||𝔏𝔦𝔰𝔞||

Was it all a horrifying dream, a cruel trick my mind had played on me? Each time I tried to convince myself it was, a cold dread would creep into my gut, reminding me that no, this wasn't just a nightmare.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, eyes narrowing on the cursed symbol etched into my shoulder blade. A constant reminder of the deal I had made and of the terrifying entity I had bound myself to.

He was no mere man. His human face, a carefully crafted mask, hid the monstrous truth—he was a devil—a being of pure darkness who craved my essence.

Fear slithered through my veins, coiling tight around my heart. It took every bit of willpower I had to keep breathing normally and not let the terror consume me.

Despite it all, something like normalcy began creeping back into my life. Spring had arrived, and with it, the world was bathed in soft, hopeful light.

The weight of the cursed symbol on my skin seemed a little less suffocating this morning. I clung to that, welcoming the change. Maybe I could learn to live with it. Maybe.

"Lisa, let's go! Class is about to start, combined with the second year today." Minji's voice broke through my thoughts, jolting me back to reality.

I nodded, gathering my things and trying to push the darkness back into the corner of my mind where it belonged.

Today felt like the start of something new, something... better. There was an odd flicker of excitement bubbling up within me, fragile and small, but there.

A ghostly smile touched my lips. Maybe, just maybe, art could be my refuge. A place where I could forget if only for a little while, the horrors I had faced.

As we left the common room, I held onto that hope. It was all I had.

"Good morning!" I chirped, pushing open the door to my class. Excitement bubbled in my chest, momentarily pushing aside the ever-present shadow of fear.

The room gleamed with newness—rows of sturdy wooden desks with comfy armrests, pristine white walls adorned with blank canvases waiting to be brought to life, and two blackboards—one sleek and digital, the other a classic matte black. But it was the last desk in the back corner that truly stole my breath.

"Jimin?!" The name burst from my lips, a strangled gasp escaping my throat.

My heart hammered a frantic tattoo against my ribs, a thousand frantic butterflies taking flight in my stomach.

There he was, sitting with the casual grace of a prince, his hair falling in a perfectly tousled cascade across his forehead. He seemed oblivious to the chaos he caused in a room full of teenage girls.

I wasn't the only one mesmerized by his presence. A gaggle of girls, all impossibly beautiful and sporting uniforms that clung a little too tightly, fluttered around him like moths drawn to a flame.

Yet Jimin seemed unfazed. His gaze, the color of melted gold, drifted lazily across the room until it landed squarely on me. A flicker of surprise followed by a gentle smile softened his features.

"Lisa?" he questioned, his voice a warm melody. "You look a little nervous. Everything alright?" His concern, genuine and unexpected, sent a wave of warmth through me, momentarily pushing back the chilling memory of the devil and the sinister pact that bound me.

For a fleeting moment, all I saw was Jimin, with his kind eyes and disarming smile. Could this new beginning, this chance encounter, be a beacon of light in the darkness that threatened to consume me?

A warm blush bloomed across my cheeks as Jimin rose from his seat with a fluid grace that sent a jolt through me. He sauntered over, his every step radiating a casual confidence that left me breathless.

"Lisa," he greeted, his voice as smooth as honey, "It's a pleasure to have you as a classmate." He extended a hand towards me, his fingers long and elegant, like a work of art themselves.

A million thoughts flooded my mind. Should I tell him? About the deal, about the devil, about the ever-present mark that burned on my shoulder?

The thought was terrifying. But then again, could I keep this secret forever, especially if Jimin was going to be a constant presence in my life?

Panic threatened to consume me, but I forced a smile, willing my voice to cooperate. "For me too," I managed, reaching out and gingerly taking his hand.

His touch sent a spark of warmth through me, a sensation both exhilarating and terrifying. Did I dare to believe this could be real—a genuine connection blossoming just when I needed it most?

The classroom around us faded into the background. All I saw was Jimin, his eyes sparkling with warmth, his smile genuine and disarming.

Then we all settled into the seats as Minji was sitting beside me.

Just then, the classroom door creaked open, snapping me out of my trance. The professor, a man with a salt-and-pepper mustache, strode in, his presence instantly demanding attention.

"Good morning, Professor!" a chorus of voices greeted him.

"Hi guys," he replied, his voice a friendly rumble. "Welcome to the combined class. I'm Professor Kayan, and I'm thrilled to see so many bright faces, as both juniors and seniors are here. It is just a research-related class that can help you all both." He scanned the room, his gaze lingering on Jimin for a moment before landing on me.

Just as I began to melt into the background, lost in a daydream of stolen glances and whispered secrets with Jimin, the professor dropped a bombshell.

"Now then," he boomed, a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "it seems we have a new student to introduce. He's been away for a few years due to some health issues, but he's finally back and ready to rejoin his sister in this very classroom. Most of you won't know him, but he's Lisa Lim's older brother."

My head snapped up so fast it felt like it might whiplash. Older brother? The blood drained from my face, leaving me feeling as pale as a ghost.

Brother?

I didn't have a brother!

Panic clawed at my throat, a cold dread slithering down my spine. What on earth was going on?

The classroom door creaked open a second time, shattering the fragile normal that had momentarily enveloped me. A boy stepped through the entrance, and the air crackled with a tension I couldn't explain.

"Nice to meet you all," he announced, his voice smooth as velvet. "My name is Taehyung Lim." He swept the room with his gaze, a predatory nonchalance in his posture.

My breath hitched in my throat. There, standing before me, flesh and blood (or at least appearing that way), was Taehyung.

The devil, the entity that had woven a web of fear and darkness around me, now disguised as my... brother?

He was everything I shouldn't have found attractive—tall, with a physique sculpted by the gods themselves.

He wore the college uniform like a second skin, exuding an effortless grace that made the other boys pale in comparison.

His face was a masterpiece, sculpted with high cheekbones, full lips that curled into a mocking smirk, and eyes that mirrored the very depths of the ocean.

His raven hair, styled with a studied messiness, framed his features, and a glint of silver from multiple piercings in his right ear only added to his otherworldly allure.

But it was his eyes that sent a fresh wave of terror crashing down on me. Deep brown, the color of the, they seemed to hold the power of the storm—wild, untamed, and far too intense to be human.

They met mine, and a jolt of recognition laced with a sickening fear shot through me. These weren't the crimson eyes that haunted my nightmares, but the intensity remained, a chilling reminder of the monster that lurked beneath the human facade.

"No, it can't be him," the words formed in my mind, a desperate plea that died unheard on my lips. His gaze locked onto mine, a predatory gleam igniting within those sapphire depths.

A slow, chilling smile spread across his lips—a smile that could charm an angel and terrify a demon.

"I'm back, sweet sister," he purred, his voice dripping with a honeyed sweetness that sent shivers down my spine.

The words were a mockery, a cruel twist of the knife. He wasn't my brother, not in any sense of the word. He was my captor, my tormentor, a being of pure evil masquerading as family.

Panic threatened to consume me, but I forced myself to remain still and breathe. This was a game, a twisted performance he was putting on for the benefit of the entire class.

I couldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing my fear. Not yet. But a silent vow echoed in the deepest recesses of my mind—I would not be his pawn.

I would find a way to break free, to expose him for the monster he truly was. The fight for my soul had just begun.

Terror had rendered me speechless. There I stood, a statue carved from pure, unadulterated fear. Confusion swirled in my mind, a chaotic storm of disbelief and dread.

Taehyung, the very embodiment of my nightmares, now stood before me, cloaked in the guise of my brother.

The blood drained from my face, leaving me feeling as cold and lifeless as a corpse. But unlike me, the rest of the class seemed strangely unaffected by Taehyung's arrival.

"Great piece of a son!" my classmate and friend, Minji, exclaimed, a whistle escaping her lips.

If I could read minds, I have no doubt I would have been bombarded with a cacophony of lustful thoughts and inappropriate fantasies directed at Taehyung.

"Is he your brother?" another student inquired, swiveling in her seat to get a better look.

"Of course not!" I finally managed to croak, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't have a brother!"

"But you always talked about a sick brother," another chimed in, a frown creasing her forehead. "Didn't you always have to leave to visit him?"

"Yeah, right!" Another student piped up, her voice tinged with awe. "I never pictured him as such a hottie!"

"Come on, Lisa," Minji urged, nudging me playfully, "introduce him to us!"

The professor, sensing the growing chaos, cleared his throat loudly. "Taehyung," he boomed, effectively silencing the room, "you may take your seat."

"Sure, sir," Taehyung responded with a smooth nod, then glided towards a desk at the back. His movements were the epitome of grace, his every step exuding an unsettling confidence.

Two girls seated near him, their eyes sparking with unbridled interest, wasted no time in making their move.

"Hey Taehyung," one cooed, batting her eyelashes, "are you all better now?"

"If I'd known you were away," the other purred, leaning in suggestively, "I would have volunteered to visit you myself."

"Lucky you, Lisa," one of them sighed, turning towards me. "Having such a gorgeous brother!"

"Yeah," the other added, a sly smile playing on her lips. "If I were you, I'd keep him on a tight leash!"

I felt faint, my stomach churning with a blend of nausea and terror. The absurdity of the situation, the blatant disregard for the truth unfolding right in front of them, left me reeling.

They saw a handsome boy, a potential conquest. They couldn't perceive the monstrous entity that lurked beneath the surface, his gaze never leaving me for a second.

This was a nightmare on a whole new level.

Fury surged through me, momentarily warming my chilled veins. "Girls! What's wrong with you?!" I roared, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear. "You know I'm an only child!"

One of the girls giggled, her voice laced with disbelief. "Come on, Lisa! Don't tell me you wouldn't jump at the chance to have a brother this... well, fascinating."

She drawled, her eyes lingering on Taehyung. "It's natural to feel a little protective, right?"

The other chimed in, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. "Oh, poor Lisa! I understand. It must be inexplicable for someone like you to suddenly have a brother who's such a catch. Nature can be quite the trickster, don't you think?"

"That's not what I meant!" I spat back, my voice thick with frustration. "You should know," I stammered, my mind scrambling for a way to expose him without sounding insane.

But before I could finish the sentence, a hand clamped roughly over my mouth, silencing me instantly.

Taehyung's face, mere inches from mine, held a terrifyingly calm expression. His eyes, however, betrayed the storm brewing beneath the surface. A low growl rumbled in his chest, a sound that sent shivers down my spine.

"Don't be a fool, Lisa," he hissed, his voice barely a whisper. "We wouldn't want to spoil the fun, would we?".

"I'm not saying that!" I roared, defiance flaring in my eyes. "You should know that he's—"

The sentence died on my lips as Taehyung's hand shot out, in a blur of speed. His grip clamped around my mouth, stifling my scream. He yanked me closer, the heat of his breath sending chills racing down my spine.

My mind raced, desperately searching for an escape, a way to expose him. But before I could formulate a single coherent thought, he leaned in even closer.

"Do you want to tell them I'm the devil?" he murmured, his voice dripping with venom. "Do you think they'd believe you?"

Even without seeing his face, I could picture the smug smirk twisting his lips. "Their memories? Conveniently rearranged. For them, I am your brother."

The words hit me like a physical blow. "Manipulated their memories?" A strangled whisper escaped my lips.

He pulled away from me abruptly, the playful mask slipping back into place.

"Hey, Taehyung, Are you okay?" The professor called out, concern lacing his voice.

Taehyung plastered a reassuring smile on his face. "Yes, yes, all right. Just a bit of dizziness," he replied, his voice smooth and sincere.

The anger in me burned hotter than ever. "What the hell are you going to do?" I demanded, my voice low and dangerous.

"Well, class," the professor boomed, effectively drowning out my outburst, "let's get started."

The droning of the lesson washed over me, a distant background noise to the storm raging within. At 11:30, the blessed sound of the recreation bell rang out.

Without a second thought, I lunged forward, grabbing Taehyung's arm in a vise grip. Ignoring the shocked gasps of my classmates, I dragged him out of the classroom, his protests swallowed by my steely resolve.

Under the furious stares of my friends, I propelled him through the hallway, a fierce determination hardening my features.

We needed to talk, and it wouldn't be in a classroom filled with his manipulated pawns. This game was far from over, and I, Lisa Lim, would not be his pawn.

As soon as we reached a deserted corridor, devoid of any prying eyes, I abruptly released his arm, my frustration boiling over.

"What the hell are you up to!? Why did you infiltrate this college, and pretend to be my brother!?" My words sliced through the tense air, demanding answers that seemed to hover just out of reach.

He remained silent, his gaze fixed on something beyond the windowpane. With a fluid motion, he unlatched the window, allowing a majestic crow to swoop in and perch upon his shoulder, its dark eyes glinting with an otherworldly intelligence.

"I only came to see what had happened," his voice drifted, barely more than a whisper, as he absentmindedly stroked the feathers of the bird. "And from here, I can do it better. I'll help you from now on until I get what I need."

"Help me? It's like your magic has turned out to be a failure," I retorted, my anger laced with bitterness.

Taehyung's reaction was swift, his eyes flashing with a hint of irritation. Yet, unlike me, he remained composed, his tone steady as he spoke. "I told you our pact can't be dissolved. I will investigate the cause of the malfunction, and I will give you the heart of your beloved."

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he cupped my face with gentle fingers, drawing me closer to him. "Aren't you happy?" He murmured his words a tantalizing whisper that sent shivers down my spine.

My cheeks burned with embarrassment, a telltale sign of my inability to conceal my emotions from his penetrating gaze. I cursed myself inwardly, resenting my vulnerability.

"Like a lamb at Easter! And what should I be happy with!?" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with a mixture of frustration and defiance as I distanced myself from him.

The liberties he took grated on my nerves, igniting a fire of indignation within me.

"If he will pay my love, then I should..." I began, my words trailing off as his dry interruption cut through the air.

"Give yourself to me," he stated bluntly, his tone devoid of emotion.

"But all this is absurd!" I protested, my voice rising with incredulity.

"Yes, you already told me," he replied impatiently, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall with a casual air that only served to infuriate me further.

"White or black magic can't make a miracle happen!" I insisted, my frustration mounting with each passing moment.

"You say?" he countered, raising an eyebrow in challenge, his gaze boring into mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

Suddenly, I felt a strange sensation coursing through my body, a weight settling upon my hips, causing me to stumble slightly.

"What have you done to me?" I demanded, my voice tinged with panic as I met his gaze once more.

I dared not look down, but the sensation persisted, spreading to my chest and beyond.

"My breasts! And the rest of my body too!" I exclaimed in disbelief, my hands trembling as I attempted to process the surreal transformation taking place before my eyes.

"But this is at least a fourth!" he remarked, his words dripping with amusement as he observed my plight.

"Do you think Jimin will like you this way?" He taunted, a provocative smile playing upon his lips, his gaze lingering on my altered form.

"Wow! Better than cosmetic surgery, I must admit!" I quipped, attempting to mask my discomfort with a touch of sarcasm.

Taehyung didn't bother waiting for my response. Instead, he placed his hand on my hips, his touch sending a shiver down my spine as he began to caress them with possessive confidence.

"Lisa—how dare you! Stop it!" I interjected sharply, my voice laced with a mixture of anger and unease.

"Even to the touch, they're perfect," he mused, his fingers tracing over the contours of my transformed body, ignoring my protests.

"I told you to stop it!" I reiterated, my frustration mounting with each passing moment.

"Yes, sure. You say so, but I know how much you like it. You can read it in your eyes," he remarked knowingly, his words a chilling reminder of his unnerving perceptiveness.

As soon as he withdrew his hand, the alterations began to reverse, my body returning to its original state in a matter of seconds.

"Hey, give them back!" I protested, my voice tinged with desperation as I watched my fleeting transformation vanish before my eyes.

The bell signaling the end of the break rang, and he turned away, his movements graceful and deliberate.

"Those aren't free either, my dear. They were just a demonstration. You humans have a very restricted understanding of what is possible and what is not," he remarked cryptically, his tone tinged with amusement.

He turned back to me, his expression mischievous as he continued, his words dripping with dark humor. "Anyway, if you want to ask me something, we should make another covenant, so beyond your virginity, you could also offer me your soul. What do you say?"

With a chuckle, he sauntered away, his gait reminiscent of the sleek, confident stride of a big cat prowling its territory.

"I don't want your help, devil!" I shouted after him, my voice echoing down the empty corridor as he disappeared from view without so much as a glance back.

Left standing alone, a whirlwind of emotions churned within me, leaving me feeling lost and uncertain. I stood there for a few minutes, my mind racing as I tried to make sense of the bizarre encounter.

Finally, with a heavy sigh, I mustered the courage to continue on my way back to class. Each step felt heavy, weighed down by the weight of unanswered questions and unresolved tensions.

As I walked, I retreated into the sanctuary of my thoughts, desperately trying to piece together the puzzle that was Taehyung's presence in my life.

"So Taehyung is here to find out why his spell didn't work... if so, then..." My thoughts trailed off, leaving me with more questions than answers.

The mystery of Taehyung's motives loomed large in my mind, casting a shadow over my already tumultuous existence.

"What are you doing, Lim?! Let him go!" A voice suddenly shattered through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality.

"But that voice... it's Jimin's!" I exclaimed inwardly, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and urgency.

Without a second thought, I sprinted toward the source of the commotion, my feet pounding against the cold, deserted corridor.

As I rounded the corner, what I saw froze me in place—a knot of dread tightening in my stomach. There, in the dimly lit corridor stood Jimin and Taehyung.

Jimin struggled against Taehyung's grasp, his movements wild and desperate as he fought against the other's hold.

My breath caught in my throat as I watched Taehyung's hands move with unsettling purpose, his fingers working to...

"What the hell are you doing? Trying to undress him!?" I gasped, my voice trembling with a mixture of shock and disbelief.

And indeed, Taehyung succeeded. Jimin's pristine white shirt fell open, revealing his sunkissed chest and the delicate silver cross that hung around his neck.

Taehyung froze at my outburst, releasing Jimin from his grip. "You're a believer," he remarked, his tone tinged with surprise.

Jimin regained his composure, meeting Taehyung's gaze with a steely resolve. "Yes, my father is the pastor of the local church. Why do you ask? Are you a servant of God too?" He questioned his voice firm despite the tension in the air.

Taehyung's eyebrow quirked at Jimin's words, a smirk playing on his lips. "A servant of God?" he scoffed, his tone laced with mockery. "I was once, but that was a long time ago."

"Not anymore?" Jimin pressed, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"No, but..." Taehyung's movements were slow and deliberate as he reached out to take hold of the silver crucifix, cradling it delicately in his hands.

"I still hold great respect for Him." With surprising tenderness, he pressed a kiss to the cross, his lips lingering upon its surface as if in reverence.

I watched in awe as this unexpected display unfolded before me, my mind reeling with conflicting emotions. "The devil kissing the cross... it's a strangely beautiful image," I mused silently, torn between disbelief and a reluctant admiration for Taehyung's actions.

With a gentle gesture, Taehyung placed the crucifix back around Jimin's neck before silently retreating, his departure as enigmatic as his presence.

Stepping forward, I offered Jimin a hesitant apology, my words tumbling out in a rush of guilt and concern.

"Don't worry," Jimin reassured me, his voice soft and reassuring. His golden locks glinted in the faint light, casting a halo around his head as he smiled gently at me, his touch sending warmth flooding through my veins.

"What a beautiful smile," I thought, unable to tear my gaze away. "I owe Taehyung for this moment," I admitted silently, grateful for the unexpected glimpse into Jimin's unwavering faith and inner strength.

||𝔗𝔞𝔢𝔥𝔶𝔲𝔫𝔤\𝔇𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔩||

As I briskly stepped away from Lisa, I walked to find Jimin Kwon. His deliberate avoidance of my gaze As I briskly stepped away from Lisa, I set my sights on Jimin Kwon.

His deliberate avoidance of my gaze only sharpened my resolve. With a firm hand, I stopped him in his tracks. "Hey, Jimin, how are you?" His voice was calm, but I could feel the unease under the surface.

"You're Taehyung Lim, right? I don't think I've seen you here before," he said, eyes flicking over me with a hint of curiosity. I forced a smile, keeping the darker side of me well concealed beneath a practiced mask.

"I'm fine, but I need to talk to you," I replied, my voice steady, though I couldn't suppress the mix of assertiveness and vulnerability that seeped into my tone.

There was something about this moment—about him—that made me want to press harder and dig deeper.

In the silence that followed, I studied his face, searching for cracks in his expression. His reluctance to meet my gaze, the subtle shifts in his posture—it all screamed that he was hiding something.

And the more he pulled back, the more I felt the fire rising within me, the devil inside pushing to the surface, demanding answers.

He looked at me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What happened, Lim?" Jimin's voice was cautious as if he could sense the storm brewing beneath my calm façade.

"I need to ask you something," I said, my voice firm but measured. I could feel the tension building in the air between us.

"Are you hiding something from me?" I pressed, my gaze locking onto his, watching for any flicker of hesitation, any sign of deception.

His eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?" His words were sharp, defensive, but I could see it—the slight shift in his stance, the way his hand hovered protectively near his chest. He was hiding something.

I took a step closer, the distance between us shrinking as the need to know consumed me. "Wait, let me see."

Before he could protest, I reached for the buttons of his shirt. Jimin struggled immediately, his hands pushing against me, his movements frantic and erratic. He was panicking.

"Stop! What are you doing?" He shouted, his voice cracking as he fought to break free from my grip. But I was stronger, my fingers clutching his shirt with an intensity driven by a deeper sense of urgency. I had to know.

His resistance only made me push harder, and as I tugged at the buttons, my movements were quick, almost desperate.

Jimin's breath came in short bursts, his body twisting to escape, but I held on. The buttons popped, one after another, until finally, his shirt fell open.

In that split second, just as my hands stilled, Lisa's voice cut through the thick tension like a blade. "Taehyung, what are you doing?!" Her words were filled with shock and disbelief, lacing every syllable.

I froze for a moment, her accusation hanging in the air between us. But it wasn't enough to stop me. I had come too far. Whatever Jimin was hiding, I needed to see it.

With one last tug, the shirt fell open, revealing a silver crucifix hanging delicately against his chest. The small, polished cross gleamed under the dim light, an undeniable symbol of faith.

Lisa gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she stared at Jimin, her shock mirrored in her wide eyes. The air around us seemed to grow heavier with the weight of the revelation.

I stepped back, releasing him, my eyes fixed on the crucifix. "You're a believer," I said quietly, the realization hitting me all at once. I had expected to uncover some dark secret, something sinister. But this?

Jimin's chest heaved as he caught his breath, his hands trembling as he clutched the edges of his torn shirt. He stared at me, his gaze full of defiance but also a trace of vulnerability, the truth now exposed for both of us to see.

"I didn't think you'd understand," Jimin muttered, his voice barely audible, but his words carried the weight of his hidden life.

For a moment, everything was silent, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

Jimin met my gaze with a resolute intensity. "Yes, my father is the pastor of the local church," he affirmed, his voice steady despite the turmoil swirling around us. "Why do you ask? Are you a servant of God too?"

His question caught me off guard, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips as I considered his words. "A servant of God?" I repeated the bitterness of my past echoing in my tone. "I was once, but that was a long time ago..."

"Not anymore?" Jimin's skepticism hung heavy in the air, his eyes piercing through me with an intensity that demanded answers.

I hesitated, grappling with the weight of his question before offering a response. "No, but..." My words trailed off, swallowed by the gravity of the moment as I reached out to touch the silver crucifix that adorned his chest.

With careful reverence, I cradled it in my hands, a silent acknowledgment of the faith that had once shaped my existence.

As I pressed a kiss to the cross, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over me, each feeling vying for dominance within the tumult of my soul.

With a gentle touch, I returned the crucifix to its rightful place around Jimin's neck, my movements imbued with a sense of solemnity.

Without a word, I retreated into the shadows, leaving behind the lingering echo of our encounter, a testament to the complexity of faith and the enigmatic nature of human connection.

With a simmering rage consuming me, I stormed out of the college, the echo of my fury reverberating in the tumultuous symphony of destruction that followed.

The shattering of glass, the violent slamming of doors, and the haunting croak of a crow melded together in a cacophony of chaos.

"Please, my lord, appease your anger!" the desperate plea of the elpass sliced through the air, a stark contrast to the tempest raging within me. "He wants to break the windows of the whole college!?"

"A god believer!" I roared, my anger barely contained before it exploded once more, my fist colliding with yet another pane of glass, sending shards scattering in its wake.

"Sir, don't do that. After all, you managed to charm all the other students, didn't you?" Elpass's voice of reason interjected, a futile attempt to quell the storm brewing within me.

"I'll have to stay in the human world for longer than I thought," I scoffed bitterly, the weight of my decision settling heavily upon my shoulders.

"Anyway, I'll accept the challenge. I haven't had such a thing for many years." With a defiant snort, I steeled myself for the trials that lay ahead, determined to navigate the complexities of the human realm with all the cunning and guile at my disposal.

As I corrected the chaos with a flick of my magic, Elpass vanished into the ether, leaving behind only the remnants of his presence. But before I could fully grasp the tranquility that followed, Lisa's voice cut through the stillness from behind.

"Devil—I mean, Taehyung," Lisa's voice was soft and uncertain as if she were grappling with her feelings while addressing me.

I turned to face her, my eyes locking onto hers, searching for answers amidst the whirlwind of emotions brewing inside me.

"You found the problem," she said, her tone flat, but her eyes betrayed her curiosity and concern. I didn't respond immediately.

Instead, I grabbed her arm firmly, pulling her away from the crowd, seeking the isolation of a quiet, dimly lit corner where no one could see us.

"I know what to do, Lisa," I whispered, my voice barely audible, the weight of my decision hanging between us. I could see her swallow nervously, her lips parting as she waited for whatever came next.

"I just want to listen to it," she finally admitted, her vulnerability exposed in the moment, her eyes pleading for some kind of explanation, something to hold onto in this strange, chaotic situation.

I looked at her, the intensity in her gaze making my heart race. "You don't have to understand anything," I said sharply, the words escaping me before I could soften them. But she didn't flinch. Her resolve remained.

"You're getting affected because Jimin is a believer," she countered, almost as if she were challenging me to admit the truth.

I pulled her closer, my grip tightening around her arm. "Even a mere believer in God can resist my dark power."

I hissed, the frustration bubbling to the surface as I held her close, our faces inches apart. The words hung between us, my confession almost a warning.

Lisa's breath hitched, her eyes wide as she stared back at me, caught between fear and fascination. She didn't understand the depths of what I was, of the power I held—and the limitations it faced. Not yet.

But she would.

I could feel the tension crackling between us as I drew Lisa closer, the air around us growing thick with almost tangible energy.

Her eyes were locked onto mine, wide with a mixture of fear and awe, and I could see her struggling to reconcile the truth of what she had just witnessed with the reality of my presence.

"You think a simple believer can stand against me?" I growled softly, my voice a low rumble that seemed to echo through the narrow space of the secluded corner.

The darkness within me surged, making the air grow colder and the shadows around us deepen.

Lisa shivered, her breath coming out in small, uneven puffs. She tried to pull away, but my grip on her was ironclad, my fingers pressing into her arm with a force that left no room for escape. "Taehyung, what are you—"

"Don't," I interrupted my voice firm, my eyes narrowing as I held her gaze. "Don't pretend you understand what's at stake here. This isn't a game or a mere clash of beliefs. This is about power—real, unyielding power."

I leaned in closer, my face just inches from hers, and I could see the pulse in her throat quicken with every word I spoke.

My breath, warm and tinged with an almost otherworldly essence, mingled with hers as I continued, "You need to understand something very clearly, Lisa. I am not bound by the constraints of the mortal world. I am beyond the reach of simple beliefs and ancient myths."

Her eyes darted nervously to the side, trying to process the gravity of my words. I could feel her body trembling slightly, a combination of fear and anticipation.

I let a small, satisfied smirk tug at the corner of my lips, relishing the control I held over her.

"You want to be close to me, to understand me, yet you struggle to grasp the extent of my power," I murmured, my voice a dark whisper. "The very essence of what I am can bend and twist reality itself. A mere believer like Jimin can resist, yes, but only to a point. Eventually, even the strongest barriers crumble."

I pressed closer, my hand sliding to the back of her neck, my fingers gently but firmly pressing against her skin. "You need to choose, Lisa. Do you want to stand beside me and witness the true extent of my dominion? Or will you cower and let others dictate the limits of your understanding?"

Her eyes locked onto mine, her expression a storm of conflicting emotions. "I want to understand," she said quietly, her voice trembling but resolute. "I want to know everything."

I chuckled darkly, my grip on her neck loosening just enough to let her breathe freely, but my dominance remained.

"Very well," I said, my voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. "Then prepare yourself. The world you thought you knew is about to be shattered. And when it does, you'll see the true face of power."

I released her slightly, stepping back just enough to give her space, but my presence was still overpowering, the air around us thick with my lingering authority. "Remember, Lisa," I said softly, "you asked for this. There's no turning back now."

Her eyes met mine with a newfound determination, and I could see the flicker of understanding—or perhaps resignation—forming in her gaze. She had chosen to step into my world, and now there was no going back.

But before we could delve deeper into our conversation, a familiar voice called out my name, disrupting the fragile tranquility of our exchange.

As I left Lisa's side to address the beckoning call, a fellow collegemate approached, his words laden with urgency. "Taehyung, there's basketball preparation. The sir is calling us," he informed me.

"Sure, go. I'll just come. I am talking with my sister." I nodded in acknowledgment, assuring him that I would join shortly. Turning back to Lisa, I caught her biting her lip, a silent testament to her inner turmoil.

"You mere human, I'll destroy your innocence," I teased, my words laced with a hint of mischief. She gulped, her apprehension palpable as she met my gaze.

"You're scaring me," she confessed, her vulnerability a stark reminder of the delicate balance between our worlds.

"Lisa, I never want to make things worse," I reassured her, my voice softening with sincerity. "But I want to see what I can do in all of this."

With a gentle smile, I offered her a glimpse into the complexities of my world, a silent invitation to accompany me on this journey of discovery.

As I stood before Lisa, a flicker of mischief danced in my eyes, my thoughts weaving a tapestry of temptation and desire.

With a coy smile, I leaned in closer, the tantalizing allure of her presence beckoning me like a moth to a flame.

"You know, Lisa," I began, my voice a velvet whisper against the backdrop of our secluded corner, "there's something undeniably intoxicating about the way you challenge me."

Her eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and apprehension, her resolve wavering beneath the weight of my gaze.

"Taehyung, we shouldn't..." she protested weakly, her words faltering in the face of our undeniable chemistry.

But I pressed on, my breath mingling with hers in the space between us. "Why resist the inevitable?" I murmured, my lips grazing the shell of her ear as I trailed feather-light kisses along her jawline.

Her resistance crumbled beneath the weight of my touch, her breath hitching in her throat as she succumbed to the magnetic pull of our attraction.

Yet, even as she melted into my embrace, a flicker of defiance burned brightly in her eyes.

"Taehyung, I can't..." she whispered, her voice a fragile plea amidst the tempest of our desires. "This... it's too dangerous."

But I was relentless in my pursuit, my fingers tracing the curve of her spine with a delicate reverence.

"Danger is merely an illusion, Lisa," I countered my words a seductive promise of forbidden pleasures yet to come.

As Lisa pushed me away and fled from our secluded corner, a dark smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Her resistance only fueled the flames of my desire, igniting a hunger within me that begged to be sated.

"Taehyung, please," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper, strained with the effort to resist. "I need to get away..."

But before she could fully pull away, I caught her wrist, my grip firm yet gentle, holding her in place. A dark smile curled at the corners of my lips, a reflection of the satisfaction I felt at her resistance.

It only stoked the flames of my desire, fueling a hunger that burned deeper with each passing second.

"No, Lisa," I said, my voice a low, seductive murmur. "You're not going anywhere." I drew her back toward me, my eyes locking onto hers with a predatory glint. "Not until you understand the full extent of what you're inviting."

Lisa's breath quickened, her chest heaving as she stared up at me, a mix of fear and curiosity playing in her eyes.

She tried to pull away again, but my grip was unyielding, my power making it clear that escape was not an option.

"I know you're scared," I continued, my voice softening but carrying a dangerous edge. "But fear is only the beginning. Once you let go of it, you'll discover the depths of what it means to truly embrace the darkness."

As she struggled against my hold, her face flushed with a mixture of emotions, I could sense her internal battle, the war between desire and dread playing out in her expression.

The thrill of her defiance only heightened my determination, and I pulled her closer, my breath warm against her ear.

"Let the danger consume you, Lisa," I whispered, my lips brushing against her skin. "Let it awaken something within you that you never knew existed."

Suddenly, she broke free from my grasp, her movements desperate as she fled from the corner, her steps echoing with a sense of urgency.

I watched her go, the dark smile on my lips widening, the hunger within me intensifying. Her resistance had only ignited a deeper craving, a need to have her surrender completely.

As she disappeared from view, I remained in the corner, the shadows around me growing darker as the hunger for her submission and the thrill of the chase surged within me.

I knew that this was far from over. Lisa had only begun to scratch the surface of the world I was offering, and I was determined to see her fully embrace the darkness that awaited.

With a casual shrug, I turned on my heel and made my way back to the boys' common room, where the familiar sounds of laughter and camaraderie filled the air.

The boys were changing into their uniforms, but the monotony of it all left me feeling restless and disinterested.

Just as I was contemplating slipping away unnoticed, a fellow teammate approached me with a proposition. "Taehyung Lim, will you be the team player with us?" He asked, his voice filled with eagerness.

I considered his offer for a moment before shaking my head dismissively. "Not interested much, I'll try," I replied nonchalantly, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Lisa and the lingering taste of her lips.

Despite my lack of enthusiasm, I found myself following the others onto the field, the rhythmic thud of my footsteps echoing the tumultuous beat of my defunct heart.

As we prepared for the upcoming game, I couldn't shake the feeling that the real match had only just begun.