Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was dark. The lights on the streetlights were too dim to illuminate the moving bodies, but that didn't matter to Yoo Joonghyuk. Somber laughter echoed — two voices, back and forth — but they were unable to shake his concentration.

A muffled shot broke the silence, a missed bullet. The two creatures advanced at the same time. Yoo Joonghyuk dodged the first blow that came towards his head, taking the opportunity to shoot and knock the first body to the ground. Yoo Joonghyuk charged forward, pressing on the vampire's neck.

"Who is your master and where can I find him?"

He dodged a blow from behind, grabbing the creature's arm and throwing it to the ground. He turned his attention to the wounded vampire in front of him.

"I hope the answer to my question is among your last words." The gun was aimed directly at the vampire's heart, which was writhing on the ground.

"I-I don't know!"

Yoo Joonghyuk squeezed the trigger and his agitated body was lifeless. The other vampire screamed and jumped on Yoo Joonghyuk, moving with the agility typical of a shadow creature. Yoo Joonghyuk dodged, hitting vital points with his elbows until he knocked him down like the first. The vampire howled in pain as he felt his jugular being pressed hard.

"I see that he can't laugh anymore now. Last words?"

"W-we have no contact with him, we don't even know his name. It is said that he disappeared in the forest to the south and has lived there ever since... It's been a long time since anyone has seen him! I never saw him!"

"Is that all?"

"Yes! Please, please spare me–"

Blood gushed out of the hole made by the bullet. Yoo Joonghyuk stood up, wiping the sole of his blood-stained shoe on the asphalt.

"It will do."

This was the beginning of his last journey.

[...]

It was no wonder that Yoo Joonghyuk was considered one of the best — if not the best — hunter in the entire country. His way of acting, thinking, and his extreme agility and strength, even for a human, were incomparable, admired by all who knew the name Yoo Joonghyuk.

That name, loaded with presence, instilled fear in vampires and humans alike. Yoo Joonghyuk always walked alone, dressed in black, rarely interacting with others. Unwavering and unreachable, he was such a distant figure that many doubted his existence, considering him a legend.

But he wasn't that far away.

Yoo Joonghyuk slept in one of the buildings built after the war between vampires and humans. Thirty years ago, when newspapers began reporting on the first pale, sharp-fanged creatures attacking humans, Asia collapsed. Quickly, people began to be transformed and began to transform others. No one knew where it had come from, but it soon spread across the planet. Emergency measures were taken to ensure the safety of the humans, and some vampires, after overcoming the post-transformation phase of extreme starvation, volunteered to be studied.

Others, fearing themselves, formed communities allied with humans and began to live under their watchful eyes and judgments. For these, living in oppression it was better than continuing to kill innocents. They had a home, a supply of animal blood and helped in the reconstruction of cities.

But this portion of individuals who opted for a "normal" life was small compared to those who simply disappeared. They refused to follow human rules, claiming to be a superior species, and believed that under human rule they would only be judged, massacred and oppressed. These were the ones who caused chaos wherever they went, those responsible for the continuous killing of innocents, giving rise to the work of hunters.

Many rebellious vampires were wiped out, and many hunters lost their lives and families. Yoo Joonghyuk was no exception; His life was equally lonely.

Sixteen years ago, he had lost his mother and sister to one of these creatures. He vividly remembered this terrible day and the feeling of seeing a vampire bathed in blood in his home. He heard, loud and clear, a vampire lying on the ground take his last breath and call out his name 'master' before dying. The man, the one who was supposed to be the master, turned his head to the child standing at the foot of the door, and Yoo Joonghyuk could see the fangs and the red mouth, as well as the blood stains on his face and the eyes glowing crimson. The bloody clothes and the medium hair were equally dirty. That man standing next to his dead mother and sister.

From then on he vowed to kill every vampire he met and discover the source of the plague, that man who immediately fled after being seen. After years of thorough investigations and frequent persecution of rebels for clues, he discovered that the first vampire came from Seoul, and so began his hunt. If it killed the source, there would be one less problem for humans.

He felt that he was finally close.

Yoo Joonghyuk bought all the necessary supplies: ropes, weapons, ammunition, and new clothes. Things like garlic and holy water were just myths; the creatures only died burned, decapitated or with silver bullets. With everything paid for, he passed through the retaining walls, ready to go on his way.

He was ready.

The forest was dense, and the humidity formed an uncomfortable haze that made it difficult for the sun's rays to enter between the canopies. The birds, hidden among the branches, sang as if there were no trouble in the world, and only the sound of leaves and branches breaking under their footsteps was audible.

Yoo Joonghyuk picked up the compass and checked if it was still in the right direction. He had been walking for almost four days, and if that pesky vampire was right, he should already be near the center of the forest—the most uninhabited and unexplored part of the woods. Hunger and thirst punished his body along with the fatigue of walking without a decent break, so he took the bread and water out of his backpack, drinking a few sips and eating only small pieces.

Just when he thought he would find nothing but more trees and leaves, he saw a column of smoke among the canopies. It was thick and concentrated, indicating that it came from a working chimney. His pupil dilated as he continued to advance, fearing that if he delayed, he would lose the precious clue.

What he found was not a vampire camp, but a small hut hidden among the rocks and trees. Smoke was coming from there, but Yoo Joonghyuk didn't see any movement inside the house, even with the windows open. No human in his right mind would live in such a place isolated from Society — that could only be the home of a vampire.

Probably, the exact vampire he was looking for. With the gun in one hand and the sword in the other, he took the liberty of entering the hut. The door was ajar, and the fireplace was burning. It was an ordinary house, with a sofa, some decorations and wooden furniture. In the center, a small table with space for six seats, but, curiously, only one chair.

Suddenly, he heard footsteps, and prepared himself for the confrontation that awaited him. After so many years, he had finally found the creature he had been looking for.

Suddenly, the footsteps stopped. The sound of the leaves stopped with it, and only the wind whistled. Yoo Joonghyuk realized that the creature had already discovered him. Just as he prepared to turn, an aggressive hand came towards his neck. Sensing the fear of being bitten, he diverted his attention to protect his exposed neck, but the vampire He took advantage of the opening to attack, hitting him with his knee on the lower back and knocking him to the ground, immobilizing him as he sat on his back.

Most vampires were quick but clumsy, not knowing how to attack strategically. This one, however, was different — he knew exactly where and how to get it right.

"Who are you and how did you find me?" The vampire's voice sounded menacing, but Yoo Joonghyuk just laughed, a sound that echoed in the hut. The vampire hesitated, and in the brief moment of carelessness, he loosened the pressure on the man's body, which Yoo Joonghyuk took advantage of to turn the tide, pinning him against the cold ground. The barrel of the pistol pressed into the jugular, and the vampire writhed.

"So, I finally found you. Master."

The vampire paralyzed, confused, but without exerting many movements, because any thoughtless attitude would condemn his life.

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't come with jokes on me. You're the leader, the first vampire."

"You've gone crazy! Get off me, you madman!"

"For a leader you are quite weak," Joonghyuk said, feeling the coldness of his skin as he squeezed his pale neck. "I imagined it would be a more difficult fight."

"Maybe it's because I'm not the leader, you nut." Desperate, the vampire tried to find a loophole to get out of that situation. The barrel of the gun caressed the side of his face, down his neck and to his heart. "You got the wrong guy!"

"Do you want me to believe you, vampire?"

"Believe it or not, I'm not the one you're looking for!"

Yoo Joonghyuk did not falter. Pulling by his hair, he led the vampire out of the cabin, kneeling him on the ground exposed to the few rays of sunlight they could pass through.

"Have you gone crazy?! Let me go!" The vampire was strong, but that hunter possessed enormous strength. The vampire's voice choked as the first beam of light hit his skin. Other corners of the body were illuminated as Yoo Joonghyuk lifted the vampire's desperate face, forcing him to face the sky. "P-please!" Almost instantly, his pale skin began to flush and burn, and he screamed in pain. "Please, I beg you! It's not me! It's not me!"

Yoo Joonghyuk froze as he saw his skin burn and, on an impulse, pulled the vampire back into the hut. The body, once flawless, now showed burn marks. Clear tears flowed as the vampire held his injured arm in front of his body with difficulty. His face had small blemishes, but compared to his arms, he was still relatively unharmed.

Joonghyuk felt a wave of guilt wash over him. If he wasn't who he was looking for, then his search continued.

In addition, he had injured a creature that was only trying to defend itself.

"I..."

The vampire staggered to his feet, staggering. His weakened body guided him to a room at the back of the hut, and Yoo Joonghyuk followed. The room was full of coolers, and the vampire opened one of them with difficulty, taking a container with a red liquid and drinking large sips. Exhausted, he let himself fall next to the box, staring at Yoo Joonghyuk.

"It's animal blood. I do not feed on human blood. The cure takes longer, but it's better than nothing." Exhausted, the vampire lay down next to the boxes. His eyes were still moist, and Yoo Joonghyuk wondered how that vampire He could cry transparent tears like humans, instead of tears of blood, like other vampires. 'They were all once human,' he thought, but pushed the thought away.

"I'm sorry."

Kim Dokja did not respond. Yoo Joonghyuk stood up and walked out of the cold room. Soon, the sound of banging pots and pan doors echoed through the cabin. Kim Dokja got up with difficulty and went to the kitchen, only to find him rummaging through his cabinets.

"What are you doing?"

"Looking for food," Joonghyuk replied without looking away. He threw a can of fish away. "It's overdue. Do you have nothing?"

"Why would I? Are you an idiot?" Kim Dokja rolled his eyes, indignation plastered on his face. Yoo Joonghyuk walked past him again, without even looking at him.

"You had this rotten fish in storage. I thought it had at least fresh meat."

"I bought this a while ago to try it out, but I didn't like the taste. It must have been forgotten inside." With his arm burned, he reached out to pick up the can on the floor and threw it in the trash, cursing softly through pain. With his back turned, he felt Yoo Joonghyuk's presence move away, leaving the room in silence. Soon after, he heard new sounds coming from the rooms at the back of the cabin, where his bedroom and bathroom were.

Yoo Joonghyuk was the kind of person who He didn't worry about boundaries or the idea of "asking permission." Without any ceremony, he explored the cabin, opening doors and invading the rooms as if the place belonged to him. And that's how he entered the vampire's room.

In the center of the room, on the messy bed, Yoo Joonghyuk spotted a bottle of lubricant next to a peculiar object. He raised an eyebrow, picking up the rubber penis and watching it with an air that mixed curiosity and teasing. "You have so many human items here... I'm surprised."

The vampire's reaction was immediate. With one swift movement, he swooped forward and snatched the object from Yoo Joonghyuk's hands, his gaze charged with irritation. "Do you think that just because we're half dead we can't have fun?" he snapped, with a glint of defiance in his eye.

If he had blood pulsing through his veins, his face would be red from head to toe. But even without the human blush, his expression betrayed an embarrassment that Yoo Joonghyuk noticed and seemed to find amused, as a discreet smile formed on his face.

Kim Dokja stared at him firmly, challenging him to make a comment. Yoo Joonghyuk, however, only let out a slight laugh and shrugged, leaving the room as if nothing had happened, but the slight provocation remained in the air, carrying something between curiosity and an undeclared challenge.

"What right do you think you have to move in my things after breaking into my house and trying to kill me?" the vampire questioned, his tone icy but his gaze burning with fury.

"I've already apologized."

"I felt no sincerity in your words," the vampire retorted, his face marked with resentment.

Yoo Joonghyuk looked at the vampire for a few moments, as if to decide something, before breaking the silence: "What's your name?"

The vampire hesitated for a moment, but responded with a cautious tone. "Kim Dokja." His eyes probed Yoo Joonghyuk, trying to decipher whether he posed a danger or something else.

"I'm Yoo Joonghyuk," he said unceremoniously. "I'm looking for a vampire. Your race calls him master. Do you know him?"

Kim Dokja frowned, thinking before answering. "You're not the first hunter I've seen trying to find him."

"So you know they offer a nice bounty on his head."

"He's gone, puff, like dust in the sky," the vampire leaned back on the couch, crossing his arms and staring at Yoo Joonghyuk. "No one even knows if he's alive."

Yoo Joonghyuk nodded with an enigmatic expression and, without waiting permission, began to search Kim Dokja's room. He opened his wardrobe and pulled out an old backpack, as if he already knew exactly what to look for.

"Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?" he asked, in a tone that bordered on casual.

Kim Dokja watched him, confused. "... No."

"A cat or dog, perhaps? A goldfish."

Once again, the vampire shook his head in puzzle. "Not either."

"Are you going to do something in the next few weeks?"

The answer came quickly, loaded with sarcasm. "Besides avoiding vampire hunters? No, I don't think so."

Yoo Joonghyuk snapped the wardrobe shut down and, approaching Kim Dokja, threw his black overcoat over the vampire's shoulders, who was visibly stunned.

"What do you think you're doing?" asked Kim Dokja, pulling his coat closer to him, trying to decipher Yoo Joonghyuk's motives.

"Getting you ready," he replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Then he turned off the fire in the fireplace, leaving the room in shadows. "You will take me to your master's dwelling."

"It's a journey of days, maybe weeks to get there. What makes you think I'd go with you, hunter?" Kim Dokja asked, narrowing his eyes. There was an implicit resistance to his stance, but also a trace of reluctance that he tried to hide.

Yoo Joonghyuk stared at him coldly and replied, without hesitation. "I have a sword and a pistol with silver bullets. You don't have many options." The threat was clear, but the hunter seemed more interested in accomplishing his mission than in hurting Kim Dokja.

Before the vampire could respond, Yoo Joonghyuk grabbed him by the arm, pulling him firmly towards the door of the hut, allowing no further discussion. Outside, he took off a pair of sturdy silver handcuffs and, in one swift motion, pinned Kim Dokja's wrist to his own, casting his a resolute gaze. "To make sure you don't run away halfway," he said, without a shadow of a doubt. Kim Dokja tried to pull the arm, but the metal was cold and unshakable, making it clear that he would not be able to extricate himself so easily.

When they were already outside, Yoo Joonghyuk gave him a look full of provocation. "By the way," he went on, arching an eyebrow, "do you want me to go back and take your rubber cock?"

Kim Dokja paused, his face taking on a tone of indignation that, if he were human, would be followed by an evident blush. He ripped his arm from Yoo Joonghyuk's hand and replied, with sharp sarcasm. "You're a jerk. Maybe I should take your sword and stick you somewhere to teach you a lesson."

Yoo Joonghyuk let out a short laugh, indifferent to the threat. "I think I'm well with the sword where it is." He turned, pointing the way ahead. "Let's go."

Kim Dokja snorted, but reluctantly followed the hunter. As they walked under the pale light of dawn, he was still annoyed, but he also couldn't deny that, in a way, Yoo Joonghyuk's company had something intriguing, something he wasn't willing to admit so soon. Perhaps it was the sudden presence of someone, something he hadn't had in a long time.

Thus, the two advanced along the path, with the vampire carrying with him irritation and distrust, and the hunter determined to fulfill his mission at any cost.

[...]

"Can't we take a break? We've been going for five days!" Kim Dokja asked, exhausted, his voice tinged with frustration. He was covered from head to toe by the hooded overcoat Yoo Joonghyuk had given him, so the sun wasn't a problem. Fatigue, however, was the real challenge, and he was already beginning to feel the weight of each step.

Yoo Joonghyuk gave him a corner look, assessing whether the stop was really necessary. "The nearest town is only an hour and a half away," he replied dryly, as if a break were unimaginable. Even so, he slowed down a bit, perhaps a concession disguised as indifference.

Kim Dokja noticed and cheered up enough to speak again, something he had been doing incessantly during the hike. "Why did you become a vampire hunter? Is it something in the family or does it just like blood?" He gave him a curious look, despite knowing that the question would probably be ignored.

Yoo Joonghyuk remained silent, but Kim Dokja did not give up.

"How many vampires have you hunted? Do you have some kind of... scoreboard or something?"

"You talk too much," Joonghyuk finally snapped, giving him an impassive look, but the vampire just shrugged. "I need to pass the time somehow. So, do you have a girlfriend? Or, I don't know, someone who tolerates your lack of patience?"

Yoo Joonghyuk just snorted and kept walking, unanswering, but Kim Dokja gave a faint smile, realizing that the hunter's silence was at least a sign that he wouldn't tell him to shut up.

As they made their way, the vampire continued to throw questions to the wind, taking any opportunity to provoke or simply break the tension of the environment. Despite being annoyed, Yoo Joonghyuk kept the walk constant, with Kim Dokja always by his side, the handcuff binding them tightly, both on their way to the city.

As they walked, Kim Dokja began to humming softly, distracted by the melody that came from his mind. He pointed to the birds he saw along the way, mentioning their names out loud.

"Look, a thrush! And that one over there is a hummingbird! Look how it shines!"

Yoo Joonghyuk, who had kept a neutral expression until then, was surprised to realize that he was not angry. In fact, something about the way Kim Dokja got excited about the little things in the world seemed to ease the tension that hovered between them. The hunter, even if involuntarily, began to relax as they walked.

As daylight slowly dissipated, giving way to dusk, the walled city came into view, with its high walls offering protection from the rebellious vampires. The shadows stretched on the ground, and the first signs of life appeared around the entrances, where guards watched closely.

"I don't like this city," Kim Dokja said, watching the yellowish lights, the smile fading from his face. "I've heard that this is the least receptive city to allied vampires. I always avoid coming here."

Yoo Joonghyuk waved, still aware of his surroundings, but at the same time, he noticed Dokja's worried frown. "So don't do anything that draws attention. Be quiet and act naturally. Anything I will be by your side."

"I know, I know," Kim Dokja replied. "But that doesn't mean I can't dream of at least a quiet place to relax."

When they reached the entrance of the city, Yoo Joonghyuk approached the guard, who recognized him immediately. "Yoo Joonghyuk! It's an honor," the guard said, his enthusiasm immediately fading at the sight of the red-eyed man beside him.

"He's an allied vampire," Yoo Joonghyuk announced, pointing to Kim Dokja. "His name is Kim Dokja. It is with me under my protection."

The guard's eyes narrowed as he looked at Kim Dokja, but he soon nodded. "You can come in."

As they passed through the doors, the atmosphere changed, filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation. Human inhabitants roamed the streets, and few vampires were seen.

"Let's go," Yoo Joonghyuk said, pulling Kim Dokja closer to him.

"We need to find a place to spend the night."

Kim Dokja nodded, but couldn't help but sigh once more. He spotted a trio of children running around, and among them was a small vampire.

"A vampire child?" Kim Dokja questioned, surprised. "I thought vampires couldn't reproduce."

"How long has it been since you left that cabin?" Yoo Joonghyuk countered, incredulous. "In recent years, the first babies have begun to be born. It is extremely rare, and only twelve children were born, distributed among the cities."

Kim Dokja looked at the little vampire playing with the other children, feeling a mixture of hope and apprehension. "It seems that life has still found a way to continue."

Yoo Joonghyuk watched Kim Dokja with a serious look, as if to convey the importance of what he was about to say. "Scientists have conducted numerous tests and found that a recessive factor in vampire genetics contributed to the maintenance of fertility in both males and females," he began.

Kim Dokja listened intently, intrigued. "How is this possible?"

Yoo Joonghyuk continued, "Those who did not consume human blood maintained this possibility of reproduction. By abstaining from feeding on humans, vampires were able to preserve their biological characteristics allowing these rare babies to be born."

Kim Dokja was silent, reflecting on the information. The idea of a new generation of vampires brought him a mixture of hope and doubt. "It could change everything," he said thoughtfully. "If there are vampire children, maybe there's a chance for reconciliation between our races."

"It's a possibility," Yoo Joonghyuk replied, his gaze determined. "But it also brings challenges. The rebellious vampires have tried several times to invade and kidnap these children. They are unable to reproduce and think that stealing children would make them feel better."

Kim Dokja watched the children play, and for the first time in a long time, he felt a glimmer of hope in amidst the sea of chaos.

Yoo Joonghyuk continued to pull Kim Dokja towards the nearest lodging, the room surrounded by an air of expectation. When they arrived, the receptionist's eyes remained steady and judgmental on Kim Dokja, as if he were an imminent threat. The vampire looked away, feeling the weight of judgment, but Yoo Joonghyuk just ignored his expression, focused on his goals.

They went upstairs, and Yoo Joonghyuk, in a threatening tone, said, "If you try to run away, I won't hesitate to arrest you again." With a sudden movement, he removed the handcuffs that bound Kim Dokja's wrists, but the warning still hung in the air.

Kim Dokja approached the window, watching the movement outside as Yoo Joonghyuk took a shower. When the hunter left, Dokja asked enthusiastically, "Can we go there?"

Yoo Joonghyuk raised an eyebrow, doubting. "Weren't you tired?" However, when he looked at Kim Dokja's red eyes reflecting the colorful street lights, he realized the unique beauty at that moment. The mixture of desire and curiosity on the vampire's face was undeniable.

"I don't want to be stuck here," Kim Dokja insisted, a glow of excitement lighting up his gaze. "I've never been to a festival. I want to see what's going on."

Yoo Joonghyuk sighed, pondering. Although he wanted to keep Kim Dokja safe, the vibrant festival scene and the hope that shone in the vampire's eyes were hard to ignore.

"Go take a shower first. You can stay there for a while," Yoo Joonghyuk replied, cold but trying to hide the heat that was rising in his chest.

The vampire grabbed a clean outfit and excitedly headed to the bathroom to wash himself. Yoo Joonghyuk leaned against the window, listening to the laughter of the children and the cheerful songs that echoed from the streets. The vibrant atmosphere was comforting, and he couldn't help but let some old memories surface. It had been so long since I had been to a festival; Since his sister's death, he no longer saw the point in having fun.

As I thought about it, the sound of the water in the bathroom mixed with the sounds outside. After a few minutes, Kim Dokja finally left, his hair still a little damp and an expression of satisfaction that lit up his face.

Yoo Joonghyuk looked at him, realizing that Kim Dokja looked really beautiful. The new clothes accentuated his features and his red eyes shone brightly under the city lights.

I'm ready," Kim Dokja said, a beaming smile on his lips.

"Let's go then," Yoo Joonghyuk replied, feeling a wave of anticipation as he thought of the night that awaited them.

The festival was in full swing, with colorful lights flashing and laughter echoing through the air. The stalls of merchants lined up along the way, each filled with vibrant crafts and treats that exuded irresistible aromas. Kim Dokja looked around, his eyes shining with the excitement of the surroundings. Although he didn't feel hungry like a human, the vibrant atmosphere piqued his curiosity, and he was always willing to experiment, even if the foods weren't essential to him.

As they walked together, Yoo Joonghyuk held Kim Dokja's wrist firmly, but there was nothing authoritarian about the way the hunter held him. It was more of a protective gesture, as if he was ensuring that nothing and no one could separate them in that sea of people.

"You don't have to squeeze so hard," Kim Dokja commented, a smile playing on his lips. "I'm not going anywhere."

Yoo Joonghyuk gave him a serious look, but the lightness of the environment seemed to soften his countenance. "I'm just making sure you don't get lost in the crowd. It's easy to get distracted here."

"I know, I know. But look at those tents! That craft looks amazing!" Kim Dokja pointed to a tent full of small colorful objects, each more intriguing than the next.

"Come on, then," Yoo Joonghyuk replied, relaxing the pressure on Kim Dokja's wrist but not letting go of his hand. "Do you want to try something?"

"Of course! That barbecue in sauce looks like interesting" Kim Dokja said, approaching the tent and asking for a piece, the joy evident in his eyes.

As he tried the candy, an expression of satisfaction took over his face. "This is amazing! How can you live without these things?"

Yoo Joonghyuk folded his arms, watching with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "I got used to it. In addition, I have other priorities."

"Other priorities?" Kim Dokja laughed, still enjoying the candy. "You mean how to hunt vampires?"

"Exactly. But maybe I should reconsider some of those priorities," Yoo Joonghyuk said, a mischievous brilliance in your eyes.

Kim Dokja paused for a moment, the candy almost forgetting in his hand. "What do you mean by that?"

"Maybe I should try more things, like this... Peanut candy here," he replied, a smile on his lips.

"You should! There's so much to experience today," Kim Dokja encouraged, excitedly. The idea of Yoo Joonghyuk allowing himself a little more fun made him happy.

They continued to explore the festival, the tension between them slowly dissolving into shared fun, as the music and laughter around enveloped them, making the moment seem almost perfect. Kim Dokja felt at home, even if it was a place that didn't require the presence of a vampire.

As they walked through the festival, Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't help but notice the way Kim Dokja seemed enchanted by the surroundings. But in a moment of reflection, he turned to the vampire and asked, "When was the last time you left your cabin?"

Kim Dokja hesitated, a little surprised by the question. "Oh, it's been a few months. I only leave when my stock of resources runs out," he replied, trying to keep his tone light.

"Don't you leave unnecessarily?" Yoo Joonghyuk asked, curiosity evident in his eyes.

"No, I don't really go out." Kim Dokja looks away, looking at the stalls of crafts as if they were the most interesting thing in the world.

Yoo Joonghyuk frowned, a little worried. "Why don't you live with the other vampires? They must have a community. Wouldn't it be easier?"

The question hung in the air, and Kim Dokja felt his heart, still beating somehow, speed up a bit. He was reluctant to answer, his mind struggling between a desire to open up and a fear of being misunderstood. "It's complicated," he finally said, keeping his voice down. "I... I prefer solitude. It's safer that way."

"Safer? What do you mean?" Yoo Joonghyuk pressed on, but Kim Dokja's expression let him know that there was something more behind that answer.

"Look, not everyone is as you think, Joonghyuk. There are many problems that come with living in a group. Sometimes it's easier to stay away from... of all of this," Kim Dokja said, avoiding the hunter's piercing gaze. He felt a little vulnerable, as if he was revealing too much.

Yoo Joonghyuk noticed Kim Dokja's reluctance to open up more. "You don't have to feel that way. If you need to, I can take you to the city where I live so you won't be alone," he said, his voice soft, almost like an invitation for Kim Dokja to open up more.

Kim Dokja took a deep breath, his mind filled with conflicting thoughts. "Thank you, but... It's better that way. I don't want to involve you in my problems," he replied, the determination in his voice contrasting with the vulnerability he felt inside.

The conversation hung between them, the weight of the unspoken words making the surrounding air seem denser. The festival continued to vibrate around him, but at that moment, the connection between them became more intense, full of promise and uncertainty.

Yoo Joonghyuk decided not to press the matter, realizing that Kim Dokja needed space. He let the vampire walk ahead of him, watching him with a mixture of admiration and concern as Kim Dokja let himself be carried away by the joy of the festival. The vampire stopped at several stalls, trying food, his eyes shining with each new one discovery, even if, for him, those delicacies were not necessary.

As they walked, Yoo Joonghyuk looked away to the surrounding tents, until something caught his attention. To his right, a vendor displayed a pair of glowing rubies, carefully displayed under the soft light of the lanterns. The deep and vibrant color of the gems reminded Kim Dokja's crimson eyes, and this caused Yoo Joonghyuk's chest to heat up.

"What do we have here," he muttered to himself, admiring the rubies. Their beauty mesmerized him, and he wondered if Kim Dokja would also have something of that inner glow.

Meanwhile, Kim Dokja was distracted, immersed in a group of children who were played and danced, their contagious laughter filling the air. The vampire watched with a slight smile on his lips, his expression relaxing as he lost himself in the innocence and joy around him. Yoo Joonghyuk, still looking at the rubies, felt a twinge of longing. The festival was a place where people gathered, and he realized that even with all his strength and determination, there was something about Kim Dokja that longed to belong to this world — a world full of light and laughter.

"Do you like them? It's perfect for gifting someone special," the merchant exclaimed, interrupting Yoo Joonghyuk's thoughts.

He continued to observe the rubies, the intense brilliance of the jewels reflecting not only the light of the festival, but also something deeper in his feelings for Kim Dokja. With an impulse, he decided to buy them, imagining how the vampire's crimson eyes would glow when he received such a special gift. But as soon as the earrings were placed in his hands, Joonghyuk hesitated.

When he turned and met Kim Dokja's gaze, a mixture of joy and insouciance lit up the vampire's face. The gleam of rubies in his hand now seemed a painful contrast to reality. He, a vampire hunter, was about to give a gift to a creature he considered repulsive, and the lightness of the moment made Joonghyuk feel a knot in his stomach.

He quickly hid the small box with the earrings in the pocket of his jacket, an almost instinctive gesture, as if wanted to protect that impulsive act from the world's view. The decision seemed unwise now, and he wondered if there really was any logic in his choice. The impulse to please Kim Dokja mixed with the logic of his mission, creating confusion in his heart.

"Joonghyuk, are you okay?" Kim Dokja asked, noticing the change in the hunter's expression. The concern in his tone was genuine, and it made Joonghyuk feel even more confused.

"Yes, just... I was thinking about a few things," he replied, forcing a smile. "Come on, there are more stalls to explore."

"Right," Kim Dokja agreed, but Joonghyuk could sense that the vampire wasn't completely convinced. He felt that something was heavy in the air, a silent tension between them. "Oh, a gift for you."

Yoo Joonghyuk stood still for a moment, surprised by the unexpected gift. He looked at the little box decorated in his hand and then at Kim Dokja, an expression of distrust and curiosity mingling on his face.

"What's that?" he asked, raising his eyebrow.

Kim Dokja shrugged, keeping a light smile. "A gift for you not having killed me during these five days and are taking such good care of me. Even if he left me to sleep in the cold the first night."

Joonghyuk let out a small sigh, trying to ignore the playful tone in Kim Dokja's voice, but the warmth of subtle gratitude did not go unnoticed. He opened the box, revealing the sword-shaped keychain. It was a small craft, carefully made, with a gleaming blade and adorned with minute details, as if it were a miniature replica of a real sword.

Yoo Joonghyuk touched the keychain with his thumb, feeling the cold metal and precise carvings. "You... Did you think of me as you chose this?" He asked, in a tone that tried to sound casual, but the slight tremor in his voice betrayed the surprise.

"Who knew, right?" Kim Dokja joked, but his eyes conveyed sincerity. "I thought maybe you appreciated something that symbolizes your... nature."

Joonghyuk watched the keychain silently, taking in the meaning behind the gift. A sword—the symbol of his life as a hunter. It was ironic and, at the same time, strangely comforting to receive something like this from the very vampire he hunted. He closed the box and put the gift in his pocket, his gaze turning to Kim Dokja.

"Thank you... I think," he muttered, disconcerted, feeling a mixture of emotions. The silent tension of before seemed less heavy now, replaced by a kind of complicity, a makeshift bridge between hunter and vampire.

"No need to thank you," Kim Dokja replied, walking forward with a small smile. "Consider this a symbol of temporary truce. Maybe how much longer will we coexist."

Joonghyuk nodded, his hand resting on the pocket where he had kept the keychain. Even without words, he felt that this simple gift had created an unexpected connection — something he hadn't imagined when he accepted this mission.

As they walked back to the lodge, Yoo Joonghyuk tried to dispel the doubt that haunted him, focusing on every laugh, every glow of the surrounding lanterns. Yet the small box in his jacket pocket continued to remind him of his impulsiveness — and how Kim Dokja's pleasant presence made him feel things he had never imagined he felt.

They slept face to face that night – or, at least, Kim Dokja slept. The vampire's cold skin sent a shiver down the spine in Yoo Joonghyuk's hot dermis, arousing unexpected sensations.

His mouth red from the pepper of the food, the dark eyelashes caressing his eyes. His face was cold and pale as a jewel, and his hair fell delicately on his forehead. That vampire was different – he was charming.

Joonghyuk needed to sleep soon, or he would start thinking things he shouldn't.

[...]

They resumed their journey at dawn, when the sky began to be tinged with soft shades of pink and gold. Yoo Joonghyuk walked ahead, his steps firm and decisive, while Kim Dokja followed a little behind, cautious and attentive around. To avoid the sunlight that was beginning to through the treetops, he kept himself in the shade, seeking the darkest stretches of the path. The dark hooded shirt he wore covered part of his face, hiding him from the blades of light that tried to reach his pale skin.

"This is the closest thing to a race I've ever seen you do, Kim Dokja," Yoo Joonghyuk commented, noting the vampire's effort to stay in the shade. The taunt had a light tone, something rare in the hunter's voice.

Kim Dokja gave him a wry look. "Well, some of us don't have the same solar resistance," he retorted, adjusting the hood over his head with a gentle, unhurried movement. Despite the situation, he seemed in good spirits, as if the walk alongside the hunter was a rare chance to enjoy the moment, even if under less ideal conditions.

Even handcuffed and forced to maintain a cautious pace, Kim Dokja walked lightly. His expression, although always alert, revealed an unusual calmness, something that, in a way, broke Yoo Joonghyuk's rigidity. As they advanced, the tension between them seemed to dissolve with each step. There was something comical about this situation—the vampire hunter guiding a vampire through the woods, one keeping an eye on the path ahead and the other strategically avoiding the sun.

After a few minutes, Yoo Joonghyuk slowed down and looked sideways at Kim Dokja, who was hiding in the shadows of a tall tree. "We will have no other place to rest, from here it is straight to the his master's house. Do you think you can handle all this time walking?"

Kim Dokja gave a dismissive smile, although his eyes sparkled with genuine amusement. "I would endure anything not to miss the chance to see you stumble, hunter."

Yoo Joonghyuk let out a discreet laugh and shook his head, but his gaze softened slightly. The vampire next to him was undoubtedly different from the monsters he had chased for so long. In that quiet dawn, as the first rays of light danced on the surrounding leaves, the tension between them seemed to dissolve, replaced by a silence that somehow brought a glimmer of understanding.

Yoo Joonghyuk was increasingly will with the presence of Kim Dokja, the vampire who insisted on starting a conversation with the most banal questions. It was almost a nocturnal ritual for both of them.

"Why do you always walk around with that expression of someone who has lost something?" asked Kim Dokja, with a faint smile.

Yoo Joonghyuk raised an eyebrow, surprised that he wasn't annoyed by the futile question.

"Maybe because I've lost a lot of things," he replied. The clouds cast a bigger shadow, and Kim Dokja moved closer.

The vampire bowed his head. "Like what?"

Yoo Joonghyuk sighed, thinking not to answer. But when he saw the curious expression, he replied: "People. Moments. You wouldn't understand."

"You'd be surprised what I'd understand," Kim Dokja countered, in an almost defiant tone.

For a few seconds, silence settled between them, but Kim Dokja broke it, this time with a more serious question.

"I know I've asked once, but why did you become a hunter?" He asked, his voice lower, as if he were trespassing on forbidden territory.

Yoo Joonghyuk hesitated, but answered, looking at the ground.

"It's not about what I wanted. It's about what had to be done."

Kim Dokja watched him with interest. "And that's what you think you need to do... hunt vampires?"

"That's what I do best," Yoo Joonghyuk said, with a hint of bitterness.

Kim Dokja let out a slight laugh. "Better? So it must be good at hiding your feelings too, right?"

Yoo Joonghyuk looked at him, annoyed, but for some reason, he couldn't help but give a sincere answer.

"What about your family?"

Yoo Joonghyuk froze, refusing to answer at that moment.

As they walked through the woods dense, soon the sun began to disappear. Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk were guided by the sound of water, which grew closer and more powerful. Finally, they reached a waterfall, where the strong sound of the waters crashing on the rocks drowned out the frightening noises of the surrounding forest, providing a sense of security.

They settled there, setting up camp in silence. Yoo Joonghyuk, always meticulous, took care of every detail: he checked the terrain, gathered dry firewood, and finally lit a fire that began to crackle and illuminate the surrounding shadows. Kim Dokja watched him in silence, respecting the seriousness that took care of the hunter.

Kim Dokja imagined that traumatic night. The shadows. The trail of blood. The word pronounced in his mind as a sentence: Master. A vampire. The "Master" was to blame for all of Yoo Joonghyuk's misfortune.

And the hunter was so close.

Yoo Joonghyuk took a deep breath before sitting down, calling Kim Dokja to sit next to him, his gaze fixed on some distant point, lost in memories.

"My mother and sister were killed by a vampire," he began, his voice cold but charged with an old pain. "When I got home... I saw everything."

Kim Dokja remained silent, his eyes slightly wide from the unexpected revelation. He didn't move, he didn't interrupt, he just listened to him.

"They called him Master," Joonghyuk continued, the bitter tone. "Since then, my goal has been to find him. The so-called 'Master'." His voice trembled for a moment, but he soon controlled it, returning to face Kim Dokja with an impassive expression, even though his eyes reflected something broken and dark.

Kim Dokja felt a weight in his chest. It wasn't just Joonghyuk's story that affected him; It was the fact that he, as a vampire, was associated with that tragedy. And as much as he wanted to say something comforting, he knew that words would be empty.

"I'm sorry," was all he could say, and his voice came out in a low tone, almost like a whisper.

Joonghyuk turned his face, avoiding his gaze by Kim Dokja. "You don't have to feel it. It wasn't you," he murmured, with the same coldness he used to mask the pain.

But the silence that followed seemed to contain everything that words could not express. Kim Dokja looked up at the sky, the stars seeming less distant that night, as if they were about to fall to bathe the two of them with their lights.

"Why do you live alone?" he asked, changing the subject. "Why do you live alone in the woods, pretending to be an ordinary human?"

Kim Dokja shrugged, but there was a hint of vulnerability in his expression. "Because I need to live. Just like you."

Both kept their limits, each respecting the invisible line they had established, but in that moment, they understood that they were, somehow, less alone.

Chapter Text

Yoo Joonghyuk awoke to the sound of the waters, the constant and soft noise of the water falling and filling the air with a sense of freshness. As he moved, the sheet rustled, and he quickly realized that Kim Dokja was not by his side. An icy emptiness ran through his chest, and he suddenly sprang to his feet, his heart racing and his voice calling for the vampire's name.

"Kim Dokja!" Anxiety overflowed in every syllable as he looked around, only to see the sunshine already filtering through the trees. Following instinct, he approached the damp rocks around the waterfall, and upon closer looking, he found Kim Dokja hiding among some rocks, protected from the sun's rays that pierced through the dense foliage and illuminated the area.

There, surrounded by the coolness of the waters and the shadows of the vegetation, Kim Dokja looked up with a faint smile, his pale face contrasting with the dampness of the stones. Yoo Joonghyuk sighed, relieved. For a moment, he let himself gaze at the silent figure, intrigued by the strength and vulnerability that the vampire displayed.

"Why didn't you warn me?" he murmured, his voice softened with relief. He approached, still fascinated by the way Kim Dokja harmonized with the nature around him, as if he himself were part of the hidden and mysterious landscape.

Kim Dokja just laughed lightly, his low voice almost getting lost among the sound of the water. "And end the fun of seeing you desperate?"

Yoo Joonghyuk took a few more steps, and as he approached, he noticed that Kim Dokja was sitting calmly in the shade, stacking small stones, forming delicate towers that contrasted with the strength of the waterfall in the background. The vampire's hands worked carefully, choosing each stone precisely, fitting them together with unexpected skill, almost as if he were carving something invisible in the air.

For a moment, Yoo Joonghyuk just watched, intrigued. There was an unusual serenity to Kim Dokja's expression, an almost childlike glint in his eyes as he balanced the stones on top of each other, as if the weight of the world escaped him as he built his little towers.

"Playing with rocks now, Dokja?" Yoo Joonghyuk commented, his voice loaded with a slight provocation, but also with genuine curiosity.

Kim Dokja looked up, a slow smile forming on his lips. "It's no joke. It requires patience... and precision." He positioned a new stone at the top of the tower, not looking away from Yoo Joonghyuk, as if showing his point. "Each stone represents something... memories, perhaps. Balance."

Yoo Joonghyuk crouched down next to him, closely observing the small towers. "And what are you balancing here?"

Kim Dokja looked away, his smile now a little darker. "Things I might want to forget." He touched the base of one of the towers, and the structure shook, almost collapsing, but he held on to the stone at the last moment. "Or things I need to remember so I don't fall apart."

Yoo Joonghyuk was silent, absorbing the words. Almost without thinking, he picked up a stone and tried to place it in one of Kim Dokja's towers, but the stone slipped and fell, dismantling part of the structure. He cursed softly, frustrated, while Kim Dokja let out a soft laugh, the sound echoing along with the murmur of the waterfall.

"It's not as easy as it sounds, is it?" Kim Dokja said, the playful tone but the eyes deepened, watching Yoo Joonghyuk with a mixture of amusement and something more difficult to decipher.

Joonghyuk sighed, looking at the dismantled towers. "Maybe I need more practice. Or a good teacher."

Kim Dokja smiled again, a brief but genuine smile, and handed him another stone. "Then try again. But this time, don't be in such a hurry. Balance requires time."

Yoo Joonghyuk accepted the stone, his fingers brushing against Kim Dokja's for a brief moment, and there, surrounded by the sound of the waterfall and the damp scent of nature, he found himself wishing that moment could last a little longer.

As soon as the fourth stone tower was finished, Kim Dokja took a step back, admiring the delicate balance of the small structures. His red eyes shone with a serene intensity as he watched, the reflection of the towers blending with the dawn glow filtering through the trees. Yoo Joonghyuk, noticing the scene before him, felt an irresistible urge to capture that moment.

With rare care, he reached into his pocket, pulling out the cell phone he always kept for emergencies. Almost stealthily, he positioned it to frame Kim Dokja between the rocks and the soft light of the waterfall. He pressed the button, snapping the photo that captured Kim's restrained smile, the red eyes between his half-closed eyelids and the stone towers in the foreground, radiating a rustic, natural beauty.

Kim Dokja noticed the subtle click and turned around.

"Is this a cell phone? How incredible! I always saw people wearing these devices, but I never had it on one," he approached, holding the device in his hands carefully. "In my time, telephones were wired and only made calls. I always saw people using it in the city when I went to buy supplies. What was that click?"

Yoo Joonghyuk scratched the back of his head, embarrassed, feeling unexpected heat as he was caught in the act. "It's a cell phone, and I took a picture of you."

His eyebrows arched on his fluffy face. "A picture?"

"Yes. It's a way to keep memories. The image is saved on that device."

Kim Dokja blinked, still a little confused, but with a curious twinkle in his eye. "Does he register as a painting? How wonderful." He leaned over, placing the device on Joonghyuk's face. "And how do you know it worked?"

"Because it shows. See" Yoo Joonghyuk unlocked his phone and opened the gallery, the beautiful image of Kim Dokja smiling remained there, saved. "For some reason, I wanted to keep this memory."

Kim Dokja let out a low laugh, moving closer. "Oh, so I'm worthy of being a 'memory', now?" He lightly touched one of the towers, his fingers running over the stones as if absorbing their stability. "Be careful, Yoo Joonghyuk. Moments like these don't come back."

Yoo Joonghyuk was silent, absorbing the weight of those words. He knew that. He knew that this instant, with the simplicity of the stone towers and Kim's eyes reflecting the soft light, was precious and rare, and that somewhere in his heart, he wanted to hold it forever, too.

"Can I use it to keep more memories?" Yoo Joonghyuk was not reluctant and handed the device to Kim Dokja after explaining how to take photos and record videos. The vampire descended, following the shaded parts at the tip of the waterfall.

"Hello, I don't know if I'm doing this the right way. Oh, I'm doing it, yes. Hello. My name is Kim Dokja, and I'm a vampire. That's Yoo Joonghyuk, a vampire hunter and the owner of this device."

Yoo Joonghyuk stood still for a moment, watching in silence as Kim Dokja explored with his cell phone, enthralled by every detail. He was now shooting small scenes around him — leaves swaying in the wind, wildflowers and the crystal clear water of the waterfall. Kim's gaze was concentrated, almost childlike, as if each new fragment of memory he captured was a treasure.

Suddenly, he turned to Yoo Joonghyuk, his eyes shining, turning the camera and recording the hunter. "I hope this phone has kept good memories." He smiled, and his voice came out soft, almost like a whisper. "I'm very happy today."

Yoo Joonghyuk felt a slight tightness in his chest when he heard that. Kim Dokja's happiness seemed to light up the surrounding environment, making every second worth even more. He just nodded, holding the other's gaze for a longer moment, allowing himself to keep that image as well—not just on his phone, but in the memory he hoped would never be erased.

Kim Dokja, after spending some time enchanted by the photos and videos he recorded, finally got tired and settled next to Yoo Joonghyuk. The fire crackled gently, roasting one of the fresh fish they had caught earlier. The sun, now on the other side of the sky, shaded the river with soft, silvery tones, creating a tranquil and welcoming environment. Yoo Joonghyuk, who was watching the crystal clear water, decided that it was the perfect time for a refreshing bath. When he invited Kim Dokja to join him, however, the vampire just laughed and refused, shaking his head.

But Yoo Joonghyuk, with a mischievous smile, had an idea. He took off his shirt and, before Kim could protest, lifted it in his arms, leaving him unresponsive. Kim barely had time to understand what was happening before Yoo Joonghyuk plunged with him into the cold water, the shock of the temperature causing him to gasp. Within seconds, Kim Dokja began to thrash, his eyes wide with panic, clinging to Yoo Joonghyuk with all his might.

"Why didn't you tell me you couldn't swim?" Yoo Joonghyuk asked, his voice charged with surprise and guilt, as he held him by the waist, keeping him safe and close to his body.

Kim Dokja was still panting, his chest rising and falling rapidly, and his fingers dug into Yoo Joonghyuk's shoulders. "I... I didn't think it was necessary to mention... since I didn't even plan to go into the water," he murmured, his voice trembling slightly.

Yoo Joonghyuk felt a tightness in his chest as he saw the despair in Kim's eyes. He let out a regretful sigh and, still holding it tight, muttered apologies over and over again, his arms wrapping around him protectively. "I... I didn't know. I'm sorry, Dokja. I didn't want to scare him."

Kim Dokja clung to Yoo Joonghyuk as if his life depended on it — and at that moment, it really did. The legs tightly wrapped around Joonghyuk's waist, and the arms pulled him by the neck, keeping as close as possible. His chest rising and falling in despair, while Yoo Joonghyuk, sensing the vampire's vulnerability, began to caress his back, sliding his hands gently in an attempt to calm him down.

"It's okay," Joonghyuk muttered, his low, soft voice echoing between them, his steady hand in a reassuring touch. He swam slowly, cradling Kim Dokja in his arms as if he were a baby, holding him securely. Kim still squeezed his body, feeling the warmth the man transmitted in contrast to the cold ripple of the water that enveloped them.

With each movement, Yoo Joonghyuk swayed him in a rhythmic manner, his caresses firm and delicate. Kim Dokja gradually began to calm down, fear giving way to an unexpected kind of comfort as he felt the rhythm of the waves and Joonghyuk's strength, which kept him safe. Still not letting go of the man, he closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax and fully trusting the strong embrace that kept him above the water, protecting him from that liquid and unknown world.

Kim Dokja finally became aware of the closeness between him and Yoo Joonghyuk — glued to the man's naked torso, he felt the tense muscles and the strength of his arms tightly squeezing his thighs. Although he was a vampire and couldn't blush, a wave of shame rose through his body, making his heart race in an unusual way.

Looking away from Joonghyuk's eyes, Dokja quickly hid his face in the hunter's neck. The touch of Yoo Joonghyuk's warm skin left him disconcerted, a mix of protection and intimacy that he didn't know how to handle. Something so simple, so unassuming, was capable of completely disarming him, causing an involuntary tremor that he struggled to control.

Yoo Joonghyuk noticed the hesitation and, without letting go of Kim Dokja, slowly brought his face closer, giving him time to retreat. When Dokja didn't, Joonghyuk touched his cheek gently, making him look up until their gazes met. In Joonghyuk's eyes, Dokja saw something he never expected to find there — an atypical vulnerability, a rare moment that Yoo Joonghyuk allowed himself to share. A quiet tenderness that he dared not question. It was as if, in that instant, the hunter and the vampire were just two lost souls who found warmth in each other's arms.

Dokja's heart beat wildly, and he felt Joonghyuk's lips brush against his, light, testing. When they surrendered to the touch, it was as if time stopped. The kiss was shy, hesitant at first, but soon turned into something deeper, like a mutual promise. The barriers and fears, the conflicts and mistrust that separated them, for a brief moment, disappeared.

Dokja felt warm under his cold skin, protected, as if he was finally where he was supposed to be. Yoo Joonghyuk's arms wrapped around him more firmly, and he couldn't resist. He closed his eyes, surrendering to that feeling that consumed him inside.

After swimming to shore, they both shivered, but it was hard to tell whether it was from the cold or the heat that emanated between them. Yoo Joonghyuk paused, allowing himself to admire Kim Dokja, who was panting even though he didn't need to breathe, his bristling nipples covered in the fabric. Joonghyuk's gaze lingered there for a moment, something on his face mixing fascination and desire.

Dokja, aware of Joonghyuk's eyes on him, felt a surge of shyness. Even though he couldn't blush, his fingers began to move nervously around the hem of the wet shirt he was wearing, trying to somehow cover himself. However, before he could make any movement, Joonghyuk pulled him firmly, lifting him into his lap, causing his legs to instinctively wrap around his waist. Dokja clung to the hunter, surprised by the ease and assurance with which he was sustained.

With his face close, Joonghyuk resumed the kiss, this time more intense, a pent-up desire that now flowed freely. His lips went down the line of Dokja's jaw, meeting the vampire's pale neck. Dokja shuddered, feeling the warmth of the kisses against his cold skin. Every touch, every kiss that went down his neck seemed to set something on fire inside him, a mixture of pleasure and vulnerability that he didn't know how to process.

"You're shaking," Joonghyuk whispered, his voice hoarse and soft. "It's cold... or something else?"

Dokja smiled, a suppressed but sincere smile. "Maybe a little bit of both."

He pulled Dokja closer to him, pressing his lips against his, while his hand on his waist tightened gently, keeping him close. The kiss became deeper and deeper, the passion growing between them.

Kim Dokja retreated, placing a hand on Joonghyuk's chest and taking a deep breath. "Joonghyuk... This is not the best place," he murmured, his voice almost a whisper. "If you stay too long in these wet clothes, you can end up getting sick."

Joonghyuk laughed softly, a hoarse sound that made Dokja shudder again. "Do you really think that bothers me?" He leaned closer, bringing his face close to his, while one of his hands went down to Dokja's waist, holding him tightly. "I'm more worried about you. It looks like it's melting..."

Dokja looked away, with a barely perceptible smile. "I'm not used to so much attention, especially this way." Kim Dokja stepped back, his hands spread against Joonghyuk's chest. "Not here..."

Yoo Joonghyuk looked like an obedient puppy. He gave Dokja one last soft kiss on the lips before lifting him up to go change. Kim Dokja brought cold fingers to his mouth, feeling it tingle. His entire body vibrated where Yoo Joonghyuk's hands had touched, and he squirmed, smiling, feeling a long-unknown happiness.

Yoo Joonghyuk had not yet returned, and Kim Dokja had already changed, his heart beating with the anticipation of the hunter's presence. While waiting, he took Joonghyuk's cell phone, intrigued to explore the records he had made. The last ones, which he considered the most beautiful, were images of Yoo Joonghyuk, immersed in the contemplation of the breathtaking view.

Each photo captured not only the image, but also the intensity that emanated from it, as if the world around him disappeared when he lost himself in his thoughts. Dokja felt a warmth rise within him, a mixture of admiration and tenderness. Yoo Joonghyuk was surreal, a presence that transformed the simplest moments into something extraordinary.

With a slight smile on his lips, Dokja ran his fingers across the screen, remembering how vulnerable this strong, determined man could also be.

In every deep look and every subtle expression, he found a connection that brought him closer to Joonghyuk, as if, even in the distance, they shared a silent secret. It was a simple moment, but full of meaning, and Dokja knew he wanted to keep those memories forever.

He couldn't help but think of how incredibly handsome Yoo Joonghyuk was, his presence radiating a beauty that went beyond appearance, touching Dokja's soul in ways he had never imagined possible.

After this moment of contemplation, he saw Yoo Joonghyuk approaching. Night was already beginning to fall, and the soft light of twilight enveloped everything around. Joonghyuk lit a fire, and the dancing flames cast a warm, welcoming glow. He leaned against one of the rocks, pulling Kim Dokja closer, positioning his back against his chest. The warmth of the campfire mixed with the heat of Joonghyuk's body, creating a sense of security that Dokja hadn't felt in a long time.

Kim Dokja took a deep breath, feeling Joonghyuk's heartbeat against his back, a calm rhythm that calmed him even more. It was the first time he had felt so comfortable opening up to someone.

After a while, he finally began to speak. "You asked me once why I live alone. Well, I don't feel good living with anyone." His voice trembled slightly, and he hesitated before continuing. "I'm a weak vampire, which is weird considering I was one of the first. After the others found out about it, they started torturing me."

Joonghyuk's expression hardened. He hugged the body more, comforting it. "If it's hard, you don't have to talk."

"I want to. I want to talk," quickly, he replied.

"I don't die easily, but I get hurt like a human," Dokja continued, the pain and vulnerability showing in his words. "On a daily basis, I was... stabbed, burned, abused, out of pure hatred for my own species. They chained me with silver while I bled and left human blood in the room where I was imprisoned. Vampires can't heal without blood, and animal blood slows down our healing process by at least fifty percent, and they knew it. They were amused by my pain, and I... I felt completely helpless."

He closed his eyes, trying to get away from the memories that plagued him. "I was only able to escape thanks to a friend, but since then, I don't feel safe living with any of the species. The idea that someone could take advantage of me and hurt me again... it's terrifying."

Yoo Joonghyuk, realizing the depth of pain Dokja carried, wrapped him in a tight embrace. "I'm sorry about that, Dokja," he said softly, his voice firm and reassuring. "You didn't deserve any of this."

'Actually, I deserved it,' Dokja thought, but didn't speak. The truth was painful. Suddenly, he felt restless, a timid agony beginning to arise in his chest.

Yoo Joonghyuk furrowed his brows as he noticed Dokja's nervousness. It was rare to see the vampire like this, so absorbed in thought, almost as if he were trying to contain something important. Tomorrow, if all went well, they would arrive at the former and empty residence of the first vampire — a place that Joonghyuk believed could hold answers about the past of these creatures. He hoped to find the first vampire, the one he had been looking for so long.

But Kim Dokja knew the truth and, more than that, he knew that this meeting would mean the moment to reveal who he really was. The decision to tell everything was decided, but the weight of this choice consumed him inside, making the anxiety almost unbearable. He felt every step to the residence as a walk into the unknown, and the fear of Yoo Joonghyuk's reaction—the possibility of losing the only support he had known in a long time—made his heart beat even faster.

The bonfire was extinguished and they proceeded, Yoo Joonghyuk taking the liberty to lovingly shake the vampire's hand. Kim Dokja just forced a weak smile. He knew that he needed to mentally prepare himself for the moment of revelation, but Joonghyuk's previous gestures brought a slight shiver to his body. They walked side by side, each step bringing them closer to confronting the truth, as Kim struggled to find the strength for what he would have to face —and to tell Yoo Joonghyuk that the legendary first vampire had been there, by his side all along.

After a whole night of walking, they finally reached the abandoned building. Yoo Joonghyuk, eager for what he could discover, felt the adrenaline rise as his eyes swept over the imposing mansion. By his side, Dokja was trying to prepare himself psychologically for the moment he knew was inevitable: he would need to confess everything.

As they crossed the entrance, they were greeted by a heavy silence laden with forgotten memories. The walls were in ruins, some cracked and others completely collapsed, exposing old and rusty beams. Worn furniture covered in a thick layer of dust filled the space, its surfaces devoured by time and humidity. Large paintings, once imposing and full of history, hung from the walls, crooked and torn, as if the structure itself was trying to erase the memories of those who lived there.

As they went up to their rooms, the scene was still bleak: the fabrics of the beds were full of holes, torn and discolored, looking like ghosts of the glory of other times. Each footstep reverberated on the old wooden floor, and a bitter musty smell hung in the air, intensifying the weight of the moment.

Joonghyuk looked around, his eyes narrowed as he tried to take in every detail, looking for any clues that might lead him to the first vampire. Beside him, Kim Dokja took a deep breath, his shoulders tense as he mustered up the courage for the words he would need to say. He knew that once he revealed the truth, nothing would be the same between them. The atmosphere between the two of them was a mixture of expectation and tension, and the sound of their footsteps on the dusty ground seemed to echo the inner turmoil they each carried.

Dokja needed to confess that he was the first vampire, who was responsible for the death of Yoo Joonghyuk's family. However, finding the right words to initiate this revelation seemed impossible. Meanwhile, Joonghyuk, oblivious to Dokja's internal conflict, rummaged through drawers and furniture, searching for some forgotten clue that could guide him in his hunt.

Kim Dokja felt the environment around him take on a life of its own, every corner of the house bringing back memories of the beginning of his existence. He vividly remembered the years of humiliation and torture he had endured at the hands of other vampires in this place—the ones he had transformed and who saw him as a freak. The weight of the memories intensified, resurfacing with overwhelming speed, every detail tinged with the fear and isolation he had felt. It was as if the walls carried echoes of the cruel voices and violent hands that wounded him, leaving invisible marks on his soul.

The pain and anguish of those days consumed him again, and controlling the whirlwind of feelings became an arduous task. He wanted to look at Joonghyuk, open his mouth, and say everything—confess that he was the first vampire, but that he had never chosen this life and had never been the monster Joonghyuk was looking for. However, the fear of Joonghyuk's reaction and the weight of the memories made confession more difficult than he imagined.

Joonghyuk, on his back, continued to rummage through the drawers, impassive and determined, while Dokja stood still, trying to find the strength to face both his past and the truth that needed to be told.

"Joonghyuk..." Kim Dokja started, but his voice was interrupted by a deep, sarcasm-laden voice.

"Well, well. Who knew Yoo Joonghyuk would ally with the former," said a light-haired man, emerging from the shadows with a silver pistol in hand, aimed directly at the vampire. The voice belonged to Cheon Inho, one of the hunters who still remained on active duty. "And still developing feelings for that same vampire? Joonghyuk, you disgust me."

Before Dokja could react, Yoo Joonghyuk stepped forward, interposing himself between the weapon and the vampire, his eyes fixed and defiant. "Were you following us? What the fuck are you talking about?!" he asked, his voice harsh loaded with menace.

The man gave a grim smile, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction as he saw his rival's reaction. "So, you don't know yet?" He gave Dokja a mocking look. "The great hunter has no idea that his dear partner is actually the monster that started it all?"

Dokja felt his chest tighten, the air becoming heavy around him. The moment of his confession had come in a way he had never expected. He saw Joonghyuk's questioning gaze slowly turn to him, a mixture of disbelief and confusion, as the gunman held his sights, seeming to delight in the unfolding of events.

"Joonghyuk..." Dokja tried again, his voice trembling, but now the truth was out, and he had nowhere to run. "I can explain. Please."

Yoo Joonghyuk turned to him, his eyes once filled with trust and closeness now filled with fury and betrayal. "Did you lie to me?!" he shouted, his voice rumbling through the empty mansion. Joonghyuk's expression was a mixture of shock and contained anger, as if he was trying to process everything at the same time.

Dokja felt the world crumble around him. He raised his hands in an almost pleading gesture, his voice coming out trembling and desperate. "Joonghyuk, please listen to me... I... I never meant to lie to you. I needed to survive..." He searched for words that didn't come, each attempt at defense echoing void between them.

Cheon Inho's smile widened, his gaze filled with sadistic pleasure as he saw the discord growing. "So, this is news to you, Joonghyuk? The man who trusted blindly is actually the one who slaughtered his family... pathetic." He laughed, the pistol still pointed at Dokja, taking advantage of their moment of weakness.

Joonghyuk stepped forward, his gaze still fixed on Dokja, full of pain and disappointment. "Everything you told me... everything we went through... Was it a lie?"

"No! It wasn't, Joonghyuk." Dokja tried once more, voice breaking. "I'm the first, yes... But I never meant to hurt anyone, least of all you. I-I had to hide, you know what they did to me..." He looked at Cheon Inho, who was watching the scene like a predator waiting for the right moment to attack.

Joonghyuk took a deep breath, frustration evident. He wanted to believe Dokja, he wanted there to be some explanation, but the betrayal still seemed too fresh to ignore. Meanwhile, Cheon Inho raised the pistol firmer, smiling disdainfully.

"No more sentimental excuses," he said coldly. "Give him to me. When you come back, you may see a familiar head hanging in a public square."

Kim Dokja felt a chill run down his spine, his words weighing like lead. The fear and tension in the air was almost unbearable, but there was a growing determination within him. He didn't want to be the reason for yet another ruin of Joonghyuk.

Cheon Inho's first bullet was unexpected, heading in the direction of Kim Dokja. Yoo Joonghyuk ran up to the vampire, pulling back from the nearest wall. His grip was rough, and it left a red mark on Kim Dokja's skin.

"If you run away, I swear I'll kill you."

It was the first time he had seen Yoo Joonghyuk with such hatred.

His heart sank. The hunter soon returned to attack Cheon Inho. The intruder's bullets ran out, and Yoo Joonghyuk kicked the gun out of his hand hard, kicking the man's face and placing the sword at his throat.

Cheon Inho let out a dark and sarcastic laugh, the malice in his eyes revealing the satisfaction he felt in hurting Joonghyuk with his words. "You've really gone crazy, haven't you? He killed your mother! And do you continue to protect him? You are nothing more than a weak and needy human being, who clings to any slightest affection. It's pathetic to see how you get carried away by this illusion that he's different, that he deserves your loyalty. But the truth is, you're just condemning yourself to the same fate as those he destroyed. You deserve to die like them!"

Yoo Joonghyuk froze, Cheon Inho's words hitting him like a direct punch in the stomach. The echo of his accusations reverberated in his mind, like a poison that slowly penetrated his veins. He felt a chill down his spine, as anger and pain mixed, forming a riot that threatened to swallow his reasoning. Cheon Inho took advantage of this momentary weakness, freeing himself from the grip with an agile move. In an instant, the gun was reloaded and pointed directly at Joonghyuk's head.

Kim Dokja couldn't stand the scene unfolding before him. Without a second thought, he launched himself towards Inho, determined to stop that cycle of hatred and violence. With the agility of his kind, Dokja dropped the weapon again, causing it to slide across the ground. But the victory was brief. In a brutal move, Cheon Inho turned around, hitting Dokja with a devastating punch to the stomach. The impact caused Dokja to hunch, struggling to catch his breath.

It was then that Inho, in an unexpected attack, plunged the dagger into Dokja, twice, with an agile and precise movement. The biting pain caused Dokja to cough, his vision beginning to blur as he tried to process the sudden attack.

He felt the warmth of blood running down his body, a cruel reminder of his frailty. The blood was absorbed through his clothes, leaving him stained with blood again. Like a vampire fighting against his own nature, the slow recovery was a burden that became heavier and heavier. The feeling of despair took hold of his mind, and the sweet memories after Yoo Joonghyuk's arrival began to dance in his mind like ghosts. Now, everything seemed so far away, as if he was about to be dragged into the endless darkness.

Compared to the wounds of years ago, this was a bigger wound. The blood gushed faster and with more volume, leading faster and faster to the mouth of death.

Amidst the chaos, Joonghyuk's image began to shine like a light in the darkness. His sad, confused, anguished, angry eyes. He didn't deserve to watch another person die again.

"J-Joonghyuk..." He muttered, his voice barely audible. Blood gushed out of his mouth, and he breathed hard.

Joonghyuk watched in horror, his heart heavy with the weight of helplessness. Every beat of his heart seemed to resonate in his chest like a cry of despair. He wanted to run to Kim Dokja, but his muscles were paralyzed by anguish. What was happening felt like a nightmare from which he couldn't wake up.

"You son of a bitch!" Cheon Inho screamed, and at that moment, Joonghyuk finally woke up. With a swift movement, he raised his pistol, aiming at Inho's head and firing. The other hunter didn't have time to react. He fell to the ground with his eyes open, life leaving his body once full of vitality.

Animal blood, although it had helped in previous moments, would not be enough to heal the deep wounds that now left Kim Dokja on the verge of death. He was losing a lot of blood, and weakness was beginning to overwhelm his limbs, making any movement impossible.

For a moment, he forgot the lies Kim Dokja had told him. He forgot the pain of betrayal, the anger he had felt when he discovered Dokja's hidden secrets. All that mattered now was to save him. He took the vampire in his arms, his heart heavy as he felt Dokja's choked breath against his chest.

He knew that time was running out. Dokja's gaze was distant, his eyelids heavy, as if he were struggling to stay awake. The scene was agonizing, and with each passing second, the hope of salvation seemed more distant.

"I-I want to explain. Your mother–" Dokja began, the words coming out broken up, as if each syllable was a struggle. The suffering in his voice made Joonghyuk's heart tighten, and he shook his head, denying it vehemently.

As the urgency grew, Joonghyuk looked around, desperately seeking a solution. He knew that human blood increased the speed of recovery, and an audacious thought crossed his mind. He was human. Without hesitation, he lifted Kim Dokja into his arms, moving quickly to his own neck, determined to offer whatever was needed. "Drink. Drink all you need," he said, his voice charged with determination.

But Dokja, in the midst of the torment, closed his eyes and walked away, the refusal evident in his countenance. "N-no, Joonghyuk... Leave me here..." His words were an agonizing whisper, as tears of blood streamed down his face, a testament to the suffering he was facing. Each tear seemed to be a silent cry, a plea for Joonghyuk to understand the depth of his internal struggle.

"You need to!" Joonghyuk pleaded, his heart pounding with the fear of losing him. He knew that Dokja's refusal was not just because of what was at stake, but because of what it meant. The act of drinking human blood was taboo for Kim Dokja, a line he didn't want to cross. Tension between them grew, and Joonghyuk could not afford to hesitate.

"P-please don't make me do that!" Dokja cried, his voice filled with pain. "I can't... I'm a monster!" He writhed in his arms, the open wounds pulsing, and the struggle within him was visible. Every word was a desperate attempt to get away from that choice, to avoid a path he feared to take.

Yoo Joonghyuk, consumed by the urgency to save the vampire he loved, didn't hesitate. He forced Dokja's head again against his neck, the exposed skin shaking under the pressure. "It's okay. You won't hurt me. You can do it," he whispered, trying to convey the confidence he needed Dokja to feel. Each syllable was a plea for the vampire to surrender to the need for survival.

Then, the moment Dokja's fangs touched his skin, Joonghyuk felt a sharp pain pierce his neck, like a spark that lit up the darkness. The contact, though painful, was also a kind of relief, a sacrifice he was willing to make. He relaxed, his fingers caressing the soft black strands of Dokja's hair, trying to encourage him, offering quiet support.

But as he felt the flow of blood intensify, Joonghyuk didn't notice the tears of blood that ran down Dokja's face, staining his pale skin and the last white parts of his clothing, drawing a picture of suffering. Every drop that fell was a symbol of the internal battle that Dokja was fighting; their fangs sank deeper, and the pain was a mixture of love and despair. He was fighting against the nature that pushed him to surrender to instinct, to the uncontrollable desire to be satiated with human blood.

Dokja's pupils dilated, revealing the fierce struggle within him. As the fresh blood began to take effect in his body, a surge of energy enveloped him, his mind beginning to spiral out of control. The feelings he had tried to suppress, the memories of the past, and everything he had hidden in the back of his mind began to blend into a chaotic whirlwind.

Yoo Joonghyuk, meanwhile, felt the worry slowly dissipate, as if life was returning to his body through Dokja. His mind was numb, probably because of some side effect of the bite. His body was getting warm, and he looked at the vampire who was now feeding on him, a mixture of adoration and concern in his gaze. "You're still with me. You're still here," he whispered, his voice low but charged with emotion. The connection between them was deeper than either of them could have imagined.

The taste of Joonghyuk's blood was intoxicating, but it also brought out a paralyzing terror. He was consumed by the feeling that he was becoming what he had always hated. The tears of blood continued to flow, and the pain in his heart was almost unbearable.

"Forgive me... forgive me..." He muttered, his voice muffled as he continued to feed. His thin hands clung to all of Yoo Joonghyuk's pieces of clothing. His every word was a lament, a plea for the pain to stop. The mixture of life and death that flowed between them made everything more confusing and painful.

And so, as the connection between them deepened, the line between love and pain, between human and monster, became increasingly blurred. The clamor of Kim Dokja's internal battle resounded in every beat of Joonghyuk's heart, and he knew that regardless of what happened, they would have to face whatever came next together.

Yoo Joonghyuk didn't resist for long. With their bodies glued together, Yoo Joonghyuk slowly gave in, until exhaustion took over him completely. In silence, the hunter lost consciousness, offering his own blood to save what was supposed to be his prey.

[...]

Yoo Joonghyuk woke up after two days unconscious. The glare assaulted his sensitive eyes, forcing him to frown as he adjusted to the light that filled the room. He instinctively brought his hand to the right side of his neck, where he felt the bandage covering the wounded area. Gradually, flashes of the battle with Cheon Inho flooded his mind – the blows exchanged, the devastating revelation that Dokja, the vampire he hunted so much, was the same man with whom he lived in an almost banal way. And then, the memory of his own sacrifice came alive: the moment he offered his blood to keep the vampire from dying.

It was a bitter irony. He had spent years wishing for the death of the first vampire, and yet, when the chance came, he couldn't let Dokja die. Saving him was almost a reflex, a decision made in an impetus he couldn't understand. Why had he done this? Which part of him believed that saving an enemy was the right thing to do?

As these questions echoed in his mind, he noticed a figure next to him. He looked more closely, and to his surprise he saw Dokja there, asleep in an uncomfortable chair, his head resting on his shoulder, his features serene. The sight was a shock. After all, Kim Dokja remained by his side, as if waiting for his recovery, as if he was important enough to do so.

Yoo Joonghyuk felt a strange warmth fill his chest. In the midst of pain, mistrust and chaos, that silent and unexpected scene made everything seem, for a moment, less cruel.

Kim Dokja woke up to the soft sound of movement beside him. When he opened his eyes, he found Yoo Joonghyuk staring at him, finally awake. For a brief instant, a wave of relief and happiness filled him. Yoo Joonghyuk was alive, and his conscious presence dissolved some of the anguish that had accompanied him in the last few days.

But then, reality weighed on his shoulders, reminding him of what had happened. Yoo Joonghyuk hated him—he had always hated him. The momentary proximity between them was only the result of circumstances, nothing more. The impulse to flee took hold of Dokja, and he took a step back, trying to muster the coolness necessary to face the situation.

That's when Yoo Joonghyuk's voice cut through the silence, harsh and direct. "I'm listening."

Dokja looked at him, surprised by the firm and piercing tone. Here was the opportunity he never imagined he would have: to confront the secrets he had kept so much, and he would spare no effort to explain everything.

Sitting down again, he stared at Yoo Joonghyuk. "I have no memories of my human life, the only thing I remember is white coats and an explosion." Started. He was no longer afraid.

"When I woke up, there was no one else, just the unrecognizable bodies next to me. But I felt strange. For some reason, I was very, very hungry, but it wasn't normal hunger. I wanted blood."

"I remember that on the day I couldn't reason properly and couldn't breathe. I could smell the blood inside people and hear their hearts beat. This is how the first human was transformed. Your mother."

The revelation took Yoo Joonghyuk by surprise. His mother was...

"She, upon seeing me, came running towards me, and the first thing I did was attack her," Kim Dokja lowered his gaze, unable to stare into the cold eyes any longer. "But, for some reason, that diet alone had not been enough. My body was asking for more. I couldn't even remember my name, let alone know where it was. Then six more people were transformed."

"Only then did my mind return to normal. When I woke up, I was handcuffed, bathed in blood, surrounded by seven unknown people. Of these seven, only one looked at me with empathy. Your mother. My friend."

"Those six people hated me. I had turned them into monsters, and they had turned and killed other people because of the lack of control of post-transformation hunger. It was then that they began the tortures. I screamed in pain and hunger. I spent months in chains, drinking only a little animal blood, just enough so that I wouldn't die. They started to feed on human blood, lost their own humanity, while my body languished in that dark room. Your mother was the only one who refused to follow their idea. She was responsible for freeing me, so we fled together."

"When I had contact with the world, it had become chaos. We found out that some places were accepting vampires who refuse to go against their nature, and we went to the nearest town. There, I said goodbye to her. The guilt I felt was very great." Kim Dokja turned around, picking up an old photograph from under several papers in the drawer. "Can you imagine the rest?"

Yoo Joonghyuk held the photo. Attentively, he analyzed the two people there, a woman smiling with a baby in her arms. He realized that he didn't even remember her face, especially the color of her eyes.

"She got pregnant..."

"Yes. Sua mother was the first vampire to become pregnant, and your father was a human. Which makes you one half of both worlds."

A severe headache hit Joonghyuk, but he did not stop analyzing the image. He, little, in his mother's arms.

"I don't think you've ever wondered why you're more agile than others, and why your eyesight and hearing are so good. Whether by luck or not, you weren't born with the physical characteristics, so you lived like a normal child."

His eyes filled with tears as his index finger passed over the smiling face of the woman in the photograph. "If you were friends, why did you kill her?"

Kim Dokja sighed. That part was always the most painful.

"When the other first six learned of the existence of a half-human, half-vampire child, they all wanted to take possession of it, but only one was sent to pick you up."

"Why were you there?"

"Your mother gave up feeding on human blood, so her strength was much less than that of the rebels. She contacted me as soon as the city's sirens sounded the first invasion alert, but as it was sudden, I couldn't make it in time. Alone, she fought bravely to hide your whereabouts, but was unable to protect your sister. When I arrived, that vampire was waiting for you at home. It was the first time I killed someone while being aware of what I was doing, and the first time I saw you. A scared little boy."

Yoo Joonghyuk felt a deep pain upon hearing these words, a pain that came from both the revelation and the weight of his own misjudgments. For years, he had lived in a blind search, fueled by the conviction that Dokja was the monster responsible for stealing his family. But now, he realized that this man, whom he had hated so much, had risked his own life to try to save his own.

Yoo Joonghyuk felt the tension between the two change, as if each word unraveled layers of a past buried and distorted by the scars of time. That man he had hated so much was perhaps the only one who really understood what he had lost. He was there, in front of him, carrying the weight of that terrible night on his shoulders. And even after years of persecution and enmity, there was still a sense of unwavering loyalty in Kim Dokja's gaze.

Silently, Yoo Joonghyuk understood that his hatred had perhaps been directed at the wrong person all this time.

"Take all the time you need to think, and take a hot bath. I'll prepare some light food for you."

Yoo Joonghyuk let the hot water fall on his body, each drop carrying some of the weight of his confusions and emotions. Dokja's words still echoed in his mind, mixing guilt and understanding. The idea that, for so many years, he had directed his anger and pain at the wrong person left him grounded. He didn't know what to do with this new perception, with this emptiness where before there was only hatred.

After the shower, Joonghyuk went downstairs, the sound of pots and utensils filling the kitchen. He paused to see Dokja leaning over a cookbook, his eyes focused on the instructions as he tried to whip up something simple. There was an almost anxious determination in his movements, as if cooking was a form of redemption.

Yoo Joonghyuk walked over to the counter, the question slipping from his lips before he could contain it. "Why do you say you killed them?" The voice came out softer than he intended, almost a whisper.

Dokja paused, his shoulders tense as he pondered his answer. "Because I was the one who transformed them. I was the one who caused all this," he looked at his trembling hands, a bitter twinkle in his eyes.

Yoo Joonghyuk felt the intensity of Dokja's words, the weight of guilt he silently carried.

"Did you have control over your actions?"

Sniffling, Kim Dokja replied no.

"So it's not your fault."

Silently, Joonghyuk reached out and grabbed a knife, starting to chop up some vegetables next to Dokja. He said nothing; just began to help, his movements precise and careful. His presence at Dokja's side, the act of preparing the meal together, said everything that words could not express.

Dokja watched him at a glance, his expression softening slightly. For a brief moment, the silence between them seemed to have meaning—a mutual understanding that the past, as cruel as it was, no longer needed to be a barrier. Gradually, the weight of forgiveness was deposited in the simple gestures, in the glances exchanged, in the food that they, together, prepared in peace.

When the meal was ready, Yoo Joonghyuk and Kim Dokja sat at the table, side by side. Kim Dokja didn't need to eat, but he felt comfortable enough to enjoy the food like a normal person. It was not necessary for Joonghyuk to put into words that he forgave him; His presence there, accepting that act of care, was a sufficient response.

"What does it taste like?" asks Yoo Joonghyuk.

"What?"

"Of my blood." The question seems casual, but something about the intensity of Joonghyuk's eyes makes him feel that the answer matters, and a lot. Dokja knows he couldn't blush, but in that moment, he felt the awkwardness bubble up in him like a teenager facing first love. The question was so... Intimate.

Dokja thinks about responding with a joke, as he would in any other situation to protect himself. However, there is something on Joonghyuk's face that disarms him; Maybe it's genuine curiosity, maybe it's the vulnerability of putting himself in the hands of a vampire that he, a hunter, should fear. It was a break in the barriers that normally separated them.

"It's... intense," Dokja replies, in a whisper, after a moment's hesitation. "It's as if the iron in your blood is sweetened."

Yoo Joonghyuk watches him in silence for a few moments. He leans closer, his eyes fixed on Dokja's, and an air of determination appears on his face.

"Did you drink too much?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

"Great. That means you're stronger," he says, his voice firm but soft.

Before Kim Dokja could react, Yoo Joonghyuk gets even closer, and Kim Dokja feels the warmth of the other so close. Joonghyuk, without looking away, leans in and presses his lips gently against his. Dokja feels conflicted, lost in a mixture of surprise and desire. He had spent so many years isolated and on the run that he felt the taste of this moment as something forbidden and precious.

Yoo Joonghyuk holds Dokja by the chin, keeping their faces just inches apart, as his eyes burn with intensity.

"I hope we can finish today what we started at the waterfall that day," he murmurs, in a deep voice, charged with a desire he didn't hide.

Kim Dokja feels a shiver run through his body when he hears this, and an involuntary tremor takes him. He doesn't answer with words, but the lack of resistance on the lips that rejoin Joonghyuk's says everything he needs. The vampire indulges in the kiss, letting the other guide him, while his own control begins to dissolve under Joonghyuk's possessive and accurate touch.

Joonghyuk slides his hands down his shoulders and back, leading him to the bedroom. There, he undoes every layer of Kim Dokja's clothing with intentional slowness, savoring every second, every reaction. With each piece removed, his fingers run over Kim Dokja's skin in a provocative way, sending goosebumps all over his body. It's as if Yoo Joonghyuk was playing with him, teasing his desire and making it clear that he wanted every piece of Dokja for himself, without rushing.

"See?" says Joonghyuk in a whisper, the tone possessive and a little provocative, as if to make it clear how much he had under his control. "Every part of you now belongs to me."

Dokja feels his breathing out of rhythm, not only because of the physical proximity, but because of the way Joonghyuk occupies each of his senses, as if there was no more room for doubts or barriers. It's a feeling of complete surrender and at the same time of being carefully claimed, piece by piece.

Joonghyuk watches him for a moment, as if admiring every detail of his skin, every slightest reaction. He runs his hands around Dokja's waist, his fingers pressing a little firmer, not allowing any retreat. When his eyes meet Dokja's again, there is an unspoken promise—that that moment, that intimacy, was theirs and theirs alone, and that he would not let it be taken away from him.

"You can't run away anymore, Kim Dokja," Joonghyuk continues, his lips lightly brushing the skin of his neck, where Dokja's pulse quickened in response. "You are mine, and I am yours."

Dokja feels a warmth rise up his face, his heart beating faster than he would like to admit. He opens his eyes, meeting Joonghyuk's intense gaze, and for the first time, he feels no need to run away, nor to hide what he feels. Instead, he reaches out, caressing Joonghyuk's face with his fingers, a gentle touch but full of meaning.

"Then show me," Dokja whispers, allowing himself to abandon all the defenses he had always maintained. "Show what it means to be yours."

The thin thread of sanity that held Yoo Joonghyuk finally broke, his eyes shining with an indecent desire that escaped undisguised. His warm lips met Kim Dokja's cold skin, leaving an invisible trail of warmth where they touched. The vampire writhed lightly on the sheets as he felt that unusual touch, the wet kisses tracing paths across his chest.

Joonghyuk's tongue brushed over the sensitive nipple, exploring the contour, while his other hand caressed the other side, causing a shivering sensation. Kim Dokja gasped, his body reacting to the heat wave that seemed to ignite where saliva marked his skin.

With a deliberate touch, Joonghyuk slid his mouth down, running through every line of Dokja's belly, his breathing becoming heavier with every inch. Without looking away, he grabbed Kim Dokja's legs and placed them on his shoulders, continuing the kissing journey that brought him closer and closer to the intensity of the moment.

Dokja was impatient, Yoo Joonghyuk's every taunt igniting in him a desire to fight back. He knew that the hunter was only prolonging the expectation, taking advantage of the effect it had on him. And though he enjoyed the slow torture, the vampire wanted more.

In a firm move, Dokja reversed the positions. The freshly consumed blood pulsed with vigor, and he quickly positioned himself over Yoo Joonghyuk's body. With a determined gaze, he pulled the hunter's shirt up, replicating every gesture he had felt before. Its fangs brushed lightly against Joonghyuk's neck, who let out an involuntary sigh. Dokja slowly descended, his teeth outflowing as he touched his defined torso, until his lips stopped at the crotch, where his body heat seemed to concentrate.

Yoo Joonghyuk raised an eyebrow defiantly. "Are you in a hurry?"

Dokja replied in a low, intense tone, his eyes sparkling. "I've waited too long."

Kim Dokja, moved by the provocation and the accumulated desire, slowly slid Yoo Joonghyuk's pants and boxers, revealing the vision he had so much anticipated. His eyes scanned every detail with fascination, and a sly smile drew itself on his face. As he touched Yoo Joonghyuk's limb, he felt the firm pulse against his palm, and without hesitation, he leaned in, experiencing the sensation of his warmth. The tongue danced on the erect cock, and Yoo Joonghyuk gasped involuntarily as he felt the contrast between the vampire's cold touch and the unexpected warmth of his mouth.

Dokja alternated his movements, each provocative and well-calculated gesture, oscillating between rhythms that took Joonghyuk out of any control he might have. Feeling more and more caught up in Joonghyuk's response, Dokja let his own hand slide down, seeking his own pleasure as he watched the hunter's vulnerable expression, without diminishing the intensity of the sucking.

Joonghyuk, unable to withstand the intensity, grabbed Dokja's head, pulling him to him. When he found the vampire's satisfied smile, he realized the power that Kim Dokja exerted over him at that moment, and he couldn't hide the mess that took over his face.

"Do you want to kill me?" Joonghyuk asked hoarsely, watching Kim Dokja's smile grow in response. "It feels like I've lost control here. I should be in charge."

"Maybe," Dokja muttered, an amused twinkle in his eye. "But remember that you are in my territory. Here, I'm the one who dominates."

With a slow movement, the vampire leaned into the drawer next to it, pulling out a small tube of lube. He pressed the cold liquid along Joonghyuk's body, sliding his hands in slow, meticulous movements. Under the soft light of the moon, his red iris seemed to glow with renewed intensity, capturing Joonghyuk's every reaction. Dokja then brought his wet fingers to him, holding his breath as he slowly explored his own body, his eyes still fixed on the hunter below him.

Joonghyuk watched him, a subtle question slipping away. "Is this the first time you've done this?" Dokja denied, biting his lip with some hesitation. Joonghyuk, without looking away, wet his own fingers and held Dokja's hand. "But it looks like you need help here."

Dokja relaxed slightly, allowing Joonghyuk to take control. But before he could brace himself for what was to come, he arched as he felt Joonghyuk's resolute touch, two fingers evolving into three, a sigh involuntarily escaping his lips. When the firm movement found the exact point, the intensity made him let out a greedy moan, calling out Joonghyuk's name, each touch further accentuating the lust that emanated between the hunted and the hunted.

"I think you're ready. Do you want to stay in control?" Joonghyuk challenged, but Kim Dokja did not back down. With a fiery gaze, he palmed Joonghyuk's muscular pectoral before sealing his lips in a hot and lustful kiss, conveying all the desire accumulated between them.

"I'll take over from here," Dokja replied, his voice low and taunt.

Moving slowly, he rubbed his hips against Joonghyuk, taunting him irresistibly. In a determined gesture, Dokja positioned himself on his knees, lining up at Joonghyuk's entrance and beginning to slide slowly. His body reacted intensely; his eyes squinted as he felt Joonghyuk's expansion within him for the first time. A sigh of pleasure and pain escaped his lips, and he felt his muscles contract as he adjusted to the new sensation.

He knew this position was one of the most challenging for a first time, but the determination to challenge his own body overcame any hesitation. The human blood he had consumed had given him new strength, transforming what could be a throbbing pain into a mild discomfort, something he was willing to explore and conquer.

"Is it hurting?" Joonghyuk asked, the concern in his voice contrasting with the intensity of the moment. Kim Dokja shook hir head, a satisfied smile forming on his lips.

"No, it's okay," he replied, his voice hoarse as he continued to move, the erotic sounds of skin against skin filling the room. The mixture of moans and gasps was almost musical, each note revealing the intensity of his desire.

Dokja's movements were clumsy, a reflection of inexperience, but the raw energy of the moment pushed him forward. He let himself be carried away by pleasure, every brush of their bodies sending waves of excitement down your spine. Joonghyuk, on the other hand, felt an indescribable satisfaction from being inside Dokja, a deep desire that consumed him completely.

"You're amazing," Joonghyuk muttered, his eyes fixed on Dokja, absorbing every expression of pleasure that crossed his face. The hunter was in awe, his senses heightened as he watched the vampire surrender completely to the experience.

Kim Dokja panted, moans coming out in broken breaths as he moved, each thrust revealing the intense connection that was forming between them. The rising heat between their bodies, the feeling of Joonghyuk inside him, all contributed to an overwhelming pleasure that seemed to have no end.

"More... I want more," Dokja asked, the need showing in his voice. Joonghyuk answered the call, his movements becoming deeper and more decisive, each thrust causing the bodies to come together in a perfect rhythm.

With a determined momentum, Joonghyuk changed his position, positioning himself on top of Kim Dokja. The exchange of dominance brought a new wave of excitement, and without hesitation, he entered again, this time without holding back, diving deep into his partner. The quick and unexpected movement caused Dokja to let out a loud moan, his body arching under Joonghyuk's pressure.

"J-Joonghyuk! Joonghyuk!" he exclaimed, his voice full of desire and need. Dokja clung to the man above him, his nails clawing at his back in a mixture of pleasure and ecstasy, each fiery touch intensifying the connection between them.

Joonghyuk's strength was enveloping, and the pleasure that emanated from his presence made Dokja feel completely consumed. He let the moans come out freely, Joonghyuk's every move sending waves of heat through his body.

"D-deeper," Dokja pleaded, the need for more contact, more pleasure, coming through in his words. Joonghyuk responded with a look full of determination, adjusting the position to reach even deeper, returning to play with the pink nipples, the pace quickening as the two gave themselves over to the primal dance of intertwined bodies.

The sounds of their bodies coming together echoed through the room, a symphony of pleasure that filled the space. Kim Dokja was lost in the moment, every touch, every moan, elevating the experience to a new level of intimacy. He felt as if Joonghyuk's very essence was being etched into his skin, and this mark made him even more alive.

"I'm c-close... J-Jonghyuk! Ah!" Kim Dokja moaned, his delicate hands squeezing the sheets tightly. Transparent tears flow as your body fills from the inside, the shock accelerating their run down his face. The wet and erotic sound of bodies colliding was driving him crazy and an indescribable feeling was born in his chest. His crimson eyes shone brightly, reflecting the passion that consumed him.

Dokja's moans reverberated in the room, charged with a mixture of desire and anxiety. He felt his body warm and pulsating, the expectation of orgasm growing with each passing second. Joonghyuk's shock was like fire, making his heart race even more.

"Do it again," Joonghyuk urged, his voice low and full of demand. He tilted his head to the side, exposing his clean neck, and Kim Dokja looked on, excited. The thought of drinking the blood of the person who was him was overwhelming, but insecurity still assailed him.

Joonghyuk pulled his chin down, slowing down the thrusts, creating an almost hypnotic rhythm. "I want you to heal completely," he said, and the determination in his voice only added to the desire that burned inside Dokja.

With one gentle movement, Kim Dokja bit Joonghyuk's neck, the pain turning to pleasure as the hunter pushed back into him. Now, the connection between them deepened even more; with each thrust, he savored the blood that flowed from Joonghyuk's neck, the mixture of sensations intensifying what was already overwhelming.

Joonghyuk relaxed as he felt Dokja's warmth enveloping him, but he didn't miss a beat; His thrusts remained strong, a primal dance between pleasure and power. The thin thread of blood flowed from the hunter's neck, the essence of life mixing with the moment, making everything more intense and real.

At the height of pleasure, Kim Dokja reached his climax, the hot, thick jets soiling his belly, a mark of his desire and surrender. The feeling of satiety as he fed on Joonghyuk's blood was electrifying, as if every drop that penetrated his body ignited an uncontrollable flame. He felt his entire body tremble and contract, squeezing Yoo Joonghyuk, the pulsating energy rushing like a ravenous river.

Yoo Joonghyuk, in response, surrendered to pleasure, letting himself be carried away by the intensity of the moment. After a few deep thrusts, the accumulated pressure reached its peak, and he came, filling Dokja with his essence. The warmth of the connection between the two was almost palpable, a mixture of desire and surrender that enveloped them completely.

With one gentle motion, Joonghyuk kissed Dokja's trembling lips, a gesture that overflowed with love. As he stepped out of his partner, he watched his fluid flow, a tangible reminder of the union they had just shared. The sight made him feel even more connected, as if that moment sealed them indissolubly.

Feeling vulnerable, but at the same time empowered by the experience, Kim Dokja looked into Joonghyuk's eyes. He realized that he had overcome a barrier, not only physical, but emotional, and this left him exposed, like an open book, willing to be read.

Despite everything, he didn't feel tired, but Yoo Joonghyuk, even though he was half-human, couldn't keep up with his pace.

Yoo Joonghyuk lifted the vampire in his arms, leading him to the bathroom with gentle care, as if he were the most precious possession. Kim Dokja allowed himself to relax into his embrace, feeling the security that emanated from him. As soon as they arrived at the bathroom, Joonghyuk adjusted the temperature of the water, causing the steam to begin to spread through the room, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

With steady hands, Joonghyuk began to wash Dokja, passing a soft sponge over his skin, removing the traces of the previous moment. Each touch was both delicate and protective, and Dokja couldn't contain a satisfied smile as he felt the warm water running down his body. The connection between them seemed to intensify by the second, a mixture of affection and desire.

The two of them took off the dirty sheets, changing them for clean ones, as if they were getting rid of any remnants of last night, ready for a new beginning. They lay down again, this time on a cool bed, hugging under the soft white sheets. Dokja nestled against Joonghyuk, seeking the warmth of his body as he wrapped him in his arms.

"How did we get back to the cabin so quickly?" Joonghyuk asked, curious, as he stroked Dokja's hair.

"I can sum up fifteen days of travel in just a few hours, and I was with you unconscious on my back. I was desperate," the vampire replied, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"So we could have made this trip in a few hours, then?" Joonghyuk teased, raising an eyebrow.

"You're agile, but you're still a half-human, remember. You, at most, can make a run," Dokja replied, amused, a smile playing on his lips.

Joonghyuk laughed, the warm sound filling the space between them. "I'll have to train more to keep up with you next time."

"Or just stay with me and let me take care of the transport," Dokja suggested, blinking. The comfort and lightness of the moment enveloped them, while the intimacy between them deepened with each shared laugh.

Kim Dokja was almost asleep, lulled by the soft and steady rhythm of Yoo Joonghyuk's heart. The heat from his body emanated a sense of security that Dokja hadn't felt in a long time. His mind wandered among dreams, images of an uncertain future, when suddenly, an unusual proposal woke him up.

"Come live with me," Yoo Joonghyuk said, his voice firm and resolute, but soft as a whisper.

Dokja rose on the bed, his eyes still heavy with sleep, and stared into Joonghyuk's black eyes. The hunter's gaze penetrated like an arrow, searching directly for his soul. He felt a storm of emotions inside him, a mixture of hope and guilt.

"Are you serious? I don't want to be a burden to you," Dokja replied, hesitantly.

"You'd never be a burden," Joonghyuk insisted, leaning closer, his tone urgent. "I promise I'll protect you. And more than that, I want to show you a world that you never had the chance to explore. Let's get to know places, try things you've always wanted but couldn't. You deserve it, Kim Dokja."

Dokja felt his heart race, not only because of Joonghyuk's closeness, but because of the possibility of a future with him. The idea of leaving behind his fears and insecurities was tempting, but the guilt still weighed heavily on his chest.

"I'm going to take you to cafes, to museums, I'm going to show you the lights of the city at night. You'll see that it's not as scary as it sounds. And I will be with you every step of the way." Joonghyuk said, a soft smile rising on his lips. "And you'll have fresh food daily."

"No," Dokja countered, shaking his head firmly, trying to keep a serious countenance, though the lightness of the conversation made him smile involuntarily. "You liked it more than you should."

Joonghyuk let out a low laugh, and Dokja couldn't help but feel relieved. The hunter was always so serious, and hearing his laughter was like a balm to his soul. "I like it because it's you. You'll get used to it little by little."

"Maybe I have to get used to several things," Dokja commented, his tone becoming more reflective. "A new place, new experiences... and you."

Joonghyuk leaned closer, his eyes shining with determination. "I promise that every day will be something new and exciting. I don't want you to be afraid to try all of this."

Dokja felt the sincerity in his words, but he couldn't help but feel the insecurity that arose in his mind. "What if I can't adapt? What if the past catches up with me again? Can you really handle it?"

"I can handle you, Dokja," Joonghyuk replied, his voice soft but firm. "I'm going to help you carry that weight. Together, we are stronger. And you don't have to face it alone."

Joonghyuk's words echoed within Dokja, warming his heart. He was always afraid of being a burden, of not being enough, but maybe, just maybe, this new journey alongside Joonghyuk could change that.

"What if I get used to the idea of fresh food, but you can't get used to the idea of sharing a space with you?" Dokja joked, trying to ease the tension that still hovered.

"Oh, that I can guarantee," Joonghyuk said, with a mischievous smile. "I'm pretty nice to be around. The only thing you'll have to endure is my questionable taste in movies and an uncontrollable obsession with spicy food. But I can promise that I'll let you choose what we watch from the second week on."

Dokja laughed, the tension dissipating a little more. "Do you think this is a big sacrifice?"

"For you, anything," Joonghyuk replied, with a serious look, but the eyes still sparkled with a lightness that Dokja couldn't ignore.

The atmosphere around them had changed, and the connection between the two seemed stronger than ever. "Okay, then. I will try. Not only for the food, but for the chance for a new beginning. Do you promise that you won't leave me alone if things get tough?"

"Never," Joonghyuk stated, reaching out and wrapping his fingers around Dokja's. "We will be together no matter what. You'll feel right at home, I promise."

Kim Dokja felt the determination and warm protection in Joonghyuk's footprint, and for the first time in a long time, hope began to blossom within him. Joonghyuk pulled back a bit and looked into his eyes, his gaze was serious and full of understanding. "Let's build our future together."