Crimson Moonlight

V. Return The Favour

Author POV 

   Sunghoon standed in the narrow alley, his regal bearing unmistakable even in the midst of combat. His opponents were three vampires from a rebellious faction, their eyes gleaming with malice, fangs bared as they close in on him. The leader of the group, a particularly vicious-looking vampire, sneered, brandishing a wicked-looking dagger.

 "You should have stayed out of our way, Prince Sunghoon. Now, you'll pay for your interference." The rebel leader of the trio said, snarling. Sunghoon narrows his eyes, muscles tensing as he prepares to fight. "Betraying the clan was your first mistake. Challenging me will be your last." He said coldly, no emotion could be read on his face.

   The fight erupts in a blur of supernatural speed and ferocity. Sunghoon ducks under a swing from the first vampire, countering with a powerful punch that sends the attacker sprawling. The second vampire lunges at him, but Sunghoon twists out of the way, delivering a swift kick to the vampire's side, causing a grunt of pain.

   The rebel leader rushes in, slashing with the dagger. Sunghoon catches the leader's wrist, twisting it until the dagger clatters to the ground. With a swift motion, Sunghoon flips the leader over, slamming him into the cobblestones. The remaining vampires hesitate, eyes darting between their fallen leader and Sunghoon.

 "This isn't over, Sunghoon. The rebellion will hunt you down." The rebel said, gasping for air.

   Sunghoon releases the leader, who scrambles back, glaring at him before signaling the retreat. The vampires melt into the shadows, leaving Sunghoon alone in the alley, breathing heavily a few wounds on his cheek and forehead, not deep though. He also had a stab mark just above his pelvis, on the left side of his body.

   Just then, the door to the bookshop opens, and Eunchae rushes to Sunghoon standing amidst the aftermath of the fight, the crimson moon casting an eerie glow over his figure.

Eunchae POV

   Our eyes met...His eyes were a bright red shining colour that quickly turned into a dark brown shade that could be confused with black. The guy fell and I caught him, both collapsing on the floor due to his heaviness. 

   "Are you okay?" I asked in a soft and worried tone as i got up and helped him too.

   The man looks up, his eyes meeting mine. There's a moment of hesitation, but he doesn't ask for help. His expression remains cold and distant.

"I'm fine. I don't need your help." He said coldly. Damn, he's stubborn.I stepped closer, my concern overriding his cold demeanor. "You don't look fine. Let me help you. You're injured." I told him gently. I couldn't just leave him there. I don't think he has recognised me, but.... I did..

   He tries to stand straighter, but the pain is evident in his eyes. I reach out, my hand hovering uncertainly. "At least come inside. You can rest there." I told him, in a soft tone. He hesitates, then nods curtly. I guide him into the bookshop, his weight heavy on my shoulder. Once inside, I carefully lower him onto an old, cushioned chair. The librarian, noticing the commotion, hurries over.

"What happened? Is he hurt?" She asked concerned "Yes, he's injured. Can you bring the first aid kit?" I asked, urgency obvious in my tone. Mrs Kim nods and quickly retrieves the first aid kit from behind the counter, handing it to me.

"I told you, I don't need help." He said, his breath heavier than I have ever heard before. I opened the kit with trembling hands, kneeling beside him to tend to his wounds. "You're bleeding." I told him firmly, even though he obviously knew that life-changing information. His gaze turns somber, and he allows me to clean his wound, my touch is careful and precise. I glance up at him, curiosity and concern mingling in my eyes.

 "What happened to you? You look like you've been through a war." I asked kindly. His expression remains guarded, and he hesitates before answering. "Something like that. It's a long story... and not one I can easily share." He said quietly, only I could hear. It was obvious that he was becoming softer for me as seconds passed.I gently start bandaging his wound, my focus unwavering.

   I then noticed that he had a wound around his waist. But I couldn't just take his shirt off like that. "Can I-" "I'll do it myself" He said before taking off his shirt. I blushed on the inside as i observed his toned abs. How can they be so perfect? I mentally slapped myself before cleaning the outside of his deep wound, and wrapping the bandage around his waist.

"Thanks... Uh.." He seemed puzzled. Oh I know! He doesn't know my name "Eunchae" I told him before smiling shortly. "Eunchae..." He repeated, his voice husky as a small smirk formed at the corner of his lips. He then quickly snaps back and says "Thank you, Eunchae. I'm Sunghoon and I owe you my life". "No" I denied, "I already owed you mine, it was time to pay you back". He looked puzzled "What are you- Oh" I nodded to assure him. "That was you? Damn..." "And I should be thanking you. I would've been food for the vampires if it weren't for you. But the light beams-" "Oh don't worry about them, they were just.... lights around my knives" He said quickly, interrupting me. "Nice lights then" I said, confused "Yea....Thanks"

He manages a faint smile, though it quickly fades. I shake my head, smiling to myself, focused on bandaging his wound. I finish bandaging his wound and sit back, my curiosity getting the better of me. "So, what brings someone like you to a place like this?" I asked, curiosity taking over. His eyes darken, and he leans back, exhaustion overtaking him. "It's a long story, Eunchae. One that involves more than just me... and more than just tonight." Sunghoon murmured. I nod, sensing the depth of his unspoken words. 

"You should rest for now" I told him. Sunghoon closes his eyes, a mix of relief and gratitude washing over him. As I watch over him, I feel a strange connection to this mysterious stranger, knowing that our paths have crossed for a reason far beyond my understanding. The crimson moonlight continues to bathe the bookshop in its eerie glow, hinting at the secrets and adventures yet to come.

"Sorry to interrupt. Eunchae, I brought the book" I looked at Mrs Kim, then back at Sunghoon, whose eyes were closed. I got up from the floor and went to the counter. "How much for it?" I asked. She told me the price and I payed. I then took the book and placed it in my bag from shopping earlier with Hyerin, then sat back down next to Sunghoon.

   I swear his hair looked so soft. So fluffy! I was so tempted to touch it. Am I insane? How do I just touch his hair? Damn... It was black, silky.... I felt so tempted to touch it! Do I do it? Should I do it? What if he thinks I'm a creep.... Wait that seems like an option. But seriously, I wanna touch his hair! Fuck the consequences! I placed my hand softly on his hair and started playing with it. Sunghoon chuckled, but I was too busy toying around with his hair that I didn't even pay attention to what was going on around me.

   He grabbed my wrist, pulling my hand away from his hair. At this point I was terrified, will he kill me? Wait, why do I feel like laughing. Was it his plan to scare me all along? I froze. What do I do now? Uh...

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