your goddamn kid, Joel, there are plenty of other strays you could help out if I had died.” You continued, throwing the nickname back in his face, watching the way he recoiled, something unfamiliar flashing in his eyes.

“Now, you listen—”

He tried to say, only to be interrupted by you continuing on. “No! You’re not my dad, Joel! I already had a dad, okay? I had a dad, and he’s dead, and that’s on me. I won’t go through that again. You gotta stop puttin’ your life on the line for me!”

“Kid…” Joel trailed, the confession not exactly surprising him, but he felt a twinge in his chest nonetheless. He had figured all of this was catalysed by some kind of loss, just going by his own experience with the matter, but he had never known for sure. You were closed off — another way you were just so similar to him, and you’d never spoken about any family.

You closed your eyes, tears brimming in the edges, slipping down your face, and you wiped them away with a rough swipe of your sleeve against your skin. “You don’t understand. It was my fault. If it weren’t for me, he’d—… Every day I’ve been here, I’ve just been wishing we could’ve swapped places, wishing that he was here instead of me, because I can’t do this without my dad. But—But he could’ve, without me.”

“When my Sarah died,” Joel started, gritting his teeth against the pain in his chest that just her name brought. “I gave up. I—I lost any will to live, I prayed that it wasn’t real, prayed for God to switch our places, to trade her life for mine. Tried to end it, and when that failed, I got numb. Got lost in my head, ended up fightin’ anybody I crossed paths with, usin’ any excuse to hurt people, even while I was with Tess. Barely even remember it,” Joel continued, a strained laugh falling from his lips, his hand held to his chest in hopes of soothing some of the ache that originated there. “Just remember wakin’ up, covered in—in blood, not knowing who the hell I hurt. So, when I saw you, not even present in your own goddamn head, I figured that wherever you came from, whatever family you might’ve had, they wouldn’t want you ending up like me.”

That pot of guilt in your chest felt like it would explode, even as you blinked back tears, only getting harder the longer Joel spoke, the more he told you. You had never taken him for a religious man, but you supposed you could relate to that, that desperation to just save your family’s life.

“I’ve got too much blood on my hands, kid,” Joel told you, the words going past the literal sense of his own blood, spilled across his palms from that wound that you had caused. It was deeper than that, it was something you related to, like he knew that sensation of fresh blood that plagued you, like it was dripping over your hands all the time. “You gotta wipe yours clean.”

Clearly, that wound on his shoulder wasn’t his only open one. It was there, gaping in his chest, weeping waves of guilt and suffering that hit you with such familiarity. My Sarah. You couldn’t help but think about your dad, couldn’t help wondering if this was how he’d feel, if your places had of swapped.

“He was my dad,” You said desperately, like it could explain everything, like the simple statement could convey everything you couldn’t put into other words. That’s not something you can replace, something you can change, something you can forget. You opened your mouth to continue, but all that happened was the tears stinging your eyes fell, and you turned your head to the side, hoping Joel wouldn’t see the way your lip was trembling.

Joel’s arms were warm when he wrapped them around you, blood still tacky on his shirt where it pressed to your jacket, but you barely noticed it. “She was my daughter.” He said in response, and suddenly it made sense.

If anything about your relationship with Joel was true, it was that you were mirror images. Reflections. Two sides of the same coin, two sides of the same story, one that told of grief and loss and pain that would never go away. His response was the answer you didn’t even realise you had been waiting for. He was my dad, and she was my daughter. Not replacements, not something to try and fill the gaps. The acknowledgment was everything you needed to wrap your arms around Joel, to squeeze his shirt between your fists and cry, to cry for the dad that you lost, for the daughter he lost, for everything the two of you would never have again.

You weren’t Joel’s daughter, and he wasn’t your dad.

That much was true, and you knew it, because you had each other. And maybe, come morning, you would still leave the apartment like you had been considering doing all along, or maybe you would stay. Maybe, you’d let yourself have this, this little family made up of torn apart pieces, of members too damaged to fit just right, of a dad who lost his daughter, and a daughter who lost her dad.

[letstalkaboutshtufff]

In another life part 3

Pairing: Satoru Gojo x Reader

Summary: You tag along on a mission.

Warnings: Language and suggestive themes, violence against a curse

“Now just what is that smell?” Gojos head popped around the corner wall eyes glowing.

You smile awkwardly, “Hopefully that’s a good comment?”.

“If it tastes as good as it smells then definitely… you didn’t have to make breakfast though”.

“I wanted to, to thank you for everything you’ve done so far for me”. You smiled shyly while plating up a stack of 10 strawberries and cream French toast with white chocolate sauce and fresh fruit. A sickeningly sweet combo that was also one of satorus favorites.

He sat down at the table eyeing the breakfast in awe.

“So this is how she trapped me…”

“Huh did you say something?”

“Nope”

“Alright, dig in.” You set your own plate down, a couple plain pancakes with some fruit.

“Thank you for the meal”

You smirked to yourself when you saw him absolutely devour the meal out of the corner of your eye.

Yup, I know how to keep my transdimentional husband💅

“So what’s the plan for today?” You ask shoving a piece of strawberry in your mouth.

Gojo pauses and leans back arms crossed. “Well I do have some business to take care of with the students but after that I’m thinking we head back to the school and see what information we can dig up. So I’ll pick you up later I guess”.

“No way” you shake your head.

“Huh?”

“I mean there’s no way I’m staying here, I know it’s safe here because of the veil but I need to train! Who knows when Amomeeemo will show up again, I wanna be ready this time!”.

Is his name really that hard?

“Uh well I have no problem letting you tag along, can’t say I’m not curious to see your technique.”

“Great… oh but my clothes are kind of all curse gooed out…

“Oh right, give me a second”

*swoosh*

He didn’t even ask me my size- oh right, like he needed too…

*flashback*

“I swear I could go blind right now and be a happy man the rest of my life…” you turned meeting his glowing eyes as he leaned lazily on the wall eyeing you up and down.”

“Aw hey don’t say that” you turned back to stirring the eggs not knowing if the heat was from the stove or your cheeks

Last night was the first time you and satoru had ahem… canoodled and you were currently clad in one of his shirts loosely buttoned with nothing under.

“Soooo” you blushed feeling warm arms wrap around you from behind.

“Normally I’d ask how it was but judging by how loud you were last night I don’t need to…” he bit your ear, hot breathe on your neck making you shiver.

“Mmm cocky…it was fine…”you tried to sound annoyed but that was hard when your heart was going a mile a minute.

“Oh yeah? T-T-Toru ah ah please ah! sooo good I’m gonna cu-“ he mocked.

“AH STOP” you shoved him away embarrassed.

“Crap I burned the eggs!”.

“Here let me” he reached over for the pan with the biggest smirk and turned to the trash.

You the tomato turned away in a huff and sat at the table.

“How about we go out for breakfast? There’s this great place nearby, they make these soufflé pancakes that are just the best.”

“Well I would say yes but I kinda don’t have any clothes since someone tore my dress last night…”

“Oh don’t worry, I already got you new clothes~” he threw a bag your way.

“You did?” Huh!?

Bersace? And is this real Jucci!?

“Ah Toru you didn’t have to buy such expensive things- wait how did you know my size?” You quirk a brow holding a bra up with your pinky.

“Oh please, I have six eyes, I knew all your measurements the day I met you”

“Ew that’s so creepy…”

“Well I can always return the stuff-“

“N-no it’s fine, thank you Toru” you shyly approach him and kiss him on the cheek.

“Hmm you call that a thank you?”

“S-shut up I’m not used to this…jerk” you turn to leave embarrassed.

“Aw did I make you upset baby? C’mere…” his impossibly long arm wrapped around your waist and brought you back to him.

You could see that familiar look in his eyes..

“W-what about breakfast..” you gulp averting your eyes.

“Hmm m’kinda hungry for something else now…” he whispered in your ear…

*Flashback end*

*SWOOSH*

“Huh what’s wrong with your face??”

You quickly fixed your expression, “n-nothing just thinking… those for me?” You pointed to the bag he was holding.

“Yep, you’ll have to make do until we go shopping” he handed you the bag.

“Make do with designer clothes? I think I’ll manage” you smirked pulling out an outfit and seeing the label, *Louis Button* still has the best taste huh?

“Thank you baby they’re gorgeous…”

“…”

“Ah-! Crap s-sorry” ugh so embarrassing.

He just tilted his head in amusement. After the initial weirdness wore off he was finding himself enjoying this now.

“I’ll go change..” you rush off into the room and slam the door.

****************************************************

“Gooood Morning students!” Gojos cheery mood was a stark difference to the kids who looked ready to kill him.

“You said we were meeting in Roppongi!!”

“Yeah what’s up with that!?! This place sucks!”

“Did you guys actually believe him…”

Gojo claps and side steps to reveal you.

“Oh hey it’s you.”

You wave shyly at the group who scrutinizes you.

“Well everyone allow me to introduce you to y/n! She’s from another universe but one where she knows everyone, freaky right!?”

“Are you joking? No way that’s true”

“We literally saw her fall from the sky, is it really that hard to believe?”

“Well… ok then if you really do know us then tell us some things about us.”

You thought for a moment.

“Things.. um well Yuji likes girls like Jennifer Lawrence… Nobara wants to be a fashion model… and Megumi is allergic to cats..”

“Well she’s right…”

“So weird…”

“Hey so you a sorcerer or something then?”

“Mm kinda? I help out occasionally but I’m mostly only good at barriers and seals. I can excersize low level curses though.”

“Or keep them as pets.” Gojo mumbled.

“So how did you-“ the kids are abruptly cut off by a loud clap.

“Alright guys, you’ll have all the time in the world to question later her but first, we have a special grade to take care of!”

“Oh right..”

Gojo led you all to what appeared to be an old abandoned warehouse.

“Ew it smells..”

“Hey why don’t you put up the veil?” Gojo said over his shoulder.

“Oh uh sure.” He probably curious to see my techniques…

“Emerge from lightness brighter still…” you make the hand sign and feel the energy curse through you.

“Huh?”

“What in the sailor moon school girl shoujo was that?” One exclaimed!

“What do you mean?” You furrow a brow watching as your veil encompasses the area perfectly.

“Your veil, the speech, heck even the color of it, what gives??”

“This is how everyone does it...?” You cock your head. Is this not how they did it?

“So weird..”

“Um so anyway… let’s go” Gojo leads the group again inside the building.

You enter a large dusty and dark room, with one flickering light illuminating the space.

“So creepy…” you comment glancing around wearily.

“I definitely feel a strong presence..” Yuji commented kicking away a moldy piece of… whatever that was..

Suddenly Gojo stopped and motioned forward with his head, “Go on, I’ll stand back here unless you really need me”.

The kids stepped forward, you hung back as well. You wanted to train yes but didn’t want to get in the way of their lesson.

A scurrying and squeak had you shrieking and suddenly launching yourself onto Gojos arm unconsciously stepping up on his shoes so the offending animal couldn’t get you.

“Ew ew ew so gross” you held on tight until the rat was out of view.

“Ah! not again!!” You jumped back off in a fluster of apologies and embarrassment.

“Don’t apologize, I’m honestly finding all of this funny now.”

“Don’t say that….” You mumble mortified.

*Crash*

“Ah there it is!” Suddenly a giant grotesque spider looking curse swings down from the ceiling. You see the kids a little ways ahead get into position.

“I know they need to get stronger but I always hate watching them fight…” you sighed a bit sadly. Gojo couldn’t protect them forever but you wish he could..

“You care about them a lot huh?”

“Of course I do, they’re basically family…I wonder how they’re doing… they have a tournament coming up soon too.. winner gets promoted to first grade.”

“Oh? They choose like that?”

“Yeah, but I think it would be-ah! S-should we help them?!” You cried out watching the spider thingy wrap them up in webs.

“Nope not yet, have faith in them.”

“I know I just- ah I can’t watch!” You turn around covering your eyes.

Huh? A cold feeling washed over you all of the sudden. Slowly you looked up and eyed the ceiling carefully. You felt it before you saw it, a giant ball of spider saliva shooting your way.

Your right hand moved on instinct, swiping across your body whilst releasing a burst of energy that acted as a shield. The saliva sputtered on the ground melting and sizzling.

“Ah so you do have some skill after all.” Gojo said directly behind you.

The jerk, he could’ve warned you!

“Why don’t you take care of this spider for us? You said you needed training right? This one is a lot weaker than the one the kids are fighting.” Gojo smirked.

Ugh why did I say that??? Spiders are so creepy ew..

“S-sure” you shivered in disgust as the being spiraled down from the ceiling.

You swiped your right hand out again and this time let the energy form in your palm. When it was adequate you pushed it in the direction of the curse.

Crap it’s fast… you dodged another saliva attack with your shield and rethought your strategy.

Instead of aiming at the curse you aimed at the Ceiling above it.

*Rumble* *Crash*

*SCREEEEEEEECH*

You winced as the ceiling caved in and smooshed the spider under it to the ground.

You took a few steps back watching the pile carefully.

You charged a different, more powerful blast in your palm and waited.

…..

…..

…..

“SCREEEEEEEECH”

The pile erupted and you readied your hand. You totally got this.

The curse was quick to set its 100 eyes on you and make a dash.

Ok ready to hit it in three, two on- huh? Ah

Suddenly a flash of heat washed over you and your vision blurred.the spider was suddenly tilted in your eyes.

*swoosh*

“Uh hey you ok?” Your view was changed to silvery white locks hovering over you.

Gojo frowned holding you in his arms

“You were doing good, what happened?”

You used a hand clutching his chest to hold yourself steady in his arms. “Frgot mm pills”

“Huh?” Oh right. Your Satoru did mention something about iron pills. Guess I should’ve taken it more seriously…

“I’ll be fine… just stop spinning for a second” you frowned.

“I’m standing still…”

****************************************************

“Sorry for the trouble…” you were currently sipping on some juice in a nearby cafe with Gojo. A small bottle of pills by your hand.

“It’s fine don’t worry about it.” He waved dismissively.

“Besides, the pharmacy was by this cafe which happens to be one of my favorites.”

“I don’t think I’ve been here before… ooh they have matcha cake rolls, you know who’d love this place? Suguru, hes always hating on sweet stuff but this one doesn’t seem like it has too much sugar…”

“Hm? Oh yeah..”

Huh, there it is again, that weird feeling when I bring up Suguru.

Do I ask? No I shouldn’t right? Maybe I can ask the kids..

It’s nearing evening time when you and Gojo are making your way to the school. You asked him not to warp based on how dizzy you just were.

You subtly glance to the side, the setting sun illuminating his profile in a golden hue. He opted for his designer glasses today and man were you a sucker for them.

You remember the time you accidentally sat on one of his limited edition Lay Banz shades and he made you hold a funeral for them. Man what a goof…

“Uh you ok over there?” Gojo raised a brow hearing you snicker to yourself like a maniac.

“Yeah, just remembered something funny…”

He hummed and smiled. “Your smile sorta reminds me of something…just can’t quite put my finger on what…”

You smiled warmly, thinking back to one of your first dates.

*Flashback*

“Your smile reminds me of something…”

“Oh yeah? What?”.

“Promise you won’t laugh?”

“I won’t laugh…” probably…

“My grandmother...”.

“Your grandmother? Why?”

Did you have an old lady laugh??

“Well when she smiled, everything around her seemed to brighten up.”

“….”

“Huh why are you so red?”

“Shut up.”

*end flashback*

“Uh oh you’re turning colors again, you’re not gonna faint again are you??” Gojo started fanning you.

“I’m good I’m good-“ you smack his hand away laughing.

“Did I mention you’re kinda weird?”

“Well Excuse me, I do not take insults from someone who organizes their sun glasses by, and I quote, “Cold, Warm, and Horny” like I still to this day don’t get what that means!”

“….you know too much…”

You give him a teasing smile, “I did mention we are married right?”

“So weird…”

****************************************************

Thank you all for the amazing support!! It means so much and motivates me to keep going! I love you all xoxo

Also please don’t be shy to interact or send me things in my inbox, I love that stuff haha

@gojosatorulover7 @goaway-plzz @goldenglow149 @taakt17 @kneesheee @yumii-34 @ritsatoru @generalstephkenobi @author20 @bitchycloudstrawberry @hojoslutoru @sheluvnassi @shirabane @reagan707 @angstylittleb1tch

[slvthrs]

SWEET REVENGE AND GUITAR STRINGS | vinnie hacker

--- MINORS PLEASE FUCK OFF FOR UR OWN GOOD ---

your ex-boyfriend decided to cheat on you- the sane course of action was sleeping with his enemy

ROCKSTAR!VINNIE X FEM!READER

WARNINGS: NSFW CONTENT MINORS DNI, praise n degradation kink, unprotected sex (use birth control idiots), dressing room sex, slight violence and blood, blood kink if u squint

word count: 2.2k <3

Wrath.

Not even anger or rage- it was pure fucking red wrath. Your boyfriend of 2 years was cheating on you. He had the fucking audacity to cheat on you, and try to hide it. 

God did you want to kill him.

Your bestfriend Elle had sent you a video of him making out with some rando chick at a party and then taking her into a room to obviously have sex. You weren’t even sad, you just wanted to hurt him.

It was 3 days after you found out your boyfriend was cheating on you and the wrath hadn’t gone away. You’ve been ignoring every text, every message, every call- he was going to be so pissed. You were doing a pretty good job of not running into him but today he had a gig and you would have to end up going.

You and Elle were sitting on your bed in your underwear and bra eating a huge assortment of candy and snacks while re-watching Sex Education. 

“Wait have you confronted Theo about cheating on you yet” Elle asked with a lollipop between her lips

You groaned you wanted to but every time you thought about it all you could do was want to punch him “I wanted to trust me but I just wanna hurt him y’know I don’t need his half-assed apology”

“Wait so why don’t you just ditch his gig” Elle inquired

“I would but imagine your girlfriend just ditches you with an explanation because remember he doesn’t know I know he cheated on me” You threw your head back- it was gonna be really hard to get him back

“Hmm does he have like y’know enemies that you can y’know… fuck” Elle suggested

“Elle we’re not in a wattpad fan-fic, Theo doesn’t have enemies per say” You rolled your eyes… but he did have someone who pissed him off to no end

You shot up with a plan in mind, “But he does have someone he kinda hates” You said while you carding through your closet trying to find an outfit

“Oooh who” Elle sat up like a curious dog 

“Vinnie” The name was met with a huff from Elle

Vincent Cole Hacker, lead guitarist and singer of his band and adored by girls all over the country.

His killer style mixed with his rough hair and piercings accompanied with the rings he adorned on each hand which trailed across his guitar with so much purpose you couldn’t help but think what else they could do.

The same Vinnie Theo hated, and the same Vinnie who could never take his eyes off you.

“Babe you're super hot but I’ve legit never seen Vinnie without his army of girls following him, are you sure he’s the one?” Elle probes and she's right Vinnie’s a chick magnet, you’d be lucky to find him alone, but Elle was also right about the fact you were hot, the way your hair sat, framing your face and the way you would bite your fingers, and look up at guys, batting your eyelashes and giggling- toying with their feelings- you had boys begging for you.

But Vinnie was the one you wanted.

“I know, I know, but I have a plan trust me” 

You didn’t have a plan 

All you knew was that Vinnie stared at you for far too long to be considered platonic, and no sane guy would give up a chance to hook up with you.

After about 2 hours, you and Elle were ready. She was wearing a denim skirt with a pink tank top and pink converse adorned with little accessories, while you were wearing a black cropped top with Dominic Fike embroidered on without a bra so you could see your nipples poking through the fabric. Paired with a black mini-skirt and pantyhose which looked like it was attacked by an army of cats and a pair of platforms with some other accessories here and there- you looked enchanting.

The pair of you got there around 30 minutes later and broke off, with Elle waking to the bar to get some drinks and you trying to find your cheating ass boyfriend. 

The bass of all the people walking around made you want to turn on your heel and walk away. You had endured it for the sake of your boyfriend but now the air was filled with venom rather than admiration.

“There she is, hi baby” It sounded so goddamn awful coming from your boyfriends mouth but you had to play the part of the oblivious girlfriend for a little longer

“Hi Theo” You say with the only respect you have for him left and kiss his cheek

As he continues his conversation with his bandmates you zone out and look around while drinking some fruity drink his bandmates gave you. As you looked around you caught the addictive eyes of your target, Vinnie, and unsurprisingly he was checking you out, who wouldn't tbh.

As your staring competition played out you were quickly brought back to reality by your boyfriend telling you they were about to go on stage.

“Hey babe can I talk to you for a sec?” You asked and he went along with it, presumably thinking he was about to get some last minute action.

“Yeah baby, what do you want?” He asked, so fucking oblivious to what was about to happen.

“Who the fuck is this chick your making out with in this video” You said while playing out the video on your phone.

His mouth hung agape, this cunt thought he could have the audacity to be shocked.

“B-babe I don’t know what that is, I-I’m pretty sure I was like sure drunk” Seriously, the ‘I was drunk’ excuse? 

He can do better than that.

“Are you fucking serious, I’ve been drunk plenty of times and I’ve never fucking cheated on you” Every gross and terrible emotion was bubbling up from inside you as you were about to overflow

“I-it doesn’t even matter I just kissed her your fucking overreacting!” Overreacting, this fucking bitch thinks I’m over reacting

With gritted teeth you said “Oh I’m overreacting? I’m fucking overreacting, well you wanna see overreacting?” 

You didn’t even register what your body was doing before,

SNAP!

Fuck, your hand made contact with his face and there was a stream of red trickling down his nose while your knuckles were bruising up.

“YOU FUCKING BITCH” He yelled pushing you up against the wall, while his blood spilled on to your chest

On any other day you wouldn’t have been able to push him off but with the immense amount of rage mixed with adrenaline you were feeling you pushed him to the ground, with your head spinning you ran off into another room trying to catch your breath.

As you finally stood up from your hunched over position and walked over to the mirror in the room- shit my shirt has blood on it, I look like I killed someone

You try to get some tissues to take the blood off but it’s no use the blood is congealed and staining your white shirt so you grab a closed water bottle and try to figure out what dressing room you're in.

You hand slides across a red leather couch with stains and find a stack of polaroids.

As you shuffled through them you see a drummer and bassists clearly drunk and passed out on a sofa, in another one you can see a brunette making a face and flipping off the camera, and in the final one its a group photo 4 boys playing a song in front of a smaller audience- in the photo you spot a particular face- Vinnie.

And as fate has been so kind the tall blonde walks into the room as if on cue, “Oh shit, what are you doing here?”

But before you you can answer his eyes widen and he walks towards you, “Fuck are you okay” He says with knitted eyebrows as his hand hesitantly swiping the blood of your shirt.

“Yeah, it's not my blood” You say with a smile as you try to reassure him, but which only leads him to look at you, even wider eyed.

“It’s Theo’s” You continue as you sit down on the red sofa, “He kinda cheated on me so y’know he deserved it”

You play with your hands in your lap as you look up at Vinnie who's now sitting next to you with an unreadable expression.

“Well he fucking deserved it then” He says breaking the silence as you look up to meet his gaze, “If you we’re my girl, I’d cut my balls of before cheating on you”

You let out an obnoxious laugh while he follows you, “I’m serious though I would never do that, your to fucking hot for that.”

“Yeah yeah” You breathe out as you tip your head back on the sofa as you let Vinnie’s eyes rake over your body, huffing your chest so your tits press against your shirt, watching how he bites his lips.

“So any plans now that you're single” He was obviously trying to hint at you, so you played along.

“I dunno Vinnie, do you have any ideas for me?” You said sliding across the sofa, closer to the blonde boy

He hands trail over the blood on your shirt, staining his fingers and dragging his hand onto your jawline pulling your face up to his, so close but so fucking far, “I have a few ideas”

“Yeah”, You breathe out, “Show me”

Both of your lips interlock at a slow pace at first until he pulls your face away from him to breathe but his gaze drops to your spit covered lips and flushed out look before he smashes them up together for the second time and pulls you onto straddle his lap.

“God every fucking time I saw you with that prick I wanted to kill myself.” He confessed, letting his hands graze up your sides pulling your top off.

All you do in response is giggle whilst you tip your head back so he can lay a trail of saccharine sweet kisses from the base of your neck down to your tits. Your hands scratch his shoulders, bawling his shirt in your first hoping he’ll take it off.

And if Gods looking out for you, he pulls his shirt of ruffling if his hair and goes back to attack your chest with love bites, your hands reach to the back of his head grabbing a tuft of his hair as you throw your head back and moan as his teeth catch your nipples in his mouth.

“Vinnie, fuck oh my god” You moaned out, his hands moved to flip up your skirt and fondling your ass while you grind down on his hardened dick, then he takes shuffles around with his belt pulling it of and tossing it on the ground keeping you too connected with the bloody kisses falling from your lips on to his tan skin.

“Whenever he kissed you, touched you, my skin felt like it was on fucking fire,” He pulls of his pants with one swift motion as they fall to the ground with a light, airy thud, “He doesn’t fucking deserve you, your too hot for him,” 

You pull off of him to stare into his eyes, “Vinnie, I adore you, but if you bring up my ex one more damn time while we're about to have sex I’m getting up and leaving” You say will as emotionless of a face you can pull.

He airs out a breathy laugh but rather than replying he flips the two of you over onto the sofa and rips your skirt of, “Yes ma’am,” He starts, “But we both know your not leaving to go anywhere” 

He looks for a condom but I stop him, “I’m on birth control and your clean, don’t worry”, you say with the most poise you can muster whilst your under a 6 foot man

With his new found confidence, he lines up your entrance with his dick, carefully sliding in, going gently through your folds whilst you arch into the motion gasping out for him,

As your hands hook around his head to pull both of you into a kiss, he sets a ruthless pace, pounding into you like his life depends on it but not letting you relish a single moment of freedom.

He doesn’t stop for a second, not letting you rest whilst the entire room echos with sounds of skin slapping and it doesn’t stop, turning the melody of your skins coming in contact and the rhythm of your synched breathless moans turns the room into a orchestra of pleasure and carnal desire as both of you chase your release.

And it’s not far, you cum first with a loud moan and arching your back with your mouth in an ‘O’ shape and he’s not far behind cumming in you and dropping down on to you to place more hickeys all over you and claim you even more as his.

They say revenge is an act of passion, and while you're laying there, breath panting, legs sore and your ex-boyfriends biggest rival laying on top of you rubbing circles into your skin… you can’t help but think they're right, because what’s a bigger act of passion than sex? And what’s a bigger form of revenge than betrayal? And the best betrayal is the sight of your ex-boyfriend watching you limp out of a dressing room with your hair and makeup messed up whilst his rival follows behind you in an even worse state.

[earthtooz]

I NEED ITOSHI RIN BF HEADCANONS, I BEG YOU 😭

·˚ ༘ ITOSHI RIN BF HEADCANONS !

# warnings: gn!reader, fluff and a little hurt/comfort, mentions to arguments, somewhat suggestive but no nsfw, swearing, idk how many words this is but quite a bit LOL, unedited

# a/n: LUCKY FOR BOTH OF US THAT I JUST SO HAPPENED TO WANT ITOSHI RIN BF HEADCANONS TOO. ENJOY MY FRIEND.

no one knows how you two got into a relationship and to be honest, you don't really know either. like how did you bag itoshi mf rin 😨 the most unlikeable bitch anyone will ever meet in their life... (lovingly)

bachira asked you if you were okay the first time you met and rin immediately lunged at him. like, please stop babe, you're just proving meguru's point !

how you met and all is a story for another time <3 because holy fucking shit is it a long one.

but the point is, although rin takes a while to open up, he is an amazing boyfriend, despite what everyone believes :,)

claims that he needs an independent partner bc he needs his space from time to time and you were completely understanding, even agreeing that some privacy here and there is nice.

except as it turns out, rin is the most co-dependent partner there is 💀 it's no longer 'i' bc it is now 'we'! slay!

he literally needs you to go to the grocery store with him and expects you hold his hand the entire time too- literally.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

"you know how to buy your own green tea, why do i need to come with you?" you ask when rin pops his head into your study room where you were reading your book. "please?"

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

you accompany him (almost) every time. if you're out he even waits for you to get home just so you can go with him like boy wtf...

well his love language is quality time saur.

expresses his love through gifts and acts of service as well. all of the gifts he buys for you are genuinely so well thought-out, like you almost tear up at all of them. one of them was a teddy bear that said 'you're better than mediocre.' and you almost cried 🗣🗣 okay but fr, he got you an anniversary gift of all his favourite moments with you, adding spotify bar codes to the pictures. there were photos from before u even dated like rin 😭😭😭😭 he is so babygirl pls take care of him.

on that note, i headcanon that rin has decent music taste. he listens to rock and alt, even anime soundtracks 🤣 but bc he's fluent in english, i bet he listens to arctic monkeys and the neighbourhood on REPEAT 🔁

wait yeah lover of music, it just makes sense for him to have a collection of headphones in his room. he likes to make you playlists too :( rinnie :( for me???

(rin also has a love language of offering you the first bite of food. you're sharing ice cream? here, have the first spoon. wanna try some of rin's lunch? he's already offering it. the smoothie he's having sounds good? he's already pushing it towards you.)

ALSO ☝️ BC THIS FUCKER LOVES HORROR, IT'S SOMETIMES TO A POINT THAT IT GETS YOU KINDA SCARED FOR YOUR LIFE... HOW IS HE SO IMMUNE TO ALL THE BLOOD... AND VIOLENCE...

he's SICK for this. you never let him pick the movies whenever you want to watch something.

also like it's a good enough reason to not get on his bad side. mans probably has 100 ways to k*ll shidou and get away with it.

anyways, rin would probably be hesitant to let you meet his family (read: sae). he's not ashamed of you, he's ashamed of sae.

so when his family demands to meet you, rin finally caves, agreeing to a dinner back home. only to find out he had nothing to worry about. his mother and father love you, saying how you were so beautiful the whole dinner, and how lucky rin was to have you. they even brought up the topic of marriage and you and rin kinda just sat there like 😐😁 smile and wave... smile and wave...

internally though, rin was over the moon knowing that you're accepted by his family. he loves his mum and dad, and although his relationship with sae is rocky with no smooth waves in sight, his opinion is... 'appreciated'.

best part was that his mother then turned to sae and went 'when are you going to get a partner as well?' and rin SENT HIM THE MOST SHIT-EATING GRIN EVER LMFAOOOOOOO

they got into a fight whilst cleaning the dishes that night.

rin then takes u home and pampers u, still high from the happiness that seeing u with his family brought 😇

WAIT ALSO - YOU TWO DEFINITELY SHOWED UP TO THE DINNER WITH MATCHING FITS >:o

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN'S WARDROBE LIKE DAMN SHAWTY... LET ME HIT... so he'll 100% shop for you too.

in fact, he's the best boyfie to take shopping, he'll be like 'no that's not your colour, but the fit is nice' or be like 'you might need a different size. this one isn't right' - you trust his judgment way more than your friends.

when you are out with your friends shopping, you'll send rin photos for his opinions and he never misses 💯 drops whatever he's doing to respond bc he's gotta make sure his pretty lover has the best wardrobe!!

rin loves paying for your shopping sprees too. no matter how much you try to wrestle him for who pays, he will always win. you make it even though by paying for your meals that day (the difference in how much money is spent on clothes and food will never compare, but it makes you feel a little less guilty so rin indulges you).

also attentive af. knows your tastes in almost everything, memorised your little habits and how you like certain things done. very dedicated bf once you realise just how much he loves doing things for you.

i just had this thought:

you know how couples post on tiktok all the time? well, you thought it would be nice if you could participate in one trend with rin.

you just thought it'd be a small post to share with your friends but instead, you seemed to forget to turn on the 'only friends can view option', it blew the FUCK up - like ofc it would, that's itoshi mf rin... but the comments were all like 'why are you with him', or 'dump him... you're too hot for him...', or 'you can do sooo much better than him'.

look, no matter how sensible rin is, he's not immune to drama and this bitch will not settle for when people tell him he doesn't deserve you like did YOU GO THROUGH TWO YEARS OF PINING??? I DON'T THINK SO. SIT THE FUCK DOWN.

so he's on your account, picks the comment 'i could treat you better than him', films himself giving the commenter the middle finger before you pull him in by the collar to give him a big ol kiss, cutting the video at the exact time that you both stumble out of frame.

look, it's not the most optimal way to fight back against the haters 🙄 but he doesn't need to prove nothing, not like anyone else gets you all to themselves.

oh this man has a banger social media presence, on his main AND on his private accounts.

he prefers posting on the priv bc there he can freely show u off and be more authentic.

itoshirinpriv I love when Y/n wears the things I buy them

─ megurusundercover when will u buy me things rinnie </3

╰┈➤ itoshirinpriv Choke and die

╰┈➤ megurusundercover kinky ;)

─ isagi11 Hi @y/n !

╰┈➤ y/n HI YOICHI !!!!

LOVES A SUPPORTIVE S/O, EVEN IF HE DOESN'T LET IT SHOW!!! WEAR HIS JERSEY AT A MATCH AND CHEER FOR HIM AND YOU HAVE HIS HEART !!! RECORD HIS MATCHES FOR HIM AND WATCH THEM WITH HIM AND HE'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER !!!!! he doesn't ask for much, just a little appreciation back :<

also don't try to compete against rin in anything unless you have guaranteed victory bc this mf is competitive AF.

will spare you on some occasions but more often than not, will give 100% into everything.

you use this to your advantage like 'hey babe, wanna see who can clean more of the house in one hour?' and HE TAKES IT SERIOUSLY EVERY TIME. to be fair, so do you because like you want a clean house, but rin is SO speedy when there's a challenge involved.

easy defeat every time but you can't be mad.

hc that rin can't cook for shit. so you'll have to be there with him or just ban him from the kitchen straight up.

you taught him how to make microwave popcorn and that's about the only thing he is permitted to make.

even his diet-regulated smoothies are all made by you because holy fuck he somehow always messes up the recipe despite it being really clear and concise.

also you steer clear from him when he's working out because he just looks TOO GOOD working out that i makes you feel a little funny and pathetic 😇

if you are someone who does enjoy exercise, rin would love to take this chance to spend some more time together. you could be doing a pilates workout and rin is in the corner lifting weights, glancing over to you ever so often, sending him winks when you catch him.

loves going on hikes with you, no matter the difficulty, how steep or flat, he just really likes being active and if you join him, he'll be SO happy.

also u know how he loves yoga and meditation? if hiit and sweat-inducing workouts aren't for you, he likes stretching with you and teaching you breathing exercises that help throughout the day.

100/10 MASSEUSE BTW !!!! 👍👍👍👍

ofc, relationships aren't always perfect and especially when dealing with rin, someone who has quite a fair bit of trauma from being abandoned and left behind, it only worsens the tension.

believes you're going to leave him every time </3 like no :( just bc you're mad at him doesn't mean you've stopped loving him.

communication is so important. rin has a tendency to catastrophize a lot so please, put your pride aside and talk to him! reassure him! spend some time with him! that's how post-arguments usually go.

then you'll talk it out calmly, expressing both of your perspectives, apologising for breaking boundaries and trying to adapt accordingly.

this routine is a delicate one and it took months of putting aside your immaturity in order to grow together. especially rin who is so full of pride, but when he realised that his stubbornness wasn't winning him anything, he shattered his hardened perception of self and let you in.

"rin?" you whisper, poking your head into your shared bedroom delicately, afraid to upset the beast sleeping in there even more.

"what," he snaps, sitting on his side of bed in a hunched over position. he hugs his legs close to his body and the sight breaks your heart a little.

"i'm watching 'the shining', you can join me if you'd like to."

he grumbles something inaudible before you close the door quietly, hoping he'd cave because you chose this movie just so he'd come around. it's his favourite after all.

setting out a bowl of popcorn and some beverages of choice, you just manage to get the movie up when rin emerges from the bedroom, all gloomy and moody. he plops down on the opposite side of the couch, chin on his hand.

he's pretending like you don't exist which is fine by you, you know he'll cave eventually. so, you slide a cup of water and the bowl of popcorn to him and settle in, pressing 'play'.

around 15 minutes in or so, you're too engrossed in the movie to hear rin's quiet shuffling, and how he's now crossed the distance to sit next to you. his hand comes up to your shoulder to get your attention and when he has it, rin's quick to manoeuvre you so that you were now lying down on the couch.

he then plops down, wrapping his arms around you and resting his head on your chest.

"i'm sorry," whispers the striker. such simple words with such heavy meaning, especially coming from him.

you know he wants to say more, but you know better than he can't get it out, so, you begin threading your fingers through his hair, just how he likes it. rin softens completely against you.

"it's okay," you reassure.

"you're too good for me."

the next morning there's a bouquet of flowers and dessert from your favourite bakery on the kitchen counter.

rin wakes up at a reasonable hour. he likes to start off his days between 8 to 9 am, with 9-10 hours of sleep.

your sleep cycle has been synced with his because he hates sleeping without you beside him.

unless you have a good reason to push back sleep, he will not stand for it. stop depriving yourself of sleep and give your body the rest it deserves!!!!!

has a set night routine with you.

also i'm sorry but rin loves making out + neck and hand kisses are his favourite to give to you + he loves receiving temple and lip kisses.

goes to parties and clubs but very reluctantly. he doesn't like to drink, especially during soccer season, so there's not a lot of joy he can find in going out, except when he gets to eye you up and down all night and have fun with you AYEEEE 🕺😩

'you can wear whatever u want, i can fight' bf.

one thing you learn abt this man overtime is that he truly does not care how you dress. even tho it seems like he's judging you, he loves everything you wear and will admire you appreciatively 24/7.

[livsbrutalitys-blog]

Unfinished business

pt. 1 | pt. 2| pt. 3 (i highly recommend reading the previous parts first <3)

pairing(s): Rhea x f!reader, wwe x f!reader, not really but aew x f!reader

tw: eventual smut, cussing, physical violence (y’all this is wrestling what’d you expect), idk if there’s more lmk if you see any

a/n: I didn't put it in but this takes place after backlash and Rhea has her title back :)

rm| @floweirala @wiccanpriestess if you wanna be added or unadded lmk

use of y/n

After your appearance at Wrestlemania you were the hottest news in the wrestling world. It felt almost as if everyone had their eyes on you and speculating your next move. It had been a few weeks since you made your debut and now it was time to go to your first TV for Monday Night Raw. To say you were nervous would be an understatement, this was a totally different game than AEW. You had already won the fan base over, mostly anyways, now it was time for the hardest part and that was keeping them on your side.

Luckily your first night wasn't a match. You were going to cut a promo with Liv and you two would be calling Rhea out. Then you would go out for the first time by yourself and basically to put bluntly, fucking with her. You loved it. Messing with her and seeing her get all frustrated did something unexplainable to you.

You made it to the arena and went into the locker room. You said hello to everyone and you spotted Liv in a corner lacing up her air morgans (iykyk). You decided that you would go and get ready with her so, you made your way over to her little corner. She noticed you coming and beamed a smile up at you.

"Hi gorgeous! I'm so happy your finally here, I can't wait for our promo tonight!" she said standing up with one boot laced up but wanting to give you a hug anyway. You leaned in to hug her "me too, I'm so excited for the promo and the thing with Rhea" you said giving her a mischievous look while saying the last part. "Oh right I almost forgot about that. Are you good to do that alone because if not I'm sure we can talk to Pierce and I could go out with you so that way you-" she was cut off "Livy I'm all good I think this'll be good for me to do but I know why you really wanted to go out there" you paused smirking at her "you just want a front seat to the drama huh?" you said laughing because honestly you can't blame her this whole thing is pretty interesting.

She bursted out into laughter after she got caught "Ah! No! What! I wanted to y'know make.. sure..you..were...ok, and also to see it unfold up close" she rambled the last part so quick you almost didn't catch it. "Liv I don't blame you I would too" you paused as an idea popped into your head and then you gasped "I have an idea" you said staring wide eyed at Liv "What? your kinda scaring me" she said seeming a bit concerned. "Ok hear me out, What if- and I'll pitch this to Pierce- You take my place-y'know- You come out and interrupt so you'll have your moment, then, I'll be on commentary for her match" you said "Wait so you want me to take your spot and you be on commentary while I do and then- wait, what if when I come out I'll do my thing for a minute or so and then I come down and get her attention then you sneak attack her from behind" she said as her own ideas start popping up.

"LIV! you are a genius and that is why I love you!" you said excitedly almost jumping up and down. "Thank you, thank you and I love you too but you seriously need to change cause we have got to go rehearse and pitch this to Pierce." she said trying to get you to hurry up. "Ok, Ok, wait - are you coming to pitch this with me?" you said pausing what you were doing to turn around and look at her. "Yeah I mean we are a package deal and I'm not letting you do this alone, OK? Now lets go-get dressed-step on it ma'am" she said walking towards you swinging her arm to get you to speed walk to the changing area. "OK, OK, Thank you!" you said speed walking to get away from her before she hits you and she will.

Once you were changed and ready to get out of the stuffy dressing room you both headed to makeup and hair. You were sitting across from Liv, she was getting her makeup done and you were getting your hair done when all of a sudden you felt a presence behind you and then you heard a whisper in your ear. "We needa talk. Now." the accent told you immediately who it was and you turned your head to validate you suspicions. You made eye contact with her and made a confused face at her. "Uh why?" you said plainly "y/n don't play dumb with me right now" she said becoming increasingly annoyed. "Uh, ok, how about" you paused and pretended to think "No" you said smiling at her and then flipping her off. "Fine but I'm warning you y/n. You mess with anymore of my matches I'll destroy you" you looked up at her and squinted your eyes at her and sucked your teeth before speaking again. "Have fun cause I'm sure that you can't find anywhere else to have fun since nobody fucking likes you" you said laughing with Liv. Rhea was fuming if this was a cartoon she would have smoke shooting out of her ears right now.

She marched away still pissed off because Rhea wasn't used to getting this kind of push back since she had always had a charming effect on people but not you and she didn't understand but you knew why, it was because you knew her darkest secrets. Who she really was, she had completely opened up to you one night. That night is one you'll never forget. You guys had just finished training and she was giving you ride back home. Before taking you home you two decided to grab dinner since it was late and after you two ate you were sitting in her car talking about everything and nothing all at once, sharing embarrassing stories, telling each other secrets nobody knows and everything in between. When you arrived at your house she had stopped you from getting out just yet. She had grabbed your thigh and pulled back into your seat, you look at her in confusion, she looked at you with such love and admiration, she flicked her eyes down to your lips and then back up to your eyes slightly biting her bottom lip and smirking before planting a deep kiss onto your lips.

Her lips were so soft and tasted like cherries from her chapstick. You didn't want it to end so when she pulled away you opened your eyes quick to make eye contact with her and then pulling her back closer to you planting a kiss of your own. She deepened the kiss by grabbing the back of your head and pushing you into her. You melted into her like butter on a hot pan. After a few moments you both pulled away to get some much needed air but something clicked in your head, this moment changed everything. You stared into her bright blue eyes that are dulled by the dim car light. You were thinking about how you felt as you admired her beauty when you heard your thought turn into spoken words. "I love you" you heard in a deep accent, you were taken aback not because you didn't feel the same but because you were shocked she felt the same way.

"Oh no, don't worry I know that was weird- I'm sorry I didn't mean to say that out loud-" she was cut off by you placing your hand over her mouth. "Shhh...." you whispered scooting closer to her now you were almost nose to nose with her. "I love you too" you said smirking at her and you feel the breath of relief that left her body. You slowly pulled your hand away and she let out a cute little giggle "really" she said quietly, you nodded your head and planted a quick peck on her lips before quickly hopping out of her car. You shut the door and waved at her and blew her a quick kiss "wait baby come here" she said with a raised voice so you could clearly hear her or more specifically the nickname she just called you. You blushed as you turned around and walked back and then leaned down sticking your head through the open passenger side window. She unbuckled so she could reach you and when she finally could she grabbed your jaw "just one more" she whispered as her breath hit your lips. She kissed you with more passion and when she pulled away you were left wanting more.

You were now going over your promo with Liv. You were thinking about your encounter with Rhea earlier and felt kind of bad about how you talked to her. But you didn't understand why, she hurt you badly and she was nasty to everyone. But there was feeling in your heart you couldn't shake. You managed to ignore it for the time being and get back to your rehearsal.

"Hey did you wanna go talk to Pierce now?" you said trying to check boxes off on your mental to-do list. "Yeah are you good with the promo? Is there anything you wanna change?" she said making sure the promo was good to go before doing anything else. "Yeah it's all good, we should head to his office the show starts soon" you stated before grabbing your belongings off the table and heading out of the small room you had been in for a while. Liv followed beside you as you marched to the GM's office.

You finally made it and Liv knocked on the door. Pierce answered rather quickly. "Well this is a nice surprise I guess, what can I do for 'ya" he said clearly frustrated by all the other people that have come by to complain and by people I mean other wrestler and by other wrestlers I mostly mean Chelsea. After you reassured him that this wasn't bad and that it was actually making his job a little easier he let you in and you guys talked for about 45 minutes. When you left his office both of you were so happy that your idea's were accepted.

"I'm so happy he liked out pitch, maybe we should come up with some more ideas- oh shit the shows starting we are on in 15" she said as she checked her phone for the first time in what seemed like hours. "Oh shit ok, let's go to the monitor" you said and Liv started speed walking beside you. You were patting yourself down looking for your phone and you couldn't find it then you realized you left it in your bag back in the locker room. "Damn it I left my phone in the locker room, I'll be right back" you said as you started running down the halls so you wouldn't miss your segment. You busted through the door and it seemed empty so you quickly made your way over to your bag and shuffled through it until you finally found it.

"Can't wait to see what your gonna say tonight" you heard behind you. You weren't thinking clear so you didn't process who it was in time so instinctively you turned towards the voice still looking down at your phone replying to messages from a few hours ago and replied "oh thank y-" you stopped talking as soon as you made eye contact with her. She chuckled at your reaction, you huffed and dropped your head down so now you were looking at the ground. You two were all alone staring at each other. This time you got to really get a good look at her and how different she was not only in her appearance but also her energy changed something felt off but you couldn't really tell what besides the obvious.

"So can we talk now?" she said seeming sincere and genuine, you sighed and as you were about to speak you were interrupted. "Hey there you are come on we have to go" Liv said as she bursted into the room. When she was done rambling she let out a huff and then turned to look at Rhea "oh hello" she said as she grabbed your arm "and goodbye" she said as she dragged you behind her. You looked back at Rhea who seemed annoyed at the constant dismissal she was receiving.

"Ok what the hell was that y/n?" Liv said as you made it back to gorilla and about to go on. "I don't know, I didn't know she was in there she just appeared out of nowhere" you stammered. You were in a slight state of panic from what had just occurred, you think to yourself about how ridiculous this must seem but to you it was like a freight train hitting you at lightning speed all because you haven't been so close to her in so long. But now you have to remind yourself of who you are and what she did to and just like that the anger you felt for her returned. With the change of attitude you heard your music hit. You walk out and wave to the crowd and do your entrance in the ring before stepping out and making your way over to the commentary table.

"Here she is the lovely miss y/r/n" Kevin said and you smiled at him as you put the headset on. "Oh let's not forget about the wonderful Kevin Patrick" you said playfully motioning towards him. "Hey hey where's my praise" Corey said sounding a bit offended at the lack of compliments. You and KP laughed with Corey as Rhea's music hit you all stopped and looked at the ramp anticipating her entrance.

"So I hear you two have a bit of history, is that right y/r/n?" Corey asked as you glanced towards him. "Uh yeah I guess you could say that" you said not wanting to spread all your business to the whole world. You look back towards Rhea who is now on the apron with Dom standing in front of her. You watched on as her muscular arm wrapped around the upper part of Dominik's body, slowly growing more envious of his position. Wait what are you thinking right now. She destroyed you and now you have to destroy her. Once those emotions are pushed way way way down you glared at her from the table and she makes eye contact with you as she turns to walk into her corner. She smirks at you and does her little wave, you sit up straight in you seat and move forward a little bit. She looks you up and down before turning to face the entrance ramp.

"Did anyone else see the way Rhea was eyeing y/r/n here on commentary?" KP said into the headset and Corey turned to face KP. "What are you trying to say KP? That mami's intimidated? No way!" Corey said totally flabbergasted at Kevin's insinuations. "Let's be real Corey I am the only one who can take that title of her. I've beaten her plenty of times and I don't have a problem doing in again" you said oozing confidence as you spoke to Corey. KP laughed at your quick retort "Whatever helps you sleep at night y/r/n" Corey said sounding kind of defeated.

The match was nearing the end and you and Rhea had shared some moments during the match. Her eyes lingering on you for a second too long. The way you glared at her from your seat while making various comments about the match and dropping hints about things to happen in the future then her just smirking at you.

"1,2,3, *ding ding ding* and here's your winner the womens world champion Rhea Ripley!" the match ending as it usually does with Rhea hitting a rip tide then folding the person into a suggestive position but she was facing you and staring at you the entire time. You didn't let it show but it gave you butterflies.

But her victory wasn't celebrated for long before Liv's music hit. The crowd erupted into a loud cheer as she came out, not even bothering to do her little pose at the top of the ramp. Liv was a woman on a mission. Liv had her own personal issues with Rhea and so did you do this was perfect. You smirked as you and Liv made eye contact and she smirked back at you as she climbed onto the apron of the ring.

"What'd you want?" Rhea shouted slowly walking to meet Liv. "I think you know what I want Rhea" Liv said as she held intense eye contact with the tall woman that's moving closer to her. "You want it, that one wants it-" Rhea turned to point at you but was surprised to see that you were directly behind her. You moved like a mouse careful to not make any noise or sudden movements.

You smirked as you came face to face with her once again, just like old times. "What? didn't see me comin'" you said as you chuckled. "Get out of my ring!" she yelled her accent thicker than ever, she was getting your face. You didn't move back you planted yourself like a tree not budging as she got closer. She was centimeters from your face, she was laughing at you. You had muted out everyone around you, only hearing her. You had enough, she was getting personal, almost telling thousands of people your deepest secrets. So you did the only thing you could think of while this feeling of being trapped and cornered, you decked you right in the nose. She looked at you, shocked, she didn't expect you to actually hit her. You looked just as baffled by your sudden hit. But just as soon as you were shocked you felt the fire inside reignite, the rage filled your body. You knew what you were now capable of and wanted to take full advantage. You pushed her to the ground and got on top of her and let loose. You weren't sure if anything was actually making contact but you didn't care you just needed to keep going.

Suddenly you felt your arms being pulled back so instinctively you jumped back ready to attack them. But when you saw that it was Liv your emotions came down and you huffed suddenly out of breath. You stared a Rhea who was laid out on the floor and you decided to walk towards but you were yanked back Liv muttering to you to let it go and to not push it. You didn't pay any mind to her pleas and gently pulled your arm back to your side she gave you a final pleading look but you turned back to look at Rhea. You stood over her your feet on either side of her body, you squatted down almost sitting on her. You looked down making eye contact once again. You chuckled lightly at the sight, "I hope you missed me, cause I'm not going anywhere." you shouted before leaning in closer just as close as she got before she ended up in this position. "Count your days mami, and get used to this cause i'm coming for you bitch" you loudly whispered in her face, you stood up staring down at her as you made your way out of the ring.

You swiftly made your way to the back leaving Liv to chase after you. "Y/n, Y/n-" she finally caught up to you and roughly grabbed your arm stopping you dead in your tracks. "What Liv" you said in an annoyed tone "what happened back there? what's going on with you? I've never seen you act like this" she said pleading for you to give her some kind of explanation. You sighed " Liv I don't wanna talk about it ok?" you said trying to dismiss the subject entirely. "Ok I get that but I'm just really confused and I need to know that your ok" she said and you understood where she was coming from and you wanted to tell her but you needed to clear your head first, "I know and I want to tell you just not right now, I need some space- I just need to be alone right now" you said begging her to understand even a little bit.

"Ok that's fine how about you take the rental and I'll get a ride back to the hotel, do what you gotta do just let me know if you need me" you sighed in relief tears almost falling. "Thank you for understanding, I'll see you later" you said going in for a hug. "Of course, I got you, your my girl" she said hugging you tightly. Liv made you feel sane, like you weren't crazy for being so hurt, she understood you in a way nobody has before she was like the sister you never had and no matter what you will always back her up and you know she would do the exact same thing.

You went back to the locker room and got changed. You grabbed all your things and the keys from Liv's bag making your way out of the arena you passed by medical. As you walked past you just glanced over and saw her getting bandaged up she saw you and gave you a look that cut right through you and you knew in that moment you fucked up big time. You drove around for a bit, taking the long way back to the hotel. Needless to say you felt a lot better when you got there, You gathered your things once again and headed into the building and up to your room. When you got there Liv was in the shower so you had sometime to relax before you had to face your best friend again so you decided to lay on the bed and stare at the ceiling. You began to go over the events that happened tonight in your head over and over again.

You heard the bathroom door open and her voice was soft when she saw you laying on the bed, in complete silence.

"Hey are you ok?" she asked as she sat beside you on the bed, softly grabbing your arm to give you a reassuring squeeze. You felt so many emotions and just broke down. You sat up so you could talk to her but the words wouldn't come out, she seemed to understand and just wrapped her arms around you as you sobbed. She brushed your hair out of your face so she could see you. "Hey it's gonna be ok y/n" she said just above a whisper you looked at her and nodded your head as your mind started to clear.

"I don't know why- why she has this effect on me" you said through broken cries. "It's just being so close to her- I just felt all the pain she caused me- y'know" you said looking up at her while you were still hugging her. "Yeah I get it y/n, everythings gonna be ok I promise she's never gonna do what she did to you again" she said promising you that she'd never let that happen again. "I love you Liv, thank you for putting up with all this" you said sitting up and finally collecting yourself. "I love you too y/n, and I'm not 'putting up with this'" she said with air quotes around the last part. "You are my best friend in this entire world, I don't think I could've done this return without you." she said making you feel so grateful for her, you didn't deserve her but she was your best friend and nothing is going to come between you two.

[starsandhughes]

Penalty Box Series— Trevor Zegras Edition (One)

23-24 Season Masterlist

next: two

quinn's game

OCTOBER 14, 2023

yourusername

liked by trevorzegras, _quinnhughes, and 18,644 others

yourusername WELCOME TO MY FIRST POST GAME PENALTY BOX UPDATE SHOW FOR THE 2023-2024 SEASON (for z-baby)! i’ve missed all of you terribly <3

my ducklings did not bring home the win tonight against vgk, but considering they just won the cup, they held their own pretty well!

AND JAMIE BABY GOT HIS FIRST ASSIST OF THE SEASON TONIGHT ON THE DUCKS ONLY GOAL! SCORED BY MASON! THAT’S MY BOYS!!!! for those wondering, yes, they got lots of good job forehead kisses!!

and shoutout to carrick, for giving me a fight, you’re such a real one for that and i love you <3 beautiful!

the rest of this season has so much potential to be amazing and action packed, and i can’t wait to go through it with my fav boys!

to my dear z-baby, please do a trick for my entertainment so that i can rave about you🧡 i love you, always!

tagged trevorzegras

view all 214 comments

trevorzegras i’ll give you something to rave about soon, sweet girl🧡 i love you, forever

yourusername you got this, z-baby! you’ll make mama proud!

jackhughes @/yourusername stop. calling. yourself. mama.

yourusername @/jackhughes stop. being. annoying.

trevorzegras @/jackhughes you know you’re supposed to love her, right?

jackhughes @/trevorzegras i do! very much! she just makes it hard!

yourusername @/jackhughes i love you, too, you human dildo🫶

jackhughes @/yourusername i take it back

yourusername @/jackhughes overruled🫶

jackhughes @/yourusername we aren’t in court?

yourusername @/jackhughes no, but i sure do like to judge

trevorzegras @/jackhughes HA @/yourusername i’m so in love with you. never change. you’re perfect.

yourusername @/trevorzegras i never plan to<3

user58 z was hearing some HOT gossip from the ref

colecaufield @/trevorzegras hey you fell on your ass

trevorzegras @/colecaufield i was pushed

_quinnhughes @/trevorzegras and then you fell on your ass

trevorzegras “mmf” -my baby mama

yourusername @/trevorzegras it’s okay bb

trevorzegras @/yourusername you’re so comforting

yourusername @/trevorzegras i know🥰

colecaufield @/yourusername i wanna be bb

yourusername @/colecaufield you can also be bb!

trevorzegras alexa play traitor by olivia rodrigo

_quinnhughes @/trevorzegras cry bb

user63 I’VE MISSED THIS SO MUCH

user12 what did trevor witness to make that face in the fourth pic omg😭

_quinnhughes i worry about you

yourusername don’t do that?

_quinnhughes yes do that because you love for violence is concerning!

yourusername it stems from my youth, QUINTIN

_quinnhughes HOW?!

lhughes_06 @_quinnhughes you ripped jack’s braces off

jackhughes @_quinnhughes we were so violent as kids

yourusername @_quinnhughes just because i took over the role of fighting jack doesn’t mean my love for watching fights stopped. this is really all on you.

_quinnhughes @/yourusername @/jackhughes @.lhughes_06 monkey see, monkey don’t do!

yourusername @_quinnhughes monkey saw, monkey did, monkey still does

slkight35 @/trevorzegras i’ve been told to say congrats

trevorzegras @/slknight35 oh no, you’ve been sucked in

slkight35 @/trevorzegras what?

colecaufield @/slkight35 you’re going to have to sign the princess treaty

slknight35 @/colecaufield that was even less helpful

jackhughes @/slkight35 we don’t break the princess

slknight35 @/jackhughes that’s a little closer to helpful

trevorzegras @/slkight35 the princess treaty at it’s very basic form is we all kinda just do whatever little thing she asks because it’s a “little thing” that “does no harm to you”

slkight35 @/yourusername sissy, why?

yourusername @/slknight35 it’s not my fault i somehow convinced all of them to agree to that

trevorzegras @/slknight35 she’s very convincing

jackhughes @/slknight35 “she’s very convincing” is code for she cries

user16 he’s drinking hot coffee???? am i in an alternate dimension????

jamie.drysdale thank you for the forehead kisses!

yourusername you’re ever so welcome, jamie baby!🧡

trevorzegras @/yourusername where’s my forehead kisses?

yourusername @/trevorzegras get a point and then we’ll talk

jamie.drysdale @/trevorzegras sucks to suck

trevorzegras @/jamie.drysdale you’re uninvited to the fort

yourusername @/trevorzegras we’re using his bedding he physically has to be in the fort! plus, i love him

jamie.drysdale @/trevorzegras ex hubby ex wifey solidarity, bb

trevorzegras @/yourusername @.jamie.drysdale 2 minute penalty for both of you for being meanies! get in the bathroom!

user3 that’s ducks hockey, baby🤪

user91 14 straight losses! pretty sure that’s a record!

_alexturcotte @/trevorzegras aren’t you so happy that y/n gets new reaction memes?

trevorzegras @_alexturcotte sure, let’s go with that

yourusername i am! i am! i am!

_quinnhughes @_alexturcotte for trevor? yes. for me? not at all

yourusername @_quinnhughes i am! i am! i am!

_alexturcotte @/yourusername WOOOO!

jackhughes new memes! new memes! new memes!

yourusername @/jackhughes don’t assume you’re safe

_alexturcotte @/jackhughes you walked right into that one, jacky

jackhughes @_alexturcotte i have a tendency to do that

trevorzegras @/jackhughes you should stop that

jackhughes @/trevorzegras sissy would make a new entrance for me to walk into

yourusername @/jackhughes damn right

jamie.drysdale @/yourusername you’re such a sweetheart

yourusername @/jamie.drysdale thanks, i know<3

[babiebom]

Hello!! Soooo I was reading your headcannons about Shane going with his S/O to the mines and that got me thinking. How would the Bachelors (and maybe also the Bachelorettes) react to a Gn S/O who kicks a slime or other monster in the face which kills it instantly? The Bachelors/Bachelorettes are either shocked or impressed as the S/O explains they just are really good at kicking and could probably break open a rock if they wanted to.

A/N: brother i do not remember writing that but I probably did and forgot bc let’s face it I forget things pretty easily. The bachelorettes will be a separate post because I’m taking too long posting this. Also sorry this is late. Also also my writing has gotten slower because I have taken up making music and have currently a couple songs that I’m working on including one from my farmers pov about Sebastian so y’know with that and work a lot of things are going on lmao. Pt.2 I have a cold again because of work.

Tw: violence, cursing, mentions of death, killing slimes lmao, lmk if I should tag anything else

Bc/Wc: maybe 3 for each. Maybe more? At least 100 words me thinks for each.

Stardew valley Masterlist

Sebastian

Literally just blinks and is like ….okay :|

It’s probably not surprising to him that you kicked a monster to death

Sticks to swinging a bat at them (I think he would have a bat or like a pipe or something) but thinks it’s cool that you have hand to hand…or monster to foot combat down.

Sebastian stares as you kick a duggy to death. It honestly was getting in the way of you digging for treasure and nipping at your ankles every time you weren’t paying attention. It only took one good kick for it to die and as you breathe out a puff of air in frustration, your boyfriend simply nods to himself and continues the search for anything you could donate to the museum.

“Are you gonna say anything?” You ask

He just shrugs in response, “no not really…”

In all honesty he figured you had to have a way to survive down here for hours. While kicking wasn’t the usual way, it did work and that’s all that really matters to him.

Sam

Probably did not realize at first and was like okay yeah cool it’s dead

Then realized and probably shouted VERY LOUDLY

Thinks it’s super cool because WHAT?

The stupid things take SO long to die. You kill them and they just come right back unless you blow it up…or give it a good kick to the face out of annoyance. Sam’s eyebrows raise for a second before he continues to break rocks, wanting to get this adventure over with.

Then comes the excited shouting. He’s holding you by your shoulders, shaking you and yelling words that don’t quite make it to your ears. “Sam, please!” You shout over him, the echoing sounds starting to hurt your head.

“I’m sorry,” he lets go of you but is still bouncing in place, “but that was so cool! I wanna kick things!”

Shane

Openly thinks it’s hot

Is very relieved because he never comes down into the mines and does at least want to know you’re safe

Steals your kicking strategy because it is quicker and more efficient

Do those things ever die? Can a skeleton die? How can a skeleton even be alive if not inside a per-okay they’re kicking it….and it’s dead. Wow.

Shane just stares in slight confusion as his mind races to catch up with the events that just unfolded in front of him. It was kinda fun taking out his feelings on monsters that were technically picking a fight first, but then thinking about the morality and the actual logic of it all distracted him until you actually kick a real life skeleton in the face causing it to finally permanently die. He says nothing to you, but does give you an amused smirk before adopting your strategy as his own. Kicking is way more fun than hitting rocks anyways.

Alex

Secretly thinks it’s hot

Would also try to kick things

Would want to do a playful contest to see how much stuff you two can damage honestly.

It thew Alex off when the rock he had hit with a pickaxe started moving. It threw him off even further when said rock pinched him with its apparent pincers that he didn’t even know it had. His brain completely left his skull when you kicked the thing to death with one good stomp because it had pinched him.

It didn’t even hurt that much because he wasn’t paying any attention to his wound and instead staring at you with what could only be described as adoration. Alex clears his throat and grind at you, “how ‘bout a kicking contest? Winner gets a prize”.

“What prize?” You ask, confused about his reaction. You thought he would be in a little pain at least.

“Whatever the winner decides I guess…” you shake his outstretched hand. This was going to go well for you. Now all there is left to do is think about what you want as your prize.

Harvey

Would be absolutely floored.

Like THIS IS NOT SAFE BUT OH MY GOD IMPRESSIVE

He is never coming into the mines again but at least his anxiety has gone down just a little bit (well went up then down so technically it is lower than previously).

The little thing on the ground wasn’t terrifying in the slightest, but your ferocity in destroying it made Harvey think that it was more serious than he understood it to be. Don’t get him wrong, all of the things in this mine could kill someone easily, but the monster that looked like a big ass worm didn’t really seem like a big deal compared to everything else you two had come across.

His mouth hung open as he stared at you as you glared at the stained spot where the worm thing used to be. “It would’ve turned into a monster that could fly.” You offer as soon as you turn to look at him. He nods and makes a mental note to get you muscle relaxers or something because your legs definitely have to be sore after this.

Elliott

Is MORTIFIED

like he was not expecting you to do that at ALL

The mines aren’t his favorite place and he’s glad you can defend yourself but it’s also TERRIFYING.

Probably will insert this into one of his novels where you’re already a character because it’s hot.

The bouncing little jelly things were more dangerous than Elliott had expected. Sure, he knew to some degree that you being tough was a fact because you were in these mines damn near every day for hours at a time. Whenever you came back home after a trip to the mines, covered in bruises and cuts after midnight, he always felt thankful that you had made it back home alive. But this was more than he expected. If something that looked this harmless could make him feel heavy and tired enough to wanna just lay down and die, how strong were the other monsters that lived in these mines?

Snapping out of his distracted thoughts, he watches as everything happens too quickly in front of him, rendering him unable to help because you got everything under control before he could even think to help. In one second you’re hissing in pain after a slime that you both had missed crashed into you, then the next your foot lifts up and then kicks the slime across the room. The thing splatters into goo on the wall as you check yourself for any serious injuries. Elliott calls out to you in shock, rushing over to also look over you because he wouldn’t be fully calm without checking you himself.

As you two stand in the now empty room, checking each other for any injuries that might make you leave early, Elliott can’t help but think that a sexy strong love interest in his novels is just what he needs to make his work skyrocket in popularity.

[elikajinnie]

You Know You Should Not Have Survived That, Right? | Ghostface!Heeseung x fem!reader PART 2

PART 2 OF 3 Pairing: Ghostface!LeeHeeseung X Fem!reader

Please read Part 1 before proceeding if you haven`t already!

Genre: Romance, Horror/Thriller

Wordcount: 35k

Warnings: Swearing (Offensive words), Stalking, Obsessive behaviour, possessive behaviour, Blood/Injury, Violence, Graphic depictions of injury, Attempted murder, Murder, Mental health struggles, Family struggles, Self confidence issues, Bullying, Kidnapping, Jealousy, Alcohol and Drug use, Heeseung kinda goes feral?? does that count as a warning? !!KINDA MATURE CONTENT!! Minors beware!!

a/n: It took awhile to finish this chapter, but i finally dug myself out of the writing block i had and completed. So this chapter is longer then the second, combined together the fic has an estimated wordcount of 48k. Some scenes have been inspired from the Scream movies and The Slumber Party Massacre. I do not take any credit from that, so be free to check them out. I also wanna personally thank my pookies for giving me motivation to finish it <3 ANyways! Enjoy this long ass chapter :3

REMEMBER!; This is purely fictional and just for fun. I do not wish any harm upon any characters.

Important note!

When in costume Heeseung will be described as Ghostface when they do not know his identity.

The dialouges are kinda cheesy at times and suck so dont mind it.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

You sat in the cold, sterile room of the police station, the fluorescent lights flickering overhead. The air was heavy with tension, and the room echoed with the hushed conversations of officers and the distant ring of phones. The chair beneath you felt uncomfortable, but you held yourself with crossed arms, gaze fixed on the waiting area where grief-stricken families sought solace in their shared sorrow.

Your eyes, however, betrayed no tears. The well of grief within you had been drained, leaving only an unsettling emptiness. Yeji's family and your own were engulfed in a sea of tears, but you couldn't bring yourself to join their sorrow. The pain had numbed you, turning your emotions into a distant echo of what they once were. And, to make matters worse, the perpetrators of Yeji's death claimed innocence, painting it as an accident and an act of self-defense. A bitter scoff escaped your thoughts—self-defense, yeah right.

Heeseung, had confessed that he never intended to harm Yeji, planning to leave her alive. However, that plan unraveled in chaos when the police arrived, turning the night into what the media dubbed The Nightfall Homicide. The name seemed eerily fitting, a descriptor for the tragedy that had unfolded.

In the cramped room, you listened to the officer's questions, his words a distant hum in your ears. The memories of that night, now tainted with the knowledge of Heeseung's double life, clouded your responses. You found yourself withholding the truth, a newfound reluctance to reveal the dark secret that had unfolded in that secluded hut.

"I told you, we were partying," you recited mechanically, your voice betraying none of the turmoil within. "I went to the bathroom, came back, and the chaos had erupted. The police arrived, shot Yeji, and I blacked out from the shock. Woke up in the forest and walked back. I don't remember anything more." The officer nodded, accepting your words, though a subtle skepticism lingered in his gaze.

As you exited the room, your younger brother, Kyungmin, lunged at you, wrapping his arms around you in a desperate hug. His plea not to die clung to the air, and you reassured him with a murmur. The weight of the situation pressed on your shoulders as you shifted your gaze to the adjacent room, where Heeseung sat, a striking contrast to the stark police station backdrop. His presence alone seemed to make the air thicker, your breath hitching as your eyes locked onto his. He occupied the chair with an unsettling ease, facing directly towards you, his posture exuding a disconcerting nonchalance. Legs casually spread, he idly played with a coin between his fingers.

Your unease intensified as you noticed his intense gaze fixed solely on you. The officer conducting the interview seemed oblivious to the silent exchange, engrossed in paperwork or perhaps wilfully ignorant of the tension building in the room. Heeseung tilted his head, a smirk dancing on his lips, a chilling expression that sent shivers down your spine. A gulp caught in your throat as he toyed with you, his eyes narrowing in a way that suggested an unspoken challenge.

The momentary confrontation shattered as the officer redirected their attention back to Heeseung. His smirk vanished instantly, replaced by a mask of innocence, as if he were hanging on every word the officer uttered. The speed at which he shifted his expressions, from smirking provocatively to feigning cooperation, sent a chill down your spine. It was unnerving, the way he effortlessly danced between personas.

The clarity dawned on you—the stark absence of his scent, the lingering touch of his hands, and the distant memory of his lips on yours allowed your mind to untangle itself from the web of emotions. As you watched him, questions echoed loudly in your mind, demanding answers that seemed elusive in the fog of uncertainty. Why was Heeseung a killer? What drove him to act this way, and why did he reserve a special kind of attention for you?

Your heart and brain waged war within you, locked in a relentless battle. The dissonance between the memories of his affection and the grim reality of his actions created a storm in your mind, leaving you standing at the center, grappling with the aftermath of a truth that shattered the illusion of who you thought he was.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The room was bathed in the soft glow of a lone lamp, casting shadows that danced along the walls. You sat at your desk, notebook open, pen in hand, attempting to immerse yourself in schoolwork. The day had been long, emotions running all over the place, and sleep felt elusive. Your family had retired to their beds, asleep, but you found yourself unable to succumb to the embrace of slumber.

Two distinct knocks on your window disrupted the quiet of your room. Your head snapped towards the source of the sound, confusion etched on your face. You cautiously approached the window, pulling aside the curtains to peer into the darkness outside. The moon's feeble light offered little clarity, and you hesitated before opening the window to investigate further.

A figure materialized before you, and with an involuntary yelp, you stumbled backward. "Heeseung! What are you doing here?" you hissed, the surprise evident in your voice. Heeseung attempted a graceful entrance through the window but ended up tripping, the thud of his landing echoing in the room. With a sheepish "oof," he got up, closing the window behind him.

"I wanted to see you," he confessed, drawing closer, his hand gently cupping your cheek. "But... I thought you were still at the police station or..." Your words trailed off, lost in the jumble of thoughts racing through your mind. Heeseung silenced you with a reassuring shush, pulling you into a warm embrace. At first, you stiffened, the memory of recent events resurfacing, but gradually, you found comfort in his arms.

"You didn't say anything to the cops," Heeseung mumbled as his gaze wandered around your room. "Yeah... I didn't," you admitted, unsure of the implications. "Good," he replied, settling on your bed and noticing the schoolwork spread across it. "Still working, hm?" A casual smile adorned his face. You shrugged in response, and he patted the space next to him, inviting you to sit.

A violent storm of inquiries raged within the confines of your mind, each question vying for attention, clamoring to be voiced. Yet, as you attempted to give voice to the cacophony of thoughts, an inexplicable restraint silenced you. "I can hear you thinking," Heeseung's voice cut through the quiet, drawing your attention. You looked up, eyes widening as you found his gaze fixed upon you, a contemplative darkness shrouding his eyes. His face remained an enigma, devoid of emotion.

"Sorry..." you uttered, a feeble apology, as Heeseung gently seized your hands in his. You couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the seemingly tender hold and the gruesome reality your mind incessantly reminded you of. Those same hands that now sought connection had wielded a weapon, held a knife, and bore the evidence of violence, your blood staining their once seemingly innocent surface.

A shiver ran down your spine as you pulled back, a reflex driven by the reminder of the dual nature residing within those hands. The conflict within you intensified – the desire for comfort at odds with the fear embedded in your memories. The room hung heavy with unspoken tension, a palpable silence punctuated only by the beating of your heart and the weight of your unuttered questions, imprisoned within the recesses of your mind.

"Look... why did you come here?" you finally managed to ask, your voice barely above a whisper. Heeseung sighed, "I just wanted to see you. Listen, I know you're mad and confused, but I won't hurt you. I promise." He tilted your head up, and in his eyes, you found a sincerity that tugged at your doubts.

"Okay... but can you leave?" you requested, your gaze drifting away. Heeseung, seemingly taken aback, huffed and stood up. "Sure," he replied before surprising you, grabbing your jaw and leaning down to whisper in your ear. "But remember, you are mine now." With those words hanging in the air, he climbed out of the window.

You hastily closed the window behind him, the room now echoing with the weight of his departure. As you collapsed onto your bed, a wave of tears escaped, tracing wet paths down your cheeks and onto the bedding. Exhausted, confused, and emotionally drained, you succumbed to the fatigue, seeking refuge in the solace of a restless sleep.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The school hallways stretched before you like a desolate maze, each step heavy with the weight of grief and the relentless whispers that followed you. Your bag, laden with textbooks and unspoken burdens, hung from your shoulder as you trudged toward your locker. The days leading up to the school's reopening had been a nightmarish blur – a cacophony of sleepless nights and missed meals, the relentless gossip clawing at your fragile composure. Heeseung's absence, a void in your life, left you feeling hollow, uncertain if it was the vacancy or the lingering shock that cast a pallor over your existence.

As you walked alone through the corridors, the usual chatter seemed distant, and the faces that turned toward you carried a mix of sympathy and morbid curiosity. You scanned the crowded hallways in vain for Heeseung, but he remained elusive, adding another layer of unease to your already heavy heart.

Gathering your books, you made your way to class, the weight of loneliness accentuated by the empty seat beside you where Yeji used to sit. The desk stood as a poignant reminder of the void left by her absence. The principal's voice crackled through the speakers, momentarily breaking the uneasy silence, as he addressed the student body with a somber acknowledgment of the lives lost to the Ghostface killer. The words offered little solace, and the notion of moving forward seemed an insurmountable task.

Sighing, you leaned over your desk, lost in the shadows of your own thoughts. The monotony was interrupted by a voice – Kim Taehyung, a high viewed person in the high school popularity. "Mind if I sit here?" he asked, and you shrugged, the emptiness of the seat beside you an invitation.

"I've heard a lot about you, Y/N," Taehyung stated, his eyes locked on yours with a mixture of fascination and curiosity. "Yeah, sure you have," you replied, fully aware of the rumors that painted you as a survivor of Ghostface's relentless pursuit.

His question echoed in the hollow spaces of the classroom, "Is there any reason why you have survived against him?" A peculiar intensity colored his gaze, unsettling you. "I don't know... I always ran and fought," you replied, a simple truth.

As you shifted your gaze from Taehyung to the front of the class, a sudden tension gripped the air, as Heeseung, entered the room. His eyes, drawn like magnets, found you immediately. Yet, as his gaze lingered, it snapped abruptly to Taehyung, who had leaned over to you with an question that sliced through the stifling quiet.

"Heeey, do you know who Ghostface is?" Taehyung's question hung in the air.

Shock painted your features, the abruptness of the question catching you off guard. "What?" you asked, incredulous. "Why would you ask this stuff?" The words tumbled out, a mix of disbelief and frustration.

Taehyung, sensing the rising tension, put his arms up in a placating gesture. "Hey, it's just a question!" he protested, his tone attempting to diffuse the sudden hostility.

"Yeah, well, you seem very stuck on Ghostface," you muttered under your breath, eyes narrowing in suspicion. The intensity of Heeseung's glare toward Taehyung was palpable, a silent warning that cut through the charged atmosphere. You could almost feel the weight of Heeseung's unspoken threats, and, somehow, you didn't doubt for a moment that he was capable of carrying them out.

Just as the situation reached a boiling point, the timely entrance of the teacher disrupted the building tension. Heeseung, now robbed of immediate action, had no choice but to take his seat, back where Jay had ushered him earlier.

The minutes dragged on in the classroom, each second feeling like an eternity as you struggled to concentrate on the lesson. Heeseung's piercing gaze bore into the back of your neck, a constant reminder of his presence. The weight of his stare created an almost tangible pressure, making it difficult for you to focus on anything other than the unnerving energy radiating from him.

As you tried to navigate the sea of swirling thoughts, it became apparent that Taehyung was also affected by the charged atmosphere. His usually relaxed demeanor had shifted to one of stiffness, as if he, too, could feel the invisible tension in the room.

The bell finally rang, breaking the spell that had held you captive. Quickly rising from your seat, you made your way toward the exit. However, your attempt to escape the suffocating atmosphere was short-lived, as Taehyung followed you out.

Annoyance etched across your face, you turned to face him, questioning his persistence. "What are you doing..." you asked, a tone of irritation lacing your words.

"Nothing! It's just—well, you didn't answer my question!" Taehyung exclaimed, his eagerness revealing a certain fixation on the topic that left you uneasy.

In your peripheral vision, Heeseung lingered, a silent figure observing the exchange. "No. I don't know who Ghostface is. His mask is always on. Now leave me alone." The words, firm and final, left no room for further discussion as you walked away, a flicker of relief washing over you as Taehyung, thankfully, chose not to follow.

The bustling sounds of the cafeteria gradually faded as you walked past it, as you did not feel any desire for food. As you turned a corner, the unexpected collision with someone jolted you back to the present. Looking up, your eyes met Heeseung's, who stood there, leaning against the wall with an air of anticipation.

"Heeseung?" you whispered, confusion etching your features. Before you could question his presence, he swiftly grabbed you and ushered you into the janitor's closet, deftly locking the door behind you.

"What did Taehyung-ssi want?" he asked, hands gently caressing your arms. "He asked about you—well, about Ghostface," you replied. Heeseung's eyes lingered on yours, then drifted to your lips. An almost-kiss hung between you, halted in anticipation.

"May I kiss you, my love?" he inquired, seeking your permission. You nodded, but Heeseung demanded more. "Words, love. I need words." A nod from you wasn't enough; he craved words. "Yes," you said, granting him permission. A satisfied smile graced Heeseung's lips as he bridged the gap, initiating a kiss. An electric spark ignited as your lips met, and you gasped when Heeseung tilted his head, deepening the kiss.

His hand found your waist, pulling you closer, and he pressed you against the wall. The other hand supported his weight, creating an intimate embrace. "Fuck, I missed you," Heeseung murmured between kisses, his lips trailing down your jaw and throat. Collateral to his ardor, he adjusted your collar, pulling it down as it hindered his path. A sudden bite against your neck made you jump, and as he pulled back, a mischievous grin played on his lips.

"Now Taehyung knows you are taken," he declared, pulling you in for another kiss. His hand found its way to your neck, thumb on your jaw, and index finger tracing your cheek as he hummed, savoring the moment, while you squeezed your eyes shut, caught in a whirlwind of sensations.

The fervent exchange of kisses consumed you, Heeseung's touch igniting your senses. Pinned against the wall, your mind buzzed with the intensity of the moment – his lips on yours, his distinct scent enveloping you, his hands exploring every inch of your being. Your fingers clung to his shirt and neck, desperate to hold onto the sensations he stirred. His groans and whispered praises fueled the passionate encounter.

As the intensity of the moment peaked, Heeseung left a trail of bite marks and love bites across your skin, each one a testament to the desire that consumed you both. With each mark he left, you felt a surge of pleasure ripple through you, your body responding eagerly to his touch.

As the distant bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, you gasped for air, attempting to break free from the all-encompassing kiss. Heeseung, however, pursued your lips, capturing them once more. "Heeseung," you managed to utter between breaths, but his fervor persisted. "The bell," you insisted, feeling the urgency of the passing time.

"Skip with me," he pleaded, his words laced with desperation. He tilted your jaw up, examining the marks and bites he had left on your collarbone, throat, and neck, a sense of accomplishment evident in his humming. Overwhelmed, you gulped, and before rational thought could intervene, you nodded. Heeseung grinned, seizing your hand and pulling you out of the janitor's closet. Together, you raced through the now deserted halls, escaping the beginning of the next class.

Outside, you both ran through the empty streets until Heeseung stopped by a serene lake. Turning to you with a smile, he guided you down to the water's edge. "Why are we here?" you asked, curious about his choice. "It's my favorite place," Heeseung confessed, his gaze fixed on the distance. "I haven't been able to come here for a while." The sincerity in his words caught you off guard. "Is this a special place for you?" you asked, seeking to understand the layers behind the man who, despite his dark actions, appeared lost. Heeseung nodded, meeting your eyes before returning his gaze to the water. Unable to find words, you embraced him, and after a brief hesitation, he reciprocated, his face nestled against your neck, his form trembling ever so slightly in your arms.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

In the quiet confines of your room, the soft glow of the moon painted a delicate tapestry across the ceiling. Lying in bed, you found yourself enveloped in the dim illumination. Fingers intertwined, you absentmindedly fiddled with your hands.

Confusion reigned as you grappled with emotions that had evolved from a simple crush on Heeseung into a complex, undeniable love. The journey from infatuation to this deep, forbidden affection was unexpected, and you struggled to reconcile the warmth that surged through you whenever Heeseung was near with the harsh reality of his dark secret.

With every stolen glance, your heart seemed to flutter, almost smiling in response to the mere presence of Heeseung. The touch of his lips on yours sent your stomach into a frenzy of butterflies, and the brush of his fingers against your skin set it tingling with an electric charge. His captivating gaze, those dark eyes that held a universe of mystery, had the power to turn your legs into jelly.

Yet, amidst the euphoria of love, an undeniable truth lingered—an uncomfortable awareness that Heeseung was a murderer. The police, having found Beomseok in the Ghostface costume, believed they had solved the case. However, recent news stories hinted at the contrary. Murders continued, marked by the enigmatic Ghostface masks left at the scenes, challenging the assumption that the killer had been unmasked.

In the silence of your room, the conflict within your heart manifested in the gentle rise and fall of your chest. You pondered the morality of your emotions, wrestling with the profound love you felt for a man who lived a double life—one of tender affection with you and another steeped in darkness.

The echo of the argument resonated in the corridors of your memory, a haunting playback of words that lingered in the silence of your thoughts. It was a scene etched vividly—the dimly lit kitchen in Heeseung's house, the weight of your question hanging in the air like a storm on the horizon.

Heeseung, leaning casually against the kitchen counter, confronted your question with an unsettling nonchalance. "What?" His voice held a detached quality. "Did you kill all those people that are on the news?" you pressed, the words carrying a heaviness that seemed to punctuate the air.

"Well..." Heeseung's response was a hesitant admission, a glimpse into a world stained by the consequences of his actions.  "Not all of them, at least not the ones where the mask is left behind. Amateur move, honestly." he dismissed, scratching his neck as if contemplating the simplicity of the copycat killer. The chilling revelation, sent shivers down your spine. It was as if you were discussing a mundane topic, not probing the depths of a heinous crime.

The revelation brought forth a torrent of emotions, a mixture of fear, anger, and a profound sadness. "So someone is acting like they are you, doesn't that bother you?" The question hung in the air, a plea for acknowledgment that the reality of his actions should stir something within him.

However, Heeseung's response, delivered with an eerie calmness, further unraveled the threads of your emotions. "No? Why should I?" he retorted, indifferent to the gravity of the crimes that mirrored his own. "Because they're doing the same thing! Killing! Hurting. That's wrong!" you said.

In a hauntingly intimate gesture, Heeseung closed the distance, his hand seizing your jaw, commanding your attention. "As long as they don't touch you," he murmured, his words a possessive declaration that resonated down to your very core. His hand descended to your neck, fingers tracing a delicate path, as he swore, "I will kill them if they touch what's mine." The tension crackling in the air like electricity. Heeseung, undeterred, leaned in for a kiss, seizing the moment to entangle your senses in a web of conflicting emotions. His tongue invaded the space between your lips, a calculated move to distract and claim, his other hand enveloping your waist.

Your legs shook as he pulled you closer, his tongue slipping past your lips in an invasive dance. There was a desperate urge to succumb, to lose yourself in the intoxicating familiarity of his touch. Yet, with an iron resolve, you pushed him away, breaking the suffocating embrace. "I just... I can't do this now, Heeseung," you whispered, your voice a fragile echo in the room. In that moment, you turned away from him, the sanctuary of his home now tainted with the bitter taste of reality.

Without waiting for a response, you bolted, your footsteps echoing through the hallway as you fled from the confrontation you weren't ready to face. The door slammed shut behind you, a final punctuation mark to a conversation that left wounds too raw to bear.

The outside world greeted you with the cool embrace of the night, the stars a witness. As you ran through the quiet streets, the rhythmic cadence of your steps became a desperate heartbeat, each stride a futile attempt to outrun the truth.

Heeseung, left behind in his own dwelling, resisted the urge to chase after you. His silhouette stood tall in the doorway, bathed in the muted glow filtering through the windows. Leaning his head down, his eyes fixated on the space you once occupied, he wore a cold stare that betrayed no emotion.

The memory played like a vivid nightmare, each detail etched in your mind—the coldness of his stare as you escaped, the desperation that radiated from you, and the haunting realization that love had entangled you in a dangerous dance with a man who lived in shadows.

Heeseungs Pov:

Heeseung's days at school turned into a relentless quest, a desperate pursuit to find you, to have a moment alone, to bridge the widening gap that seemed to stretch with each passing day. Yet, you were always two steps ahead, a phantom in the hallways, eluding his attempts to catch even a glimpse of you. The avoidance seemed like a deliberate dance, and he, despite his persistent efforts, was left yearning for a moment to talk, to connect.

His texts, now read with the status delivered. Calls, once filled with the warmth of your voice, turned into one-sided conversations as he was greeted by the coldness of voicemail. The frustration mounted, and Heeseung, a master of control, felt his grasp slipping.

One evening, driven to the brink of desperation, he climbed up to your window, a silent plea etched on his face. The curtains, drawn tightly shut, denied him even a glimpse of the space where you laid. Knocking on the window in the darkness, he called your name, but the room remained shrouded in silence.

The realization hit him like a cold gust of wind—his efforts, no matter how persistent, couldn't breach the walls you had built. The decision weighed heavy on him, but with a heavy heart, he conceded to give you space. The anger and frustration that pulsed within him found an outlet, a return to the only thing that brought him a twisted sense of satisfaction: murder.

As the other Ghostface, seemingly inspired by his legacy, terrorized the town, Heeseung decided to expand his reach to other towns. The chase, the thrill of the hunt, became a distraction from the echoing emptiness left by your absence. Yet, none of it compared to the rush he felt with you.

The chase, the fear in his victims' eyes, and the life draining from them were all familiar sensations, but none matched the electrifying thrill he had experienced with you. The adrenaline rush was too quick, leaving him even more frustrated.

Breaking into houses, shattering windows, and forcefully entering doors became his routine. The victims, now more vigilant and security-conscious, provided a challenge, but it only added to Heeseung's irritation. The once-satisfying acts now felt like mere inconveniences.

Yet, amidst the chaos he orchestrated, it was your avoidance that annoyed him the most. His thoughts often circled back to you, wondering why you resisted him. But Heeseung was patient, confident that you would come back to him when you were ready. In the twisted game he played, he reveled in the idea that you were the ultimate prize, and he would wait for you, no matter how long it took.

Your POV:

The living room was cloaked in the soft glow of the television, casting a warm ambience across the room. Your little brother was off with his friends, and your mother was at work, leaving you alone with the flickering images on the screen. The news report unfolded the grim tale of the ongoing murders in the town, and the recent revelation that there were now two Ghostfaces haunting the community.

You sat on the couch, your gaze fixed on the television, absorbing every detail. The news broadcast showcased a video feed capturing both Ghostfaces in action. One of them stood in the clear, the camera capturing the entirety of his menacing presence. Dressed in a black cloak, a twisted white mask concealed his identity, and a blood-stained knife gleamed menacingly in his hand as he brazenly entered a house with a chilling lack of remorse.

The other Ghostface remained elusive, shrouded in darkness. Only the stark white of his mask and the glint of his knife were discernible. As the camera focused on him, a sinister head tilt added an eerie touch to his enigmatic presence. The screen abruptly went dark, as if the Ghostface had severed the connection with a swift, calculated move.

"The police has stated that the evidence is pointing that the right one is the original Ghostface because of his tendencies, proving that Kim Beomseok was indeed innocent and just a pawn in his game," the newswoman declared, her voice delivering the weighty verdict. A sigh escaped your lips, acknowledging the familiarity of Heeseung's distinctive traits.

"The real Ghostface is still out there, and he has an accomplice. We advise people to set a curfew and lock your doors and windows tight," the news woman continued, her words an ominous warning that echoed through the room.

As the news segued into weather updates, you took a moment to exhale the tension that had gripped you. 

As the disconcerting reality settled, your phone pierced the silence with an unknown caller. A frown creased your forehead as you scrunched your nose in distaste, swiftly ending the call. You rose, moving toward the television, the haunting images of the Ghostfaces still fresh in your mind. With a click, you turned off the TV, leaving the room in profound darkness.

Navigating through the obscurity, you made your way to the kitchen. Refusing to turn on the lights, you reached for a kitchen knife, a cold metal reassurance in your hand. Seated on a barstool, you waited in the inky silence.

A persistent ring pierced the quietude, emanating from your phone, held tightly in your grasp. As the call persisted, you let it ring, the vibration against your palm a rhythmic reminder of impending danger. Finally, with a stoic resolve, you answered, the chill in your voice unmistakable.

"Hello," you uttered, devoid of emotion, bracing for the encounter with the dark voice on the other end. The subtle distortion revealed the use of a voice changer, heightening the malevolence of the conversation.

"Hello, Y/N," the voice responded, a sinister greeting that sent a shiver down your spine. "Hello, Ghostface, or should I say fake Ghostface?" you retorted, a flicker of defiance in your tone.

"Clever, aren't you? I can see why you beat the master," the voice acknowledged, "Master?" you uttered.

"Yes, master. I admire him so much, you know? When he first started killing, I was appalled. But now? I see why he likes this career," the voice confessed, unveiling a twisted admiration for the chaos that had gripped the town.

"That's disgusting," you spat out, a visceral reaction to the perverse admiration for a killer. "Hm, I suppose so. But I don't really care what you think. Now that I have proven myself worthy as a killer, I wanted to see what the deal with you was," the voice continued, unapologetic in its admission.

As the unsettling conversation unfolded, the voice delved into a sinister curiosity about your resilience against Ghostface's attacks. "Why couldn't he kill you, what's so special about you?" the voice probed, drawing out a chilling anticipation.

"Why don't you come and see for yourself, asshole?" you retorted. The voice responded with a laugh. "You know, I think I will accept that proposition happily. Here I come, bitch," the voice declared before abruptly ending the call. The air thickened with impending danger, and in the shadows, you braced yourself for the approaching storm, armed with nothing but a kitchen knife and a heart hardened.

A crash shattered the stillness, drawing your attention to the source of the disturbance. The garden chair outside had been hurled into the room, breaking the window. With a blink, the ominous silhouette of Ghostface materialized in the hallway, a figure you instinctively knew wasn't Heeseung. Dread coiled in your stomach, a chilling realization that terrorized you.

This Ghostface was different, shorter and less imposing than Heeseung. The masked intruder charged toward you, a gleaming knife in hand, and quick thinking became your ally.

With a swift motion, you leaped onto the kitchen counter, rolled to the other side, and seized the faucet. A torrent of water erupted, drenching Ghostface. Choking and gurgling sounds punctuated the air as he struggled against the unexpected assault. You turned off the water, before you darted into the living room.

Jumping over the couch, you retrieved the gun stowed beneath it, a precautionary measure your mother had taken. You aimed the gun, and fired. The bullet found its mark, and Ghostface howled in pain, an unfamiliar vulnerability beneath the mask.

As you stood, rounding the couch, you stared down at the wounded assailant. "Is that your best? Come on," you taunted, kicking away the knife that had posed a lethal threat.

Ghostface's gaze bore into yours before he lunged, toppling you to the ground. Pain reverberated through your head as it collided with the floor. The masked intruder mounted you, hands closing around your throat. Panic surged, but you fought back, grappling with his wrists, desperately trying to pry him off.

"You bitch!" Ghostface spat, the voice changer momentarily silent, revealing a clear, angered voice. A punch landed on your face, pain blossoming as the assault continued. In the struggle, you glimpsed the kitchen knife near your leg. An opportunity for self-defense emerged, and you seized it without hesitation, driving the blade into Ghostface's back.

His scream echoed through the room as he released his grip. You kicked him away, scrambling to a safe distance. Blood stained the floor, a testament to the violence that had unfolded. Ghostface, weakened and desperate, retreated through the back door, leaving a crimson trail in his wake.

Gasping for breath, you clutched your phone, dialing the police. In the aftermath of the struggle, you summoned the courage to make an unexpected call. Heeseung's voice, warm and familiar, filled your ears. "Hello? Angel?" he greeted.

"Heeseung... he came. Ghostface came," you uttered, your voice strained and hoarse. "Shit. I'm coming, just hang on," Heeseung's determined response resonated through the line. The door slammed shut, signaling his departure.

"I beat him. He called me and broke in. And I fought against him," you whispered. "Good, good. I'm so proud of you, baby," Heeseung reassured, his words a soothing balm in the aftermath of the storm.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The street outside your house was a tableau of flashing lights and uniformed officers, a reminder of the recent chaos. Sitting on the doorstep, you stared into the scene. However, a ray of relief pierced through the gloom as Heeseung came sprinting toward you.

His presence, a beacon of comfort, ignited a rush of happiness within you. Without a second thought, you leaped into his arms, seeking solace in his embrace. Tears flowed freely as Heeseung held you close, his arms a haven that shielded you. He rubbed your back soothingly, whispering words of reassurance.

As your cries subsided, Heeseung gently pulled back, his gaze scanning your face. Anguish flickered in his eyes as he beheld the bruises and the haunting marks around your throat. "He did this?" Heeseung questioned, a simmering anger beneath his words. You could only nod in response.

Suddenly, Heeseung scooped you up in a bridal embrace, determination etched across his features. "Heeseung! What are you doing?" you protested, clinging to his neck. "Taking you with me. No way I'm leaving you alone with him running around," he declared, his voice laced with protective fervor. Concern for your safety outweighed all other considerations.

"What about my mom and brother?" you inquired. "They have the police. I only care about your safety," Heeseung asserted. "Heeseung!" you pleaded, a mix of desperation and loyalty.

"What? It's the truth," he responded. "They are my family!" you insisted. After a moment, he relented, "Alright, just let me have you now." With a resigned sigh, you agreed.

Upon reaching Heeseung's house, weariness clung to you like a heavy shroud, as he guided you to his bedroom, gently laying you down. You looked up at him, the exhaustion apparent in your eyes. Heeseung settled beside you, drawing you into an intimate embrace. "I'm here now, angel," he whispered, his words a tender promise of protection.

As he held you close, the weight of the night's events settled on Heeseung's shoulders. The realization that the other Ghostface had dared to touch you, to harm you, ignited a storm of rage within him. The room seemed to pulse with the intensity of his emotions. His eyes, once gentle, now burned with a fierce hatred and anger.

A possessive fervor took hold of Heeseung as he held you close, not leaving even the slightest room for air to pass between you. His arms wrapped around you like an impenetrable shield, a silent declaration that he would do whatever it took to keep you safe. The rage within him was a primal force, fueled by the audacity of someone else daring to harm what belonged to him.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in Heeseung's bedroom. As you stirred from your slumber, the remnants of sleep clinging to your consciousness, you found the bed beside you empty. A quick scan of the room revealed no sign of Heeseung. The only evidence of his presence was the lingering scent of his cologne on the sheets.

With a yawn, you shuffled out of the bedroom, following the enticing aroma of breakfast wafting through the air. Descending the stairs, you found Heeseung in the kitchen, effortlessly moving between stove and counterto.

"Good morning, baby," he greeted you with a warm smile, his attention momentarily diverted from the sizzling pan.

"Morning," you mumbled, still half in a dream, and made your way to the table. The aroma of pancakes and freshly brewed coffee filled the air, enticing you to partake in the morning feast.

After a satisfying breakfast, Heeseung trailed besides you as you made your way to school. His hoodie enveloped you in its warmth, and the oversized sweatpants added a touch of casual comfort.

Entering the school grounds, the attention directed at you was palpable. Whispers and glances followed your every step, the events of the previous night etched into the collective consciousness of your peers. Heeseung's proximity only intensified the scrutiny, and you couldn't escape the awareness of being the center of attention.

Reaching your locker, Heeseung leaned casually against the row of lockers, his arm sliding around you. You retrieved your books, the cool metal of the locker a stark contrast to the warmth of his touch. The hallway buzzed with the muted sounds of conversation, but in that moment, it felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of you.

As the first class commenced, you found yourself alone, the comforting presence of Heeseung absent from your side. However, the second class brought a familiar face. Taehyung joined you, though something seemed off. His usually vibrant demeanor was replaced by a subtle shadow of unease.

"Are you okay?" you asked, concern lacing your voice. Taehyung glanced at you, attempting to muster a reassuring smile. "Me? I'm fine, totally fine," he replied, but the words seemed to lack conviction. Opting not to press further, you turned your attention to the board, though a lingering worry for your friend remained in the back of your mind.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The school halls were mostly deserted, the echo of chatter and laughter fading as you walked towards the bustling cafeteria. Your steps were purposeful, the anticipation of meeting Heeseung pulling you forward. The usual hustle and bustle of students had already subsided, the majority having rushed ahead to the cafeteria while you were held back by a teacher, discussing assignments and grades.

The silence enveloped you as you neared the cafeteria, the muted sounds of your own footsteps echoing through the corridor.

However, before you could reach the bustling cafeteria, you were abruptly halted. The sudden impact against the cold wall sent a jolt through you, and you found yourself face to face with a group of popular girls from the school. Led by Yeowang, their accusatory stares bore into you.

"You think you are so mighty, don't you? Taking Heeseung for yourself?!" Yeowang accused, her tone dripping with venom. Confusion furrowed your brow as you attempted to make sense of the unwarranted confrontation. "What are you talking about?" you questioned.

"You know exactly what she's talking about!" Jiwoo chimed in, her expression equally accusatory. Yeowang, the self-proclaimed leader, sneered at you. "What's even so special about you, huh? You survived two killers, oh, big deal. I can do that with a hand tied around my back!"

Annoyance welled up within you, and you retorted, "Then why don't you try it, huh? Try not being murdered!" With a defiant push, you attempted to distance yourself from the confrontation.

In response, Yeowang's rage peaked, and she raised her hand, ready to strike you. However, before the blow could land, a strong grip clasped around her wrist, halting the impending assault. Heeseung stood there, a storm brewing in his eyes.

"What do you think you're doing?" Heeseung's voice was deceptively calm, a dangerous edge underscoring his words. "Heeseung! I—I... it's not what you think! Uh, Y/n pushed me, and I simply wanted to go against her in self-defense!" Yeowang stuttered in her attempt to justify her actions, but Heeseung's glare pierced through her excuses. "Really? I thought you were better than that," he remarked, releasing her wrist.

"Now, I'm going to be nice and ignore the fact that you were hurting Y/N. Now go before I change my mind," he commanded, and the girls scattered, leaving you standing there in shock.

As the commotion subsided, Heeseung turned to you, his gaze softening. He came in front of you, looking you over with concern. "You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle yet filled with an underlying intensity.

"Yes, I'm fine," you responded, still processing the unexpected turn of events, grateful for Heeseung's timely intervention. 

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The midday sunlight streamed through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow on the bustling scene within. Animated conversations echoed off the walls, punctuated by the occasional rustle of papers and the soft hum of the air conditioner. The air was alive with the energy of students engrossed in various discussions and activities.

Seated at your desk, you attempted to immerse yourself in the lesson, the teacher's voice a constant presence in the background. However, a fatigue gradually crept over you, shrouding your senses in a hazy fog. Desperate to shake off the encroaching drowsiness, you blinked repeatedly, but each blink seemed to weigh heavier on your eyelids.

As you struggled to maintain focus, the ambient noise surrounding you took on an underwater quality. Conversations became muffled, as if distorted by an unseen force. Your vision blurred, and the edges of your consciousness began to dissolve into an indistinct haze. Fingers twitched involuntarily, a subtle tremor that hinted at the overwhelming weariness settling into your bones. Someone in the distance called your name, the words reaching you like a distant echo, detached and surreal.

The world around you seemed to fade, and a sense of weightlessness accompanied the descent into the beckoning darkness.

And then, like the closing of heavy curtains, everything collapsed, and you surrendered to the comforting embrace of unconsciousness.

In that silent realm of blackness, time seemed to hold its breath. There were no whispers of conversation, no distant echoes. Only the profound stillness of an unconscious mind.

As your eyes fluttered open, the sterile environment of the nurse's office came into focus. The soft hum of fluorescent lights overhead and the antiseptic scent in the air signaled your departure from the realm of unconsciousness. Confusion clouded your thoughts momentarily, and you glanced around, realizing you were lying on the medical bed.

The nurse, a calming presence in the room, sat on a nearby chair and noticed you had woken up. "Hello, dear. You caused quite a commotion," she said with a gentle smile. "I did?" Her response was a nod, and a blush of embarrassment crept up your cheeks. "Oh..." you mumbled in response.

Offering reassurance, the nurse continued, "It's alright. Your boyfriend brought you here." She handed you a cup of juice, and you sipped it slowly. "My boyfriend?" you echoed in surprise. "Yes, he's sitting right outside," she replied, gesturing toward the waiting area. "Now, you've got to be more careful with your health. I would rather not panic seeing you lifeless in a boy's arms," she added with a chuckle before returning to her duties at the computer.

With a nod of acknowledgment, you finished the juice, tossed the empty cup into the trash, and made your way out of the nurse's office. Heeseung was sitting in the waiting area, and you couldn't help but wonder why he had taken the time to be there for you. "What are you doing here?" you questioned, genuinely curious.

Heeseung stood up, his eyes meeting yours as he came to your side immediately. "Waiting for you," he responded, slipping a warm hand around your waist. A genuine smile played on his lips as he guided you back, and you felt a rush of butterflies in your stomach. "You didn't need to do that," you insisted softly.

"I wanted to," he replied, the sincerity evident in his gaze. His smile, directed solely at you, held a rare genuineness that made you feel special.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The days rolled on, and a fragile sense of normalcy returned. Heeseung, reassured by the absence of the other Ghostface's threat, let his guard down. The watchful eyes of the police gave a semblance of security to the neighborhood, and you gradually began to resume a routine.

However, the peace you found at home sharply contrasted with the ongoing trials at school. The popular girls, harboring resentment, made your life difficult. Yeowang, reached new lows, and took pleasure in subtle but malicious acts when Heeseung or any of his friends weren't around. She denied her involvement even when confronted, weaving intricate lies with a practiced ease.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

You entered your bedroom after a long day when you noticed an unexpected arrangement on your bed. A bouquet of red, white, and blue roses intertwined with each other, creating a harmonious blend of colors, alongside a box of chocolates, awaited your attention. A simple blue wrapping adorned with a pristine white bow encased a mysterious gift.

The floral fragrance filled the air as you lifted the bouquet, appreciating the delicate beauty of each bloom. Satisfied, you set the flowers aside and turned your attention to the box of chocolates. To your delight, it contained your favorite type.

Your curiosity piqued further as you unwrapped the main gift, revealing a sleek black butterfly knife adorned with golden designs. The handles, featured elegant white angel wings. Eager to explore its intricacies, you attempted a playful flick, only to fumble and drop it onto your bed. "Ow!" you exclaimed, shaking off the momentary sting.

Recovering swiftly, you spotted a note at the bottom of the gift. Retrieving it, you read the words inscribed: "For my angel, love Heeseung." A smile played on your lips at the gesture.

Grateful for the unexpected present, you promptly reached for your phone to express your appreciation. "Thank you for the gifts; I loved them. And i will not ask how you got them in," you messaged Heeseung.

Almost instantaneously, his reply arrived, "You're welcome, princess. And don't worry. I will teach you how to use it." His words sparked a conversation that extended into the night. As you exchanged messages, the hour grew late, prompting you to bid Heeseung a good night. "I'm going to bed. Good night, Heeseung," you typed. His response, "Good night, angel. Make sure to lock your windows," came promptly. Following his advice, you secured the windows before settling into bed.

A new message from Heeseung flashed on your screen, simply stating, "Good girl." You gulped, the message sent a subtle thrill down your spine. A peculiar warmth, a delightful tickle, settled in your stomach as you read those two simple words.

You glanced toward the window, half-expecting to find something beyond the glass. The room was dimly lit, shadows playing on the walls, and the soft glow of the moonlight casting a gentle ambiance.

With a hint of curiosity, you studied the windows, half-expecting it to reveal a mysterious figure with a playful presence. The night air outside was still, and the surroundings seemed undisturbed. Yet, the lingering echo of "Good girl" resonated in your mind, creating an air of suspense that you found oddly thrilling.

Taking a deep breath, you shook off the imaginary tension, and changed into comfortable pajamas, sliding under the covers with the butterfly knife on your nightstand. Examining it closely, you noticed the intricately carved initials of your name and Heeseung's on the handles. A quiet gasp escaped your lips. The unexpected yet incredibly thoughtful touch sent a rush of warmth through you, a gentle smile played on your lips as you marveled at the personalized detail. With a satisfied sigh, you carefully placed it back on the nightstand.

The room dimmed as you turned off the lights, and you layed in bed, staring up at the ceiling.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

In the unsettling ebb and flow of high school dynamics, the once vibrant halls of the school now seemed shadowed by the undercurrents of hostility. Every step felt like a careful dance to avoid the traps set by the popular girls. Despite Heeseung's protective presence, their relentless efforts to undermine you continued.

On top of that Taehyung's behavior grew increasingly intrusive, his advances becoming more pronounced in class and the halls. His proximity became uncomfortable, and the boundary between friendliness and invasion blurred.

His persistence in getting close to you prompted a growing sense of unease. The lingering feeling of being watched whenever he was nearby compelled you to take measures to avoid him altogether. The hallways became a maze where you strategically maneuvered to sidestep encounters with Taehyung, who seemed determined to bridge a gap that you were intent on widening.

Despite your efforts to dodge him, Taehyung's persistence continued. Another time, in the empty school hallway, he cornered you near the lockers. "You know, you're pretty when you're mad," he commented.

Feeling trapped, you shot him a glare. "Enough, Taehyung. I'm not interested, and your comments are not welcome. Back off."

His giggles echoed as you walked away, determined to distance yourself from hiseerie behavior.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

As the days unfolded, you couldn't shake the lingering sense that, despite the calm on the surface, there were storm clouds gathering on the horizon, threatening to disrupt the fragile peace you desperately sought.

The news continued to broadcast the chilling saga of the two Ghostfaces haunting the town. The police, growing more frustrated by the escalating body count, struggled to apprehend the elusive killers. Each new report fueled the anxiety that had settled over the community.

You found yourself caught in the relentless grip of fear once again, the shadow of Ghostfaces looming larger than ever. The unpredictable nature of his attacks had everyone on edge, and you couldn't shake the feeling that the danger was closing in.

Heeseung, on the other hand, was adapting to the heightened scrutiny and frustration of the police. When he wore the Ghostface costume, he became more cautious, stalking his victims for extended periods before making his move. The cat-and-mouse game between him and the authorities intensified, a dangerous dance in the moonlit shadows.

The other Ghostface seemed to be taking a page from Heeseung's book, growing more careful and methodical in his approach. However, unlike Heeseung's relatively clean crime scenes, this Ghostface left behind a gruesome trail of blood. The brutality escalated, leaving a mark that horrified even the most seasoned investigators.

One night, a particularly disturbing message written in blood on a crime scene wall sent shivers down your spine: "For you, Ghostface." The implication was clear, and it left you feeling creeped out. Heeseung, upon seeing this gruesome display, was impressed by the audacity.

But had the other Ghostface not gone after you, Heeseung might have entertained the idea of an unholy alliance, a partnership in chaos. But now, with the line crossed, Heeseung's desire for revenge burned bright. This town, in his eyes, had room for only one killer, and the other Ghostface had just signed his own death warrant.

Friday Night:

In the opulent confines of Yeowang's mansion, a sleepover took place, an event initiated by the absence of Yeowang's parents for the weekend, her closest friends—Hyo-jin, Yoo-mi, Hayeong, and Jiwoo was present. The night started late, as the girls gathered in the spacious living room adorned with lavish furnishings. The girls huddled on the plush sofa, draped in cozy blankets, their laughter echoing against the opulent walls. A large flat-screen TV, mounted like a work of art, illuminated the room, showcasing the latest news broadcast featuring the ongoing Ghostface killings and investigations.

As they bantered and gossiped, Jiwoo, known for her audacious comments, couldn't help but interject with her own peculiar observation. "Ghostface is hot, actually," she declared, earning incredulous looks from the others. Hayeong, ever the voice of reason, promptly dismissed the notion. "Okay first of all, that's a killer. Second, you have a boyfriend, and besides, he's masked! You don't even know how he looks!"

"So? I can see it," Jiwoo retorted, undeterred. Hyo-jin, more observant than the rest, interjected, " There are two Ghostfaces. Which one is hotter?"

The room fell momentarily silent as the girls processed this, their eyes fixated on the TV where two distinct images of the masked killers were displayed. Jiwoo, with her usual nonchalant demeanor, broke the silence. "Oh…both, I guess? I mean, look at them!" she exclaimed, pointing animatedly at the screen.

"You are crazy," Hyo-jin remarked, her voice tinged with disbelief. Unbeknownst to the others, Yeowang found herself oddly conflicted, silently acknowledging Jiwoo's point but reluctant to admit that she, too, felt an inexplicable allure to the enigmatic figures behind the masks.

The mood took a sharp turn when Hayeong, attempting to shift the conversation, brought up your name that immediately ignited Yeowang's fury. "I can't believe that Y/N is the only one who survived both of them," she stated, a heavy silence enveloping the room. Yeowang's reaction was visceral—her anger palpable, manifested by the shattering of a vase against the wall.

"That whore does not deserve it!" Yeowang's scream reverberated through the expansive mansion. "She survived two killers and suddenly got famous! She got Heeseung! It's unfair! What does she have that I don't?!" Yeowang's accusatory glare swept across the room, her friends taken aback by the sudden outburst.

"You are in my house! You will not mention her name!" Yeowang's command echoed, punctuating the room with a tense energy. The other girls, startled and intimidated, nodded in compliance. "Got it, we will not say her name," they meekly replied, an air of discomfort settling over the once lively sleepover.

The night pressed on, and Hayeong, feeling a stifling warmth in the crowded room, decided to excuse herself. She climbed the stairs to the bathroom, her steps a subtle echo against the hushed whispers of her friends below. Her nimble fingers worked silently to ease open the window, allowing fresh air in.

As she called her boyfriend, the cool breeze that wafted in cooled her down, "Kwan, why don't you come over? I'm too bored here, and I miss you," she whispered into the phone, her voice a delicate secret. "I'll be right there, baby," Kwan's voice assured her from the other end before he hung u.

Hayeong emerged from the bathroom and, like a phantom, slipped to the dimly-lit garage. There, waiting in the shadows, was her boyfriend's car.

Closing the garage door behind her, she got into the passenger seat, and the car became a heated session as they made out. "What do you think about ditching and coming over to mine?" Kwan proposed. "Sure, let me just tell the others," Hayeong replied, sealing her fate as she returned to the oblivious gathering in the living room.

She informed her friends of her departure, and Yeowang's dismissive response lingered in the air like an unspoken omen.

Hayeong retrieved her belongings and, with a roll of her eyes, made her way back to the secluded garage.

As she settled into the car, the illusion of safety shattered, she turned to face her boyfriend, only for her face to twist into sheer horror at the sight of his lifeless form. Panic set in, and before she could scream, a gloved hand clamped over her mouth, stifling any sound.

The rearview mirror reflected the ghostly visage of a white mask, and the glint of a knife spelled impending doom. A searing pain erupted in her stomach. The garbled scream of her pain was stifled as the hand tightened its grip, and though she fought against the assailant's grip, her strength waned.

Disoriented and weakened, Hayeong clawed her way out of the car, her hands leaving smears of blood on the cold concrete floor. Ghostface emerged from the backseat, his movements deliberate and silent, carefully closing the car door behind him. The shadows draped him in an impenetrable cloak as he advanced, following the crimson trail left by Hayeong.

With calculated precision, Ghostface struck again, the knife finding its mark in Hayeong's back. Her weak cries echoed in the garage, a desperate plea for mercy. She twisted her body on the ground, lying on her back, staring up at Ghostface, she saw only the impassive mask that hid the face of her killer.

Each breath she took seemed to expel the last vestiges of life, accompanied by the gasping for breath as blood bubbled from her mouth.

Lying on the garage floor, Hayeong's gaze fixed on the unforgiving concrete ceiling. Blood continued to spill, and the last vestiges of life slipped away. Ghostface, unaffected by her suffering, simply stared down at his victim before pocketing the blood-stained knife. Then he dragged Hayeong's lifeless form with him, leaving behind the scene of horror in the quiet garage.

The encompassing darkness welcomed him as he stuffed the corpses in the trunk of the car before leaving the garage to guard its grisly secret, the echoes of Hayeong and her boyfriend's final moments lingering in the air.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The sleepover had transformed into a scene of collective ennui, the girls sprawled across the living room, eyes glued to the blaring horror movie on the screen. The volume was cranked up to its maximum, attempting to infuse some excitement into the lackluster atmosphere. Jiwoo, the embodiment of impatience, couldn't contain her discontent. "I'm bored!" she declared, punctuating her statement with an animated kick of her feet, reminiscent of a spoiled child. Yoo-mi, joining the chorus of dissatisfaction, drawled, "Me toooo," her words elongated in a languid manner. Hyo-jin, the silent participant, simply nodded in agreement.

In the midst of this collective restlessness, Yeowang, always quick with a plan, had an idea to salvage the night. "Why don't I invite Kwangsun and Joonwoo?" she suggested, eyeing an opportunity to inject some life into the gathering. Jiwoo, seizing the chance to involve her boyfriend, Minho, eagerly chimed in, "Oh! Can I invite Minho then?" Yoo-mi, with a hint of skepticism, interjected, "You're just gonna fuck him!" Jiwoo, undeterred, stuck her tongue out at Yoo-mi, and Yeowang, with a roll of her eyes, relented, "Yeah, sure, invite him too."

Overjoyed, Jiwoo leaped to her feet, celebrating the approved invitation. "You mean it??" she questioned, to which Yeowang simply nodded in affirmation. "Yes!" Jiwoo exclaimed, immediately reaching for her phone to call Minho. Concurrently, Yeowang composed messages to Kwangsun and Joonwoo, both of whom promptly confirmed their attendance.

As the clock edged towards 1 AM, signaling the arrival of the anticipated guests, a resonant doorbell rang through the apartment. Hyo-jin, assigned the role of the door opener, took a moment to peek through the peephole, ensuring that it was indeed the boys behind the door.

The door swung open, revealing Kwangsun, Joonwoo, and Minho, boisterous and full of energy. They entered the room with a flourish, bearing beer and loud shouts, injecting a burst of life into the previously lethargic atmosphere. Jiwoo, unable to contain her excitement, screeched Minho's name and leaped into his waiting arms.

The group settled on the couch, drinks in hand, and laughter filling the air. Amidst the lively atmosphere, Hyo-jin rose from her seat with the announcement, "I'm going out for a smoke." She strolled toward the front door, and closing it behind her, leaving the vibrant scene inside.

In the solitary darkness outside, she retrieved a cigarette, her fingers fumbling to find the elusive lighter. "Where is it… I knew I brought it," she mumbled, the soft glow of her phone's torch revealing her determined search. The night air wrapped around her like a shroud as she continued her quest.

A sudden sound shattered the quiet, causing Hyo-jin to startle. Swiftly, she raised her phone, its light piercing the darkness as she scanned her surroundings. "Who's there?" she called out, her voice echoing into the silent night. The beam of her torch revealed a rogue cat, its eyes glinting in the light. "Oh, it's just you," she muttered, attempting to coax the feline closer. However, the cat, seemingly spooked, scurried away from her. "Alright, fuck you then," Hyo-jin grumbled, standing up in mild annoyance.

Unbeknownst to her, Ghostface materialized in the shadows behind her, his ominous figure concealed by the night, as he approached silently. In one fluid motion, he drew a knife, it`s blade gleaming ominously. Without a sound, he effortlessly slit Hyo-jin's throat, a crimson river staining the quiet night.

Hyo-jin's eyes widened in an involuntary response to the sudden, searing pain. The cigarette that once dangled between her lips fell with a gentle thud to the cold ground.

Her body, suspended in that surreal moment between life and death, crumpled forward.

Ghostface stood over his lifeless victim, a silent spectator to the masterpiece he had orchestrated. The night seemed to hold its breath as he lingered momentarily, the mask concealing any hint of emotion. The cool breeze whispered through the darkness, indifferent to the gruesome scene playing out beneath its veil.

With an eerie calmness, Ghostface began his next calculated move. He crouched beside Hyo-jin's motionless body, drawing her into the shadows with a predatory grace. The crimson trail she left behind became a haunting testament to the brutality that had transpired in that quiet space.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The living room buzzed with the flickering glow of the TV as the horror movie unfolded its spine-chilling narrative. The remaining group sat together, the pale glow casting shadows across their faces.

As the credits rolled, someone in the group suggested putting on another horror movie. The group agreed, and the atmosphere in the room became tense once again. Just then, Jiwoo suddenly stood up, pulling Minho with her, and declared, "We are so tired, so we'll go to bed." With that, they vanished upstairs, the closing door shutting out any response from the rest of the group.

Yeowang, an observer of the unfolding events, watched Jiwoo and Minho saunter upstairs with an air of disapproval. Rolling her eyes, she leaned toward Yoo-mi, lips curling into a disdainful whisper. "What a slut," Yeowang hissed, and Yoo-mi, ever the loyal companion, nodded in agreement, their suppressed laughter mingling in the dimly lit room. The two continued their hushed commentary, exchanging snickers as they reveled in the judgment they cast.

Unbeknownst to the gossiping duo, a silent figure lingered outside the window, casting a dark shadow against the night. The clandestine observer vanished into the depths of the night as Jiwoo and Minho disappeared behind the bedroom door, leaving no trace of their presence.

In the intimate confines of the bedroom, Jiwoo and Minho layed in post bliss. Jiwoo giggled playfully, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Minho, who stretched and reluctantly got out of bed, pulling on a pair of pants. "Stayyy," Jiwoo pouted, her words laced with a playful plea. "Sorry, babe, gotta pop in the bathroom. I'll be right back," Minho assured her as he strolled out of the room.

Little did he know, the window, left ajar by Hayeong, served as an ominous entry point for the lurking Ghostface. As Minho locked the bathroom door, he remained oblivious to the impending danger. It was only when he glimpsed Ghostface's reflection in the mirror that realization struck, and a gasp escaped his lips, as he turned around to face his assailant.

Reacting swiftly, Ghostface threw a throwing knife with precision, embedding it in Minho's shoulder. His attempts to scream stifled by a punch to the face from the masked assailant. "Shit!" Minho exclaimed as he pushed Ghostface away, slamming the murderer against the wall.

Undeterred, Ghostface deftly retrieved the lodged knife from Minho's shoulder, brandishing it menacingly. In a swift, brutal motion, he thrust the blade into Minho's stomach, eliciting a guttural groan of pain. Minho staggered backward, only to trip over a bathroom stool.

He fell backward into the bathtub, the impact echoing through the small room. His head struck the surface, and the room filled with the sickening sound of the collision. Minho's eyes remained open, glossy and lifeless, as his blood pooled in the tub.

Ghostface, having completed his gruesome work in the bathroom, meticulously exited the confined space. Adjusting his cloak and straightening his posture, he entered the bedroom where Jiwoo lay peacefully unaware. A sinister silhouette against the dimly lit room, he stood over her, his chilling presence casting a shadow.

Lifting his arms, Ghostface brandished his knife, a glint of malice in his eyes. With a swift, deliberate motion, he plunged the blade into Jiwoo's stomach. A startled cry escaped her lips as she awoke to the nightmare before her. Desperation filled her as she attempted to retaliate, futile punches met by Ghostface's vice-like grip. The relentless onslaught continued, the repeated stabbings painting the once serene room in the stark hues of violence.

Leaving Jiwoo to bleed out on the bed, Ghostface, retraced his steps through the bathroom window, vanishing into the nocturnal abyss.

Meanwhile downsatirs, Yoo-mi, feeling a growing unease, ventured outside through the front door to check on Hyo-jin. Upon her return, she delivered the unsettling news, "Hey, Hyo-jin isn't outside anymore." Yeowang, quick to assume the worst, spat, "The bitch probably left us, again." Yoo-mi, concerned, muttered, "I don't know, she wouldn't leave like this."

Yeowang's sharp response echoed, "Did you just talk back to me?" Yoo-mi, intimidated but determined, defended herself, "No! No! It's just... I'm worried, you know?" Reluctantly, Yeowang conceded, "Ugh, fine," and turned her attention to the boys, "Why don't you two go out and find her?" Kwangsun, defensive, questioned, "Why us?" Yeowang, dismissive, replied, "Because you two are available, and it's cold. Now, go." With a wave of her hand, she refocused on the horror movie.

Joonwo and Kwangsun reluctantly complied, with Joonwo suggesting a strategy "You go through the backdoor, I'll go through the front door, and we'll meet in the middle." As Joonwo exited the front door, Kwangsun took the backdoor route.

In the living room, Yoo-mi sought reassurance, "You think they'll be okay?" Yeowang, unfazed, assured her, "Yeah, they'll be fine."

Meanwhile, Kwangsun navigated the darkness alone, squinting to discern any signs of Hyo-jin or Joonwo. The quietude was only interrupted by the gentle whooshing of the wind past his ear. As he scanned the sky, the moon was obscured by clouds, plunging him into deeper obscurity. Unbeknownst to him, a figure trailed silently behind him. Suddenly, a searing pain tore through Kwangsun's back, and he crumpled to the ground, the merciless kick from Ghostface intensifying his agony.

As Kwangsun prepared to scream, the moon emerged from behind the clouds, revealing the lifeless form of Joonwo sprawled in front of him. Before he could react, his hair was violently yanked back, and Ghostface swiftly slit his throat, extinguishing his life.

Ghostface, rose from his crouched position, before he reached into the folds of his cloak and retrieved a phone.

As the flash erupted, momentarily piercing the darkness, Ghostface captured the haunting image of death.

However, as swiftly as the moon had revealed the morbid scene, it withdrew behind the obscuring clouds once more. The sudden darkness provided Ghostface with the perfect cover, concealing his presence as he dragged the lifeless bodies. The muted sounds of his sinister task blended with the night, and Ghostface seamlessly disappeared into the shadows.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The night hung heavy with an unsettling stillness as Yoo-mi gazed into the darkness. Her voice cut through the silence, nervous with an escalating worry, "Okay, they haven't returned. Is this the time to panic?" Yeowang, seemingly unresponsive, rose from her seat and ascended the stairs with an air of determination. "Wait!" Yoo-mi pleaded, chasing after her.

In the dimly lit corridor, Yeowang halted outside the bedroom where Jiwoo and Minho had sought refuge. She knocked on the door only to be met with an silence from within. When no response came, Yeowang's hand hesitated for a moment before pushing the door ajar. What lay beyond would etch terror into their memories.

A gut-wrenching scream erupted from Yoo-mi as the door swung open, revealing the grotesque scene within. Jiwoo's lifeless body lay sprawled across the bed, a canvas of horror painted in blood and mangled flesh. Yoo-mi staggered backward causing her to open the bathroom door, her horrified gaze shifted to the now open bathroom. There, in the unforgiving cold of the bathtub, Minho's lifeless form met her gaze. Another scream tore through the air as the grim reality of their situation became undeniable.

Distraught and overwhelmed, Yoo-mi fled down the stairs, tripping on the steps, she stumbled into the chilling embrace of the living room, her anguished cries reverberating through the desolate space.

Meanwhile, Yeowang stood frozen in the upstairs corridor, the haunting images seared into her mind. A desperate determination seized her as she rushed to her room. There, amidst the remnants of her past, she found solace in a forgotten relic—a baton adorned with hues of pink and purple, a nostalgic reminder of her gymnastics days.

Haunted by the scene she witnessed, Yeowang clutched the baton tightly, her knuckles turning white.

As she descended the staircase, a sickening scene unfolded before her eyes. Joonwo's lifeless form lay sprawled on the couch, his vacant eyes reflecting the cruel finality that had befallen him. Yoo-mi, a pitiful body on the ground, cried out in agony as blood pooled beneath her. Ghostface, loomed over her with a foot pressing her down. His attention, however, pivoted towards Yeowang, his gaze fixated on her as he swiped the blood of his knife with unnerving efficiency, his chilling laughter permeating the air.

"Welcome to the party," his voice, distorted by the chilling voice changer, sent shivers down Yeowang's spine. Desperation seized her as she clutched the baton, like an inadequate shield.

"I saved you for last," Ghostface declared with a voice distorted, before he picked up Yoo-mi only to throw her against the wall, rendering her unconscious, before turning his relentless advance towards Yeowang.

Terror gripped her as she sprinted upstairs, reaching her bedroom, she fumbled to lock the door, her trembling hands betraying the fear that gripped her. In her bedroom, she fumbled for her salvation—her phone. Panic surged through her when she realized it lay downstairs on the living room table.

A sudden shock reverberated through the door as Ghostface relentlessly sought entry. "Open the door, Yeowang," his command sliced through the air, each word dripping with sadistic pleasure.

"No!" she screamed defiantly, her trembling hands fumbling with the window latch. With a surge of courage, she swung it open, revealing a daunting drop to the pool below, a shimmering oasis in the moonlit night.

The door continued to quiver under Ghostface's relentless assault, his ominous presence closing in.

The relentless assault on the door suddenly ceased, leaving Yeowang suspended in silence. Suspicion flickered in her eyes as she cast a wary glance toward the once-quaking barrier.

Suddenly, an axe splintered through the door, hacking it down with brutal force. Yeowang's scream echoed through the room as glimpses of the menacing white mask emerged. Ghostface stared intently, his gloved hand reaching to unlock the door. Just as Yeowang prepared to leap to safety, Ghostface unleashed a primal shout, hurling a dagger that found its mark in her shoulder. The searing pain sent her crashing down, the baton slipping from her grasp.

Ghostface, a looming specter, closed in. His knife poised for the final strike, but in a desperate bid, Yeowang seized her baton, swinging it towards his masked visage. With lightning reflexes, Ghostface raised his arm, blocking the blow. The precious seconds gained allowed Yeowang to scramble to her feet, sprinting towards the window. In a daring escape, she leaped into the pool below, the cold water offering a brief respite from the nightmare.

Emerging from the water, shivering and wounded, Yeowang glanced back at the window. Ghostface was momentarily absent. Swiftly, she extracted the knife embedded in her shoulder, a cry of pain escaping her lips. With determined urgency, she clambered out of the pool, crimson tendrils diffusing into the water around her.

Fearing the masked assailant might still be lurking, Yeowang cast a desperate gaze through the window into the living room. Joonwoo's lifeless form lay undisturbed, but Yoo-mi, injured and resilient, struggled to move. Yeowang recoiled, her attention caught by the absence of the phones on the table. Panic clawed at her as she began to navigate the house, a mixture of dread and sorrow swirling within.

As she approached the front, a hidden horror awaited her. Tripping over an unseen obstacle, Yeowang tumbled to the ground. A gut-wrenching sight unfolded as she discovered the lifeless bodies of Hyo-jin and Kwangsun concealed in the bushes. Tears blurred her vision as she sprinted away, abandoning the knife in her haste.

But the escape was short-lived. Charging down the porch, Yeowang's foot snagged on something, and she plummeted forward, her head colliding with the unforgiving ground, as darkness enveloped her consciousness.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

Yeowang's eyes flickered open, and a wave of disorientation washed over her as she attempted to move, only to discover the cruel reality of her situation – she was bound, trapped in the confines of her own bedroom. The haunting scene unfolded before her eyes, her friends' lifeless bodies strewn about, including Yoo-mi, who now lay still and unresponsive.

"Help! Someone! Please!" she pleaded, her desperate cries echoing in the silence. A chair creaked, drawing her attention to the shadowy figure sitting in the corner, and as her eyes adjusted, she spotted Ghostface seated in a shadowy corner. "No one is coming to save you," he declared with a cold certainty.

Desperation clawed at Yeowang's throat, and she screamed for help, her pleas echoing through the chilling silence.

"Stop screaming," Ghostface intoned, his figure slowly rising from the chair. The voice changer distorted his response, rendering it menacing and cold.

Tethered and vulnerable, she tried to appeal to the masked figure, a last-ditch effort to elicit mercy.

"Aw, that's cute. You're begging for your life," Ghostface remarked, rising from the chair with deliberate slowness. He approached Yeowang, advancing toward her with predatory intent, and crouched down, his white mask mere inches from her terror-stricken face. He scrutinized her with a sinister curiosity, reveling in the vulnerability of his captive.

"Why did you even come? I'm innocent!" Yeowang protested, her voice carrying a hint of defiance. However, Ghostface erupted in a sudden burst of anger, his distorted voice reflecting the glitched fury within him. "Innocent!?" he bellowed, standing back up and brandishing a gleaming knife. The blade pointed menacingly at Yeowang, his accusation hung heavily in the air. "You are, in fact, not innocent. You hurt what was precious to me. Your friends paid for it, and now it's your turn."

"What was precious?... Oh, you mean Y/N?!" she exclaimed, connecting the dots. Ghostface remained stoic, only intensifying the aura of menace. In a tense exchange, "Listen! It was just for fun! Just a game you kow?" Yeowang attempted to justify her actions, only to be met with Ghostface's stoic silence.

The truth, a bitter pill, surfaced—Ghostface's obsession with Y/n, was a possessive love that bordered on madness.

"Why do you even care? Didn't you try and kill her at first?" Yeowang spat, her defiance resurfacing. A hesitancy lingered in the room as she dared to pose a crucial question. "You are the first Ghostface, aren't you?" Ghostface nodded affirmatively, acknowledging his origin. "I am the first... and I care because she's mine. I own Y/N, and she owns my heart and soul. I would do anything to keep her happy," he declared, a rare glimpse into the twisted motivation that fueled his actions.

With an ominous deliberateness, Ghostface removed the clasps securing his mask, revealing the face beneath. A shockwave of horror coursed through Yeowang as recognition set in. "Heeseung?!" she screeched, attempting to recoil from the revelation. "It's been you this entire time!? But why?" she demanded, her voice a desperate plea for answers.

"You've watched enough horror movies, Yeowang, to know there's always motives. Mine is just personal," Heeseung uttered, his voice devoid of remorse.

With an almost mechanical precision, Heeseung adorned the Ghostface mask once again. The chilling transformation marked the end of any semblance of humanity, like a switch flipped between the person behind the mask and the ruthless harbinger of terror. The room became a theater of agony as Ghostface thrust the knife into Yeowang's chest, cruelly twisting it for maximum torment before extracting it with a grisly finality. Yeowang's agonized screams pierced the air, echoing in the chamber of death. Desperation gripped her as she struggled to draw breath, yet the encroaching numbness signaled the approach of death.

"Party's over," Ghostface declared. The last flicker of Yeowang's life bore witness to the white mask, as she accepted death.

In the aftermath, Ghostface lingered, a silent witness to the massacre of death he had orchestrated. With a swift, practiced motion, he swiped his knife, cleansing the blood before he departed the room with a purposeful stride, descending into the shadows.

Leaving the house behind, Ghostface embarked on a solitary journey into the night.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

As you sat on the couch, playing with your brother by your side, the tranquility of the day was shattered by the intrusive news spreading like wildfire throughout the city. The television broadcasted the shocking report, detailing the gruesome massacre that had occurred during the sleepover.

The once-grand mansion was now a crime scene, adorned with police tape that crisscrossed the entire property, and law enforcement vehicles surrounded the premises. Your eyes were fixed on the television screen, shock etched across your face as the news reporter stood in front of the crime scene.

"We have received reports that the victims have been identified as Kang Hyo-jin, Shin Jiwoo, Kang Minho, Bong Kwangsun, Kim Junwoo, Choi Hayeong, Park Yoo-mi, Jung Kwan, and Jeon Yeowang," the reporter solemnly announced, the weight of each name resonating in the air. The police inspector, Do-shik, stood by her side, his weary expression a testament to the magnitude of the tragedy.

"We have reason to believe that this is the work of our first Ghostface, by the pattern he executed in this mindless slaughter," Do-shik disclosed, his words sending a chill down your spine. The news reporter pressed for answers about the actions being taken for the grieving families, and Do-shik, burdened by the responsibility, assured justice and respect for the victims.

As the conversation continued, the realization that Heeseung, had committed these heinous acts sank in. The numbness enveloped you, making it difficult to comprehend the gravity of the situation. You couldn't fathom how he managed to execute such a massacre in a single night without being apprehended.

"Y/N?" Your brother's voice broke through your reverie, and you felt the physical sensation of being shaken. "Wha-?" you mumbled, your mind struggling to process the information. "Are you okay? You didn't answer me," he inquired, concern etched on his face. "Yeah, yeah. I'm okay," you responded.

"I need to get some air," you declared, rising from the couch and leaving the house without uttering another word. The weight of the revelations pressed down on you as you stepped into the open air.

The streets stretched before you as you navigated through the town, each step resonating with the echo of your conflicted emotions. Eventually the sunlight began to wane, casting long shadows across the pavement, and the familiar sights of the town started to transform under the softening hues of dusk.

As you meandered through the streets, you found yourself drawn to a nearby park. The familiar landscape offered a temporary refuge, and you made a spontaneous decision to linger. You gravitated towards a swing set, the rhythmic creaking accompanying the subtle sounds of nature.

Time seemed to blur as you swung back and forth, the gentle breeze carrying whispers of the day.

As the day transitioned into evening, you checked your phone to find it was already 8PM. A notification from your mom appeared, a reminder that cut through the quiet of the moment. She requested you to stop by the grocery store if you had time. The responsibility tugged at your thoughts, and you agreed to her request, assuring her that you would take care of the groceries.

Leaving the swing set behind, you walked away from the park, your surroundings bathed in the amber glow of streetlights beginning to flicker to life. The town retained a semblance of activity; a few people strolled on the sidewalks, and cars passed by intermittently.

Deep in contemplation, you traversed the familiar routes until, almost unconsciously, your steps led you to Heeseung's house in the outskirts of town. Heeseung, an adult living alone, bore the scars of a fractured family, his mother absent, and his father, a figure you suspected was better off beneath the earth.

His residence, an isolated abode, stood silent against the backdrop of the night. You knocked, and the hush persisted for a moment, fostering the fleeting notion that perhaps he wasn't home. Just as the doubt crept in, the shuffling of feet reached your ears, and the door swung open to reveal Heeseung. The dampness in his hair suggested a recent shower, and the grin on his face faded into a look of surprise when he noticed your serious expression.

"Angel," he greeted, the warmth in his voice attempting to breach the solemn atmosphere. "Can we talk?" you asked, your tone cutting through the casual air. Heeseung's surprise deepened, and he nodded, inviting you in. The door closed behind you, shutting out the outside world, and you were met with the soft patter of paws reaching your ears, and you saw Dongsik, Heeseung's cat, racing towards you. You knelt down, lifting the feline into your arms.

Settling in the living room, you cradled Dongsik in your lap, stroking his fur. The weight of the conversation hung in the air as you mustered the courage to address the chilling reality. "Heeseung… I saw the news," you began, your voice steady.

"You did not need to kill them," you asserted, hoping for a flicker of remorse in Heeseung's gaze. However, his eyes bore no trace of regret. "They deserved it. They hurt you, and I hurt them back," he stated, his nonchalant demeanor sending a chill down your spine.

Rising from his seated position, Heeseung advanced towards you, his movements fluid yet purposeful. As he closed the distance, his hand gently cradled your chin, tilting your head upward. The touch was possessive, his fingers warm against your skin, yet there was an underlying intensity that betrayed the dark determination within him.

In that moment, his eyes, once familiar and comforting, now held a darker, inscrutable depth.

"I made them regret every breathing the same air as you," he murmured, the words laden with a sinister satisfaction. His voice, usually a source of reassurance, now carried an unsettling edge. His gaze traced a path across your face, studying each contour as if searching for a reaction.

Caught in the intensity of his gaze, you couldn't help but gulp, the sound echoing in the charged silence. His eyes, fixated on your lips, followed the subtle movement as your tongue moistened them.

But you couldn't let the gravity of his actions escape scrutiny. Stepping back, you placed Dongsik on the ground and distanced yourself. "I do not want you to proceed with this," you implored, your voice tinged with urgency. "What if you get caught? Have you ever thought about that?" you questioned, your concern etched on your face. Heeseung, however, dismissed your fears with unwavering confidence. "I won't get caught. Trust me. I'm careful."

The proximity of his hands, once stained with the blood of others, triggered a sense of unease. "No, Heeseung, I can't do this now," you declared, your voice faltering. "I can't continue doing this."

"What?" Heeseung asked, his surprise mirroring the gravity of your words. "This, whatever we have? This? It's over!" you cried out, your emotions spilling over. Heeseung's gaze narrowed, the intensity of his feelings clashing with the sudden turn of events. "Angel, you can't—" he began, but you cut him off.

"You won't let me break up, but I can't bear you killing people!" you exclaimed, your words echoing in the room. The reality of grieving families planning funerals weighed heavily on your conscience. "You have let out a curse on this town, and for what? What is your motive, Heeseung? Why do you murder?" you demanded, your frustration boiling over.

"It's none of your business!" Heeseung retorted, his defensive stance highlighting the growing tension. "So you don't trust me? Is that it?" you questioned, the hurt evident in your eyes. "No, that's not it, baby, please," Heeseung pleaded, attempting to reach for you. However, you recoiled, creating a physical and emotional distance. "No, that's exactly what it is, isn't it? How can I trust you when you don't even trust me?" you articulated.

"A murderer kills because they are crazy, right? How do I know that you won`t kill me eventually?" you posed the unnerving question, the gravity of the situation casting a shadow over the room. "Yeah, this is all a game for you, isn't it? Trick me, then hurt me, and finish me off, right?" A bitter laugh escaped your lips as you clutched your hair in frustration.

"God, I wish you had just killed me!" you shouted, the anguish and frustration consuming you. With those words hanging in the air, you ran out the door, tears streaming down your face. "Y/N!" Heeseung shouted, attempting to chase after you. The rush of adrenaline urged you forward as you sprinted towards the more populated downtown, seeking solace in the anonymity of the bustling streets.

The relentless torrent of tears blurred your vision as you ran, the world a distorted mosaic of shadows and hazy streetlights. The weight on your chest felt unbearable, forcing you to gasp for breath as you sought refuge. The grocery store loomed ahead, a dimly lit sanctuary promising a momentary escape from the turmoil.

Leaning against the cool exterior wall of the store, you heaved deep breaths, each inhalation a struggle against the emotional storm that raged within. You swiped away your tears before you walked into the store. The door swung open with a hushed chime as you entered

The interior of the store appeared almost deserted, bathed in the artificial glow of overhead lights. A half-sleeping cashier lethargically manned the register, and an employee, lost in their cleaning duties, contributed to the quiet. Only two other customers wandered the aisles, their presence barely registering in the dim atmosphere.

With the basket in hand, you moved with a mechanical precision, guided by the monotony of your music. The list from your mother directed your movements as you navigated the aisles, the rhythmic beat in your ears providing a temporary respite from the emotional whirlwind.

Little did you anticipate the impending descent into chaos. The automatic doors whispered open, and a tall figure draped in a cloak stepped inside, an aura of malevolence accompanying their entrance.

The scene unfolded with chilling swiftness. Ghostface, concealed in the ominous cloak, advanced towards the unsuspecting cashier. A gloved hand silenced desperate cries before a blade flashed, cutting through the silence and life alike. The shotgun followed suit, the explosive sound resonating through the hushed aisles as it claimed another victim.

The sudden violence ruptured the fragile tranquility, and you instinctively tore out your earbuds, alert to the nightmare unfolding around you. Panicking, you instinctively sought cover behind a freezer, heart pounding as the screams reverberated through the aisles.

Silence settled, broken only by the haunting voice that emerged. "I know you are here, Y/N. Why don't you come out and make this much easier for us both and give yourself up now?" it intoned, a cruel invitation to surrender. Determined, you pulled up your pant leg, revealing the butterfly knife Heeseung had insisted you learn to use. The blade swished open, and you crouched in the shadows.

Ghostface continued his monologue, preaching a distorted sense of purpose. You, however, were focused on survival. Moving stealthily between the aisles, you checked your phone's camera at every turn, ensuring your unseen adversary was still out of sight.

Crawling on the ground, disregarding its grime, you moved with a mix of fear and determination.

Ghostface's taunts echoed, filled with promises of a twisted sense of justice. Moving with a catlike grace, you listened intently for any sign of Ghostface. Their voice droned on, but you paid it little attention, your focus locked on survival.

The aisles of the grocery store bore witness to a gruesome scene of tragedy as you stumbled upon the lifeless bodies of the employee and another customer. Their corpses layed, eyes frozen wide in terror, faces eternally contorted in the agony of their final moments. The metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air, and you couldn't help but draw a shaky breath as you crawled towards the fallen employee.

Carefully, you approached the employee's still form, with a delicate touch, you reached for the keys hanging from their belt. The metallic jingle seemed deafening in the heavy silence that enveloped the gruesome scene.

As you retreated to a safer spot and peered around the corner, your eyes widened. Ghostface, stood amidst the aisles, holding the shotgun with an unsettling ease. His dark cloak billowed as he surveyed the surroundings, the mask betraying no emotions.

"Y/n!" he bellowed, the deep voice echoing through the desolate store. You remained still, concealed in the shadows, refusing to yield to his demands. "This isn't funny anymore. Come out... face me, you-you bitch!" he shouted, his frustration palpable.

His tone softened suddenly, an unexpected vulnerability seeping into his words. "I need you, Y/n. I need you here," he mumbled to himself, pacing away. A perplexed expression crossed your face as you watched him retreat, his erratic behavior leaving you both bewildered and cautious.

Seizing the opportune moment, you silently made your move. Crawling towards the backdoor, you clutched the stolen keys tightly, ensuring they made no sound. Ghostface's sporadic mutterings echoed through the store as he grew more agitated.

Reaching the backdoor, you fumbled through the keys, testing each one until the lock clicked open. The metallic sound felt deafening in the oppressive quiet. As the door unlocked, you grabbed the handle, ready to make a swift exit.

"There you are!"

Your heart pounded as you turned, eyes meeting the menacing figure standing just beyond the threshold. His shotgun aimed at you, you scrambled inside, slamming the door shut. The resounding gunshot echoed in your ears, a chilling reminder of how narrowly you had evaded death.

You wasted no time locking the door, the thump on the other side signaling Ghostface's frustration. The adrenaline surged through your veins as you retreated, navigating the labyrinthine storage room with urgency. The persistent echo of Ghostface's threats spurred you forward, each step a calculated move toward survival in this ghastly game of cat and mouse.

As you sprinted through the labyrinthine storage room of the store, the dim emergency exit sign beckoned you towards safety. Fingers trembling, you pushed the door open and burst into the cool night air. Panic set in as you dialed the police, the desperate plea in your voice cutting through the darkness.

"Miss, what can i help you with," the calm voice on the other end asked. " He's chasing after me! Ghostface is here! " you retorted, the terror resonating in your words. "All units are tracking your positions!" the voice replied.

A gunshot cracked through the air, and you glanced back to witness Ghostface, relentless and determined, hot on your heels. His ominous presence fueled your fear, propelling you forward in a desperate bid for survival.

In a moment of terror, Ghostface lunged at you, the force of his leap toppling you to the unforgiving ground. Your phone and knife clattered away, but with a surge of adrenaline, you rolled out of his grasp, swift and agile. Retrieving your knife, you abandoned your phone, the urgency of escape outweighing the need for communication.

The pursuit continued through the dimly lit streets, your breaths ragged and the cityscape blurring as you pushed your body to its limits. I will get you! You little bitch! You can't run from me, Y/n!"

The burn in your lungs and the relentless pounding of your heart fueled your determination to get away from the masked killer.

Vaulting over a fence, you cast a desperate glance over your shoulder. Ghostface closed in, his knife glinting ominously. With a swift maneuver, you veered to the left, finding refuge behind a hedge. The element of surprise played in your favor as you lunged at Ghostface, the blade of your knife finding its mark.

He howled in pain, an unexpected turn of events that left him wounded and disoriented. However, before you could savor your fleeting victory, Ghostface retaliated. Gripping you around the waist, he flung you to the ground, the impact stealing the air from your lungs.

Yet, salvation was imminent. By now, the lights in the surrounding houses flickered to life, and the distant wail of police sirens grew louder. Ghostface, now wounded and vulnerable, weighed his options. "Shit!" he exclaimed, his gaze darting between you and the encroaching law enforcement.

In a desperate bid to escape the imminent capture, Ghostface vanished into the shadows, leaving behind a wake of horrified onlookers. The chilling cries of "It's Ghostface!" and "It's the killer!" echoed through the neighborhood as the police closed in.

As you stood amidst the chaos, gasping for breath, it was in this disoriented state that you realized your knife, the very tool Heeseung had gifted you, was nowhere to be found. Panic and frustration intertwined as your eyes darted around the vicinity, searching for the glint of metal against the darkened pavement. But it was futile – the blade had vanished.

Then, the revelation hit you like a sudden gust of cold wind. A twisted sense of irony settled in as you connected the dots. Your knife, now lay embedded in the very source of the terror that had haunted your dreams.

A wry, bitter chuckle escaped your lips as you contemplated the absurdity of the situation. There goes Heeseung's gift, now an unwitting participant in the dark legacy of Ghostface that he had created. How ironic, you thought.

As the police surrounded you, you could only ponder the inexplicable twists of fate that had led you to this moment. "Why is it always me?" echoed in your thoughts. You were then ushered home, where your disheveled mother and worried brother awaited.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

After a week's absence, you returned to school, hoping for a semblance of normalcy. However, the moment you stepped onto the crowded campus, it felt like a tidal wave of students engulfed you. The sea of faces, voices clamoring over one another, and the proximity of people made panic grip your heart. The air felt thick, and you struggled to breathe as your vision blurred, overwhelmed by the chaotic environment.

With each step, the suffocating feeling intensified. It seemed like there was no escape, and you closed your eyes, attempting to shut out the sensory overload. The world was too loud, too close, and you pressed your hands to your ears in a desperate attempt to block it all out.

And then, a sudden quiet descended.

Opening your eyes, you found yourself facing someone's back. A familiar voice cut through the silence, "Back it up! Back it up! Give her some space! Ever heard of personal space?" It was Jungwon and Ni-ki, chasing away the dispersing crowd. Sunghoon stood by your side, his concern evident. The other boys formed a protective shield around you, except for Heeseung.

"Are you okay, Y/N?" Sunghoon asked, worry etched on his face. "Yeah… yeah, I'm okay," you replied, glancing at the boys with gratitude.

"Thank you, guys," you whispered.

"You're welcome, Y/N. People really have no respect," Jay remarked.

"Come on," Jake suggested, extending his hand toward you. You took it, feeling a sense of security as they flanked you, walking together towards your class. You noticed how others instinctively kept their distance.

Curiosity crept in, and you couldn't help but ask, "Why is everyone like this?" Their hesitation was palpable.

"What?" you pressed. "Well… how do I say this, Y/N... The video footage of the store was kinda leaked, so everyone saw how you survived," Sunoo explained reluctantly.

Shocked, you hadn't been on social media during your absence. Your mother had been vigilant, keeping you and your brother under close watch, and your lost phone remained unretrieved from the chaotic events. "Can I see?" you inquired.

They exchanged glances before Ni-ki stepped forward, tapping on his phone and showing you the video. Watching the footage from entering the store to seeking refuge in the storage room, you handed Ni-ki his phone back, muttering a soft "Wow."

As they asked about your well-being, you couldn't muster a definitive answer. "I don't know… I think I want to be alone now," you admitted, walking the rest of the way to class in solitude, grappling with the sudden spotlight on your survival.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The school day unfolded as a mix of emotions and overwhelming attention. Everywhere you went, students sought your company, asking questions, expressing concern, or simply wanting to be associated with the survivor of the store incident. While the incessant attention was draining, you couldn't deny the relief of not constantly glancing over your shoulder, anticipating Yeowang's presence or the sting of hurtful comments from her followers. Heeseung's drastic actions had severed those ties, but the weight of the consequences lingered in the air.

Lunchtime offered a temporary escape, and amid the bustling cafeteria, you found a moment to inquire about Heeseung's absence. Turning to Jay, who was seated beside you, you popped the question that had been lingering in your mind. "Where's Heeseung?" you asked, genuinely curious. Jay, pausing from his meal, looked at you with a quizzical expression. "Heeseung? He's sick," he answered matter-of-factly. Your eyes widened in surprise. "You didn't know?" Jay questioned again. "Oh, no, I didn't," you replied, processing the unexpected information. "Well, maybe he forgot to tell you. He asked us to watch over you when you returned," Jay added before returning his attention to his food.

The revelation about Heeseung's sickness left you with a mix of emotions. You hadn't anticipated this news, and a sense of unease settled over you. The boys, it seemed, were keeping a close eye on you at Heeseung's behest.

Upon arriving home, your mother greeted you, "There you are! Here, honey," she exclaimed, holding out a familiar object in her hands. Your eyes widened with delight as she handed you your long-lost phone. "You found it!" you exclaimed, the joy evident in your voice as you accepted the device.

"Yes, I did. Sorry, it took so long," your mom apologized, her tone tinged with relief. "It's okay, Mom," you reassured her, appreciating her effort to recover your belongings. With a grateful smile, you declared your intention to retreat to your room. "I'm going to my room," you announced, "Okay, honey," your mom responded, her attention already shifting to the kitchen.

Retreating to your room, you plugged the phone into the charger, watching as the screen came to life. The device was flooded with notifications, but among them, Heeseung's attempts to reach you stood out. Eighty-eight missed calls and 113 unread messages painted a vivid picture of his persistence. However, you decided against delving into the messages. The idea of conversing with him felt overwhelming, and you needed time to process everything.

The remainder of the day became a sanctuary of solitude, spent either in your room or with your brother. As night fell, you found yourself alone in your bed, the familiar struggle to sleep resurfaced. Glancing at the watch, the harsh glow of the screen revealed the lateness of the hour — nearing 2:30 AM. With a heavy sigh, you turned your gaze back to the ceiling, the weight of memories threatened to pull you into a realm you desperately wished to forget. The scene replayed in your mind, a vivid flashback to a moment etched in pain and humiliation.

Flashback:

The air was thick with tension as you found yourself behind the school, isolated and vulnerable, devoid of Heeseung's protective presence. The silence that enveloped the secluded spot was soon shattered by the cruel laughter of those who reveled in your vulnerability.

In the grim backstage of the school building, Yeowang and her lackeys emerged like shadows, their intentions clear. The boyfriend of one of the girls seized you, his grip unyielding, rendering any attempts at escape futile.

One of the girls held your bag hostage, a sinister grin etched on her face as she poured a smoothie into its depths, saturating your belongings. The cold liquid seeped through your bag, a metaphor for the cold disdain they harbored.

Yeowang, the puppeteer orchestrating the torment, reveled in her power, her words laced with venom. "You really are a pathetic bitch, you know that?" Yeowang's voice dripped with disdain, a venomous taunt that sought to corrode your spirit. "Can't even go a day without your bodyguards.

Silence was your armor, a refusal to grant them the satisfaction of seeing you crumble. "I run this school! You hear me? Everyone wants me! Everyone answers to me!" Yeowang declared, her voice rising to a crescendo of arrogance.

Hateful glares were exchanged, and then, the resounding slap — a manifestation of her simmering rage.

A bitter glare was your only retort. "Well, you're doing a shit job at having everyone wanting you," you shot back, the words slicing through the tension like a knife. The impending storm erupted as Yeowang, seething with rage, prepared for another strike.

Refusing to succumb, you summoned strength from a reservoir of resilience. A swift punch to the guy's shin, a headbutt to his nose, and you were free. "Fuck! The bitch hit me in the motherfucking nose!" the boyfriend cried out, releasing his grip in pain. Seizing the opportunity, you launched yourself at Yeowang, a tempest of fists raining down on her.

The tables turned as you unleashed a torrent of punches on Yeowang, the once-confident bully now a target of your retribution.

Blood painted the scene as your fists found their mark, the visceral satisfaction of justice propelling each blow. The other girls, attempting to intervene, were met with your unrelenting force. Yeowang's hair became a makeshift handle as you screamed into her face, asserting your defiance. "Who`s the pathethic fucking bitch now?!" you declared, punctuating the statement with a final blow. As she staggered to her feet, blood-stained and defeated, her parting words echoed in the night air — "This isn't over!"

Breathing heavily, you watched them retreat into the darkness, a sense of triumph lingering in the air. With deep breaths, you salvaged what remained of your belongings.

A whimper from the fallen boy drew your attention. Standing over him, you asserted your demand for restitution. "Ey, asshole. You owe me a new bag and supplies," you declared, unyielding in the face of his feeble protests.

End of Flashback.

As the memory faded, you found yourself staring up at the ceiling, the weight of the past pressing against your chest, as another memory resurfaced

2nd Flashback:

The bathroom, a sanctuary of sorts, offered a brief respite from the chaos that often trailed in your wake. Alone, you stood by the sink, the cool water flowing over your hands. The door creaked open, revealing the unwelcome entrance of Yeowang.

"What now," you muttered, a weariness etched in your voice.

"You're dead," Yeowang declared, her words a venomous promise as she advanced with an air of calculated malice. Resigned, you met her gaze, your eyes betraying neither fear nor defiance. "Well, too bad I'm still alive," you retorted, the fatigue in your voice veiled behind a thin layer of indifference.

Yeowang, infuriated by your lack of submission, launched an attack. Her attempt at physical intimidation manifested in a swing of her hand, aimed at striking you into submission. Yet, in that moment, the reflexes of a survivor kicked in. You caught her wrist with a practiced ease, the strength beneath your seemingly fragile exterior taking her by surprise.

"Is that all you have?" you questioned, your voice laced with an exhaustion that transcended the physical. A gentle push sent her stumbling backward, her gasp of shock echoing in the tiled confines of the restroom.

"You worthless bitch! What does Heeseung even see in you?" Yeowang spat. Unmoved, you stood your ground, the echo of her insults bouncing off the bathroom walls. "I'm much better than you," she added, a final attempt to wound before she turned and left, the door closing with a hollow thud.

End of flashback.

As the memory dissipated, you sighed, the weight of Yeowang's animosity slowly lifting. Closing your eyes, you sought solace in the darkness, finally ridding yourself of the specter that haunted your past. Yet, amid the tranquility, Yeowang's last words lingered in the recesses of your mind — "What does Heeseung even see in you?"

The question, a lingering doubt, seized your thoughts, an elusive enigma that would accompany you into the realm of dreams. Exhaustion, both physical and emotional, finally claimed you, pulling you into a restless slumber, where the shadows of the past continued to dance at the periphery of your subconscious.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The soothing hum of the library enveloped you as you sat with the boys, engrossed in your study materials. Ni-ki, positioned beside you, couldn't resist stealing glances at your work. Aware of his glances, you decided to address the matter. "Ni-ki, I can see you looking. I can just help you," you offered, your voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"No, no, I'm fine, really!" Ni-ki hastily responded, attempting to assure you. Your eyes rolled in response, a subtle expression of your disbelief. Despite his protests, you returned your attention to your work, a faint smile lingering on your lips.

The rhythmic quietude was disrupted by the sudden entrance of Jake, his figure a whirlwind of excitement as he sprinted towards your table, arms waving emphatically. Jungwon voiced the collective curiosity, asking, "What's up with him?" Jake, breathless, stopped by the occupied table, a piece of paper clutched in his hands.

"Guys!" he exclaimed, momentarily drowned out by a nearby shush from an irritated student. Apologetically, Jake mumbled an apology to the disgruntled individual before focusing on the group again. His announcement resonated with enthusiasm, "Guys, there's a Halloween party coming up this Friday at Hyunjin's house!"

Intrigued by the unexpected announcement, Sunoo, voiced the question on everyone's minds. "Halloween party?" he inquired. Jake's affirmative nod unleashed a ripple of reactions, from raised eyebrows to exchanged glances.

However, Jay, interjected with a touch of seriousness. "So let me see if I understood this... there's a party this Halloween, despite the fact that we live in an unsafe town?" His inquiry injected a note of caution, prompting a brief pause in the group's excitement as they considered the potential risks associated with attending a festive gathering in the current environment.

Just as uncertainty lingered, a new voice chimed in, and all heads turned to see Hyunjin, who sauntered up and casually slung an arm around Jake's neck. "It`ll be fun guys!" Hyunjin pointed out, "Besides! I hired security to stand guard! And the place will be packed. Only those with private invitations get in! So everyone will be held accountable!"

Hyunjin's explanation seemed to alleviate some concerns. As a gesture of encouragement, he set down five private invitations. Jake, already holding one, received an extra burst of excitement. "See you all this Friday!" Hyunjin declared, leaving the library with an air of confidence.

The group momentarily sobered, caught between the allure of a party and the reality of their surroundings.

However, Jake's plea for company quickly shifted the focus. "Come on, guys, pleaseee! I don't wanna go alone," he implored, pulling an empty chair to the table and joining Ni-ki, and you couldn't help but notice Jake's puppy-dog eyes fixed on you. Eyes turned towards you, the only girl in the group, as you reached for one of the invitations. The golden letters on the Halloween-themed background spoke of festivities and fun, inviting participants to wear costumes, with additional details about security and the address.

Despite knowing your mother might not permit you to attend, the earnestness in Jake's eyes prompted a smile and a nod from you. The boys, each securing an invitation, burst into lively discussion about the upcoming event. Sunoo's excitement over costumes and Sunghoon's reminiscence of past parties echoed through the library, and you found solace in the distraction from your own thoughts.

Amidst the lively chatter, your attention briefly strayed to your phone, thoughts of Heeseung, absent for days due to sickness, tugged at your heart. Days had passed since you last saw or heard from him, as he had been notably absent from the recent killing spree.

You did feel a mix of pride for his restraint and worry for his sudden disappearance.

While the boys immersed themselves in costume ideas displayed on Jake's computer screen, the realization struck— you missed Heeseung. The void left by his absence flooded your mind. The real smiles, the scent of his cologne, the sound of his voice, his tender kisses, and the protective embrace that made you feel cherished—all of it tugged at your heart.

Despite your attempt to ignore the emotions welling up inside you, you remained oblivious to the devious plans the boys were quietly hatching, a surprise destined to unfold on the night of the Halloween party.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The soft glow of fairy lights adorned Sunoo's bedroom, casting a warm and inviting ambiance. Yet, the atmosphere clashed with the rising tension within you. "Are you joking with me?" you asked, standing in the middle of the room, a sense of skepticism etched across your face. Sunoo, with an excited glint in his eyes, had taken it upon himself to select your Halloween costume. Trusting him with this responsibility now felt like a leap of faith you were questioning.

On Sunoo's bed lay the ensemble he had chosen for you – an angel costume. The short, ethereal white dress poofed out at the bottom, giving it an otherworldly charm. White gloves, elegantly reaching to your elbows, accompanied the outfit. A delicate headband connected to a halo rested on the bed, awaiting it`s place atop your head. White tights, adorned with diamonds intricately stitched into the fabric, a pair of pristine white heels and soft, pelt-like angel wings completed the ensemble.

You cautiously touched the wings, surprised by their softness, "It's a pretty costume, Y/n! Come on, give it a try!" Sunoo pleaded with an infectious enthusiasm. "Fine…but only because I don't have anything else, and the party is in one hour."

As Sunoo gave you an encouraging thumbs up, he exited the room, leaving you to change. Closing the door behind him, you took a deep breath, eyeing the costume. The room echoed with your murmured mantra, "This is crazy, this is crazy," as you began the process of changing into the attire.

After finishing changing into the angel costume Sunoo had chosen for you, you stepped in front of the mirror to assess the result. As you looked at your reflection, a sense of relief washed over you—you looked okay. With a twirl, you tested the movement of the skirt, pleased to see it held its shape beautifully. Amidst the ensemble, a pearly waistbead adorned your waist, its lustrous pearls gleaming softly in the dim light. A black heart, connected the pearls, adding a subtle yet captivating contrast to the purity of your costume. Additionally, a layered pearly necklace graced your neck, at the center, a heart pendant adorned with intricate wings hung delicately, perfectly complementing the angelic theme of your attire.

"Y/n?" Sunoo's voice came from behind the door, accompanied by a light knock. "Are you finished?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm finished," you replied, confirming your readiness.

Sunoo eagerly opened the door and entered the room, his eyes lighting up as he caught sight of you. With an enthusiastic grin, he clapped his hands and bounced lightly on his feet. "You look so beautiful, Y/n!" he exclaimed, his genuine compliment warming your heart.

"Really?" you responded, still a bit uncertain.

"Of course! I would never lie to you!" Sunoo reassured you before grabbing his own costume—a simple pirate outfit—and preparing to get ready.

As you applied the finishing touches to your hair and makeup, you soon felt satisfied with your appearance. Descending the stairs in your costume, you found Sunoo already heading out the front door towards the car. And Jay, dressed as The Joker, was assisting Jungwon with his car racer costume.

"What are you supposed to be?" you asked Jungwon.

"I'm supposed to be a car racer who died in a car crash and—" Jungwon paused mid-sentence as he turned to face you, his expression mirroring Sunoo's excitement. "Wow, Y/n! You look amazing!" he exclaimed, rushing over to you and taking your hands in his.

"Thank you, Jungwon!" you replied, returning his smile.

Jay, who had also turned to see you, was momentarily speechless. "Wow…" he whispered, clearly impressed. "You will definitely win the prettiest costume," he declared.

"There are awards?" you asked, surprised.

"Yeah! Hyunjin put it together last minute as a treat," Jungwon explained as he guided you out to the waiting car, with Jay following suit.

Taking your place in the passenger seat as Jay drove, you glanced out at the streets, observing the groups of trick-or-treaters and families celebrating Halloween together. "The others will meet us at the party," Jungwon informed, looking up from his phone.

"Oh, fun!" Sunoo exclaimed, anticipation evident in his voice.

As Jay parked the car a bit away from Hyunjin's house, you all stepped out into the night. The air was filled with the distant sound of music and laughter, and the glow of colorful lights illuminated the sky above Hyunjin's mansion. The driveway was packed with cars, and groups of people in various costumes were milling around, chatting and laughing.

Jungwon led the way, striding confidently towards the imposing front doors of the mansion. A security guard stood watch, checking invitations as guests arrived. You, Jay, and Sunoo followed closely behind Jungwon, anticipation building with every step.

"Invites?" the guard asked as you approached. You reached into your purse and retrieved the slip of paper, handing it to the guard. He glanced at it briefly before nodding and allowing you to pass.

Stepping inside, you were immediately struck by the grandeur of Hyunjin's family mansion. The interior was vast and dimly lit, with the only sources of light being the moonlight streaming through the windows and the pulsating lights from the dance floor.

A sweeping staircase led up to the second floor, where silhouettes of partygoers could be seen mingling and dancing. The sound of music filled the air, accompanied by the occasional cheer or burst of laughter.

You squinted against the flashing lights and spotted the DJ, Changbin, stationed at his booth, dressed as a zombie.

"Come on!" Sunoo's enthusiastic call broke through the noise. He eagerly pulled you and the rest of the group towards a living room area where some guests were taking a break on the couches. As you approached, you noticed Ni-ki sitting on one of the couches, dressed as Luigi, looking somewhat irritated as he sipped on a drink. Next to him sat Jake, dressed as Mario, laughing uproariously at something.

Ni-ki spotted you and waved, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "Finally!" he exclaimed, quickly bouncing off the couch to greet you. "Wow, you guys look amazing!" he complimented, his annoyance momentarily forgotten. You and the rest of the group thanked him, exchanging smiles.

The conversation took an unexpected turn as Jake, clearly a bit tipsy, giggled and made a comment about Heeseung's hypothetical reaction to seeing you. Confusion flashed across your face as you turned to the others, noticing their guilty expressions. "Heeseung is here?" you inquired, surprised by the revelation.

Before anyone could respond, you heard your name being called from behind. You turned around, as you laid eyes on Sunghoon approaching you. Dressed as a vampire, he exuded an air of elegance, his cloak billowing behind him as he walked. "You look amazing!" Sunghoon complimented sincerely, his warm smile momentarily easing your discomfort. "Thank you, you too."

However, it was the figure standing awkwardly behind Sunghoon that made your stomach churn. Heeseung stood there, dressed as a demon, his appearance sending a wave of mixed emotions coursing through you. Simple yet undeniably captivating in his black attire, Heeseung's unbuttoned shirt revealed his collarbones, and a silver chain hung around his neck. Black horns protruded from his slicked-back hair, and a pair of black wings adorned his back, completing the demonic ensemble.

As you took in his appearance, you couldn't help but feel a mix of anger, confusion, and longing wash over you.

With a sharp glare, you directed your gaze towards the boys, who attempted to appear innocent under your scrutiny. However, their guilty expressions betrayed them, and they instinctively backed away from your piercing stare. Clearly, they were responsible for orchestrating this couple costume setup, and you vowed silently to exact revenge on them soon.

"You look good," Heeseung's voice interrupted your silent standoff, drawing your attention back to him. Studying him closely now, you noticed the recent events had taken a toll on him. His eyes were tired, rimmed with dark circles, and he seemed notably thinner. "Thanks... you too," you replied, masking your concern with a polite response. Heeseung shrugged. "Thanks but, it wasn't my idea, Jake got me the costume," he admitted, his gaze dropping to his attire.

Forcing a smile, you turned your attention back to the boys, who now seemed to be squirming under your murderous stare. They were the culprits behind this whole ordeal, and they knew it. You relaxed your expression slightly as you turned back to Heeseung. "It wasn't mine either, Sunoo got me this," you explained, playing with the hem of your dress nervously.

"Well, it's pretty," Heeseung admitted, his nervousness evident as he bit his bottom lip. Surprised by his sincerity, you simply nodded in acknowledgment. Jungwon intervened, suggesting a drink, and you allowed him to lead you away from Heeseung.

Navigating through the crowded party, you and Jungwon eventually reached the spacious kitchen. Bottles of alcohol and snacks lined the long island, and Jungwon wasted no time in fixing himself a drink. You grabbed a drink for yourself and downed it in one gulp before turning to Jungwon with a pointed question.

"Did you know about it?" you asked, your tone laced with accusation. Jungwon stiffened at your tone, attempting to defend himself. "I didn't want to actually participate—" he began, but you cut him off, unimpressed by his excuses. "But you did know about it, and you didn't tell me?" you interjected sharply.

Jungwon pleaded innocence, claiming it was all Jake's idea. Despite his apology, you grumbled in frustration, punching him lightly in the arm. "Ow!" Jungwon protested, rubbing the spot where you had hit him, but you merely shrugged, determined to exact revenge on the boys for their deception.

"Hey Y/n! you're here?" A cheerful voice called out, pulling your attention away from the crowd. It was Yuna, one of your classmates, dressed as Carrie from the horror novel. Beside her stood Giselle, adorned in a witch costume. "Hello," you greeted them warmly, a smile playing on your lips.

"I'm going out," Giselle announced, grabbing a bottle of soju from the fridge before making her exit. Yuna flashed you a friendly smile and poured herself a drink. "I like your costume!" she complimented you. "Thanks, I like yours too," you replied, returning the compliment.

"Hey, a few of us were going out, do you want to join?" she asked, her tone inviting, Yuna's invitation caught you off guard but piqued your interest. You had grown close with Yuna over class, and her offer seemed appealing. With a nod, you accepted, feeling comfortable in her presence. "Yeah, I'll be right there," you confirmed.

"Cool!" Yuna exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice, before heading off to join her friends. Turning to face Jungwon, who looked slightly puzzled, "you're going with her?" he inquired, his expression curious. "Yes, I can't stick with you guys the whole night," you explained. Jungwon nodded understandingly, a smile gracing his lips. "Have fun and be safe then. We'll be around here if you need us," he reassured you before taking his leave.

Taking another sip of your drink, you felt a surge of confidence coursing through you as you navigated your way through the pulsating dance floor. The crowd seemed to part effortlessly as you passed, their gazes drawn to your costume. Some offered compliments as you made your way through the throng, and you graciously thanked them, a smile playing on your lips.

As you reached the back of the house, you stepped outside into the cool night air, scanning the area for Yuna. Spotting her amidst a group of people, she waved enthusiastically, her excitement palpable. Making your way over, you were greeted by the welcoming smiles of Yuna's friends.

"You actually came!" Yuna exclaimed, her happiness evident in her tone. "Guys, you know Y/n," she introduced you to the group, who greeted you warmly in return. Though you recognized them, you hadn't interacted with them much before.

Giselle stood besides Yuna, accompanied by Yuqi, whose fairy costume added a whimsical touch to the gathering. Kazuha, dressed as the hauntingly beautiful Corpse Bride, stood beside them. Momo, adorned in mummy wrappings, mingled with the group. Felix, portraying the spirited Luffy from the anime, engaged in a conversation with Mingi, who was decked out as the iconic Michael Myers. Minghao, was dressed as the beloved superhero Spiderman, and Keeho stood tall, embodying the iconic Batman, while Taehyung, was dressed as the enigmatic Phantom of the Opera.

Meanwhile, as Jungwon joined the rest of the guys, they noticed your absence from their midst. "Where's Y/n?" Ni-ki asked, glancing around the room. "She's with some of her friends, I think," Jungwon replied, taking a seat beside Jay and Sunghoon. But then another realization struck Jungwon. "Where's Heeseung?" he asked, scanning the room. The boys looked around, but Heeseung was nowhere to be found. "Huh? He was just here!?" Ni-ki exclaimed in confusion. "He's probably around here," Sunghoon suggested.

"Was it wrong of us to drag them to this party?" Sunoo pondered aloud, expressing concern. "No, they need to realize that they love each other," Jake asserted confidently, his voice rising a bit too loudly and drawing unwanted attention from those nearby. "Shhh!" Jay quickly shushed him, casting a wary glance around the room. "We don't want everyone here to know!" he admonished Jake. "We can only hope they realize it," he added, the concern evident in his tone.

Meanwhile, you happily engaged in conversation with Yuna and her friends, though you kept your interactions with Taehyung to a minimum, he seemed content simply gazing at you, making you feel a tad uncomfortable, especially with the chill in the air. As Felix proposed hitting the dance floor, you glanced at your phone and saw a message from your brother indicating that he had successfully covered for you and your mother was asleep. Grateful for his assistance, you slipped your phone back into your purse as Yuna pulled you onto the dance floor with her friends.

Lost in the pulsating rhythm and laughter, you suddenly felt a burning stare and glanced around, eventually locking eyes with Heeseung, who stood a distance away, his gaze fixed solely on you. Feeling uneasy, you looked away, only to be swept into the dance by Kazuha and mingling with Mingi, who smiled down at you.

Amidst the joyous atmosphere, you eventually excused yourself to the kitchen for a drink. The quiet solitude enveloped you as you leaned against the counter, the faint scent of nicotine lingering in the air. Lost in thought, you retrieved a bottle of water from the fridge and took a sip. Just then, Heeseung entered the room, breaking the silence. "Hi," you greeted softly, meeting his gaze. "Hello," he replied, his voice equally soft.

A moment of silence passed between you before Heeseung spoke again. "You looked like you had fun on the dance floor," he remarked, attempting to break the tension. "Yeah, I did," you replied, though the unease lingered in your voice. "How are you doing?" you asked, hoping for a glimpse into his state of mind. He seemed surprised by your question. "I'm good. How are you doing?" he asked in return. "Good," you answered, though the strength in your voice wavered.

As you and Heeseung stood there awkwardly in the kitchen, a group of drunk people stumbled in, breaking the tense silence. Quickly, you averted your gaze, feeling the need to escape. You attempted to slip out of the kitchen, but a glance behind you revealed that Heeseung was following closely behind, his expression determined as he prowled after you. Gasping, you navigated through the crowd, each time you turned, he was right on your trail, his presence looming closer.

What was he doing? You couldn't help but wonder as you climbed up to the second floor, weaving past people until you finally stopped and turned around. To your relief, you didn't see Heeseung, feeling victorious as you leaned over the balcony railing, observing the festivities below. A smile graced your lips as you spotted Jake, Jay, and Ni-ki on the dance floor, enjoying themselves.

However, your moment of triumph was short-lived as you sensed someone approaching from behind. Instinctively, you knew it was Heeseung, his cologne lingering in the air as his arms enveloped you against the railing. He had pulled up the sleeves of his shirt, revealing his toned and veiny arms as he gripped the railing, his head resting on your shoulder as he whispered in your ear, "You thought you could escape from me?" Feeling a surge of panic at his sudden presence, you attempted to pull away from his grip, but Heeseung's hold only tightened around you. His fingers wrapped around your wrist, preventing your escape, as he effortlessly pulled you back into his chest. You could feel the warmth of his body pressing against your back, his arms enveloping you in a tight embrace, leaving you with no choice but to surrender to his hold.

Heeseung leaned over the railing, bringing you along with him. You had no choice but to lean over as well, your weight supported by the sturdy wooden barrier. From the corner of your eye, you could see him gazing at you, his intense gaze locking with yours as he whispered, his warm breath grazing your ear, "Running from me like that?" His voice was soft yet laced with a hint of accusation. Your mouth opened in response, but no words came out. You missed this intimacy, feeling safe and secure in his embrace, as if he could alleviate all your stress.

Eventually, you turned around to face him, meeting his gaze as he leaned in closer. Placing a hand on his chest, you tilted your head slightly, whispering, "I thought I could try." Neither of you spoke after that, simply gazing at each other, both feeling touch-starved after days apart.

"Please, angel," Heeseung whispered, his touch sending a warm sensation through your stomach. Before you could respond, however, you heard your name being called. Startled, both you and Heeseung pulled back to see Giselle standing there. "Sorry, did I interrupt something?" she asked innocently. "No, no," you quickly assured her. "Um, what is it?" you asked.

"Mingi is looking for you," Giselle informed you, oblivious to the tension between you and Heeseung. You noticed the subtle clenching of Heeseung's jaw at the news. "Oh, thank you for telling me," you said to Giselle, offering a polite smile as she walked away, leaving you and Heeseung.

Clearing your throat to catch Heeseung's attention, you saw his gaze instantly snap to you. "I'm gonna..." you started talking as you began to walk back down, but with a glance behind you, you noticed Heeseung was still following after you. Shaking your head, you navigated around the thick crowd until you made it to the dance floor. You spotted Yuna and her friends still dancing, but no sign of Mingi. Scanning the area, you tried to find him, but it seemed like he found you first. "There you are!" Mingi said happily, and you turned, smiling at him as he led you to the outskirts of the ground floor where a bar stood. "There's a bar?" you asked, surprised by its presence. "Yes!" Mingi exclaimed. You both settled on the barstools as you ordered a strong drink, feeling like you needed it.

As you and Mingi began chatting like old friends, the bartender prepared your drinks. You both cheered your shots, downing them quickly. Mingi ordered another round of drinks as you looked out at the dance floor, feeling a sense of something pulling you. You made eye contact with Heeseung, who stood by the door, surrounded by other people but with his full attention fixed on you. You quickly turned back to Mingi, who was rambling on about something, and you listened attentively.

As time passed and the shots flowed, you began to feel the buzz of alcohol. Giggling with Mingi, who was clearly drunk as he clung to you, he slurred, "Hey Y/n! You are very beautiful!" "Thank you, Mingi," you giggled in response. "Hey, hey! Are you single?" he slurred further. "Well..." you started to reply, but before you could finish, a scream interrupted. You looked and saw Yuna running towards you. "Y/n! Come on! Come on!" she screamed, grabbing you and Mingi. "This is my song!" she declared as a Rihanna song blared through the speakers.

Wide-eyed, you recognized the song as "Only Girl (In the World)" and Yuna pulled you and Mingi into the middle of the dance floor. Without hesitation, you smiled and danced and sang along with Yuna, Giselle, Yuqi, Momo, and Kazuha. Together, you all screamed the lyrics without a care in the world.

Spinning around, you saw Jake and Ni-ki dancing nearby. When they noticed you, they jumped closer, joining in the fun. Lost in the music and the energy of the moment, you danced with abandon.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

As the night progressed, you found yourself fully immersed in the energy of the party. The music throbbed in your ears, the flashing lights painted the room in vibrant hues, and the laughter of your friends echoed in the air. Amidst the chaos of the dance floor, you let yourself go, moving to the rhythm with abandon, your worries melting away with every beat.

But amidst the crowd, amidst the laughter and the music, your attention kept being drawn to him. Heeseung, his presence a constant, his gaze an ever-present force that seemed to follow you wherever you went. You felt his eyes on you, hungry, intense, and filled with longing. Every time you glanced in his direction, you found him there, his gaze fixed on you with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine.

And, if you were being honest with yourself, you couldn't deny the flutter of excitement that his attention brought. It felt good to be wanted, to be pursued with such fervor. Despite the chaos of the party, despite the throng of people surrounding you, it was his gaze that you found yourself drawn to, his presence that you couldn't shake.

Outside by the grand pool, you found a moment's respite from the pulsating energy of the party. Nestled on a plush couch with friends on either side, the night air carried the distant echoes of laughter and music, a backdrop to the tranquil scene. Yuna occupied the space to your left, a comforting presence amidst the lively ambiance, while Mingi sat on your right, his flushed cheeks betraying the effects of the festivities.

As you sat there, the weariness of the night settling upon you, you nursed a drink that had long lost its chill. Setting it down on a nearby table, your gaze wandered to the pool, its iridescent waters shimmering under the moonlight, casting a mesmerizing glow.

Mingi's arm draped around you, pulling you closer, you chuckled softly at his playful demeanor, but as his gaze met yours, a sense of disquiet washed over you. Something felt off, a nagging feeling that this wasn't where you belonged. It wasn't Mingi's touch that you craved, but another's, someone whose absence had left a void within you.

Before you could dwell further on your thoughts, a sudden presence loomed behind you. Turning around, you found Heeseung standing there, his demeanor intense and unwavering. His piercing gaze bore into Mingi, a silent warning that didn't escape your notice.

"Y/n, may I have a word?" Heeseung's voice cut through the air, his tone clipped and authoritative. "Hey, we're kinda busy here," Mingi's voice carried a hint of protest, but Heeseung's response was swift. "Not anymore you are," he snapped back, his tone laced with an edge that brooked no argument. The intensity of his gaze bore down on Mingi, leaving him no choice but to relent. "Okay, okay. Fine, take her," Mingi's words held a tinge of resignation.

With an apologetic smile aimed at Mingi, you rose from the couch, the weight of Heeseung's stare compelling you to follow him.

As you came to him, he wordlessly pulled you along to a vacant room, his grip firm around your waist. The silence between you was heavy with unspoken tension as you searched his eyes for answers, but he remained resolute, his gaze unwavering.

"What did you want to talk about?" you ventured, but Heeseung's response was swift and startling. With a sudden movement, he slammed his hand against the wall beside your head, causing you to emit a small noise of surprise. His eyes bore into yours, filled with a mixture of anger and despair as he unleashed a torrent of emotion.

"Does it humor you?" His voice trembled with pent-up frustration, each word dripping with the bitter taste of betrayal.

"What?" The single word escaped your lips, echoing in the tense silence that enveloped you both. Heeseung's frustration boiled over, his words pouring forth like a rainstorm.

"Does it humor you to break up, leave me to rot, knowing that bastard went after you and not send me a message that you were okay?" His voice cracked with raw emotion, his despair pouring out in waves.

You stood there, paralyzed by the weight of his words, unable to offer any solace or explanation. He continued, his voice trembling with a mixture of anger and despair, each syllable a dagger to your heart.

"…and then show up looking so beautiful?" His voice wavered. The realization of your absence, of the void left in his life, weighed heavily on his shoulders, threatening to crush him beneath its unbearable weight. "And then see other guys look at you? Knowing I can't do anything because you aren't mine anymore?" His words tumbled out in a torrent of despair.

His hand rose to your cheek, a silent plea for understanding, for forgiveness. You felt the warmth of his touch against your skin, a bittersweet reminder of the love that still lingered between you, despite the pain that had torn you apart.

"They don't deserve to look at you." The words slipped from his lips like a whispered prayer, a plea for redemption amidst the chaos of his shattered heart.

As the weight of his words settled upon you, you found yourself speechless.

"Heeseung… I'm… so sorry, but I didn't…" You struggled to articulate your thoughts, but they remained elusive, lost amidst the maelstrom of emotions swirling within you. "I don't know what to say," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

"Then don't say anything," Heeseung's words were a command, a plea wrapped in desperation. Before you could respond, his lips crashed against yours. A gasp escaped your lips as he drew you closer, his hand instinctively finding its place around your neck. The world around you faded as you went slack in his hold.

You basked in the intensity of the moment, feeling the undeniable rightness of being in Heeseung's arms after days of longing. His touch, his kiss, it all felt like a familiar embrace, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of your emotions. As his hand trailed down to your thigh, hitching it up, you felt a surge of desire coursing through you, igniting every nerve ending in your body.

Heeseung's touch became more fervent, his hands gripping the meat of your thighs through the fabric, sending shivers down your spine. With a sense of urgency, his hand slipped upward, tracing the curve of your thigh, eliciting a soft gasp from your lips. In a bold move, you wrapped your leg around his hip, drawing him closer.

He pulled back from the kiss, his lips leaving a trail of fiery kisses along your neck, marking you as his own with each fervent touch. "Heeseung—" You attempted to speak, to voice the thoughts swirling within your mind, but his lips silenced you once more, his desperation evident in the small, desperate sounds escaping his lips. You felt his hands slide to your hips, pulling you close, while your hands instinctively found their place on his chest.

But before you could surrender completely to the moment, the door burst open, shattering the fragile bubble of intimacy between you and Heeseung. With a start, you pushed him away, both of you turning to see a couple of drunken partygoers stumbling into the room. Heeseung's expression turned murderous, his gaze fixed on the intruders with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine.

In that moment of chaos and intrusion, you made a split-second decision, pulling away from Heeseung and running out of the room, ignoring his shouts behind you. Tears welled up in your eyes as you fled, overwhelmed by the realization that once again, you had fallen back into the tangled web of emotions surrounding Heeseung.

You felt trapped, ensnared by a love that seemed to have a grip on your very soul, leaving you with no clear path forward. Despite your efforts to break free, you couldn't shake the feeling that you were destined to be entangled with Heeseung, no matter how hard you tried to resist.

The cacophony of the party faded into the background as you burst out of the door, onto the deserted streets, the sound of your heels resonating with each hurried step. It was late, the moon casting an eerie glow on the silent pavement, devoid of any signs of life. Houses stood like looming shadows, their windows darkened, their inhabitants lost in the embrace of sleep. All you could focus on was the desperate need to escape, to find solace in the familiarity of home.

Lost in your thoughts, you failed to notice the ominous presence trailing behind you, the faint hum of an engine echoing in the empty street. The realization struck too late, a sharp pang of pain reverberating through your body as something solid collided with you. The world seemed to spin, your senses overwhelmed by a wave of agony as you crumpled to the cold asphalt, the harsh impact stealing the air from your lungs.

Through tear-blurred vision, you glimpsed a shadowy figure approaching through the haze, a menacing silhouette against the dimly lit backdrop of the night. Your consciousness wavered, as you surrendered to the engulfing void, your body succumbing to the numbing embrace of unconsciousness.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

As consciousness slowly seeped back into your awareness, you were immediately engulfed in a whirlwind of agony. Pain coursed through every fiber of your being, a relentless torment that threatened to consume you whole. With a cry of anguish, you attempted to move, only to find your limbs unresponsive, bound by unseen restraints.

Opening your eyes proved to be a daunting task, the world swimming in a haze of disorientation. Through bleary vision, you were greeted by the sight of a gray cement wall. Furrowing your brows in confusion, you attempted to turn your head, only to be met with a wave of dizziness that left you reeling.

As you struggled to make sense of your surroundings, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of your stomach. With a growing sense of dread, you cast your gaze downward, your heart sinking as you beheld the sight before you. You were bound to a chair, your arms and legs immobilized by tight restraints. Panic clawed at the edges of your mind as you writhed against the bindings, each movement met with searing pain.

Your eyes fell upon your left arm, where an IV drip stood, pushing an unknown substance through your veins, dulling your senses and leaving you feeling lethargic and heavy-limbed. Panic surged within you as you realized the extent of your predicament.

Still clad in your Halloween costume, the remnants of the festivities felt like a cruel mockery in the face of your current ordeal. Bruised and bloodied, you were a stark contrast to the playful facade you had worn just hours earlier. Your heels lay discarded nearby, a reminder of the freedom that had been cruelly stripped away from you.

A cloth gag silenced any attempts at outcry, muffling your cries of desperation as you surveyed your surroundings. The room resembled a dark, foreboding cellar, devoid of windows. A single reinforced steel door loomed ominously before you, another chair, positioned a short distance away, served as the only other furniture in the chamber.

Your heart pounded in your chest as you took in the bleak reality of your situation. Bound and helpless, trapped in a nightmare from which there seemed to be no escape. With a heavy heart, you resigned yourself to the chilling silence, the echoes of your thoughts the only company in the darkness.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The news of your disappearance spread like wildfire, igniting a frenzy of panic and despair among those who know and love you. On television screens and newspaper headlines, your face was plastered alongside the words "MISSING."

In the midst of the chaos, your mother's anguished cries pierced the air, echoing through the once-familiar confines of your home. Tears streamed down her face, her sobs a testament to the depths of her despair.

Your brother, haunted by guilt, paced the floorboards with a heavy heart, knowing that his actions had contributed to your disappearance.

Outside, the authorities scrambled to gather information, their efforts focused on piecing together the fragments of your last known movements. Police officers canvassed the streets, questioning witnesses and appealing to the public for any shred of information that might lead to your whereabouts.

Meanwhile, your friends, consumed by worry and fear, clung to each other for support. They replayed the events of the night over and over in their minds, grappling with feelings of guilt and helplessness.

But perhaps none felt the weight of your absence more than Heeseung. As he awoke to the news of your disappearance, his world shattered into a million pieces. With trembling hands, he reached for his phone, desperate to hear the sound of your voice, only to be met with the cold, indifferent voice of an automated message. In a fit of anguish, he hurled his phone across the room.

Dongsik, sensing his owner's distress, approached tentatively. But Heeseung was beyond comfort, his fears consuming him whole as he crumbled beneath the weight of his despair.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

As time dragged on in the dim confines of the basement, you felt the oppressive weight of darkness pressing down on you, enveloping you in a suffocating shroud of uncertainty. With no sunlight to gauge the passage of time and no watch to mark the hours, you were left to languish in the void, trapped in a timeless limbo of despair.

Suddenly, the heavy silence was shattered by the creak of the door swinging open, and you blinked against the sudden intrusion of light, your vision swimming in disorientation. As your eyes adjusted, you were met with the chilling sight of Ghostface, your captor, looming ominously in the doorway. A surge of fear shot through you, your heart pounding in your chest as you braced yourself for whatever horror he had in store.

"Mhmh," you attempted to speak, but your words were stifled by the gag, leaving only muffled sounds to escape your lips. Ghostface's voice echoed in the darkness, his tone dripping with sinister amusement as he addressed you.

"Ah, you are awake! Wonderful," he intoned, his voice sending shivers down your spine. The chair creaked ominously beneath you as you struggled against your restraints, the ropes digging into your skin as you rocked back and forth in a desperate attempt to free yourself.

"Ah-ah," he tutted. "Don't do that, my dear. I don't want you bleeding out and dying so early! That would just ruin the fun," he remarked, his words laced with a sickening sense of amusement.

With a grimace of pain, you stilled your movements, the throbbing ache in your body a relentless reminder of your vulnerability. Ghostface's presence loomed over you, his masked visage shrouded in shadows as he studied you with a predatory curiosity. You met his gaze with a steely resolve, refusing to cower before his intimidation tactics, causing his patience to wear thin as he tore the gag from your mouth.

"Now, I finally have you right where I want you," he declared, his voice a low, menacing whisper. "What is so special about you, hmm?" he inquired, his tone dripping with disdain as he awaited your response.

Your defiance burned brightly in your eyes as you locked gazes with Ghostface, refusing to yield. "Oh, don't give me that look!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with exasperation. "You broke his reigning killing streak, and for what?" he demanded, but still, you refused to give him the satisfaction of a response, your lips pressed together in a line.

"Ah, the silent treatment, hm?" Ghostface chuckled darkly, the sound sending a shiver down your spine. "But your silence won't save you now, my dear." Yet you offered no response.

"Oh, how you infuriate me," Ghostface sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "But mark my words, my dear, I will uncover the truth, one way or another."

"Fuck you, you bastard," you spat defiantly, which was met with a growl of frustration from your captor. "Why do you have to make this so difficult, sweetheart?" he taunted, his voice dripping with malice as he bathed the basement in harsh light before retreating. You winced at the sudden assault on your senses, blinking away the tears that threatened to spill from your eyes.

Alone in the oppressive silence, you screamed until your voice grew hoarse, your cries echoing fruitlessly against the unforgiving walls. With each passing moment, the weight of your captivity bore down on you with crushing force, leaving you battered and broken, your thoughts consumed by the memory of Heeseung and the cruel twists of fate that had led you to this nightmarish ordeal.

"Heeseung," you whispered, the name a desperate plea for solace in the darkness as tears streamed silently down your cheeks, your heart aching with longing for the one person who might offer you a glimmer of hope in the abyss of your despair.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The sound of the door creaking open echoed through the dimly lit basement, but you didn't lift your head or open your eyes. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon you, your body drained of strength and your spirit battered by the relentless torment you endured.

"I know you are awake, Y/n," Ghostface's voice cut through the silence as he moved about the room. You grumbled out a response, your voice hoarse and barely audible. Your throat felt raw from screaming, your stomach gnawing with hunger, and your mind clouded with fatigue.

"Don't worry, it will all be over soon," Ghostface's words offered little comfort as you finally raised your head to observe his movements. He had set up a phone to record you, his actions sending a chill down your spine as you realized the gravity of the situation. "How long have I been here?" you managed to croak out, wincing at the harshness of your own tone.

"You've only been here for two days, Y/n," Ghostface replied, his tone laced with mockery. "Don't tell me you're already breaking?" he taunted, his laughter echoing in the confined space. You remained silent, unable to summon the strength to respond as he continued his preparations.

"It won't matter, if this works you won't stay here for long!" Ghostface's words washed over you, your mind numb to the significance of his threats. His voice droned on, the ringing in your ears grew louder, drowning out his voice as you weakly blinked at the camera, your gaze unfocused.

Suddenly, a sharp pain seared through your scalp as Ghostface seized your hair in a vice-like grip, yanking your head back forcefully. Your eyes snapped open in response to the agony, your gaze meeting his behind the chilling facade of his mask. He wielded a knife, its glinting blade poised menacingly against your throat, applying just enough pressure to draw blood.

You grimaced, the metallic tang of blood filling your senses as a single drop trickled down from where the knife bit into your skin.

"Come to the beginning and you'll find your precious little thing," Ghostface's words cut through, his grip relenting as he released you and turned to the phone, ending the recording.

"That's all I need from you. Now you stay here and don't move," Ghostface commanded, dismantling the setup with disregard. "Not like you can go anywhere with how you look!" he mocked, his laughter fading as he exited the room, leaving you alone in the frigid darkness once more.

Tears welled in your eyes as your body trembled with exhaustion and fear, you cried out, your voice lost in the void as despair threatened to consume you whole.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

Heeseung sat on the couch, his surroundings a chaotic reflection of his inner turmoil. The living room was in disarray, scattered with empty instant ramen containers and discarded pieces of paper strewn across the coffee table. His hair was disheveled, a wild mess mirroring the chaos of his mind, and dark circles underscored his eyes, evidence of his sleepless nights.

Just as he was consumed by his overwhelming sense of helplessness, his phone buzzed with a message notification. His heart leaped into his throat as he snatched up the device, his hands trembling. The screen was illuminated with message from Jay:

Turn on the news

The message read, short and to the point. Without a moment's hesitation, Heeseung leaped over the coffee table, his movements fueled by a surge of urgency. He reached for the remote control, his fingers fumbling slightly in his haste, and aimed it at the television.

With a press of a button, the screen flickered to life, bathing the dimly lit room in the soft glow of the news broadcast. Heeseung's heart pounded in his chest as he awaited the unfolding of events, his eyes fixed on the screen.

The news anchor's somber expression mirrored Heeseung's growing dread as she began to speak about the recent disappearance of you, her voice weighted with sorrow.

"We have received a video from an anonymous sender regarding the recent disappearance of Y/N Y/L/N, which has been concluded as a kidnapping," the news anchor announced, her tone heavy with gravity. "What you are about to witness is nothing short of horror."

Heeseung's breath caught in his throat as the video feed started, revealing you, broken and hurt, your eyes vacant as they stared past the camera. His heart clenched at the sight of you, your appearance confirming his worst fears. Matted hair, dried blood staining your face, bruises marring your skin – it was a gut-wrenching sight that threatened to shatter him.

As the figure of Ghostface stepped into frame, clad in the familiar mask that once represented Heeseung`s persona, his rage boiled over. "You fucker!" he shouted, his voice laced with venomous fury. Though he listened to Ghostface's speech, his attention remained fixated on you, his heart aching with the desire to protect you from the horrors you were enduring.

You didn't deserve to suffer, locked away in a basement by a deranged psychopath. He was nothing compared to the true Ghostface, the persona that Heeseung had embodied with a sense of helplessness and thrill. And Heeseung vowed, with every fiber of his being, that he would find you and ensure your safety, no matter the cost.

As Ghostface's sinister actions unfolded on the screen, Heeseung felt a surge of rage course through him like a raging inferno. The sight of you, vulnerable and in pain, ignited a primal instinct within him, urging him to take action, to protect you at any cost. His grip on the TV tightened, his knuckles turning white with the intensity of his emotions, as he fought to contain the tempest of fury that threatened to consume him.

When Ghostface, that despicable figure who dared to lay a hand on you, Heeseung's anger boiled over, reaching its breaking point. The knife pressed against your throat, the blood seeping from the wound, it was all too much for him to bear. With a guttural roar of fury, Heeseung nearly hurled the TV across the room, his muscles coiled like a tightly wound spring ready to unleash its pent-up fury.

"Come to the beginning and you'll find your precious little thing," Ghostface's words echoed in his mind, a cruel taunt that fueled Heeseung's determination to bring justice to those who dared to harm you. As the video abruptly cut off and the news anchor's voice filled the room, Heeseung's gaze hardened into icy determination.

"We can only pray for Y/n to return safely and hope that Ghostface will be taken care of," the news anchor's words were a mere backdrop to Heeseung's seething rage. With a menacing edge to his voice, Heeseung spoke, his tone laced with dark intent.

"Oh, I will make sure he will be taken care of," he muttered, his laughter carrying a sinister edge as he stalked towards his room, the crackling of his knuckles punctuating his ominous declaration. With a sense of grim purpose, Heeseung knew what he had to do. The message had been received, and Ghostface would soon learn the full extent of Heeseung's wrath.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

As you struggled against the restraints, your body protesting every movement, you felt a surge of desperation overwhelming you. Ignoring the pain shooting through your limbs, you wriggled back and forth in a futile attempt to free yourself from the confines of the chair. Each movement was met with a chorus of protests from your protesting muscles, but you pressed on, driven by a primal instinct to escape.

Just as you tried to shift away from the IV stand, the sound of the door opening halted your movements. Your heart raced as you watched Ghostface enter the room once more, his presence casting a chilling shadow over the already dimly lit basement. His cold, calculating eyes locked onto yours as he approached, a syringe in his hand.

"Changed position, eh?" Ghostface remarked casually, his voice dripping with malice as he closed the distance between you. "Hey! Hey! No, keep that away from me!" you shouted, your voice trembling with desperation. Your screams of protest fell on deaf ears as he ignored your pleas, swiftly injecting the foreign substance into your arm with a zero disregard for your well-being. "There, was that so hard?"

The effects washed over you. A woozy sensation washed over you, your vision blurring as spots danced before your eyes. Your body felt weightless, disconnected from reality as the world spun around you. You tried to resist, but it was a losing battle. Before you knew it, consciousness slipped away, leaving you adrift in a sea of black.

Ghostface stood over your limp body, a cruel smile twisting his lips as he surveyed his handiwork. With a rough tug on your hair, he ensured that you were thoroughly incapacitated before cutting you loose from the chair. Hoisting your unconscious form over his shoulder, he carried you upstairs to a dimly lit living room, where he deposited you into another chair.

Methodically, he bound your wrists together behind the chair with thick ropes, ensuring that you were securely restrained. Your legs followed suit, bound tightly with more rope until any hope of escape was extinguished. With a strip of duct tape pressed firmly over your mouth, he silenced any potential cries for help, leaving you gagged and helpless.

Finally, he placed a bag over your head, shrouding you in darkness as he left you alone in the silent room.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

You stirred groggily, your senses slowly coming back to you as you regained consciousness. Pain radiated through your body, a constant reminder of the ordeal you had endured. You tried to blink away the darkness that surrounded you, but your vision remained obscured by the bag over your head. Panic welled up inside you as you realized you couldn't see, couldn't speak, couldn't move freely.

Your limbs felt heavy and restrained, bound tightly by the ropes that held you captive. With a muffled groan, you attempted to shift your position, but the bindings held firm, rendering your efforts futile. You could hear the faint murmur of a television in the background, the sound of a horror movie echoing through the room.

Suddenly, his voice cut through the silence, sending a shiver down your spine. "Ah, you're awake!" he taunted, though you couldn't see him. You made an attempt to respond, but the tape over your mouth silenced any words that tried to escape, all you could do was make sounds of frustration and discomfort, hoping to convey your distress. "Be quiet," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. You huffed in frustration but complied, knowing that any resistance would only lead to further punishment.

As the minutes stretched into hours, hunger gnawed at your stomach, a reminder of your long captivity. "You hungry?" he asked, his tone dripping with mockery. You nodded, a futile gesture. "Aww, that's too bad. I haven't gone shopping at all," he taunted, his words a cruel reminder that he held all the power.

Time seemed to blur together as you sat in that uncomfortable position. The absence of sound and movement only served to amplify your sense of helplessness, leaving you feeling isolated and vulnerable. Anger simmered beneath the surface as you struggled against your restraints, the frustration of your situation boiling over with each passing moment.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

The oppressive silence was shattered by the sudden flick of a switch, followed by a deafening crash that reverberated through the room. Startled, you strained against your restraints, your heart pounding with a mixture of fear and hope. "Show yourself!" a deep voice bellowed, the authority in its tone sending a shiver down your spine. Without a doubt, you knew it was Heeseung. He had come for you.

As you listened intently, another voice joined the fray, equally deep but tinged with a sinister edge. "Ahh, such an honor to finally meet you, Ghostface," the other Ghostface purred, his words laced with malice. "I have waited long for this opportunity for us to meet. I just wished it was under different circumstances."

"Where is she?" Heeseung's voice demanded, "She's around here," Ghostface replied cryptically, sending a chill down your spine. "But I won't let you get to her, at least not yet."

"I don't give a fuck. I don't follow your rules," Heeseung retorted, his voice dripping with defiance. "I don't want you to follow me! I want to follow you!" Ghostface exclaimed, his desperation palpable. "Please! For months, I have followed your career, seen the massacre you have left behind! And you suddenly leave all that behind for what?! For a woman that isn't worth your time?!"

You couldn't help but feel a surge of disbelief at Ghostface 2's fanaticism. "She is worth everything to me," Heeseung stated firmly, his unwavering devotion evident in his voice. Suddenly, a cry rang out, followed by the sounds of chaos—a cacophony of things falling and breaking. "I killed for you! Is this how you treat your number one fan?!" Ghostface`s voice cracked with desperation.

But Heeseung's resolve remained unyielding. "I don't care! I never asked you to do this! You simply acted out and now you hurt my girl? Yeah, I don't think so!" His voice thundered with righteous fury, punctuated by the sounds of struggle and a shout of pain.

As the chaos unfolded, you could only listen helplessly, caught in the midst of a battle between two forces—one driven by love, the other by madness.

You strained against your restraints, the muffled sounds of struggle echoing around you. Suddenly, a loud thump reverberated through the space, followed by the unmistakable sound of a body hitting the floor. Your heart raced, and you tried to scream through the gag, unable to discern whose body had fallen.

In a swift motion, the bag covering your head was ripped away, and you squinted against the sudden onslaught of light, blinking rapidly to adjust. As your vision cleared, you found yourself face to face with the Ghostface mask, but a surge of relief washed over you when you realized it was Heeseung behind it.

"Are you okay, angel? I mean… of course, you're not okay! But like, I mean… oh, forget it," Heeseung's words tumbled out in a rush, a mix of concern and relief evident in his voice. Tears welled up in your eyes, as you spoke through the gag.

"It's okay, I'm here, angel. I'm here," Heeseung reassured you, his voice a soothing balm to your frayed nerves. With gentle hands, he removed the tape from your mouth, allowing you to draw in a shaky breath. As you gasped for air, Heeseung retrieved a knife and began cutting through the ropes binding your wrists.

However, your relief was short-lived as you noticed Ghostface stirring. Panic surged through you, and you tried to warn Heeseung, but your voice came out as a hushed whisper. Sensing your fear, Heeseung swiftly rose to his feet, positioning himself protectively in front of you. With a swift movement, he placed the knife in your hand.

The room reverberated with Ghostface's chilling laughter as he rose to his feet, his deranged chuckles echoing off the walls. His laughter turned more sinister as he threw his head back, his gaze fixing on you and Heeseung. "That was a good move! Really, Ghostface! You have such raw talent… don't you agree?" he taunted, but Heeseung remained silent.

Taking advantage of the distraction, you focused on cutting yourself free from the ropes binding your wrists, the knife Heeseung had given you proving to be your lifeline. With each precise cut, you felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through your veins, driving you to free yourself as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, Heeseung brandished a switchblade, as he prepared to defend both himself and you.

As Ghostface lunged towards Heeseung, the two engaged in a fierce struggle, their bodies colliding with force. Heeseung skillfully parried each blow, his movements fluid and calculated, but his priority remained protecting you from harm. With a sense of urgency, you worked feverishly to cut through the ropes binding your legs, your heart pounding in your chest as you pushed through the pain.

Suddenly, Ghostface managed to tackle Heeseung to the ground, raining down punches upon him as he writhed beneath the onslaught. In a desperate bid to intervene, you finally succeeded in freeing yourself from the ropes and staggered to your feet, your body protesting every movement.

Your eyes widened in horror as you witnessed Ghostface raising a knife, poised to strike Heeseung. Without a second thought, you screamed out in defiance and lunged forward, driving the knife into Ghostface's back with all your strength. The assailant let out a guttural scream of agony as you twisted the blade, causing him to stumble backward in shock and pain.

Heeseung wasted no time in seizing the opportunity, swiftly rising to his feet and catching you in his arms, pulling you close to him as you leaned against his chest. "I refuse this betrayal!" Ghostface roared in fury, wrenching the knife from his back with a cry of rage. Shifting his gaze between Heeseung and you, his twisted words dripping with hatred. "This whore is nothing compared to me!" he spat, his voice dripping with venom.

"She is not for you to compare, asshole!" Heeseung retorted, his voice ringing with defiance as he stood protectively in front of you.

Ghostface clutched the knife you had used to stab him, his eyes burned with fury as he lunged at Heeseung once again. But Heeseung was prepared this time. With lightning reflexes, he tackled Ghostface, the two adversaries crashing to the ground in a tangle of limbs and rage. They grappled fiercely, exchanging punches and kicks as they fought for dominance, the sound of their struggle echoing through the house.

Meanwhile, you stood frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do amidst the chaos unfolding before you. But Heeseung's urgent command snapped you out of your daze. "Y/N! Go!" he shouted. Responding instinctively, you scrambled to comply, your heart pounding with adrenaline-fueled urgency.

"Oh no you don`t!" Ghostface said, refusing to relent, lashed out with a vicious punch, striking Heeseung before seizing your ankle in a desperate attempt to impede your escape. You stumbled, falling to the ground under the force of his grip, but you refused to submit.

With a surge of determination, you kicked out fiercely, connecting with Ghostface's face with a resounding impact. He cried out in pain, his grip loosening as you scrambled away, seizing the opportunity to break free from his grasp.

Your heart pounded in your chest as you scoured the nearby rooms, the sounds of the struggle in the living room serving as a sign that you were in the clear. You moved quickly, until you found yourself in the kitchen. When suddenly, the sharp report of a gunshot rang out, causing you to startle and whirl around in alarm.

Before you could react, Ghostface appeared before you, brandishing a gun. "Come on!" Relief flooded through you as you realized it was Heeseung under the mask.

Ghostface's enraged shouts reverberated through the living room, with thundering steps echoing behind you, you and Heeseung hastily retreated, seeking any means of escape from the relentless pursuit.

Turning to face the approaching threat, you and Heeseung found yourselves confronted by Ghostface, his figure bearing witness to the injury inflicted upon him by Heeseung's well-aimed shot. Despite his wounded state, Ghostface pressed on, driven by a fanatical determination to capture his prey.

"Go!" Heeseung's urgent command sliced through the chaos, accompanied by the unmistakable click of a gun being aimed. You darted forward, seeking refuge as Heeseung lifted the weapon, his steely gaze fixed on Ghostface's retreating form. But the masked assailant found cover behind the kitchen island, evading the imminent threat of gunfire.

Scanning your surroundings frantically, you dashed through the family room, your heart pounding with adrenaline-fueled desperation. Your hopes were dashed as you attempted to open the balcony door, only to find it locked tight, sealing off any chance of escape. Frustration bubbled within you as you cursed under your breath, your mind racing for an alternative route to safety.

With no time to waste, you bolted into a nearby bedroom, seeking refuge within its confines. Turning to Heeseung for reassurance, you watched as he faced Ghostface, his ammunition depleted and his stance poised for combat. In a split-second exchange, Ghostface lunged forward with a vicious stab, aiming for Heeseung's form.

"No!" Your anguished cry echoed through the room as you witnessed the violent clash between the two adversaries. Heeseung's swift reflexes saved him from a direct blow, but the knife still found its mark, leaving a deep gash across his arm. With a pained grunt, Heeseung retaliated, delivering a forceful kick that sent Ghostface sprawling to the ground.

As the intense struggle continued, Ghostface seized Heeseung's leg, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground. With swift precision, Ghostface climbed on top of Heeseung, raining down a barrage of punches upon him. Heeseung grunted in pain, his muscles straining as he attempted to defend himself against the relentless assault. In a desperate bid for control, Heeseung managed to reverse their positions, landing a series of powerful punches of his own before Ghostface retaliated, once again gaining the upper hand.

Meanwhile, you scanned the room for any potential weapon to aid in your escape. Your eyes landed on a wooden cutting board nearby, and without hesitation, you seized it, preparing for action. With determination fueling your movements, you swung the cutting board with all your strength, striking Ghostface squarely in the head. A sharp cry of pain echoed through the room as Ghostface staggered, momentarily stunned by the unexpected blow. Seizing the opportunity, Heeseung swiftly extricated himself from beneath Ghostface's grasp, urging you to flee with him.

Racing toward the front door, hope flickered within you as the possibility of escape loomed tantalizingly close. However, your relief was short-lived as a sudden jolt of agony pierced through your body, sending you crashing to the ground. As you struggled to comprehend the source of the pain, Heeseung turned back to you in alarm, only to be met with the chilling realization of your plight.

"I did it!" Ghostface's triumphant declaration pierced the air, his sinister presence looming behind you. You were violently pulled upright, as a surge of pain shot through you. With horrifying clarity, you realized that Ghostface had thrown a dagger at you, the searing pain in your back confirming the deadly accuracy of his aim. Tears welled in your eyes as you cried out in anguish, the agony of the wound searing through your senses.

"You motherfucker!" Heeseung's enraged voice reverberated through the room. Yet, the threat of the dagger pressed against your throat silenced any further action from Heeseung. Frozen in place, Heeseung stood helplessly.

Heeseung's trembling hands betrayed the fierce restraint he exercised, his entire being a coiled spring of tension as he struggled to contain his mounting fury. "Take off the mask," Ghostface's sudden command sliced through the air, demanding compliance with chilling authority. "What?" Heeseung's voice wavered with disbelief his gaze locked with Ghostface's behind the menacing mask.

"You heard me. I wanna see you. I wanna see my idol," Ghostface persisted, his grip tightening on your arm as he began to pull you along. With each step, the ache of your injuries throbbed relentlessly, but you forced yourself to endure, your resolve unyielding even as pain threatened to overwhelm you. As Ghostface ascended the stairs, dragging you along in his wake, Heeseung followed closely behind, his every movement fraught with tension.

"I went through all this effort! I mean, the bitch stabbed me, I had to quit soccer, kill my parents when they started to suspect! And the dot over the i was I had to hit your little angel here with my car! I mean, that car costed more than herself!"

His words hung heavy in the air, a chilling testament to the lengths he had gone to fulfill his twisted desires. But it was his admission of hitting you with his car that sent a shockwave of horror coursing through your veins. The memories flooded back in a torrent of images and sensations, the screeching tires, the sickening impact, the overwhelming darkness that followed.

Heeseung's reaction was visceral, his incredulous rage boiling over as he struggled to comprehend the depths of Ghostface's depravity. "You what!?!?" his voice rang out.

In a fit of unbridled fury, Heeseung lunged forward, his muscles coiled with tension as he prepared to unleash his pent-up wrath upon Ghostface. But just as his outstretched hands reached for Ghostface's throat, the masked assailant yelped in genuine fear, his reflexes kicking in as he swiftly pulled you with him, narrowly evading Heeseung's vicious assault.

The sheer velocity of his movements sent a shiver down your spine as you watched the scene unfold before you, the knife held perilously close to your throat. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Heeseung's gaze snapped to the spot where Ghostface now stood with you, after barely managing to dodge his attack, his fists clenched.

With a sharp intake of breath, Heeseung reeled back. Though the urge to lash out still simmered beneath the surface, he knew that his priority now was ensuring your safety, no matter the cost. And with a heavy sigh, Heeseung reluctantly acquiesced, raising his arms in resignation as he shed his hood and removed the mask, revealing his bruised and bloodied face beneath. Relief flooded through you at the sight of his familiar features, a stark contrast to the chilling facade of the Ghostface mask he wore.

But any semblance of comfort was shattered by Ghostface's chilling words, his laughter a haunting echo in the empty corridors. "Well.. well... well. If it isn't Lee Heeseung..." His voice dripped with malice, each word laced with contempt. "You know! Now that I think about it! You are really the perfect Ghostface! I can't believe I didn't see it before!"

Heeseung's response was a silent glare, his features twisted in a mask of restrained fury. But as Ghostface's attention remained fixed on Heeseung, you seized the opportunity for action. With a surge of adrenaline, you launched a swift kick at Ghostface's shin, causing him to yelp in pain and drop the knife he had been brandishing menacingly.

As the knife clattered to the ground, a familiar glint caught your eye—a flash of recognition amidst the chaos. It was the butterfly knife that Heeseung had gifted you, now tarnished with blood. Without hesitation, you snatched it up in your hand, gripping it.

Heeseung wasted no time with you free from Ghostface`s grip, he seized your hand. propelling you forward as he led the charge down the hallway. Behind you, Ghostface's enraged cries echoed through the corridors, a cacophony of curses and threats that fueled your desperate flight to safety.

Your feet stumbled over the uneven floor as you raced to escape the looming threat of Ghostface. The hallway stretched endlessly before you, the walls seeming to close in with each passing second, amplifying the urgency of your flight.

Finally, Heeseung burst through the door of an open room, dragging you inside before swiftly slamming it shut behind you.

As the room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the sound of your pounding heart, Heeseung swiftly moved to lock the door, his hands trembling with urgency. The metal handle rattled violently as Ghostface exerted force from the other side, his relentless assault threatening to breach the flimsy barrier between safety and chaos. Heeseung's shock was palpable as he stared at the quivering door, his eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and determination.

While Heeseung grappled with the imminent threat at the door, your gaze swept across the room in search of any means of escape. The bedroom offered little in terms of refuge, its modest furnishings offering no sanctuary from the looming danger. You glanced out the window, but the sight of the daunting drop to the ground below dissuaded any thoughts of escape via that route.

Suddenly, the thundering assault on the door ceased, replaced by an eerie quiet that sent a shiver down your spine. Heeseung's instincts kicked in, and he swiftly retreated, pulling you close as a deafening gunshot echoed through the room. The door handle shattered under the force of the bullet, sending wooden splinters flying as the door swung open, the lock rendered useless by Ghostface's firepower.

Heeseung's gasp of alarm prompted swift action as he dove, dragging you with him, to take cover behind the bed. The bed provided little protection from the onslaught, and you screamed as each shot rang out, the sound reverberating in your ears.

As the gun clicked empty, Ghostface cursed under his breath, the frustration evident in his voice as he fumbled for more ammunition. In that fleeting moment of respite, you blinked, and with a sudden burst of movement, Heeseung launched himself over the bed, his form a blur as he collided with Ghostface in a whirlwind of violence.

The two figures grappled on the floor again. Punches were thrown with reckless abandon. Rolling and tumbling across the floor, they fought tooth and nail, locked in a deadly dance of survival.

In a desperate bid for freedom, you seized the fleeting opportunity and bolted out of the room, your heart pounding in your chest as adrenaline surged through your veins. But as you raced down the hallway, the sudden eruption of gunshots and Heeseung's unmistakable yell pierced through the chaos, freezing you in your tracks. You whirled around in shock, only to find Ghostface charging towards you with menacing determination, his voice echoing with malice as he closed in.

"There's no escape, sweetheart!" His taunting words echoed through the air, sending shivers down your spine as you continued to flee. But despite your efforts, Ghostface swiftly caught up to you, his iron grip seizing hold of you and slamming you forcefully onto the unforgiving ground. Panic surged through you as his hands closed around your neck, squeezing the life out of you with merciless force. "You've been a thorn in my side for too long! This ends now!" he growled.

Desperation fueled your fight as you kicked and thrashed against him, your cries muffled by the crushing pressure of his hands. Tears blurred your vision as you gasped for precious air, the suffocating grip of Ghostface tightening with each passing moment. "Get off!" you choked out, your voice raw with anguish as the world spun around you. "I can't wait to see the life draining from your eyes," he hissed.

Just when it seemed all hope was lost, a sudden roar echoed through the air, and the weight of Ghostface was abruptly lifted from you. Gasping for breath, you watched through tear-streaked eyes as Heeseung launched himself at Ghostface, the two figures crashing through the railing of the stairs down to the first floor, the sound of their bodies hitting the floor echoing in your ears.

"Heeseung!" you rasped, your voice barely a whisper as you staggered down the stairs, your limbs trembling. At the bottom, you found them both lying motionless amidst the wreckage of shattered wood, their bodies battered and broken from the fall.

With trembling hands and a racing heart, you made it down beside Heeseung, the urgency of the moment driving you forward. You checked his pulse, relief washing over you as you felt the reassuring thump under your fingertips. He was alive. Alive and here, with you. "Please, Heeseung, stay with me! Stay with me, baby!" you pleaded, your voice quivering with fear and desperation as you caressed his cheek, willing him to awaken.

Your attention shifted to the bleeding wounds from the gunshot, adrenaline surging as you swiftly removed the Ghostface costume from his body. Beneath the facade of terror, Heeseung was clad in simple jeans and a bloodied sweater, his peaceful face a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding you. Thinking quickly, you applied pressure to his wounds, your mind racing with fear and determination.

Just then, groans pierced the air, and you looked up to see Ghostface slowly rising. Panic surged through you, your heart pounding as you clung to Heeseung, shielding him with your body. As Ghostface turned toward you, his chilling words sent a shiver down your spine. "Well… I have to give it to you, Y/n… you not only survived Heeseung, but you also made him risk his life for you… good job," he remarked, as he stepped away from you.

Your shock quickly turned to terror as Ghostface returned quickly with a kitchen knife in hand, his intent clear. "I'll make this quick while Heeseung is still down," he declared, lunging forward in an attempt to grab you. With a surge of adrenaline, you evaded his grasp, your instincts driving you to flee. "Don't make this harder, Y/n!" he shouted after you as you dashed away, his menacing presence lingering in the air like a chilling specter of doom.

As you bolted down the dimly lit hallway, your heart thundered in your chest, each beat urging you forward in a frantic bid for escape. Behind you, the echoing footsteps of Ghostface followed ominously, driving you to push your trembling legs to their limits.

With every turn, you found yourself met with locked doors and barred windows, each obstacle serving as a grim reminder of your dire circumstances. Panic clawed at the edges of your mind as you desperately searched for any means of escape.

In a blur of motion, you careened into a deserted living room, the musty air heavy with the oppressive weight of fear. The dim glow of moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls like specters of the night.

As you scanned the room for a way out, your eyes fell upon a set of double doors leading to a balcony. With a surge of hope, you rushed towards them, your fingers grasping at the cold metal handle in a desperate attempt to break free from the suffocating confines of the house.

But your hopes were dashed as you found the doors locked tight, the cruel reality of your situation crashing down upon you like a tidal wave. Frantically, you rattled the handle, the sound of your pounding heart drowning out the desperate pleas for salvation that echoed in your mind.

Behind you, Ghostface drew closer, looming like a specter in the darkness. With each passing moment, the gap between you narrowed, his chilling laughter ringing in your ears like a death knell.

Forced to abandon the balcony as a means of escape, you turned and bolted down another hallway, your footsteps echoing in the empty corridors as you fled from the encroaching darkness that pursued you relentlessly.

As you ran, you could feel the tendrils of exhaustion creeping in, your breaths coming in ragged gasps as your muscles screamed in protest. Yet, driven by sheer instinct and the primal urge to survive, you pressed on.

With every passing second, the house seemed to close in around you, its labyrinthine halls twisting and turning like a maze designed to ensnare the unwary. Yet, through sheer grit and determination, you fought against the suffocating grip of despair, refusing to succumb to the darkness that threatened to consume you whole.

In a desperate bid for survival, you ducked into a cluttered study, the musty scent of old books filling the air as you scanned the room for a means of escape. But before you could react, Ghostface burst through the doorway.

With lightning reflexes, you dodged his initial lunge, the sharp edge of the blade grazing your shoulder as you stumbled backward. Ignoring the searing pain, you seized upon the nearest object—a heavy desk lamp—and swung it with all your might, the metal base connecting with Ghostface's arm with a sickening thud.

With a cry of pain, he recoiled, momentarily stunned by the force of the blow. Seizing the opportunity, you darted past him, racing down the hallway, the echoes of his enraged shouts echoing in your wake.

But Ghostface was relentless, his footsteps thundering behind you as you rounded a corner, you stumbled upon a small alcove, its shelves lined with an assortment of knick-knacks and trinkets. Without hesitation, you seized upon a porcelain vase, its delicate form offering little resistance as you hurled it at Ghostface with all your might.

The vase shattered upon impact, sending a spray of ceramic shards cascading through the air as Ghostface recoiled, you darted past him once more, heart pounding in your chest as you raced towards the nearest exit.

As you ran towards the front where you had left Heeseung, your heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anticipation, you heard a sickening crunch from behind you. With a jolt, you turned around, your eyes widening in shock as you witnessed Heeseung swinging the wooden cutting board with all his might, striking Ghostface squarely in the face. The force of the blow caused Ghostface to stumble backward, dropping the knife in the process.

Frozen in place, you watched in disbelief as Heeseung grabbed a machete from seemingly nowhere, his expression resolute as he raised it high, ready to deliver a fatal blow. Before you could react, you shouted out, "No!"

But it was too late. With a swift motion, Heeseung brought the machete down, aiming directly at Ghostface. However, instead of slashing, the blade pierced through the cloak of Ghostface, slicing through the fabric and embedding itself into the wooden floor below.

Your eyes widened in shock as Heeseung collapsed, the exertion of the fight taking its toll on him. Without hesitation, you rushed to his side, holding him close as you called out his name desperately. Heeseung's breathing was slow and labored, his gaze still fixed on Ghostface with a fierce intensity.

Turning your attention to Ghostface, you watched as Heeseung stretched out his trembling hand and tore off the mask, revealing the face beneath. In that moment, everything seemed to freeze as the weight of the truth settled upon you.

It was Taehyung....

How could you have been so blind? How could you have missed the signs, the subtle clues that now seemed glaringly obvious?

With a mix of relief and horror, you held onto Heeseung, gently cradling his head, your heart aching at the sight of him wounded and exhausted.

As you slowly helped Heeseung up, his weight leaning heavily on you, you both made your way to the front door, as you reached out to try the door handle, the cruel reality of your situation slammed into you. Locked.

"Fuck," you muttered under your breath, frustration and desperation clawing at your throat. Casting a quick glance around the house, your eyes settled on a room, a potential source of salvation. "I'll be right back," you promised Heeseung, guiding him to a corner where he could rest against the wall.

Limping toward the room, every step a painful reminder of the ordeal you had endured, you scanned the space for something—anything—that could break down the door. Just as you were about to return with your makeshift weapon, the air was pierced by the sound of yelling and shouting, a cacophony of rage and desperation.

Heart pounding, you hurried back to the scene, but what you found was beyond your worst nightmares. Both Taehyung and Heeseung were gone, leaving behind only pools of blood and the gleaming machete on the floor. "Heeseung?!" you cried out, the word tearing from your throat like a desperate plea.

Instead, the sound of glass shattering drew your attention to the back of the house. Racing through the living room to the family room, you skidded to a halt at the shattered backdoor, where Taehyung and Heeseung were locked in a vicious struggle amidst a sea of broken glass.

Taehyung's face was a mask of fury and pain, his features twisted with anger and resentment, while Heeseung's own visage bore the marks of battle, blood trickling from a wound on his head. They traded blows, each punch a symphony of violence and determination, as they fought tooth and nail for their lives.

"You are not worthy of bearing the mask!" Taehyung's voice echoed through the chaos, his words dripping with venom. Heeseung's response was swift and furious, his own voice ringing out with defiance. "It's not about being worthy! It's about coverage, you son of a bitch!"

As you tried to make your way through the chaotic opening, your eyes widened in shock as you witnessed Heeseung's desperate move. Gripping a jagged chunk of broken glass, he drove it mercilessly through Taehyung's stomach, the latter's cry of surprise piercing the air. Taehyung staggered back, clutching the shard tightly in disbelief, his eyes darting between the blood-soaked glass and Heeseung's face, a mixture of shock and fury contorting his features.

Frozen in place, you watched in horror as the scene unfolded before you, the violence and brutality of it all threatening to overwhelm your senses. But in the midst of the chaos, you failed to realize the danger looming perilously close to you.

Taehyung, his gaze ablaze with a twisted resolve, caught sight of you out of the corner of his eye. "I may never be worthy of your praise… but I'm at least not going down alone," he spat, his voice dripping with venomous intent.

With a sudden whirl of motion, Taehyung pulled out the glass shard, his movements fueled by a primal desperation, and lunged toward you with a bloodcurdling scream. The other end of the shard found its mark, plunging into your stomach with a searing pain that radiated through every fiber of your being. "No!" Heeseung's anguished cry echoed in your ears as he rushed to your side, catching you before you could collapse to the ground.

"Y/n! Baby! Stay with me, please!" Heeseung's voice was raw with emotion as he cradled your head in his trembling hands. Through the haze of agony, you struggled to focus, your vision blurred as tears stung your eyes. All around you, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the cold, indifferent gaze of the night sky above.

As Heeseung desperately pleaded for you to stay awake, his words echoed faintly in the recesses of your mind. "Please, baby! Angel, don't close your eyes!" His voice trembled with anguish, each syllable a desperate plea to keep you tethered to consciousness. But the world around you seemed to blur into an indistinct haze, and you struggled to focus through the fog of pain and exhaustion.

The chill of the night air seeped into your skin, a biting reminder of the harsh reality surrounding you. With a delirious gaze, you tried to meet Heeseung's eyes, but the blurriness that clouded your vision thwarted your attempts. All you could manage were shallow breaths, each inhalation laced with a searing ache that radiated from the wound in your stomach.

In a feeble attempt to alleviate your suffering, you weakly pushed against Heeseung's hands as he sought to tend to your wound. "No, please!" His voice cracked with emotion as he persisted, hastily wrapping the wound with his sweater, the fabric stained with a grim mosaic of dirt and blood. The pristine white of your angelic dress had long been tainted, obscured by the grim realities of the night's ordeal.

The last semblance of awareness flickered within you as you registered a primal snarl echoing through the darkness, followed by the sensation of Heeseung's warm hands slipping away from your skin. And then, like a veil descending over your senses, darkness enveloped you, swallowing you whole in its unfathomable depths.

In that silent void, devoid of sensation or perception, you floated in a state of limbo. Time ceased to hold any meaning, and you drifted aimlessly, suspended between the realms of life and death. Was this the end, the culmination of your journey? In the quiet expanse of the void, you pondered the elusive nature of mortality, wondering if this was indeed the final chapter of your existence.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

As consciousness gradually seeped back into your being, you felt the weight of your entire body, as if every limb was burdened by a heavy weariness. Slowly, tentatively, you blinked your eyes open, greeted by the sterile whiteness of a ceiling. Confusion clouded your thoughts momentarily, casting a veil over your senses as you struggled to comprehend your surroundings.

Your gaze drifted downward, and to your astonishment, you found yourself confined to a hospital bed, ensnared by a web of tubes and IV lines tethering you to the medical apparatus. An oxygen mask obscured part of your face, its presence a reminder of the fragility of your existence. Squinting against the harsh glare of the hospital lights, you turned your head slightly, your eyes alighting upon the heart monitor stationed beside you.

But amidst the bewildering array of medical equipment, your gaze was drawn to a familiar sight—an unmistakable tuft of hair that stirred a surge of recognition within you. Heeseung. The name reverberated through your mind, a whisper of clarity amidst the fog of uncertainty. He lay beside you, clad in hospital attire, his form relaxed in slumber as he clasped your hand in his, a silent vigil of unwavering devotion.

A swell of emotion welled within you as you beheld his peaceful countenance, a silent guardian standing sentinel by your bedside. Despite the chaos that had besieged you both, he remained steadfast in his resolve, a beacon of strength and solace in the midst of turmoil. The sight of him stirred a profound sense of gratitude and affection within you, flooding your heart with a warmth that transcended the sterile confines of the hospital room.

As you attempted to move, the realization dawned upon you that you were restrained, bound by invisible chains that restricted your movements. A soft groan escaped your lips, a testament to your frustration and discomfort. However, that small sound was enough to rouse Heeseung from his slumber. Blinking his eyes open, he stirred and sat up, his gaze immediately fixating on you.

Fading bruises adorned his face, serving as a reminder of the extended time you had spent in this hospital bed. It became evident that you had been confined here for a considerable period.

Heeseung's eyes filled with tears of relief as his gaze locked onto yours. His whole face seemed to light up at the sight of you awake, his emotions overflowing as he reached for your hand. "Y/n!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with emotion as he pressed gentle kisses to your hand. It was as though a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders, his relief palpable as he visibly relaxed in your presence.

Struggling to find your voice, you attempted to utter his name, but your throat felt dry and parched. Heeseung seemed to understand your silent plea, and with gentle care, he rose from the bed, his movements fueled by a sense of urgency. Finding a bottle of water, he quickly opened it, offering you a reprieve from your thirst.

With tender precision, he adjusted your oxygen mask, allowing you to drink. The cool liquid washed over your parched throat, a refreshing sensation that brought tears to your eyes. It had been days, perhaps weeks, since you last had a drink, and the simple act of quenching your thirst felt like a luxury.

As you drank, Heeseung watched you with a mixture of love and concern, his gaze softening as he witnessed your relief. Once you had finished, he carefully replaced your oxygen mask, settling back beside you with a smile. His eyes were filled with an overwhelming sense of adoration as he regarded you.

"My strong angel," he murmured, his voice filled with reverence as he praised your resilience. You returned his smile, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that existed between you. However, as the memories of your time spent unconscious flooded back, a question lingered on your lips.

"How long have I been here?" you inquired, your voice tinged with uncertainty. Heeseung's expression darkened slightly, a grimace crossing his features as he scratched his neck in discomfort. "Three weeks," he muttered, his tone heavy with regret.

"And Taehyung?" you asked, the name leaving a bitter taste in your mouth as you uttered it. Heeseung's expression mirrored your unease, his features tensing slightly in response to the mention of Taehyung's name. "He's… gone," he replied somberly, confirming your suspicions. "He… is?" you questioned further, seeking confirmation from Heeseung. With a solemn nod, he affirmed Taehyung's fate.

"Did you kill him?" you inquired, surprised by your own nonchalant tone. Heeseung seemed taken aback by your question, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he nodded silently in response. A sense of calm washed over you, a strange relief settling in your heart. Under normal circumstances, you would never condone taking another's life, but in this instance, Taehyung had brought you nothing but suffering and pain. The thought of his demise brought you no remorse.

Heeseung had been your salvation, your protector amidst the chaos. His actions, though violent, were driven by a sense of duty and love for you. In contrast, Taehyung had succumbed to darkness, consumed by his relentless pursuit of approval from Heeseung. His descent into madness had left him irredeemable, a shadow of the person he once was.

In that moment, as you locked eyes with Heeseung, you knew that you had found your sanctuary, a haven from the storms that had ravaged your life. And as he returned your gaze with a love-struck expression, you felt a warmth spread through your being.

"What about Ghostface?" you inquired, seeking closure on the ordeal that had plagued your life.

Heeseung's response was swift and confident, his voice laced with assurance. "It's all taken care of, angel. They have no evidence," he assured you, his words bringing a sense of relief to your troubled mind.

As you nodded in gratitude, Heeseung's gaze softened, his thoughts drifting to a conversation you had shared earlier. "I was thinking about what you said… at my house," he began, prompting your curiosity.

Instantly, the memory flooded back to you, and you understood the weight of his words. "I do trust you, Angel… it's just, I didn't have much control over my life when my mother was around," he confessed, his voice tinged with bitterness. "And my father wasn't much help… I was at my limit, I couldn't take it anymore. Everything was too much, but I found my solace by hiding behind a mask… like a coward," he admitted, his tone heavy with remorse.

He let out a sigh, his gaze falling momentarily before meeting yours once again. "And I thought… why should I be the only one to suffer? And my road took me down a dark path which I regret… and I thought there was no saving me. Until you came," he confessed, his voice softer now, filled with vulnerability.

You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion, prompting Heeseung to continue. "You became my new solace, Angel… and suddenly life was worth living," he admitted, his words carrying the weight of his emotions. "Without you, I'm helpless, lost, misguided. I need you in my life. You are my oxygen, without you I'll go crazy," he confessed, his lips pressing gently against the back of your hand as he spoke.

As Heeseung gazed into your eyes with an intensity that made your heart flutter, he uttered those words that you had been longing to hear. "Y/n… be my girlfriend, please? Officially? Let me be your boyfriend, my love," he pleaded, his voice soft yet filled with sincerity.

Your heart ached with a mixture of joy and relief as you nodded in response. "I will be your girlfriend," you confirmed, your voice barely a whisper as emotions surged within you.

Heeseung leaned over you, his movements gentle and deliberate as he lowered your oxygen mask, allowing you both to share a kiss that was filled with all the love and devotion that had blossomed between you. It began slowly, a tender exploration of each other's lips, but soon ignited into a passionate exchange as the depth of your feelings poured into the intimate gesture.

As you pulled back, breathless and overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, Heeseung's eyes held a silent question, one that you answered with a nod of consent. "May I?" he asked, gesturing towards the bed beside you.

With a nod, you granted him permission, and Heeseung carefully climbed beside you, settling himself close as he wrapped his arms around you protectively. He adjusted your oxygen mask with gentle hands, his touch comforting and reassuring as he leaned his head against your chest, finding solace in the rhythm of your heartbeat.

You began to play with his hair, relishing in the softness of his locks beneath your fingertips. You noticed the stitches on his head, with a pang of guilt for the pain he had endured on your behalf, you traced the lines of his stitches with tender care.

As the rhythmic sound of his breathing filled the room, you felt yourself drifting into a peaceful slumber, cradled in the warmth of his love. And as you surrendered to the embrace of sleep.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

After weeks of healing in the hospital, your miraculous recovery became the talk of the town. News of your awakening spread like wildfire, making headlines in newspapers and capturing the attention of the entire community. The tale of your survival, coupled with the bravery of your boyfriend, Heeseung, captivated the hearts of many.

Within the span of a single day, the story of your ordeal unfolded across social media platforms and news outlets. The community rallied behind you, celebrating your resilience. The truth about Ghostface's demise emerged, revealing that you and Heeseung had acted in self-defense, bringing an end to the reign of terror that had plagued your lives.

As the days passed, the mystery surrounding the original Ghostface's disappearance and apparent retirement only added to the intrigue of the tale. Speculations and theories abounded, but one thing remained certain—Ghostface had become a mere legacy, a chapter in history buried beneath the weight of your survival and newfound strength.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

Under the somber light of the setting sun, Heeseung stood in the forest. In his hands, he held a small wooden box containing his Ghostface costume. With a solemn expression, he carefully dug a hole in the earth, the shovel scraping against the soil.

With a heavy heart, Heeseung placed the box into the ground, covering it with soil as if burying the ghosts of the past. He stood there for a moment, silent and contemplative, bidding farewell to the shadows that had haunted him for so long.

Meanwhile, you stood a little distance away, giving him the space he needed to say his farewells.

After a moment, Heeseung walked back to where you stood, his expression softened by the warmth of your presence. As you held out your hand to him, he took it without hesitation.

"Ready?" you asked softly, your voice a gentle reassurance. Heeseung nodded, his gaze meeting yours with unwavering resolve. "Ready," he affirmed, his hand tightening around yours as you walked away from the gravesite.

⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅

You laid comfortably on the couch, munching on popcorn as the horror movie played on the TV screen. When a jump scare startled you, you instinctively hid your face in your boyfriend's shoulder, seeking comfort from the sudden fright. Heeseung, lying beside you, wrapped an arm around you, pulling you closer to him.

"Are you okay, angel?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. You looked up at him, pouting slightly, as he smirked back at you. "I'm fine, thank you very much," you replied, turning your attention back to the movie. But Heeseung gently lifted your chin, making you meet his gaze. "You sure?" he pressed, refusing to let you off easily.

You nodded, trying to reassure him, but he held your jaw firmly. "Words, princess," he insisted. With a sigh, you repeated, "I'm fine." He hummed in response, leaning in as if to kiss you. Anticipating the kiss, you leaned forward too, but he merely snagged some popcorn kernels from your bowl, earning a playful protest from you.

"Hey, my popcorn!" you exclaimed, trying to snatch it back. He dodged your attempts, prompting you to climb onto his lap in pursuit. "Woah!" he exclaimed in surprise as you succeeded in reclaiming your snack, eating it with a smug expression.

But your victory was short-lived as you felt Heeseung's hands on your hips, causing you to look down and realize your position on his lap. His gaze was appreciative as he leaned back, admiring you with a lazy expression. "You look so good like that, angel," he murmured, his hands tracing patterns on your waist and hips.

"Don't get used to it," you warned, attempting to climb off his lap. However, Heeseung had other plans, easily pulling you back down with a playful smirk.

You looked down at Heeseung, confusion evident in your expression as you wondered what was going on in his mind. "What is this?" you asked, unsure of his intentions.

Heeseung's gaze softened as he looked up at you, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Nothing, just thinking about how lucky I am to have you as my girlfriend," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity.

Feeling your cheeks flush with warmth, you looked away shyly, unable to contain the flutter of emotions in your chest. But before you could gather your thoughts, Heeseung suddenly pulled you close to him, wrapping his arms around you in a tight embrace.

Giggles bubbled from your lips as you both rolled on the couch, caught up in the playful moment. Heeseung showered you with kisses, peppering your face with affectionate gestures that elicited more laughter from you. "Stoooop!" you protested between giggles, squirming in his grasp as you tried to escape his playful onslaught.

But Heeseung showed no signs of relenting, his laughter blending with yours as he continued to shower you with affection. "Never!" he declared playfully, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he held you close.

You managed to wriggle out of Heeseung's tight grip and quickly scrambled to the other side of the couch, putting some distance between the two of you. But when you glanced back, you saw Heeseung following after you with a mischievous glint in his eyes, his lips curved into a playful smirk. "Trying to run from me, angel?" he teased, his voice laced with amusement.

With a laugh, you climbed over the armrest of the couch and dashed through the house, the sound of your laughter echoing in the air.

Boxes from your recent move lay scattered around, adding an obstacle course-like challenge to your playful chase. "Just try and catch me, babe!" you called out teasingly as Heeseung chased after you, the thrill of the chase filling the air with excitement.

The house was soon filled with the cheerful melody of your laughter as Heeseung finally managed to catch up to you. With a mischievous grin, he began tickling you, eliciting joyful protests and giggles from you. "Heeseung!" you laughed, squirming under his touch. "Stop, please! I yield!"

Heeseung relented, pulling back with a satisfied grin, but then he lifted you up and settled back onto the couch, holding you close in his arms. "I caught you, I deserve a prize, don't I?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he tapped his cheek playfully, silently requesting a kiss.

"I think you do," you replied with a grin, leaning in to kiss his cheek. But he turned at the last moment, catching your lips in a sweet, unexpected kiss. You smiled at his playful behavior, returning the kiss with equal affection as you melted into his embrace.

As Heeseung maneuvered you effortlessly, you found yourself lying on your back on the couch, with him hovering over you, his lips never leaving yours. Your hands slipped up to tangle in his hair, pulling him closer as the intensity of the kiss deepened. With one hand supporting his weight above you, Heeseung's other hand began to explore, trailing a path from your chest down to your waist, then to your hip and thigh, mapping out every curve of your body with a gentle touch that sent shivers down your spine. As his hand returned to grip your waist, you couldn't help but gasp, granting him permission to deepen the kiss further.

Heeseung's lips moved against yours with a hunger that mirrored your own, his kiss a tantalizing blend of passion and desire that left you breathless. Eventually, he pulled back, allowing both of you to catch your breath. You took in deep lungfuls of air as you gazed up at him, your eyes filled with a mixture of desire and affection.

"Stop looking at me like that," you told him, your voice breathy and soft. "Like what?" Heeseung asked innocently, his eyes glinting mischievously. "Like I'm food," you explained, a hint of playful annoyance in your tone.

A smirk played on Heeseung's lips as he bit down on his bottom lip, his gaze dropping to your lips before returning to meet your eyes. "Well, maybe I'm hungry," he replied, his voice low and husky with desire.

As Heeseung's lips melded with yours in a fervent embrace, the world around you seemed to fade into oblivion. His kisses grew increasingly desperate, a reflection of the burning need that coursed through his veins, igniting every fiber of your being with an intensity that left you breathless.

With each tender caress of his lips, Heeseung worshipped every inch of your body, his touch leaving a trail of fire in its wake. His hands roamed with a purposeful urgency, tracing the curves of your form with an almost reverent touch as he whispered words of adoration and praise against your skin.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion as he pressed kisses along the curve of your neck, his breath hot against your skin. "I can't get enough of you." His words sent shivers down your spine, igniting a primal desire within you that threatened to consume you whole.

In the heat of the moment, all inhibitions melted away as you surrendered yourself completely to the intoxicating allure of his touch.

"You're my one and only," Heeseung confessed, his words a solemn vow that resonated deep within your soul.

As you and Heeseung shared passionate kisses on the couch, little did you know that nestled within his sock drawer lay a small velvet box, its contents a secret that he held close to his heart. Inside rested a symbol of his deepest commitment, a ring that he planned to reveal to you at the perfect moment, a moment that would signify his unwavering love and devotion to you.

For now, the box remained hidden, a precious treasure waiting to be unveiled when the time was right. As you melted into each other's embrace, lost in the bliss of the present moment, Heeseung's thoughts drifted to the future, to the day when he would kneel before you and ask for your hand in marriage, sealing your love for eternity.

But until then, he cherished these stolen moments with you, savoring every kiss and every touch as a testament to the deep bond that they shared.

The End

(or is it?)

[foxglovepng]

Mafia Eel Theory🌼🥀

Requested: Nope

CW: Mafia, Murder Mentions, Fish Racism(?), Kidnapping Mentions, Black Market Mentions, Selling body parts Mentions, Violence.

Characters: Floyd & Jade slight mention of Azul.

Some parts of this may get a little dark and deep however these are just my opinions and interpretations from other theories I have read.

Likes and Reblogs are greatly appreciated :D

Not proofread

🌼

I personally LOVE this theory once I read a post about it I was in love and now it has me gripped by the neck.

The Leech and Ashengrotto family are DEFINITELY business partners. I will die on that hill

When it comes to the TWST universe I believe there is a black market (just like IRL) and well the black market is shady because you can quite literally SELL BODY PARTS. So I think you can do that with the non-human people in TWST.

I feel Mer-folk people are highly targeted victims of this especially since you can eat fish as well.

There is a mention that Floyd doesn't like shackles and I think that when he was younger he was kidnapped by hunters trying to sell him.

They obviously lost because it has been mentioned that their parents have a lot of connections, so they definitely did not get far.

Don't quote me on this, but I believe it was mentioned somewhere that when the twins were younger they started self defense classes I feel like their parents would be afraid if they were to go on land they would probably get jumped by some of their families enemies and also of course so they can protect themselves from harm.

Their dad most likely is the head of their buisness/mafia/mob whatever you wanna call it and their mom probably helps with deals and whatnot.

After NRC they most likely will help with their parents with the Mafia business and if Azul and his parents are involved they could probably dominate the whole world /hj

I feel like also because of their Mafia scheme they were probably exposed to murder and violence at such a young age which is kind of sad.

Like imagine 5-year-old Jade and Floyd wanting a goodnight kiss and going to their parents to see their dad beating in the face in of someone. Kinda traumatizing.

They probably also represent their parents a bit. Like for example Floyd might be more like his dad and Jade more like his mom.

Their mom definitely has a garden full of poisonous plants for their enemies and talks with Jade a lot about plants and mushrooms.

Their dad definitely roughhouses with them a lot maybe with Floyd a bit more. Like Floyd could be minding his own business staring at the wall thinking about what he wants to eat and his dad will just tackle him to the ground.

They tend to 'drop' people if they find them boring and won't hesitate to do so. This probably came from the fact that clients or potential business partners try to do business but their tactics are boring so they get dropped easily.

In theory Mafia Leech family is cannon in my heart <3

If you liked feel free to reblog and like. If you want to request something feel free to go to my requests page or if you just want to share your thoughts go ahead.

[jacenotjason]

How would the opposite neighborhood react to seeing their original selfs?

i wanna draw this, but im gonna jot my thoughts down real quick!!

(Here’s the AU masterpost!)

Also doodles!!

They try their best to find something they have in common. I feel like OG Eddie is way to nice to be scared or like grossed out by Opposite, he’d just feel a little bad and wanna be his friend.

They talk about Frank, they have that in common. Like:

OG: …uhm.. arts and crafts?

OP: I’m not five? What about sports?

OG: I can’t follow along with all that..

OP: eugh… mm…

OG: …

OP: ..Frank?

OG: Frank!!

OP: Frank!

Oh they would hate each other. OG would be trying to be nice and then Opposite would insult his business model, and then they fight. I lowkey wanna see these two brawl, I think opposite would kick OGs ass no offense.

OP: *looking around OGs store* Where’s your price tags? The unlabeled scam is scummy, even for me.

OG: Hm? Oh, buddy, I don’t charge money for my products!

OP: … What?

OG: Yah! I prefer accepting other meanings of payment! Things much more valuable then money, friend!

OP: … That’s dumb.

OG: 🙂 what.

Then they BRAWL!! Ok probably not OG howdy probably doesn’t resort to violence. But a lot of insults are thrown back n forth hueurheye-

I honestly think they’d love each other. OP is basically Franny, and OG is OP.Franny they’d literally just:

OG&OP, at the same time: You look like my sister!!

Plus they both love fashion, and hair, and makeup, and Sally- ohmygod theyd be the best of friends i cant even theyd be so girlboss together

OG teaches her some games, and then OP teaches her some girlboss survival skills. Before they leave, OP gives her a pink sparkly pocket knife to remember her by :3

Yknow that fancy rich ppl thing ppl do where they kiss each others cheek? They do that

OG: My dear! Won’t you let me in? I’m you, you can trust me!

OP: what in gods name makes you think I trust myself..?

OG: We are one in the same, starlight! I am you, you are me! A mirrored doppelgänger of your own image! I don’t look to harm you, starlight! Put aside your distrust.. for yourself?

OP: haha… okay, shakesqueer…

Then OP lets her in :3

I have lots of thoughts about these two hanging out. OG makes her a new outfit after judging her gross clothes, lightheartedly ofc and OP is like “haha yeah its gross” and OP gets a cute dress! OP absolutely shocks and destroys OG in video games, they dance together, and they talk about Julie huehuehuehue

WAHHH THESE TWO! I honestly feel like theyd get along, but have little bickering about their different mothering styles.

OG: a.. punk mother? Interesting..

OP: whaat? My kids are all party animals, just like me! I can’t contain that.

OG: haha that’s fair.. I guess.. but.. partying? Thats so… much..

OP: …dude unclench your beak and live a little.

Someone calls OP Ma and OG is like “Ma? Thats so sweet.. i wish my neighbors called me mom :>..”

OG: a dog wearin’ pants? That ain’t right.

OP: aah.. it’s just.. to walk around half naked, is that not discomfiting?

OG: Discomfiting?? Thats a big ol’ word for a big ol’ dog.

OP: Ahaha… I’ve got a bit of a considerable vocabulary.

OG: you got a word-a-day calendar or somethin?

I feel like they’d be friends? Maybe?? OG kinda pokes fun at OP and OP is like “I’m talking to my opposite self :) dimension plane is real :) ain’t that wild :)”

OG: …

OP: .. :3

OG: …I have questions

OP: :D

OG: why the turtleneck?

OP: its like a shirt is giving my neck a hug! :D

OG: …ok. Why the hair?

OP: fluffy! :D

OG: no why is it white?

OP: I bleached it :D

OG: why?

OP: preti :D

[bokutosbiceps]

KENGAN ASHURA: any characters you’d like with a s/o who has a business and is a business person who’s part of the Kengan tournaments but they have another fighter.

ohma, raian, gaolang, agito (separately) x CEO!s/o

warnings: cursing, death threats, violence

a/n: i didn’t do any kengan omega characters since it clearly says kengan ashura even though i love my boi koga 🥺anyways, i hope you enjoy !! oh, also, i used gn pronouns for the reader (when necessary) since it seemed like that’s what you wanted in your request :3

tokita ohma would be incredibly jealous. like extremely jealous. he doesn’t understand why you’d ask someone else to be your company’s fighter when you’re literally dating him. he is always around whenever you’re strategizing with your fighter + he’ll make little quips like “i’d knock em out faster” or “i could beat the shit outta you so easily”. whenever you’re not around, he’ll make death threats toward your fighter to try to get them to back out so he could take his rightful place as your fighter. you have to set some very serious + clear boundaries w ohma so he can chill out. you’d have to explain that the main reason you don’t want him as your fighter is because you don’t wanna subject him to injury just for your benefit, even though he’s told you many times that he’d gladly go to battle, and die, for you. i could see him becoming fast friends w your fighter if they’re competent + laid back. he’s still jealous that you didn’t choose him, though. he has kind of pure intentions…but we all know the bastard just wants to fucking fight + even better, fight for you.

kure raian is going to be so fucking petty about it. he immediately starts bitching + whining to you. when that doesn’t work, he will seriously try to scare the shit out of the fighter you chose. i honestly don’t see him stopping at killing your fighter. if that happens, you realize you pretty much have to let raian be your fighter or else. if he decides against killing your fighter, he’ll make their life a living hell. and yours. he is around you + your fighter ever waking moment you spend together. first, he makes sure nothing fishy is going on. two, he makes sure that your fighter knows that they’re dead w a single wrong move or loss. your fighter might end up running away out of fear for their own life. raian will probably end up becoming your fighter one way or another. it’s completely unavoidable.

gaolang wongsawat likes that you’re strong willed + doesn’t really mind that you didn’t choose him to be your fighter. you guys keep your relationship + goalang’s job v separate, so he truly has no problem with this. he will, however, do a little bit of training w your fighter for both his + your benefit. it’s nice to have someone to spar w him since they’re always around but he also wants to make sure that they’re a competent fighter. he trains them super well + he helps your fighter bring you massive success. he wouldn’t hold back while fighting in a real match, though. sorry, but he’s going to put your fighter in the ground + not even feel bad about it. in the back of his mind, that’s kinda what you deserve for not choosing him to be your fighter. you know he’s more than capable. but again, he likes that about you. you make your decisions for yourself + he’s ready to stand behind whatever decision you make.

kanoh agito is surprisingly okay with it. he trusts your judgment + while he knows he’s stronger than 99.9% of the world, he lets you make your own decisions. plus, he knows he’s legally obligated to fight for metsudo so he wouldn’t be able to fight for you. that doesn’t mean he won’t help tho. he’ll even offer to spar with your fighter to make sure they’re actually strong enough to bring in success for you. you appreciate his help + he does everything he can (inside of his contract w metsudo) to make sure that you will be successful w this fighter. he’s also v aware of the fact that you may have a fighter who’s not him for official kengan matches, but your true protector will always be him. he wouldn’t entrust that job to anyone else as long as he’s alive. not ever.

[a-spes]

hello! i noticed ur taking requests! this is hella detailed so no worries if u dont wanna write! one with female reader x nat (preferably platonic but either works). the averages break up. they are done. Officially. nat and r were friends on the avengers and worked together a lot. when the avengers broke up, everyone tried to move on or settle down. nat doesn't. nat, missing the action, reverts back to her time as a for-hire assassin. With the connections from her time as an assassin pre-SHIELD she builds a name for herself. She becomes the most feared assassin yet again and a ruthless criminal. no one can stop her and she’s very dangerous. Finally, reader, working for the government now, and faces Nat for the first time in years… as enemies with r trying to take Nat down. Nat has the upper hand with her network of spies and criminals. But does Nat really hurt her? She has the ability to with her skill and network of assassins. Does r get what they want and take Nat down? ANYWAYS this is long and kinda specific; but thank you so much! Love all your writing!

S T O L E N F R E E D O M - One shot.

Words count - 5,1k.

Tags & Warnings - villain!Natasha Romanoff x fem!Reader (platonic, enemies), mentions of death/violence/blood, angst.

Moodboard here.

N/A - Hope you'll enjoy it and it's not too far from what you were expecting! It's the first time I am writing for a request and I really enjoyed it, so thanks for dropping it <3

It’s past two in the morning and you are alone in the office. Only the night guards are here but they don't dare to ask you if everything is fine. The past months, they've got used to you staying that late and learned to not ask too many questions. From time to time, you could hear their muffled voices and steps breaking the thick silence. 

But it’s not their presence that is slowly driving you crazy: it is the regular ticking of the wall clock. It seems to be the only thing you can hear, it’s even louder than your thoughts, and being unable to concentrate is only adding to your frustration. You are not far from crying because of how hopeless you are feeling.

If you've got into the habit of spending most of your nights at work, it’s only because of how incompetent you are, unable to complete the task assigned to you. A few months ago, you found a file on your desk and, if at first you thought it would be as easy as the previous ones, you were wrong. You quickly changed your mind when you only saw a long list of deaths but nothing else. For the first time, you've found yourself struggling to complete a mission.

You were looking for a ghost.

The only proof you have of their existence are the crimes they commited, the cold bodies they’re leaving behind them. Even the autopsy didn't give any information about how it happened, it’s almost like the victims just died on their own. This mission makes you regret how cocky you acted in the past. You used to think that you could complete every mission, even the most difficult ones, but eventually realized that it doesn't matter if you are among the most skilled S.H.I.E.L.D agents because there is always someone better than you are. 

This time, you were as lost as your colleagues, understanding what they're usually going through. Slowly, you've become so obsessed with this mission that you couldn't think about anything else. You are trapped in a toxic loop with your work and, if you thought the time you would act like that was long gone, you were wrong: this mission is taking you back to your worst era again.

In the morning, you are the first one to be here, but you are also the last one to leave the place - when you do, sometimes spending the whole night here just so you don’t lose time going home and coming back. It is rare that you think about eating, your mind being completely absorbed by the task. Again, you were that young adult that wanted to prove their worth to everyone, seeking validation.

Despite everything, you keep telling Fury that everything is fine. You know that he doesn't believe you, but he knows better than pushing, trusting his agent to ask for help when it's needed, but he forgot how stubborn you can be. He is divided between worries to see you so exhausted and the urge for the mission to be completed as quickly as possible.

Even if he is trying to keep those deaths a secret for as long as possible, pretending on the news that they aren't related, just misfortune, he knows he won't be able to lie indefinitely. People are going to question what's happening and it's obvious that he can’t admit that there is a crazy assassin roaming freely around the country. 

For the moment, only a few agents are aware about the file, only the best ones. If anyone can do it, it's you, that's what he keeps telling himself to ease the guilt he is feeling whenever he sees you so exhausted. 

And, even if he is not saying anything, telling you to take your time, you can read in his eyes the fears and worries, you can feel the pressure and the lack of time: this mission had to be a priority. It comes before your basic needs, eating and sleeping becoming optional. You hadn't seen anyone else other than the pictures of the victims' bodies for the last weeks, talked so little that you are almost sure you lost your voice.

You were in distress and it's obvious that your state of mind has led to mistakes you could've easily avoided, even a rookie wouldn't have made them. 

Before you could realize, it was the morning, and the sun didn't come alone: it left a surprise on your desk, an umpteenth death. You didn't wait long, immediately going to the place where it happened, in hope you would find something if you are the first one here. But, as always, everything is clean, the appartment being perfectly tidy, except for the cold body in the middle of the living-room.

They are playing with your mind, probably amused to see you trying to stop them, knowing that you can't because it's impossible to catch a shadow. People are dying and there is nothing you can do about it.

Those thoughts are unbearable, and you are fighting the urge to break an object when you notice something. It is almost invisible, so small that you almost missed it. It is just a piece of paper, stucked between two tiles on the balcony. 

Here it is, your hint, the first one since you started. If you are exhausted, it seems that the person you are chasing starts to feel confident enough to let their guard down and make mistakes. There is not much in the paper, just bits of words but it is enough for you to guess everything you need: their next victim.

You know that there is only a small chance that you could actually stop them tonight, but you can't help the feeling of hope that is growing inside of you because, for the first time, you've the feeling that you are getting somewhere.

You should've told Fury. You should've let him know what you found, your leads, where you are going tonight, but you didn't. Even if you know how dangerous going in there alone and unprepared, you did it, the feeling of hope giving you the impression that nothing could go wrong - you would deal later with Fury's anger. 

If you get out of here alive. 

But it may be your only chance to get them, because who knows when they're gonna make another mistake? It could be weeks or months, maybe never, and you don't have the strenght to wait for so long. You don't even really care about the target, he is just some rich man who embodies everything you hate, it's just that this mission is now personnal: you're done playing their game and want to let them know.

You are driving fast, not caring about the speed limits. Gladly, it is late and the hotel is on the edge of the city, isolated to provide traquility to the people that decide to stay here - all rich and influential. You weren't surprised when you discovered that the next victim was staying here for a few days. 

But, if the road is empty, your mind isn't. Your heart is racing, trying to get out of your chest. In months of research, you've never been so close to success, it has something exciting. However, hope doesn't come alone. This feeling is accompanied by nervousness and nausea as you can't help but think of all the ways this could go wrong, the so-good idea is just sounding like a really bad mistake now.

You're on your own, no one knows you are here tonight.

Your fingers are tapping against the steering wheel in an attempt to shut out these thoughts, but it doesn't change anything. You know that, if you want everything to go fine, you need to keep your mind clear - no one ever successed a mission while being distracted, it would only get you killed. However, it is easier to say than to do.

You found yourself waiting at the front of the hotel, trying to hide how shaky your hands were. Even if you are wearing the most expensive dress of your dressing, you are still feeling out of place, everything here being just ... too much, honestly.

One glance at the entrance confirmed what you thought: going in won't be easy. It's obvious that you can't walk in here, pretending to be some guest, without being suspicious. In this kind of mission, discretion is the key and you need to become a part of the landscape.

"Can I steal a bit of your time?" a man asked after you waited for a few minutes. 

A pretty woman doesn't go unotice in that kind of space, especially if she looks a bit lost. This man, however, has nothing pretty, he is probably older than your parents. You are not dumb, knowing that there is nothing innocent behind his request, and this simple thought is enough to digust you. Yet, you don’t say anything. You are just hiding your feelings behind a smile, nodding slowly to him.

He is your way inside.

Once you are inside, you don't wait for one more minute before excusing yourself, pretending you have to go to the bathroom. He made some jokes about women that you don't bother to listen to, already far away, knowing that you won't keep your promise to come back as quickly as possible.

The feeling his hand left on your waist makes you shiver, but you don't have much time to think about it, trying to discretly shaking it off as you are heading to the stairs. At least, the first part of your plan - which wasn't really one - was done: you are inside of the building.

From the hotel's roof, you have a perfect look at the city. Sadly, you don't have much time to enjoy the view of the city lights or to observe the movements of the citizens, unawere of what's happening so close to them. The cold wind of autumn is brushing your face, a few of your hair strubbornly getting out of your braids to get in your eyes, and the fresh air is easing your nervousness a bit. 

But it all came back in a second, all it took was a glance at your watch: almost ten pm, you only have a few minutes to decide what to do. 

Before going down, you made sure that the living-room was empty, using a small drone. You scoffed when you saw the suit he reserved, it was bigger than your appartment and every object there seems to be outrageously expensive. However, even if you can't see anyone, you are not letting your guard down. The lights are on, which means he is somewhere in the appartment and it doesn't let you a lot of time to sneak in if you don't want to be seen.

You went in by the window. Your hands were shaking as you tried to open it, and you couldn't help but glance inside from time to time, fearing the assassin would show. The stress you were feeling made you less efficient and you had to try three times before you eventually hear the relieving sound of the window unlocking - usually, you wouldn't need more than one attempt to get there.

You were trying to make as little noise as possible while closing the window behind you, to make it seem like you've never been here, when you are surprised by a presence on your back. You barely dodged the lamp he threw at you, the object hitting the floor, breaking in a loud noise - for the discretion, you may want to try harder next time. 

As his scream is piercing throught your ears, you jump at him, one of your hands keeping his mouth shut while you are holding him against the wall, hoping no one hears him - because, if it's the case, the assassin won't be your only problem. This was your second mistake, one you could've easily avoided if you came with a better plan than "going in and taking the target down". Even if you are here to save him, the fact that he knows may jeopardize the whole mission, the assassin will probably notice that something isn't right. 

"No, no, no! Don't yell," you hushed him, "I am here to save you, the assassin is coming for you, tonight," you told him in an attempt to ease his panic; but how could you sucess to calm him down when you are even more stressed than he is? His panic is slowly becoming yours as you realise how badly you’ve screwed up.

"To.. save me?" he asked and, at the way he told those words, you can tell that he is schocked by the news. 

"Yes, they-," you started to reply, sliping your hand in your pocket to get out your badge. It seems to calm him down and you can eventually take a few steps back, releasing the man, but your movements are slow, ready to throw yourself at him again if he decides to scream. 

You were already looking around, in search of any hint the assassiin would already be here when you heard a cold chuckle that made you shiver. You immediately turn to the man, only to notice that he is the one laughing. 

"Oh, but I am not the one that needs to be saved," he said, smiling, and you immediately froze, unable to move an inch as your mind is trying to process what he just said. 

"What?" you replied, but deep down you already knew what was happening, the feeling that something isn't right only growing stronger.

"Oh, sorry...", another voice said on your back. Its tone is false pity, its chuckle was full of arrogance, "have I ruined your little moment of heroism?" she asked, and you don't need to hear more than those few sentences to recognize the person to whom that voice belongs. 

Slowly, as if you are scared that moving too fast could make her disappear, you turn around to give a look at the woman. Her face is hidden behind a black mask, but you would recognize those eyes everywhere, even if they are now tinged with a darkness you've never seen in her before. Her green eyes no longer had the soft look you were used to. 

"'Tasha? Is that.. you?" you whispered, but you already knew the answer - a few strands of red hair slipping out of her mask, an another hint of her identity. 

This encouter is leaving a weird feeling, twisting your stomach with fear while confusion coulds your throughts; nothing that is happening now makes sense. Why is she here? What does she mean by that? Why is she so different from the person you know? You are feeling like you are facing a ghost, how weird it's stand in front of a person that looks and sounds like your old friend but that is nothing like them at the same time.

"I thought I taught you better than that..," she added, but her tone is bothering you: it's harsh, cold, she has never talked to you that way in the past. 

It's when she eventually takes her mask off that you can see that she has been smirking the whole time, enjoying the situation you are in. However, you are not smiling at all, because you slowly realise that is was just a trap, *and you fell right into it, giving yourself to the person you've chased for months.*

“Look at you,” she spat out, “so .. naive, and stupid, you didn’t change, uh? You didn’t learn your lesson?” she asked, and you couldn't find the words to reply, the shock had stolen your voice, you didn’t even notice that the man left the room, leaving only the two of you and a thick ambience.

You’ve known the woman for many years. When you joined the Avengers, the two of you quickly became close as being the only two women in a team of cocky men. Sure, it wasn’t always easy because of how different you are, but you learned a lot by her side and you appreciated her a lot, always seeking the company of the spy.

A few years ago, when everyone decided it was time to split up, you didn’t stay in touch with any of them. You were never a family, despite what they would tell you, just colleagues and, if it was hard to admit at first, you eventually got used to this idea. However, you can’t help but think about the redhead from time to time, regretting not having a way to contact her, wishing you would've at least stayed close with her among all your former teammates. 

You thought it was mutual, but you are not sure anymore. 

No matter how hard she tried to be nice to you, a part of her always hated the person you were. She hated your smile and how pure it was, she hated how childish you could be, always excited over the smallest things. You were a constant reminder of what her life could've been if she had a normal childhood. She was jealous. It felt unfair to see that life gave you everything she always dreamed of. 

But the spy never talked about it. She listened closely everytime you would talk about your childhood, helping you to organize surprises for your family, not mentionning the way her stomach would twist and her heart hurt in those moments. She got used to the feeling of her nails digging into her skin whenever she was having a conversation with you - because you would most likely be talking about your memories at some point. 

She even used to avoid your room, not wanting to see the pictures and childhood memories displayed everywhere. Those objects were a reminder that your family is real when hers was nothing more than a pretending, a mission. While she was trying to survive, you never got to worry about anything else than what was your favourite colour. 

And, even if she knows you had your own struggles, she couldn’t help but have the toxic urge to compare both of your lives and what you have been through.

You got the life she was dreaming of with the other girls, but you didn't even seem to realise it.

If she was able to keep up the act, it was only because it was easy to go on missions by your side. You were skilled but, most importantly, great at following orders: you would always do everything she asked you to. You were eager to please the woman. So she talked to you, smiled, acted nice, pretended it was nothing when you would apologize for ranting about your life, knowing that, one day, she would find a way to get her revenge.

Suddenly, you are the one being pinned against the wall and she leaves you no chance to escape. You barely noticed her moving, barely had time to think about dodging her attack that you were already in her hands.  

She appears to be even better than when you were working together, and you suspect that it's not because she trained since, but surely because she never used her whole skills in a fight against you - she knew she didn't need that to win. Your hopes of beating the redhead vanish immediately, you only ever won because she let you to.

How could you?

She was raised to kill, when you would just achieve a childhood dream.

Oh, you are good at it, just not good enough. You realize your mistake when, for the first time since you met the spy, you feel her fist landing on your face with its whole strenght, not once, but an endless amont of time. There is blood, yours, running down your nose and mouth, and it comes with a sharp pain as her last hit sends you to the ground. 

“You’ve no idea for how long I’ve waited for that moment..," she told you while coming closer. She is observing your miserable form with a satisfied smile on her face. 

“Tasha’, I understand that-,” you tried to say, but you were stopped by another kick on your face that took your breath away. She doesn't even let you the possibility to say a few words, the sound of your voice being enough to drive her crazy. 

The pity in it is making her sick.

“You can understand?” she scoffed in disbelief. She can't believe that you've the audacity to say something like that. “No. You think you can understand what I am going through, but you can’t, and you want to know why?" she asked, pausing before giving you the answer herself, "because you are the golden child that has everything in the palm of her hand," she said those words in a voice full of hate. 

“What happened..?" you whispered, "that- that’s not.. you... not the Natasha I know," you said, trying to make sense of the situation, but you can't, you want to believe that it is just a terrible mistake, that she is still here, somewhere, that she just got lost - but it could've happened to any of you, right?

“Oh, but you never knew me, love," she replied, coldly laughing at you, "This is me. This is the person I was born to be. For years, I tried to run away, but we can’t escape our destiny," she continued. She takes a few more steps toward you, kneeling at your side, her hand caressing your cheek, "and honestly, I've never felt so good, so free."

“If it’s him again, I- I can help you, we can find a-," you said, refusing to think about the fact that, maybe, she is right, that everything is just her choice, because it would make you the enemy of a person that used to be your friend and teammate. 

Again, you are stopped by a kick on your chest while she is smiling, as if you just said the stupidest thing she's ever heard of her life.

“Him?” she chuckled, “Oh, honey, no.. he is long gone. It is just me now. I eventually got to be who I really am without anyone to prevent me from doing so, isn’t it .. thrilling?” she asked, but you are not sharing her excitement, you are just frightened and she can tell it by the way you are looking at her, your eyes being wide open. 

She was born for that life, she was raised with the only purpose to kill, to spy, but since the Avengers no longer exist, what was she? Her skills were no longer useful. At first, she tried to get a normal job, but it didn't end very well, she just couldn't fit in. She hated the feeling of having everything to learn again.

And it was all your fault.

You were the voice in her head that made her believe it was possible, that she could, one day, have a normal life, without blood and fights. You are the one that gave her hope. When she was at your side, she always felt like you were right, but reality was quick to kick in and, whenever the two of you were talking, there was always a small detail that would remind her that you are living in two opposite worlds. The demons that haunted her spared you and she will never be able to make it up for the blood on her hands.

But then you abandoned her, like the others, and she realized she couldn't do it without you to show her the beauty of the world. It just seems impossible, she was too brutal for the earth. 

And she started hating you for your lies. 

You never knew, but she was watching you the whole time. She knows every detail of your life, how you succeeded to rebuild it after the Avengers when she failed. It seems so simple, so why couldn't she do the same? You seem to have forgotten your former colleagues so easily, you got a new job and friends, a complete new life in only a few months, as if she never existed. Meanwhile, the memories of her time with the Avengers were stuck in her head. 

She felt like she lost her only chance to have a normal life. 

It's not surprising, then, that she fell again in that loop of blood and death. It was familiar, almost comforting, something she is good at. Whenever she completes a mission, it reminds her that she has a place in that world, even if it's not the one she has dreamed of.

She loved to see you struggling. She enjoyed watching you those past months, she wanted to see how desesperate you could get before breaking down. She knew it wasn't healthy, but she couldn't help but love the feeling of power, and it is even more true right now, as she has you pinned against the wall, one of her hands pressed against your throat.

“I know that you think you’re better than me, but we are the same, we are both killers," she said, her face being so close to yours that you could feel her breath. "The difference is that you are controlled by your superiors. They wouldn’t care if I was doing the same, they don’t care about those deaths, they are just afraid they can't control me. And you know what?" she asked with a frightening expression, "they're right to feel that way. Now that I am free, no one will ever tell me what to do, not even you,” she whisepered those last words in your ears, it sounded like a warning. 

In reality, she is only almost free, because she has one last thing to do for it to be true. Even if she is now at the head of her own organization, no longer taking orders from anyone else, she doesn't feel completely free yet. This time, it is not because of Dreykov, Fury or Tony, but you. 

The redhead firmly believes that, if she manages to control you, she will be able to get the freedom she always wanted. 

Slowly, her gentle touch becomes agressive, her fingers are no longer caressing your cheek, they are wrapped around your throat, the pressure slowly increasing until you are struggling to breath. You can read everything she never told you in her eyes: suffering and despair, hatred and anger. 

You are the last thing with power over her. She can't get you out of her mind, being obsessed with you in a way that isn't healthy. She can't stop thinking about the sweet words you used to whisper to her when she was at her lowest, the ones that gave her a glimpse of who she could've been, but also the ones that prevent her from embracing who she really is.

If she wants to be free, she needs to grief the person she would've been if her childhood would've been like yours, and it won't be possible as long as you're here. Your words were the cause of the guilt that was building in her sometimes, when it was late, they were keeping her from sleeping, they are the reason for all her weaknesses.

"P- please," you whispered, managing to say a few words, begging for your life as she coldly held her knife above your head - you don't doubt one second she would kill you without any hesitation.

But the hit never came.

She just stayed like that for what felt like hours, tilting her head while a smile spread on her face, almost mocking. The smile has nothing in common with what you're used to, this one sends shivers through your body.

"Hm, you're right," she eventually said, as if you said something that would've been enough for her to change her mind when you didn't - she seems to be talking to herself. "Where would be the fun if I kill you know? It was just starting to get interesting, don't you think?" she added and your relief is short, there is something mischevious on her tone and attitude that makes you wish she just've killed you instead. 

Those past months made her realize that she doesn't need to kill you, she doesn't even really want to. No, what she really enjoyed was more the idea of having control over your life, to know that you were so desesperate that she was the only thing in her mind - and you didn't even know yet it was her behind that. 

Now that you know, it'll only make it worse.

If she wouldn't hesitate to stab you, she knows that you would. After so many years of working with you, she had time to get to know you, and she was right thinking you didn't change, still being so predictable. She barely had to do anything to have you between her hands, you fell almost on her trap so easily that it was almost disappointing.

You are doing everything she guesses you will.

And she knows you won't kill her, *how could you?* You strongly believe in redemption and that, even if Natasha got lost, you can take her back, no matter how long it'll take. Everyone deserves a second chance. 

The redhead thought it would be entertaining to see you try to "save her" and miserably fail before she ends your life. This is the revenge she was looking for. 

"I'll leave you a little something to remember who you are dealing with," she murmurs as she lowers the knife, directing it toward your hips where she stabs you. She knows exactly what she is doing, to within a few millimeters, she would've killed you but she didn't. "See you soon," she added, and they're the last words she pronounces as she leaves the room. 

It is a reminder of the power she has. She leaves you on the ground, alone and bleeding like an animal while she has no injuries. And, if this encounter ended up that way, it is only because she decided to, not because she had pity, nor because you decided to. She could've killed you in a second if she wanted to, and god, she loves that feeling.

Tags - @imnotslouching

Masterlist here.

[verdantglow]

Fuck it, posts my SmallEtho playlist.

Part-Time Soulmate, Full-Time Problem: A SmallEtho/Boat Boys Playlist

(Best listened to on shuffle.)

This is a kinda long playlist (28 tracks), so if you only have time for a few songs, check out: ‘Pyrokenesis’; ‘I Am Fred Astaire’; & ‘Built To Burn.’

Full track list & selected lyrics under cut.

1. Son of a Gun - Motion City Soundtrack

Have you had enough? Are you tough? Are you broken?/Hit me where it hurts, don’t just curtsey & sulk/I know I deserve every elegant word that you’re hurling at me

2. Pyrokenesis - 7chariot

When you say the things you say, they start a little spark/Ignite this small but also highly flammable heart

You’re setting me on fire, I don’t wanna fight it/You don’t need a lighter, you’re a flame/Drowning myself in water only makes it harder/Hard for me to keep myself away

3. Just One Yesterday - Fall Out Boy

I want to teach you a lesson in the worst kind of way/Still I’d trade all my tomorrows for just one yesterday

4. Violently Alive - I Hate Kate

I hate that you’re there/And I’m here/In the same room/Miles from me to you/We’re so distant/But close enough to touch

5. Tiger Teeth - Walk The Moon

Give in, give in, I want you back/One heart, one too many to stomach/Love bites so deep and we got tiger teeth

6. It’s Not A Fashion Statement, It’s A Deathwish - My Chemical Romance

Hip-hip-hooray for me, you talk to me/But would you kill me in my sleep?/Lay still like the dead/From the razor to the rosary, we could lose ourselves/And paint these walls in pitchfork red

7. True Romance - Motion City Soundtrack

I’m a screwup of epic proportions/A walking hand grenade/Hyper-manic, a dime store dramatic/A conduit for pain

She said “Don’t speak, don’t think,/Just take it off, take it off”/I said “Don’t speak, don’t think,/Just mess me up, mess me up”

8. Violence - blink-182

Like violence, you have me, forever and after/Like violence, you kill me, forever and after

9. I Am Fred Astaire - Taking Back Sunday

I’m under the assumption that I’m gonna be the one that’s leaving you/Tonight, oh, tonight/Well I flipped every switch that I could find on my way out/Just to upset you more/Just to keep you busy/Just to make you angry/Just because you were right

I’m stuttering through it, but I hear it/Well I-I I hear it’s good t-t-to stick to what you know

10. The Wolf - The Crane Wives

I am not a tempest/I light torches in my sleep/I have gasoline in my veins/I am always burning, burning burning

11. Crave - Waterparks

I’m cravin’ a getaway from the/Smooth talk that’s keeping me grounded/To the carpet in my room/My quiet blue tomb of you

I wish I could forget you

12. Hold Me Like A Grudge - Fall Out Boy

Hold me, hold me like a grudge/The world is always spinning and I can’t keep up/Faster and faster, can’t do it on my own/Part-time soulmate, full-time problem yeah/Hold me like a grudge

13. Formidable - Twenty One Pilots

You are formidable to me/‘Cause you seem to know it, where you wanna go/Yeah yeah yeah I’ll follow you/But you should know/I might be cynical towards you/But I just can’t believe that I’m for you/Yeah yeah yeah I can die with you/Just let me know

14. Play With Fire - Sam Tinnesz feat Yacht Money

I ride the edge/My speed goes in the red/Hot blood, these veins/My pleasure is their pain/I love to watch the castles burn/These golden ashes turn to dirt/I’ve always liked to play with fire

15. Bulletproof Heart - My Chemical Romance

I’ve got a bulletproof heart/You’ve got a hollow point smile/Me and your runaway scars/Got photographed dream on the getaway mile/Let’s blow a hole in this town/And do our talking with a laser beam/Gunnin’ out of this place in a bullet’s embrace/Then we’ll do it again

16. The Truth Is, You Should Lie With Me - Say Anything

You’re a pretty face, you should like me/I want to get used by you/‘Cause I’m full of hate, just excite me/I want to get bruised by you

17. Red - Pale Waves

Oh no baby, are we gonna make it this time?/I always take hearts that shouldn’t be mine, be mine/Slow down baby, are we gonna make it alive?/You’ve got a face that I always recognize/Always recognize

18. Kill V. Maim - Grimes

I did something bad, maybe I was wrong/Sometimes people says that I’m a big time bomb/But I’m only a man/And I do what I can

19. FUNERAL GREY - Waterparks

I said that you can call me, beep me/If you want my skin/She rolled her eyes and then she said/“I know your dying wish is to be baptized in my spit”

20. Shiver - Motion City Soundtrack

Shiver away, I thought the action was real/Somewhere I know that’s just the way you are/it’s hard to believe that you’re a part of me/And I can’t believe when you carry on and on

21. Kiss With A Fist - Florence + The Machine

My black eye casts no shadow/Your red eye sees nothing/Your slaps don’t stick, your kicks don’t hit/So we remain the same/Love sticks, sweat drips/Break the lock if it don’t fit/A kick to the teeth is good for some/A kiss with a fist is better than none

22. Mr. Brightside- The Killers

It started out with a kiss/How did it end up like this/It was only a kiss/It was only a kiss

23. Tear You Apart - She Wants Revenge

Escape was just a nod and a casual wave/Obsess about it heavy for the next two days/It’s only just a crush, it’ll go away/It’s just like all the others, it’ll go away/Or maybe this is danger and he just don’t know/You pray it all away, but it continues to grow

24. Can You Feel My Heart (Remix) - Bring Me The Horizon, Jeris Johnson

I’m scared to get close/And I hate being alone/I long for that feeling to not feel at all

Holding on, bring me close, feel my heart/Can you feel my heart?

25. Built To Burn - Shaffer James

We’ll build a world/And burn it down/Everything is pretty/When we burn it to the ground

26. Hatef—k - The Bravery

There will be no tenderness, no tenderness/I will show no mercy for you/You had no mercy for me/The only thing that I ask/Love me mercilessly

27. Stupid For You - Waterparks

You’re playing ring around my head/I’ll wear you like a halo/You’re a symphony/I’m just a sour note/I’ll take what I can get/The best is hard to grip when everybody wants you/And everybody wants you

28. My Obsession - Pale Waves

I’m stood still, I can barely breathe/You’re such a mess but you’re always beautiful to me/Run your fingers across my mouth/I’m not prepared to stay here without you

[picturingchappell]

𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 | 𝙚. 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙭 𝙖. 𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣

pairing: ellie williams x abby anderson

w/c: 1.2k

tags: kinda angsty, takes place during santa barbara era, not proofread, some descriptions of violence and injuries, ellie and abby need therapy real bad, uh description of trauma (?), i probably missed smth, but we know that i suck at tagging, what’s new

Before you continue, please read this! - I absolutely do not condone the purchasing of any other the last of us games. The Last of Us is heavily influenced by Isreali politics. Also, here are some ways to inform yourself about Palestine. Link 1 | Link 2 | Link 3. You can even help simply by clicking here.

A/N: tried to be in my descriptive era!!! also ignore that my user isn’t the same thing that’s on the lil banner thing, this has been sitting in my drafts since 1948. 😭 anyway yall i hope i ate down. also also, song title from the other side of the game by erykah badu (w song btw u should listen to it ONG!!)

Blows were exchanged in both directions. Ellie brought a knife to a fist fight, but that meant practically nothing to Abby. Water sloshed underneath their feet, swirling with the crimson of their blood. Each punch, hit, and stab was given with emotion. They grunt with effort as they try to take eachother down, yet to no prevail. Just when Abby thought it was over, she’s overpowered by Ellie. The girl had somehow managed to hold her down in the water, drowning her. Abby clawed at Ellie’s arms, attempting to wiggle from underneath her.

A multitude of emotions wash over Ellie. Hatred, sadness and anger. But the one that was the largest in this moment was regret. Regretting not making amends with Joel. Leaving Dina alone with JJ. Everything. Her face twists and she cries as all the emotions she had bottled up finally came out. Her grip loosens on Abby and she lets her free. Abby sits up as she catches her breath, coughing a little between gasps of air. After catching her breath, Abby looks at Ellie with disbelief. She was certain that this would be her last day on earth, dying amidst an apocalypse by the hands of the girl she loathed. 

“Go.” Ellie murmurs through her tears. Her legs are crossed as she sits, the bottom half of her body completely submerged in the water. The stiletto switchblade was gripped tightly in one hand as the other dropped blood where two of her fingers had been missing. Ellie thought initially that killing Abby would’ve stopped all her pain. Relieved of that false sense of justice Tommy convinced her she would feel if she had just gone after her and finished her off. But it only made her wallow more in her own self hatred. She’d turn back time if she could.

She’d make things up with Joel, become on good terms with Dina, and kick Tommy out of their quaint farmhouse before she could even hear what he had to say. But she couldn’t. After seeing Abby for what she thought was the last time at the theater, her brain chemistry had altered. She was craving to kill her. She had wrote many entries in her worn journal about it. Her nimble fingers gripped her pen as she wrote. She wrote fast and feverishly, her handwriting becoming damn near illegible. She hid these things from Dina and tried to drown herself in the task of raising another human. But she couldn’t. It was on her mind like the plague. She hated it. It made her wanna smash her head against a wall one hundred times.

Of course she understood the consequences of killing Abby. She thought it would mean nothing. She was killing another person wouldn’t matter. But she knew that killing her specifically would matter. It cost her relationship with Dina. She knows she should’ve just stayed home but she couldn’t. She needed to be in control of her mind. She hated the self destructive thoughts and how her moods were so irrational. She wanted that burden to be lifted off her shoulders. 

There was a sting of silence after Ellie’s words. Abby didn’t say anything, the waves sloshed and Levs breathing could barely be heard. Ellie slouchs. She didn’t hear Abby moving. She was confused. She’s just slinky escaped death, why didn’t she leave? Why didn’t she just go take care of Lev? What the fuck was wrong with her? Ellie couldn’t understand and it made her mad. “Why won’t you leave?” Ellie doesn’t actually look at Abby. She never looks her in the eyes. She can’t. 

“I’m not going to leave you here with no way home.” Abby said as she looked down at her. “I’ll get home. Just take the boy and go.” Ellie instructed insistently, raising her voice slightly. Abby hated how stubborn she was being. Ellie had a hard time accepting help and accepting it from someone she’d just nearly killed seemed well, outlandish. Abby walks infront of Ellie, crouching down to her level. “Ellie. Look at me.” Abby starts gently. Ellie turns her head in the opposite direction. “Ellie. Please look at me.” Abby asks again. Ellie won’t turn. A gentle, calloused and large hand comes up to Ellie’s face. Naturally, Ellie flinches a little. She hadn’t let anyone do this since like, forever. She had forgotten what a gentle touch was. “Listen to me. I want you to come with me and Lev. I’ll pick you up and bring you over there if I have to. I’m not leaving you here by yourself.” Ellie doesn’t say anything. She looks into Abby’s green eyes.

Despite the fact that her eyes were full of pain, they were still pretty, Ellie thought. She didn’t know why she’d been thinking about something at a time like this. A hazy fog settled around the girls, making it seem like the rest of the world didn’t exist. Ellie keeps her eyes on Abby as if something would happen if she looked away. Ellie was horrible with eye contact but right now? She was a pro. It almost seemed like Ellie was searching for something in the girls eyes. “But why do you want me to come with you? I just tried to kill you.” Ellie asks with a slightly raised eyebrow. “I just tried to kill you too. If I wanted you dead, you’d already be dead. But you’re not, are you?” Abby asks, mimicking her raised eyebrow. 

“Huh. Well, I guess I’m not.” Ellie mumbles. Even though she was telling her that she wouldn’t kill her, she still wasn’t 100% sure. Ellie was already in enough pain as is. Abby had lost enough in life. They were two girls who were suffering in different ways. Abby seemed to also be searching for something in Ellie’s eyes. Solace. She would’ve been ridiculous to think the girl she’d just fought a handful of minutes ago would come with her. She didn’t even know why she proposed that. I mean, Ellie hated her, didn’t she? No way she’d— “Fine.” Ellie spoke again. Abby was a little shocked. “You’ll.. come with me?” “Yes. Now hurry before I change my mind.”

Neither of them smiled at their agreement. They moreover were relieved. This is what Abby was hoping for; a fresh start in their.. ‘relationship’ or whatever you’d call this. Abby goes to try and start up the boat, the sound of a sputtering engine could be heard. Ellie goes for her backpack. It drips with sea water as did her clothes. By now, it was almost entirely dark, a small lantern illuminated the boat. The fire inside flickered. The boat finally starts up. Wordlessly, Ellie treads across the water over to the boat. She sits next to Abby awkwardly because of the girls large frame. In one of her hands, she still held the switchblade as if her life had depended upon it. She hadn’t looked in Abby’s direction as the boat drove across the water, but Abby looked at her once and redirected her attention to what lay ahead. They were both painfully silent, not knowing what to say to eachother. The silence was awkward yet comfortable. Ellie wasn’t really ready to talk, nor was Abby. In their own way, they both understood that.

[playgrl0]

i'll always protect you / baji

!! TW!!! harrassing,violence, angst, MUCH comfort and fluff tho !! stay safe everyone <3

a/n: PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: this fic is based off my own experience which means i'm kinda sharing something really vulnerable and personal with u all. and WHEWWW, writing this was very emotional, i cried a few times :') sadly, i didn't have a baji or anyone else with me who could've helped me or stopped what was going on. we can all imagine how that fucking ended for me, huh? lmao anyway so, here's me bringing you baji to comfort us all! :) i mainly wrote this for my own comfort but, i really hope that it also brings some sort of comfort to someone else who experienced something similar. i love u all, stay safe! and i hope u enjoy this :) mwah mwah mwah !!

!! do NOT read if this topic makes you uncomfortable/triggers you !!

it's past 9pm, already dark outside and you're currently waiting next to a small café where you and baji were supposed to meet 15 minutes ago but he's still not here. you pull out your phone and decide to call him. "kei, where are you?" you ask when he picks up. "i'm sorry baby, the meeting went a little longer but i'm on my way now. i'll be there in 10, okay?" you hum a small "okay" and then hang up. while you were waiting in front of the café you were playing around on your phone, not noticing that a man has been watching you from a distance. the man, still not taking his eyes off of you, walks closer to you and stops when you look up from your phone and notice him. "hey, sweetheart." he smirks. instantly feeling uncomfortable you ignore him and take a few steps back. "hey, where are you going? i just want to ask you something." he slightly chuckles and comes closer to you. "what do you want?" you ask taking a few more steps back until your back hits the wall behind you. "i saw you from the other side of the street and couldn't help but notice how sexy you are. You wanna come over to my place?" he smugly grins. all the color drains from your face now. you look behind the man to look for baji, or anyone else that could help you, but there's still no sight of him. "no, i have a boyfriend." he laughs at that. "that's what they all say but i'm not fuckin' stupid, you know?" he slightly raises his voice and anger takes over his face and your hands start shaking out of fear. "you really can't come up with a better excuse? hah! i don't give a fuck if you have a boyfriend or not. you're coming with me and i'll show you what a real man looks like." his hand tightly grabs your arm and you panic, trying to release your wrist. "stop it! let me go!" he laughs again "fine, you don't want to come with me? i can take you right here." he turns your body around so your front hits the wall. he presses his chest against your back and you struggle to shake him off of you. "HELP! SOMEON-" you want to scream but he covers your mouth with a hand to shut you up. his lips come closer to your ear and he whispers "i'll show you a good time, babe." tears stream down your face and you close your eyes, preparing yourself for what's about to happen to you.

"shh, you don't have to cry, baby. be a good slut for me, yeah?" before the man can do anything else, you feel his hand getting ripped off your mouth and the presence behind you disappears. "what the fuck do you think you're doing?" you hear a familiar voice yell behind you. turning around you see baji grabbing the man by his collar and pushing him against the wall across from you. relief washes over your whole entire body and your legs give out, making you drop down to the floor where you pull your knees up to your chest and you keep crying. crying, because of what just happened but also happy and relieved that baji came to save you. baji's fist connects with the man's cheek over and over again. "i asked you a fucking question, fuckin' asshole. touching my girl like that? calling her a slut? you have a fuckin' death wish, huh?" he continues to yell at the man. baji is furious, you have never seen him this angry before. "i didn't know she's your girl! i'm sorry!" the man cries out. "even if she wasn't my girl, you don't fucking talk to and touch anyone like that without their consent. got it?" "yes, yes i'm sorry!" baji let's go of the man and he groans and he slides down the wall.

baji quickly comes over to you. "baby, hey, look at me." you look up at him and see his beautiful face which instantly brings you comfort. "hey," he smiles "i'm right here." you quickly nod your head to show that you're listening, still too shaken up to talk. he gently puts his hands on your knees and slightly squeezes them to let you feel him. "did he hurt you?" he carefully asks. you hold up your wrist where the man was holding you and pull up your sleeve to show that it's a little red and slightly bruised. baji's body reacts before he can think; he gets up, walks over to the man again who was groaning and laying on the floor. he straddles his hips and starts punching him again. "you hurt her, you fuckin' son of a bitch. i'll hurt you ten times worse, fuckin' promise you that." he yells in between punches.

you're in too much shock to properly react but you know damn well that if you don't stop baji, he will actually kill this guy. you carefully and slowly stand up, not trusting your legs enough to hold you up. when you're up you walk over to baji and the man. "kei, stop it! that's enough!" you yell at him. he doesn't hear you over the sounds of his fists connecting with the man's face and the groaning. baji's body is filled to the brim with rage. he has never felt that much anger in his whole entire life. "kei, please!" you tell louder and he finally hears you and snaps out of it at the sound of your shaky voice. he stops punching the man and gets off of him to stand beside you. "if you think you already paid for what you did, you're wrong." he says to the barely conscious man before he gently grabs you by your hand to pull you away and over to the other side of the street where his bike is parked. he leans your body against the bike, takes your face in his hands and wipes away your tears. "hey, you're safe now, okay?" his soft voice makes you start crying all over again and he pulls you into a tight embrace with his strong arms. "it's over, baby. let it all out. i'm right here." he softly whispers into your hair and leaves a few pecks every now and then as he lets you just cry in his arms. "he wanted to," you choke out, "kei, i think he wanted to ra-" "shhh, shh. i wouldn't have let that happen. you're safe, okay? safe. i'm not going anywhere." he softly mumbles. baji would probably rather kill this guy and keep freaking out but he knows you need him more than anything right now. he'll deal with this guy in a different way, another time. he feels you slowly calming down in his arms so he pulls away a little and wipes your tears away with the sleeve of his sweater. "can we go home? and can i stay at your place? i don't want to be alone tonight." you quietly ask with a shaky voice. "of course, baby. i'll never leave you alone again, okay? hop on the bike, let's go." he kisses your cheek and helps you sit on his bike. he sits down as well and waits until you wrap your arms tightly around him, then he starts driving home.

when you both enter his house his mom calls out for him. "im home, mom! y/n's here too, she's gonna stay the night." his mom comes into the hallway with a big smile on her face to greet you, excited that you're here since she absolutely adores you. but, her smile falls when she sees your puffy face and your red eyes. "hi y/n, honey are you okay?" she asks concerned. you were about to answer when baji speaks up. "baby, you can go to my room already, i'll get you something to drink. i'll be there in a second." you nod, send his mom a small smile and go to his room. "keisuke, what happened?" his mom asks again as she follows him into the kitchen. he turns around to her, she notices how his shoulders fall and his eyes get glassy, now she's even more worried. "y/n was attacked by a man." he whispers out and suddenly it all hits him all over again. how scared he was for you, the rage, how scared and vulnerable you looked. tears form in his eyes and his mom quickly brings him into a tight hug when she notices. a few tears fall from his eyes and he sniffles in his moms arms. "if i showed up later he would've-" his mom interrupted him, knowing already what he wanted to say. "but you did show up and you saved her, right?" he nods. "don't blame yourself, keisuke. i'm proud of you. it's horrible what happened to her but all you can do now is be there and comfort her, okay." he nods again, kisses her cheek and wipes his tears away. his mom pulls away, gets some water and a few snacks for you two and hands them over to him. "i know she probably can't eat much right now, but try it, okay? and tell her she can stay here for as long as she wants. i'm here for her too and i'll call her parents and let them know she's here." she kisses his forehead. "thank you, mom. love you."

when baji enters his room he sees you lying in his bed, wearing his clothes and cuddling his pillow tight against your chest. his heart softens at the sight and he places the snacks down on his table and sits down on the bed next to you. "baby, can you drink this for me?" he holds the glass of water over to you, you nod, sit up and take the glass from him. his warm hand brushes through your hair while you drink the water. "mom said you can stay for as long as you want and talk to her if you need anything. she also called your parents to let them know you're here." your heart softens at that. you're so grateful to have baji and his mom in your life. "thank you." you give him a weak smile and he puts the glass away when you finished drinking. "do you want food? mom gave me some snacks." you feel bad saying no, baji's mom is so nice to you, but you don't feel like eating. "i feel like i'll throw it up anyway. no, thank you. i'm sorry." you quietly say. "don't apologize! it's totally fine, okay?" you nod once again and let out a sigh. "thank you, kei. for saving me, i mean." you choke out, tears falling from your eyes once again when the memories from earlier hit you all over again. baji pulls you into his laps so you're straddling him and tightly wraps his arms around you. "no need to thank me. i will always, always protect you, okay? this will never happen again, i promise." and he means it. this will never happen again for as long as he lives. he presses some kisses into your hair and runs his hand over your back. "listen, i love you, baby. i love you so much. i got you forever, okay." he pulls away from the hug to look into your eyes, they're red and puffy, but still as beautiful as ever. your hand brushes over the apple of his cheek, admiring his beautiful face, the face of your own personal hero. "i love you, keisuke." you whisper. "so much." he places a few pecks on your cheeks. "it will probably take a while for you to learn how to deal with what happened but i want you to know that i'll be there for you every step of the way. you're never alone. and if you want to talk to a therapist about it, you can. i'll help you with everything you need, okay?" you sniffle at his words and feel tears forming in your eyes once again. "are you trying to make me cry again?" you chuckle and a big grin spreads over his lips when he sees you smile at him. "im so lucky to have you." you whisper against his cheek and press a kiss on his warm skin there. you let out a yawn and feel your eyes getting heavy. "lay down, i'll get ready for bed and be right back with you, okay?" he lifts you off his lap, lays you down and presses a kiss to your forehead before he takes his pyjama and walks into his bathroom. he locks the door behind him, pulls out his phone and dials mikey's number. when baji told the guy who assaulted you earlier "if you think you already paid for what you did, you're wrong." he was being serious and he was referring to sending toman after that bastard. "what's up, baji?" mikey's joyful voice hits his ears. "it's serious, i need you and the boys to handle something, or should i say, someone, for me." mikey notices the darkness and anger in baji's voice and instantly understands that it has something to do with you. "i got you. what happened?"

after baji told mikey everything he got ready for bed and came back into his room to you. seeing you asleep already and curled up under his blankets. you look so peaceful right now, so angelic and like you are made out of glass. once again, he promises himself that he will protect you forever. and nothing and no one will hurt you ever again. he gets into bed with you, pulls you against his body and wraps his arms tightly around you. feeling safe in his arms, you unconsciously wrap your arms around his waist and he smiles at that, kissing your forehead a few times and whispering a gentle "i love you, baby." into your ear.

<3 @ playgrl0