The God Of Death✓

#26

Chapter 27: Shadows of the Past

A Growing Connection

YN’s days at school continue, but something has changed within her. The boy who showed her kindness, whose name she learns is Jimin, becomes a quiet presence in her life. They don’t speak much, but every day at lunch, they sit together. It’s a simple routine that gives YN a sense of stability, something to look forward to amidst the turmoil of her school life.

Hoseok, in her dreams, notices this change as well. Though he’s pleased that YN is finding some solace in the waking world, he can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. His connection with YN is profound, and he doesn’t want to lose her to the world she’s beginning to rebuild.

One evening, as they sit together beneath the tree in the field of flowers, Hoseok voices his concerns.

“You’re growing stronger, YN,” Hoseok says, his voice filled with pride but also a hint of sadness. “But I can’t help but wonder… what happens if you don’t need me anymore?”

YN looks up at him, surprised by his words. “Hoseok, I’ll always need you. You’ve been there for me in ways no one else has. Just because I’m finding some peace in my waking life doesn’t mean I want to lose what we have.”

Hoseok smiles, but it’s a bittersweet smile. “I want you to be happy, YN, whether that’s with me or in the waking world. But know that I’ll always be here, no matter what.”

His words leave YN feeling conflicted. She doesn’t want to choose between the two worlds, between the safety of her dreams and the reality she’s slowly starting to mend. But deep down, she knows that this balance is fragile, and the more she leans towards one, the more the other might fade away.

The Haunting Nightmares

As YN continues to navigate her days, the nights grow darker. While her dreams with Hoseok remain a sanctuary, they are often interrupted by nightmares, vivid, terrifying visions of her past. The bullying, the abuse at home, the overwhelming loneliness it all comes crashing back in waves that leave her breathless and terrified.

Hoseok tries to comfort her, but even his presence sometimes isn’t enough to chase away the shadows that haunt her. These nightmares are different from the usual taunts and torments; they feel almost real, as if the pain and suffering are trying to reach out to her even in her dreams.

One night, after a particularly harrowing nightmare, YN wakes up in a cold sweat. She’s trembling, her heart racing, and she feels more alone than ever. She reaches for her phone, desperate for some connection, but there’s no one she can turn to. Her parents are indifferent, and she’s too ashamed to burden Jimin with her pain.

But as she lays there, staring at the ceiling, she hears Hoseok’s voice in her mind, soothing and calm.

“I’m here, YN. Always.”

The words give her strength, and she closes her eyes, willing herself to fall back into sleep, back into Hoseok’s arms. But the nightmares linger, like a dark cloud hanging over her, threatening to consume her if she lets her guard down for even a moment.

A Glimpse into Hoseok’s World

As the days go by, YN starts to notice small changes in her dreams with Hoseok. The field of flowers, once vibrant and alive, begins to take on a more muted tone. The colours are less bright, the air a little colder. It’s as if the dream world is reflecting her inner turmoil, the growing darkness in her heart.

One night, after a particularly intense nightmare, YN finds herself in a different part of Hoseok’s world, a place she’s never been before. It’s a dark, shadowy forest, the trees towering above her, their branches twisted and gnarled. The air is thick with tension, and YN feels a chill run down her spine.

“Hoseok?” YN calls out, her voice trembling.

From the shadows, Hoseok emerges, but he looks different. His usual bright, comforting aura is dimmed, his expression serious, almost grim.

“This is a part of my world I’ve never shown you,” Hoseok says, his voice low and sombre. “It’s a place where the darkness lingers, where the souls of the lost wander. I didn’t want to bring you here, but… I think it’s time you understood the full extent of who I am.”

YN’s heart races as she looks around, the weight of Hoseok’s words sinking in. “This… this is where you come from?”

Hoseok nods, his eyes never leaving hers. “This is where I dwell when I’m not with you. I’m the god of death, YN. My world is filled with souls who have passed on, some at peace, others tormented by their regrets.”

YN takes a step closer to Hoseok, her fear replaced by a need to understand. “Why are you showing me this?”

“Because,” Hoseok says, his voice filled with emotion, “I want you to know that no matter how dark your world may seem, no matter how alone you may feel, you’re not alone. I’m here, and I’ll always be here, even in the darkest moments.”

YN feels a lump in her throat as she looks into Hoseok’s eyes, seeing the depth of his feelings for her. Despite the darkness of his world, she finds comfort in his presence, in the knowledge that he’s with her, even in the shadows.

“I’m not afraid,” YN whispers, reaching out to take Hoseok’s hand. “Not with you.”

Hoseok squeezes her hand, his expression softening. “I’ll protect you, YN. From the nightmares, from the darkness… from everything.”

As they stand together in the shadowy forest, YN feels a strange sense of peace wash over her. The world may be dark, both in her dreams and in reality, but with Hoseok by her side, she knows she can face whatever comes her way.

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