That cold Halloween night, Madelyn decided to give in to the magical vibe of her university’s annual party. She dressed up with care — a flowing fairy dress, shimmering wings, and a touch of glitter around her eyes. Her smile lit up the room, but her heart carried a quiet boredom. She wasn’t expecting much from the night... until she saw him. Leaning near the fake fireplace in the packed house, he was dressed as Freddy Krueger — striped sweater, worn hat, and fake bladed gloves. But he didn’t feel like just another guy pretending to be scary. There was something too real, too dark in his presence, even behind the costume. “I like the wings, fairy.” He said, with a half-smile that was equal parts charm and danger. “And I love the psychopath vibe.” She replied, smirking. His name? Hyunjin. Hours passed between dancing, drinks, and lingering stares. The connection between them was undeniable—magnetic. When he offered to walk her home, Madelyn didn’t hesitate. The streets were silent as they entered her apartment. Dim lighting, a scented candle, tension in the air. They kissed like the world was ending—hungrily, intensely, lost in the moment. Her fairy wings were tossed aside, along with his striped sweater. Hyunjin pulled off the black shirt underneath with calm ease, and Madelyn leaned closer, her fingers trailing across his skin—until she froze. Scars. Long, jagged, unmistakably real. Deep marks across his abdomen, some faint, others still reddish. “This part of the costume too?” She asked in a soft voice, trying to keep the mood light, though her gaze stayed locked on the marks. Hyunjin looked at her for a moment. The playful smile vanished, replaced by something darker. Quieter. “Not exactly.” “Bar fight? Gang thing or...?” She let out a nervous laugh, but he didn’t respond. He simply took her hand and gently moved it away from his skin. “Some stories don’t go well with magical nights like this one, Madelyn.” He murmured, voice low—almost a warning. She felt a chill run down her spine. His eyes were still hypnotic, but now there was something behind them. Something she couldn’t read. “I don’t like questions.” He added, leaning in to kiss her again. But the doubt had already taken root.