Chapter 45 : Undeniable Crush 

1721 ; Moonlight City, near Hell

—

Ae Ri

As we soared through the dark night, I looked up at the starry sky and down at the glistening city below.

Moonlight City was mostly a dim city with a few bright spots as it sat next to a rather large black rippling lake.

My dress was flapping behind me, and my hair had wings of its own. The cool air refreshed my senses and my happiness.

Jimin's hands were still safely by my side, holding me with security. He then explained that all vampires could fly, and that I could as well.

"We can fly in bat form too!" He says as I look up to find him but see nothing. I only saw darkness and myself above thousands of feet above water; surprised and scared, I let out a yelp.

"I-I'm... I'm flying! By myself!" I laughed as I heard a cheer and a small dark figure swooping through the air.

Jimin had turned into a small, black, furry animal with pointy teeth and ears.

'Come on Ae Ri, you can turn too! I believe in you!' Jimin said in my head as I take a deep breath and closed my eyes.

I open my eyes to see that my feet are now clawed, that my arms are flapping to keep me in the air. I could see Jimin in front of me, a smile plastered on his face.

He swoops down and up as I flap in place, head turning all over the place to see what he was doing.

I decided to try my new skills and put them to the test.

Trying to dive down like Jimin was doing, I could feel the wind sharpening against my face as I plunge down into the dark, the iridescent black water getting closer and closer to me.

"Ae Ri!" Jimin said rather loudly with a panic.

'Almost there...' I thought, as I could hear Jimin somehow a few seconds above me.

As I get incredibly close to the water's surface, I spun and swooped up at the same time with a large whoop, creating a water vortex as I sprung up back in my regular vampire form; the water showering and misting the air around me.

I hear a large splash and I see Jimin's face float above the water before he flies up to face me.

"Good god Ae Ri, I thought— you scared me— and I... just can't believe you did that. To me." Jimin said, hands on my shoulders and head to toe dripping wet with water.

"Sorry." I said sheepishly as I took in his wet figure as a whole. He was very handsome indeed.

"Umm, your clothes–" I said before I felt a splash of water smack my face, followed by a laughing Jimin.

"Yah!" I yelled, splashing him back as he ran away before the water even fell back in the lake.

I chased him around on the water's surface, our running making slashes in the water before they calmed into a large ripple.

By the time we're done chasing and playing, we were both drenched.

"I planned on taking you to town, and we end up in a water fight. Nice." Jimin says as I added, "You're welcome."

Jimin suddenly turns his head away, and began to fly upwards.

He clears his throat and says, "Anyways, I think I'll go and get us some clothes while we're in town. I think you should get something new to wear now that you're here. Our way of clothing is fashionably different than what you're wearing from... 1712 era clothing."

"1721." I corrected him as he chuckled.

"Ah, it's been a while since I've went up."

"You went to the human world in 1712?" I asked as he nodded.

We were flying again, but this time with a softer wind. Jimin was flying backwards and facing me as we neared the city.

"Vampires from here can visit the human land? I can go back?" I asked as he nodded again.

"We can only arrive at night and come back before dawn. We can't be seen by humans." Jimin answered.

"Does that mean we cannot be seen? Or that it's dangerous to be seen?"

"The second one. My distant cousin that hurt you..." Jimin paused, "If he were to be discovered that he was a vampire like us, what do you think the humans would do?"

"They'd hurt us." I answered, now understanding the consequences of being revealed as a monster in a world filled with fear from danger. 

"No. They'd kill us. By burning us and putting a stake through our hearts." Jimin says coldly before adding, "I apologize if I seem to offend you."

"No, I mean— I understand but it's upsetting. But being originally human, and now vampire, I believe that we can both be good. One day, at least."

"I'm sure that once day will take a long time to come..." Jimin said as a new feeling of silence hung in the air.

"Oh, we're here now." Jimin said as he added, "follow me."

He starts descending down, and as we land on the cobblestone lined street, I could see that the city was bustling with people.

Before we could even take a step forward, Jimin grabbed my hand in his without looking back as he began to lead us to somewhere.

It was a good thing that he didn't. I blinked and blushed at the sudden contact as I gazed at his muscular back outlined by his thin, wet shirt.

But because of this, I could see the looks Jimin and I were receiving. The vampire's eyes were full of curiosity and wonder.

I could hear snippets of thoughts and whispers flying in the air as we made our way through large crowds of people. They were wondering why we were wet and who I am because my 'vibe' as they called my identity, was different.

'Another convert.' A tall woman with dark and sparkly eyes, red-painted lips, and wavy long hair whispered into the ear of her shorter haired but similar looking friend.

'They're so pesky. I can't stand these wannabes.'

'Oh my god, I know right?'

Jimin clutched my hand harder. Maybe he heard the same things as I did. As we finally move a bit faster, we enter a dim-lighted shop filled with what I think was vampire clothing.

A woman greets us as we enter, and I am in awe of all the clothes.

Long, skinny pants, flowy shirts and dark, bold colors filled the room. The clothing were hung on shiny hooks and on a stand looking thing.

Jimin had immediately began to shuffle his hand through clothing pieces, mumbling about what looked fine and what didn't.

"Jimin..." I called as he made a, 'Hmm?' sound, not glancing my way before turning around to put a piece of clothing in front of me. "Hand." I said as he quickly let his hand go.

"I think it looks fine." Jimin mumbles as he quickly walks off to retrieve something else.

A second later, Jimin's hands are piled with clothes and I almost couldn't see his face. He pushes me towards a room where the woman in the front ushers me inside a small room.

"Please change into these Ae Ri." Jimin saids as he hands me the first outfit.

I undress quickly, and stared at the clothes before me. "W-What is this?" I asked, picking up a shirt that had little fabric, with two round half spheres in the front, connected by two straps on the side and connected by hooks in the back. This shirt was so small and short I would've been killed if father saw me wearing this!

"Miss!" I called as she opened the curtain and chuckled.

She proceeds to tell me that this small thing is a bra, which is for my chest area. I also get introduced to clothing such as: jeans, blazers, dress, t-shirt, blouse, and so much more.

And every time I try something from Jimin's pile, he's always unsatisfied, saying it's too long, too short, too small, too revealing, too modest.

I sighed and changed into the final outfit that he chose for me. I walk out, and as Jimin turns his eyes, he pauses.

"I like it." he says with a smile before adding, "Miss, I'll take all this. Oh and this too."

Jimin asks me to wait for him while he changed, and I felt strangely comfortable in my new clothes. This was tighter and darker than the usual clothes I wore.

I looked at my sleeves, examined my not too tight jeans, tank top, and long jacket. My feet tapped the floor and played with my new combat boots, and I looked around the store.

But I have to say, all the layers of my hanbok definitely wore me down. The style of clothing here is much more free and comfortable.

"How do I look?" Jimin's voice asked as I looked up.

It was as if I stopped breathing and took in his beautiful figure for a very long moment.

"It— It looks great Jimin." I said as I eyed his tight clothing like last time.

He really seems to like tight pants and loose shirts. And I don't mind.

As Jimin hands the woman some paper looking things, we leave the store.

"Better?" He asked as I nodded.

"Yes, very much. Thank you for the new clothes. I have to ask but is this the fashion style around here?"

Jimin's nods. "I know it seems weird, but it's comfortable, is it not?"

I nod in response, and like before, Jimin's grabs my hand before leading me back into the crowded streets.

We end up inside in a restaurant a few moments later, and Jimin's grabs us a seat in the far corner, and a man brings us two pieces of paper.

"I'll have the AB positive." Jimin said as the man looked at me. "Umm... she'll get the AB negative. Thanks."

"What are we doing here?" I asked as Jimin answered, "I could tell you were hungry." He says, wiggling his fingers and then pointing at my hand. I blinked and covered my hand with the other. "When you first turn into a vampire, you need more blood to keep you stable and from going crazy from starvation."

"Oh... no wonder." I said as Jimin's nods.

"Anyways, I got you my favorite so..."

"Your favorite blood type? AB negative?" I asked as he flashes a grin.

"Yup. Best human blood out there there is. With a hint of pig's too but you know, it works. You were an AB negative as a human too, and that your blood type is really rare. But it can help other humans when they need blood."

"But then what about my... disease you told me about?" I asked as Jimin began to explain the science in blood and why things happen.

As our meal arrives warm and in a glass cup (straws provided), Jimin and I begin to eat and I could see why blood was my new diet.

It was sweet, addicting, and made me feel powerful.

But nevertheless, my mind wandered back into the two girls from before.

"Don't let those thoughts get into your head." Jimin suddenly said, noting my silent worries.

"How—"

"I can read minds and communicate with other people by telepathy. You can too, but it needs to be developed, so it'll take a while for you to do this."

Oh my goodness. "T-Then—"

"Yes, I knew what you were thinking just then, and yes, I do know that you find me extremely hot." And with that, Jimin landed in a pose that brought his face onto his arms that were propped on the table.

"Hot?" I asked, confused. I didn't think you would use the word for something very warm to describe a person.

"It means devilishly handsome, sexy." He explains. "Like me."

Then, he suddenly flashes a seductive look in his eyes was paired with a playful grin from his mouth, along with a cheeky tilt of his head, revealing the sharp angles of his jaw.

As I watch him blink slowly, breathe slowly, and lips move slowly, I freeze in place. With my red cheeks and furious blinks, I try to regain myself and my mind.

Without knowing what I was doing, my own hand reached out for Jimin's neck and brought his face close to mine. He didn't break. My eyes mimicked his soft and sensual ones, and I lifted my lips towards his, watching his eyes close as we got closer and closer and closer. And as I felt a little zing, I stopped and let go, and began to laugh at his funny face with closed eyes and slightly opened mouth.

"And now I know that you find me extremely hot as well. Thanks for the lesson with all that seduction thing." I laughed as Jimin paused, now knowing he was caught.

His cheeks flare a dark, rosy red, and he quickly gulps down his drink and rises to leave. I quickly finish mine, and I run to catch up with him.

After Jimin gives more paper looking things to the man, I reached him as he went outside.

"Jimin." I said, chuckling. "Come on, it's a joke."

I reached for the back of his arm.

He jerks away, and I'm beginning to think that he's mad at me.

"Jimin—"

And he began to walk.

And faster and faster he went.

"Jimin!" I called him as I stopped amongst the crowd, watching him move at lightning speed away from me and into a large forest in the distance.

What did I do? I was just simply mimicking him— no, my body moved on it's own...

I followed him. It wasn't hard with the speed and ability to smell things from afar.

Before I knew it, I followed Jimin's scent and found him sitting on a flat tree stump as he faced the open night sky and away from me. We were in the clearing, for the forest had ended here on the high part of the mountain.

"Jimin." I called him and walked up to his bent figure. "What's wrong? Why are you—"

"Nothing! Nothing's wrong. I-I'm fine. Something just made me feel dizzy." He replied loudly as I walked and stopped in front of him.

"Are you ok? Are you sick?" I asked as I saw a peek of his very flushed face. "You're all red—"

"Yeah, I-I'm fine. Don't worry about it Ae Ri."

"I'm sorry about that Jimin. I didn't know what was happening— my hand moved on it's own."

"Desire. That happens when you truly desire something. Your body moves on it's own without you thinking about it." Jimin stands, hand still covering half his face.

"I-I think we should get back." Jimin says as I felt guilty.

"I-I want to see more. Of the city I mean. You can go Jimin, and I'll go back when I'm done." I said as he nodded.

"Alright. I'll see you later." And with that, Jimin disappears after a blink, and I am left alone again.

Desire.

Is this what I really want?

—

After a day or two (I still don't understand the time), Jimin was inactive and was resting at his balcony. The Goddess Mae Ri came to visit me again and showed me my new place to stay and gave me some paper, money as she called it. So that I could pay for food and clothing.

I am now living in a large apartment building near the forest, at the very top floor with glass walls that overlooked the lush green trees. But besides the move and money, there was nothing really to do.

I often left my apartment at times to explore my new world, as I was bored and had nothing to do besides rest and eat.

The third morning, I woke up to natural light and loud noises.

When I slowly trudged myself into the source of the noise in my kitchen, I had found a glass of blood and a note.

Hey there. We have an adventure waiting for us today. After you finish, change into the clothes I brought and go to the roof.

—J

So he's back. I quickly drank my breakfast and found a new outfit on my bed with a note saying, Enjoy in Jimin's soft and loopy handwriting.

I quickly change and grab some money and locked my apartment before walking into the hallway and looking at the open air in front of me.

What's really unique about these apartments is that there's a hallway, and attached to it is a large rectangle glass structure that opens to the air outside. It's used for a quick transportation like turning into a bat and escape if you ever have an emergency.

And so I ran and jumped, free falling down and then went into bat form, and soared up.

I find Jimin sitting on the roof, legs dangling from the edge. I land next to him and change back.

I look at him, and he's staring at the city in front of him.

"Hey." I said as he said the same.

"Are you better now?" I asked as he nods.

—

Jimin

How could I tell Ae Ri that I spent the last two days in bed as red as a tomato, turning around and around, thinking about her?

How she did that to me, and how it kept replaying in my head?

I couldn't tell her that it wasn't just desire, but a feeling, a connection between us.

I've never been affected, but why now? Why her?

I don't understand my feelings either. I get red when I think about what she did and I'm happy with her.

I came back today to decide for once and for all. For the next few weeks, I'll do the job grams asked me to do and see how I feel about her then.

I grabbed her hand and said, "We're going to be touring today, just like you wanted."

"Really?" Ae Ri asked happily as I nodded.

"Make sure you don't fall behind." I say as she gave me a smirk.

"I hope I'm not too fast for you." She replies as I replied, "Don't worry about that."

I jump off the roof, the adrenaline rushing through my veins as I swooped up and saw her figure next to mine.

Flying above buildings, Ae Ri and I made our way through the city and past the lake, where the sky was black, and fire roared in the distance.

As we land on the pitch black sandy ground, I began my introductions and explained how the afterlife of some people worked.

Of course, there was a long line, and I gave Uncle Sae Tan a wave. He gives me a smile and returns to yell at the spirits.

"Humans and us vampires and other creatures can end up in here." I explained. "I mean, Uncle Sae Tan is a very nice person in general, but he's not so nice when he's ruling you know, in there."

"So if Sae Tan is here working... here," Ae Ri said avoiding the word, 'hell' as Uncle requested us to, she continued to speak as she said, "Then is there an 'up there' too?"

"Oh yeah totally. Auntie Ji Soo is 'up there.'" And then I whispered, "But just as a side note, don't mention her because Uncle gets upset when she's mentioned since well... they're divorced."

(a/n: i tried for the up there and down there thing and i got jisoo out of jesus)

"What? Really?" she asked as I shushed her. "That's so sad. Different viewpoints?" Ae Ri asked as I nodded.

"Very. Now, let's show you where the fun things are. Oh and don't step on here unless you know, you have permission to. Uncle Sae Tan doesn't like it when trespassers come to his land. I have his permission of course, and grams says that it's fine. But Uncle's temper scares me, so I don't visit unless I have to."

"Then that's why that dog keeps looking at me." I look over to where Ae Ri was looking, and there he was, Uncle's three-headed dog Seobi, short for Cerberus, which we can't really pronounce.

"Hey Seobi!" I waved and the dog at the entrance wages his tail before sending a loud bark that vibrated the ground. "Bye Uncle!"

Ae Ri waved as we quickly left the gloomy area, and I take her uptown.

Goody. I get to have fun now.

—

Ae Ri

Jimin took me to some form of extreme activity, where we would play a game with balls and hoops in the air. Yes, in the air.

Basket-Air Ball Jimin called it before teaching me how to score a point or shoot.

After I watch Jimin for a few games, with everything flying and speeding everywhere, Jimin takes me to the park, where we rest. We grab some dinner and we part ways.

The following week, Jimin does as he says. He takes me to all these places, giving me new experiences and fun that I haven't had in a while.

We spent the following week: swim racing, attending a sky obstacle course, bat training, going to a fair, lounging at a blood bar, air skating, and bloodberry picking.

Of course, with the fact that I was a human and humans can't fly, everything was very new and fun and exciting.

I could do so many things that I couldn't do as a human.

Today, Jimin said that we'd be exploring the forest behind my apartment building.

"It's a really nice area and I think you'd like it." Jimin suggested as I nodded.

It was night, and we've finished dinner just a while ago. We started walking in as the trees engulfed us into their world.

The forest was filled with noise and some occasional calls of ravens. Jimin and I walked close to each other, and we were quiet.

"Thank you. For this whole week. It was really fun." I spoke up as Jimin turned his head and gave me a smile.

"I'm glad you like it. I'm surprised at how fast you learn for a person who's never had speed or flight before."

"I didn't know either until I was taught. I have a very good teacher." I said as Jimin chuckled.

"Thanks Ae Ri."

I nodded, and we walk close enough to hear a running river not too far away.

"Wanna climb a tree?" Jimin asked as I looked at him.

"I've never climbed one before." I state as he makes a face.

"Not even as a child?" He asked as I nodded.

"Wow. You are missing out. Come on, I'll show you." He says, reaching a hand out as he led me to a large tree.

We slowly make our way up, with Jimin leading the way as he expertly clings branch after branch like it's no big deal.

I try to do what he's doing and before I knew it, my foot slips and I let go, and I could feel gravity doing its job.

And as I yelped and fell down, I close my eyes and then open them as I felt a force keep me up.

Jimin held my body with an arm and the other handing from a branch, making our bodies seriously close to each other. "Are you ok?" he asked with a panicked tone as I nodded sheepishly. "You're so clumsy. You should be more careful."

I nod and look away, and felt his hand on mine.

"You really weren't kidding when you said you couldn't climb a tree. I'll guide you the rest of the way up." Jimin says as he climbs with me, watching me by my side.

As we slowly reach the top and perched on a large and sturdy branch, the moonlight gently embraced our bodies, casting a soft black shadow amongst the leaves.

Jimin slowly let's go of my hand, and I take in the dark beauty of the night.

"Wow." I let out a huge breath. "It's beautiful."

"I know. I love coming up here, but now a days with my job, I can't anymore."

"Job?" I asked.

"You know the whole, 'Welcome to Moonlight City, founder of the Moon Goddess Mae Ri. I'm Jimin. How may I help you?' thing."

"Then why aren't you working—"

"Because grams told me to take care of you. She says you're... special."

I saw his eyes gazing at my side, and I turn my head.

Jimin's eyes were so beautiful in the moonlight.

(a/n: YASSSS GRAY EYED JIMINNNNNS OMG HOT ALERT YOURE WLECOME)

"Oh umm ok." I laughed nervously as I looked away from him.

I search the leafy environment and I find a dark space way far in the distance. It was not very noticeable but I could reach the distance, which looked like a few miles within a few minutes.

"What's that?" I asked as I pointed.

"What's what?" Jimin asked as he turned his eyes to where I was pointing.

"Oh that's nothing. But you shouldn't go there."

"Why?" I asked.

"It's... forbidden. Grams won't let you past that cave."

"A cave? Then where does the cave lead to?" I asked.

"I don't know." Jimin said quickly as I knew that he was lying.

"Are you sure? Cuz' it looks like a lot of fun to go and discover what's in the mysterious cave."

"I said no Ae Ri." Jimin said a bit more harshly.

"Alright, alright. Mr. Fun sucker."

(a/n: i can't ._. such shame on me gosh)

"Blood sucker." Jimin replied as I groaned.

"Yeah, yeah whatever." I said as I pushed myself off of the tree and landed gracefully.

I could hear Jimin behind me, who asked where I was going.

"Home." I said before adding, "It's getting late and I want to get some more rest for tomorrow."

"What's tomorrow? I don't have anything planned." Jimin states as he catches up.

"I want to do more exploring. Of the forest. But– but... I'll stay away from the cave."

"Ok. Just don't get hurt, alright?" Jimin asks as I nodded.

We walk back silently for the rest of the way, and as we reach my room, I stopped.

"Thanks for everything this week." I said and hugged him quickly before rushing into my room.

I smiled, liking how Jimin was warm and soft, his own scent of musky wood and vanilla that made me feel safe.

I couldn't help but smile until I slept.

However, I kept tossing and turning, my thoughts occupied about the cave.

I've reached a decision.

I'm sorry Jimin, my curiosity is killing me and it seems like you're not telling me something.

I'm think I'm going to break some rules.