Archive of Our Own

It’s always the blank space Jaemin wakes up to. The plain white ceiling each day he comes to when he turns off his seven thirty alarm– one thing he regrets because it’s Friday and he doesn’t have Friday classes. With drowsy eyes, he sits up to see his T.V. is still on. The Netflix crime documentary he binged watched the night before still up on the screen. Unable to go back to sleep, Jaemin replays the part where he fell asleep.

Tick tock.

After a few episodes, Jaemin realizes he is hungry. It’s one in the afternoon. He lazily pulls himself up, not even bothering to make his bed. It’s one of those days where Jaemin wanted to be lazy. Twenty-four six, he’s usually kept and tidy except for one day.

Jaemin places himself in the kitchen, preparing a brunch of eggs, spam, and kimchi on the side. He washes his food down with an orange juice as he takes his phone. Notifications of schoolwork and emails pop up but Jaemin opens one– a group chat for the Halloween party tonight. People from his department sent photos of their costumes and drinks they’re about to bring. A house party. No teachers and just plain adults partying and having fun.

“Jaemin, what time are you going again?” Mrs. Na emerges at the front door holding her groceries. She puts them on the kitchen counter and joins Jaemin at the kitchen island.

“I think around six or so,” Jaemin answers, checking the time on the effortless, low quality digital poster his classmates made. “I don’t want to go while they’re still preparing.”

“Alright.” Mrs. Na nods as she gets up to organize her groceries. “I’ll have to pick your sister up later so clean up the house and lock the doors before you leave, okay?”

Jaemin hums while he tidies his dishes. “Mom, have you seen my leather jacket? The one with a zipper and no buttons.”

“I had it cleaned the other day. It’s probably in my room.” Mrs. Na answers.

Jaemin bids his goodbyes to Mrs. Na, and goes back to his room to continue watching his crime documentary.

It’s five thirty.

Jaemin reads the clock. The house is kept and clean. Jaemin then proceeds to his mother’s room to find the leather jacket he’s been searching for. Wearing leather pants, Jaemin matches it with a black shirt and leather boots. He puts on a black belt-like collar and a fluffy cat ear headband he borrowed from his sister. Jaemin zips up his leather jacket and watches his slender figure in the mirror. Yep, black cat it is.

Jaemin looks around the rarely busy suburban neighborhood. It’s getting older in October and the streets are busy with children in Halloween costumes while the adults are preparing their front yard for trick or treats and candle-lit carved pumpkins. Jaemin blows a cold autumn air. Moving back here was a big step. He was used to city life, blaring streets, noise, and heat. After his parent’s divorce, Jaemin moved in with his mom and into her peaceful hometown. Jaemin is still getting used to the complete opposite.

However, Halloween is Halloween no matter where he goes.

Jaemin passes by the houses uphill. Those were houses he helped set up for Halloween. He liked community service. It made him feel like he has a purpose and people can reach out to him.

The neighbors who saw him along the way greeted him and Jaemin greeted back. One particular middle aged woman, Mrs. Park, called Jaemin in for some snacks. Mrs. Park is the current head of a charity program for the elderly that Jaemin sometimes volunteers in.

“Dear, I baked a lot of cookies. Why don’t you come inside for some snacks?” Mrs. Park offers while placing a freshly carved pumpkin on their porch. “My husband tried his hand on carving but I don’t think it’s his calling.”

Jaemin quietly chuckles and reluctantly shakes his head. “I’m sorry Mrs. Park but I have a party invite I have to go to and I’m running late.”

“Is that so?” Mrs. Park defeatedly signs. “Alright. But be careful, Jaemin. The news earlier said there’s a serial killer going around the town so better watch yourself, okay? I told my son to go home before Nine o’clock while the streets are still busy because it’s dangerous to walk alone.”

Jaemin is immediately handed a drink the moment he walks into the party. Not too early, not too late. Jaemin searches for any of his close friends before being called.

“Pres!”

Jaemin walks over to the group. They’re from his biology department and have been friends with Jaemin since freshman year. Now, they’re moving up to junior year. “Stop calling me that.”

“Sorry, we’re used to it, Cat boy. '' Jinny, a girl dressed as Harley Quinn, says. “You want some fries or chips?”

Jaemin sits next to the guy in Dracula get up called Ren– the one who called him earlier and the one who invited them to the party. He takes a bite of some chips while scanning the room for familiar faces.

Ren is also in the Biology Department but he’s close with some Law or other students from his fraternity; the party is a combination of different departments. Jaemin listens to the others talk about what they’ll do during Christmas break. Ren and the other guys said they’ll try to audition for some idol company. Some girls next to Jinny talked about getting plastic surgery or body enhancements. Others talked about celebrity or idol rumors from trainee friends and whatnot. Jaemin wasn't interested in those conversations.

His eyes scan the other side of the room. Some are talking about sports, some already making out in the kitchen. Some are smoking and most are dancing to the ear deafening bass boosted EDMs.

Everyone in his class is pretty much complete. Except for one person. “Did Jeno come?”

Both Ren and Jinny shrug and shake their heads. However, Jaemin knew Jeno was intentionally not invited. It was obvious from the start.

Jeno is the so-called antisocial in class.

When Jaemin entered college, Jeno was seen as an outcast. He was the quiet kid whom weirded everyone out. Glasses on and sitting at the furthest seat at the corner in class. He was incredibly smart though. However, despite the brains, no one wanted to talk to him. On the other hand, Jaemin partnered with him quite a few times. Jeno wasn’t a talker but Jeno understood lessons and would explain to Jaemin in the simplest way possible. Jaemin finds it charming. His friends, however, beg to differ.

Jaemin looks back at the party. Same stuff all over. Jaemin looks at his watch and decides it’s about time he goes home. It's a little over Ten at night and his favorite crime series starts in less than thirty minutes. Hesitantly, Jaemin says “I have to go”

“Already?” Ren gives Jaemin a bewildered look. “The party is just starting!”

“I have a calculus exam tomorrow.” Jaemin lies. One thing about being in college, Saturday classes exist. But then again, college students make a lot of lies and excuses. “Don’t really want to fail it.”

“Okay, dokey, smarty boy” Jinny shrugs as she takes another sip of rum and cola mixture. “Just be careful though. I heard there’s some serial killer going around town.”

“Impossible” Ren scoffs while munching on the remaining chips “what are they going to do in this suburb? Kill farmers and miners?”

“This isn’t a farm town” Jinny rolls her eyes. She moves her attention back to Jaemin– ignoring the now clearly drunk clown of a Dracula. “Anyways Jaemin, be careful. Stay on the main street where there are functioning lights.”

“Thanks.” Jaemin says half heartedly. Mrs. Park warned him about this before but Jaemin is more focused on catching his own crime series at the comfort of his home. He stands up and brushes the crumbs of chips in his black pants and tidies himself up. “Bye. See you on Monday!”

Walking through the debris of a festive occasion, Jaemin blows warm air against the autumn wind. It’s getting colder now. He watches as the remaining few children hurry to their homes before curfew and the adults closing their doors for an early rest. Halloween is ending. It wasn’t the same in the city Jaemin was used to. Ten at night is really where the party starts. People there loved to party and stay up all night– all their noises buffered by the traffic sounds of a busy city district. Everything is awake in the city. And here, under the clear skies and towering trees, Jaemin felt like he could go into a deep slumber.

Jaemin wanted to stay and bask under the natural beauty of this town. However, there is only fifteen minutes left before his show starts. This isn’t cutting it. Jaemin regrets not taking his bike and wanders off the quieter streets to find a shortcut. Further down the road, Jaemin finds a familiar setting before him.

I remember this place. Jaemin looks around and realizes that the alley a few steps ahead is where it was once used as a shortcut– leading to his street– back when Jaemin visited this place in summer vacations.

His leather boots make a sound at every step of dried leaves and trash scattered around the area. The house next to it, where he used to anger the neighbor for passing by, is long abandoned and decrepit. Moss had been growing and indicating that no one had lived there for quite some time.

 Jaemin looks ahead where the weeds are longer and steps into the tight space. It’s a long, dark alley with a sharp turn to the right. With no street lamp or any source of light, Jaemin begrudgingly uses the flashlight on his phone to see what’s ahead.

“This is filthy.” He mutters, seeing more thrashed piled up in the sharp corner. Jaemin turns his phone up to avoid seeing the filth and to save himself from witnessing whatever is crawling beneath his feet. “I’ll have to notify the mayor tomorrow that I’ll clean this.”

He walks closer to the corner and Jaemin notices several graffiti on the mossy brick walls that used to be bright orange in his memories. Now, it’s old with age and vandalized all over.

I hope it isn’t blocked on the other side of the street or I have to make a full circle again and miss my show. Jaemin stops at the corner and feels a draft of cold air brush against his neck. He shivers. Part of him is afraid something might take him by surprise in this dark alley and part of him is anxious about the serial killer everybody is talking about. “It’s just rumors.” Jaemin assures himself.

He carefully makes a turn and, albeit faint, hears a sound. Jaemin stops immediately to listen. Despite the light sound, Jaemin’s heartbeat is deafening.

Badump. Badump.

Jaemin moves his phone towards the direction of the sound and what Jaemin witnesses next is something he’d never forget.

Two figures are in front of him– one is unmoving and covered in red while the other throws the unmoving body down. The standing figure, all covered in blood, turns towards Jaemin.

Jaemin trembles at the sight of the hooded figure wearing a black mask. Everything is black except for the shining pendant dangling at the figure’s neck.

“Jaemin, darling. Please open the door. You have to eat.”

Jaemin watches his door move at every knock, just like how his heart beat was from what he witnessed the night before. He wishes it was only a dream– manifestation of his mind from intoxication combined with the narrative of serial killer rumors he took seriously.

Jaemin hesitantly walks to his door, leaning his head at the wooden panel that separates him and his mother on the other side. Jaemin closes his eyes as he listens to his mother’s soothing voice. Then he feels his eyes stinging from lack of sleep.

“Mom.” Jaemin helplessly says without even knowing what to say after. He wants to assure himself that right here, right now, his mother is his reality.

“Jaemin, come eat.” Mrs. Na answers with her usual, motherly, tone. “I have been worried for you since last night. You ran home and locked yourself. You even skipped breakfast and missed school.”

Oh yeah, I do have Saturday classes. Jaemin remembers his excuse to his friends the night before. I just don’t have a calculus test.

Jaemin finally gets the courage to open his door and his heart feels warm upon seeing his mother. “Sorry, I think I'm sick.”

“Oh dear,” Mrs. Na sighs as she takes Jaemin’s hand to lead him towards the kitchen. She takes a glass of water and gives it to her son. “Winter’s coming and you only wore so little last night. You should’ve bought a coat rather than that leather jacket of yours.”

“Sorry.” Jaemin weakly says before taking a sip of the water. His throat had been dry since the alcohol from last night and Jaemin never drank any liquid after that.

“Also,” Mrs. Na puts her warm palm above Jaemin’s hand. “Thank god you came home safely.”

Jaemin finishes his water and asks his mother curiously. “Why? What’s wrong, mom?”

“Remember Mrs. Park? From the uphill side?” Mrs. Na asks.

Jaemin nods. Of course he remembers. He just talked to her last night and she offered Jaemin some Halloween goods. “Yes. What about her?”

“Well. Last night, she was–” Mrs. Na clears her throat, eyeing the house as if there were eavesdroppers. She didn’t want Jiya, her fifteen year old daughter, to hear the grim news. After all, Jiya sometimes volunteers with Jaemin for Mrs. Park. “She was attacked, Jaemin.”

Jaemin felt cold sweat upon hearing his mother’s words. Mrs. Park? The lovely lady uphill? Jaemin couldn’t believe it. “What?”

“Yes.” Mrs. Na gloomily confirms. It is evident in her tone she was sad about their neighbors passing. After all, they all bonded over hotpots and community parties. “The police found her body early this morning in that small alley a few blocks away.”

Jaemin rushes to their window. Indeed, far ahead, he could see some of their neighbors and patrol officers grouping up. He also sees the yellow caution tape barricading the road uphill.

Jaemin, again, felt chills all over his spine. That’s where I was last night! That means the unconscious body I saw was…

Jaemin runs to his room, leaving his mother confused. He thinks about the details of last night and realizes it was neither a dream nor a hallucination. It was real.

Jaemin cries as he curls his trembling body. It would’ve been me if I didn't run.

By lunch, Jaemin didn’t eat once again.

“Jaemin, eat something”

Jaemin is once again woken up by his worried mother. There were no tears left among his face. However, his eyes and nose were still swollen from crying till he fell asleep. Not only that his eyes are stinging, his head is hurting as well. Jaemin opens the door and takes the food his mother prepared. There’s porridge, one apple, and water.

“I know you’re not feeling well but eat, okay?” Mrs. Na says with utmost care, kissing Jaemin’s head before leaving.

Hours pass and Jaemin still hasn’t consumed anything apart from water and a single apple he didn’t even finish. Jaemin is keeping tabs on the homicide that occurred today in his neighborhood and the serial killer people are talking about. Not to mention, Jaemin clearly remembers that silver necklace the perpetrator is wearing.

That night, Jaemin printed all the evidence he could find.

At seven thirty in the morning, Jaemin is all prepared. His bed is fixed and his school materials are in his bag. Crouching down to his bed, he reaches a corkboard and once again reads everything through.

He spent his whole Sunday pretending to be sick just so he could pinpoint evidence from this serial killer the police nicknamed as “Shadow.” Jaemin usually cringes at the nicknames the serial killers are called from documentaries he’s seen. However, nothing is really more fitting than the current title. After all, the killer doesn’t leave any ‘signature’ – like usual serial killers do in their modus – apart from killing in the dark.

Print cut-outs are displayed on Jaemin's board. He reads through the articles and pages of any clues left behind by Shadow. Unfortunately, nothing clicks. The killings are almost random.

Diverse ages, districts, and genders.

Nothing. Except his way of killing. Gruesome as it may be, Shadow doesn’t kill in one blow.

If Jaemin wasn’t exposed in Biology, he would’ve been sick through his stomach reading articles of how Shadow tortures his victims.

First, Shadow uses a special thin knife to wound the laryngeal trapezium to block the airspace and make the victim unable to scream for help.

Next, tear the tendons in order for the victim to have trouble running away. Shadow wants to make their victim feel pain instead of killing them immediately.

After that, let them slowly bleed to death by cutting just between the dermis and hypodermis with thorough precision of each limb.

This is sick. Jaemin swallows. Even for a biology major, this is too much.

Jaemin exhales, putting the corkboard back under his bed so his mother and sister would not find it.

“How’s the exam?”

Jaemin looks at Ren after putting his bag on his chair. “What?”

“Calculus!” Ren reminds him. “I have an exam tomorrow and I wanna know what the topic is about so I can prepare my cheat code.”

Jaemin opens his mouth and ponders. Shit, I forgot about this. “Uhh, um the professor canceled our exam so… I don’t know man. Sorry.”

“What a bummer.” Ren groans and Jinny arrives just in time to greet both of them.

“Jaemin, I heard the calculus exam was hard!” Jinny announces. “Quick, answers please!”

“Don’t bother.” Ren groans. “His professor canceled their exams.”

“Derivatives.”

Jaemin turns to the corner and sees Jeno quietly reading books.

Jeno looks at Jaemin and repeats. “Next exam is about Derivatives.”

Right. Jaemin and Jeno are classmates in Calculus. And while Jaemin usually misses class, Jeno is always present.

“Yeah” Jaemin nods with an unconvincing tone as he turns to his friends. “I think it’s Derivatives.”

Fuck, I haven’t studied that. Jaemin mutters to himself while his friends continue to ignore Jeno. On the other hand, Jaemin sits next to Jeno.

He wasn’t told personally but Jaemin knows there have been talks. That he’s only kind to Jeno because Jeno is smart. And that if he wasn’t, nobody would dare talk to him.

On the other hand, Jaemin disagrees. However, Jaemin couldn’t deny that the first time they partnered together was because he felt sorry for Jeno. No one wanted to get close to him and Jaemin didn’t understand why. Ren and Jinny used to call Jeno a weirdo before Jaemin corrected them and they stopped addressing Jeno as such.

Jeno is indeed quiet. But he isn’t awful. Not only is his penmanship neat, he is very neat overall. Jaemin always wondered what Jeno looked like behind those glasses. He thinks Jeno’s eyes are pretty, especially the beauty mark under his right eye. Jaemin could only see how long Jeno’s lashes are behind those thick glasses when Jeno looks down to concentrate on writing or reading.

Perhaps, in a way, Jaemin is kind of interested.

Not that he has any type. But the moment Jaemin talked about true crime documentaries, Jeno got to talking.

It turns out, both of them had similarities. And greedy as it may be, Jaemin liked the idea that Jeno only openly talks to him.

A smile paints on Jaemin’s lips when he remembers the number of times he and Jeno paired up. Maybe, just maybe, he does have a crush.

“Do you want to borrow my notes?” Jeno asks without looking at Jaemin.

Jaemin, however, leans closer to Jeno. “What?”

Jeno clears his throat. “Calculus notes.”

“Oh.” Jaemin smiles. It’s just a crush, Jaemin. Jeno probably doesn’t care. “Yeah, I would love that.”

“I’ll also teach you since the professor just discussed the topic last Saturday.” Jeno offers, finally facing Jaemin.

Jaemin would be lying if he said his heart didn’t beat. It’s just a crush.

After school, Jaemin, Ren, and Jinny visit a convenience store to buy some snacks before going home. Jaemin takes a sandwich while Jinny and Ran both get spicy instant ramyun.

“What do you see in that wei– quiet kid?” Ren says, putting an arm over Jaemin’s shoulder as they walk home. “How do you get along with him?”

Jaemin removes Ren’s arm, still eating his sandwich. “Jeno is his name. Plus, he isn’t even that bad. Why don’t you guys like him?”

“He just gives us the creep.” Jinny pretends to shiver. “It’s like he’s looking at you and planning something. Ugh.”

“You’re being dramatic.” Jaemin rolls his eyes. “What if he just wanted to ask something but is too shy to ask? And since you ignore him, there isn’t really that much he can do right?”

“Oh, hold up.” Ren makes a defensive stance. “You’re a Jeno fan or something? Why defend him like that?”

“Because.” Jaemin stops his tracks and looks at both of his friends. “It doesn’t feel good to exclude someone. At least I don’t feel good ignoring someone who didn’t do anything bad to me.”

Ren and Jinny both keep their silence and Jaemin turns to the road. “Well, this is my route. See you guys tomorrow.”

“He really is a community guy.” Ren comments, seeing Jaemin’s figure going further. “Won’t be surprised if he runs for Mayor someday.”

It’s that ring necklace. The shining, silver necklace swaying side by side in the void. Jaemin doesn’t understand but he feels a sense of familiarity with it.

As Jaemin slowly tries to reach for the jewelry, Mrs. Park’s decaying face screams at Jaemin.

Jaemin jumps from his slumber and his heart beats once again in a deafening rhythm.

Tick tock, tick tock.

The suburban-night silence annoyed Jaemin. He isn’t used to this. Jaemin feels like he hears things he shouldn’t. Turning to his side, Jaemin aggressively puts his clock inside the drawer.

It’s an eerie feeling. The sound of silence.

Jaemin lays back on his still warm bed, watching his white ceiling being illuminated by the street lights’ dispersion. He tried to ignore it but part of him is still afraid– afraid that ‘Shadow’ will come back to him.

They saw me. Jaemin softly utters, words coming out of his lips in a chant. They know what I look like.

He repeats, and repeats. Jaemin’s voice is slowly disappearing as his eyes lay heavy into an incoming slumber.

“Don’t run.”

Jaemin hears.

“Don’t… run.”

The whisper comes close to his ear, feeling the draft of air tingle at his skin.

Curiously, Jaemin flutters his heavy eyes. He turns to the source of voice and there, lying beside him, is Mrs. Park’s macabre figure displaying a sinister smile.

Jaemin screams and falls over his bed. Without looking back, he hurriedly rushes to his door and meets a drowsy Jiya by the stairs. Jaemin ignores Jiya’s questions and instead, heads towards their mother’s room right downstairs.

“I’m getting worried about you.” Mrs. Na says, sitting Jaemin down on the kitchen island while she tells Jiya to go back to sleep. “What’s going on?”

“I’m–” Jaemin stops himself. I can’t tell her I'm seeing Mrs. Park’s ghost. “I’m just disturbed about the thing with Mrs. Park.”

“We all are, dear.” Mrs. Na goes to the cupboard and reaches a small container. She then turns back and hands Jaemin the small plastic bottle, sliding it across the granite countertop. “I think you need this.”

Sleeping pills. Jaemin looks at the familiar label. How is this going to help me with the ghosts?

“Take a rest, Jaemin,” Mrs. Na reminds her son. “You don’t look good these days.”

“Mom” Jaemin stops his mother. Thinking about going back to his room terrified him. Although Jaemin is an adult and does not believe in ghosts, until today, he wants to reassure himself he isn’t alone. “Can I sleep in your room? Please?”

“One extra gravy, right?”

Jaemin looks up to see Mr. Shim, the old cook who has been serving the cafeteria since Jaemin enrolled in college. Mr. Shim is a tall, albeit stout man who’s gentler than his facade. Many students adored his kind nature– offering them bigger portions as long as the moody cafeteria lady at the cashier doesn’t see– including Jaemin. Jaemin, as well, sometimes helps by putting up flyers for Mrs. Shim’s tailoring business downtown where Mrs. Na is a regular.

“Thank you.” Jaemin whispers joyfully. Mr. Shim’s fried chicken is always so delicious. Looking at the man pouring the delicious treat on Jaemin’s tray, Jaemin can’t help but notice a purplish color right on the side of his balding head. He gestures at the cook, “Um, Mr. Shim, what happened to your head?”

Mr. Shim’s smile fades as he ponders. He then looks at Jaemin and shrugs. “Probably hit my head.”

Even while still worried, Jaemin decides not to pursue the topic further as the queue moves.

After paying the cashier, Jaemin finds a seat at the side exit near the window. He puts his tray on the plastic table and opens his bag. Jaemin sits down when he finally sees the Human Anatomy book he borrowed at the library this morning and reads it– not minding the food in front of him.

“Laryngeal Trapezium.” Jaemin repeats the words in his textbook. This is one of the parts mentioned in Shadow’s case.

Jaemin took biology out of interest in forensic science. As a child, Jaemin always took an interest in crime and mysteries. He was a child that enjoyed problem solving. He was that kid that would follow crime news and would analyze why the suspects did this and that— how they justify the crimes they did.

Naturally, he should be a detective or a lawyer of some sorts. However, Forensic Science intrigued him. The ability to solve a mystery based solely on Deoxyribonucleic Acid or, most commonly known as, DNA is one of the wonders Jaemin wanted to study further. A single dead body can tell so many things– time of death, motive through patterns of injuries, and even crime perpetrators’ own DNA if present.

A human body is a supercomputer of information. It leaves traceable data footprints everywhere.

Jaemin is so deep in his thoughts following Shadow’s case that he fails to notice two of his friends coming towards his direction. He jerks when Jinny puts a tray of food right in front of him.

“We’re in a cafeteria, Jaemin. A place for eating and not reading.”

Ren comes over not long after and with a face of distraught, he groans at the table. “I’m failing Calculus.”

“You’re being dramatic.” Jinny takes a cookie from her tray as she mocks Ren.

Ren, vengeful, takes a cookie from Jinny as well. But not after Jinny swats his hand. Ren turns to Jaemin “Biology? Anatomy? Do we have an exam?”

Jaemin shakes his head and remembers Jeno saying he’ll teach him calculus for next week’s exam. Real exam. Jaemin lowers his head to hide his growing smile from his unassuming friends. He knew Ren and Jinny would disapprove of it, especially if Jaemin confesses he’s interested in Jeno. Should I contact him or something? Or does that seem desperate?

“Hey, did you hear about the news this morning?” Jinny starts, munching off the chocolate chips from her cookie.

“The serial killer again?” Ren asks. He heard about the news this morning and Jinny confirms with a nod. “It’s been, how many?”

Jaemin’s smile fades as he hears his friends. He didn’t watch any news today– forgetting the fact that serial killers have the ability to multiply their victims. Jaemin was so focused on Shadow’s past cases that he failed to think Shadow could have another victim targeted. And perhaps more if not caught. Jaemin’s heart raced. He had a feeling.

Feeling that Shadow is a lot closer than he thinks they are.

“Two this week and maybe five in total?” Jinny takes her phone, decorated with pink gems she called trendy these days, in a hurry and opens a video. “It happened downtown. You wouldn’t believe who’s the victim.”

Reporter: Today, another gruesome event happened in **** downtown, city of ****. A man in his late thirties is found dead at **** bar where he is working the night shift. Identified as Mr. Shim, he is also working as a cook in N University. Police have found out that this is a homicide case involving blunt force trauma in the head and a modus likely similar to the works of Shadow. Police is yet to confirm this but seeing the injuries the victim had, there’s a high chance he is the newest victim of Shadow–

Jaemin stops listening halfway. Everything the reporter says becomes a silent muffle as Jaemin trembles at the sight of Mr. Shim’s photo plastered on the news. Jaemin’s heartbeat is pacing slowly yet reverberating all throughout his body.

Impossible. I just talked to him! Jaemin’s eyes avert the screen and gradually turn to the food counter where he had a conversation with Mr. Shim not too long ago.

There, stands a paler Mr. Shim. Instead of the usual, jolly and smiling cook, Mr. Shim displays a scowling face while his bruised head starts to leak blood.

Reporter: Police say victim Mr. Shim might have received a blow on his head to render him unconscious. Mr. Shim might’ve put up a fight that forced the perpetrator to immobilize our victim and proceeded to do the gruesome deed.

Jaemin could not keep his eyes off of the man. As if noticing Jaemin’s gaze, Mr. Shim turns his ominous face towards Jaemin and smiles with blood stained teeth.

Jaemin falls to the floor out of fear. Several students watch him including Jinny and Ren who seem puzzled with Jaemin’s actions. Jaemin looks back at the food counter and instead of seeing the wrathful ghost, he sees an unfamiliar lady scooping food for the students in the queue.

“No…” Jaemin mumbles to himself while still on the floor.

“What happened to you?” Ren reaches out to help Jaemin up. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost, man!”

Jaemin takes Ren’s hand. However, he cannot ignore the growing pit in his stomach. Unsettling, foreboding, and dangerous.

Why me?

“Sick.” Jinny comments, looking back at her phone. “Who would kill a poor guy like him? He was a nice cook.”

While Jaemin is still in trance, Ren shrugs.

Jinny shivers, shaking her head as she turns off her phone. “Imagine if we crossed paths with the killer and we just don’t know.”

Possibly. Jaemin answers in his head. Despite his fear, he manages to think clearly. This is a small town and everyone almost knows who is who.

Jinny and Ren finish their lunch while Jaemin gives his share to Ren. Jaemin lost his appetite thinking about the ghost of Mr. Shim serving him that chicken.

“What’s our next period?” Ren asks after throwing their trash.

Jinny contemplates and answers. “Ugh, History. Do you guys want to skip it and go to the arcade or something? I don’t really want to see Mr. Jung.”

Ren raises his brow. “I don’t mind but what happened with Mr. Jung?”

“He’s a creep.” Jinny whispers while her eyes look around. “I heard from Hari that he makes his students help him after class just so he could… touch them inappropriately. And last week, he made me bring the test papers to his office and thanked me by caressing my hand. I escaped immediately after he let go of my hand. Disgusting.”

Jaemin heard about those rumors but he paid no mind until today. Mr. Jung does act weird even by his standards. He has caught the professor stare at him but Jaemin brushes it off. After all, he hasn’t been called to the office yet. However, judging by how many girls and some guys are willing to skip his class, there’s obviously some weird things happening in the background.

And yet, Jaemin can’t falsely accuse somebody.

“Did you report it?” Jaemin asks the troubled Jinny.

Jinny shakes her head once again. “You know a suburban university doesn’t give two shits about it. There have been molestation cases but none convicted. I’m pretty sure that creep will just brush it off and the faculty will agree.”

“Still,” Jaemin says with a worry. Nobody deserves this type of injustice. “At least tell your parents or something. If it’s uncomfortable, then there’s something wrong.”

“I agree with Jaemin.” Ren adds. “Hit us up if you think Mr. Jung is doing or planning to do something immoral.”

Jinny smiles dejectedly. “Thank you guys. So, want to skip class?”

Ren excitedly agrees while Jaemin has to decline. As much as he wants to join his friends, Jaemin missed all classes last week– including two History classes– from having a bad allergic reaction. Three consecutive absences will get him in trouble.

Jaemin sighs in frustration. “Sorry.”

“Well then,” Ren stands up to stretch his arms. “Just send us copies of your notes, okay?”

Jaemin nods before bidding his two friends goodbye.

Jaemin beams when he sees Jeno enter the classroom at the back door. History is one of those classes they take together as Biology majors. Unashamedly, Jaemin waves for Jeno and the latter sees him immediately.

So obvious, Jaemin. Jaemin smiles at his embarrassment. Jeno would see Jaemin from the back as nobody is sitting yet in the back row.

Jaemin welcomes Jeno to sit beside him as if it was the first time they attended non-Biology class together. However, Jaemin is willing to throw shame if it means getting to talk to Jeno more.

During these classes, Jaemin feels relieved. Nobody judged if he and Jeno talked unlike his Biology classes. Oftentimes, they could converse normally without snarky eyes watching them from afar. Well, with the exception of Ren and Jinny. However, they’re rarely present.

And, perhaps, Jeno is one of the reasons why Jaemin does not want to miss this class.

“Did you see the latest episode of True Homicide?” Jeno whispers when Mr. Jung enters the classroom.

Oh shit. Jaemin forgot to watch it last Friday. The thing with Mrs. Park happened and Jaemin was preoccupied following Shadow’s case that he missed the chance to watch the newest episode.

Jaemin dispiritedly tells the truth. “Sorry, I couldn’t. Would you mind telling me? I don’t mind spoilers.”

Jeno stares at their professor who turns off the lights and starts his lecture by showing a PowerPoint. He then reaches for his air pods and gives one to Jaemin. “Me too. We can watch it secretly.”

Jaemin’s smile did not fade under the dim lights that afternoon. He is so close to Jeno that he can smell the faint musky perfume and hear Jeno’s low breathing as they watch an hour long documentary.

Halfway through, Jaemin isn’t even paying attention to the show now. He watches Jeno’s eyes blink as he concentrates. Jaemin could still hear the faint sound coming from the earbud but he is already lost in thought.

Jeno notices Jaemin’s gaze and turns. “Is the sound too low?”

Jaemin says no. And before he could talk more, a flash of white light blinds the classroom.

History class is over.

Jaemin could have smiled out of relief. However, he isn’t. He simply can’t.

When someone with vengeful eyes looks over to your direction, how can you smile? Jaemin sits silently, looking over the front entrance of the classroom where somebody– no, something stands.

It doesn’t even look human anymore. Jaemin sweats in fear. He recognizes the dark, dismal figure looking at him with bloodshot eyes.

Shadow’s first victim. A faculty in the Law Department. Jaemin doesn’t remember much about the teacher. Ren does recognize her since he’s acquainted with the Law students from fraternity.

It’s been more than a year when it happened.

Miss Cho, the one who possesses the decaying body in front of Jaemin, was brutally murdered. In the reports, the twenty-seven year old female teacher was found in her apartment she shared with her boyfriend. The police thought it’s a crime of passion— getting into a heated argument that ended up in tragedy. However, her lover was out of town and had a solid alibi from hotel and food receipts. She was murdered the same way Shadow killed the others since then.

The police, that time, never would have thought her case would be the start of Shadow’s labyrinth.

“You don’t look good. Are you okay?”

Jaemin turns to Jeno and then back to the front door. Students are exiting the classroom and the ghost is nowhere near to be seen.

Jaemin wanted to cry. I’m scared.

“Jaemin,” Jeno calls again. “You look pale.”

“Um.” Jaemin feels the discomfort running through his body. I don’t want to go alone. He looks at Jeno with trembling eyes. “I want to go to the toilet.”

Jeno tilts his head slightly in confusion. “Then why aren’t you going?”

“I’m scared.” Jaemin finally admits. He scans the room and almost no one is left except for some students who are reviewing for their next class. Jaemin takes a deep breath and looks straight into Jeno’s lenses that show Jaemin’s reflection faintly.

“Jeno,” Jaemin clears his throat. “Would you believe me if I tell you I'm seeing ghosts?”

Jaemin lets out a long sigh of relief as he finally finishes his business. He flushes the urinal and turns to the lavatory to wash his hands. Jaemin looks over to Jeno, who offers to come along with him, and sees him fiddling with his phone. He hasn’t noticed it until now but Jeno looks absolutely attractive wearing black turtleneck and black pants. Jeno usually wears dark clothes and slouches in the corner of the room so Jaemin doesn’t notice how good Jeno’s body proportions actually are.

Broad shoulders, small waist, long legs, and a beautiful face… Jaemin could not keep his eyes off of Jeno. Shit, he’s so attractive.

“Is there something on my face?” Jeno averts his gaze from his phone to look at Jaemin.

“Uh,” Jaemin goes blank for a second. Well, here goes nothing. “Can I get you a coffee?”

Totally platonic, Jaemin.

“Are you asking me out?” Jeno smirks and Jaemin swears his attractiveness only increased tenfold.

“I mean uh” Jaemin stutters once again. “As thanks?”

Jeno raises a brow “For accompanying you to the toilet?”

“Well, I wouldn’t have done my thing because of the ghosts.” Jaemin reasons. “And if I can’t do my thing, I’ll risk urinary tract infection. That would make me sick.”

“I’m just messing with you.” Jeno breaks into a smile. “Instead of coffee, you could buy some snacks for our calculus study session.”

“That works.” Jaemin agrees and fiddles with his phone. “Here, you can add me in my social so we can agree when and where to meet.”

“I’m usually on Instagram so…” Jaemin lies through his teeth. It’s a cliché move so Jeno could see his photos.

“Yeah, that works fine.” Jeno reads Jaemin’s username and goes back to his phone. A little later and Jaemin receives a follow notification from a private account.

They bid their goodbyes and Jaemin comes home with a permanent smile on his face.

When Jaemin reaches home, he doesn’t waste any time and goes straight to his room— leaving his sister on the couch wondering what he’s up to. Jaemin lies on his bed and opens his phone to stalk Jeno’s Instagram account.

Jeno rarely posts, about a hundred compare to Jaemin’s thousands. Jaemin scrolls through photos of buildings and sceneries, similar to what he sees on his explore page. Further down, Jaemin finally sees some photos Jeno took of himself.

There are a few photos of Jeno without glasses and Jaemin gushes. He scrolls more and there are photos of Jeno with a guitar. The next photo shows Jeno holding a monster drink with his veiny hand and in the background is a music software on his desktop.

Jaemin notices an almost uniform number of likes and few comments from people Jaemin doesn’t know. They’re probably his old high school friends. Jaemin ponders. I guess he wasn't as antisocial before as now.

He also notices similar accounts commenting on Jeno’s photos and Jaemin feels a hint of jealousy. Something deep inside him wishes he met Jeno earlier. And that how would it feel like today if he asked Jeno out early on.

Next thing Jaemin sees is Jeno on the beach seemingly with his mother. Jeno is wearing nothing but swimming shorts and Jaemin squeals at the sight of Jeno’s toned abs like a high school girl— exactly how Jiya acts with those K-Pop guys she’s crushing on.

I can’t believe I teased my sister when I act exactly like her at this moment.

However, an idea comes to Jaemin’s mind. He goes to the window and takes a photo of his body captioning.

‘Almost winter but why is it hot today’

Jaemin edits his close friends setting and only puts Jeno on the list so Jeno could be the only one to see it. Jaemin immediately puts his shirt back from the coldness before editing some filter and posting it on his story.

The night, Jaemin sees Jeno posting a story with close friends setting– Jaemin included. Jaemin gets elated and quickly opens it only to see Jeno shirtless playing a guitar.

Jaemin accidentally sends a heart.

Groaning and burying his face from the embarrassment, Jaemin closes his phone. Not long after, he receives another notification.

Jeno sent him a message reading ‘thank you. I hope it didn’t sound bad.’

Jaemin did not even listen to the video; he was more focused on Jeno’s body full on display. He then replies ‘Didn’t know you can play guitar.’

Jeno reacts with a smiley face. ‘About a year now. I could teach you if you’re interested.’

‘I am’. Jaemin smiles. Deep inside him, he wants to reply, in you.

‘Here’s another song if you want to listen.’ Jeno sends another video.

Jaemin opens the video and sees Jeno shirtless, again, walking around after pressing the record. He drooled at the sight of bare skinned Jeno with athletic shorts and brushing his ebony hair back— contrasts to his hair usually covering his eyes at school. Is he for real?

Jaemin is hot and bothered looking at the bluish gray shorts that is somehow shaping Jeno’s crotch well. Very well.

He’s that big…

Jaemin spends the rest of his night the bathroom, fantasizing about a certain man.

Jaemin never would have thought things would end up like this. Not with him straddling Jeno into the floor and making out relentlessly in the middle of the afternoon.

Study sessions aren’t supposed to be like this.

However, it seems both can’t help it. The constant Instagram messages at night, Jaemin’s blatant thirst trap stories, and secretly watching their favourite crime series’ during class might’ve rendered both of them impatient.

Jeno breaks their kiss to remove Jaemin’s shirt, admiring the small waist that fits snugly into his hands. Jaemin lets out a delicate sigh when Jeno’s cold fingers touch his perk nipples.

Jeno wastes no time to pull Jaemin close to lick and kiss the latter’s collarbone— leaving a reddish mark to bruise later on. “I can’t believe I’m really doing this with you.”

Jaemin smiles as he plays with Jeno’s hair, looking down at the handsome man before him— eyes hungry and desperate. Jaemin is also the same. He moves his hips to grind on Jeno’s crotch he’s sitting over. “It’s not impossible. I’ve been looking at you, Jeno.”

Jeno massages Jaemin’s chest while responding to Jaemin’s grinding “You’re popular and everyone likes you. I didn’t think you’d even talk to me in the first place.”

“Why?” Jaemin whispers, chasing Jeno’s lips. His hands travel down to unbutton Jeno’s pants. Jaemin’s just can’t wait. “Can I?”

Jeno nods his head and leans his back on the side of the bed for support. He watches Jaemin’s hand get inside his boxers and Jeno sighs at the touch.

Damn. It isn’t fully erect but Jaemin could already imagine how big Jeno’s cock could get when fully hard. He starts off with a slow motion of up and down, stimulating Jeno until it’s pulsating in his hold.

He looks so hot. Jaemin bites his lip when he sees the sight of Jeno closing his eyes and submitting to Jaemin’s touch. Jaemin then lowers his head to lick a stripe at Jeno’s veiny shaft before landing his lips on the twitching tip.

“God, Jaemin.” Jeno groans, brushing his fingers along Jaemin’s blonde locks.

“Mhmm” Jaemin moans at the touch before fully taking Jeno’s cock in his mouth. He struggles with the girth however, he manages to take most of it in. Jaemin uses his fingers to rub the base he couldn’t cover. It takes Jaemin a few seconds before he fully adjusts to Jeno’s size and eagerly taking the cock down his throat.

Jeno’s hold on Jaemin’s head becomes firmer as the latter’s pace increases— fully swallowing Jeno’s cock inside Jaemin’s wet, hot mouth. “Fuck, yeah”

Jaemin swallows his moans whenever the tip of Jeno’s cock hits the back of his throat. He couldn’t help but unzip his own pants to touch his own cock. However, Jeno holds Jaemin’s head to stop him from blowing him.

“Jaemin, stop.” Jeno demands.

Jaemin pulls his mouth from Jeno’s now fully erect cock and a dreading feeling washes over him. “You didn’t like it?”

“No— I mean, yes, I like it. Very much.” Jeno stutters, realizing Jaemin might’ve misunderstood his actions. “But I want us to do it together. I can’t be the only one feeling good.”

 “You’re so thoughtful.” Jaemin coos and gives Jeno a peck on the lips. He then removes his pants and boxers before resuming straddling Jeno once again.

Jeno reaches for his drawer to take a lube. He pours the liquid into his hand to lather into their erection. Jeno rubs their cocks together as they exchange each other’s moans through each other’s lips.

Jaemin leans in, circling his arms around Jeno. “Please finger me, Jeno. It’s easier for me to cum when I play with my ass.”

Jeno smiles between their kiss before obliging and teasing Jaemin’s twitching hole. He inserts his lube coated finger inside, earning a small whine from Jaemin. “Like this?”

Jaemin nods, opening his mouth for Jeno’s tongue to enter. They kiss deeper as Jeno adds another finger inside.

Jaemin moves his hand around to feel every curvature of Jeno’s body underneath his shirt. “I think I’m good. I’m close and I want you inside me while I cum.”

Jeno looks up at the breathless Jaemin above him. He, as well, is aching for his own release. “Jaemin, I don’t have a condom—“

“It’s fine.” Jaemin interrupts. “I can clean up afterwards. Just…”

I’m desperate.

“Alright.” Jeno says, putting a hand against Jaemin’s flushed cheeks. He aligns his cock underneath Jaemin while Jaemin helps Jeno towards his hole.

“Ah…” Jaemin exhales when the tip of Jeno’s cock stretches his anal ring. He lets himself be pulled by gravity until the full tip is inside him. Jaemin rests his arms on Jeno for support as his body convulses. “It’s so hot.”

“You are.” Jeno voices out while holding Jaemin’s waist to pull him further down. “It feels so good inside you I might cum soon.”

“Does it?” Jaemin answers before moaning when Jeno’s cock goes deeper. He moves his hips to accommodate Jeno’s shape inside his tight walls.

“Fuck, yes.” Jeno growls before fully thrusting his cock.

“Fuck!” Jaemin screams, falling on top of Jeno’s body. “So good…”

“You like it rough?” Jeno asks while massaging Jaemin’s hips.

Jaemin doesn’t respond. Instead he nods his head while finding leverage to support his body.

Jeno takes it as a sign to continue what he’s doing. “Then be as loud as you can because we’re the only ones in here.”

And Jeno was true to his words. Jaemin screamed nothing but Jeno’s name while Jeno fucks him hard and fast. Jeno pressed his cock into every inch of Jaemin’s walls as much as he can. Jaemin came first but it did not hinder Jeno to turn Jaemin on all fours and drilled his cock further in.

Jaemin falls into the floor as Jeno releases inside him— feeling the warm semen gush into his insides and coating it as if marking a territory.

Jeno kisses Jaemin’s back and lies beside the blonde beauty. “Are you okay?”

Jaemin nods and leans his head into Jeno’s chest. “That was great. I should’ve approached you sooner.”

Jeno chuckles, drawing circles into Jaemin’s reddish waist. “It’s cold and uncomfortable on the floor. Do you want me to help you to bed?”

Jaemin looks up and pecks Jeno’s lips. “Yes please.”

“Do you mind if I smoke?” Jeno asks, removing his sweaty shirt to sit beside Jaemin on the bed.

“No… actually—“ Jaemin feels the bed submerge and opens his eyes. He begrudgingly sits up to resume his sentence. “Can I share it with you?”

Jeno smirks and lights the cigarette on his lips. He inhales once before handing it to Jaemin. “Something on your mind?”

“I don’t know” Jaemin says. “Maybe it’s because of the ghosts I’m seeing.”

“Maybe you’re too stressed.” Jeno suggests. “Extreme stress can cause hallucinations.”

“Maybe.” Jaemin puffs the smoke in his lungs. Feeling Jeno’s cum starting to drip, Jaemin moves uncomfortably “Can go wash in your bathroom?”

“Go ahead. Do you want me to help you? Jeno offers.

“No, thank you.” Jaemin laughs quietly while shaking his head. “I don’t think my ass can take more.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Jeno teases while watching Jaemin collect his clothes as a string of semen drips down Jaemin’s thigh. “I can see it when you bend down, Jaemin.”

Jaemin throws a glare at Jeno before entering the bathroom.

Jaemin wipes his wet hair with a towel after taking a shower and dressing up. He looks at his watch and it’s almost five in the afternoon.

I came here after lunch, studied for good thirty minutes, and fucked the rest of the afternoon. Jaemin shakes his head while opening the mirror cabinet above the sink to look for a blow-dryer or a comb.

However, what Jaemin sees is something that startled him. His gleeful smile is replaced with dread when he sees a very familiar silver necklace with a silver ring pendant placed in the middle of the cabinet.

“You must be kidding me.” Jaemin murmurs, taking the necklace. He examines it and sees a fine gold line in the middle. Without a doubt, it is similar to the necklace he saw that night and the one in his nightmare.

He turns it around and Jaemin feels his stomach churning. Inside the ring is a beautifully engraved Lee written.

“No…” Jaemin trembles. However, he gets startled by a knock on the door and Jaemin immediately returns the necklace into the cabinet.

Jeno enters and Jaemin retains his composure.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay the night?” Jeno asks sheepishly.

“Umm” Jaemin swallows his saliva. He turns to look at his watch and makes up an impromptu excuse. “I need to go home. I only told my mom I’m only out for the afternoon and she’s cooking a nice dinner tonight.”

“Oh.” Jeno responds. “Then I’ll walk you home.”

“No! I mean, you don’t have to” Jaemin retracts, feeling the urge to run away from Jeno as soon as possible. “I’ll see myself out, okay?”

“Jaemin.” Jeno stops Jaemin by holding his arm.

Jaemin forces himself to smile but the nervousness is increasing and his heart beating faster than ever. “Yes?”

Jeno cups Jaemin’s face and kisses his lips. “See you at school.”

Jaemin stands still, not responding to the kiss. “See you.”

Jaemin leaves Jeno’s door awkwardly. However, the wash of relief he felt after feeling the cold air is unmatched. Jaemin walks faster down the hill to where his house is, passing by the alley with yellow caution tape still on. He stops his tracks when he feels a draft of cold wind against the back of his head.

Please, don’t make me see another ghost. Jaemin prays. Slowly, he turns and sees Jeno standing a few meters away from him— neither smiling nor waving goodbye. Just a blank unnerving stare.

Jaemin stumbles and runs to his house.

Attractive people are dangerous killers. Jaemin tells himself as he locks himself in his room. He lied to Jeno— Jiya and his mom aren’t home. There was no special dinner. But Jaemin is too scared to stay.

He’s seen those crime videos where attractive criminals are celebrated such as Ted Bundy. Jaemin couldn’t believe it. Or the truth of it. People are blinded by attraction.

Jaemin made sure not to cross paths with Jeno that day. Thankfully, he doesn’t have classes with his majors and the probability of seeing Jeno is close to zero.

Still better than none. Jaemin checks himself in the toilet before heading out.

“Na Jaemin?”

Jaemin stops in fear out of thinking it was Jeno. He turns and sees Mr. Jung, his history teacher, heading his way. “Sir.”

“Could you go help me carry your class’ test papers from the office?” Mr. Jung asks, leading Jaemin by holding his back. “This way.”

“Uh, Mr. Jung. We don’t have class until tomorrow” Jaemin says, feeling slightly weird.

“Oh?” Mr. Jung stops to unlock his office. “My bad. But can you help me otherwise?”

“Sure.” Jaemin hesitantly nods. However, when he enters the room, he hears a clicking sound from the door. “Um, Mr. Jung? What was that?”

“Nothing.” Mr. Jung smiles but Jaemin notices the contrast in his eyes. “It’s under the desk. Could you get it for me, Mr. Na?”

Jaemin looks at the pile of paper underneath the desk and crouches down.

“You know,” Mr. Jung says, walking close to Jaemin. “I’ve been noticing you not paying attention to class, Mr. Na. Do you enjoy Mister uh, Mr. Lee’s company that much?”

“Sir?” Jaemin looks up. However, he doesn’t see Mr. Jung smiling anymore and the dread that Jaemin felt right in this moment is far worse than what he felt against Jeno.

“There’s a chance I could fail you if I want, you know.” Mr. Jung sits on the desk above Jaemin.

Right then, Jaemin remembers Jinny’s words;

“I heard from Hari that he makes his students help him after class just so he could… touch them inappropriately.”

“W-what do you mean, sir?” Jaemin wearily asks as he stands up, not wanting to be in this space anymore.

“Students not listening to my class are to be punished accordingly.” Mr. Jung smiles grimly. “But of course, there’s a way I can tell you to make up for it.”

“But my grades are fine, sir.” Jaemin reasons, not liking the tone from his teacher.

Mr. Jung stands up, levelling with Jaemin. “And I said I could fail you if I want to, Mr. Na.”

“I’m sorry, sir. I don’t think I’m feeling good.” Jaemin walks back to the door and finding out it’s locked from the outside. Fuck.

“Oh, don’t worry about that, Mr. Na.” Mr. Jung says as he stops behind Jaemin, touching his arm. “The price isn’t that hard. Men have needs too—“

“Excuse me?” a voice from the other side emerges. “Mr. Jung, are you in there? I was asked by the Literature Department to get the projector from your office.”

Mr. Jung leans to Jaemin’s side and puts his fingers on his lips. “Shh.”

Help me. Jaemin wanted to scream. I don’t want to be here.

The person from the other side continues to knock. “Huh? Is no one inside? But the lights are on.”

We’re here! Jaemin closes his eyes.

“Oh” The stranger exclaims, his voice fading much to Jaemin’s fears “Mr. janitor wait! Do you have the keys to Mr. Jung’s office?  I need to get the projector”

Jaemin is yanked to the side while Mr. Jung impatiently opens the door. “What do you want—“

“Sir, you’re here” Jeno smiles to the teacher and thanks the janitor. “Professor Jo from Literature Department asked me to borrow the projector from you for her class.”

No way. Jaemin meets Jeno’s eyes. He gives space for Jeno to come inside before thinking of excusing himself. “I’ll go now, Mr. Jung. Goodbye.”

Attractive people are dangerous killers. Jaemin notes when he once again finds himself into Jeno’s house. But rather than staying in Mr. Jung’s office or feel scared alone in his home, Jaemin cannot deny he feels better with Jeno.

Scared or not, he formed a connection with Jeno.

Jaemin is suspicious but he doesn’t want to accuse Jeno without any basis. The necklace might be a mistake. Maybe, it isn’t the same.

Maybe, it is a coincidence.

Accusing Jeno poses a great risk on their relationship. And Jaemin doesn’t want that. From the crime documentaries he’s seen, he knows people shouldn’t jump into conclusions and that you shouldn’t judge somebody on the surface.

Jaemin asks to wash himself first before doing it. That way, he can make sure if he is hallucinating or not. After all, he’s been seeing ghosts.

If it’s here, what do I do? Jaemin ponders, looking at the mirror cabinet in front of him. Do I turn Jeno in? Will the police believe me?

Jaemin opens the cabinet and sees nothing. I don’t know if I should be relieved or scared. He turns to the shower to relax himself. So much happened today… I don’t want to think anymore.

“What—“ Jaemin looks at the man above him with a questionable gaze. Jaemin is close to coming however, Jeno is preventing it.

“Something is bothering you.” Jeno says, stopping mid sex with Jaemin’s cock aching to burst any minute.

“I’m…” Jaemin becomes quiet before teas fill his eyes and he cries. “I’m just… scared. If you didn’t come to his office today I— I don’t know”

“Shh” Jeno embraces Jaemin’s body. “Don’t worry, Jaemin. I’m always here for you, don’t forget that.”

Jaemin doesn’t know if he should be happy or not. What if you’re a killer? Jaemin cries further. Is Jeno’s reassurance really sincere? Will Jaemin have to fear for his life from now on?

“The only way to overcome your fear is to face it.” Jeno says, kissing Jaemin’s tear-streaked face. “And if you want to go the crazy route, gamble and risk it all. That way, you lose nothing.”

“What do you mean?” Jaemin wipes his tears and faces Jeno. Before he could ask more, Jeno thrusts without a warning. “Ah!”

“Jaemin, you’ll only feel nothing and be numb if you’ve lost everything.” Jeno groans as he thrusts deep and slow. “You’ll be rid of fear and anxiety if you accept whatever your upcoming fate is. Fear is what drives most humans. But it’s also fear that stops us.”

Jaemin rolls his back from pleasure when Jeno continuously stimulates his prostate. If I accept my fate that you’ll eventually kill me, I would not be scared of you anymore?

If I gamble my life without knowing what’s to come… Jaemin reaches his high after a few thrusts. “There’s a possibility of you killing me right here, right now.”

Jeno smirks and kisses Jaemin, pushing his tongue as deep as he can to taste every inch of Jaemin’s mouth. “A possibility is simply a possibility if it hasn’t happened yet. If you’re dead now, that possibility becomes reality.”

What is it about you that attract me the most? Jaemin asks himself. There is a possibility that you are a killer. Or the reality that you are a killer.

“Jaemin, can we talk?”

Jaemin looks around the classroom, seeing students exit excitedly from their last class of the day. “Sure, Jinny.”

“I mean” Jinny wearily looks around “privately.”

“What is it?” Jaemin finally asks when they arrive at an empty corner of the hall.

Jinny lets out a big sigh. “I know there’s something going on with you and Jeno. And I’m telling you, you really don’t know him. He’s not a good guy, Jaemin.”

Jaemin furrows his brows. “What do you mean?”

“The reason—“ Jinny adjusts her voice to a whisper. “The reason why we’re avoiding him his because he’s a troubled kid. He bullied and harmed people, Jaemin. So much that the police is keeping an eye on him.”

Jaemin knew there was something that happened in the past for the people to ostracize Jeno— some basis, some evidence. “How do you know this?”

Jinny scratches her ear and what she says takes Jaemin aback. “He’s a distant relative of mine. When his father died, his mom had to seek medical attention so no one was there for Jeno. He was only twelve that time. My dad and his dad are cousins of some sort so I and Jeno grew up together for a few years.”

“Jaemin.” Jinny holds Jaemin’s head. “He’s bad news. Jeno has violent tendencies you don’t want to see.”

Is it because I’m with Jeno that I’m haunted? Are the ghosts warning me to stay away?

Jaemin swallows his fear. He is sure Jeno is linked with all of the fiasco happening in his life.

I’ve only witnessed the murder once. Jaemin thinks of the unfaithful day Mrs. Park perished. I only happened to be there. What if–

Jaemin breathes in with realization.

What if Jeno got close to me because he recognized me?

What if…

I am meant to be his target.

Jaemin wanted to cry. However, he gets himself together. There’s only one way to find out.

Jaemin fears about his life. There is no doubt about that. And yet, he can’t stop being pulled into Jeno’s space. Jaemin wanted so badly to know what’s inside Jeno’s head. What he’s thinking, why he does the murders, and why he decides to make his targets suffer.

Jaemin wanted to know what’s inside the mind of a serial killer.

And so, he takes a step forward. Beneath his boots is the ice-cold winter washed asphalt. Seasons are quickly changing as much as the society’s time Jaemin lives in.

Jaemin’s eyes fix at the shadow a few blocks away from him. He’s been waiting outside Jeno’s house– wanting to see with his own eyes if the man he’s infatuated with is the killer he’s been obsessing with. Curiosity, fear, and anxiety fill Jaemin’s body at every step he takes. He mirrors Jeno, keeping the same pace at a safe distance.

This is the university’s rear gate.

Jaemin hides at a nearby shelter when he notices a figure getting close to Jeno. It’s dark, but manageable. Jaemin could see them getting into a fight— the other person subduing Jeno.

Jaemin wants to run. However, his legs fail him and he falls into the ground as he sees Jeno overpowering the other person. The next thing Jaemin’s eyes witness is Jeno leaving a lifeless body.

Just like what happened to Mrs. Park.

Only this time, Jaemin doesn’t run. He closes his eyes and listens to the dried leaves being stepped on coming his way.

“Are you turning me in?” Jeno asks Jaemin in an awfully calm tone after removing his black mask.

“No.” Jaemin denies, eyes not averting Jeno’s gaze even once. A part of him regrets being in this situation and another part of him wants to see this through. “Are you going to kill me?”

Jeno walks into the light– no longer becoming Shadow. Right now, under this buzzing street light, he is Jeno facing Jaemin. Jeno with a blood-stained black hoodie and the silver ring necklace dangling at his neck. “Depends on your reason why you’ve been following me.”

“I–” Jaemin’s voice breaks out of fear. “I want to know why you do it. I want to know what’s on your mind.”

“Why?”

“Fuck, I’m not sure!” Jaemin’s voice gets high. This isn’t similar to the crime documentaries he enjoys. In a way, even with labelling True Homicide, Jaemin still cannot fathom the realness in those T.V. shows. Jaemin watches the crimes behind an innovative technology. He cannot put himself into the reality of what’s on the screen.

However, this is what he considers real. Jeno, the killer, identified in flesh murdering someone Jaemin knows. And despite the scepticism, Jaemin sees unusual evidence— ghosts. “But I keep seeing ghosts and nightmares and it doesn’t stop. I think I’m going crazy, Jeno. They don’t stop–”

Jaemin pauses, seeing a dark figure creep out behind Jeno’s back. The same person Jeno just killed– Mr. Park. A vengeful, devilish ghost looking at their direction with hateful eyes.  “They all point to you. And they’ve been warning me.”

“You see ghosts?” Jeno repeats, walking closer to Jaemin. There is no remorse in his eyes– empty even. “That’s your reason?”

Jaemin cannot understand Jeno. There’s no trace of regret, anger, or sympathy. No trace of humanity. “Why do you kill innocent people–”

“They aren’t innocent.” Jeno closes the gap between him and Jaemin, “Jaemin, none of the people I killed are innocent.”

“There’s no such thing as complete innocence.” Jeno continues, making his statement clear. “Each and every one of us, who has consciousness, has done something wrong. It comes down to the weight of their sins.”

“Life is not pure black and pure white.” Jeno adds, crouching down to meet Jaemin’s eyes. “What matters is maintaining the gray area— between right and wrong.”

Moral justice. That’s what Jeno calls it.

Jaemin fiddles with his phone as he hears the running shower from his bathroom. Fortunately or unfortunately, Jaemin’s mom and Jiya are not home. And so, Jaemin is stuck with a serial killer on the loose taking a warm shower in his home.

“Are you sure you’re not turning me in?” Jeno asks as he emerges from the shower wearing nothing but a towel wrapped in his waist.

Jaemin notices the bruises and cuts in Jeno’s torso. It must’ve been when Mr. Jung tried to defend himself before Jeno rendered him unconscious.

“Sit here.” Jaemin taps the bed, ignoring Jeno’s question. He takes a fist aid kit from his drawer to mend Jeno’s wounds.

“I know you’re scared of me, Jaemin.” Jeno says while watching Jaemin’s trembling hands. “I can leave.”

“What did they do?” Jaemin looks into Jeno’s eyes. “I want to know what’s on your mind when you did these things.”

Jeno leans into Jaemin “How did you feel when Mr. Jung locked you in that office?”

Jaemin stops patching Jeno’s wounds. “Helpless, scared. I didn’t want him to get close to me.”

“Then what do you think those students he called in his office felt when nobody came for them?”

“Worse.” Jaemin answers. I barely escaped unscathed.

“Lastly, what did you feel when you knew I killed Mr. Jung?”

Jaemin takes a deep breath. “Relieved.”

“Sometimes, justice can’t be done by law.” Jeno explains. “What happened to you and to others crossed your morals. The students that Mr. Jung touched could not get him behind bars because there is simply not enough evidence against him. And every day, they have to live with the fact that that sick teacher is prancing around the campus with a preying smile plastered on his face.”

Jeno adds. “Mrs. Park? She took the money from donations in her charity and never cared for the aged— only giving them a bare minimum. The donation money is where her two new cars came from. Mr. Shim, the cook, used his younger sister to work on the bar since she was eighteen. It’s been ten years since then. And let me tell you, that bar isn’t for college students to have fun, Jaemin. It’s for old crooked men to have their fun.”

“The list goes on, Jaemin.” Jeno continues.

Jaemin takes a deep breath and grabs a cigarette his drawer. He lights it, letting the nicotine spread in his system to calm himself. Jaemin felt sick.

He knew these people. He thought they were kind people.

“People think they can get away with their sins because the law cannot touch them.” Jeno says, taking Jaemin’s cigarette to take a puff.

“Because morals do not really apply to the law. No matter how wronged we feel, if there is no physical evidence, we can’t get justice.” Jaemin comments, taking back his cigarette.

People could call him crazy but Jaemin chooses to gamble. Jaemin wanted to see a world where there is less sin. That maybe, being in the grey area isn’t too bad.

And so, he continues to be consumed by Jeno— his view of morals and justice. Jaemin grasps the situation of being like a god— someone who judges, punishes, and bestowing fear among the people.

Jeno is right. Fear drives people and fear regulates people.

“How do you feel?” Jeno asks, bottoming out as he pushes Jaemin down the desk.

“Scared that someone might come in?” Jaemin replies, gripping the wooden table every time Jeno thrusts in. They’ve never had sex outside their bedrooms. Even doing it in the car seems vulgar. But the classroom? Betting on the risk that somebody might catch them?

Jaemin is thrilled. The thought that anybody could open that unlocked door and seeing the two of them in a compromising position is enough for Jaemin to come undone.

“You say you’re scared but you like it.” Jeno finally cums. “You wrung my cock with your tight hole, baby.”

Jaemin lazily gets up after Jeno pulls away. He zips his pants and both share a kiss as they bid their goodbyes not knowing that someone is indeed watching them.

The stranger pulls out their phone and on the screen are several photos of Jaemin and Jeno having sex.

Jaemin goes to school the next day. His usual routine of greeting his classmates redirect into something Jaemin finds strange. Instead of greeting him back, Jaemin is met with scoffs and mocking looks. Unfortunately for him, Ren, Jinny, or even Jeno will not be able to join him until his next class.

A whole two hours of class was torture for Jaemin. He knows people are whispering things about him. But what? Jaemin wanted to ask however, people are avoiding him purposely.

He is isolated in class.

Lunch comes by and he finally gets to meet Jinny, whom, displays a disappointed face.

“What is going on?” Jaemin asks. No sugar coating or any friendly conversation. He wants to know what is happening with the people around him.

“Jaemin—“ Jinny gives out a long exhale as she rubs her temples. “I don’t want to be the one to break it to you but… remember? I told you not to get close to Jeno. He is bad news and right now, you’re at the receiving end.”

Jaemin shifts his position. “What do you mean?”

Jinny hands her phone to Jaemin. In her screen is a twitter account called NJMfreak. “Look.”

Jaemin breaks into a cold sweat. In the account is a thread of photos of Jaemin in a compromising position with someone whose face is blurred out. This was yesterday. Jaemin realized. It’s me and Jeno… but why is his face blurred out?

“Jinny, this—“ Jaemin is at loss for words. His head hurts and his eyes are beginning to tear up. “Who did this?”

“I’m sorry” Jinny embraces Jaemin. “This circled around on twitter this morning and most of our class saw this.”

“Oh my god.” Jaemin cries into Jinny’s shoulders, asking questions why someone would do this to him.

Jinny tries to calm Jaemin down. However, Jaemin leaves in order to avoid people.

“You can cry all day and nothing will change.”

Jaemin recognizes that voice. It’s Jeno from the other side of the toilet door. Jaemin opens it, knowing nobody really comes during this time of the day in the fifth floor toilet.

“Says someone whose face is blurred out.” Jaemin thinks Jeno is playing with his mind. Why is it that only my face is shown and not yours? “Why would someone do this?”

“Don’t trust anyone easily.” Jeno leans into the door “No matter if you think they’re your closest friends.”

“Does that apply to you, too?” Jaemin retorts. He finds it unfair that only Jaemin gets the receiving end when both of them had sex in the classroom.

Unless, Jeno is behind it.

“You’re thinking I’m involved, aren’t you?” Jeno tells Jaemin first before Jaemin could say anything. “If I wanted to hurt you, I could’ve killed you from the many times we’ve slept together. Sometimes, your real enemy is the closest to you.”

Jaemin is confused. He isn’t sure if Jeno is talking about himself or others. Does he mean Jinny and Ren? Is Jeno resenting them?

“You’re a smart man, Jaemin.” Jeno adds.

Jeno has violent tendencies. Jaemin recalls Jinny’s advice. He knows that but… “Does it have something to do with how everyone is treating you?”

It clicks. Jaemin doesn’t know Jeno’s past and why the people are treating him differently. He knows Jeno is capable of killing but Jaemin’s guts tell him it isn’t about that. “Are you implying Jinny and Ren are doing this to me?”

“I grew up in a dysfunctional household. My father is a violent drunkard and would always hurt my mom as long as I could remember.” Jeno says. “I would try to fight him when it got so bad but what can my small, scrawny body do against a full adult? Of course I would get beat up too. And then one day, he got so violent he wanted to kill me and my mom. So I did what I did.”

Jeno breathes out. “I killed him before he could kill us. When the authorities got to us, my mom was institutionalized after suffering from years of trauma and I got into counselling. It was self defense so I was freed and Jinny’s parents took me in.”

So what Jinny said about him and Jeno being relatives are true.

“I was thankful. My lifestyle was better thee compared to my old home.” Jeno continues. “But as we got older, Jinny got attached to me. At first, I thought it was a sibling attachment. It started to bother me and her parents when she kept introducing me as her boyfriend with her friends. I rejected her many times and it got so bad that her parents decided to kick me out when I was sixteen to avoid disgracing their family. After that, Jinny spread rumours about me being violent and bullying people. She even told people about me killing my dad to prove her point. Times passed, more and more people bought her story. Even uncle and auntie believed her and thought I was making advances on their daughter when I wasn’t. Up till this day, I am seen as a violent person people don’t want to associate with.”

“Oh god…” Jaemin couldn’t believe it. Jeno went through this. And Jinny? Jinny is behind all these mess?

“You’re free to believe whatever you want, Jaemin.” Jeno says nonchalantly.

“Then” Jaemin pauses. “Why didn’t you attack Jinny first? Since she made your life miserable.”

“Cliché as it may sound, I’m saving the best for last.” Jeno remarks before walking away “See you in the shadows, Jaemin.”

“Stop obsessing over Jeno. This is sick.” Ren reasons. “I know you’re behind this.”

“And stop making my business your business, Ren.” Jinny responds angrily, throwing her phone on the floor. “I need Jaemin out of our lives! You promised to help me.”

“Yes, because you told me I had a chance with you!” Ren stands from his couch. “You said you’ll stop having feelings for Jeno if Jaemin moves away from him.”

“Did Jaemin move away? No!” Jinny screams, grabbing her hair as she begins to cry. “He stole my Jeno…”

“Jinny, calm down.” Ren rubs his temples. “Surely there’s a better way to handle this. Your parents are planning to go to the U.S. right? If you come with them you will never see Jaemin or Jeno again.”

“Shut the fuck up, Ren! I want Jaemin away from Jeno.” Jinny storms to the kitchen to have a glass of water to calm herself. “Jaemin… Jaemin needs to be gone. Out of this place. I’ll make sure of that.”

“Okay, but let’s do it peacefully, Jinny. That’s the only way I’ll help you.” Ren says and Jinny reluctantly nods.

“Your dad has connections with the police, right?” Jinny turns to finish her glass. She then pours another for Ren to drink.

Ren thanks Jinny for the gesture. It’s been years since he pined for Jinny. But Jinny only had eyes for Jeno— her blood relative. It’s unhealthy and Ren wanted Jinny to lead a good life. However, Jaemin came and it added to his problems. Jinny isn’t able to let go of Jeno out of jealousy. And now that Jinny knows Jaemin and Jeno are in a relationship, it seems Jinny will never let this one go.

Honestly, I’m scared. Ren tells himself before drinking his water.

Not long after, Jinny receives a message from Jaemin wanting to meet. She scoffs at the message. You’re dead, bitch.

Jinny writes a lovely message to respond to Jaemin. Before sending the message, she looks over to Ren’s bloodied body sprawled in the floor.

“I’ll get straight to the point.” Jinny says after sitting in front to Jaemin. They agree to meet at a café— a public place where many people could watch them. None of them will be able to make a move. “Get away from Jeno.”

Jaemin takes a sip of his coffee and stares blankly on his old friend. “Is Ren working with you? What happens if I don’t leave Jeno?”

“You don’t have to mind Ren.” Jinny responds, “And to answer your question, I’ll simply ruin your life. Don’t forget, I still have copies of your disgusting act.”

“I see you watched the whole thing” Jaemin smirks seeing Jinny’s infuriated face. “My face is already seen by many people. I’m sure it doesn’t matter who my partner was. I know you don’t want to expose Jeno’s face.”

Your fear disappears when you’re willing to gamble everything.

“Wipe that smug look in your face.” Jinny says. “You’ll see.”

“Good luck with that.” Jaemin scoffs and leaves.

Jinny, however, stays. He waits for Jaemin’s figure to be completely gone before taking a napkin and pouring the remaining coffee into a glass. Jinny then secretly puts the coffee mug into her bag and leaves the restaurant.

Jaemin is supposed to let go of his stress that night, not minding Jinny’s threats while he leisurely spends his time with Jeno. He did not account that Jinny’s threat would haunt him immediately when he sees his and Jeno’s face plastered on the news.

Jaemin and Jeno look at each other then back to the TV.

Just in, N University student Kwon Ren, twenty-three, is found dead in his own home to what seems to be poisoning. Police have found fingerprints not belonging to Mr. Kwon but a Mr. Na who happens to be a close friend of the victim. A person named Ms. Lee Jinny presented herself to the police as close friend of Mr. Kwon and Mr. Na. In her statement, it appears that Mr. Kwon and Mr. Na had a small altercation that led the police into believing Mr. Na poisoned Mr. Kwon.

In the next report, an update on the case of N University professor, identified as Mr. Jung— who is found dead from an abandoned compost pit behind the university’s library. His death is estimated to be in a state of decay for seventy-two hours. In the forensics report, another blood is found in Mr. Jung’s knuckle that is theorized to be a self defense wound from his perpetrator. The blood is identified to be from an N University student named Mr. Lee Jeno. And by the way Mr. Jung has been murdered, there is a high probability that Mr. Lee Jeno is the serial killer the police has been hunting down— Shadow.

Right now, the police are heading to the homes of Mr. Na and Mr. Lee to apprehend both suspects.

“Is this it?” Jaemin turns to Jeno. “The one who deserves to go to jail can walk freely and show her face to the media while us in the grey area are punished unjustly?”

The only sound they can hear in the quiet neighbourhood is the sound of the sirens.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

I wish it was just a dream.

Jaemin opens his eyes to a white ceiling. However, it isn’t his room. He hears a faint beeping sound and antiseptic smell surrounding him. Jaemin is exhausted and lightheaded. Events of the previous times are all blank. He can’t even remember how many days he’s been out cold.

“Jaemin, dear.” Mrs. Na comes immediately to Jaemin’s side. “Thank god, you’re awake!”

Jaemin achingly turns to his side and sees his mother crying in happiness. He opens his mouth and tries his best to make a sound. Despite the hoarseness and dryness of his throat, Jaemin manages to ask, “How long was I out?”

“Days, baby.” Mrs. Na caresses Jaemin’s face carefully, avoiding the small cuts Jaemin had from the accident. “Four days. Do you need anything? Water?”

“I’ll have some water.” Jaemin answers weakly. “Mom, what happened exactly?”

Mrs. Na looks at his son dreadfully. It’s as if she’s hesitant to tell Jaemin anything. Reluctantly, she gets a glass of water and makes Jaemin drink before asking, “Well, what can you remember?”

Jaemin finishes the glass, relieved that his thirst is quenched and his throat feels better. “I don’t really know. I have vague memories and I’m not sure if they’re real or not. How did I end up here?”

Mrs. Na takes a seat beside Jaemin’s bed and exhales deeply. She lovingly holds Jaemin’s hand and composes herself. “This might take a lot but baby, you got kidnapped by this murderer in town. The police think this criminal made you escape with him by jumping off of a bridge.”

Jaemin’s head hurt. So it really happened. It wasn’t a dream. Jeno and I jumped off while running away.

“What happened to Je– the criminal?” Jaemin asks curiously about Jeno’s whereabouts.

Mrs. Na shakes her head. “The police couldn’t find his body. They’ve been searching around the area for days and he didn’t resurface. There’s a high chance he drowned.”

Jaemin’s heart sinks. He tries his best not to show his growing sorrow to his mother. Mrs. Na still doesn’t know about what happened between him and Jeno— what their relationship is… or was.

Jaemin simply nods, letting his mother see he acknowledges what happened. However, his emotions betray him as his tears start to fall down. Jaemin wipes it immediately and Mrs. Na’s worries only grow.

“Dear, I’m so sorry.’ Mrs. Na comes to Jaemin’s aid, hugging her son. “I made you remember something you’re probably traumatized about. I hope the criminal is truly gone.”

That’s not it. Jaemin cries. I want Jeno with me. He can’t disappear from me.

Jaemin once again wakes up seeing the hospital ceiling. He cried so much until his exhaustion took him. Mrs. Na is right beside him with a  smiling face. Jiya is present as well, standing behind their mother.

Today is the scheduled discharge of Jaemin.

Jaemin sits up with the help of Mrs. Na. Remembering what happened the day before, Jaemin’s mood drops. However, he quickly recovers and fakes a smile to prevent his family from further worrying.

The doctor and a nurse both come in and Jaemin greets both of them. Mrs. Na leaves the room to talk with the doctor while Jiya heads to the cashier to fill up necessary forms for Jaemin’s discharge. The nurse staying for Jaemin checks his vitals and compliments his admirable recovery.

Jaemin eyes his mother and the doctor from the hall through the open door. He sees Mrs. Na rubbing her temples while the doctor lets out a displeased sigh. Curious, Jaemin asks. “What’s going on?”

“Well,” The nurse looks around hesitantly, making sure the doctor does not hear their conversation. She whispers. “There are reporters outside. It seems the media wants to know your story… as a survivor.”

Jaemin turns to the TV and reaches for the remote control to switch the channel. Much to the nurse’s dismay, Jaemin sees the live footage of the news today. As expected, there are reporters and cameramen surrounding the hospital’s entrance.

Today, we are at **** Hospital waiting for Mr. Na Jaemin’s exit. These past few days have been laced with sorrow, anxiety, and stress for most of you because of this serial killer called Shadow— most commonly known by his peers as Lee Jeno.

Jaemin’s eyes glue on the screen as he sees Jeno’s face is plastered for everyone seeing the news, including the nurse beside him. He then sees his face beside Jeno and below them are Jinny’s and a black and white photo of Ren.

Earlier in this case, the police have hunted down twenty-three year old Lee Jeno and his alleged partner in crime Na Jaemin, twenty-two. Lee Jeno is wanted for a series of murders and Na Jaemin is suspected to be involved in the murder of Kwon Ren, twenty-two and Lee Jinny, twenty-three.

However, evidence against Na Jaemin turned out to be a failed attempt to frame the twenty-two year old of felony and homicide. Police suspect that Lee Jeno abducted Mr. Na by befriending him and later on throw him to the police while he makes his escape.

Just this morning, the female survivor Ms. Lee Jinny woke up from coma. However, her family asks for privacy while she recovers her memories.

Mr. Na is scheduled to be discharged today and we hope we could get a statement from him directly.

Jaemin closes his eyes to prevent himself from tearing up seeing Jeno’s face. I want to see him.

The nurse turns the TV off seeing Jaemin’s reaction. Poor guy. It must be hard to relive the moment.

Jaemin takes a deep breath before opening his eyes once again. But of course, Jaemin knew this was false. It was Jinny who set them up.

“The girl victim miraculously survived.” The nurse says, pertaining to Jinny. “However, I heard she’s suffering from short memory loss. So her statements cannot be used by the media. That’s why they’ve been flocking the entrance.”

Jinny attempted to take her life and survived? Jaemin furrows his brows. And now she can’t remember a thing?

“Jaemin dear, can you change by yourself now?” Mrs. Na enters the room while the nurse excuses herself. “I already put your clothes in the bathroom so you can change after washing your face.”

Jaemin sits still for a second before responding. “Y-yeah.”

Jaemin squirms as the cold water touches his face. His mom used to help him wipe with warm water. Right now, Jaemin is left with no other choice.

He takes a towel to dry himself before grabbing a pair of pants. Bending and stretching his body still hurts from time to time and Jaemin hopes he can get back to shape once he returns home. Jaemin then unties his hospital gown and what he sees in the mirror petrified him.

Jaemin breathes heavily, and his heart beat as loud as when it was when Mrs. Park got murdered.

What he’s seeing in his reflection is what connected him with Jeno— Shadow in the first place.

The silver ring necklace that hung beautifully around his neck.

With a trembling hand, Jaemin reaches for the jewellery to make sure he isn’t hallucinating. The metal feels as warm as his skin and Jaemin once again looks at himself in the mirror. Waiting.

For a ghost? Maybe so.

For Jeno? Perhaps.

Jaemin wishes to wait to see what’s about to happen. Even if there is nothing.

A knock wakes Jaemin from his trance. It’s his mother. He opens the door and sees Mrs. Na’s expectant face.

“Jaemin are you done—“Mrs. Na looks at her son. “Do you need help?”

“I uh,” Jaemin stutters. He has so many questions yet his mind is in shambles. “This necklace…”

“Oh!” Mrs. Na beams. “I put it on you last night when the nurse gave me your belongings. You were already asleep but I figured I might forget to tell you and you’ll be restless if you don’t see it.”

Jaemin blinks. “What—“

Mrs. Na reads her son’s face and asks, “Oh my, you don’t remember? This was given to you by your dad when you graduated high school. You never take this off.”

“This is …” Jaemin looks down at the ring pendant and looks at the detailing. It’s silver with a gold line in the middle. Identical to Jeno’s. “Mine?”

“Yes, I can’t be wrong about it.” Mrs. Na places her warm palm against Jaemin’s cheek as a way to comfort him. “You wanted to become a lawyer just like your dad was. So when you graduated high school, he was so happy he gifted you his college ring. However, I and your dad got divorced and I’m still sorry about that. You had to choose biology and took some pre-law classes instead.”

Jaemin takes the pendant and sees the engraving inside it. Without a doubt, Lee has been engraved for quite some time.

Jaemin realizes it. Lee is his father’s surname.

It wasn’t Jeno’s surname that was engraved in the ring.

It was Jaemin’s father.

“You never take it off because you feel uncomfortable if it’s gone.” Mrs. Na adds, brushing Jaemin’s silver hair. “Come on now, put a shirt on. We’ll go home soon.”

Jaemin waits for his mother to leave and goes back to close the bathroom door. He stares at himself in the mirror, eyes looking at the reflection of their own as if searching for something.

In his memories, Jaemin could not see Shadow because Shadow isn’t Jeno.

Jeno was never haunted by the ghosts. Jaemin is.

The nightmares, the haunting, and the obsession. It wasn’t Jeno.

As if waking up from a dream, Jaemin smiles at himself. It was Jaemin’s reflection.

Jaemin was the root of moral justice.

Jaemin started it all.

Jaemin is Shadow.

It was five thirty in the afternoon, Halloween of year twenty-twenty. Jaemin is seated at the corner quietly. It’s been two months since he moved in this town and enrolled in N University for Biology.

Looking around, he knew nobody outside his class. Ren, one of his classmates, invited students from his fraternity and most of them are Law majors. While Jaemin waits for other Biology majors he knows, he takes his necklace and ponders to himself— somewhat envious of Law majors discussing their several homework.

It’s okay, Jaemin. Law may not be for you.

Jaemin lets out a sigh and takes his phone. There’s a new show on Netflix called True Homicide and as a mystery geek, Jaemin is curious as to what it is. So he takes his ear buds and puts them on his ears.

Time flies and Jaemin does not notice an hour has passed until someone sits next to him. Jaemin looks up and sees the room filled with more people, more snacks, and more drinks.

“It’s a good show, right?” Says the person next to Jaemin.

Jaemin turns and sees a man, about his age, looking at his phone. This man had a dishevelled ebony black hair, striped black and white sweater, silver chain necklace and matching silver rings. However, Jaemin doesn’t recognize him.

Jaemin nods to answer the stranger’s question and asks “Are you Biology major?”

“I’m not good with body parts stuff.” The man smiles and shakes his head. He then reaches out his hand towards Jaemin. “Lee Jeno, Law Major. What about you? I don’t think I’ve seen you here before.”

Jaemin takes Jeno’s hand and shakes it briefly. “I’m Na Jaemin. Biology Major. Who are you supposed to dress up as?”

Jaemin expects Jeno to say something related to any dark cartoon character or perhaps an anime. Jeno, however, just smiles— showing his crescent eyes that awed Jaemin.

“None” Jeno answers with a slight shrug of his shoulders. “Nobody really cares about the costumes anyway. Wear something dark and you’ll fit right in.”

Jaemin nods and feels embarrassed as Jeno gives him a look over.

“How about you?” Jeno asks Jaemin back.

“Vanellope von Schweetz” Jaemin sheepishly says, looking down at his mint green hoodie. It was a last minute decision. Jaemin looks up expecting Jeno to laugh but he is met with furrowed eyebrows. “Um, Wreck-It Ralph? That animated movie? But I didn’t have time to dye my hair black so… blonde Vanellope it is.”

“Oh” Jeno opens his mouth and Jaemin concludes Jeno is still wondering who the hell is Vanellope. Jeno clears his throat and manages to put on a smile. “You look good with blonde though. Not that I really care about your character but…”

Jaemin thanks Ren for making the room dim with party lights or else Jeno would’ve seen his flushed face. He’s been called good looking before. But coming from someone who’s equally attractive, Jaemin is highly flattered.

“You look good too.” Jaemin responds. “Even without the costume.”

“I’m flattered.” Jeno leans closer to Jaemin. “Even more if you liked True Homicide.”

Jaemin beams. “In fact, I do! I’m a fan of crime documentaries and that’s one of the reasons I chose biology. I want to be involved in forensic science one day.”

“We could work together in the future then.” Jeno reaches for the beer bucket in front of them and gets two beers— one for himself and one for Jaemin. “Cheers.”

“Cheers” Jaemin responds by clicking their bottles together.

“Enjoying the night, boys?” A gleaming woman comes in. She takes a beer from the same bucket Jeno got theirs and sits dangerously close to Jeno much to Jaemin’s discomfort.

Jaemin looks at the woman. She’s wearing a tight black latex short dress that accentuates her front and legs. The woman also wears a pair of fishnet stockings underneath and a pair of black bunny ears on top of her auburn hair. She is a stunning woman, Jaemin won’t deny that. However, she doesn’t seem to be their age. But Jaemin tells himself not to judge.

The woman takes a leave after caressing Jeno’s thigh sensually— again, to Jaemin’s discomfort. And by the expression Jeno is holding, he seems uncomfortable as well with that brief interaction.

“Your girlfriend?” Jaemin asks with a hint of intrigue. He didn’t count that Jeno might not be single and thought he could flirt with him.

Jeno shakes his head almost immediately. “God, no”

You must be popular. Jaemin wants to say but decides to keep his mouth shut.

From their peripheral, they could see the newcomer greeting some students before settling in the kitchen island where the other students are taking vodka shots— including Ren whom the woman greets with a kiss. She then smiles at the other boys and proceeds to either give them a kiss or flirt with them.

Jaemin averts his head back to Jeno and the latter only shakes his head. They turn their gaze towards the kitchen again and see the auburn haired beauty leading a guy and Ren upstairs.

Once they are out of sight, Jeno whispers to Jaemin “She’s our Sociology teacher, Miss Cho.”

Jaemin whips his head and makes a close contact with Jeno’s face— almost kissing him. Jaemin retracts and embarrassingly clears his throat. He whispers back to Jeno “I thought we shouldn’t invite teachers?”

“She’s usually not invited. But she knows things in the Law department and probably heard about this and invited herself. I don’t think the other guys would mind—“ Jeno’s words are cut off when the crowd hears the loud slamming of the door upstairs. Several students snarl and whisper. Most scream and tease, betting about what’s going to happen.

Jeno leans further towards Jaemin and the latter feels a tingling sensation building inside him. “She has also fiancée so… I don’t know why she’s engaging in such things.”

“And she’s getting away with it?” Jaemin responds. He just witnessed an illicit affair happening right in front of his eyes.

“I know it’s immoral.” Jeno answers. “However, she isn’t married. And her flings aren’t minors or married. There’s only as little as the law can do.”

It’s part of Jaemin’s nature to know and be the judge. That’s why he wanted to be a person who implements justice in the first place. But Jeno is right, the justice system today could only do so much. “I wish we could live in a world where your sins will be punished accordingly— an instant punishment for those who weren’t convicted by the law.”

 “Sometimes, law seems unfair.” Jeno agrees. “We see immoral things happening in front of us yet we can do nothing. We want to do something. However, we are limited and worse, ignored.

Jeno looks at Jaemin and notices the conflicted expression he is displaying. Putting his hand above Jaemin’s knee, Jeno proposes. “Do you want to leave this party and come watch crime documentaries at my house? I have drinks there as well.”

Jaemin breathes in and feels a little better, especially with only a cloth separating his skin from Jeno’s warm hand.  Jaemin smiles at the thought that crossed his mind, “How can I be so sure this isn’t a serial killer’s motive? I don’t know you that well, Mister Lee.”

Jeno chuckles and Jaemin ones again see Jeno’s eyes disappearing as they form beautiful crescents. Putting his beer down, Jeno answers, “I also don’t know you that well, Mister Na. This is probably a bad choice of mine if I invite a serial killer in my house.”

“Touché” Jaemin says before putting his beer down and following Jeno to exit the house. Ren is probably enjoying his moment right now.

“Is Brandy okay with you?” Jeno asks after welcoming Jaemin to his home.

Jaemin looks around and notices how neat Jeno’s house is compared to his. “Yeah. Who lives with you?”

“Just my mom and me. But she works overseas so I’m left alone.” Jeno responds as he walks to the kitchen. “Perfect opportunity for you to murder me since we also don’t have CCTV.”

“Oh, come on.” Jaemin whines and takes a seat on the couch. Hopefully he doesn’t mind.

Jeno comes back with a tray of two glasses, a bottle of brandy, and ice bucket. He sits comfortably next to Jaemin and turns the TV on, browsing crime mystery series he’s collected.

“That one.” Jaemin points at the Sherlock Holmes series with Benedict Cumberbatch’s face plastered on the poster. “I didn’t get to finish this.”

“Did he really have to kiss Moriarty like that?” Jaemin chuckles as lightheadedness consumes him. “This is gold.”

Jeno leans into Jaemin. “Irene might like it, though”

“Right.” Jaemin mumbles, unconsciously magnetized towards Jeno. He stares at Jeno’s dark eyes, down to his nose, and further down his swollen lips.

Jaemin doesn’t know if he tingling feeling on his own lips is because of the alcohol or the pure urge to kiss Jeno. However, when Jeno leans in, all Jaemin could do is close his eyes and welcome this beautiful stranger into his space.

Their kiss is brief. And yet, Jaemin only wants to get lost in Jeno’s embrace. He chases Jeno’s lips once more and Jeno pulls him close— deepening their kiss.

They share their heat one way or another. Jaemin is now straddling Jeno while his mint hoodie already scattered on the floor. Jeno kisses his chest, licking a stripe on one of Jaemin’s nipple whist two of his fingers pinch the other one.

This shouldn’t be happening but… Jaemin grabs a handful of Jeno’s soft ebony hair for them to share a kiss once again. Their tongues tease and dance together while tasting the bitterness of brandy and long forgetting the show behind them. I’ve never been this high since my parent’s divorce.

Jaemin is an emotionally broken man. He had a good childhood and yet, his father couldn’t love his mother faithfully anymore.

If you can’t commit, don’t be serious about it. Jaemin tells himself. Jeno could be a onetime thing. If it lasts, I’ll be loyal to him and only him.

“Do you have any experience?”

Jaemin looks at Jeno and shakes his head. With a flushed face, he says “I’ve touched myself but never really…”

Jeno kisses his neck and stands up. Jaemin thinks Jeno is disappointed until Jeno reaches his hand out. “I want to take care of you for your fist time. Would you like to join me in the shower and I’ll make love to you properly on the bed.”

Jaemin is unable to hide his smile as he takes Jeno’s hand. They hastily remove their remaining clothes as they enter the shower. Jaemin continues to submit to Jeno, letting Jeno dominate his lips as warm water pours on them while the grind their hardening cocks together.

“Could you turn around for me, Jaemin” Jeno whispers in Jaemin’s ear, biting his lobe teasingly.

“Mhm” Jaemin nods and obediently turns towards the tiles wall. He arches his back when Jeno tugs on it. Jaemin sees Jeno pump a liquid soap and lathers the gel-like substance all over his and Jaemin’s body— focusing especially on the crevice of Jaemin’s ass and genitals.

After washing all the soap completely, Jeno kneels behind Jaemin to spread Jaemin’s cheeks further.

Jaemin lets out a mewl when Jeno’s tongue probes at his rim. The warm sleek muscle lets itself gently inside Jaemin’s hole. “Je…no”

Jeno doesn’t respond. Instead, he pushes his tongue inside Jaemin’s untouched hole and tasting Jaemin’s hole like it’s a gourmet dish. Jeno loves the sound Jaemin makes every time he moves his tongue inside him.

Jaemin leans at the cold tiles as he slowly reaches for his cock. He feels Jeno’s tongue pull out, only to be replaced by a finger. Jaemin’s legs tremble when Jeno reaches in— deeper than his tongue could and Jaemin’s breathing escalates at the new feeling. Yes, he’s touched himself often and perhaps, experimented with his anal rim. However, he dared not to get deep with this own fingers as how Jeno is doing it.

Jeno stands behind Jaemin, grinding his body against the latter. Jaemin responds by turning his head and meeting Jeno’s lips with a kiss. Jeno then pulls his finger out only to spread Jaemin’s cheeks wider and let his now hard cock grind against Jaemin’s hole.

Jaemin twitches as his nervousness rise. Yet, Jeno didn’t enter and only pumps his cock while teasing Jaemin’s hole.

“Are you not…” Jaemin mumbles in between their kiss, beginning to feel the growing tension in his cock.

“Let’s go to bed.” Jeno says without letting Jaemin finish his sentence.

It would be cliché to say Jaemin never felt like it before. But it’s the truth. Yes, he thought about sex. He just never imagined it would be like this.

With his ass still sore, Jaemin lies bare on his stomach— smelling the minty scent of Jeno’s shampoo in his pillow. He looks at his side where Jeno sits, one hand holding a cigarette and the other massaging Jaemin’s lower back.

“It’s fine, you know.” Jaemin says, grabbing Jeno’s attention. “I expected a little pain but it’s not like I’d cry about it.”

Jeno takes a short puff of the cigarette before pinching Jaemin’s cheek. “Next time, tell me if it’s painful anywhere.”

Next time. Jaemin smiles. “So this isn’t a onetime thing?”

Jeno pauses and contemplates. “Well I mean…”

Jaemin sits up despite the soreness and leans into Jeno’s bare chest. “If you’re fine with me.”

“I wouldn’t kiss you in the first place if I wasn’t” Jeno kisses the crown of Jaemin’s head. “Not gonna lie, I was already expecting you to run away.”

Jaemin turns to look at Jeno, admiring the beautiful mess of a man right in front of him. “Then that would be a missed opportunity for me.”

Jeno kisses Jaemin and the latter could taste the bitterness of the cigarette lingering in Jeno’s lips. With curiosity, Jaemin asks “Can I try it?”

Jeno looks at the cigarette in his hand then back to Jaemin. “It doesn’t tick your moral views?”

Jaemin chuckles, taking the cigarette from Jeno’s hand and puts it on his lips. He inhales and a bitter-tasting smoke fills his lungs. Jaemin coughs up the burnt nicotine despite his eagerness. “Bitter.”

“If you don’t like it, don’t do it.” Jeno smiles, admiring the teary eyed Jaemin. “I’m used to it already since I was young.”

“You started early?” Jaemin asks. Sure, he knows some people smoked young. However, he is curious about this part of Jeno’s past.

“Well” Jeno positions himself more comfortably. “Let’s just say I had a rough childhood. It broke me emotionally, mentally, and physically.”

I guess we have another thing in common. Jaemin thinks. We’re both broken.

“I wanted to be a lawyer.” Jeno adds “So that no child— or anyone innocent is left scarred for life.”

“We may not be innocent anymore. We probably have sinned at least once in our life. It’s only a matter of how heavy the sin is.”

It was that moment Jaemin realizes he could have a purpose. Make a better world for this fucked up society they live in— that this world will become better and progressive if there are less pests lurking.

And thus, the fateful night of Miss Cho’s murder occurred. It wasn’t that hard to trick her. She had her eyes on Jeno for a while. It only took both Jaemin and Jeno to wait for her to leave Ren’s party, flirtatiously talk to her, and get her to invite them in her home. With pre-meditated planning, it was easy for both Jaemin and Jeno to make it seem as if she was expecting a visitor. Added to that, Jeno made it sure text messages and other forms of communication are discovered by the police to expose her infidelity.

A part of Jaemin thinks she deserves it. And a greater part of him is thrilled he could see justice happening right in front of his eyes.

Sinners should be punished. If law cannot convict the sinners, I will. This is moral justice.

October, 2022

“Jaemin”

Jaemin jerks at the touch of his mother in his shoulder. He turns to Mrs. Na and the latter only smiles. Jaemin then turns to the nurse beside him and asks, “Do I really have to go out in a wheelchair?”

“Mrs. Na requested it.” The nurse looks wearily at Jaemin’s mother.

“This is for precautionary measures.” Mrs. Na explains. “Jaemin, there are reporters outside who are scrambling just to get a word out of you. I don’t want you to get pushed around and be hurt.”

Jaemin holds his ring necklace and fiddles it restlessly. His eyes darken at the memories flooding inside his brain. Everybody is blaming Jeno and I go unscathed. Jaemin looks down at the engraving on the ring. Is this what you wanted, Jeno?

He remembers their promise together when Jaemin showed Jeno his necklace.

I’ll be loyal Lee to you, forever.

Jaemin closes his eyes to stop his emotions from overflowing. With a newfound dedication, Jaemin turns to his mother. “Let’s go home,”

Don’t worry, Jeno. Our efforts will not be futile.

The car ride wasn’t as smooth as they expected. They were being chased by reporters until a few miles away from the hospital. Other than that, nothing but Jaemin’s case is all over the news and radio— including the one in their car.

Everyone is talking about Jaemin and Jeno. However, Jaemin is disappointed.

All they see is a villain and never the unsung hero.

Jaemin fixes his bed after washing his face. It’s been a week since he’s been discharged. Reporters are still calling his place non-stop despite his mother’s complaints. Fortunately, they’ve stopped bombarding Jaemin’s house after Mrs. Na called authority on them.

A sound of clanking disrupts Jaemin’s chore and Jaemin stares at his open door. He walks outside, seeing his mother arranging her luggage. “Are you going now, mom?”

Mrs. Na looks up at his son standing on the balustrade above the stairs and smiles. “Yes, dear. Me and Jiya are running late for our flight. Are you sure you don’t want to come? Jeju is a breath of fresh air.”

Jaemin shakes his head and goes down to meet his mom. “No. Someone has to stay.”

“Then take care, okay? Don’t bother the Lee’s so much.” Mrs. Na cups Jaemin’s face before her eyes dart on Jaemin’s left arm. “Oh my god, Jaemin. What happened?”

Jaemin looks at his gauzed up wound. “Don’t worry about it. I accidentally cut myself with a box cutter while tidying up my stuff.”

“Well, be careful. Be good.” Mrs. Na kisses Jaemin’s cheek. Jiya is already in the car so I better get going. Goodbye, dear.”

“Bye, mom.” Jaemin hugs his mother one last time before changing his clothes for the gathering at the Lee’s tonight.

Lee Jinny is moving out of town. Jaemin checks himself in the mirror— his silver blonde locks have grown and are replaced with his natural dark locks.  “Jinny, Jinny, Jinny. Did you really forget, Jinny?”

The neighbourhood is still the same as it was and had always been. Remnants of Halloween decoration still sits at some homes Jaemin passes by. Some neighbours greet him and some children run pass by him. It’s the usual, quiet neighbourhood Jaemin could never get used to.

In a few minutes of walking under the reddish sky, Jaemin arrives at the Lee’s. There are already guests present that Jaemin recognizes. He says his greetings and introduces himself politely to those who do not know him. However, it seems everyone does recognize him. His face had been all over the news and some nosy neighbours decide to open the topic much to the others’ discomfort. Jaemin has learned to politely decline the questions.

He is then greeted by Jinny’s mother. She raised Jeno for quite some time but after the news, Mrs. Lee started acting like Jeno never existed in the first place— as if he was an estranged, problematic nephew despite knowing the truth about Jeno’s background.

Mrs. Lee is one pretentious bitch. Jaemin smiles and greets Mrs. Lee before being invited to her home. Like mother, like daughter.

And there, right in the living room, Jaemin sees a very much alive Jinny talking with other guests. Mrs. Lee calls for her daughter and Jinny greets Jaemin as if it was the good old days.

Jinny excitedly grabs Jaemin’s hand and proposes they go upstairs to look at their old photos in an attempt to make Jinny regain her memories. Mrs. Lee gleefully allows them and Jaemin makes his way to his old friend’s room.

Jinny closes her door and turns her back towards Jaemin— refusing to face him. Her gleaming aura is now long gone.

“Until when can you stop faking it?” Jaemin calls to her, seeing through her bullshit.

Jinny, still facing away from Jaemin, takes an old phone from her drawer. “You shouldn’t have come here, Jaemin. I still have those photos ready to ruin you.”

“Is that a threat?” Jaemin asks her.

Jinny finally turns towards Jaemin. “You can’t do anything to me while you’re in my house. Who do you think they’ll sympathize with? The man who ran away with a criminal or the poor victim girl that lost her memories?”

Jaemin looks at Jinny’s eyes. “You’re right. But I didn’t come here to harm you.”

“Oh, please.” Jinny rolls her eyes. “You can’t touch me, Jaemin. I ruined Jeno’s life and I can do it with you too. Not to mention, I could kill you just like how easily I poisoned Ren with arsenic. I’ll leave this place unscathed. And if you ever dare to get one step close to me, I can blackmail you. I’ll make sure no one will believe you and I won’t fail to set you up next time.”

Jinny adds, “I also have a video footage of you two having sex with Jeno’s face clearly seen. The police will know you two are involved and doing crimes together.”

“Good. Keep it.” Jaemin simply replies.

Before Jinny could say more, Mrs. Lee knocks opens the door. “Kids, the cake arrived. Just look at the photos later. Jaemin, you’re spending the night remember?”

Jaemin smiles and leaves the room first.

Jaemin once again walks past the old house he used to go as a child. Beside it is the dark alley where he murdered Mrs. Park on that fateful night. As Jaemin moves closer, he steps on a yellow plastic that was once a caution tape barricading anyone who dares to enter. It’s been weeks since then. Mrs. Park’s death and the discovery of her embezzlement had long been forgotten by this quiet neighbourhood. Naughty children and drunken young adults have passed by this dark alley a few times after the crime scene had been cleaned up.

Jaemin walks further, looking at the existing graffiti and garbage seemingly untouched. It’s still early in the evening and the sky is still on its reddish hue. Just like blood.

He makes a sharp turn and sees the end of the alley where his neighbourhood sits. Jaemin continues to walk leisurely, taking the time to appreciate the serenity of this suburban town. When he finally reaches the end, Jaemin looks around and sees the empty street.

Most of his neighbours are at the Lees. Some who remained are most likely in their own homes, preparing a nice dinner.

Jaemin crosses the street and in a few blocks down, he reaches his house. Just when he enters, his phone rings. It’s his mom.

“Dear, are you okay there?” Mrs. Na’s words are unclear from the poor connection.

“Yes, mom. Party’s fun.” Jaemin lies through his teeth while he takes off his shoes and walks around barefoot. He then places his bag on the couch, making himself comfortable at his own home.

“Have fun over there, okay? Don’t trouble the Lee’s by staying the night there.” Mrs. Na reminds. “We just arrived at the airport. So I don’t think I call you after this.”

Jaemin leans his head lazily on the side while smiling. “Okay. Bye mom, love you. Tell Jiya that for me too.”

After Mrs. Na responded, Jaemin hangs up the phone with a kiss.

“I’d love to meet your mom someday.”

Jaemin turns to Jeno, who, was already seated next to him the whole time. He lovingly nuzzles his head on the crook of Jeno’s neck “If only your face wasn’t plastered on the Wanted list, she’d love you.”

Jeno grabs Jaemin’s waist to make the latter sit on top of him. He stares at Jaemin’s crystal-like eyes and leans in to kiss his lover. Jeno holds Jaemin close as if not wanting to part with Jaemin any time soon.

Jaemin responds to the kiss, missing Jeno over these past few weeks. It was only a few nights ago that Jeno found a way to contact Jaemin. It would be a lie to say Jaemin did not cry at the sight of his lover alive and well.

Jeno’s hands sneak their way into Jaemin’s ass, groping the plump cheeks like he used to.

Jaemin moans at the touch. He then trails kisses down to Jeno’s neck while his hands find their way to feel Jeno’s skin under his shirt “Where do we go now?”

“Anywhere you want, baby.” Jeno leans down to kiss Jaemin and notices Jaemin’s neck. “Where’s your necklace?”

Jaemin smirks. “I left it at the party.”

“And that is?” Jeno’s eyes travel down to Jaemin’s cut.

“Evidence.” Jaemin replies nonchalantly. “I left at the party. I can’t let a bitch get away when I’ve easily killed people.”

Next day, Jaemin’s face is once again n the news. Much to Jinny’s horror, it wasn’t because he is suspected of a crime.

Jaemin is now a missing person and a blood curling evidence is left at the Lee home.

We are now at the home of the Lee family where Lee Jinny, who was involved with the serial killer Lee Jeno, was once a victim and now turned into an alleged suspect of Na Jaemin’s disappearance.

Both were known by their peers as good friends with good relationship including the deceased Kwon Ren. However, Na Jaemin is last seen in this house after being invited to a party by the Lees.

Guests have confirmed that Na Jaemin is indeed present in this party before his disappearance. Police have found blood splatter which the forensics will further confirm if the blood is indeed Mr. Na’s. An evidence is found under Ms. Lee’s bed which turns out to be a priced possession of Mr. Na— a ring necklace whom, through Mrs. Na’s confirmation, is formerly owned by her ex husband.

However, the most concrete evidence found to be a motive is a secret recording of Ms. Lee confirming she had poisoned her late friend Mr. Kwon with arsenic. She also mentioned to have framed Mr. Na for Mr. Kwon’s death— disproving the police’s theory of Mr. Lee Jeno to be the mastermind of the framing. Ms. Lee also confesses in another recording that she had initiated something against Mr. Lee Jeno and that she is planning to frame Mr. Na Jaemin in the near future.

Could this be a sign that Shadow’s case will be reopened?

Who is the real suspect of these serial killings?

Jaemin turns off the car radio and stretches his body from the long hour drive. With Jeno beside him, Jaemin decides to start a new life.

“It doesn’t matter if you sinned. It only matters how heavy your sin is. Life is not pure black and pure white.” Jeno kisses Jaemin’s hand.

“What matters to us now is that we stay in the gray area.”

Fin.