Chapter Three

“...her head fell back to look up at the dark sky...”

Sihyeon pulled the sleeves of her cardigan down further in the chilled night air, walking a couple steps behind Byul and Sikyeon. She was eventually talked into sneaking out, and finally they were on their way to Saldae for that kid’s welcome back party. It was on his family’s camp ground, so Byul used that to convince Sihyeon it would be safe.

“Seriously Hyeonie, it’s perfectly safe. People go camping at night all the time, it’s not like you’ll get lost or something.” Sikyeon said, only half paying attention to his sisters ramblings. He was much more preoccupied by the short dress Byul was in. His arm was around her waist, and hers around his. Sihyeon looked down. It would be a lie to say she didn’t want what they had, but she was determined to wait for her Prince Charming, her Mr. Darcy.

“Even so, I packed extra bandaids in my purse in case we need them.” Sihyeon sighed deeply as they finally approached the camp ground, as the path they were on spread out into the clearing. There were small bonfires all around the camp, and music playing from the RV. Kids were drinking, eating, kissing, and playing games. She gripped the strap on her purse, and her knees touched. This was her first real party, and she couldn’t feel more uncomfortable.

“I need a drink, can you get me one baby?” Byul asked, her arms wrapped around Sikyeon’s neck, his hands wandering along her hips.

“That, is a fantastic, idea babe...” He smiled, kissing her one more time before heading over to the big table of snacks and condiments. Meanwhile Sihyeon had found some empty lawn chairs, and Byul went to sit beside her.

“Do you want something to drink too Hyeonie?”

“No...I’m uhh, good for now...” She smiled lightly, her eyes looking around the camp ground wearily. Byul could tell her friend was nervous, so she reached out to touch her shoulder.

“It’s ok to be nervous Sihyeon, just try and relax. Maybe get a soda, some chips, settle in a bit. We can play some games. They’ve got all sorts of stuff here.” Byul reassured.

“Yeah ok, that sounds nice.” Sihyeon smiled. Soon enough Sikyeon was back, bringing the offering of two beers and a Coca Cola.

“I thought you’d prefer this Si...” Her brother smiled, and Sihyeon excepted it gladly. Byul and Sikyeon fell into a conversation about sports — he’d just finished tryouts — and Sihyeon’s eyes began to wander through the crowed again.



***



Seonmi has been sitting with the waisted kids, the ones who drank excessively at the start of the party and spent the rest of it black out drunk, because they wouldn’t bother her nor mind if she hung out there. But eventually she began to feel agitated, and knew she needed a drink. So naturally, she wandered her way over to the table layered with options. They had coolers lined up with canned beer, bottles of flavoured soju, and regular sodas. She pulled a beer from the bunch, and looked for a glass.

However as she reached over to get a red pollo cup, she noticed strange movement in the tree line. Her instincts heightened. Surely no one from the Night World would be so stupid as to crash a high school party...then again after that kid was killed the wolves had been in constant alert about what a vamp might do next, what line they might cross.

Thankfully the head of a fresh faced tenth grade boy stuck it’s way through the trees, and Seonmi rolled her eyes. First years weren’t invited since they were just out of middle school, and this was a welcome back party anyway. But of course that wouldn’t stop a determined few. Then an idea crept up on her, and Seonmi couldn’t help but smirk.

“Hey kid!” She called, and the boy looked up. She smiled and help up a beer. His face lit up and he turned to usher a couple of his friends over. When they met up with her, they were bouncing on their feet. She smirked, and reached into the pocket of her leather jacket. When she pulled her hand back, she held a pocket knife, and flicked it open. The boys jumped, back, and she bobbed her