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Yeonjun breaths in deeply. The candles in the streetlights are being lit as night falls. A sweet scent lingers in the air, floating in swirls. Yeonjun sways along to it, fangs glistening int the fire flickering against the cobblestone road. He inhales again. It’s getting stronger, which means it’s closing in. How naive. Yeonjun strolls along ahead, yet the scent only strings around him, like it’s bait to catch him in a net.
How humans thought they could bury themselves from a vampire’s sight baffles Yeonjun to no ends, but it’s a short waft of amusement in his dull immortality. And who is Yeonjun if he isn’t down for a little game?
"Fine evening isn't it," he chuckles. "Stop hiding, I'd like for you to come join me."
He expected more resistance, however it’s the overzealous nature of humans, the sheer superiority that always make them fun toys.
From the shadows jumps a young man, lean and tall. Fresh into adulthood, overconfident. He has his chin lifted, seemingly ready to step on everyone underneath him. His lengthy, raven hair, hung right in the base of his neck, is pulled back with a bow, but Yeonjun can see the sharp gaze from between the messy strands.
For a human he moves with agile ease. By the way he was dressed Yeonjun could tell he isn’t out after a party; dark, flowing clothing that make unexpected actions easy. What catches Ynj’s eye, however, is the sharpened stake held firmly in his dominant hand. Had it not been for that thing, Yeonjun might’ve complimented him on the pretty get-together. It was a nice shade of black, just enough to stand out against the night sky.
It doesn’t match his face at all, Yeonjun decides. Those features, soft around the edges, would look much better in a smile, not this schooled frown. The poor human is trying too hard to be scary.
"Careful, you might get splinters," Yeonjun says, a pointed look cast down at the weapon. "It's dangerous to be out so late. Haven't your parents warned you?"
The human’s face remains in the same stoic expression. He could’ve been hard to read, could’ve been an enigma to any regular person. But Yeonjun is no person, which is exactly why they’re meeting. Unfortunate events lead to the best moments; Yeonjun hopes tonight is one of those nights.
He can feel the human’s pulse speed up, his blood coursing. It flows wild like an aromatic river. Yeonjun flashes a smile, only for it to widen when the human visibly pales. "Did I catch you by surprise? I told you it's dangerous to walk at night. You might end up as someone's meal."
"You were too full of yourself to be human," the hunter — Yeonjun has to give him at least that much — mutters under his breath.
Yeonjun cocks up a brow. "Did you just stereotype me?" He crosses his hand over his unseating heart. “Ouch.”
The hunter doesn’t reply, stands nailed to his spot, as if any move he'd make would expose what he felt. Yeonjun doesn’t miss the slight waver running from his knees to the tips of his fingers. He’s trembling like a cornered rabbit. His features match the helpless creature too, especially his sweetly curved lips. A cute little snout.
Yeonjun rolls his neck. "Where's your mother? You might fall down dead on your own. It would be a shame for such a pretty little thing."
Again the hunter keeps silent. Yeonjun sighed in disappointment. He killed for the thrill, but there is no thrill if the dupe lacks any response. It’s a case where he has to work a little harder, pile up the anxiety a little more before it showed.
He jumps up against the wall, taking a seat on top of a roof. He laughs to himself as he watched the hunter’s gaze dart around the place. He’s holding his stake close to chest, believing he can strike if Yeonjun decides to close in on him. He’ll release the boy from his suffering for the time being. He should give him a little hope, or else he’ll stay this silent all the time. His voice is as pretty as his face, deep tremors of feigned confidence. Yeonjun wants to hear more of it.
He takes a sharp pin off his high collared dress shirt. He closed one eye to take aim; one, two, three... he throws the pin.
The hunter’s hair falls in front of his face like a curtain as the ribbon twirls onto the ground with sluggish grace. He’s frozen once again.
Yeonjun hums in delight when the boy's heart rate fills up his ears like a quick war drum. If only those feeling eyes would fall on him. To catch the human’s attention Yeonjun whistles on his fingers. The boy frantically tracks the sound and when their eyes finally met Yeonjun holds up his hands. He wiggles his fingers.
"Caught me," he says, taking a second pin and twirling it around with calculated skill. "What's your name, pretty little thing?"
The human blows his hair out of his face. He straightens his back. "Why would I tell you?"
"Vampires are known for being well-mannered and polite," Yeonjun says, running his thumb over his bottom lip. He grins, hopping off the roof, landing with the finesse of a feline. "Before I hunt you down I'd at least want to do some introductions. I'm Choi Yeonjun and you're infuriating. I could just about bite your head off, so adorable."
"Right." The boy swallows so hard Yeonjun can see his Adam's apple bob up and down.
Yeonjun nears him with calculated precision. His body moves as a cat sneaking up on a helpless mouse, just as smooth. He twists a black strand of hair around his slender fingers. "Aren't you going to tell me?"
"I'll kill you," the boy replies in a low voice. He presses the sharp end into Yeonjun’s chest. "I've done it before. You're not any different. I've been tracking you, so I wouldn't get too arrogant."
"You're a hunter?" Yeonjun smiles a toothless grin with his eyebrows raised. How exciting. He places his hand on the wood pushed it away with such force the human stumbles backwards slightly. "I wouldn't be able to tell. You look so innocent. Like a bunny. Has anyone told you that before?”
The human doesn’t reply, instead glares through his bangs, making Yeonjun’s adrenaline rush to his head even more. He knew he had properly set him off this time. It intrigued him. He wondered if the boy would make a sober move or if he was more of an impulse follower.
"Well, hunter," Yeonjun airily says. He presses his nails into the boy's skin, feeling the vein throb under his touch. He pulls away quickly, small stream of blood flowing from the cut. Yeonjun places his stained finger on his tongue and bares his fangs in a teasing grin. "All you are is flesh and bones. Catch me if you can."
A thought suddenly hits him. "A vampire hunter in this corner of town? Oh my, did I just have the honor of meeting Choi… Sorry, which generation are you by now? I've lost count after The Slayer or something lame like that. Funny how we have the same last name, yet are from two completely different worlds.”
"That's my great grandfather," the boy mutters in response. He pulls a handkerchief out of his sleeve and holds it against his neck, dabbing a few times. A new splotch of blood continues growing on top, presenting the shortly invisible cut to the world.
"Give me a moment." Yeonjun counts on his fingers, mumbling the names at each count. He snaps. “Soobin! Hi! How're you doing so far? Have the vampires been making your job hard?"
"Yes," Soobin states. ”You're annoying."
His glare is so sharp Yeonjun almost wants to peel his eyes open. He looks so cute like this. So tall, yet so gentle in feeling. He smells too sweet as well, sugar circulating to keep him alive.
The right corner of Yeonjun’s mouth twitches upward. He circles Soobin with quick spins. "So are you in for the chase? How about the hunter becomes the hunted."
Yeonjun notices Soobin having increasing difficulty keeping up with his movements. At some point his eyes cross at how dizzy Yeonjun’s making him. It sparks his ego a little more that he’s toying along with a member of the infamous Choi legacy. Even if Soobin is nothing in the hunt just yet.
"Run along, little rabbit. I'll give you a head start," Yeonjun purrs, into his ear. He removes Soobin’s raven locks, revealing his neck. His hot breath runs over the bared skin. "I'll catch up to you."
He snatches Soobin’s the handkerchief. "On your mark..." He folds it a few times and wraps it around Soobin’s neck. "Get set..." He ties a knot, pulling it and tightening it more than necessary.
Soobin lets out a choked croak.
Yeonjun grins. “Go."
That’s what breaks Soobin out of character. His pupils have grown in diameters to twice their original. His hands shake so violently he nearly drops the sole thing assuring him safety — or the thought of it — in these situations. What a liar. He was bluffing when he said he'd done this before. If he'd been experienced he wouldn't be so terrified or have at least done a slightly better job hiding it. It doesn’t matter, however; more the fun for Yeonjun.
Yeonjun starts counting, "One... two... three..."
Soobin about sprints, his long, muscular legs taking him as far away as possible. All he can do is hope that far away means safety. A boy can dream.
Yeonjun starts walking at a slow pace, hearing Soobin’s frantic footsteps echo against the high buildings of the alley. His shadow flickers in the candle light. "Four... five... six..." He starts running after, though it’s more of a casual jog than a trailing.
Soobin reaches a dead end. He’s struggling in place; a cornered bunny with a predator right after him.
"Seven... eight... nine..." Yeonjun sets his foot against a wall and launches himself forward. "Ten."
Soobin’s breath hitches. Yeonjun bites his lip as Soobin’s shivers run through his body. The fear Soobin sends off intoxicated him. Yeonjun’s addicted to making his victims shake under his power. Soobin’s scent is so lively it makes Yeonjun fuzzy in the head. It’s the driving force behind the challenge, the final prize he knows he’ll get in the end.
"Go on, little rabbit, dance with me," Yeonjun whispers into Soobin’s ear, husky and low. "Don't be scared. Animals can smell fear."
Soobin’s mind races with his irregular heart beat. He glances into every direction. At front there’s a wall and if he attempts to climb it Yeonjun will be a step ahead. Left a stack of dirt and trash, right a house and behind him... behind him the beast sure to tear him to shreds. His father had trained him his entire life to slay vampires and protect their town; their main goal the plague that had threatened them since the beginning of times. His predecessors had all gone with one wish; their successor would have to be the one to end Choi Yeonjun.
Soobin had always wondered why they found it such a hard task to complete. After all it took but a stake to the heart and the light of a match. He understands now. In this dark alleyway, trapped by his own panic, he feels the true power the vampire possesses. He can’t move, can’t breathe; making the slightest sound terrifies him. He’s sure to die in the dead of the night.
He’s in Yeonjun’s domain, Yeonjun’s play pen. Yeonjun’s faster, more mobile and more ruthless. It’s far from a fair game., stuck at a measly mortal motion while Yeonjun outruns him. Soobin is drowning in Yeonjun’s ocean, pulled to the bottom by his sharp tongue that has the charm to drug him.
"You ran right into my trap," Soobin says, spinning on his heel to face his predator right in the face. "I think it's you who should be running."
"Lies," Yeonjun says. He leans in so close their noses brush. "Twitching pupils," he lays his hand over Soobin’s chest, "rigid pulse," he pushes his lips onto Soobin’s, fangs grazing his plush bottom lip. He pulls back with a smirk, licking the blood from his fangs. “Irregular breathing. Do I frighten you? Or do I arouse you? There's not much difference, the way bodies react to lust or terror."
Soobin leans away from him, the vampire's metallic taste still lingering on his tongue. "I suggest you shut up before I close your eyes forever."
"Don't be so cocky," Yeonjun replies. "In this situation, is it you or me who's got the upper hand? I could've killed you by now."
"Then why didn't you?" Soobin takes a bold step forward.
"It's the chase that makes it all the more fun. Giving a little hope before I crush it all," Yeonjun chuckles lowly, straightening out Soobin’s coat. "I suggest you get on your knees and pray."
"And what if I don't?"
"We all go to hell anyway," Yeonjun says. "Why do you try so hard to make a contribution to this small, ungrateful community. They don't even know you're doing this for them."
"You're a pesky presence to have around," Soobin responds, rehearsed.
"Is that so?" Yeonjun asked. He takes the hand Soobin has armed and holds it up. He presses into the sharp end. "Go ahead. All you've got to do is press and then the town will be freed from their plague."
Soobin’s head gets heavy. His knees buckle, looking into Yeonjun’s bright red irises. The small gems underneath them sparkle in the dim lights from the main street. "One... two... three..."
Yeonjun’s mouth splits into a grin. "A head start?"
Soobin continues counting, stepping back with minuscule shuffles. "Four... five... six..."
Yeonjun runs his fingers through the Soobin’s hair. "And so the hunter became the hunted. What a turn of events."
"Seven... eight... nine..."Soobin watches the vampire dash off. At the second lantern Yeonjun halts his movements, shadow being stretched out so long that it still hovers on Soobin’s skin.
"See you at the next hunt, little rabbit."
"Ten." The matches and stake were like heavy weights on his shoulder. Still, Soobin chases him into the moonlight.