Outside, Ha-Joon hurriedly ran over to In-Su, who was leaning casually against a lamppost, smirking as he took in Ha-Joon's slightly out-of-breath state—panting, cheeks flushed, and looking like he'd just survived a sprint through a marathon.
In-Su's internal thought:Wow, I didn't know running could turn someone into a tomato. Impressive.
"Wow," In-Su said, raising an eyebrow, "you ran… all the way here?"
Ha-Joon rolled his eyes so hard it was almost audible. "Very funny," he muttered, then turned to Joy with a look that said, Help me.
"And why are you here?" Ha-Joon asked, trying to sound casual but clearly desperate for an escape plan.
Joy raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms with the grace of a cat about to pounce.
"After I saved your butt? Hmm. I called you—you weren't picking up my calls," she said with a teasing smirk, as if she knew she had just caught him red-handed.
In-Su smirked and, without warning, grabbed Ha-Joon's hand like they were old friends about to go on an adventure.
"All right then, let's go," he said smoothly, glancing at Joy. She nodded, like this was all perfectly normal.
In-Su's internal thought:This is fine. Just a casual walk by the sea, no big deal. Totally normal. No one will notice my heart pounding like a drum.
They all started walking toward the sea.
Once they reached the sandy shore, In-Su sat cross-legged, watching Ha-Joon splash happily and laugh like he'd just discovered the secret to eternal happiness.
In-Su's internal thought:Look at him. So carefree. Meanwhile, I'm over here pretending I don't have a million emotional explosions happening inside.
Suddenly, Joy approached and sat beside In-Su, crossing her arms and adjusting her glasses like a detective about to crack a case. She looked at him seriously.
"I'm not sure if I'm supposed to say this," she said, "but… do you have any feelings?"
In-Su blinked, caught off guard. "What? For who?"
Joy raised an eyebrow, rolling her eyes. "You know… since you're involved with him," she said casually, nodding toward Ha-Joon.
In-Su's internal thought:Well, this just got more complicated than my last math test.
His face darkened slightly, and a flicker of sadness danced in his eyes. "That was before," he answered softly.
"That was when I was Sora. Now… I'm In-Su."
Joy nodded thoughtfully, as if she'd just uncovered a secret recipe. "Anyway… what's your real name?"
In-Su sighed dramatically, as if he'd been asked to reveal the secret of life itself. "It's not a nice name… but… um… Zekar. That's my real name."
In-Su's internal thought:Honestly, I was hoping "Zekar" would sound cooler, but now I think it just sounds like shit.
Joy's eyes lit up with a mischievous grin.
"Cute. Zekar? From now on, I'll call you that," she said warmly, as if giving him a nickname was the highlight of her day.
''Please don't'' In-Su replied.
In-Su giggled softly, a sound almost lost in the sea breeze.
He nodded, still stealing a glance at Ha-Joon, who was now balancing a small wave on his nose like a seal.
In-Su's internal thought:Note to self: water tricks are highly entertaining, but my heart is doing somersaults over here.
------------------------
The room was shrouded in darkness, shadows pooling in every corner like silent predators.
A faint, horrifying wince sliced through the silence, a cry for help echoing softly but desperately through the gloom.
Slowly, a figure emerged—fragile, trembling, yet undeniably striking.
It was a boy, his black silky hair damp with sweat, framing a face that seemed both ethereal and vulnerable.
His shiny purple eyes shimmered with a faint, almost hypnotic glow, betraying a creature caught between worlds.
His body was covered in bruises, raw and tender, evidence of recent pain.
He was shirtless, tied tightly—hands bound behind his back, legs shackled with coarse rope. His mouth was sealed with a cloth, muffling his gasps and muffled cries.
Suddenly, from the shadows, a figure appeared—Vespera. Her eyes sparkled cruelly, like shards of glass reflecting the faintest light.
She moved with a predatory grace, closing the distance toward the boy.
The boy's full form was now visible: purple eyes that sparkled with a dangerous gleam, sharp fangs peeking from his lips, and pointed wolf ears atop his head.
A fluffy wolf tail swayed subtly with her movements. He was a creature of both beauty and menace—radiant, yet deadly.
Vespera knelt before him, a smirk curling on her lips as she studied him. Her voice was smooth, chilling, yet alluring.
"You're so fragile… yet so brave to scream. I wonder what lies beneath that pain."
She reached out, grabbing his face gently but with an unmistakable authority, turning his head to face her. Her eyes lingered on his, scrutinizing him with a cruel fascination.
"Enough... you can go now."
She released his face, standing up gracefully, her smirk broadening.
"Go back to Earth… this will be your last warning. I sent you there for a reason, not for you to mingle with them."
Her voice was as smooth as silk, yet edged with icy command.
The boy, his ribs aching painfully, nodded slowly, winching at the movement. She watched him for a moment, then clapped her hands softly.
Instantly, the ropes binding his hands and the cloth sealing his mouth vanished into thin air. He gasped for air, coughing as he took in lungfuls of oxygen.
"Go now… do what you're asked to."
The boy, voice trembling and trembling, managed to reply, "Yes… ma'am." His voice was strained, almost broken.
Vespera smirked again, a cruel glint in her eyes as she turned and gracefully walked away, leaving him there—breathing heavily, clutching his battered body, and trying to gather the strength to obey her command.
---------------
On the rooftop, Joy stood with her arms spread wide, feeling the wind tousle her short brown hair.
Her black skirt and white T-shirt fit her perfectly, accentuating her relaxed, carefree mood.
She was close to Ha-Joon, who was mirroring her stance with his arms outstretched, his silver hair shimmering in the breeze.
Both of them laughed, their joy infectious, as they reveled in the moment.
Behind them, Ji-Hoo sat quietly, his shirt unbuttoned at the top, revealing just a hint of his inner shirt beneath.
His smile was deep, almost mysterious, and his dimple added charm to his expression.
He was holding up his phone, capturing photos or videos—whichever it was, he was clearly enjoying himself.
Next to Ji-Hoo, In-Su sat calmly, his black mask covering his face, leaving it impossible to tell whether he was smiling or not.
He was scribbling in his notebook, capturing the scene—drawing Joy, Ha-Joon, and Ji-Hoo with careful detail.
Ha-Joon chuckled and turned toward In-Su and Ji-Hoo, waving his hand inviting them over.
"Hey! Come join us!"
They nodded and made their way toward the group, smiling warmly.
Ji-Hoo teasingly draped an arm around Joy's shoulders, pulling her gently closer.
"You know, I'm just glad we have In-Su the vampire here, and Joy—the woman with superpowers." Ha-Joon said smiling warmly.
Yes Joy told him she was Mysta.
Joy blinked, her expression softening with amusement.
"You're also a human with powers..."She paused, realizing she might have said too much.
Her eyes widened slightly.
In-Su, always quick to react interjected smoothly.
"You have the power of melting anyone's heart. You melted mine. I'm hooked" He said it with a calm tone, but the words hung in the air, causing Ha-Joon to roll his eyes.
"Oh, please..."
Joy sighed in relief, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks.
'' Thanks'' She mouthed to In-Su and he nodded, winking.
Suddenly, Ji-Hoo's tone shifted, becoming serious. His voice cut through the lighthearted atmosphere.
"Guys, I need to tell you something. Will you listen to me."
The group fell silent, turning toward him with smiles that quickly faded, their eyes furrowing in concern.
Joy blinked twice as Ji-Hoo gently took his hand away from her shoulder.