Kissing the Demon (Seoksoo)

Seokmin

I came back into my body with a gasp, my eyes snapping open. My lungs dragged in air like they were starved for oxygen. My heart raced in my chest. It took me a second to register my surroundings. I was no longer in the classroom but outside in a place that I didn't recognise. There was barely enough light for me to make out gnarled dead trees as far as the eye could see. My hands shot up to my head, patting around my temple to feel the injury I'd seen in such gruesome detail only moments before.

There was nothing. Just smooth, unmarked skin. A sigh of relief flew through me. I couldn't be dead. My body seemed to be in full working order. I could feel my lungs and heart working. Could hear screams in the distance. Could see the riverbank under my feet. Could feel the heat from the river of fire a few metres away...

Wait.

"So you're the one who has been lumbered with Joshua for all eternity. You poor sod."

The deep voice rang out behind me, and I jumped with a curse. A tall demon stood there, his wings proudly on display. His face and body were hidden beneath a dark heavy hood and cloak.

Oh shit. The reality of my situation came screaming to the forefront. If the river of fire and demon weren't enough to tip me off to the fact I was indeed dead and in Hell, the fuck-off scythe he carried would've sealed it. The dude looked like the grim reaper come to life.

"You know Joshua?"

Joshua screaming. Joshua losing control.

I needed to get back to him.

Fast.

The demon snorted. "Unfortunately. He was just here. I tried to get him back to you in time, but it appears I was unsuccessful. My name is Ferry, by the way."

"You knew something was going to happen?"

He inclined his head, the hood shifting with the movement. "Perks of the job. Now, as much as I'd love to figure out what on earth would possess you to choose Joshua of all people, it is not wise for us to linger on the banks."

"I can't," I stammered, backing away. "I need to get to Joshua. I need to tell him I'm okay."

Ferry lifted a hand to grab my arm. I nearly fainted with relief when I saw it was a normal hand and not the skeleton I'd half expected. "Seokmin, there's no going back for you now. I'm sorry."

My whole body began to tremble. "No...that can't be right. You have to let me go. Joshua needs me...he needs..."

My voice choked off in a sob as Ferry squeezed my arm in sympathy. "If it were up to me, I'd let you go back to him. I would. Trust me when I say I know better than anyone what it's like to be separated from your mate."

"I can't lose him now," I begged. I reeled back as more realities smacked me in the face. Never seeing Mom smile again. Never chatting with Seungkwan.

"Come on," Ferry said gently. "It's a lot to take in, but we really do need to get off the banks."

I eyed the river suspiciously. "Call me crazy, but how is going into Hell less dangerous than staying out here?"

"Technically, you're already in Hell." He sighed and gestured to the desolate landscape around us. "This is the first circle, or limbo, as it's otherwise known. It might look safe, but it's far from it. We need to get you into the second circle where I can keep you safe."

"Why would you do that for me?"

Ferry was silent for a moment. "Because you're mated to a demon. There's nothing more sacred than that. Now, hurry."