Blood Water // Park Sunghoon

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓣𝔀𝓸

Sunghoon's P.O.V

The sun was almost set as I stared out into the forest from the window of our mansion. I could hear movement as others entered the room, but my eyes remain focused on the trees. I wasn't sure what it was, but I had a strange feeling in my gut, like there was someone out there. 

"Sunghoon, the sun's almost down, are you heading out tonight?" Jungwon, one of my closest friends, inquires as he approaches me at the window. I reside here with six others; they are the closest semblance I have to a family. We've been companions for just over a century, a brief period by vampire standards. While it's possible for us to live indefinitely, I'm uncertain that will happen, yet I'm grateful for their presence. Each of us has faced moments when we desired an end, times when what was once a cherished gift from someone dear felt more like a curse. I'm certain some of us still feel that way, and for a time, so did I, but not any longer.

She gave me this gift... and I will treasure it, as it's all that remains of her. 

"Sunghoon?" Jungwon questions, resting a hand on my shoulder. I had drifted into my thoughts, gazing at the trees once more. Turning to him, I meet his curious gaze.

"Sorry, yeah, I'll be heading out soon," I say, turning away from the window. Behind me, Niki and Jay are seated side by side on the long, dark red couch in the living area. The room is dimly lit, with only a small lamp illuminated and a fire crackling in the fireplace.

"You ready to party?" Niki laughs excitedly as him and Jay perform their usual 'bro-shake' as they call it. Jay smirks and leans back on the couch with his arms behind his head.

"Oh yes, perhaps I'll treat myself to something special." He licks his lips, and I glare at him in response. 

"People don't exist to be your 'treat' Jay," I scold him as I walk around to the coat rack and throw on my black hoodie. He rolls his eyes at me. 

"Shut up Sunghoon, I'm a vampire; vampire's snack on people," He replies cooly, brushing me off. I know it's nature for vampires to want to drink human blood, but it's wrong, and not only can you easily lose control and kill someone, but I know she would disapprove if she was here. She taught us to only feed on animals, and while me, Sunoo, and Heeseung still live by that, the others have turned to feeding on humans over the years. I keep my disdain to myself, but when Jay, in particular, speaks of it so carelessly, as if he sees humans as nothing more than beings to satisfy his dark desires, it bothers me. Sometimes I feel like over the years, our humanity has been slowly slipping away from us.   

"I'm going hunting," I respond dismissively, my voice tinged with frustration as I make my way towards the door, eager to escape the stifling atmosphere of the room.

"Yeah, go kiss your little bunny friends for me," Jay taunts, his words like a dagger to my pride.

With a sharp intake of breath, I clench my fists, struggling to contain the surge of anger that threatens to consume me. With a decisive stride, I storm out of the room, the echo of the slamming door punctuating my exit. The cool night air embraces me as I step outside, seeking solace amidst the towering trees of the forest.

As I immerse myself in the tranquil surroundings, I close my eyes and focus on the symphony of nature, attuning my senses to the subtle sounds and scents that envelop me. With each breath, I inhale deeply, searching for the familiar aroma that will lead me to my elusive prey.

snap

My senses sharpen as I hear the telltale snap of a twig nearby, my instincts urging me into action. With lightning speed, I dart through the underbrush, each stride propelling me closer to the source of the sound.