deal | jjk

12

You feel... odd. Like you're incredibly heavy... but not even tied to your own body... all at the same time. You don't like it, it... hurts. There's an ache that reaches every little nerve in your body, but you're convinced the pain stems from your mind. So weird.

You try to open your eyes, and at first, your eyelids aren't cooperating, but soon enough, they do, and it's to darkness. Well, walking towards the light was definitely not the case. Unless that really only is for heaven, and you've managed to get yourself thrown into hell.

As your mind starts filling your body again, you begin to feel it. You're laying on something, something warm and slightly moving. In fact, you have your cheek pressed against it. Is it... skin? Yeah, it is.

A groan slips through your lips as you lift your head. Even though you nudge your head into something black that quickly moves away—and realizing what it is—you don't quite get it just yet.

It's only when you tilt your head up and see his face that you realize that you're lying on top of the demon. Jeongguk. He's lying on a bed, your bed, and you're lying on him. He doesn't scare you anymore, after all, you're dead, what can he do?

His dark brown eyes are watching you closely, but you can't read his emotions. He's probably disappointed that you succeeded in hiding from him. You couldn't help it, you were terrified, and in the end, the heart attack hurt, but not nearly as much as death by his hands would have.

When the thick layer of paralyzing fear has been removed, all there is left is guilt. It really would end like this for you, wouldn't it? Living your whole life as a spotless citizen, caring for everyone around you to the best of your ability, and during the last week of your life, you trade someone's life for money. Of course, this is your punishment.

"Am I... in hell?"

Jeongguk tilts his head, and it reminds you of the first time you summoned him, when he did the same after you told him that the life you would be sacrificing was your own.

"'Cause I'm here?"

You nod at his question, and he smiles. This is a new smile for you, you've never seen it. It's sad. But it's true? You're with him, have to look him in the eye and face what you did. That's your personal hell.

"I'm sorry."

Your mouth opens in shock. Those words were not formed by your own mouth, no, they came from him.

"But... I'm sorry," you say.

"For giving me up for money? It's okay," he smiles, and this time, it's a little more genuine. You can only stare at him and try to form words and sentences that convey your shock and confusion.

"But how? Why? You were so angry? And rightfully so? I'm the worst person that's ever lived, doing that to you..."

"I—I don't know, I just... am not angry anymore. You've had a lot of hard choices to make, and of course, your family comes first. As someone who has seen exponentially worse things and done even worse, believe me, you're alright. I'm sorry for scaring you, it was low of me."

At the mention of your family, you look down at where your hands are on his naked chest. Why doesn't he have a shirt on? You gulp.

"Do you... uh, do you know... how they are?"

"Your siblings?"

You nod and chew on your lip. Why do you still feel so many emotions?

"Uh, they're good. Taehyung's at the hospital and Dahyun's still at the neighbors'."

You sigh worriedly, "so they don't know yet?"

You really thought dying in a public bathroom would grant them the news quickly. Well, you didn't know how much time passed before you woke up here, nor if time works the same way, wherever you are. The clock that hangs above the door in your bedroom shows seven pm.