Darkness of the hear

The forest was so silent, it seemed you could hear the grass growing. Only occasionally did the muffled hoot of an owl pierce the ringing stillness, coming from somewhere deep within the thicket. The branches of the trees, as if frozen in prayer, did not move. Not a single breath of wind stirred their foliage, and even the keenest ears could not catch a rustle. The earth, covered with a thick carpet of moss and fallen leaves, felt unshakable—eternal. Beneath this cover, in the damp and darkness, a hidden life was seething, unseen — but even it seemed to hold its breath, submitting to the all-encompassing silence. Jungkook lounged on one of the branches, absentmindedly fingering a small, moon-shaped pendant. Years of searching had brought him nothing, and now it was just a useless trinket, hanging around his neck like dead weight. He had come to the conclusion that in this merciless world, true love — or even anything resembling that strange feeling — simply could not exist. Something rustled in the bushes, making Jungkook tense. Instinctively, he slipped the pendant into his pocket, as if it might somehow betray his secret. Moonlight filtered through the leaves, catching for a brief moment in the violet sheen of his irises. Movement. This time near the crown of a tree. Red skin. Thick fur. Definitely a demon. Without hesitation, Jungkook summoned his trusty katana. The blade, worn from countless battles, seemed to sense the approaching threat and gleamed in the moonlight. Dark energy began to gather in his hand, pulsing with life — as if drawn straight from his soul. A leap. One precise, perfectly honed motion— and the demon was already lying dead at his feet, not even granted the time for a final breath. A deep, gnawing disgust stirred within Jungkook. Not just for the creature itself, but for something more elusive—something festering beneath the surface. He couldn’t fully explain it, but it was eating away at him. Because, in truth, they were not so different. They were both demons. And that knowledge seared him, like a red-hot brand pressed into his soul. Jungkook stepped over the body— which crumbled at once, dissolving into black ash that scattered on the wind. Without purpose, he continued forward. Back to Seoul. A subtle push — and he rose above the ground, hovering. It was much faster this way. While no one was around to see him, he moved like this. Silently. Unseen. Like a shadow. Amazing creatures, people. They can both create and destroy. All of it is accounted for somewhere out there—in the afterlife. Some believe in Hell and Heaven. But Jungkook knows for certain that neither exists. You are either reborn or punished. Punishment for sin—for the darkness in your heart. A transformation into a demon, a terrible creature destined to bring chaos into this world. Jungkook crouched beside his car, staring at the surprisingly empty road. In the distance, the city lights shimmered like scattered jewels. He sighed. Before hitting the road, he needed to clean himself up, to assume a more… human appearance. As he concentrated, he felt the color of his eyes begin to change. The golden glow that usually betrayed his true nature faded, and his irises returned to their usual brown hue. Then he turned his attention to his body. The demonic marks — like strange tattoos — slowly vanished, revealing the noble pallor of his skin. It had always been like this, before… before everything changed. He closed his eyes for a moment, pushing away the memories that surged forward. Gathering his courage, Jungkook stood up and slid into the driver’s seat. It was time to go. The key turned in the ignition with a soft click. The engine roared to life, like a beast awakening from a long slumber. Jungkook pressed the clutch, shifted gears, and pulled away smoothly. The car, like an obedient horse, surged forward, carrying him away from this desolate place. Where was he going? Even he didn’t know. He just needed to move — to run from the past, from the present, from himself. The city lights called to him, like a promise of oblivion in the crowd, in the noise, in the endless stream of other people’s lives. But he knew it was only an illusion. Wherever he went, the burden would follow. His fingers tightened on the steering wheel. Fragments of memories drifted into his mind: screams, flames, the acrid smell of sulfur and blood. He tried to push them away, to shove them back into the dark corners of his thoughts, but they clung like thorns, offering no respite. He was a demon. Or was he? Or still is? He no longer knew. He was caught in this duality—an eternal struggle between light and darkness, humanity and beast. Once, he had been the youngest and most talented hunter in history. But in one battle, he saved a defenseless youth at the cost of his own life. To avoid death, he accepted the power of a demon… yet retained his mind. Ironically, the young man had become a new hunter and now, like the others, was bound to fulfill his duty—to kill his enemy. Hunters pursued him as a dangerous traitor; demons saw him as a threat. But he didn’t care. Jungkook had chosen his path—the path of a loner. The decision came naturally after the day he was nearly killed by a hunter, a former friend who failed to recognize him in his new, ugly guise, and then almost torn apart by a demon who sensed the hunter’s spirit within him. That was when he decided: if the world was so cruel, why should he adapt to someone else’s demands when he could be himself—the one who chose his own path. He reached the city relatively quickly despite the traffic jams. Tonight, there was a concert-battle between two warring boy bands. Jungkook only knew one of the groups—the hunters—who were always looking for any chance to catch him, no matter where he was in the world. What could you do on an evening in Seoul? Of course—have fun and let loose. After all, what else can an immortal demon do? Oddly enough, this kind of entertainment was precisely a battle. Having lived for almost several hundred years, Jungkook still held onto the hope that hunters might one day spark that very flame within him. Uninhibited? Yes, if you stood out from the crowd. But he had learned to blend in with the raging throngs of fans.

• ────── ✾ ────── •

The first part of the show was a huge success. The fans screamed wildly, cheered, and sang along with their favorite performers. Even Jungkook found himself caught up in the atmosphere. Though he wasn’t emotionally invested in the “idols,” he still gave in to the impulse and had a bit of fun. Now, Jungkook stepped out into the lobby to breathe some fresh air and take a break from the crowd that kept pouring in to see the stars. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes and took one. Spotting the balcony, he headed toward it. - How tired I am of all this! — a dissatisfied voice broke the quiet from the balcony. Jungkook slowed, turning to get a better look at his unexpected companion. It was a young, attractive guy from a rival group — someone mostly unremarkable to Jungkook. Without hesitation, he continued walking forward. — Oh, a photo? — the singer quipped instantly, flashing a mock-friendly smile. - No, thanks — Jungkook replied coolly, lighting a cigarette. — I’m not your fan. Though… you sing well, — he added with a polite smile, turning his gaze toward the city as he took his first drag. The tobacco burned pleasantly in his throat, calming his nerves. He didn’t want to be rude, but he couldn’t fake excitement either. This guy — with his sugary smile and that overly friendly attention — only grated on his nerves. Better to be honest and end the awkwardness quickly. The city below, glittering with a thousand lights, seemed like a far more interesting companion. - Got it, — the young man said simply, and turned away. Jungkook allowed himself a moment of indulgence, letting his eyes linger on the guy’s striking features. If he had even an ounce of courage, he’d say something — anything. Something dumb, probably. It didn’t matter. Just to hear his voice again… just to see the corners of his lips curl into another smile, if only for a second. But he didn’t have the nerve. — Is there something on my face? Or did you just like me? — the guy asked suddenly, turning his gaze back to Jungkook. - No, it’s just… — he coughed and turned away, feeling a faint blush creep up his cheeks. Another drag from the cigarette helped steady him. — I’ve just never seen idols this close, — Jungkook added with a grin, meeting the golden eyes staring back at him. - Taehyung, where are you? — someone called out, breaking the moment like glass. Jungkook flinched. Taehyung, as if waking from a trance, quickly turned toward the voice. Something flickered in his eyes — something Jungkook couldn’t quite catch — before he turned and walked back to rejoin the others. - It looks like the hunters are starting to suspect something. We need to finish the mission and win, — another guy said, his voice tight with urgency. Jungkook glanced over his shoulder. Hunters? The word hit like a jolt. Doubt began to claw at the edges of his thoughts. He turned fully now, studying the group the boy had rejoined. A dark aura radiated from them — faint but unmistakable. His chest tightened. How had he missed this at the concert? How had he not seen them for what they were? If that boy hadn’t noticed, there was still a chance the others wouldn’t either. Jungkook’s hand twitched, and the sleeve of his shirt slipped down slightly. Dark, pulsating threads of energy began to surface on his pale skin, as if rising from beneath it. They crawled slowly along his veins like poison ivy, revealing strange, scorched markings on his right arm. Marks he had hidden so carefully. Marks that said everything — and yet remained a mystery to those around him. A sharp metallic whisper cut through the silence as the blade extended, its edge touching the floor with a soft clang. It had reached its full length. Jungkook moved like a shadow slipping down a midnight street—silent, deliberate. Every step was measured, every breath tightly controlled. But beneath the mask of composure, something was raging. He could feel the artery beneath his ear pulsing erratically. His instincts screamed that something about this mission was wrong. Deeply, irreversibly wrong. He felt it in every fiber of his being. But it was too late to turn back. And even if it weren’t—retreat simply wasn’t in his nature. He didn’t know how to be anyone else. There had only ever been one path in his life, no matter how uncertain or brutal it was. And now, with only a few steps remaining before the moment of reckoning, he wasn’t about to stop. He would silence the storm inside. Lock it down. And keep moving. One more step… and it would appear. There would be no turning back. One wrong step — and a powerful wave, like an enraged beast, crashed against the shore, knocking an entire group of demon boys off their feet. Jungkook was swept into the icy abyss with them. Water slammed into his face, stealing his breath and sense of direction. Disoriented, half-blinded by the churning foam, he managed to make out shadowy silhouettes through the swirling haze. Hunters. Their weapons gleamed coldly, polished to a mirror shine. Their stances radiated determination — ready for battle. Before Jungkook could gather himself, a demon lunged from behind a nearby column. With a savage roar, he hurled himself at the hunters like a wild animal unchained. The clash was immediate. Steel met steel, echoing across the space with a high-pitched ring. The air filled with the sound of blades, the scrape of boots on wet stone, and hoarse, guttural screams. The battle for survival had begun. Jungkook struggled to his feet, spitting out blood. Now wasn’t the time for weakness. The hunters — judging by their gear and confident, precise movements — were here with purpose. They wouldn’t spare anyone. Not full-blooded demons, and certainly not a half-breed traitor. His eyes swept the battlefield, trying to make sense of the chaos. The demon boys were fighting fiercely, hurling themselves at their opponents with raw desperation. Their enemies — young, but deadly — met the assault with calm discipline. Jungkook’s gaze locked onto one of the hunters: tall, broad-shouldered, his stance unshakable. He moved like lightning, his sword a blur. In one fluid motion, he repelled two demons at once, the steel slicing through the air with terrifying ease. Jungkook didn’t hesitate. One of the demons, thrown toward him by the crashing wave, staggered too close. Without a second thought, Jungkook drove his blade through the demon’s chest — clean, efficient, emotionless. He hadn’t come here to save anyone. A sword sliced through the air, missing his face by mere centimeters. Jungkook twisted away just in time, adrenaline surging through his veins, sharpening his senses, driving his body to move faster. He struck back, aiming for an exposed spot in the hunter’s armor — but the attack was deflected with ease. The hunter’s counter sent Jungkook sprawling. Pain exploded in his shoulder as he hit the ground hard. He knew he wouldn’t last much longer. He was outmatched — slower, weaker. But surrender was never an option. Grit and instinct kept him going. He fought on, drawing from every ounce of skill and cunning he had left, determined to survive this chaos. Then his eyes flicked to a skinny young hunter nearby — and just behind him, Jungkook spotted it. An emergency exit. If he could just break through this cluster of fighters, if he could slip past that one… He might still get out. Pushing off the wall, Jungkook slid gracefully across the blood-slick floor, slipping past two snarling demons who lunged after him. Dodging blades and claws, he slammed his shoulder into the exit door and crashed through, skidding into the hallway just as someone slammed into it behind him. No time to look back. Gasping for air, he bolted down the stairwell, boots pounding against the concrete as panic chased his heels. He burst out into the night like a gust of wind, racing toward his car. No room for heroics — the hunters would finish the job. All that mattered now was escape. Jungkook dove into the driver’s seat, slamming the door shut. The key was already in the ignition. His fingers curled around it, ready to twist. Then he saw him. — “No… not now”, — Jungkook thought, his stomach turning. Taehyung. The same demon he’d been foolish enough to talk to on the balcony was now sprinting toward the car. That wide, carefree smile lit up his face like nothing had just happened—as if they hadn’t been thrown into a bloodbath moments ago. Jungkook froze, hand still on the key. His evening had officially gone to hell. His other hand tensed, instinctively summoning his weapon. - Stop! I don’t want to hurt you, — the guy calls out quickly, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. A pendant — silver, shaped like a crescent moon — is wrapped around his wrist. Jungkook freezes. His hand instinctively dives into his pocket. Empty. - I wanted to give it back to you, — Taehyung says, and without waiting for permission, swings open the door, slides into the passenger seat, and places the pendant in Jungkook’s hand. - A useless trinket, — Jungkook mutters, but still takes it. His fingers close around the cool metal. Taehyung leans back into the seat, eyes calmly scanning Jungkook’s arm, lingering on the faintly glowing marks that pulse beneath his skin. - How will you find your soulmate now? — Taehyung asks quietly, a hint of curiosity — or something more — in his voice. Jungkook doesn’t answer. Instead, he starts the engine. Through the windshield, the gleam of hunters’ weapons flashes in the distance. They’ve lost track of the two demons — and with any luck, that won’t change. Jungkook throws the car into gear and speeds away from the wreckage behind them, his jaw clenched, the pendant still warm in his palm. I’m not going to look for him,” Jungkook said quietly, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. — To hunters and demons, I’m a stranger. And mortals… their lives are too short to waste on someone like me, — he didn’t plan to keep this demon beside him for long. At the first stop, he would end it. Cleanly. Without hesitation. Jungkook cast a sideways glance at the boy in the passenger seat. Taehyung, still catching his breath, had shifted into his demonic form — now sprawled across the chair, resting as if he belonged there. - Trust me, — Taehyung whispered suddenly, holding out the moon pendant once again. The silver glinted softly in the dim light, its surface simple, unadorned — and yet it shimmered with a quiet promise. Jungkook reached out. But the moment his fingers neared it, he froze. As if burned. Because in his own pocket lay another pendant. Exactly the same. His breath caught. Slowly, he raised his eyes. Taehyung was already watching him, a sad, almost knowing half-smile curled at the corners of his lips. There was something ancient in that look. Something tender. Tired. Like he had been waiting a long time. And in that moment—quiet, still, electric — something shattered inside Jungkook. The old world, the one he had built brick by brick from mistrust and survival, collapsed. In its place stood something unfamiliar, terrifying, and inexplicably beautiful. Something like hope. - Trust is a fragile thing, — Jungkook said, struggling to keep his expression neutral. Inside, a wave of joy threatened to overwhelm him, but he held it back. — Maybe I won’t kill you, — he added softly, as if testing how those words felt in this new reality. There was more curiosity in his voice than threat. - At the very least, I definitely won’t give you away, — he promised — more to himself than to the other. He felt the thin thread of trust they’d just begun to weave could snap at any moment. He was afraid to scare away this fragile hope, to destroy the fragile bond forming between them. — Kim Taehyung, — he said, extending his hand — a gesture of trust. - Jeon Jungkook, — came the reply, the handshake firm but not overpowering. In that brief moment, something unspoken passed between them — more than just names exchanged. It was the beginning of something new, something both had feared and longed for in equal measure. - Where are we going? — Taehyung asked eagerly, eyes wide as the cityscape rushed past the window. His voice carried the excitement of a child embarking on a long-awaited journey. Jungkook smiled, glancing at the bright, hopeful face beside him. Where were they going? Towards the unknown. Towards each other. - Go ahead, — he breathed quietly, feeling the decades of uncertainty start to loosen their grip. Without hesitation, Jungkook let the marks reappear on his pale skin — an unspoken declaration of their shared nature. Taehyung chuckled softly and intertwined his fingers with Jungkook’s. He was not alone. And that was all that mattered.