Finale to Lovers in the Night.
"The realms are inching toward destruction, and the only way we can prevent that is to change the past."
In which Yoojung, the only half-Vampire, half-Human alive, is prompted by the six Vampire princes to turn back ti...
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"I hate being seen as a failure," Ni-ki muttered, his voice edged with frustration as he struggled with his own self-doubt.
Despite his usual guarded demeanor, he found himself opening up to her, the weight of his past failures pressing heavily upon him. Somehow, she found a way to get it out of him. They stood outside her house silently while he was collecting his thoughts.
"My first mission was a disaster," he confessed, the memories still vivid in his mind. "I was supposed to bring down a Vampire hunter, but instead, I got caught. It was a close call; I almost got killed."
He recounted the pressure he faced from his best friends, their constant reminders echoing in his ears, urging him to avoid failure at all costs. It was a burden he carried with him, a constant reminder of the stakes involved in his missions, and the consequences of falling short.
Despite their one-year age difference, Ni-ki looked up to Jungwon with admiration from a young age. Jungwon's prowess as a fighter, even in their childhood, made him a prodigy in Ni-ki's eyes.
Despite their close bond, there were moments when their rivalry ran deep, causing Ni-ki to feel frustrated and strive to outshine Jungwon. This competitive spirit sometimes led to tension between them, especially when Ni-ki felt overshadowed by Jungwon's accomplishments.
Even witnessing Jungwon saving him from the Vampire hunter only intensified Ni-ki's feelings of inadequacy.
However, amidst their rivalry, Ni-ki came to understand the importance of brotherhood. After experiencing the failed mission and facing the risk of death, it was Jungwon who offered comfort and support, reminding Ni-ki of the bond they shared.
In that moment, Ni-ki realized that their relationship transcended competition, and he valued Jungwon's presence and support more than any victory.
The sight of Jungwon at the hospital, vulnerable and in need of help, struck Ni-ki deeply. Seeing him in such a helpless state reminded Ni-ki of their bond and the profound impact Jungwon had on his life.
Ni-ki couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt as he realized that while Jungwon had always been there for him, offering support and guidance, he hadn't been able to reciprocate when Jungwon needed him the most. Seeing Jungwon facing his doom made Ni-ki painfully aware of his own shortcomings and failures as a friend. It weighed heavily on him that he hadn't been there to offer the same level of support and comfort to Jungwon in his time of need.
"It's not your fault." Yoojung's words cut through Ni-ki's self-blame like a knife through butter.
Despite her own struggles, she could see the weight of guilt on Ni-ki's shoulders and offered him a lifeline of reassurance. Yet, even with her words, h couldn't shake the feeling that he had let down his closest friend when he needed him the most.
"Still."
"From what I've seen, you can be a bit stubborn and close minded, but you're very smart and competent."
He paused for a bit, "Do you think hyung agrees?"
"Why don't you speak to my dad then?" she queried.
Ni-ki hesitated, grappling with the idea of facing Jungwon directly. The thought of confronting his friend, witnessing his decline firsthand, was a daunting prospect. However, Yoojung's question struck a chord within him, pushing him to consider the possibility of a face-to-face conversation despite his reservations.
He was unsure of how to navigate interacting with Jungwon in his Human form. The familiarity of their past dynamics as Vampire best friends added an extra layer of complexity to their current situation. How could he bridge the gap between their shared history and Jungwon's present vulnerability as a mortal?
He simply says, "I'll try."
"Great. Anyway, I've got this massive exam looming over me tomorrow, so I really should head home and hit the books," she remarked, a hint of urgency in her tone as she contemplated the daunting task ahead.
He rolled his eyes. "You're just like your dad," he quipped, unable to resist drawing the comparison between her and Jungwon.
She chuckled softly. "I appreciate you opening up," she said sincerely. "It's not a bad thing for a Vampire to show a little Humanity every now and then."
He simply stared at her, his expression unreadable, as if contemplating her words in silence.
She extends an invitation, her voice soft yet earnest, urging him to abandon his nocturnal perches and share her living space instead. "Stay with me. I know your current 'bed' is uncomfortable."
He chuckles softly, acknowledging her gesture with a nod. They enter her home, where she proceeds to prepare the couch for him, a silent sign of hospitality and friendship.
Ni-ki found himself standing in her living room, reflecting on how much their relationship had evolved since their initial encounter.
"Alright, everything's set up for you," Yoojung said, gesturing towards the neatly arranged couch that now had pillows and blanket.
Ni-ki nodded, appreciating her hospitality. "Thanks."
She smiled. "No problem. Make yourself at home. I'll be in my room studying if you need anything."
Ni-ki watched her head towards her room, feeling a sense of gratitude for her kindness. As she disappeared into her room, he settled down on the couch, contemplating the unexpected turn of events that had led him here.
Ni-ki whispered softly to himself, his words barely audible in the quiet room, "Thank you for caring."
