17 DAYS TO GO | KWON SOONYOUNG

39

Kang Hana

The golden light of the setting sun filtered through the school windows, casting long shadows across the bustling hallways. Excitement buzzed in the air, students rushing past me carrying decorations, instruments, and costumes. The festival was less than a day away, and everyone was caught up in the thrill of it-except me.

I stood near the practice room, my arms crossed as I watched everyone including Soonyoung, through the small glass window. He was in the middle of practice, his movements sharp and fluid, his energy commanding the entire room. The other members followed his lead, their rhythm synchronized, but my eyes stayed locked on him.

To anyone else, he looked fine. Maybe a little tired, but nothing out of the ordinary. But I knew better.

His smile was there, but it didn't reach his eyes. His laughter rang out when someone cracked a joke, but it lacked warmth. Every time he finished a move, he exhaled deeply, his shoulders sagging ever so slightly before he picked himself back up.

He was pretending.

A lump formed in my throat as I gripped the strap of my bag tighter. Tomorrow. Tomorrow was supposed to be the best day of his life. A festival where he'd be on stage, doing what he loved the most. And yet tomorrow is also the day he chooses to leave.

My stomach twisted at the thought. I had one day. One day to change everything.

And someone was going to do everything they can, to stop me.

I exhaled and pushed open the door. The scent of sweat and wooden floors filled the space, music blasting through the speakers. Soonyoung caught sight of me mid-move and immediately broke into a grin.

"Hana-yah?" His voice was slightly breathless as he jogged over. "What are you doing here?"

I hesitated. Telling him the truth wasn't an option. "I wanted to see how the performance was coming along," I said instead.

He wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve, smirking. "You couldn't wait until tomorrow?"

I forced a smile. "Where's the fun in that?"

His friends took a break, chatting amongst themselves, but Soonyoung walked over to me, his expression softening. "You look tired," he noted. "Are you getting enough sleep?"

Me? I'm not the one who should be worried about sleep.

I bit the inside of my cheek. "I could say the same about you."

Soonyoung chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "You know me. I always push myself too hard before a performance."

That's not it, Soonyoung. It's more than just pushing yourself. You're drowning, and no one sees it but me.

I forced myself to keep my voice light. "Well, don't overdo it. You still need energy for tomorrow."

He hummed in agreement but didn't promise anything.

As all the members wrapped up, Soonyoung grabbed his water bottle and gestured toward the door. "Wanna walk with me? I was heading out anyway."

I nodded, my stomach twisting as we stepped outside into the cool evening air. I have to keep him close tomorrow. I can't let him out of my sight.

The silence between us stretched, heavier than usual. I kept glancing at him, wondering what was running through his mind.

And then, I felt it.

A presence.

Cold. Suffocating.

I slowed my steps, my pulse spiking as I turned my head slightly. The alleyway beside the school was dark, but in the shadows, I saw him.

Havoc.

Tall and looming, his eyes gleamed with amusement as he leaned against the wall, arms crossed. A dark contrast to Death, who always carried an air of melancholy.

He was waiting.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to keep walking. Soonyoung hadn't noticed him. He couldn't notice him. Havoc was here for me.

"Can we spend the whole day together tomorrow?" I blurted out.

Soonyoung blinked in surprise. "Tomorrow?Like a d-date?"

I nodded, my hands gripping the hoodie he had draped over my shoulders earlier. "Yeah. Before the festival starts, let's just... hang out. A date. Just the two of us."

His lips curled into a soft, genuine smile. "Of course. I'd like that."

A shiver ran down my spine. I didn't know if it was from relief or the knowledge that we were being watched.

I swallowed hard, gripping Soonyoung's sleeve. "Let's hurry."

He gave me a questioning look but nodded, picking up the pace. As we turned the corner, I risked one last glance.

Havoc was still there.

And he was smiling.
Later That Night

I stood on the rooftop of my house, hugging my arms to my chest. The city stretched out before me, lights flickering like stars.

"You felt him, didn't you?"

I turned sharply, my breath catching as Death materialized beside me, his long coat billowing slightly in the wind. His silver eyes held the weight of centuries, but tonight, there was something else in them-worry.

"He was at school," I confirmed, my voice barely above a whisper. "Watching me."

Death exhaled, running a hand through his dark hair. "Havoc isn't going to sit back and let you change fate, Hana. He'll interfere. He'll hurt you if he has to."

I swallowed. I already knew that. The bruises on my ribs from our last encounter were proof enough.

"But I don't care," I said firmly. "I have one day left. I won't let him take Soonyoung from me."

Death studied me for a long moment before shaking his head with something close to sadness. "You really are something else, Kang Hana."

I turned back to the cityscape, my fingers tightening into fists.

Tomorrow was the festival.

Tomorrow, I was going to save Kwon Soonyoung.

No matter what it cost me.