les Wilis

entr'acte

As daylight slowly fades, the skies become gloomy and clouds darken. It was as if the skies themselves were mourning the death of Jimin. All the plants around them seem to lose their bright colors, and the grapes which were full and fresh in the morning have now lost their ripeness and vitality.

Even the songs of the birds seem to lose their melody, and so, fill the forest with silence.

Many went to visit Jimin's resting place, sending their final wishes and goodbyes. As people headed back into the village, they passed by Namjoon, who looked grim and devastated as he walked past them. Knowing that night was coming, they tried to stop him from continuing on, as the spirits of the Wilis were soon to come. But alas, no one could stop him. Namjoon wouldn't budge nor acknowledge their concern. It was as if his mind was not there with him at that moment. Seemingly lost inside his memories of what happened earlier.

Knowing it was a lost cause, they all left Namjoon alone and wished him well.

A million thoughts were racing in his mind as Namjoon ventured out into the woods, his feet dragging as he walked, seemingly heavy as it somehow felt the weight of the guilt and sadness his mind and heart is carrying.

He should've done more. He should have insisted and begged them to listen, he thought.

History had repeated itself, and Namjoon knew that he was the reason for it happening again.

With a heavy heart, he trudged his way towards the graveyard, leaving the bright lights of their village and sauntering into the dark forest. A forest somehow like an empty void that goes on and on.

Namjoon knows of the tales about the mysterious creatures of the forest, in particular those of the Wilis, people who died of heartbreak, men and women alike.

It is said that in the dark they lurk, and when the clock strikes midnight, whoever unlucky fellow who falls prey to their trap can never see the light of day ever again. The Wilis were known to be alluring and peculiar beings that one must wonder why would such divine creatures die of such heartbreak.

But no one was aware that the person who caused the birth of the very first Wilis, the queen of them all, was none other than Kim Namjoon.

Who would have thought that the reclusive Namjoon was capable of doing such a thing? To be able to give love to someone and at the same time take back that love and subject someone to a painful experience that led to their demise.

His former lover was such a sweetheart in their village. Everyone who met him immediately adored him and his endearing boxy smile and the way he could easily charm people. He was one of the crowd's favorites when performing during their weinfests, as his movements were filled with such grace and fluidity that one may think he was floating on air.

He was known for his effortless way of making people feel at ease and welcome, especially when they had guests visiting from other villages. Despite not actually being a part of the village council, he was often seen with the village leader and somehow became a valuable part of the members.

Different memories keep flashing in Namjoon's head as he continues on his way, deeper into the forest. How they had first met, their friendship developing, then later on, how love between them bloomed into such a beautiful flower that wilted from pain and unhappiness.

Where did it all go wrong? Why did he have to die?

~~~

It was a cloudy day when Namjoon headed out to the forest to check if his traps caught any animals. Trudging around the forest, only the sound of leaves crunching and his boots heavily stepping on the rough dirt. He was the only person who went to this part of the forest since the other hunters preferred the more open clearings at the other side, believing it to be where most of the animals go.