As the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, I blinked awake, my eyes struggling to adjust to the brightness. A parched sensation gripped my throat, making it difficult to swallow as I attempted to clear it. Sitting up, a torrent of memories from the previous night surged through my mind.

This wasn't the first time I had woken up like this, yet a wave of dread washed over me, whispering that my existence might be forever shrouded in sorrow. I let out a weary sigh, my fingers nervously intertwining.

Then, a rustling sound broke the stillness beside me. My heart raced, pounding against my chest like a wild drum. Could it be another spirit seeking my attention? I pondered, forcing myself to maintain a semblance of calm. As was my routine, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and began to make it.

I could sense a gaze lingering on me, tracking my every move. The presence was palpable, yet the atmosphere felt oddly different. Instead of the usual frigid, bone-chilling air, a surprising warmth enveloped me, easing the tension in my body.

I inhaled sharply, the air catching in my throat as I turned around, my gaze slowly rising to meet another pair of eyes filled with concern. They sparkled with life, a stark contrast to the pallor I had come to dread. Their skin glowed warmly, not the ashen gray I had feared, and their hands were unthreatening, devoid of menacing claws. Instead...

"Elliot!" Jungkook's voice sliced through the haze, his fingers snapping in front of my face. I blinked, momentarily lost, until my mind began to piece itself back together.

"Jungkook..." I exhaled, taking a cautious step back, the weight of self-awareness settling over me like a heavy cloak.

"Yes, that's me. Are you okay? Do you need a doctor?" His concern was palpable, but I shook my head, dismissing the thought.

"How did you get in?" I asked, a sudden wave of self-consciousness washing over me.

"Seriously? You don't remember?" He raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chest. My gaze flickered over his arms, tracing the lines of his veins, but I quickly pulled myself back to the present, trying to recall the events of the previous night.

I could still feel the phantom grip of a spirit around my throat and the urgency that had driven me to the door when someone had knocked.

"Right, you knocked on my door last night. What did you want?" I searched his face for answers, hoping to unravel the mystery.

"Sleep, perhaps? A little less noise from your end? What on earth were you doing? Engaged in a battle with yourself?" He settled onto my couch, his tone teasing yet serious.

I rubbed the back of my neck, a sudden wave of memory crashing over me. The remnants of last night flooded my mind-shattered glass, toppled objects, chaos. My room must resemble a disaster zone. Yet, as I cast my gaze around, I was taken aback; everything was in its rightful place, the vase I had thought broken stood unscathed, gleaming as if it had never been disturbed.

Curiosity piqued, I reached for it, inspecting every inch for signs of damage, but there was nothing.

"Finally noticing your vase, are we?" Jungkook's voice cut through my thoughts, pulling me from my reverie.

"Elliot..." I turned to face him, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Are you dealing with any debts or perhaps some unwelcome guests that might have caused this?" He gestured toward my neck, his brow furrowing.

I caught my reflection in the mirror and gasped. Dark purple bruises marred my skin, stark against the pale backdrop. I instinctively covered them with my hand and turned back to Eric.

"I think it's best if you leave," I said, my tone firm as I motioned toward the door.

"Seriously? How ungrateful. Not even a thank you-"

"Thank you for your help, but I really need you to go now," I interjected, cutting him off. He nodded, a look of defeat washing over him as he complied.

"Your towels are loose!" he called out, his voice echoing in the hallway as he slammed the door behind him.

With a heavy sigh, I sank to the floor, the chill of unease creeping back in. I glanced down, realizing I was still wrapped in the towel from the previous night, a wave of embarrassment washing over me for not having noticed sooner.

Yet, amidst the confusion, I recognized a strange comfort; I had slept soundly for the first time in ages.

Jungkook is mine, a whisper slithered through the air, sending a shiver racing down my spine.