Chapter Text
He was late again.
Jonghyun sighed as he sank into the worn leather sofa in the library, The Little Prince resting open in his hands. It was the third time he had read it that year. The mansion he now called home had been passed down from his paternal grandmother — a woman he barely knew. Since his father’s death two years ago, Jonghyun had become the sole heir to the estate.
The house stood in solitude atop a forested mountain, miles from the nearest village. Silence reigned most days, broken only by the occasional wind that rattled the windows or the call of distant birds. His only true connection to the outside world was Lee Taemin — the son of a traveling merchant who passed by three times a week, bringing meat, wool, and warmth in the form of friendship.
—Jonghyun?– A soft voice called out — his mother’s.
–Your friend is here.
–Taemin? Finally!
He closed the book with a gentle thud, tucked it under his arm, hugged his mother, and hurried toward the front door, eager to see the boy.
Taemin looked pale, with a tired expression shadowing his usual brightness.
—Hey... are you okay?
—Ah... Just a bit tired. But I wanted to see you today–Taemin replied with a faint smile, embracing the older boy.
—You’re the best friend anyone could ask for. I even asked them to make that dessert you love.
Taemin smiled again, following Jonghyun into the mansion.
—Hyung, haven’t you read that book already this year?–he asked, eyeing the familiar cover in Jonghyun’s hands.
—Yeah, but that was back at the start of the year. Now that we’re more than halfway through, I thought I’d revisit it—Jonghyun said, smiling.
—I really like it too. Actually, I was hoping to borrow that book of yours — the one with the purple cover and gold details. I don’t know how long I’ll be alone, so I was looking for something long.
—The one about mythical creatures? I think it’s on the middle shelf.–He led the way to the tall bookshelf. A wooden ladder leaned against it, the only way to reach the higher volumes.
The library was lined with four rows of towering shelves, a worn leather sofa in the center, and a small table beside a brown armchair. Dust danced in the light that filtered through the tall windows.
—Found it!
Taemin beamed as Jonghyun descended the ladder and handed him the book. The velvety purple cover with its golden embellishments had always caught his eye.
—Thank you! –he said, hugging him tightly. – I promise I’ll bring it back soon.
But then, Jonghyun felt something strange — Taemin’s body suddenly lost its strength, sagging in his arms.
—Taeminnie?—Jonghyun held him up, eyes widening as he realized the boy had fainted.
~
When Taemin awoke, he found himself lying on the sofa, wrapped in a soft blanket. Jonghyun sat beside him, and across the room, his father spoke in hushed tones with Mrs. Kim.
—You’re awake! Feeling any better?—Jonghyun leaned over and hugged him gently.
—I think so… I must be a little sick. I’m sorry...– His voice was barely a whisper.
—Son? Thank goodness you’re awake. It’s getting late — we should go – his father called from the doorway.
—Can’t he stay the night? It’s already dark–Mrs. Kim asked gently.
—I don’t want to be any trouble. It’s alright. Let’s go, Tae.”
—Alright, Dad...– Taemin sighed as he got up slowly, then paused.
–My bag... where is it? I brought something for you, hyung.
—Here.— Jonghyun handed it to him. —It was on the kitchen table.
—Thanks. I wanted to give you this.
Taemin reached into the bag and pulled out a transparent bottle. Inside were black lilies with blue-tipped petals — striking and otherworldly.
—It’s a charm– he explained. —There’s a rumor going around the village — they say this flower keeps away the creature that’s been killing people.
—A creature? What are you talking about?
—I forgot to tell you!– he said, shaking his head. —There’s something... something out there. It’s been causing deaths, making people sick. It comes to you at night, in your dreams. First you start hallucinating, growing weak... and then it devours you, piece by piece.
—You’re sure this isn’t just a legend?
—I’m sure, hyung. Actually... that’s why I fainted. I’ve been seeing it for a few days now. That’s why I brought you this charm. It’s the only reason I’m still alive. The flower is rare — they say it keeps the creature out. But only as long as you don’t invite it in.
—Thank you, Taeminnie. — Jonghyun whispered, pulling him into another hug.
Their goodbye was brief.
And just like that, Jonghyun was alone again.