Moonlit Lament

:e-mail: 1 new email from Aeri

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Hello everyone! I am back with a request that is rather dark... so a few warning before I continue:

This fic includes false character death and descriptions of mild gore. If you do not wish to read this, then kindly move on to the next post/blog.

So with that out of the way, I just want to say that I actually spent around a week to write this that I seriously had to rush the end because I really wanted to finish it quickly.

As I had said earlier, this is a request and if you want one of us to see what you want to read, then go to this wiki page where we will do our best to bring them to life.

Also big thanks to 'ㅅ' for creating the cover :two_hearts: :two_hearts:

#FeatureThis

----- 🌙 -----

Start of school: September

The late fall sun of November dawned upon the city of Seoul. Leaves of various shades of reds to browns gracefully fell and rested on the streets- waiting for winds or people to whisk them away. The rays of the sun clashing with the season's cool breeze made it somewhat bearable to withstand.

As students slowly entered their schools, so did the club rooms. of each club made their way to their respective rooms and continued their projects until they were finished.

"I booked tickets for our retreat!" Kris, the president of the art club, excitedly announced as he entered the room- completing his grand entrance as he was the last member to enter the art room.

Cheers of the others followed, "I can't wait!" "When are we leaving?" "I need to pack my things!" "Where is the retreat? I forgot." "Vacay!"

Amongst the excited chatter of the group, a newcomer introduced himself, "What about me?" He asked.

The group turned to the president, their eyes asking him if he's a member of the club-- they've only seen him once in the room, which is right now!

They already know who he is; Oh Sehun, the mysterious loner of the school. Introverted the boy is, for a reason-- everyone else avoids him. The entire school branded him as an outcast, some even going as far to call him the Grim Reaper; whoever he talks to (on occasion) dies after a few days. With that fact in mind, they grew curious as to why the tall male wanted to be part of the retreat, more or less the club in general.

"Who do you think you are?" Kris mocked, despite having a few inches more to his advantage, he felt his knees wobble. "The retreat is for Art Club only. And the last time I checked, you're not a part of this or any other club of the school."

Sehun gave him a blank stare. "What if I want to today? You want people to express themselves in art form here, right?" He said, annoyed at the older, taller male. "What good would this club be if you won't give me the same opportunity as the other and students who wants or is already a member of the club?"

Kris stood there, appalled at the words of the younger male.

The room fell silent.

Knowing he had won the small argument, Sehun strutted in the room to sit in front of an easel.

“Ya!” Chanyeol called, “Where's your manners? That's your sunbae, you-” his hand was raised, ready to slap the back of Sehun's head, but was stopped by a different hand gripping onto his wrist.

Minhee smiled softly at her boyfriend before turning to the other club . “If he wants to try out for the club, let him. Who knows? We might have a Da Vinci upon us.” She suggested, hand now resting on Chanyeol's shoulder. “Besides, aren't we looking for new ? Let's not be picky.”

The room looked quietly at Kris, who had no choice but to agree to Minhee's suggestion. Standing upright once again, he told Sehun to create a sketch in thirty minutes.

After hearing this, the said male asked Minhee her favorite statue. Once he visualized the stone carving, he began to use the sketch pad. The rest of the watched in awe as he skillfully added details and shading to the piece before him (along with the hushed tones of them talking about his high grades when he isn’t seen in his classes). As the timer rang the end of the appointed time, he had already retired the HB pencil back to its container. His sketch gained praise from the rest, “He got his lighting right.” “How did he do that? He didn't even look at the figurine in front of him…” “It looks like the real thing!” It didn't take long for the club to discuss his hip.

“Welcome to the club!” They chorused, Chanyeol and Kris being less enthusiastic than the rest.

----- 🌙 -----

The day of the retreat came. After arriving at their destination, Kris instructed the club to explore the grounds and create a piece there before returning after two hours. Chanyeol took this as a dating opportunity and immediately suggested that he and Minhee go together. And soon, they were all dispersed.

A few minutes in sketching together, Chanyeol excused himself, leaving Minhee who didn't seem to mind. Eyes focusing on her sketch pad, she jumped when a voice erupted behind her, “Break up with Chanyeol.”

“What?!”

“You have the wildflower smell, you’ll only die if you're around him. Ditch him now so you'll live.” With that, he tossed her a rolled piece and left.

Just what did he mean that “she'll die”? Minhee knew better since she's aware that Chanyeol would take a bullet for her when he wants to. Then again, it is THE Oh Sehun that talked to her… Taking the art piece, she carefully unrolled it to stare with unsettlement.

“Minhee~♡” Chanyeol called from afar, hand waving in the air. This gave her enough time to frantically roll up and place the work Sehun gave into her and into her container. He presented her with a bouquet of flowers, proudly stating that he hand-picked them for her. She blushed at the offer and gladly accepted the gift, but her mind kept going back to what Sehun said,

“Ditch him now so you’ll live.”

----- 🌙 -----

A few days after the art retreat ended, it was already Chanyeol’s birthday and Minhee wanted to surprise him outside of his family’s company (which he will take over when he graduates) with a gift. She dialed his number and waited for him to answer. Some rings later, a “hello” resonated from the other line.

“Jagi? Why are you calling me so early?” Chanyeol laughed from the other side. “You’re lucky that the meeting is already over or else I wouldn’t be able to answer.”

“Is it wrong for me to greet my boyfriend a ‘happy birthday’ over the phone?” Minhee teased, adding a hint of disappointment in her voice to invoke Chanyeol. “Anyway, can you come outside for a bit?”

Peeking out from the column she was hiding behind, her heart fluttered. He was dressed in her favorite suit; a form-fitting three-piece suit (that she may or may not have picked for him) in a rich burgundy color.

As she stepped out from the column, Chanyeol's eyes shone with happiness. Minhee raised her hand to wave as he approached her--

but he ed her for someone else.

Looking back as to who could be more important, she saw Mrs. Park stepping out of her car and giving her son a hug. Minhee was upset, but she already knew that Chanyeol cherishes his mother more than anything in the world, so she couldn't blame him for wanting to go to his mother first. But she was still disappointed when he guided his mother back in the car, soon following her in. As the car drove off, she could've sworn that  Mrs. Park stared her down through the window.

----- 🌙 -----

A week or so ed, and Minhee found herself inside the Park's main (and isolated) residence. Very, very much inside.

----- 🌙 -----

Chanyeol was nervously pacing around the art club. He had been practicing the same line with different tone variations. The other were nervous yet excited for their friend; he’s about to propose today. The fact that Minhee was late made him jumpy. She was late on their dates before, yes, but never this late.

As the club managed to ease the tension in the room, Sehun barged in with bewildered eyes.

“Minhee is dead.”

----- 🌙 -----

No one could believe their eyes when they saw Minhee's mother cry over a framed picture of her daughter. She was soon ed by Chanyeol who clutched the frame close to his heart as he screamed his pain.

Apparently, Minhee was reported dead the previous night for reasons her mother doesn't know. She had shown them the remains of her daughter-- her favorite dress, drenched in blood.

----- 🌙 -----

It's almost been a year since the incident, and things were slowly brightening up in the Art Club. They had grown to accept the fact that she's gone, but the club is still dull without her presence.

“Everyone just resume your pieces,” Kris instructed. “Use your time wisely as we have to close up early.”

With everyone minding their own business, their focus was simultaneously moved to the sound of the door creaking open. A girl's head popped out, who looked like she had committed a crime just by opening the door. She stood there awkwardly, letting the door reveal her full body as she stepped in the room.

“Hi, I'm Lee Sooyoung,” she introduced herself. “And I want to the club if, that's okay with you?” Her hesitant voice continued. She was nervous-- mostly because of the stares she's currently receiving; some gave amusement, shock, and familiarity individually. But it was Chanyeol who gave all three at the same time.

Whispers began spreading with the group. How could they not hide their shock? The new student who wants to their club looks exactly like Minhee-- the Minhee who made the room lively, the Minhee who brought out the good out of everyone in the room, the Minhee who seeks reason first before action, the Minhee who was Chanyeol's supposed-to-be fiancée, the Minhee who is supposed to be 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙.

“S-sure.” Soomi stood up, pulling a chair to an easel where she guided her to sit on. “Just sketch whatever you want in thirty minutes. If you can't think of anything to sketch, just do a cylinder.”

“I'm shy at my art style so I'll just do a cylinder.” Sooyoung shyly announces as she begins her work. Now that's when they see one more way the new girl resembles their friend: that was the same thing Minhee said when she wanted to apply for the club.

----- 🌙 -----

“Are you sure that's not Minhee?” Kris questioned.

“I've done some digging, and she’s really not Minhee. All I could find from her is this picture.” Soomi confesses, plopping a small family photo on the table. “New topic, isn't the retreat coming soon?”

“Not unless we find a place to stay for the retreat,” Kris mumbled. “Yeol, didn’t you say you got a place in the mountains?

The president’s voice only ed through Chanyeol. He gave a nod but was still staring at Sooyoung. “We can use that place for a few days.” He absent-mindedly answered.

----- 🌙 -----

A few weeks later, the club is slowly making their way to the Park’s estate, taking in the view that the mountain’s height provided: the cityscape, the perspective of the sky is closer, the forestry surrounding the area. But for Chanyeol, this place was more gloomy than that of a homey feeling, even though he had lived here for more than half of his life.

“Same deal as last time, we split and find a spot to create something,” Kris instructed, “We'll meet up here by sundown and drink later. Is that clear?”

The rest agreed, already off to the area that caught their eye the most since arrival or out exploring the lot.

“Sooyoung, come with me!” Chanyeol enthusiastically tugged her arm. “There’s this place that I know you'll love! Come on!” They were already out of the foyer but with Sehun quietly following them with a distance.

----- 🌙 -----

Kris raised a glass, “That was a great change of scenery, wouldn't you guys agree?”

They nodded along without hesitation. Sure, they've been doing this in parks and nature resorts, but with the elevation, that was enough to persuade the group.

"Yeah but," Soomi drank before continuing, "did anyone else feel a little creeped out by the gardener?"

Sehun tugged his sweater.

"Me." Almost everyone chorused, they began sharing their experiences with the said man and each one sounded weirder than before.

"I'm going to the restroom, " Sooyoung announced as she stood up.

"It's down the hall, second door to the left!" Yelled out Chanyeol as his face was stuffed with some chips.

Not too long after Sooyoung left, the cheerful vibe made itself evident once again. Everyone else was busy chatting with one another that they hardly notice Sehun slipping out of the foyer. It was only when the lights turned off. Trying to remain calm, Kris went towards the light switch and flipped them twice. Two more times. Another to more. And another until he became frustrated and flipped it frantically. It was obvious-- the power was completely out.

Chanyeol grew increasingly worried with every flick of the switch-- not because he feared that Kris would blow a fuse, but because Sooyoung hasn't returned yet. "Sooyoung?" He called out, he knows that she should be able to hear him as the restroom is relatively close to where he is. "Sooyoung?!" He shouted this time, words laced with fear and worry. When he heard no sign of response, he ran out in her direction.

"Chanyeol!" The others called out, but too scared to move. They tried to call for help, but no one had service. So Soomi volunteered to venture down the hill to call for help as the place was isolated on the mountainside.

----- 🌙 -----

The lights going out didn't faze Sehun. His life was already filled with what some people call "cliché horror movie tropes" (thanks to his dad) that he's grown immune to these situations. He was more worried about the two females talking inside the room. (He's listening in from the outside of the building.)

"You're not supposed to be in this room, dear." The older woman spoke, a hint of amusement present in her voice.

Sooyoung breathed out, "I must've taken a wrong turn earlier."

The woman cocked her head to the side, raising an eyebrow. "Is that so? Because you stayed in here for quite a considerable amount of time for someone who didn't mean to be in here."

"How are you sure about that?" Sooyoung questioned, noticing the confident tone of the woman in front of her.

"My son can be quite loud, and I clearly heard him say the directions to the restroom before I came here and saw you." She smiled fondly. "Oh, pardon my manners, I believe I haven't properly introduced myself to you," she extended a hand, "I'm Park YoungMi, Chanyeol's mother."

Sooyoung hesitantly reaches out for it. She knows what kind of woman the person in front of her is. Finally shaking the older woman's hand, she spoke, "Why are you so tense, dear?"

She stiffens. She's been tense ever since Youngmi made her presence known. She can't just say what she knows to her when she believes the woman knows her as Sooyoung.

"You're testing my patience," Youngmi hissed, taking a step forward making Sooyoung take one back. "Don't you know that it's rude to not answer to your elders?" She continued walking until they were in front of the balcony. "You're no better than the last girl he brought home." And with that, Chanyeol's mother forcefully let go of Sooyoung's hand, making her fall back and off the railings.

Chanyeol came in a few moments after, being guided to the room by Sooyoung's scream. "Ma, did you see her?" He frantically asked.

Youngmi took a breath and faced her son, "She's a bad influence on you, just look at yourself! You're sweating gallons and you look like you just escaped a wild animal! That's not a very good look for a future CEO." She shook her head in disappointment.

"You don't need another girl to love when your mother's right here, who will always be with you unlike those previous girls you claim to 'love'. They're all dead unlike me, still here to love and care for you. You don't need anyone else."

Chanyeol processed his mother's words and nodded along, seeking her warmth as he suddenly grew cold. "You're right…"

----- 🌙 -----

"No, she's not." A third voice spoke, words laced with disdain.

The two looked up to see Minhee in her blood-red dress, the dress that was once white before entering the very room a year ago.

"M-Min--Minhee?!" Chanyeol stuttered, not believing his eyes.

He thought she was dead.

He accepted the fact she was dead.

He knows that she IS dead.

He SAW her DIE, for Christ's sake!

"You," Minhee raised a finger at Youngmi, "You corrupted him: made him believe that only you can make him happy just because you're his mother! Because of this, he got rid of everything, every, single, thing that makes him happy before you know about it just so you won't get mad at him. It didn't even matter if it was an object or a living being!" Her sudden change in tone made the two wary-- especially Chanyeol. He knows that his Minhee would never raise her voice.

"Me? Corrupt him?" Youngmi questioned, baffled even. Although Minhee can't tell if its genuine or an act. The Parks do come from a line of businessmen and actors.  "Corrupt my own son? My own flesh and blood?"

Her voice laid a small tone of 'insane' made Minhee know that she's not acting that part.

Being insane that is.

"I've raised him to be the perfect gentleman," she continued, eyes never straying away from the blood-soaked girl. "To be the best successor to our name, to leave behind a legacy that generations will ! What is wrong with that?"

"You! You are what's wrong!"

An exaggerated gasp left Youngmi's lips, "How dare you! You're the wrong one! Pointing fingers at innocent people without evidence!"

Chanyeol was just silently watching from the side. Who would he even side with? His mother who has been with him since day one or his supposed-to-be fiancée (that he still can't believe is alive)?

"Excuse me, then!" Minhee hissed, "It's not me who practically brainwashed him into killing living things that he loves just to prove his so-called 'love' and 'loyalty' to you!"

"Now you're talking nonsense! Like I said, why would I brainwash my own child?! He did those in his own ! Is it my fault that he loves me that much?"

It was the last sentence that made something within Minhee snap. She couldn't think straight, but she knew that the woman in front of her is an enemy. Minhee tackled Chanyeol's mother and pinned her down. She had no idea what to do now, she could only glare at her before being forcefully pulled away.

Lo and behold the one and only Park Chanyeol.

"Minhee!" He cried, he didn't know when but seeing the two people he cherishes the most fighting made him sad. He continued to beg for her to stop attacking his mother while the woman in question watched the girl with disgust.

"You…" Youngmi growled, her eyes were cold with a fire within. "You made my poor baby change… Ever since he went out with you he became more defiant! You were in his way since the beginning!"

If there was a word to describe the woman Park Youngmi, then it would be haywire. She's obviously insane at this point! Her hair was disheveled in its half bun, her blouse was no longer tucked in her Tommy Hilfiger slacks, heck, even her makeup started to smear!

But if there's a positive thing about her that fits the moment, it's determined. She wants to make sure that her son no longer has distractions in his life, much less one that has the nerve to talk back at her in such a barbaric manner.

Grabbing a knife she hid behind one of the busts, Youngmi slowly loomed over the two teenagers. The silverware raised dangerously above her head.

{Bust (n) -- /bəst/ -- a sculpture of a person's head, shoulders, and chest.}

But Minhee knew better than to let her guard down in the place she nearly died in before. She took a glance over Chanyeol's shoulder and quickly pushed him aside to grab his mother's wrists.

The mother thrashed around, playing dirty just to let the younger woman let go. But doing this while holding cutlery; it's obvious that the older will be restrained for a while.

Moments ed and Minhee is surprised at the older woman's strength. To say that Youngmi is the one struggling is far from the truth. She already has Minhee crouched down just to avoid her blade. As frail as she may appear, she's got quite the determination to win.

Finding her footing, Minhee took a firm step forward to make the other lose balance where she took her opportunity to strike.

Everyone's eyes were wide, including Sehun's as he was just about to put a stop to it himself.

It was silent. The harsh breathing of Youngmi was the only thing that can be heard. As for Chanyeol, he was still processing what had just happened. When he finally came back to reality, his cries made Minhee feel guilty. But why would she?

She may have stabbed her boyfriend's mother in the gut, yes, but… No. She had a reason behind it. Even better than the latter's. So that had to justify her actions.

Right?

"You're gonna be okay, she deserves it." A voice said, smooth and pleasing. It was Sehun.

"He's right," a new one commented. The teens easily identified the man as the gardener. "She's been at this for years… I couldn't bear to see another one be a victim to her scheme. You kids get out of here, I'll clean up. It's about time this place gets abandoned."

Minhee, who was clinging on Sehun for , and the man himself, followed the gardener's instructions. But Chanyeol wouldn't budge.

That is until Sehun had to knock him out to carry him over his shoulder.

The sound of soft footsteps followed, but that didn't mean an exchange of 'thank you's between family couldn't be said.

----- 🌙 -----

So what exactly happened there?

• He took me there for a surprise but it turns out that it was a trap to kill me. He knocked my head with one of the busts and I was already unconscious.

I see. And are sure it was due to the influence of his mother?

• When he was burying me, I can hear the faint voice of a woman. No one else was there but me, him, his mother, and the gardener.

Can you recall what she said?

• I hearing something like, "Good boy, this is how you should deal with the things that distracts you." But I'm not a hundred percent certain.

So, he buried you alive but managed to crawl out. Yet you managed to somehow get to your house and tell your mother. Was there someone who helped?

• …

• Yes.

May I ask who?

• It was the gardener's son, my club mate, Oh Sehun. He helped me reach my place and even helped in making my mother agree to create a fake identity for me.

Alright.

Thank you for your time, miss. You are free to go.

• Wait.

Yes?

• Will Chanyeol be okay?

The son? We'll have him itted to a hospital where hopefully he gets treated. We're having a specialist over to check on him and see if there's a way to make him forget about his mother's actions and what he did under her influence.

Don't feel bad about this, kid. We've been suspecting that place for a while now. Just try and forget that all this happened, okay?

• Okay. Thank you, officer.

----- 🌙 -----

That. Is. It.

I'm done.

Not continuing this.

The text above was between an officer and Minhee.

I'm so sorry mama Park ;^; but I needed to make you the bad guy :sob: :sob: :sob: :sob: