Beyond Redemption || Lee Know

Fifteen.

I wasn't expecting to see Hyunjin before the party. I had gone several days successfully avoiding him, mostly because I've been staying in my room by myself ever since Minho stormed off the other day. Yet tonight Hyunjin stands in my doorway, flashing a charming smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Hi, sweet Tristin. May I come in?"

I do my best to fake a smile back, to appease him just long enough to get through whatever this is. "Of course."

I open the door the rest of the way, and Hyunjin floats in, his movements fluid and predatory. Behind him follows a female vampire, pulling a rolling garment rack that's completely filled with clothing. I think I recognize her as one of the vampires that Jeongin hangs around, though I can't remember if she's one of the few that's actually kind to him. I wonder if she had anything to do with the state that he was in the other night. I want to ask her, but realize that now, in front of Hyunjin, isn't the right time. I watch silently as she drags the rack into my room and then quickly leaves, shutting the door behind her. Hyunjin saunters over to the rack, running his fingers over each piece of clothing like he's taking inventory.

"What is this?" I ask tentatively.

A pleased smile forms on his face. "I thought you might like something nice to wear to your party."

A lump forms in my throat. "Thank you, but...that's not necessary, Hyunjin."

"Oh, but I think it is." He chuckles ominously. "You'll want to look your very best. And I have a feeling you'll look absolutely ravishing in one of these dresses."

I eye the rack carefully, considering my options. Whatever it takes to get him out of here quicker... "If you insist."

His eyes gleam with satisfaction. "Good. Now, let's see here..." He begins sifting through the clothes, his fingers lingering on a particularly delicate silk dress. "Ah, I think this one would be lovely on you."

He pulls the black dress from the rack and hands it to me. I take it nervously from his hands and hold it up in front of my face to inspect it, not knowing else what to do. "It's very pretty."

"Go on." He gestures to my bedroom with a casual hand. "Try it on." He walks backwards towards the couch, his eyes never leaving me as he settles down into the cushions.

My stomach twists. He expects to see me try these dresses on for him. Like his own personal, sadistic fashion show. Reluctantly, I head to my bedroom as he requested, and quickly change into the dress. It fits perfectly, just like every other piece of clothing that has been presented to me here.

I walk back out to the living room where he waits, feeling nauseatingly exposed. His eyes rake over every inch of my body. Unexpectedly, a trace of disapproval can be heard in his voice. "You look stunning, Tristin. But..."

"But?"

"But you deserve to wear color." He's up again in an instant, striding back over to the rack, rummaging through the pieces until he lands on a different dress—a red dress. He offers it to me eagerly, his expression certain and proud.

I would have never picked a dress like this for myself. Never would have had the confidence to even think about wearing something like it. Plunging V neckline. Skin tight through the hips with a cinched-in waist that accentuates curves I never wanted to flaunt. And a deep, thigh high slit that reveals enough of my legs to be self-conscious about the last time I shaved. But as revealing and so out of character this dress is for me, my heart aches for it immediately as I look at myself in the mirror. Beautiful is an understatement. This dress is beyond words. This dress was made for me. And the color...a dramatic, deep, garnet red. Like the color of fresh blood.