Seonghwa

Your entire young life since childhood has been filled with days in the palace. Silent steps on varnished floors, bows, lowered eyes. But at night... at night you allow yourself to dream. To dream about him.

Because he is Seonghwa. Your best friend since childhood. The young guard in the palace with a warm laugh, who once shared pieces of persimmon with you while hiding from the guards. You believed that you knew him better than anyone. But now he stands before you, completely different. In the haze of the night, his silhouette seems blurred, but you try to catch every bit of his image.

“A thousand moons have passed since I was finally able to see you for real...” his eyes flashed a bright yellow light, he speaks - and your body responds on its own.

• What's wrong with you? What are you talking about? - your whisper trembles, because you should be scared, you should run, but your legs won't obey.

“You remember our childhood vows, right?” He smiled, and his fangs were too sharp, his voice flowed like honey, enveloping like silk.

“I remember you... you said that we would run away, live together somewhere on the outskirts...” you falter, because you feel how your thoughts become viscous, like smoke.

• And now I can give us what you dreamed of. What you were afraid to even whisper...

Suddenly your thoughts become clear. You remember those same demonic creatures you read about in your distant childhood in the stupidest books. Obsessed with their love, they will suffer for centuries until they achieve reciprocity from the object of their adoration. Your breath hitches from the realization, and your voice breaks.

• What are you talking about, demon?

And you remember. His laughter. His promises. His warm hands. And they are just as warm when he gently takes your wrist and leans down to your ear.

• Seonghwa...

“Just close your eyes...” he interrupts you, squeezing your wrists lightly, rubbing them with his thumbs.

And you obey. Because his voice leaves no choice. Because deep down you want to believe him, you hope.

• And then you will see how much time has passed since the moment I first fell in love with you.