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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"And Ni-ki is down!" The little boy with dimples teased as he looked down at his best friend whom he had just knocked to the floor. He extends a hand to the grounded boy.
Ni-ki scoffs, ignoring it. "I don't need your help." He gets up and dusts himself off, a scowl marring his features.
The boys have been practicing their sparring since early morning. Now, it was early afternoon, and they were still going.
Their youthful features adorned with innocence and curiosity. Ni-ki's vibrant energy is evident in his eager movements and animated expressions, his youthful exuberance shining through as he engages in the spar with Jungwon. His eyes gleam with determination, reflecting his fiery spirit and unwavering resolve to prove himself.
Jungwon, on the other hand, exudes a sense of calm confidence beyond his years, his demeanor poised and self-assured as he gracefully navigates the sparring session. Despite their youthful physicalities, both boys possess a depth of character and resilience that belies their tender age, hinting at the trials and challenges they will face in the years to come.
Jungwon's expression softened as he observed his friend's prideful defiance. "You're stubborn," he remarked with a chuckle, taking a step back to give him space.
Ni-ki shot him a glare, but it quickly melted away, replaced by a reluctant smile. "Yeah, well, someone's gotta keep you on your toes," he retorted, his tone lightening with playful banter.
Jungwon chuckles, "Let's go again."
Their next spar is dynamic and energetic, each movement fluid yet precise. Jungwon, even as a child, with his years of experience and natural agility, effortlessly anticipates Ni-ki's moves, dodging and parrying with grace.
Ni-ki, fueled by determination and a burning desire to prove himself, attacks with ferocity, his strikes fast and calculated. Despite his best efforts, Jungwon always seems one step ahead, his movements calculated and deliberate.
As the spar intensifies, frustration builds within Ni-ki, his attacks becoming more aggressive as he desperately tries to gain the upper hand. However, Jungwon remains calm and composed, his defense impenetrable as he effortlessly counters Ni-ki's every move.
Alas, Ni-ki gets knocked down one more time. "I win. Again!" Jungwon says with a playful smirk.
Begrudgingly, the younger one gets up. "Don't rub it in." He snaps as he got up again. Jungwon extends his hand again, but this time Ni-ki slaps it away.
Raising an eyebrow, Jungwon eyes his close friend, sensing his evident frustration. "What's gotten into you? You seem more annoyed than usual."
His fists clenched. He glares at Jungwon and whines like the child he literally was, "I'm tired of always losing to you, hyung. It's not fair."
Sighing softly, Jungwon shakes his head. "It's not about winning or losing. It's about learning and growing. You'll get there eventually." Even as a child, Jungwon was mature and levelheaded.
Snorting in disbelief, Ni-ki turns away, his frustration still further evident in his posture. "Yeah, well, I'm tired of waiting."
Watching Ni-ki go, Jungwon's expression softens with concern. "Ni-ki..."
Ni-ki was dear to Jungwon because he was always the youngest in his family until Ni-ki came along, so e felt entitled to him. He didn't want the younger boy to walk away with any resentment toward him.
In a moment of camaraderie, Jungwon chases after him and playfully ruffles his hair, a gesture of affection and reassurance.
"Stop!" Ni-ki's initial scowl melts away, replaced by a sheepish grin as he relents, his anger inevitably dissipating in the warmth of Jungwon's gesture.
With a shared chuckle, the tension between them evaporates, replaced by an easy camaraderie and mutual understanding.
With a playful twinkle in his eye, Jungwon nudges Ni-ki's shoulder, a grin spreading across his face. "Lighten up, Ni-ki," he chides gently. "Life's too short to take everything so seriously. Sometimes, you've just gotta let loose and have some fun. Let's go again. Come at me, bro!"
His words carry a wisdom beyond his years, a reminder to Ni-ki to embrace the joy and spontaneity of youth. Ni-ki's expression softens as he absorbs Jungwon's advice, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. In that moment, amidst the laughter and camaraderie, Ni-ki realizes the importance of finding joy in the simple pleasures of life, guided by the wisdom of his best friend.
With determination burning in his eyes, Ni-ki lunges forward, his movements swift and precise. This time, he anticipates Jungwon's every move, countering with agility and skill. As their playful sparring match reaches its climax, Ni-ki manages to land a well-timed blow, catching Jungwon off guard and sending him stumbling backward.
Jungwon's eyes widen in surprise, a grin spreading across his face. "Looks like you finally got me, Ni-ki!" he exclaims, his voice filled with admiration. Despite the defeat, Jungwon's pride shines through, proud of his friend's progress and resilience.
Ni-ki's chest swells with pride as he basks in the glow of victory, a triumphant smile lighting up his features. For the first time, he feels a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie, bonded with Jungwon through their shared laughter and friendly competition. In that moment, as they stand side by side, Ni-ki realizes the true value of friendship and the joy of sharing moments of triumph with those closest to him.
Their laughter rings out, echoing through the air, a testament to the enduring bond between them, forged in the innocence of childhood and strengthened by the trials they will face together.
Ni-ki woke, morning light streamed through the curtains, but his heart raced from a vivid dream. He wiped away tears, the memory of a childhood sparring match with Jungwon lingering in his mind. The laughter they shared felt distant now, overshadowed by the present.
Sitting up, he felt the weight of death and the threat of damnatio memoriae pressing down on him. The dream had unearthed buried memories, reminding him of simpler times and the strong bond he once had with Jungwon. He realized that the past couldn't be erased, and perhaps facing those memories would lead him to the closure he needed.
"I'm sorry for making things difficult," Yoojung sighed from the stairs. Her words, filled with sorrow and understanding, made Ni-ki feel a pang of guilt.
"It's not your fault," he replied, a little embarrassed.
Yoojung approached, sadness etched on her face. "I know you're struggling too. I shouldn't have asked you to remove my emotions."
Ni-ki's heart ached seeing her pain. "It's fine," he insisted, his voice thick with emotion.
She paused at the bottom of the stairs, searching his eyes for reassurance. "Do you think we'll ever find peace?" she asked, then quickly added, "Never mind, I won't exist for long anyway."
He felt empathy for her. "Things are tough now," he said gently. "But we'll find our peace, just in different ways."
Yoojung nodded, a faint smile breaking through. "Thank you, Ni-ki, for always being there," she murmured.
As he looked at her, he realized how wrong he'd been about Humans. He had dismissed their emotions as weaknesses, but witnessing Yoojung's vulnerability revealed her strength and resilience. In her humanity, he found a depth he hadn't appreciated before.
Standing there, Ni-ki felt respect for her. Despite her suffering, Yoojung refused to give up, displaying a courage he admired. He understood now that there was beauty in human vulnerability, and this revelation prompted him to reevaluate his own beliefs about Humanity.
