In the beginning, all you could see was darkness. It was as if you had faded into nothingness, the inky black hands of unconsciousness pulling you under. When you awoke, you were met with the horrifying reality of the killing game. Kids being forced to slaughter one another for the slim chance of freedom. You couldn't trust anyone, except for him. A part of you wondered if the mastermind realized the two of you knew each other, if they realized you were lovers. Did they put you together unknowingly, or had they meant to cause you despair? This was originally uploaded on Archive of Our Own, but I decided to put it on here as well!!!

(The long-awaited sequel to Seventeen) Let's face it, you wanted to be famous. It was hard to convince yourself after the killing game that you had any other motive, because you knew that underneath all the lies and denial you kept locked away within your mind, you had wanted that life. Prayed for that life. Hell, you were willing to die for that life. But at what price? Was it really wise to sacrifice your sanity for the inevitable spotlight, or will the mental burden become too much for you to handle? The price of being a reality TV star is steep, haunted by the horrors of the past only made worse by the crew who granted you that fame. From sudden post-game interviews to fans and harassers, it feels almost impossible to make this life one you could really enjoy. But thank god, you weren't alone anymore.

❝Kurapika, feelings fade when people change--❞ You gasped when your back met the wall. The boy who had always managed to keep his emotions at bay had finally snapped--roughly pounding the side of his elbow and forearm above your head. His eyeballs were laced a deep crimson red--broken and confused. Your breath hitched in your chest as he leaned down, lips hovering above your own. You could feel your heart slowly break as you heard him breathily whisper, desperately begging you to reciprocate the emotions he felt for you. ❝If everyone forgets over time, then why can't I?❞ - - ★ OHMYGOD WE ARE AT 121K READS HAPPY 4 YEARS ★ *cover art by @huangdanlan *book is undergoing major editing :)