PLAY THE MUSIC, BUT NOT ON THE LOOP.

-A CURSED CHILD-

─────

- FLASHBACK -

"I'm truly sorry for your loss, your grace. Your father will rest in peace," the lower-class nobleman bows to fifteen-year-old Jungkook.

Jungkook nods, avoiding eye contact, and the nobleman hastily retreats in fear. Jungkook walks through the dimly lit corridors of his mansion, the moonlight casting eerie shadows around him. He became an earl at a tender age due to his father's untimely death, burdening him with responsibilities he never sought.

His trembling fingers grasp the doorknob, unlocking the door to his chambers. He despises everything that has befallen him.

Inside his room, memories of his father flood back:

"Son, I'm sorry for ordering the men to eliminate your family. It was the king's command, to erase all trace of the plague. I had no choice..."

"Don't worry, son. Even if you don't grasp the ways of nobility, I'll guide you."

"You must wield a sword like this, my little one. That's it! You're doing great!"

"No, you don't need anyone to depend on. You're strong. You can do this."

"I'm giving my best, but if you ever crave a mother, I'll remarry after being widowed, for your sake. So you'll have a mother."

Jungkook can't contain his anguish any longer. He shrieks and overturns the table in his room, sending vases crashing to the floor in a cacophony of shattered glass. He rips the curtains down and hurls the table at the window, shattering the glass.

As the room descends into chaos, he clutches his hair in frustration, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Your grace, are you al-" A concerned servant enters, immediately bowing.

"Get out," Jungkook mutters, not turning around.

"But-"

"I SAID GET OUT!" He finally yells.

Jungkook slams the door shut after the servant leaves, sliding down to the floor. He leans against the door, arms wrapped around his knees.

"He's cursed, your grace. I am the Pope. I'm telling you. Believe me. He'll be the death of you. He'll kill all the people he loves in his life. With his hands or without them. The prophecy has come true."

"No, I won't abandon my son. He'll stay with me. I apologize, your holiness, but I'm keeping him."

"You're not cursed, son. You're the best child out there. I'm proud of you. Those are just superstitions and beliefs."

More tears fall down Jungkook's cheeks, and he rests his head against the door, haunted by the question, "What did I do wrong to deserve this?"

- END OF FLASHBACK -

─────

"They do exist."

"What?" You blink at Raya in disbelief, her intense expression making you question reality.

"What?" You ask again, trying to make sense of her seriousness. You start thinking about Baekhyun and that daring jump from a huge tree. Could this girl be right? She's sowing doubt in your mind, but you quickly shake it off. You were almost starting to believe her.

"He'll come for me because I know his secret. He'll kill me," Raya says in terror, her eyes wide and her clenched fists near her mouth, showing her dread.

"Nothing's going to happen to you because vampires aren't real," you calmly assert, dismissing her belief in the supernatural.

"Vampire?" Alita enters the room, deep in thought, with her finger on her chin, grabbing both of your attention.

Raya immediately rushes to her and grabs her arms, "You saw it too?"

Alita, thinking Raya was referring to Taehyung, not the vampire myth, dreamily responds, "Yes, I did."

Raya points at Alita and then looks at you, triumphant. "See! I told you!"

You cross your arms and question Alita, "What did you see, Alita?"

"A truly handsome guy?" Alita states matter-of-factly before noticing the perplexed expressions on your faces. She looks at both of you in confusion, wondering if she said something wrong.

"A handsome guy?" You inquire while tapping your foot on the ground.

"Yeah?" Alita confirms, tilting her head.

"Raya?" You turn to Raya, who rolls her eyes in exasperation.

"Fine, I give up."

Raya walks away in frustration, and Alita looks at you, still puzzled.

"It's nothing. Let's just go to sleep; it's late," you say, stretching your body and yawning. You're choosing to take it all as a joke, dismissing the idea of vampires as mere fantasy.

───── ☾ ─────

Taehyung frowns and tilts his head, trying to make sense of the memory. He shakes his head, dismissing the thought. It's just a coincidence that her name is Y/N, right? Of course, it must be.

He nods to himself, attempting to convince himself of the coincidence, and enters the house. Inside, he finds Jimin sitting on the couch, sipping blood from a wine glass near the burning fireplace.

Taehyung takes a seat opposite him and questions, "Where did you get more blood? We've been out of it for as long as I remember."

Jimin swirls his glass, lost in thought, and then his gaze shifts to Taehyung.

"This? I just bought it after killing a human," Jimin says casually, standing up and walking away after finishing the glass.

"What?" Taehyung blurts out in surprise.

"Did I scare you?" Jimin starts laughing and playfully grabs Taehyung's arms.

Taehyung, relieved and slightly annoyed, says, "I thought you were serious, Jimin. You know we can't do that."

Jimin chuckles and turns to Taehyung. "I was just joking, Tae. I stole it from the hospital. I just wanted to drink some human blood."

Taehyung laughs nervously, realizing his overreaction. "Oh, I see. I literally thought you killed someone."

Jimin shakes his head with a smile. "I wouldn't."

As Taehyung places his arm around Jimin's shoulders, they head back inside the house together. Jimin's gaze briefly darts toward the basement, where a man's lifeless body lies, drained of its blood, a secret they both share.

───── ☾ ─────

Jungkook's scream reverberates through the forest as he clutches his injured hand in agony. He hastily rips his shirt and begins wrapping a piece of cloth around his wound, attempting to staunch the bleeding. He remains seated by the river, consumed by the searing pain. He's convinced that Blaise must have placed some kind of curse or magic on him as retribution for her supposed death.

"Jungkook?!" A male voice calls out, and Jungkook looks up, his eyes widening.

"Hyung? Hyung?!" Jungkook shouts in desperation as Yoongi emerges from the woods.

"Are you alright? I searched for you so mu—" Yoongi's words trail off as he notices Jungkook's wounded hand. He frowns, examining the injury closely. "What the heck happened?"

"Blaise... She's alive, Hyung," Jungkook stammers, still in shock from the encounter. Yoongi takes his hand and inspects the wound.

"How can she be alive, Jungkook? You told me you killed her," Yoongi questions, a mix of concern and disbelief in his voice.

Jungkook watches as Yoongi unwraps the cloth, revealing the deep wound. "This is deep," Yoongi mutters before standing up.

"Where are you going, Hyung?"

"To gather some herbs. Stay here until I return," Yoongi instructs before disappearing into the woods.

Jungkook continues to stare at his injured hand, his mind racing with thoughts. Why does this pain persist? He can't comprehend it.

Yoongi reappears, holding some herbs, and begins treating Jungkook's wound. He explains, "This won't completely alleviate the pain since it's a magician's magic, but it should help."

"Hyung..." Jungkook starts, looking at Yoongi seriously. "I didn't tell you it hurt..."

Yoongi's eyes widen in realization. "Oh," he chuckles, "I heard your screams, Jungkook. What are you talking about? I knew you were in pain, and then you mentioned Blaise, right?"

Jungkook remains puzzled, but he lets the matter drop. "How do you know about herbs? You never told me you knew how to use them as medicine..."

Yoongi hesitates, stuttering slightly. "Oh... My mother was an... alchemist? I learned it from her."

Jungkook's frown deepens as he senses Yoongi's unease. "Yeah, so your mother was an alchemist. I didn't know that."

Changing the topic, Yoongi asks, "What happened with Blaise? Tell me everything."

Jungkook explains, "Blaise did this," gesturing to his wound. "To prove it wasn't a dream."

"Why?" Yoongi inquires, his brow furrowing as he works with the herbs.

"To show me it wasn't just a delusion," Jungkook replies, still trying to make sense of the pain and the encounter.

Yoongi then offers a theory, "A mere obsession just because of your beauty or personality won't lead a woman to hunt you down after a century when it's one-sided, Jungkook. She's hiding something. Some hatred. Killing Y/N, turning Jimin into a vampire, Jimin's lover dying—these are all connected. Something more is happening behind our backs."

Jungkook nods in agreement, the weight of the situation settling in. "You're right, Hyung. There's something deeper going on."

Yoongi adds, "A magician can't even kill someone. It's against the laws of nature. Their magic would be drained, turning them into ordinary humans the moment they commit murder."

"How do you know so much about this?"

"That's not important right now, Jungkook. The conclusion is... she's a black magician, and she's here for something other than you. Magicians who don't practice black magic are considered pure and are even permitted to harm or kill vampires, but they can't harm humans. Y/N was human."

Jungkook listens intently, absorbing the information. "We aren't loved by nature?"

"Nor are we hated by them, but we might be somewhat disliked," Yoongi responds. "Everyone fears us; humans run from us."

"Yeah," Jungkook agrees, feeling a mixture of emotions.

"We could have been loved, but the fact that we drink human blood makes us somewhat impure," Yoongi explains with a slight smile, trying to simplify things for Jungkook.

As Yoongi prepares the herbs, he warns, "This is going to hurt a little. Brace yourself."

Jungkook nods and turns his head to the side, gritting his teeth as Yoongi applies the herbal paste.

"Aaaaaaaghhhhh!"

───── ☾ ─────

☆

You sneak into the forest with a little smile, your happiness radiating. The falls, known for their exquisite beauty, beckon you. The day isn't too cold, and your desire for a bath in the falls is like a dream coming true.

Standing by the falls, you revel in its hidden splendor, a secret world untouched by others. Sunshine bathes the water, and the birds' melodious chirping feels like a greeting only for you. You discovered this gem just yesterday, a sanctuary shrouded in secrecy. It's been three days since the forest incident.

Dipping your hand into the water, you gauge its inviting temperature, perfect for a swim. You begin the ritual of shedding your clothes, one by one, knowing that the concealed location of the falls ensures your privacy. There's only one entrance, and it remains hidden from prying eyes.

You had a bikini on. You keep your clothes on a rock that was behind a tree, then jump in the falls with a smile. Oh, you loved this.

When you're in, you dip yourself in the water, and your dream flashes to you.

"You've come back again for him, aren't you? What a love you both have. I am impressed. But Y/N? You can't be with him, dear. I will make you disappear . . . forever."

You couldn't breathe. The water makes it hard for you since you were in. You unlatch your eyes in panic and look around with a wide mouth. You get out of the water trying to breathe and then dip yourself back in again. You had to fight it. You're scared just because of dipping yourself in the water. You didn't want to live like this and on the other hand . . . Jungkook wanted to go to his favorite falls to relax. He also wanted a bath there.

Jungkook uses the hidden area to enter there and come near the falls, taking his shirt out. He cracks his neck pushing his long hair back. It was common for him to take a bath here once a month or a week.

Things that are happening to him made him go to the falls more nowadays. Jungkook stands near it with his shirt hanging between his teeth and started unbuttoning his pants . . . And at that moment, your head pops out of the water and he looks at you in shock.

Jungkook backs away. He felt a woman being exposed because he didn't have a shirt on himself but something distracted him. The water droplets drip down your skin. Jungkook grabs his shirt keeping it on his shoulder. He immediately looks away while blushing.

You turn your head to him and you were on the verge of screaming.

"Stop! Stop! No! Don't scream, woman!" Jungkook crouches down near the falls, his eyes wide with horror, his voice echoing through the serene surroundings. His house was just a few meters away, his hyungs would hear it being the vampires they are, then think he's a pervert or something.

You grab your throat in shock and gulp all your screams down.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" You ask, gathering all your courage, your eyes locked onto him.

"I should be the one asking you that. What are you doing here?" Jungkook retorts, a playful challenge in his voice.

You both exchange questioning glances, neither wanting to yield in this silent contest of words. You squint your eyes, waiting for him to make the next move.

"You won't lose. Will you?" Jungkook eventually concedes, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Fine, I was here to take a bath."

"Same," you reply shortly, momentarily forgetting that you're in a bikini, your gaze locked on his.

"This is my territory," Jungkook asserts with a smug tone, gesturing proudly to the falls.

You roll your eyes, your sarcasm taking over, "Is your name written on it? Where?"

Jungkook rolls his eyes in response, using his fingers to push his hair out of his eyes, and looks back at you with a smirk.

"I have a name."

"What is it?" Jungkook smirks, his gaze shamelessly roving over your body, "Senõrita or hot lips?"

"Shut up. Are you flirting with me?" You frown at him, your tone tinged with irritation.

"No, I am not," Jungkook retorts, throwing out a pout and blinking innocently, his previous comment about "hot lips" hanging in the air.

You roll your eyes, not in the mood for his antics. "And why would I tell you my name?"

"Are you the mermaid of the falls?" Jungkook suddenly asks with a glint of curiosity in his eyes, a hint of wonder in his voice.

"What?" You question, bewildered by everything happening around you.

"I heard they exist," Jungkook casually says, his eyes sparkling with curiosity, "The mermaids of the falls won't tell their names, right? To keep their existence hidden."

At that moment, your gaze inadvertently drifts to his well-defined abs and thighs. You quickly shake your head to banish the thought.

Jungkook's smirk widens after seeing your reaction. "Like what you see, woman? I know I am handsome," he states before putting on his shirt.

Your eyes almost roll at his comment. This man was certainly confident.

Your gaze then lands on his hand, wrapped in a bandage. "Are you hurt?" You ask, curiosity evident in your eyes.

"Worried?" He questions, turning to you.

"Honestly, you're getting on my nerves," you say calmly, attempting to hide your growing concern, "Answer the damn question, idiot."

"Yeah, I am," Jungkook admits, looking down sadly. Now, you're genuinely worried.

"H-How did you get it?" You ask, attempting not to seem too worried.

"Some scary lady sliced it," Jungkook chuckles, recalling the time when Taehyung called her a "scary lady in a hood." He still refers to her that way.

"Why would someone do it?" You inquire, your frown deepening as you look at his injured hand, and then your gaze shifts to him.

"Don't get so curious, Miss. This is the first time we have met. You don't wanna know my life history."

You decide not to pry any further.

You remain in the falls, not willing to give the man a view of your perfect body.

"What? Embarrassed?" He turns to you, the same smirk still on his face.

You push your wet hair back and look at him with daring eyes, "Oh! You are a manipulator, aren't you?"

Jungkook chuckles and looks back at you, saying, "I am if you get out of it."

But his smile fades as he recalls the love he had longed for. He promptly extends his palm, signaling for you to stop, and says, "I'll go now." What was he doing? He's in love with Y/N, and he always will be. He won't move on. He'll wait for her, even if it takes his entire immortal lifetime.

Jungkook decides to relinquish his claim on the falls for the woman who can visit whenever she wants. He'll erase the falls' existence from his mind.

He walks away from the woods and disappears.

You dress behind a large rock and emerge to find no one there. You sigh and mutter while massaging the back of your neck, looking around, "I was going to get out of it... Never mind."

You won't come here again because you feel guilty, although you can't pinpoint the reason for that guilt. It lingers within you.

───── ☾ ─────

Jin clutches a broom tightly, his frustration mounting as the chaos around him, particularly concerning Jungkook, takes its toll. Housework was the last thing he wanted to do, but the kids seemed utterly oblivious to their responsibilities.

Summoning resolve, Jin exhales deeply, attempting to motivate himself. "Let's get to work," he murmurs, his voice firm. "I'll start with the basement—the worst room."

He proceeds toward the basement door, determined to tackle the mess head-on. However, just as he approaches the entrance, Jimin appears with astonishing vampire speed, blocking the way.

"H-Hyung?" Jimin stammers, positioning himself as a barrier to the basement.

"Move aside. I need to clean it," Jin insists, irritation tainting his tone.

In a surprising turn of events, Jimin swiftly takes the broom from Jin's hand and offers a sweet smile. "Don't worry, Hyung. I'll handle it today."

Jin's confusion is palpable. "Okay?" he responds with uncertainty. "Wait, do you have a fever?" Jin fretfully places the back of his palm against Jimin's forehead.

"We're vampires, Hyung," Jimin points out, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Yes, we are," Jin acknowledges with a frown, his suspicion growing. "I feel like you're hiding something."

"What?" Jimin begins to protest.

"Did you eat all the chocolates from the fridge? I told you they were for later," Jin questions Jimin, his arms crossed.

"Oh . . . Y—Yeah," Jimin confesses, looking down and stuttering.

"You won't get any more chocolates for a week, Jimin."

"Okay, Hyung."

With that, Jin turns and walks away, anticipating some much-needed free time to indulge in games.

Jimin proceeds to open the basement door and steps inside, where he finds a lifeless woman's body. He lets out a heavy sigh, realizing it's another consequence of his actions—a life taken. The man's body from the previous incident had already been buried.

Now, he must deal with this, too, as the odor of decomposition begins to pervade the space.

──────

VOTE