Chapter Text
Kim Taehyung had always loved the quiet hum of his café at night. The soft glow of pendant lights bathed the wooden interiors in warmth, blending seamlessly with the aroma of fresh espresso and pastries cooling on the counter. The evening crowd had long faded, leaving only the muffled sounds of distant traffic and the occasional rustling of autumn leaves against the glass windows.
He exhaled, pushing up the sleeves of his cream-colored sweater as he wiped down the tables. The café had become more than just a business—it was his sanctuary, a place where time slowed just enough for him to appreciate the little things. As he moved toward the front door, reaching for the closed sign, an uneasy chill settled in the air. He paused, glancing toward the alley outside, where the streetlights flickered intermittently. The shadows beyond seemed thicker tonight, unnaturally pooled between the brick walls, shifting as though they were alive.
A strange feeling crept up his spine, instinct whispering for him to turn away. But before he
could react—
A low growl.
The sound was deep, guttural, unlike anything he'd ever heard. Taehyung’s breath hitched, his pulse quickening as he stepped backward, eyes scanning the darkness. The alley should have been empty. And yet—there was something there.
A figure moved between the shadows, sleek and fast.
Taehyung barely had time to register the unnatural speed before the figure lunged. The impact sent him crashing onto the wooden floor, his body colliding with the fallen chairs. Pain exploded through his shoulder as razor-sharp teeth sunk into his flesh. A strangled cry escaped his lips. His vision blurred, the edges turning hazy as warm blood seeped through his sweater. He gasped, trying to push the attacker away, but his limbs felt sluggish, his strength draining with each second.
The rogue vampire above him snarled, eyes gleaming with hunger, its grip tightening around his wrists.
Taehyung fought to stay conscious, but the world was slipping away—his heartbeat
deafening in his ears.
Then, everything went black.