Loves and Vampires

Hello, this is the author. I'm stopping by at the beginning of the book to provide some notices. This is a romance novel featuring vampires, two mysterious and powerful men, set in a contemporary backdrop in South Korea. As a result, the country's culture has been infused into the book, such as in the use of names. Many may not be aware, but in South Korea, the surname always comes before the given name. Our characters are named Lim Hyeon and Hwang Saejin. This often leads other characters to address them by their surnames. Secondary characters like Kim Seok will also capture everyone's attention. I wish you an enjoyable and rewarding reading experience. Get ready to embark on a romance filled with sighs, action, and overcoming challenges, with a touch of fantasy.

Prologue 

Since a very young age, at only three years old, I faced terrible pain and suffering. My father was a wicked, cruel, and authoritarian person who seemed to enjoy hurting me. He behaved like a true demon, casting a dark and cursed shadow over my life from the very beginning. Each time he hit me, humiliated me, and treated me as if I were insignificant, my hatred for him only grew stronger.

This dark atmosphere was like a furnace that shaped who I am today, an enigmatic figure carrying deep scars from that tragic past. But the blame wasn't solely on him; another traitor played a significant role in my story.

Fate, like an invisible weaver, intertwined my life with that of someone I trusted blindly, thinking he was a true friend. However, behind the facade of loyalty, he hid a treacherous heart, plotting a betrayal that sealed not only my dark destiny but also my own death.

This individual, Kim Seok, who used to be dear and reliable, revealed himself as the sinister architect behind my downfall, leading me to an untimely death. But my journey didn't end there. With death as a human, I was reborn as a supernatural being, a vampire with an even deeper and mysterious past. And even with all that hatred, there was still a small glimmer of love for him, a memory of the good times we shared.

From this devastating betrayal, a series of unexpected events led me to encounter Saejin - my beloved Saejinie, as I fondly call him. A proud vampire, his immortal existence intrigues and torments me, sometimes even wishing he didn't exist.

But it was by his side that I discovered my true self, uncovering the hidden layers in the shadows of my suffering. With Saejin, a deep connection formed, transcending time and destiny, uniting us through forces beyond our understanding.

Each person who crossed my path bears some responsibility in this dance of death and rebirth, contributing to who I am today. Amidst pain and turmoil, a strange sense of gratitude arises, for it was through the actions of each one that I became the enigmatic being I am today. With Heyon's death, betrayed by Seok, I was reborn as a vampire beside Saejin, embarking on a new journey marked by pain, hatred, and an unwavering determination to never forgive my father.

Prologue Seok

In a quaint village nestled amidst the lush landscapes, young Seok lived a happy and carefree life with his loving parents. His days were filled with laughter, playful mischief, and the warmth of a close-knit community. But fate had a cruel twist in store for him.

One fateful day, tragedy struck when Seok's parents were tragically caught in a web of deceit and betrayal. Falsely accused of treachery by those they once trusted, they were condemned as traitors and condemned to an unjust fate. The once welcoming village turned its back on the orphaned boy, leaving him alone and abandoned.

Amidst the bleakness of his world, a mysterious figure emerged from the shadows. Saejin, an enigmatic vampire with a heart that had known sorrow and loss, took pity on Seok. He saw the young boy's pain and felt a strange connection that drew him closer. Unfazed by the accusations that had befallen Seok's parents, Saejin embraced the role of protector, mentor, and caregiver.

For centuries, Saejin became the only constant in Seok's life, an enduring presence that guided him through the vast expanse of eternity. Under Saejin's wing, Seok found solace in the darkness, learning the ways of the immortal world and finding comfort in the companionship he thought he had lost forever.

Yet, as the years stretched on, the weight of immortality began to wear on Saejin. The endless nights blurred into an unending cycle, and he grew weary of the burden that came with living an eternal existence. The desire for rest consumed him, and he decided to retreat to his tomb, longing for eternal slumber.

But Seok couldn't bear to let go of the one who had become his lifeline. Unable to accept Saejin's choice to rest forever, he sought ways to awaken his friend, to bring back the light that had illuminated his existence.

Every 200 years, Seok would attempt to awaken Saejin from his eternal slumber. With determination and hope in his heart, he delved into the depths of forgotten rituals and lost magic, longing to reignite the embers of Saejin's life.

Yet, all his efforts proved futile, and Saejin remained undisturbed in his sleep, heedless of Seok's persistent calls.

However, during their most recent encounter, everything changed. Saejin, stirred once more by Seok's impassioned plea, proposed a deal that would forever alter their fates. He requested a sacrifice—the blood of a sweet, pure, and unadulterated human—as the price for his return, to walk alongside his young Seok for all eternity.

Seok's heart trembled with desire and conflict. The prospect of having Saejin by his side forever was intoxicating, but he knew the price was too high. Desperately, he searched for someone who could offer such a sacrifice, but fate had a different plan.

Amidst his quest, Heyon entered Seok's life like a gentle breeze, offering a comforting presence he had never known before. Heyon's sweet smile, kind eyes, and intelligence forged an unbreakable bond of true friendship—a love born of loyalty and understanding.

Heyon became Seok's confidant, the one with whom he shared his deepest thoughts and fears, filling a void that had existed in Seok's heart for centuries. For the first time in eternity, Seok felt truly seen and wanted.

Overall, the text flows smoothly and creates a captivating atmosphere. Great job!

But his desire to bring Saejin back still consumed him. Blinded by his wish for eternal companionship, Seok's judgment faltered, and he made a terrible choice. He decided to ensnare Heyon on his nineteenth birthday in a cruel trap, tricking his beloved friend and using his blood to awaken Saejin.

However, Seok had no way of knowing the ramifications of his actions, the consequences that would unfold from this ill-fated decision. As the blood touched Saejin's tomb, an ancient magic surged, intertwining the fates of Seok and Heyon in ways they could never have foreseen.

Little did they know that the second chapter of their lives was about to unfold, filled with mysteries and challenges they could never have imagined. As the shadows of their past resurfaced, they would be tested by the very essence of eternity, bound together in an intricate dance of fate, love, and betrayal. And thus, their entwined destinies would lead them towards an uncertain future, where the lines between darkness and light blurred, and the true meaning of devotion would be unveiled.

Chapter One

October 9th

With a small cake adorned with yellow flowers, Seok wore a smile as he had to wake up his best friend on his nineteenth birthday. Lim Hyeon, the birthday celebrant, slept peacefully, wrapped from head to toe in his baby blue comforter.

"Hyeon?" Seok whispered as he sat beside him. Hyeon's dark hair hung over his eyes, partially obscuring his vision. His small, swollen eyes blinked slowly, and Seok smiled, raising the small cake. Finally, Hyeon's gaze focused entirely on him.

"Happy birthday," he whispered softly. Hyeon sat up on the sheets, rubbing his eyes, and opened a beautiful smile.

"Wait," Seok requested, reaching for a small lighter in the pocket of his black jacket. Hyeon watched him attentively, biting his lower lip as Seok focused on the little candles. He sighed softly, realizing how handsome Seok looked. The brown hair with green tips was what fascinated Hyeon the most.

"There you go," Seok raised the cake with the lit numbers one and nine. "Make a wish."

Hyeon smiled, adjusting himself on the bed, closing his eyes. He blew out the candles forcefully, making his wish with all his heart.

His eyes returned to the cake with sunflowers on top, and his smile returned. "It's beautiful," he said, looking at Seok. "Thank you, Seok."

"It was nothing," Seok placed the cake on the bedside table. "What did you wish for?"

"I can't tell; otherwise, it won't come true."

Seok pressed his lips, not approving of the secret, but didn't bother to ask anyway.

"I brought your present," he said, searching in the depths of his jacket pockets.

Hyeon opened his eyes, surprised. "And if he gets mad?" he whispered.

"Let's not talk about him; you're turning nineteen and already an adult."

Hyeon bit the tip of his lower lip, looking at the bleach powder and orange dye in his best friend's hands. It had always been his desire to have colored hair. And after meeting Seok, who always had the tips of his hair green, that desire only grew.

"Do you want to do it?" Seok asked.

Hyeon, with round dark eyes, stared at his best friend. He needed courage, so he nodded.

"Alright, then let's eat the cake and do it, okay?"

Hyeon threw the blanket aside, making Seok smile at the sight of him in his cute pajamas with white stripes and green birds.

The Lim's house was quiet. Lim HanWool sat in front of his note-taking table, but what he called his "sacred book" was open there. His hands were clasped, and his mouth murmured low words to his "God."

Hyeon looked when his father's piercing eyes turned to him, and he simply bowed, giving him a small smile. He knew not to interfere when his father was in his moments of worship, and on his birthday, he didn't want to be punished for that mistake.

The man returned his attention to the book in front of him, allowing his son to head to the kitchen.

Hyeon grabbed two forks and tiptoed back to the room. When he entered, he sighed in relief.

"How did you pass by my dad without him scolding you?" he asked, handing one of the forks to Seok.

"I just passed," he shrugged. "Are you still not going to tell me your wish?"

Hyeon laughed, denying. He took a small piece of the cake, bringing one of the sugar flowers with it.

He tasted it, relishing the sweetness. Hyeon loved sweets.

Seok sat beside him, trying a piece of the cake but soon made a face disapproving of the taste.

"I don't understand how someone doesn't like sweets," Hyeon said, looking at him. "Like, it's sweet!"

"I'm not a fan," he said, leaving the fork aside. "But eat up; I ordered it with pleasure."

The persistent smile revealed a bit of the crush that Hyeon had always felt for the other.

He continued eating the cake as if it were the best food in the world, and indeed, it seemed like it.

The corners of his lips, smeared with white frosting, made the boy look cute.

"What do you want to do today?" Seok asked, grabbing his phone. "I'll take you wherever you want."

"Even to the amusement park?"

Seok wrinkled his nose, hating that.

"Sure, wherever you want."

"But, you don't like it, Seok..."

"The day is not mine; it's yours, Hyeon. So if you want to go, we can go."

"Then I want to. I want to ride the Ferris wheel, and you're coming with me, okay?"

Seok rolled his eyes, making Hyeon laugh.

"Okay."

Hyeon continued eating the cake, already halfway through when the door to his room swung open. His eyes widened at the sight of his father, but the man only glanced at Seok.

"Give me that," he requested, pointing to the cake.

"Do you want a piece, sir?" Seok asked.

"You know well that I don't approve of Hyeon eating so much sweets. It's enough already."

"Are you going to throw it away?" Hyeon asked, full of concerns, as he picked up the small cake and handed it to him.

"I will throw it away. And hurry up; you haven't prayed yet today."

Hyeon sighed, nodding. The man glanced at Seok before leaving, leaving his disapproval lingering in the air. He disliked Seok, let alone approved of their friendship.

"Why do you still pray? You don't even know who this so-called God is," Seok questioned, watching Hyeon rise to retrieve the book stored on the top shelf of the wardrobe. "You don't believe in it! You don't have to do this."

"But he believes. What can I do? If I don't go, he will beat me."

"He can't beat you. And he has to respect your disbelief in this so-called God, just as you respect his belief."

"If it were just about belief... it has nothing to do with what's in this book, Seok."

"Then why do you still go?"

"Because I don't want to be punished," he said, heading to the living room. "Don't follow me, stay here and wait."

"Don't go. Please."

Hyeon gave him a small smile, already feeling his heartache.

"I have no choices, Seok. It'll be quick; I'll be back soon." Seok had dark eyes on him, and Hyeon smiled. "Use your headphones."

Heading to the place where he always did his prayers, Hyeon saw his father in the kitchen throwing the remaining cake in the trash. It hurt, and he even thought about how hypocritical the man was. He lectured so much about what was wrong and always spoke about not wasting food. So why did he throw away the rest of his cake? Seok had given it to him, and it had more value than just taste.

"On your knees," the man ordered.

Hyeon followed, placing the "sacred book" on the coffee table and knelt in front of his father's armchair, feeling disgusted.

"Start, my dear," HanWool commanded.

The boy tucked his feet, adjusting himself on his knees, and saw his father sit in the chair opposite, sending a shiver of fear down his spine.

He felt even more repulsed when, right from the start, the man opened a satisfactory smile.

Hyeon always closed his eyes as tightly as he could and followed a script of words that the man himself had taught him.

HanWool sighed, staring at the image of the kneeling boy in front of him. He always remembered when it all started; Hyeon had grown so much...

Hyeon closed his eyes even tighter when he heard his father's loud sigh and imagined what the man began to do while watching him in that way.

HanWool was despicable. He touched himself even over his clothes, seeing the pleasurable way his little son idolized what he had taught him.

The desire for it to end soon and to end forever filled the boy's hurt heart.

Hyeon felt his heart race since he understood what it really was. He felt dirtier and dirtier. But unfortunately, if he refused to do it, it would be even worse.

He had already felt, firsthand, the pain of his father's rejection of his pleasures. He had felt and seen in the bloodstains that always remained on the living room carpet and on the leather of the belt the man used to teach him to be a good boy.

Seok listened to those sounds from the room, feeling his anger increase every second. He imagined how good it would be for Hyeon to get rid of that man. He wanted to kill him with his own hands and see him agonize in his own filth, but that man was what Hyeon claimed to have as a family. He thought about Hyeon and how he would be if he had no one else.

But he wanted to say that he would still be there, he would always be by Hyeon's side.

With a loud noise, Hyeon knew his prayer had come to an end. He stood up, wiping the only tear running down his cheek, and picked up the book, walking back to his room without looking at the man's face.

At that moment, he felt impure. He had the urge to let out his anguish, so without even looking at Seok, he returned the book to its usual place and locked himself in the bathroom.

Seok stood up, feeling disgusted. He touched the white wood of the bathroom door and pressed his ear against it, listening to the soft crying that Hyeon began to let flow along with the water.

He closed his eyes, controlling himself not to let his instincts surface and mix with anger. He took a deep breath, opening his brown eyes again.

"Hyeon?" he called, hearing the sound of the crying stop. "I'm going to take you to the movies too, okay? I'll buy a big bucket of buttered popcorn, alright?"

At that moment, Hyeon's lips trembled, trying, in some way, to cleanse his tainted body. But he smiled, feeling a slight peace in having someone good he could count on and trust.

At least he had Seok.

Walking alongside Seok, Hyeon tried to occupy his mind with all the good things they would do that day. It was hot, a scorching day, but still, Hyeon wore a long-sleeved shirt underneath his jumpsuit.

"Aren't you hot?" Seok asked, observing how Hyeon held onto his left wrist. "You always wear shirts that are too long."

"I like it," Hyeon gave him a sweet smile.

"Alright. Want to go to my place?"

Hyeon reached for the lollipop Seok had bought for him, unwrapping the package while keeping his gaze on his best friend.

"To dye our hair?" he asked curiously.

"We can do that there."

"Then, let's go."

With a small smile, Seok wrapped his arm around the other's shoulders and headed to the house just a few blocks away.

When Hyeon discovered Seok's house—shortly after they both left school together, back when they were still in their second year of hi