Kyungsoo’s nostrils were filled with the metallic stench of blood, his hands stained with so much it was starting to look like near-black ooze. The blood was not his own, nor was the matted hair that he ran his fingers through and clenched so tightly, soaked with the same liquid. The cold wet skin contrasted his own as he rested his forehead against it, crying out as he broke into pieces.

The heavy rain mixed with the blood as Kyungsoo hugged the limp body to his chest, as though he were bringing him closer by doing so, as though it would bring him back.

“Not again, why do I have to lose you again” he whispered into lifeless skin

Why was it so quiet? Did no one care?

Kyungsoo looked up, desperately searching, for someone or something that could save the boy in his arms. People passed the alleyway obliviously. Only one hazy figure stood over him, he wasn’t sure if it was because his eyes were filled with tears or if this man existed outside of time that made him seem like a dream

“Fate has asked for a life. Fate will take one. You can’t save him, Kyungsoo”

Kyungsoo stared down at Jongin’s peacefully motionless face, his trembling hand wiping away the rain that mimicked tears on his cheek, blood smearing across his paling skin.

“I can try”