Gift

At first, I didn't feel anything inside me while staring at Jiwoo's dead body, but it didn't last. Soon enough, the agonizing pain began throbbing in my chest at its fullest capacity, causing tears to form inside my eyes. And before I even knew it... my cheeks were soaked in the fluids of my overflowing emotions. I'm really upset.

"W-why did you kill him?!" I angrily sobbed, turning to glare at Namjoon, so he dully averted his eyes to mine.

"He deserves it. You want him dead anyways," Namjoon spoke in a bitter tone while staring at me.

"You let him take the easy way out! He should've suffered before dying!" I cried in anger. He can't die like this! He hasn't paid for what he's done to Yangcha! Panting, I quickly rushed over to Namjoon and tried to snatch the gun out of his hands, but he refused to let go.

"Give it to me-"

"No! Sora!-" Namjoon snapped furiously when I successfully yanked the gun out of his grip.

BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG.

The gunfire went off repeatedly, shutting off the sound around us. I shot repetitively at Jiwoo's dead body until the ammo ran out, but the pain inside my chest... didn't ease. WAE?! WHY AM I NOT SATISFIED?!

"It's the pain, isn't it?" Namjoon calmly asked while staring at the random bullet wounds scattered over the corpse.

"It should've been me! I should be the one to kill him! W-wae- WHY DID YOU TAKE IT AWAY FROM ME?!" I screamed at the top of my lungs before turning to smack Namjoon in frustration. I'm going crazy. He didn't suffer enough... Yangcha deserves more than this. I just want my pain to end!

"Killing doesn't end the pain," Namjoon firmly gripped my hands to stop me from striking him.

"Oh really? Do you want to try?" I sharply glared at him.

"You can try. But killing isn't easy, Sora. It doesn't end the pain. Believe me," Namjoon spoke in an empty tone as he stared into my eyes. His eyes... it was genuine... but I'll never trust him, never again. I started chuckling in hysteria, then slapped Namjoon hard across his face, causing him to turn away stiffly.

"Why should I believe you? You're the reason Yangcha died. You manipulate people into believing you'll somehow save them from the terrifying society. These people... they're scared. They want to be happy. They want to live. And you- you give them false hope. You use them until their very last breath. You're fucked up-"

"You don't know anything!" Namjoon howled, grabbing onto my arm in fury. The side of his cheek was burning with the red imprint of my hand.

"Let me go!" I snapped, but he only clutched harder, sending a surge of pain up my arms.

"Why is their death always my fault?! Wae?! They're hopeless. They won't survive anyways. I- I'm the one giving them false hope- you're right. What am I supposed to do?! Tell them they'll die a tragic death?! What does that make me? No matter what they do, they will never make it! All I did was give them an opportunity to choose their own fate!-"

"To kill me?! TO KILL ME?! WAE?! WHAT DID I DO WRONG?!" I snapped when I felt every inch of me raging in anger. WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE ALL OF THIS?!

"THEY CHOOSE TO KILL YOU BECAUSE THEY THINK YOU'RE THE THREAT! THE ONLY CHANCE FOR THEM TO LIVE IS FOR YOU TO DIE! THEY PICKED THEIR OWN PATH, NOT ME! AS LONG AS YOU'RE ALIVE, WE'RE ALL IN DANGER! YOUR EXISTENCE STRENGTHENS YOUR PARENT'S POWER!" Namjoon roared at the top of his lungs.

"Sora!" Taehyung called, anxiously rushing up to us but stopped dead when he spotted the dead corpse in the water fountain. Gulping, I clenched my fists tightly in distress. Am I the fear? Am I the reason everyone's suffering...? M-me? Yangcha would still be alive if I didn't exist.

"Stop denying the truth you've tried so hard to bury," Namjoon seethed, snatching the gun out of my grip before stomping off without another word.

"Who-"

"Namjoon killed him. I should've done it myself, but he did it. I could've made peace with Yangcha's death," I gulped, trying to hold in my tears.

"The kid's gone... stop blaming yourself," Taehyung sighed, slowly approaching me.

"Don't blame me? Taehyung, that kid died because of me. The alphas killed him thinking it'll cripple me- h-he was only a kid! How can I-" I fell completely silent when Taehyung suddenly pulled me into a tight hug, tugging my head against his shoulder. Whatever I do... no matter how hard I try to escape the truth... the answer will always be the same. I am responsible for his death.

"At least his misery ended. No more pain... no more suffering. Free from this cult," Taehyung whispered, pressing his face against the side of my head. I shakily closed my eyes to accept the truth as I stood between Taehyun's arms. I bit my trembling lips, letting the stream of tears slip down my cheeks when I felt my own guilt weighing on my chest. I wish I was gone too...

Taehyung told Jimin to wait in their room while he came searching for me since Jimin wouldn't calm down. Hoseok's and Yoongi's parents came rushing to the crime scene as soon as they received the news. Thankfully, they're both alive. My parents showed up to check on me too, but I told them I was alright. They don't care anyways... appa didn't look convinced, but they eventually gave up and went back to their room.

The guards heaved Jiwoo's bloated corpse out of the dreary water fountain while the Jungs held Jiwoo's parents captive in their room to await the consequences. But just an hour later, the Hyuns committed suicide by overdosing themselves. Just one night... just one... another alpha's household ceases to exist in the society. All the memories of Jiwoo grew dim... just one mistake... Jiwoo and his parents died tragically. The messed-up thing was, everyone went on with their life as if it were nothing. They're used to it... they're used to the terror. .. but the truth is... this is what it's like to be a low class... to be weak. You're only needed to mop the dirty work of the higher ranks... and when you disappear... everyone forgets you. You... become no one.

"Thankfully, your cervical spine isn't damaged. But you'll have to be very cautious until you recover. No pressure or force should be applied to your neck," The doctor informed me as he checked the wound around my neck after asking me to turn from side to side, up and down.

"Besides the soreness around my neck- I feel completely fine," I muttered, anxiously watching Hoseok lay in this bed with his parents beside him.

"You might not feel any pain right now, but strangulation is very dangerous. It might cause brain damage due to the lack of oxygen and other internal injuries. Its symptoms could show up weeks later, so we'll be monitoring your health for a while. If you feel abnormal hoarseness, nausea, memory loss, ringing in your ears, sore throat, or difficulty in breathing, please inform me," The doctor stated as he got onto his feet.

"What about Hoseok-"

"Drowning may cause brain damage, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, but his condition seems balanced, so we'll be keeping an eye on his health as well. For now, we should let him rest," The doctor turned to stare at Mr. Jung, who was combing Hoseok's hair anxiously.

"Sora. Stay here with me," Hoseok hoarsely spoke from his bed. I turned to look at Mrs. Jung when she sadly reached out to squeeze my hands and left us.

"If you feel like puking- or feel chest pain- or difficulty in breathing, tell me-"

"I'm fine," Hoseok grunted, slowly opening his eyes as I sat on the edge of his bed.

"Why do we always say we're fine when we're clearly not fine," I whispered while staring blankly at the yolky lamp.

"Because we humans believe that if we say it enough times... we'll eventually be okay. It's the only comfort to trick ourselves into thinking we're actually alright... being ignorant of our reality is the only thing that keeps us sane when we're breaking into pieces," Hoseok whispered, turning on his side to face me.

"How long can we endure it...? I'm sure it's not forever," I sadly stared at him.

"You're tired. Get some rest," Hoseok weakly smiled, patting the empty space on his bed.

"I'll sleep on the armchair-"

"I know it's supposed to be fake, but will you hold me tonight? I haven't felt warmth in such a long time until you saved me," Hoseok whispered... locking his dim eyes with mine as I was about to get up.

"As much as I resented you for betraying me... I couldn't let you die because of me, even after what you did," I shook my head at him, sitting back down on the bed.

"Just like how I abandoned everyone, I thought you'd abandoned me too. Ah... I'm such a terrible person," Hoseok chuckled in embarrassment. I hated Hoseok for betraying me, but little did I know he was only trying to survive. He could've pulled the trigger that night and ended everyone's misery, but he didn't. Sighing, I carefully laid beside Hoseok, then slid my arm under his head to cushion him.

"Thank you," He whispered, snuggling his face against my lower neck. I patted his soft hair as he drifted to sleep in my arms. We all have our own reasons to justify our actions. It's the only choice we have to thrive. Hoseok's a strong soul... even if he's not okay, he keeps moving forward with his broken pieces... unlike me. Ah... I'm a mess. I couldn't sleep hours after Hoseok fell asleep but eventually dozed off at dawn without realizing it. The hectic night must've exhausted everyone because Hoseok and I didn't wake up until noon. To my surprise, I was coiling into Hoseok's chest with my head rested on his arm, so I groggily pulled my hands off his chest and rolled onto my back.

"You're awake?" Hoseok mumbled, so I snapped my head towards him in shock.

"Oh? You're awake too?" I asked, pushing myself up into a sitting position... feeling slightly embarrassed. Aish... how can I be so careless...?

"Yeah, I woke up a while ago, but you were still asleep, so I didn't move," Hoseok nodded while rubbing his face.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled apologetically, and without warning, the door burst open- startling Hoseok and I. Yoongi, Minho, Jungkook, and Minha came striding in... fully dressed.

"Yah... people are going to think you both died at this point," Minho scoffed, tugging back the curtain to let the sunlight inside the room.

"Oh. Yoongi, are you okay?" I worriedly asked him with my eyes trained on his torso.

"I'm fine," Yoongi nodded in exhaustion.

"Did you sleep on the same bed?" Jungkook questioned awkwardly. What's with him? Why is he so tense?

"Of course they did. What do you expect?" Minho cluelessly shot Jungkook a weird look as Yoongi slumped on the couch by the huge glass window with his hands on his wound.

"How are you feeling?" Minah asked while staring at us anxiously. For some reason, she looks upset. Are they still fighting?

"Not good, but still alive," I shook my head ironically as Hoseok got up to place his robe over me. Ah, I miss Jimin... Is he alright? He must be worried...

"They removed the Hyun's bodies overnight. I didn't know he had the guts," Minho chuckled, stretching out his arms before the view of the sea.

"It's obviously Seokjin and Namjoon- go and get dressed," Jungkook huffed, tugging me off the bed with an annoyed look. Why won't he leave me alone...? I darted him a sharp glare, and in response, he sternly nodded toward the dressing room with his demanding eyes.

"Namjoon murdered Jiwoo? I heard a few gunshots after he disappeared, and rumors say it's him. The jerk gave me a good stab," Yoongi questioned, cautiously patting his left torso.

"He did. I was there," I nodded, firing Jungkook an irritated look when he suddenly ruffled my hair. I swear I wanna smack him. Why's he acting like this? I can take care of myself.

"Aigo... look at you... what a mess... does it hurt? Your neck-" Jungkook grimaced, reaching over again, but I slapped his hands away.

"Stop it," I snapped, dodging him when I noticed Minah emptily eyeing Hoseok. She doesn't know about the truth, huh...? Jungkook didn't tell her. Why didn't he tell her?

"They obviously killed him because he was too reckless. Seokjin must've told Namjoon to eliminate Jiwoo because too many people witnessed his murder attempt. Imagine trying to kill three alphas in one go- Pabo," Hoseok shrugged while combing his hand through his hair.

"Seokjin's really using his pawn against us," Yoongi darkly chuckled.

"Get out. We need to change," Hoseok snapped, shooing out the alphas.

"In the same room?" Jungkook scoffs at Hoseok in disbelief.

"I'm not a pervert, don't worry," Hoseok rolled his eyes at Jungkook, who was glaring at me for no apparent reason. Hoseok told me to use the bathroom first, so I took a quick bath and got dressed. Staring at my own reflection in silence... I gently ran my fingers across the purple bruise around my neck. Seokjin and Namjoon are too good at the game... I need to outsmart them. I strode back into the room so Hoseok could use the bathroom. After getting ready, Hoseok and I made our way out of the mansion... and sure enough, everyone curiously eyed us from every corner of the island. Hoseok's security tripled, so the guards followed us wherever we went. The reason the guards weren't around last night- was because Hoseok told them to leave his side. He wanted to enjoy his time alone.

"Let me show you our winery," Hoseok smiled, cautiously eyeing the crowd. I nodded, so he took me through the orchard and around the island to a wooden cabin filled with the Jung's signature white grape wine.

"I got the update. It is Jiwoo," Hoseok spoke nervously as I examined the barrels of wine.

"What did you do to the guy?" I asked, leaning over to graze a pretty silver bottle.

"My people took care of him. Do you want to hear the details?" Hoseok questioned anxiously as I glanced around the wooden cabin in awe.

"Yeah, tell me," I finally gulped, turning to stare at Hoseok dead in the eyes. I need to know the truth... I can't run from it forever.

"At around 3:00 PM. The Jae was preparing to leave their place to attend a stock conference. So most of their guards shifted to the building in Itaewon. The culprit was disguised as a guard and went up to their room with a silencer. He shot the parents first. He didn't shoot the kid though... The man proceeded to the game room where the kid was and strangled him until he was too weak to fight back... and finally killed him with a metallic bat he found in the room. Five hard blows in the head, and the kid stopped moving. That's his confession," Hoseok spoke uneasily as I sullenly stared at the wine barrel.

"He suffered so much... and I let the murderer take the easy way out," I scoffed in disappointment. Silently pondering on the amount of pain Yangcha had to go through compared to how painlessly Jiwoo died from the blast in his head.

"Seokjin and Namjoon-"

"I don't think they did it, not directly. Jiwoo wanted to be their ally. And in return, he had to prove himself to them. So he must've killed the Jae's to impress the Kims. Remember the night I helped you escape with Yoongi? Seokjin and Namjoon urged me to get rid of Yoongi that night, but I didn't because I promised you. I think that's when they lost trust in me. Anyways, I guess it wasn't enough, so Jiwoo tried to murder me since that's what Seokjin wanted. But you happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, so he got greedy and tried to kill you too. Namjoon killed him because he didn't deem Jiwoo worthy enough... plus he caused too much nuisance in one attempt. So, of course, Seokjin used it as an excuse to eliminate the Hyun to dodge suspicion," Hoseok shook his head.

"Yangcha's death was just a game to satisfy the Kims?" I scoffed in disbelief. I hastily grabbed a bottle of wine off the lower shelf and popped it open with a wine opener.

"Woah! Woah! Woah! It's not ready yet!" Hoseok gasped, snatching the bottle from me in shock.

"Why not?!-"

"I know you're upset, and yes, they're the cause of the kid's death. But you won't even get the chance to avenge his death if you drink this. The wine's not ready. It hasn't been tested yet, so you can't drink it. You might get poisoned- white grape wine is a very complicated process- that's why it's so rare," Hoseok shook his head as he carefully sealed the bottle.

"Oh really? Then give me something I can drink," I whined with my arms folded in frustration.

"Fine- oh, it's time for the lunch gathering, come on. We should head back," Hoseok checked his watch, carefully placing the bottle back onto the shelf.

"Can I take this?" I asked, pointing at a pretty golden bottle the size of my palm.

"No, I don't trust you. You aren't dying today," Hoseok shook his head sternly and strode out. Sighing, I turned to stare at the bottle and followed him out of the winery cabin.

The alphas will leave the island in the afternoon after the lunch gathering in the orchard field. Even if the alphas pretended as if nothing happened the night before, I could feel the fear looming over each and every one of them because people kept staring at Hoseok and I at the gathering. I am their fear...

The top alphas sat together at a long picnic table under the shade of the trees. Taehyung sat at the end of the table with Jimin right beside him. On the other hand, Minho and Mira sat across from Jimin. Meanwhile, Minah and Jungkook sat in the middle facing Dohyun, Haerim, and three new alphas. Yoongi was seated right beside Jungkook, so we sat down beside him. And of course, Seokjin and Namjoon sat facing me from the opposite side.

"I'm glad you're alive," Seokjin sarcastically smiled as he sliced his steak.

"I'm sorry I didn't die like you anticipated," I nodded, smirking at him, causing the entire table to fall silent.

"Yah, you didn't actually think it was me?!" Seokjin innocently snapped, turning to the other alphas in disbelief, but no one said anything. Namjoon was quietly eating his food. Don't play dumb with me...

"Of course, it wasn't you," I chuckled and nodded at him.

"Aish, don't accuse me of such things. It might cause unnecessary misunderstandings. Anyways, I can't wait for the wine," Seokjin beamed at Hoseok, who loathingly rolled his eyes in response.

"Oh, yeah, I heard the white grape wine is only available here," Dohyun beamed to impress the top alphas.

"It's the best. You can only drink it here during its season. Hoseok used to gift me a dozen crates every time," Seokjin smiled, nodding at Hoseok.

"The White Grape Wine is here," The waiter announced, leaning over to pour carefully into each of the alpha's glasses.

"Try it. You wanted to try it," Hoseok excitedly urged me, so I took a sip.

"Wow... it's heavy but good? It's so sweet," I laughed while licking my lower lips in surprise.

"I'm gonna miss this," Seokjin pouted... taking a sip from his cup.

It was as good as everyone says it was. But it's a bit too heavy. It made my throat burn every time I gulped down the wine. Somehow, the burn eased the pain in my chest, so I kept asking for more and more until I got a little tipsy.

"You should stop drinking," Hoseok whispered, tugging my cup away. Eh? It's too good! I turned to find Jungkook watching me with an anxious expression. Taehyung sat uneasily watching over Jimin, who was intensely eyeing me from the far end of the table.

"You're quite a drinker," Seokjin beamed as I got onto my feet.

"I'll be right back," I patted Hoseok on the shoulder and strode towards the bathroom. I stumbled into the sink and began splashing the cold water against my face when I felt the surges of pain throbbing in my chest. Not again... Why's the numbness temporary?! I can't stand looking at Seokjin... argh! I'm so pissed! Damn his fucking arrogant gaze! I hastily rubbed my face and headed back towards the orchard. Instead, I went over to the staff section and requested them to bring more wine to the top alpha's table.

"What are you doing?" Jungkook asked, walking up to me suspiciously. Here he comes again... Why is he always tailing me...?

"Asking for more drinks. What's your problem?" I smiled, holding up a wine bottle to show him.

"You're turning red. Why can't you act properly for once? People will think you're an alcoholic," Jungkook argued, gently reaching out to graze his fingers against my rosy cheek. He's weird... It's making me uncomfortable... so I hastily push past him and strut out of the staff section.

"What's that?" Jungkook asked, nodding at the object in my hand.

"A gift," I smiled, walking towards the alpha's table, then sat down without another word.

"Sora-"

"Just let me drink, please," I muttered, popping the bottle I took from the waitress to refill my own glass. Hoseok gulped worriedly at me and turned to Taehyung for help.

"She's the supreme alpha, don't stop her," Seokjin smirked at Hoseok while taking a sip from his glass.

"You said you like it, lemme-"

"No! I'll let the waitress refill it," Seokjin rejected my offer, snatching his cup away when I drunkenly got up and tried to pour from the bottle into his cup. What an asshole... how rude. I grimaced at Seokjin, poured into my own glass, and gulped down it in one go.

"Hoseok-ah. Can I take a few bottles home?" I turned to smile at Hoseok, who was anxiously biting onto his lower lips. Am I drunk already? My eyes feel heavy.

"Only if you promise to stop drinking now," Hoseok replied, attempting to yank the bottle out of my grip, but I drew it out of his reach.

"Just one more, please?" I pouted, so Hoseok eventually agreed.

"Cheers?" I grinned, turning drunkenly to Seokjin as he refilled his glass.

"Are you usually like this when you're drunk?" Seokjin chuckled, taking a sip of the wine with his mocking eyes trained on me.

"Wae? What's wrong? I'm always like this. I'm weird, I know. Is that why you want me dead?" I giggled, taking a mouthful gulp from my glass as I eyed Seokjin without blinking.

"This girl- What's the matter with you? Why do you keep on accusing me?!" Seokjin scoffed in an offended tone while rolling his eyes before taking another uneasy sip.

"You all want me dead, don't you?" I laughed, cheerfully glancing at everyone. All the alphas turned silent. None of them looked at me. They all want me dead.

"Wah~ You're unbelievable- jinja-"

"Especially you. Is it frustrating...? Hmm? Trying so hard to get rid of something you can't even touch? Is it frustrating to watch me breathe?" I questioned, turning to stare at Seokjin dead in the eyes. Namjoon suddenly froze and glanced at me. Seokjin's forceful smiles suddenly faded away... darkness loomed over him upon my confrontation. The alphas grew tense as Seokjin and I stared at each other in silence. Those eyes... those... bloodthirsty eyes.

"You-"

"HAH! Just kidding! I'm only kidding," I giggled, cutting Seokjin off, who then shot me a baffled look. He's nervous.

"I guess you're really drunk," Seokjin awkwardly coughed in relief... draining his entire cup as I smiled at him.

"Oh yeah," I smiled, pulling out the small golden bottle from underneath the table and placed it in front of me.

"Oh, that's a pretty vintage bottle. I feel like I've seen somewhere," Seokjin mumbled, eyeing it with curiosity. Hoseok briefly glanced at the bottle and cluelessly looked away but abruptly snapped his head towards me again in horror.

"What the heck- Sora- you-," Hoseok's eyes grew wide open when his eyes landed on the familiar palm-size golden bottle sparkling in front of me.

"Who's the gift for?" Jungkook asked, curiously eyeing the bottle. Oh yeah, that's what he asked me about back at the staff section.

"Why is it empty?!" Hoseok gasped with his eyes bulging open in extreme shock. Why is it empty...? It was filled to the brim back at the cabin.

"Gift? Who's the lucky person?" Seokjin smugly chuckled, examining the empty golden bottle from the opposite side.

"Sora! Answer me- Why is it empty- Did you drink it-" Hoseok quietly gripped onto my hands, turning pale in fright as I smiled at him with my pink cheeks.

"Who's the gift for??" Jungkook pressed, so all the alphas turned to look at me in anticipation.

"Me. It's a gift for me," I nodded, lifting up the empty bottle while giggling to myself like a maniac.

"Sora-" Hoseok's face drained in terror with a paralyzed expression. He was staring at me in bewilderment. In response, I kept laughing at the alpha's confused faces. Hoseok hastily grabbed my arm and was about to drag me out of my seat when-

"Yah... Are you crazy? - Oh?! Oh no-" Seokjin groaned, causing Hoseok to stop dead. He turned to stare at Seokjin with his mouth hanging open. I suddenly stopped giggling and averted my eyes to Seokjin when I felt the dark hollowness spreading throughout my soul.

"Seokjin- are you okay?" Namjoon quickly turned to look at Seokjin, whose nose was bleeding. Drip ... the thick blood... splattered onto Seokjin's plain white shirt.

"Aish, not again," Seokjin groaned, snatching the tissues to push it against his nose. Hoseok stood frozen in his place... turning super pale as he proceeded to stare at Seokjin. He didn't even blink.

"Hmm... hmm... hmm," I began humming, softly tracing my fingers over the lining of the grapefruit engraving on the golden bottle.

"Maybe you're dehydrated? Should I call the doctor? Why are you sweating so much???" Namjoon asked, glancing at me in confusion before turning to Seokjin worriedly.

"No. I'm fine. It happens-" Seokjin shook his head and got onto his feet, but his legs went weak... so Seokjin suddenly collapsed onto the ground.

"Seokjin!" Namjoon gasped in panic, running over to Seokjin as I continued to hum the same melody over and over again. I gradually lifted my steak knife to examine it while Seokjin struggled to get onto his feet.

"Omo!"

"What's going on?! Why is the supreme alpha-"

"Is he hurt?!" People started gasping in every direction. Seokjin finally pushed himself off the ground with Namjoon's help. He was sweating from head to toe... blood endlessly flowing from his nose. His once-perfect white shirt is now drenched in blood. The once so perfect Kim Seokjin... is now a bloody mess. What a pleasant sight.

"Don't worry, it's just grape wine," I giggled as my lips curved up to form a dull smile. I turned to stare at Seokjin, whose face turned pale in realization. He looks very frightened. Awe... What happened to his prideful smile?

"This isn't just grape wine! The symptoms-" Namjoon frowned, turning to stare at me in fear as I casually crossed my legs.

"Sora- it wasn't grape wine in that bottle. It was undiluted alcohol," Hoseok whispered, keeping his terrified eyes trained on Seokjin.

"Oh, dear... I didn't know. Hmm, at least it's not cyanide," I murmured in disinterest, pretending to be startled, then blankly turned to smile at Seokjin... who was furiously glaring at me.

"WHAT DID YOU DO?! YOU-" Seokjin bellowed, pouncing towards me in rage.

"SEOKJIN!" Namjoon roared. Seokjin furiously leaned towards me over the table in anger... and attempted to grab me... but I leaned backward with the knife held tightly in my hands. He was frantically clawing for me... his fingers just a few inches away from my neck. If I'm not careful... he could possibly snap my already vulnerable neck. The doctor said I shouldn't hurt my neck again, but here I am.... calmly staring at Seokjin's bloodshot eyes. He's burning in hatred. The first time I looked into his eyes when I arrived in Seoul... It was so innocent. Now... I can see all the viciousness. All the darkness under his perfect mask. I can see it all. I was staring at the demon's eyes. He got close to me, yet I refused to move... I didn't even flinch. I'll gamble my life. Someone tried to drag me away from Seokjin, but I sat stiffly... refusing to move... and just as his fingertip lightly grazed my neck... his body gave up on him. He collapsed onto the table... tumbled off his seat... desperately grasping for support. He caught the golden bottle and dragged it with him... lost his balance... and tilted back onto the ground.

Crash

The vintage bottle shattered into pieces on the ground beside Seokjin as he lay motionless on the grass... blood staining his entire shirt. The entire orchard grew hushed. It was so quiet... all I could hear was the birds chirping... leaves rustling... echoes of the waves crashing into the shore from the distance... and the wind blowing morosely through the trees accompanied by... my faint humming.

Slowly... I let go of the knife and placed it back on the table... with blood... trickling down my palm...

When the fear hums... the hearts stop... life withers... and the dark terror manifests within.