“Promise me that you will keep yourself on being alive, darling.” the outsider stated as he entwined their fingers and stared at the villager’s face.

“Then promise me that you will put an end to this. This and all the suffering from outside,” the villager stated, looking back at the outsider with sadness in his eyes yet hope was shimmering on the back of it.

“I will.” the outsider replies, nodding in agreement.

The villager smiles, “Then I’ll do my best to be alive.”

The village chief’s son was left once again but not without a promise that they’ve made for each other, a promise that would never be broken because both of them swore with their heart and soul. After the night, he returned to his home and was welcomed by his father in such an unusual way.

“Hello there, son.” his father greeted, smiling in such a sickly sweet way.

“Good morning, father. How was the ceremony?” he asked, smiling back at his father.

“Oh. It’s a successful one, son.” his father replies, “But I think that I should be letting you join on our incoming ceremony too.”

“Wait.” he widened his eyes in surprise, “Really?”

His father nods, “Of course.”

“But why?” he asked once again.

“Well, you’re the one that will replace me and you should be learning about the ceremony already.” his father replied, patting his son’s shoulder “And the fact that you’ll be an important person on the next ceremony, you should be honored and prepared on what might happen.”

“It was too sudden,” he stated before sighing, “But if that’s what you want then I’ll gladly prepare myself for it.”

“That’s my son. Oh so obedient and pure,” his father stroke his cheek and laughed, “You’re really like your mother. Innocent and pure as a lily.”

“Is there anything that you would like to discuss, Father? Because if there isn’t then I’ll be retreating to my room,” he said and when his father shook his head, he immediately nodded as he turned his back at him.

When he arrived at his room, he immediately leaned on the door as he fell on the ground. He can even hear his own heartbeat as he gasped for air, he couldn’t do this at all. After being aware of what’s outside this paradise, he couldn’t be at ease. He couldn’t even look at his Father at the same way that he does, he couldn’t even believe on him after everything that he saw.

And the ceremony. There must’ve been something in that ceremony which caused chaos on the outside world and he knew that dragging himself in it might be risky but he deserves to know everything that happens in this village.

So he did his best to conceal his fear and worry towards the outsider that he admires. He kept on thinking when will he be able to stop what’s happening in this village so he can save the people that kept on suffering outside, he kept his facade towards the people that he had been interacting. Days have passed and the villagers might’ve noticed how he looked so uncomfortable that they’ve asked him if he’s alright.

“Son, are you feeling unwell?” his Father suddenly asked, looking at him with worry in his eyes.

He forced a smile and nods, “I am, Father.”

“That’s good to hear,” his Father said as a relieved sigh was heard, “Anyway, are you ready enough for the preparation of the ceremony in the next seven days?”

“Wait. Isn’t that the day of my birth?” he asks, tilting his head in confusion.

His Father nodded, “Indeed. It’s such a coincidence that your date of birth and the ceremony is on the same day. So that means that we’ll be celebrating twice.”

“Oh. That’s nice to hear,” he stated, smiling towards his Father.

“That is why I will tell you everything about our God,” his Father stated, “I’d like you to follow me on his place.”

“If that is what you want,” he replied, nodding in agreement.

His Father along with a few elders are marching towards the cave in the mountains in which he wasn’t allowed to enter without permission from any of them so walking in the forbidden area was such a foreign feeling for the villager. He couldn’t understand why but this place isn’t like their paradise, there’s no birds or any animal sounds at all.

He can easily get lost in the woods so he kept his gaze on his Father’s back and he can’t help but whimper when one of the elders looked at him with such a terrifying gaze. And after a few minutes, they've arrived at the entrance of the cave— the darkness surrounding the area kept on giving him the chills.

The servants held the torches as they entered first as every single of them followed, he was a bit hesitant but if he’ll let his cowardice get the best of him then he’ll be clueless about the town's secret. So with a brave heart, he followed them without having a second hesitation at all. He doesn’t know where are they going so he kept on following because there’s a high chance that he might get lost and he doesn’t want that to happen.

“We’re here,” his Father stated which caused him to halt.

“It’s dark,” he muttered as he can only see a small portion of the area because of the torches.

“Monsieur, we’ve arrived.” his Father stated and in all of the sudden, the whole room lighted up as fire began ti appear in the torches.

“What?” he gasped as he looked around the area.

“My son, this is the Monsieur’s chamber.” his father stated, smiling at him in such a sweet way.

It took all of his sanity tostay composed in such an madness. The chamber was filled with skeletons and dried blood in the walls, there is a table made out of cement and a golden pot was placed in its middle.

“Monsieur?” he asks.

“Monsieur is our God,” his Father explained as he looked at the pot, “He resides in there and appears during the ceremony, my child.”

“Why does he appear only at the ceremony?” he asked once again.

“It’s because we give him offering everytime a ceremony happens,” his Father replied, “In exchange of the blessings that he gives, we give him the offering that he needs.”

“And what offering?” he asked. He can only keep on asking because he needs to know what is this Monsieur.

“The intruders.” He would be lying if he didn't shuddered when one of the elders replied, “Those intruders that wants to destroy our tradition because they are suffering. They had been trying to barge in our territory so they could steal our beloved God and to ruin our tradition.”

“In what way?” he asked.

“We just offer them to the Monsieur and Monsieur is the one that will take care of them,” his Father said as he looked at him, “But this time, the upcoming ceremony will be an important one.”

“And you will be having such an important role in it,” one of the elders said.

“And why is that?” he asked.

The way that everyone looked at him made him feel small and he wanted to run out of here but if they’ll notice his fear and reluctance, they might know that something might happen and it’ll spoil the outsider’s plan.

“You are the key, my dear child.” his Father said.

“The key?” He gulps.

“As you can see, Monsieur needs to get out of his realm so in order to get out of it. He’ll be needing a key and your innocent soul is the perfect one for it,” his Father said, walking towards him and put his hands on his son’s shoulder, “You will be the key for him to have a physical body. And with that physical body, he’ll be unstoppable. He’ll be giving us a lot of blessings!”

“In other words, he’ll be needing your body as a vessel.” one of the elders added, “And as the future head of Arcaena, it is your responsibility to fulfill the Monsieur's desire.”

He’s scared. He wanted to get out of here. He knew what is about to happen and if doesn’t escape in time then everything will become worse than it is, if this continues then it means that the suffering won’t end.

My love, please come quickly. He pleads, wishing that the outsider would be able to hear it.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

[june 12th, fourth day]

     NOBODY talked about Yeosang’s introduction throughout the whole evening and none of them were able to sleep in peace, they felt so hopeless and empty. They thought that San and Yeosang returning would make their circle of friends complete once again yet the new shocked them.

“They were planning something on the night before my birthday ends and I need to confirm that by coming here,” Yeosang stated as he looked down, “And with the fact that my grandparents fled somewhere confirms that I’ll be dying on my birthday.”

San can’t help but force everyone to sleep including himself instead of overthinking what Yeosang have stated yesterday, they’ll be needing that energy especially when the dreadful moment is just two days ahead. San needs enough strength for that dreadful day so he can protect Yeosang with everything that he have.

Hongjoong was the first one to wake up, stretching his whole body as he sat while looking around and he looked at everyone looking so worn out but he winced when he saw Wooyoung. Wooyoung that kept on crying silently throughout the whole night because his eyes was so puffy and his nose was as red as an apple that Jongho broke with his bare hands. He knew how Wooyoung treasures Yeosang over anything else that he was just overwhelmed when Yeosang came back so he acted like a dick.

He walked out of the shrine silently and sat on the grass as he looked at the bonfire that was still on, probably because it’s controlled by San despite being asleep.

“You’ve slept for a while again,” Seonghwa said which made the redhead look at his bestfriend in surprise.

“Good morning, doctor.” Hongjoong teased as he forced a smile.

“This isn’t a good one and I don’t think that I’ll be able to be okay,” Seonghwa admitted as he hung his head low, “I’m tired of this.”

“Tired of what, Hwa?” Hongjoong asks as he used his nickname for his bestfriend.

“Joongie, I’m tired.”  Seonghwa sat beside Hongjoong then hugged his knees, looking at the bonfire.

“Let me in, Hwa. Tell me what’s making you tired and let’s do our best to find a solution for it,” Hongjoong stated as he tapped Seonghwa’s back, “We’re bestfriends, right? We shouldn’t hide secrets between each other anymore especially now that we’ve revealed our non-mortal selves.”

“I know that,” Seonghwa sighed, “But the thing is, everything doesn’t make sense at all.”

“And why is that?” Hongjoong asked once again.

“I’ve been doing my best again and again yet I don’t know why I kept on failing,” Seonghwa muttered as he shut his eyes close, “An another death flag was raised when he said that last night. I can’t let that happen. Not anymore.”

“And what is that?” Hongjoong asked, all that he can do is to ask the eldest so he can spill all of it.

“Yeosang’s death,” Seonghwa admitted as he opened his eyes just to meet Hongjoong’s surprised ones.

“What?” Hongjoong couldn’t help but gasp at the sudden revelation, “What are you talking about?”

“This is a very long story,” Seonghwa says, “Are you willing to listen to my story then?”

“You know that I’m willing to listen on your stories no matter how boring it is,” Hongjoong stated as he laughs.

Seonghwa smiled a bit, “As expected from you.”

“So, would you mind starting right now?” Hongjoong asks.

Seonghwa nods, “Alright.”

Seonghwa began to tell Hongjoong everything that he knows, everything that his past selves had been through and Hongjoong listened to all of it. Both of them had been talking about it without noticing someone watching them inside the shrine with crimson red eyes brightening up the darkness of the shrine while everyone was asleep.

“It is him.” he mutters, “Adam.”

That person chuckled as he went beside the Eve, embracing it tightly as he closed his eyes before letting the other self get its control back “Mine. You’re mine.”

Seonghwa looked at Hongjoong which fell asleep after their discussion and he couldn’t help but chuckle, Hongjoong is doing his best to keep them united. He’s been tired lately but the thought of all of them surviving is making him stay awake at nights as he formulates a plan so all of them can get through this.

And the thought of Yeosang’s high chance of dying made him distressed so probably hearing something that made his hopes up lets him sleep again. Hongjoong deserves some rest. He have worked enough.

He carried the redhead back to the shrine as he gently placed him on the mat before finding a space where he can lie down and rest too. Even he deserves some rest and despite not trusting San for being a demon, deep down, he knew that San wouldn't hurt Yeosang.

They only have one enemy. And it is the Monsieur.

•°•°•°•°•

     YUNHO woke up and immediately went out of the shrine so he get near the bonfire and warm himself when he heard some sobbing and looked to its direction, only seeing Mingi tearing up as he put both of his hand on Cupcakes’ two heads.

“What's wrong?” Yunho asks.

Mingi looks up at Yunho with tears falling from his eyes, “I don’t have enough hands to pat Cupcakes’ heads.”

Yunho felt the urge of snapping his bestfriend's neck in a blink of an eye for crying out in such an idiotic way, “Shut it, you fucking donkey.”

“You don’t understand my pain!” Mingi cried out, glaring at him.

“Oh no. That’s wrong. You don't understand my pain. The pain of dealing with a single-braincelled bestfriend,” Yunho remarks, crossing his arms.

“Oh.” Mingi suddenly looked down, “I’m sorry for being such a nuisance.”

“Hey! You know that I didn’t mean that!” Yunho immediately kneeled down to embraced the younger male, “I might be sassy and a bitch at most times but you know that I care for you, right?”

“But it’s true. I’m clumsy and dumb,” Mingi admits, still looking away from Yunho “People even wonder why are you befriending me when you’re smart and a person with great decisions.”

“Stop sulking. It's making you uglier,” Yunho said, rolling his eyes.

“I know that I’m ugly. And the fact that you’re one of the good-looking students in our college makes me feel so insecure when I'm with you,” Mingi admitted.

Yunho groans, “Stop admitting it!”

“But it’s true!” Mingi retorts.

“I’m the only one that has the rights to call you dumb, clumsy, bitchstick, ugly and a fucking donkey!” Yunho said as he cupped both of Mingi’s cheeks, “No one, even you, has the rights to diss you. You hear?!”

“Who are you to demand such thing?!” Mingi retorted again.

“Your bestfriend! So stop sulking and play with...” Yunho can’t help but cringe but he forced himself to say it anyway “..Cupcakes.”

“Alright!” Mingi suddenly beamed as he looked at Cupcakes, “Well, Cupcakes wants to have a word with you so I’ll be playing with Baguette for a while.”

“Ah, okay.” Yunho said as Mingi looked at both of them with a wide grin as he summoned his cat familiar and played with her.

Yunho looked at the Cerberus and he wouldn’t be lying if he says that he isn't scared of it. The only thing that makes it less intimidating is because Mingi named it Cupcakes. Out of all the decent names that he can pick, he picked Cupcakes.

“Mingi’s quite attached to you,” a female voice have said and Yunho looked at the left head with it belongs.

“We might keep on roasting one another but we care for each other,” Yunho says, a smile on his face was seen.

“I think you’re aware of it?” the middle head said.

“Of what?” Yunho asks.

“The curse,” the right head have stated.

Yunho nodded, “But I wasn’t expecting it to happen so suddenly.”

“The demon that is behind this is just around. I’m afraid that we couldn’t help you that much because of this curse,” the middle head stated as he looked at Yunho, “You, along with the five others can change the cursed one’s fate.”

“Cursed one?” Yunho tilted his head in confusion.

“The fox spirit that resides here might give you an answer to that question, Yunho.” the right head replies.

“Alright. But also, why five?” Yunho asks.

“The fox spirit will be giving you an answer to that,” the left head said, “I’m afraid that we wouldn’t be able spill any information aside from that.”

Yunho can just nod as the Cerberus leaned its head towards him and nuzzled on him before running towards Mingi to entertain him. Yunho can’t help but smile at the sight, Mingi is too precious for this world so with all of his might, he’ll protect Mingi and all of his friends.

He will do everything for them.

Yunho looked at the shrine as he saw most of them went out and Seonghwa insisted to cook breakfast for all of them, making Mingi scream in delight. Yunho is worried on Mingi because of Yeosang’s revelation last night, everyone isn’t acting that well and Mingi is probably doing his best to be cheerful now that their resident sunshines aren’t shining brightly.

Oh Mingi. You’re so precious. Yunho thought as he smiled before grinning widely and screaming with his bestfriend as he let his braincells be disappointed with him and his life decisions.

Everything went smoothly and breakfast was prepared yet Yunho can notice Wooyoung’s puffy eyes so he made an ice and covered it with a towel before giving it to the black-haired male.

“Hyung?” Wooyoung looked at him.

“Your eyes are so puffy, Wooyoung. You know what to do,” Yunho replies, smiling at the younger male.

“Oh.” Wooyoung accepted the clothed ice, “Thank you.”

“You should talk to him, Wooyoung.” Yunho said as he slightly nudged him in the elbow.

“I w-will.. but not now,” Wooyoung mutters.

“I hope that you’ll be able to reconcile again, Wooyoung. Even Yeosang deserves a second chance,” Yunho stated, ruffling Wooyoung’s hair before proceeding to the empty space beside Mingi.

“Thank you for the meal!” Jongho said as he immediately ate his portion.

“Eat slowly, Jongho. We still have a lot left,” Seonghwa said as he laughs at the youngest.

“But your cooking is good,” Jongho replied, munching on the chicken.

“Don't talk while you're eating, child.” Hongjoong said.

“Whatever, mom and dad.” The youngest joked which made some of them laugh.

“All of you should relax for a few more hours,” San, who had been silent for the whole time, stated which made everyone look at him.

“Aren’t we supposed to get back on the mortal realm?” Mingi asked.

“We shouldn’t.” San immediately said, “We should be making a plan by now and discussing the books that Yeosang and Wooyoung have found but not for now, rest. All of you have worked hard so rest for a while.”

“You know that we should be doing everything so we can get out of here immediately, right?” Jongho asked.

San laughs, “How amusing of you to think that we can get out of here that fast.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Seonghwa asked, glaring at the blond male in front of him.

“The curse is binding us in this place until everything is over,” San said as his tail swayed from left to right, earning Mingi’s attention.

“So you mean that we’re trapped in here until everything is done?” Hongjoong asked, eyes widening.

San nodded, “Indeed.”

“Wait. I’d like to ask a question,” Jongho said, raising his hand “Why do you know a lot of stuff about this curse?”

“I've already told you all that I’ve made a pact with the cursed one,” San sighed, “Aside from that, I’ve been researching for years in order to find a clue on ending this curse. Is there anyone else that would like to ask something?”

“A while ago, Cupca..oh damn it, I hate that fucking name. The Cerberus told me something about the cursed one. I'm aware of the curse but the cursed one, not a single clue.” Yunho said while staring at the fox spirit, “Who is the cursed one?”

San smirked, “Isn’t it obvious already? Everyone knew their origins aside from one person, right?”

Everyone looked at Yeosang which was clueless on their looks and tilted his head in confusion. Yeosang looked too adorable that it made San squeal in delight and embraced the brunette, wrapping his arms and legs around him as his tail wagged.

“Okay then. An another question since the Cerberus told me about six people can change the cursed one’s fate,” Yunho added, “Why six? When there’s eight of us? I’m aware of Sangie being the cursed one but what about the other one that isn’t included?”

“Maybe that’s Mingi-hyung because he probably betrayed us, you know.. like going to an another team? Probably in a parallel universe or something since he even thought of a different cheer for us?” Jongho asked.

“Then let’s revise our cheer into ‘Seven makes one team’ then.” Hongjoong stated.

“Wow. I feel so loved,” Mingi sarcastically stated.

“Back to the topic, guys!” Seonghwa looked at them which gave him a bunch of apologetic looks.

When they looked at San, it seems that the whole place darkened as San’s eyes turned into a mixture of purple and crimson red, his white sclera turning into black as his fangs sharpened.

“It’s about time for someone to ask an important question,” San said while still embracing Yeosang as he looked at them.

“What the hell are you up to?!” Seonghwa immediately summoned his staff.

“In my realm, I can cancel out every single power of yours.” San warns them, “So one wrong move and I can warp reality with my own hands and end you up in this place.”

“San, calm down.” Yeosang tried to calm him down but San seems so focused on their other friends.

“The answer is simple, Yunho-hyung.” San smiled evilly as his eyes brightened and the bonfire disappeared, “There is a traitor among us.”

•°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°•

henlo. sorry for the delayed update, i’m really not in the right mind to write something decent nowadays. my mental health has been in such a terrible state that the fact that there’s a mingi cupsleeve event here in ph later and i won’t be attending bc of my dEpReSsIoN sjsksksssksjsks drowsy just kill yourself kek.

leave some request on my ateez one-shot book!~ i accept ships!!!!! owo

btw this is a filler chap bc there's gonna be lots and lots of revelation in the upcoming chapters and just a heads up! Kang Yeosang ISN’T the only one with a death flag on this fic so...