Dracula [✓]

DAHLIA

. . . 

"NamJoon, why can't the bicycle stand on its own?"

The arched eyebrow on NamJoon's forehead rose, his mind in utmost focus. SeokJin fidgets in his seat as he anticipates for something from the lad. 

NamJoon thought of various, plausible and logical answers, but it didn't make sense if he'd related the comedic joke to his thoughts. He had to think simply without pondering further. 

The lad tilts his head and sighs. 

" ... Hmm, I'm not sure. Why?" NamJoon scrutinizes as he uncrossed his long legs. 

"Because it's two-tired!" SeokJin exclaims and gently falls down flat on the cold ground. 

At this point, SeokJin appoints himself as the best comedian amongst the fellow vampires. He laughs without emitting that much of a sound amidst the silence, leaving the clueless NamJoon to understand the joke. 

NamJoon follows up quite late and responds with a soft laugh. His cheeks slightly puffed out, exposing the pearl white teeth. 

"That's a good one, brother Jin. I thought it had something to do with the supports itself."

"Always think simple first." SeokJin points out. 

SeokJin had a list of jokes and puns in his mind, but he did not want to drag it any longer. He wants to know NamJoon's side of the tragedy. He could tell that the lad has suffered quite a lot, yet he wasn't ready to open up to him. 

Although the trembling of the arms and body ceased, SeokJin hopes that NamJoon's settled in peace before he attempts to speak. 

Silence fills in the conversation between the two. The prince slightly scratches his head. He's quite lost in how to start a new topic, especially regarding NamJoon's case. SeokJin glances from one corner to another. He strains a rough exhale and normally breathes.

The lad simply gazes out at the minimal furnitures in the chamber. 

"How'd everything ... come to this? I forgot what kindness was ... before ... all this happened." NamJoon eventually spoke up. 

SeokJin cuts his attention away from the carpet to NamJoon's dazed expression. He lets the silence linger for a few seconds. NamJoon's still expression remains. 

"If you don't mind sharing, can you tell me how it all happened?" SeokJin inquires as he intertwines both of his fingers together. 

NamJoon leans forward, letting his shoulder sag and back crook slightly. His sight draws attention away from the furniture to the circular fur carpet that he's sitting on. 

"It was just the four of us ... my parents, my younger sister and I. We tried to blend in with the humans. Didn't last very long ... only a couple of years after my sister's second birthday were we exposed."

NamJoon breathes in deeply. He holds in his breath for a few seconds before releasing it slowly. He shuts his eyes, not allowing any tears to burst out anytime soon. 

That tragic event had already passed about a month ago. He did not need to breakdown again.

He needed to be strong.

"When my younger sister couldn't control her strength ... and almost killed someone's child, it drew more attention to our family. I thought ... I thought we could pull it off with an apology and also b—" NamJoon abruptly stopped. 

The sunken droop of his cheeks were prominent, as if he hadn't slept for ages. The past was irrevocable. The haunting memories clearly have aged NamJoon, or perhaps it was just the stress that built up over the days that seemed endless.