pairing ; kwon jiyong x reader warnings ; mentions of blood, death, alcohol consumption, stalking. authors note ; i came across a video which left me kinda…rrrr but its my first time writing for a dark theme so TT
"She looks divine… gorgeous… an angel."
Jiyong murmured to himself as he scrolled through his phone, each swipe revealing another picture of you. His gallery was filled with them—hundreds, maybe thousands—none ever deleted. Not even after the breakup.
Yes.
You had dated him for quite some time, but in the end, you had to walk away. His love wasn’t love—it was obsession. Toxic, suffocating. The relationship had begun to rot under the weight of his unhealthy habits, and you knew if you didn’t leave, it would consume you whole.
So you did what you had to.
You cut him off. Completely.
But Jiyong?
He never let go.
It had been months. You had moved on—or at least, you were trying to.
You even started working at a café as a barista, and to your surprise, you enjoyed it. The atmosphere was calm, the scent of coffee comforting, the quiet hum of conversation a welcome distraction. For the first time in a while, life felt… normal.
Safe.
However, on the other hand, Jiyong would do anything—anything—to catch a glimpse of you, even from afar. It didn’t matter how much time had passed or how many times you had tried to erase him from your life. He never truly left, hidden in the shadows, just beyond your sight, he was always watching.
Every day, without fail, he found a way to be near you. Whether it was passing by the café during your shift or sitting across the street pretending to be lost in thought, Jiyong was always there—waiting, watching, his eyes never leaving you.
You could feel it, even when you couldn’t see him. The way the air seemed to thicken, a weight that made the back of your neck prickle. You never dared to look over your shoulder, but you knew.
He was close.
At first, you thought it was just coincidence. But it didn’t take long to realize—there was no such thing as coincidence with Jiyong. The stalking, the subtle intrusion into your life, it was deliberate. He wanted you to know he was there, just far enough to make you feel unsettled, yet too close for comfort.
And the worst part?
He made sure you saw him, even if it was just for a second.
A fleeting glance through the café window. A shadow at the edge of the parking lot. His presence was like a constant ghost, haunting the edges of your every moment. And no matter how hard you tried to ignore it, you could never escape the feeling that he was always watching.
You decided to ignore his stupid antics.
He was being extremely childish now—pathetic, even. You had moved on, or at least you were trying to, and his obsession felt more like a nuisance than a threat. He wasn’t the man you once knew; he had become a shadow of someone desperate for your attention, doing everything to get under your skin.
You refused to let him drag you back into his world of madness.
Every time you saw him lingering in the distance or caught him staring from across the street, you rolled your eyes and carried on.
You were done.
Let him play his games. It didn’t matter. You had bigger things to focus on—things that didn’t involve him.
You kept your focus on the small joys that came with your new routine. At the café, you started making new friends—friendly faces that made the long hours a little easier.
There was Jiu, the quiet one who always ordered her coffee black and never minded working the late shifts with you. She had a dry sense of humor that caught you off guard at first, but soon, you were sharing laughs during your breaks. Then, there was Dohyun, the barista who was always singing along to the music that played in the background, his cheerful energy a stark contrast to the weight you’d carried before.
With them, it felt different. Genuine.
You no longer felt the weight of Jiyong’s eyes on you, at least not as often. You spent your shifts chatting, laughing, and getting lost in the comforting rhythm of the café—pouring the perfect cup of coffee, taking orders, and building connections that had nothing to do with the twisted history you shared with him.
For the first time in a long while, you felt like you could breathe. Like you belonged.
“Hey, where are you going after this shift?” Jiu asked, nudging your shoulder as she dried a glass cup with a tissue. She shot a few quick glances at you, almost like she was trying to gauge your mood. “We’re all heading out to the bar tonight.”
You sighed and leaned against the counter, crossing your arms. “Jiu,” you said, giving her a half-hearted scoff. “I’m not going, and that’s final.”
Jiu threw her hands up in exaggerated defeat, whining loudly to your decision. “Fine!” she huffed, shaking her head. "I swear, you're no fun, but okay. You're missing out!"
She turned back to the counter, muttering something under her breath, but you could see the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. She could never stay mad at you for long, even if you were being relentless.
Dohyun quietly appeared behind you, just moments after Jiu left in disbelief. He leaned casually against the counter beside you.
“You’re not going tonight?” he asked, his voice calm and even.
“Look. Bars aren’t really my thing,” you said, unfazed by the question.
He smiled at your response, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Well… that means you’ll have to stay here tonight,” he said, crossing his arms.
“I’ll take it,” you replied, a slight smirk forming on your lips.
“Then I’ll stay here with you,” he said, his words catching you completely off guard.
“You’re… not going?” you asked, blinking in surprise.
“Well, I need to quit with the drinks anyway,” he replied, stealing a quick glance at you.
You looked at him, noticing the way he seemed so unhurried, as if he genuinely didn’t mind being there with you.
Dohyun was the kind of person who made you feel at ease without even trying. His presence was like a soft, steady warmth, never overbearing but always comforting. He wasn’t the loud, attention-seeking type—his kindness was quiet, subtle, but it shone through in the smallest gestures.
His smile was gentle, always genuine, never forced. The way he listened when you spoke made you feel heard, like he truly cared about what you had to say. There was no rush in his actions, no impatience in his gaze. He was calm and unhurried, taking everything in stride, and his easygoing nature seemed to calm the chaos around him.
When he spoke, his voice was soft, but there was strength in it, a quiet assurance that made you feel safe. He wasn’t the type to make promises he couldn’t keep, but when he said something, you could trust that he meant it. Whether it was offering to stay with you when you didn’t want to go out, or just being there without expectation, Dohyun had a way of making you feel like you were never truly alone.
There was something incredibly refreshing about him—a genuine, soft kindness that felt rare, but so needed.
That night, you stayed at the café again, taking the night shift to cover for Jiu—this time, with Dohyun by your side.
The usual hum of the evening rush had faded, leaving behind a peaceful stillness. The soft clinking of cups, the low murmur of the last few customers, and the steady whirring of the coffee machines filled the quiet space. It wasn’t busy, but you didn’t mind.
Dohyun worked beside you effortlessly, moving with an unhurried ease. He wasn’t the type to complain or make a fuss; instead, he worked in quiet companionship, occasionally making small talk or throwing in a lighthearted joke that made the long hours feel a little less tiring.
At some point, as you wiped down the counters, you caught him glancing at you. Not in a way that made you uncomfortable—just a fleeting, thoughtful look before he returned to whatever he was doing. There was something oddly reassuring about his presence, like even in the silence, you weren’t truly alone.
And for the first time in a while, working the late shift didn’t feel so bad.
You sat in one of the chairs at an empty table, resting your arms on the surface as you absentmindedly traced patterns with your fingertips. The café had grown silent—no customers, no rush—just the soft hum of the machines and the faint music playing in the background.
Dohyun sat beside you, close enough that his shoulder nearly brushed against yours. The warmth of his presence was noticeable, but it didn’t bother you. In fact, you found yourself liking it.
"You know, we should just close the place and leave," Dohyun said, tilting his chair back and forth lazily.
You chuckled, glancing at him. "And go where?"
He hesitated for a moment before replying, "You know... maybe on a date?"
A date?
Your mind stalled at the word. It had been a long time since you’d gone on a date—so long that the thought had never even crossed your mind lately. You never really considered it, never let yourself entertain the idea of romance again. But… he was asking.
And Dohyun was nice. Charming, even. There was a warmth in the way he looked at you, something sincere and patient, never demanding.
Maybe saying yes wouldn’t be so bad. Right?
You were lost in your thoughts, still processing Dohyun’s words, when the sudden swing of the café door snapped you back to reality.
A man stepped inside.
He was tall—around 5’10”, dressed in sleek black from head to toe. A hat sat low on his head, casting a shadow over his face, with a scarf wrapped loosely around his neck. The way he carried himself was slow, deliberate, and for some reason, it made the air in the café feel colder.
You quickly got up, instinct kicking in to serve the customer, but something about him felt... off. There was a strange aura around him, something you couldn’t quite place, but it unsettled you.
Still, what could you do?
You couldn’t just judge a person for walking in. Right?
He never spoke.
Not a single word.
Instead, he simply lifted a gloved hand and pointed at the menu, his movements slow and deliberate. His silence was unsettling, but you forced yourself to brush it off. Maybe he just wasn’t the talkative type. Maybe he had a sore throat. Maybe you were just overthinking it.
Shaking off the unease creeping up your spine, you gave him a polite nod before turning away to prepare his drink.
Still, as you worked, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something about him was wrong.
As you prepared his drink, you couldn’t help but steal small glances at him.
And that’s when you noticed it.
He wasn’t just standing there idly—he was staring.
Not at the menu, not at the café decor, but directly at Dohyun.
His gaze was sharp, ice-cold, filled with something you couldn’t quite name—something dangerous. He wasn’t even trying to hide it. The way his eyes locked onto Dohyun was unsettling, as if he were sizing him up, analyzing every little detail.
A chill ran down your spine.
Something was wrong. Very wrong.
"Hey, man, if you’ve got something to say to me, just say it."
Dohyun’s voice was calm, but firm. He didn’t shrink under the stranger’s icy glare. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, casually crossing his legs, as if completely unfazed.
But you knew Dohyun.
And you knew that, beneath that relaxed demeanor, he had noticed it too—the way the man’s stare never wavered, never softened.
Yet, the man said nothing.
He just stood there, silent as ever, his piercing gaze locked onto Dohyun like a predator watching its prey.
Once you finished his drink, you took a steady breath and walked over to the counter where he stood—cold and unmoving.
His presence felt heavier up close, like the air around him had thickened. You placed the cup down in front of him, trying to ignore the way your hands tensed.
Without a word, he reached for the drink, his gloved fingers brushing against yours—just barely.
But even that slight touch sent a shiver down your spine.
It wasn’t an accident. It felt deliberate.
Then, just as silently as he had come, he turned on his heel and walked out, disappearing into the night.
The door swung shut behind him, leaving behind nothing but a lingering chill.
"What was that all about?" Dohyun asked, standing up abruptly, his eyes still locked on the door where the man had disappeared. His usual laid-back demeanor was gone, replaced by something sharper—unease, maybe even suspicion.
You, on the other hand, were lost in your own thoughts, staring down at your hand. The spot where his fingers had brushed against yours still felt ice-cold, like the touch had somehow lingered.
Absentmindedly, you kept brushing your hand against your apron, as if trying to rid yourself of the sensation.
"I... I don't know," you murmured, your voice quieter than intended.
The touch felt familiar.
Even through the gloves, even in that brief second, something about it sent a wave of unease through you. It wasn’t just cold—it was known.
But why?
You racked your brain, trying to place the feeling, but it slipped through your grasp like sand. It was right there, on the edge of your memory, yet completely out of reach.
No matter how hard you tried to recall it, the answer just wouldn’t come.
"Hey..." Dohyun said, his voice laced with concern as he walked over to you.
Before you could react, he gently grabbed your waist and pulled you behind the counter, out of sight. His touch was firm but protective, as if trying to shield you from something you couldn’t quite see yet.
You blinked, trying to catch your breath from the sudden movement, and glanced up at him. "He’s still there, waiting?" you asked, your voice barely a whisper, afraid of what might come next.
Dohyun nodded, his eyes still fixed on the door, a frown tugging at the corners of his lips. “Let’s just ignore him. He’s probably just a creep.”
You could tell he was trying to reassure you, even if he didn’t fully believe it himself. "Yeah... maybe you're right," you muttered, still unable to shake off the feeling that something was off.
"Anyway... about the date?" Dohyun asked again, his voice hesitant, as if unsure whether to bring it up again.
You blinked, momentarily lost in the haze of the tension that had settled in the air. It took a second for his words to fully register.
“Oh—right!” you stuttered, a sudden warmth creeping up your neck as you realized he was still waiting for your answer. “I’d love to go,” you said softly, glancing at him.
The air between you and Dohyun had lightened after you agreed to go on the date, but that feeling—the one that had crawled under your skin since the man entered—still lingered. You couldn’t shake it. Something about the way he had looked at Dohyun, that cold, calculating stare, made your heart race with unease.
You tried to shake the thought away, but as you replayed the moment in your mind, you knew. It was him.
Jiyong.
The realization hit you hard, like a punch to the gut. His presence, his demeanor, the chill he carried with him—everything about him screamed Jiyong. It had been months since you’d seen him, months since you cut him off completely. But that icy aura, that darkness—he hadn’t changed. He was still the same.
You didn’t want to tell Dohyun, not now, not like this. He didn’t need to know. Not yet.
You forced your mind back to the present, to the warm, calming presence of Dohyun next to you. "I'm fine," you lied, your voice barely above a whisper.
Outside, Jiyong stood in the cold night air, his fingers tightly gripping the cup, almost as if the drink would shatter in his hand. His knuckles were white, the tension radiating off him like a storm waiting to break. His bloodshot eyes were fixed on the café window, locked onto you, though he didn’t dare enter.
He didn’t want to make a scene—not yet. He just needed to watch.
But the sight of you with Dohyun, sitting so close, laughing, talking—it was unbearable. Every second, every moment that passed, twisted inside him. He wanted to scream, to tear through that wall and pull you away, to remind you of everything you owed him, of what you had once shared.
But for now, he could only observe from the shadows, silently burning with fury as his grip on the cup tightened.
The thought of you with someone else—especially someone like Dohyun—ate at him. The jealousy that had simmered beneath the surface for so long began to bubble over, threatening to consume him.
He couldn’t just watch you move on. Not like this. Not with him.
He couldn’t take it anymore.
The sight of you, laughing with Dohyun, the warmth between you two—it was too much. His blood boiled, his chest tightened, and in a flash of pure rage, he threw the drink down onto the ground. The cup shattered, the liquid splashing across the pavement, but he didn’t care.
With a snarl on his lips, Jiyong stormed off, his fists clenched at his sides. He walked quickly, his steps heavy, the anger surging through him like a tidal wave. Each step seemed to echo in his mind, the thought of you with Dohyun making his blood burn hotter. He could barely contain it—the fury, the jealousy, the suffocating need to pull you back, to control the situation.
By the time he reached home, his hands were shaking. He slammed the door behind him, not bothering to turn on the lights. In the darkness, he found the bottle, the one that always took away the edge—the one that numbed the relentless ache in his chest.
He opened it with a flick of his wrist, the sound of the cap twisting off almost drowned out by the deafening rush of his thoughts.
One drink. Two. Three.
The burn of alcohol was a familiar comfort, a way to silence the raging storm inside him, even if it was only temporary. But tonight, it didn’t work as quickly. It didn’t take the edge off the fury clawing at him. So he kept drinking.
Pour after pour, until the world around him began to blur, until the anger and jealousy melted away, leaving only a dull, foggy haze.
He wasn’t sober anymore. The lines between reality and his thoughts began to twist and blur, but still, the image of you with Dohyun burned in his mind.
And even in his drunken stupor, a single thought ran through his fogged mind. You would be his again.
Back in the café, the night had settled into a quiet rhythm again after Jiyong’s storming exit. The door had closed with a soft jingle, but the tension in the air didn’t seem to dissipate. You stood behind the counter, your hands still slightly trembling from the bizarre encounter, trying to keep your thoughts from spiraling.
Dohyun, too, seemed unsettled by the scene. He hadn’t said anything after Jiyong left, but you could see the tension in his shoulders, the slight frown that tugged at his lips as he stared at the door, lost in his own thoughts. It wasn’t until you caught his gaze that he seemed to snap back to the present.
"That guy..." Dohyun murmured, his voice low, almost to himself. "You sure he’s alright?"
You glanced toward the door, your thoughts still swirling around Jiyong. The image of him, that intense stare, the fury that had radiated off him—it was unsettling, to say the least. But you couldn’t say it out loud. You couldn’t tell Dohyun that the man outside was someone from your past, someone who had hurt you.
"I... I don’t know." Your voice came out quieter than expected. You didn’t want to admit it, not with the way Dohyun was looking at you. There was no need to drag him into the mess Jiyong had made of your life.
Dohyun’s eyes softened, his gaze full of concern. "You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to," he said gently. "But, you know, if you ever need to talk about it..."
"I'm fine."
Your voice was suddenly cold, sharper than you intended, and it caught Dohyun off guard. His brows furrowed in surprise, but he didn’t push. He simply stepped back, giving you some space, sensing that you needed it.
He gave you a small, quiet nod. "Alright," he said softly, his tone understanding, though a trace of concern lingered.
Tonight had probably stressed you out more than he realized.
With a glance toward the door, he quietly retreated to a corner of the café, giving you room to breathe, his eyes flicking between you and the window but he didn’t say another word, allowing you to regain your composure.
The silence between you both was thick, but it was a silence that didn’t feel heavy with judgment. It felt like space.
Space to figure out what to do next.
You didn’t want to admit it, but part of you knew you couldn’t keep this up forever. You couldn’t pretend it was over when he was still out there, and you couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling in the back of your mind that Jiyong wouldn’t stop until he had you back.
You only hoped that you wouldn’t have to face him again tonight.
The night had grown quieter, the city streets bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, but the unease that lingered in the air made it feel much heavier. You and Dohyun walked side by side, the distance between you now feeling more natural, yet the silence was thick—not uncomfortable, but thoughtful.
Dohyun didn't ask you about what had happened earlier. He simply kept pace with you, offering you the occasional glance as you walked. He could sense the weight of the night on you, and he respected your space, knowing you needed time to process everything that had unfolded.
As you walked, the cold night air bit at your skin, but the presence of Dohyun next to you brought a sense of quiet comfort, a distraction from the storm of thoughts running through your mind. The distant memories of Jiyong kept clawing at you, but you tried to push them back, focusing on the steady sound of your footsteps.
"You okay?" Dohyun finally asked, his voice soft, almost hesitant as you approached the familiar turn toward your street.
You glanced over at him, giving him a small, forced smile. "I’m fine, just... tired."
The walk felt longer than usual, but it was comforting in its own way. His steady presence by your side was a small reminder that, no matter what came next, there were still people who cared. People who wouldn’t make you face the storm alone. When you finally reached your doorstep, the reality of being alone again settled over you like a heavy blanket. The quiet of the night pressed in around you, and as you reached for your keys, you realized how much you’d grown used to the silence.
But before you could say anything, Dohyun stopped and turned to face you. His expression was serious, his eyes soft with concern. The words that left his mouth were simple, but they carried a weight you couldn’t ignore.
"Text me... okay?"
His voice was gentle, yet there was a firmness to it, as though he was trying to give you something solid to hold on to, even if only for a moment.
You nodded, a small, grateful smile tugging at your lips. "I will. I promise."
He gave you one last, reassuring smile, the kind that felt like warmth in the cold night, before he turned and walked away. You watched him disappear down the street, his figure swallowed up by the night.
As you stepped inside your apartment, the door clicked shut behind you with an all-too-familiar finality. The stillness of the room enveloped you, and for a moment, you just stood there, feeling the weight of everything settle onto your shoulders. The anger, the fear, the uncertainty—everything that had been building up over the course of the night hit you like a wave. You leaned against the door, your hands trembling slightly, and closed your eyes, trying to shut out the memories of what had happened, of what was still to come.
Jiyong’s hands were still shaking when he slammed the door to his apartment shut. The burn of alcohol lingered on his tongue, a hollow attempt to drown out the fury that surged through him. He stumbled a little, his feet heavy, his mind clouded with a mixture of anger and a deep, gnawing ache he couldn’t escape.
He had seen you tonight.
You, with him.
The thought gnawed at him like a cancer. It ate away at his insides. He wanted to be the one you turned to. The one who made you laugh, the one who held you when things got tough. But here he was, alone again, watching from the shadows as you slipped further from his grasp.
He threw the empty bottle across the room, the glass shattering against the wall. His breaths came out ragged, desperate. He couldn’t control it anymore. The rage was consuming him, the vision of you with Dohyun haunting every second, every thought.
He dropped to the floor, ignoring the broken pieces of glass around him, and fumbled for another bottle. His hand trembled as he opened it, not caring about the mess, not caring about anything anymore. He chugged it down, feeling the burn, feeling the numbness seep through his veins.
The world around him began to blur. The anger softened, the ache dulled, and for a brief moment, it was like he was floating above it all, untouchable.
But deep down, a dark voice whispered—you can't let her go.
It echoed through his foggy mind, cutting through the haze of alcohol like a cold knife. Someday, he would make you his again. The thought burned as fiercely as the anger had earlier, but now it was a quiet promise—a resolve that had nothing to do with tonight, but everything to do with the future.
The world outside could change. You could change. But he would always be there, watching, waiting for his chance. He wasn’t ready to let you go—not now, not ever. And he would wait, no matter how long it took, for the right moment to take back what was his.
With that thought, Jiyong let his head fall back against the wall, his eyes closing as the alcohol began to numb his thoughts further, but the ache remained, a persistent reminder that someday, he would make you his again.
Weeks passed, the days blending together in a haze of monotony. Since that night at the café, you hadn’t left the comfort of your apartment much, choosing instead to stay home and occupy yourself with calls and texts from Dohyun. He was persistent, checking in on you, offering his support, and just trying to make sure you didn’t disappear into the shadows of your own thoughts.
But there was something about the safety of your apartment—the silence, the solitude—that made it hard to leave. After everything that had happened, it felt easier to just stay in. Yet, even though you found comfort in the stillness, you knew it wasn’t healthy to keep avoiding the outside world forever.
One evening, as you sat on the couch, phone in hand, the familiar ping of a message from Dohyun broke the silence. He’d been texting you for the past few days, trying to coax you out of your shell.
“You know, you should really go out. You’ve been rotting in that house for weeks.”
You stared at the screen, a sigh escaping your lips. “I’m just lazy,” you replied, not even bothering to sugarcoat it. Staying home had become a comfort, a way to hide from the chaos of everything that had happened. But even you knew it couldn’t last forever.
A few moments passed before his next message arrived.
“Come on! Let’s head out tonight with Jiu.”
You could already imagine her enthusiasm, and the thought of her bubbly energy made you roll your eyes. Still, the idea of getting out of the house was tempting. Maybe a change of scenery would help shake off the weight on your shoulders.
“No.”
You didn’t even need to think about it before sending the message. You didn’t feel ready to face the world outside, especially after everything with Jiyong still lurking in the back of your mind.
But then came the next message, a single word that you knew would get to you: “Please?”
You let out a slow breath, your fingers hovering over the keys. You wanted to say no, to stay wrapped up in your safe bubble, but you also didn’t want to disappoint him. And part of you knew that being stuck in your own head wasn’t doing you any good. Maybe going out, even for a little while, could be a step toward moving forward.
“Fine.”
You pressed send, leaning back against the couch as the reality of the decision set in. Tonight, you would step out of the comfort of your apartment. Maybe it would help. Or maybe it would only make things worse.
But you couldn’t stay in forever, could you?
It was 7 PM, and the cool evening air brushed against your skin as you stepped outside your apartment, ready for a night out. You had opted for a casual short dress, the fabric flowing gently around your thighs, paired with soft curls in your hair that framed your face just right. A small beaded necklace sat delicately on your neck, a simple yet elegant touch. You felt good—maybe a little nervous, but it was the kind of nervous excitement that you hadn’t felt in a long time.
You walked toward your car, the sound of your footsteps echoing on the pavement, your mind still replaying the events of the past few weeks. But tonight, you pushed all of that aside, trying to focus on the simple act of just... being.
As you reached your car, you saw Jiu and Dohyun already waiting for you. They were leaning against the side of the car, talking and laughing, but their eyes immediately turned toward you as soon as they noticed your approach.
“Look at you,” Jiu said with a teasing grin, her eyes scanning your outfit. “You look so good tonight! Who are you trying to impress?”
Dohyun chuckled beside her, clearly amused by Jiu’s sudden excitement. “Yeah, you’re definitely not hiding behind those sweatpants anymore,” he added, giving you a playful smile. “Looking amazing as always.”
You couldn’t help but laugh at their teasing, a little flattered by their attention. The weight of the past few weeks seemed to lift just a little bit, replaced by the warmth of their familiar presence.
“Thanks, guys,” you said with a soft smile, sliding into the car as they opened the door for you. It felt nice—being with them, even if it was just for a simple night out.
As you all settled into the car, the atmosphere felt light and easy. Jiu continued to chat animatedly, her energy contagious, while Dohyun seemed content just to be there, his relaxed presence providing a sense of calm. For the first time in weeks, you let yourself forget about the chaos and just enjoy the moment.
You parked your car outside the sleek, upscale restaurant, its large glass windows reflecting the golden glow of the evening lights. The entrance was framed with polished stone and soft, warm lighting, giving off an aura of sophistication that immediately made you feel a little out of place.
“Guys, this place seems way too fancy... come on...” you muttered under your breath, staring at the ornate door, your nervous energy creeping up again. You were dressed up, but not in a way that screamed fancy—your outfit felt more laid-back than the polished atmosphere of the restaurant.
But before you could convince yourself to back out, you heard both Jiu and Dohyun already getting out of the car. They slammed their doors shut, their voices filled with playful insistence.
“Come out!” Jiu called, her tone light and teasing, as if daring you to keep up with her energy.
“Yeah, no backing out now,” Dohyun added with a grin, turning around to give you a knowing look. He was already walking toward the entrance, looking entirely comfortable in the setting.
You rolled your eyes, but the corners of your lips twitched into a smile. How could you say no to them when they were this excited? With a soft sigh, you grabbed your purse and got out of the car, following them to the entrance.
As you walked up to the door, you couldn’t help but feel a bit of a thrill mixed with your nerves. The place was beautiful, and there was no denying that it would be a change of pace from the usual spots you frequented.
But you weren’t alone, and tonight was about more than just fancy restaurants and feeling out of place. It was about letting go of the tension that had been weighing you down for weeks.
“Alright, alright,” you said, your voice betraying a hint of reluctant excitement. “But you owe me for this.” You smiled, and they both laughed in response.
“Deal,” Jiu grinned. “Let’s eat!”
As you, Jiu, and Dohyun entered the restaurant, the soft hum of conversation and clinking silverware filled the air. The atmosphere was serene, filled with the elegant fragrance of fine dining, and it immediately made you feel like an outsider, despite your attempts to shake the feeling. You focused on the warmth of Jiu’s chatter beside you and the comfortable presence of Dohyun as you followed them to the host’s stand.
But then, as you rounded a corner to be seated, your gaze caught on something—or rather, someone.
A figure stood at the bar, his back slightly turned, but there was no mistaking the dark aura that surrounded him. Even from a distance, you recognized the posture. The way he held himself, the controlled stillness in his demeanor—it was unmistakable.
Ji Yong.
Your heart gave an unexpected jolt. He was here. Of all places.
You froze for just a second, your breath catching in your throat. His face was calm, his expression unreadable as he quietly took a sip from his glass, his eyes distant, like he was lost in thought. The moment he lifted his head slightly, his gaze—dark and intense—met yours.
For a brief, unsettling second, everything around you seemed to blur. The noise, the people, the laughter—it all faded into the background, leaving only the weight of his eyes on you.
You quickly looked away, trying to steady your pulse, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d been waiting for this moment. That look. It felt almost predatory.
Dohyun and Jiu were still talking, unaware of your sudden shift in focus. You barely managed to keep your composure as you followed them to your table, your eyes stealing a few more glances in Ji Yong’s direction. He didn’t look away.
But you weren’t sure if he was watching because he was trying to get your attention... or if he simply couldn’t tear his gaze away.
As you sat down at the table with Jiu and Dohyun, the menu in front of you felt more like a distraction than a choice. Your fingers traced the edges of the paper as you tried to focus on something, anything, other than the weight of Ji Yong’s gaze.
It felt like a physical presence, pressing on your skin. The air around you seemed to thicken with each passing second. You tried to ignore it, but there was no mistaking it—Ji Yong’s eyes were locked on you from the bar. You could feel it in the pit of your stomach, an uncomfortable tightening that only grew worse the longer you stayed in the restaurant.
“Hey, do you know what you’re getting yet?” Jiu asked, her voice pulling you out of your thoughts. You glanced over at her, nodding absently as you forced a smile.
“Yeah, just deciding,” you said, not really seeing the menu anymore.
But then, as if on cue, you felt it again—the intensity of Ji Yong’s stare. This time, it was like the whole room was closing in on you. You could almost hear his quiet presence, the weight of the silence he cast over the space.
Without thinking, you stood up abruptly. “I’ll be right back,” you muttered, your voice slightly shaky as you looked at Jiu and Dohyun, who were still engrossed in the menu. “Just need to take a quick phone call.”
You didn’t wait for a response. You just turned and hurried out of the restaurant, your pulse quickening with every step. You needed to get away from that feeling, from the suffocating weight of Ji Yong’s gaze that seemed to follow you even as you made your way through the door.
As soon as you were outside, the cool night air hit your face, a welcome relief from the tension that had been building inside you. You walked a few steps away from the entrance, then paused to take a shaky breath, trying to calm your nerves.
It was just a glance. Just Ji Yong being... Ji Yong.
Right?
You stood there for a few minutes, trying to steady your breath, but the unease in your chest wouldn’t settle. The longer you stood outside, the more you realized that avoiding him wasn’t going to make the situation any better. You couldn’t run forever. You couldn’t pretend he wasn’t there, watching you from the shadows.
With a resigned sigh, you turned around, your feet heavy as you made your way back to the entrance of the restaurant. The air still felt thick, as if you were walking back into a storm, but you forced yourself to breathe through it.
As you stepped closer to the door, your eyes caught sight of him again. Ji Yong stood a few paces away from the entrance, his figure framed by the dim light of the streetlamps outside. He wasn’t close enough to touch, but there was something about the way he stood there—his stillness, the tension in his posture—that made you feel like he was already inside your space, watching your every move.
Your instincts kicked in before your mind had a chance to process, and you instinctively stepped back a few paces, distancing yourself from him as if that could somehow lessen the weight of his presence. The chill in the air seemed to grow colder as you fumbled with your phone, fingers trembling slightly as you typed out a quick message.
“Hey, I’m heading home. Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. You guys enjoy the night.”
You didn’t look up immediately. You kept your eyes on your phone, trying to gather the courage to face him.
"Are you really going to run?" Ji Yong’s voice broke through the silence, low and almost teasing, but with an underlying edge that made your skin prickle. "You can’t just leave. Don't walk away again."
You felt a chill crawl up your spine as his words echoed in your mind. And then, before you could stop yourself, you started backing away, your heart pounding in your chest. He took a step forward, then another, moving towards you with deliberate slowness. The intensity in his gaze was like a magnet, pulling you in, suffocating you with the weight of his presence.
Fear flashed in your chest, and you instinctively turned on your heel, stepping backward quickly, your breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps. His steps were steady, unhurried, but there was something about the way he moved that made your panic rise.
You couldn’t breathe. You couldn’t think. The streets around you blurred as you ran, the sound of your shoes hitting the pavement drowned by the pounding of your heart in your ears. Every corner you turned, you could feel him closing in. He was still following you. Your mind screamed at you to stop—to think, to face him—but your body refused to listen. The further you ran, the more your fear escalated. The streets were empty, and the only light came from the flickering street lamps overhead, casting long shadows across your path.
Your legs burned as you pushed harder, faster, trying to lose him. You didn’t dare look back. You couldn’t. The familiar sting of tears welled up in your eyes, blurring your vision as your breath became more shallow. The streets felt endless, dark, and lonely. You could hear him now, his voice strained but still relentless.
Just as you rounded another corner into the dark alley, you felt a firm grip on your wrist. He pulled you in closer, and panic surged through you. You tried to squirm away, but in your struggle, your arm swung wildly, connecting with a glass shard he held in his free hand.
He had you trapped, his arm tight around your neck, making it hard to breathe. “Do you not understand?” he said, his voice a strained whisper, gritty with emotion. “I love you.”
His eyes burned with intensity as he drew closer, the air thick with tension. “You said I was the only one. So who is he?” he growled, the question dripping with a sinister edge.
You choked out a groan, your desperation growing as you struck at his arm, which only tightened its grip around your neck. “Fu—fuck you!” you yelled, your voice strained with defiance.
In response, a surge of rage coursed through Ji Yong. He tightened his grip on the glass shard, crimson blood trickling down his arm. With a swift, violent motion, he raised the shard, aiming it directly at your heart, his eyes locked onto yours with a wild intensity.
He released you abruptly, the shard clattering to the ground as you fell to your knees, hands instinctively pressing against the wound. Warm blood poured from your body, each heartbeat a reminder of your fading strength. You gasped, struggling to breathe as the cold pavement pressed against you.
Ji Yong stood frozen, watching you drown in your own blood, his expression a mix of horror and a twisted sense of satisfaction, as if he were both a spectator and the architect of your suffering.
You lay sprawled on the cold stone ground, groaning and crying out in pain with each agonizing breath. Blood soaked your clothes, pooling beneath you like a dark crimson halo. He approached slowly, his presence an oppressive weight, each step echoing in the silence of the alley.
Bending down, his gaze pierced through you like a dagger, a blend of conflicted emotions swirling in his eyes. He reached out and brushed the hair away from your face with a tenderness that felt almost mocking. You could see the thrill of power in his movements as he leaned closer, a haunting smile creeping onto his lips as you writhed in agony.
He watched, an unsettling calm settling over his features, as the light began to fade from your eyes. Each gasp became weaker, your body growing still beneath him. He felt an intoxicating mix of despair and satisfaction, knowing he was the last face you would see.
As your life slipped away, he cradled your lifeless body in his arms, a twisted sense of connection overwhelming him. Leaning in, he whispered softly, “You’ll always be mine.” The words hung in the air, heavy with inevitability, as he savored the permanence of the moment.
Afterwards, Ji Yong walked the deserted streets alone, the world around him blurred and distant. Shadows crept alongside him, but he was lost in his delusions, wrapped in the belief that you were still with him. Your laughter echoed in his mind, a haunting reminder of what he had. To him, you had never truly left—your presence lingered like a ghost, eternally entwined with his darkened soul.
Days passed, but no one, not even your two friends knew the full story.
The city buzzed with hushed whispers, dark murmurs slipping between lips over coffee cups and cigarette breaks.
"There's a weird rumor..." someone muttered, their voice barely above a breath.
"That a guy went all around to find someone."
A man, desperate. A man, obsessed.
Another voice chimed in, lower, cautious.
"There's a weird rumor..."
"That a girl vanished with a scream at night a few days ago."
A girl, gone. Just like that. No trace left behind—only the lingering unease that settled over the streets when the sun dipped below the skyline.
And somewhere, in the shadows of the city, Ji Yong sat in silence, fingers tracing over the fabric of a small, familiar object. A bracelet. A lock of hair. Something that once belonged to you.
A slow smile tugged at his lips as he whispered into the emptiness.
"You’ll always be mine."
Lord
