Warm Eyes | Hyunchan ✅

XXVIII [Shadow Threat]

Hyunjin made his way to the dark, twisted realm where he had first forged his pact with the devil. The air was thick with a sense of foreboding, shadows flickering as he approached the familiar throne shrouded in darkness. As he stepped into the presence of the devil, a smirk spread across the being's face.

"Ah, Hyunjin," the devil purred, his voice smooth as silk. "Back so soon? I must say, it's been quite entertaining watching you flounder in your little mortal struggles."

Hyunjin felt a surge of anger. "This isn't a game!" he snapped. "You didn't tell me the truth about what was happening! Why didn't you warn me?"

The devil chuckled, leaning back in his throne. "Where's the fun in that? Watching you wallow in despair is far more amusing. But tell me, do you regret selling your soul?"

"No," Hyunjin replied defiantly, though his heart ached. "But I need to know if there's a way back to the future. I can't stay here, not like this."

The devil's expression shifted slightly, a glint of interest lighting his eyes. "Ah, the original spell caster was Gillet, and with him dead, the link to your time has weakened. You might eventually return to the future... if time allows. But if it doesn't, your body will remain frozen in this time and space."

Hyunjin's breath caught in his throat. "What do you mean?"

"Simply this," the devil continued, amusement lacing his words. "The only sure way back would be through your death. But who knows? You might end up in hell instead of your precious future." He laughed, a sound that echoed with malice.

Before Hyunjin could respond, a familiar presence interrupted the darkness. Elyot emerged from the shadows, his eyes wide with concern. "Hyunjin!" he called, rushing forward. "I knew you'd come here."

"Elyot," Hyunjin breathed, surprised yet relieved. "How did you find me?"

"I remembered this is where your miracle healing happened," Elyot replied. He paused, catching his breath. "I overheard everything... about your past, about the pact. I'm sorry for not believing you before. I should have trusted you."

Hyunjin felt a flicker of warmth at Elyot's words, but it quickly faded. "It doesn't matter now. I just want to go back."

Elyot nodded, his expression serious. "I understand. And I think you need to know how Christopher has been since you disappeared. He's gone a little... crazy without you around. He's been searching for you non-stop."

A wave of guilt washed over Hyunjin. "He must hate me," he murmured.

"No, he cares about you deeply. Do you know he's a vampire?" Elyot asked, studying Hyunjin's face for a reaction.

"I found out after I came to the city from the mage tower for the first time," Hyunjin replied, his heart heavy with the weight of the truth. "I thought I could handle it."

Elyot placed a hand on Hyunjin's shoulder. "Then let's go back together. He's waiting for you, and I can't imagine how much he needs you right now."

With a nod, Hyunjin agreed. Together, they left the devil's domain, the shadows of despair slowly lifting as they made their way back to the world he had left behind.

---

When they finally reached the familiar forest, Hyunjin's heart raced. The cottage loomed ahead, its warm glow beckoning him. As they stepped inside, Christopher looked up, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Hyunjin?" he breathed, taking a hesitant step forward.

In that moment, everything else faded away. Hyunjin rushed into Christopher's arms, their embrace fierce and desperate. They pulled back slightly, and without thinking, their lips met in a kiss-a union filled with longing and unspoken words. But even as they embraced, a heaviness remained in Hyunjin's heart, the shadows of despair not yet banished.