Crimson Moonlight ✧･ﾟPark Sunghoon

XXII. Mall Attack

   The mall was alive with activity, the weekend crowd filling the space with a vibrant energy. Shoppers moved from store to store, laughter and chatter creating a lively atmosphere. The scent of freshly baked pretzels mingled with the aroma of brewed coffee, making the air feel warm and inviting.

    Sunghoon, Hyerin, and I were strolling through the mall, enjoying a rare moment of normalcy. Hyerin was particularly excited, chattering about a new café that had just opened. "I heard they have the best matcha lattes in town," Hyerin said, her eyes sparkling. "Then we have to try it," I replied with a smile. "Lead the way."

   Sunghoon walked beside me, his gaze constantly scanning our surroundings. Even in moments like these, he never let his guard down. It was a stark reminder of the ever-present danger that shadowed our lives.

   We reached the café, the aroma of coffee and pastries greeting us. Finding a cozy corner table, we settled in. Hyerin ordered her matcha latte, while Sunghoon and I opted for iced coffees.

"This place is great," Hyerin said, taking a sip of her latte. "We should come here more often." I nodded, though a part of me couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Sunghoon must have sensed it too because he leaned closer to me and whispered, "Do you feel that?" I glanced around, trying to pinpoint what was off. "Something's not right," I murmured back.

   Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the mall, followed by screams. Shoppers scattered as a group of vampires, their eyes glowing red and fingers extended into claw-like forms, stormed in. The peaceful atmosphere was shattered, replaced by chaos and fear.

   Sunghoon was on his feet instantly, his expression serious. "Stay close to me." Hyerin looked around, panic in her eyes. "What's happening?" "There's no time to explain," Sunghoon said urgently. "We need to get you somewhere safe." I grabbed Hyerin's hand, pulling her toward the back of the café. "Come on, we have to move!"

   We pushed through the panicked crowd, heading for a service corridor that led to the back exits. Sunghoon stayed close, his eyes never leaving the advancing vampires. They were attacking anyone in their path, their movements swift and deadly.

"Eunchae, get Hyerin out of here," Sunghoon said, his voice tense. "I'll hold them off." "No way," I protested. "I'm not leaving you." Sunghoon's eyes softened briefly. "I'll be fine. Just go. Keep Hyerin safe." Hyerin was trembling, her face pale. "Eunchae, what's going on? Who are those people?" I squeezed her hand. "I promise I'll explain everything later. Right now, we need to get out of here."

   Reluctantly, I pulled Hyerin along, trusting Sunghoon to handle the vampires. We made our way through the narrow service corridors, the sounds of fighting fading behind us. My heart pounded with fear and determination.

   We burst out into the parking lot, the cool night air hitting us. I spotted Sunghoon's car nearby and quickly ushered Hyerin inside. "Stay here," I instructed her. "Lock the doors and don't open them for anyone but me or Sunghoon." Hyerin nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Please be careful, Eunchae." I gave her a reassuring smile. "I will."

   Turning back to the mall, my heart heavy with worry for Sunghoon, I ran back inside. The sounds of fighting grew louder. I followed the noise, my steps quickening.

   I found Sunghoon in the main atrium, battling several vampires. His movements were a blur of superhuman speed and strength, his eyes glowing a fierce yellowish-white. Despite being outnumbered, he fought with a determination that took my breath away.

"Sunghoon!" I called out, rushing to his side. He glanced at me, his eyes widening in surprise. "Eunchae, I told you to stay with Hyerin!" "I couldn't leave you," I replied, my voice firm. "We're in this together." Sunghoon's lips curved into a brief smile before he refocused on the battle. "Stay close to me."