Lovebite [Taegyu]

Chapter 31 : It's dark in here

Hueningkai's eyes were swollen, puffy from relentless tears, and the tip of his nose glowed red. Soobin clung weakly to Hueningkai's arm, his gaze heavy as he locked eyes with Beomgyu's crimson ones. Beomgyu's vision trailed downward, catching sight of the blood seeping from Soobin's arm. His eyes widened in alarm, darting frantically between the two. Worry etched into his features as a whirlwind of questions swirled in his mind, desperate to uncover why Soobin was injured.

Before Beomgyu could speak, Soobin's knees buckled. Hueningkai lunged forward, catching the older boy just in time. Without hesitation, he scooped Soobin into his arms, holding him in a protective bridal carry. Tears sparkled in Hueningkai's eyes, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Help."

The plea was soft, almost broken, his head bowed as though the weight of the moment was crushing him. Beomgyu stood frozen, paralyzed by indecision and shock.

"Hyung? Who's there?"

A familiar voice called from behind. Beomgyu spun around, while Hueningkai lifted his head slightly. Taehyun stood at the doorway, confusion shadowing his features. The disheveled silver-haired boy's shirt hung loosely off one shoulder, revealing faint, telltale purple marks on his neck and collarbone. Hueningkai's gaze lingered for a moment, but the questions bubbling in his mind were pushed aside—this wasn't the time.

"Hyuka? What happened?"

Taehyun rushed forward as he registered the tears streaming down Hueningkai's face and the blood staining Soobin's arm. Without waiting for an answer, he gestured for them to come inside.

"Bring him in."

Taehyun's tone was calm but commanding as he led them to the living room. Beomgyu followed mechanically, his red eyes clouded with jealousy as he observed Hueningkai's unwavering focus on Soobin. The ache in his chest twisted painfully as he clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white.

Hueningkai carefully laid Soobin on the couch, adjusting him to ensure he was as comfortable as possible. Beomgyu approached hesitantly, but his words were gentle.

"What happened, Kai?"

Hueningkai didn't respond, his gaze fixed on Soobin's pale face. Kneeling beside the sofa, he sniffled softly, ignoring everything around him.

"Kai?"

Beomgyu's voice carried a hint of urgency, but it was met with silence. Taehyun returned swiftly with a first aid kit and a bundle of clean cloths. He handed them to Hueningkai, who muttered a quiet "thank you" before dabbing at Soobin's wound. Taehyun crouched down beside him, exchanging a glance with Beomgyu before speaking.

"Can you tell me what happened?"

Hueningkai's trembling hands continued to work as he wrapped Soobin's arm with care. His voice broke as he answered between sobs.

"I-I don't know."

The younger's tears fell onto his bloodstained hands, his vision blurred as he sniffled. "We had a small argument. I left to get some air... but when I came back..." His voice faltered, his body trembling. "He was on the floor... bleeding. The room was a mess."

"Was anyone else there?" Beomgyu asked cautiously.

Hueningkai shook his head, his fingers fiddling nervously with the hem of his shirt.

"Could it have been... a vampire?" Taehyun suggested quietly.

"Maybe, but why? Why would a vampire attack Soobin? And in broad daylight?" Beomgyu countered.

"The question is... why me?"

Soobin's weak voice drew their attention. With Hueningkai's help, he managed to sit up, wincing at the sharp sting in his arm. He exchanged a glance with his friends before Hueningkai hugged him tightly.

"Hyung!"

Soobin winced but chuckled softly, patting the blonde's back. "There, there, don't cry, my gum~"

Hueningkai pulled away, his face flushed as he wiped at his tears with a pout. "I'm not crying," he muttered defensively.

A deliberate cough broke their moment. Taehyun stood, his expression serious. "Back to the point... what did you see, hyung?"

Soobin hesitated, his lips parting as if to speak but quickly closing again. His behavior struck Beomgyu as odd, and the tension thickened as the seconds dragged on.

"Hyung?" Taehyun prompted again.

"I... I'm sorry." Soobin's voice was barely audible, heavy with guilt.

"What did you see?" Beomgyu pressed, his grip firm on Soobin's shoulders as his crimson eyes bore into Soobin's soul.

"I saw—"

A sudden sound of heavy footsteps interrupted him. All heads turned toward the doorway. A figure with scarlet hair stood there, his presence commanding yet unsettling.

"Yeonjun hyung?" Beomgyu's voice was laced with shock as his gaze fell on the blood-soaked man holding a gun.

"Hyung, are you okay?" Beomgyu asked, panic rising as he noticed the trembling in Yeonjun's hands and the tears streaming down his face.

Yeonjun raised the gun slowly, his voice cracked and pained. "I'm sorry."

A deafening bang echoed through the room, followed by the boys' screams.