The eternal flame x the unworthy
8:30 PM – The Urban Shadows
A light drizzle began to fall, turning the pavement slick and dark. The only sound in the narrow side street was the rhythmic flickering of a dying streetlight and the steady dripping of water from a rusted pipe.
Prithvi walked alone, her footsteps echoing against the silence. She gripped her bag tightly, her mind still lingering on the books she had just bought. The street felt colder than usual.
Suddenly, the silence broke. Three shadows detached themselves from the darkness, following her with predatory grins.
"Hey… where are you going in such a hurry?" the first rowdy sneered, his voice dripping with malice.
Prithvi picked up her pace, her heart beginning to hammer against her ribs. The street was a dead end of silence.
"Hey, pretty girl…" the second one laughed, closing the distance. He reached out, his hand lunging to grab her arm.
"Don't touch me!" Prithvi snapped, her voice firm despite the fear. "I'll call the police."
"You won't have time for that," the third one mocked, stepping into her path.
As he reached for her again, the air suddenly shifted. A cold, unnatural wind swept through the alley.
Scene Change: The Shadow Walks In
A figure stood at the corner of the street. Tall, clad in a black hoodie, his face remained buried in shadows. But through the darkness, two piercing red eyes glowed with a lethal intensity. ⚡
Tap… Tap… Tap…
His footsteps were heavy, deliberate. Both Prithvi and the thugs froze.
"Who the hell are you?" the leader barked.
The figure didn't answer. He moved like a blur.
In a flash of lightning, his face was revealed—JINWOO. 😈 His expression was terrifyingly calm. Before the thugs could react, Jinwoo's hand clamped around the second rowdy's neck.
CRACK!
The sound of snapping bone echoed. The man screamed and collapsed instantly, knocked unconscious.
The leader pulled a knife, his hand trembling. With a single, effortless punch, Jinwoo shattered the blade into pieces.
"Weaklings…" Jinwoo's voice was like ice. "Stop wasting your strength in the wrong places."
The third man tried to run, but Jinwoo flicked his hand with a surge of invisible force. The man flew through the air, crashing into the brick wall. Silence returned to the alley. The fight had lasted exactly eight seconds.
Moment: The Turn
The rain stopped. Jinwoo turned slowly, his gaze landing on Prithvi for the first time.
Her eyes were wide with terror, tears streaking her cheeks, yet she remained remarkably still.
DUM… DUM… DUM… 💓
Jinwoo watched her, his inner voice whispering: "The world isn't safe for someone like her."
They stood in silence, locked in an intense eye contact.
"Go. You're safe now," Jinwoo said softly.
He turned and walked back into the darkness. As the rain began to fall again, only the sound of Prithvi's racing heartbeat remained….
Late Night – Prithvi's Residence
The drizzle continued, a soft mist hanging in the air. As Prithvi reached her gate, she felt a sudden chill. A presence was nearby.
In the shadows across the street, a silhouette stood perfectly still. Though she couldn't see his face, she felt his gaze following her every move. She quickly opened her gate and retreated into the safety of her home. Behind her, the figure faded into the night.
Midnight – Prithvi's Room
Prithvi lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The events of the night replayed in her mind like a movie.
"What would have happened to me if he hadn't shown up?" she wondered. "He looked like a college student… but that strength? That speed? How could someone be so terrifyingly calm?"
Eventually, exhaustion took over, and she drifted into a restless sleep.
Next Morning – College Campus
The morning sun brought a fresh energy to the campus. It was the first week for the freshmen, and the grounds were crowded with students.
As Prithvi left her class and headed toward the canteen, she froze.
There he was. The same figure. The same silent aura.
He was dressed casually, standing alone. Despite the crowd around him, he seemed to exist in a different world—one filled with quiet power. Prithvi took a deep breath and walked straight toward him.
The Encounter
"Hey…" she started, her voice steady. "What's your name?"
The boy looked at her, his expression unreadable. "Jinwoo," he replied in a low tone.
"Nice name. I'm Prithvi," she smiled. "You helped me last night. I wanted to say thanks."
"It's okay," he said simply.
"Do you go here? Are you a student?"
"Yes. Third year."
"Oh! Same college then. I'm a first-year," Prithvi said, trying to bridge the gap. "Are you free now? Can we talk?"
"No. I don't have time," Jinwoo replied, his tone shutting her out.
Prithvi didn't give up. "Why do you say that? Why are you always alone?"
Jinwoo's gaze sharpened. "I prefer being alone. I don't need to talk to you."
"I thought if we talked, we'd understand each other better," Prithvi countered. "I want to know more about you."
Jinwoo stepped closer, his voice dropping to a warning whisper. "Knowing me won't do you any good. There are things inside me… things I don't tell anyone."
Without another word, Jinwoo turned and walked away, leaving Prithvi standing alone in the middle of the crowd….
Eveningg – The City Streets
The rain had finally ceased, leaving behind a cool, rhythmic breeze. Jinwoo walked along the roadside, his footsteps silent as a shadow. His mind, however, was far from quiet.
"That girl… she's different," his inner voice whispered. "She wants to know me, to peel back the layers. But how can I tell her? Everything about me is a beacon for danger."
As if summoned by his thoughts, Prithvi appeared from the opposite side of the street. She was smiling, her hair caught in the soft evening wind.
"Hey, Jinwoo!" she called out, her eyes lighting up. "Come on… let's go grab a coffee."
"No," Jinwoo replied, his tone flat. "I don't drink coffee."
Prithvi didn't miss a beat. "Well, I'm going to drink coffee. And I need company… so you're coming with me."
Before he could protest, she reached out and grabbed his arm, trying to pull him toward the café. She tugged with all her might, but Jinwoo didn't budge—not even an inch.
"Hey… how are you this strong?" she teased, though her eyes held a spark of genuine wonder. "I'm pulling as hard as I can, and you're like a mountain. Are you even human?"
Jinwoo felt a jolt of panic. He had to divert her attention immediately. "Fine," he sighed. "Let's go to the coffee shop."
Inside the Local Café
They sat at a small, intimate table. A steaming cup of hot coffee sat before Prithvi, while Jinwoo sat across from her, his hands folded.
"Why are you so quiet?" Prithvi asked, leaning in. "I have so many questions. How are you so powerful? What I saw last night… it was impossible."
Jinwoo took a deep breath, looking around to ensure no one was listening. "Okay. I'll tell you. But you have to keep this a secret. It's not normal. It's dangerous."
"I promise," Prithvi said solemnly. "Your secret is safe with me."
Jinwoo lowered his voice to a whisper. "Do you believe in vampires?"
Prithvi blinked, surprised. "Vampires? No… not really."
"I am a Vampire," Jinwoo stated firmly. "The last of a Royal Bloodline—the descendant of the Vampire King."
Prithvi's jaw dropped. "Seriously?! Does that mean… you don't sleep? Do you live on blood?"
"Yes… but blood isn't a necessity for me anymore. I possess the Mist Power," Jinwoo explained. "It's a cursed gift left behind by my family. A power… and a burden."
"Wow…" Prithvi whispered, her shock turning into awe. "I believe you. After seeing how you handled those thugs… I knew you weren't ordinary."
The Breaking News
Their conversation was interrupted by the flickering TV mounted on the café wall.
"BREAKING NEWS: A brutal attack at the Ancient Temple. Multiple casualties reported. The killer remains unknown, but witnesses speak of a mysterious, dark power…"
They both stared at the screen in silence. Prithvi turned back to him, her voice soft.
"Jinwoo… you're a good person. You didn't know me, yet you saved me. In this world, that's rare. I… I really like you, Jinwoo."
Jinwoo felt a warmth he hadn't experienced in centuries. A small, rare smile touched his lips. "Don't worry. I'll always be here. I will protect you."
"You'll stay with me?" Prithvi asked, her smile widening.
"I mean… I'll protect you," Jinwoo stammered, suddenly nervous.
They both laughed, the tension breaking, but their eye contact remained deep and meaningful.
"What is this feeling?" Jinwoo wondered. "For the first time, I want someone to stay in my life forever. I have to protect her—no matter the cost."
The Forest Path
Later that evening, they took a walk along the edge of the forest. The atmosphere was calm until a low, guttural growl vibrated through the trees.
GRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Suddenly, a massive wild wolf lunged from the thicket, leaping directly at Prithvi!
Prithvi screamed, but before the beast could touch her, Jinwoo moved with a flash of supernatural speed. He intercepted the wolf mid-air and, with a single, devastating punch, slammed it into a nearby tree.
The wolf hit the trunk and slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Prithvi stood frozen for a second before looking at Jinwoo with a mix of relief and happiness. "Jinwoo… you really meant it. You really are protecting me."
Jinwoo looked at her, his expression softening. "I told you… I'm not going anywhere.
The forest was no longer a place of terror. The moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting a silver glow on the mossy path. A cool breeze brushed past them, carrying the scent of pine and the unspoken tension between two souls.
Jinwoo walked beside Prithvi, his presence no longer intimidating, but protective. He broke the silence with a soft, rare tone.
"Hey Prithvi… where is your family?"
Prithvi paused for a microsecond, a fleeting shadow of sadness crossing her face. "I don't have a family, Jinwoo. I live alone in a rented house. It's just been me for a while."
"Oh… I'm sorry," Jinwoo whispered, genuinely feeling the weight of her words. He hesitated before asking his next curiosity. "Is there… anyone else? A boyfriend?"
Prithvi let out a light, musical smile. "No. To be honest, I've never really felt that 'love' connection with anyone. That deep emotional bond… it just never happened."
They walked in silence for a moment, the moon shining brightly above them as if listening to their secrets.
"What about you?" Prithvi asked softly. "I know you're the last Vampire King and you're alone in this world. But have you ever loved? Or is there someone now?"
Jinwoo looked up at the stars, his eyes reflecting centuries of solitude. "No. My life has been nothing but cold steel, blood, and survival. Love was a luxury I couldn't afford to feel. I've never known what it means to belong to someone."
"Then what is your dream?" Prithvi asked, her voice dreamy. "Your future plan?"
Prithvi didn't wait for him to answer. She looked ahead, a small smile playing on her lips. "My dream? I want to love someone who truly cares for me. Someone who protects me no matter what the situation is. I want to travel the world, get married, and build a small, cozy home in a place just like this—surrounded by forest. Just a life of long-term happiness."
Jinwoo was mesmerized. Her dream was so simple, yet so profound. "That… that sounds beautiful, Prithvi."
"Now you tell me," she nudged him. "What does the Vampire King dream of?"
Jinwoo stopped walking. He looked at her, his voice deep and sincere. "I want to love a girl who is loyal. Someone who understands the monster inside me. If the whole world turns against her, I will stand by her side, holding her hand. I would destroy the entire world just to keep her safe."
He continued, his gaze intense. "We would have a small home in the forest, a calm place she loves. And maybe… a little girl. A mini version of her. That's when I feel my life would finally be complete."
Prithvi's smile widened. "Wow, Jinwoo. You might be a vampire, but you have such a soft heart. Any girl would be lucky to have someone like you. But… what if that girl didn't want a baby? What if she wanted to live her life differently?"
Jinwoo didn't hesitate. "Then her choice is my command. If she doesn't want a child, that's okay. That pain and that choice belong to her. I would be her baby, and she would be mine. Her happiness is my only goal."
"You're a good man, Jinwoo," Prithvi said softly as they reached the edge of the city. "That girl is going to be very lucky."
"It's you," Jinwoo thought, his inner voice screaming the truth he couldn't speak. "I'm already in love with you. I'll wait for as long as it takes for you to feel the same."
As they reached the city lights, the magic of the forest began to fade. Prithvi turned to him at her doorstep. "Thanks, Jinwoo. Today was… the best day."
"Bye Prithvi. Stay safe. I'll be around," Jinwoo said.
He watched her go inside and then looked up at the moon once more. It was calm, silent, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Just like Prithvi….
Chapter 5: The Last Light
("I wanted my last word to be 'Love'… but you weren't there to hear it.")
After chapter 4,
3 months later…
Morning – Prithvi's House
The golden morning sunlight filtered through the window, dancing on the mirror. Prithvi sat there, lost in thought, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"Jinwoo… what did you really mean?" she wondered. "You said you'd protect the girl you love for a lifetime."
A soft smile played on her lips, mixed with a hint of confusion. "Does that mean… you love me?"
College Ground – Afternoon
As classes ended, Prithvi stepped out onto the sun-drenched ground. Jinwoo was already there, leaning against a tree, waiting.
"Hey Jinwoo!" Prithvi waved, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I have big news! I'm opening my own place! 'The Prithvi – Books and Coffee.' It's right in the heart of the city." ☕📚
Jinwoo looked genuinely impressed. "Wow! A student and a store owner? That's incredible, Prithvi. You're amazing."
"Thanks!" she beamed. "But there's still so much to do. I'm heading over tonight to finish cleaning up. If you're free… do you want to stop by?"
"Of course," Jinwoo replied with a calm smile. "I'll be there. I'm ready to help with whatever you need."
"Great! See you there," Prithvi said, turning to leave. "And Jinwoo… I have a surprise for you." 🎁
Jinwoo watched her walk away, his expression turning serious yet tender. "And I have something to tell you, too," he whispered to himself. "Tonight… I'm going to tell you how I feel." 😊
Night – "The Prithvi" Store
The city sounds were muffled inside the quiet shop. Prithvi was alone, hummed a soft tune as she wiped down the counters.
Suddenly, a violent sound erupted from the dark alley outside.
Thud! Screech! 😨
Heart racing, Prithvi dropped her cloth and hurried to the door. On the dimly lit road, she saw a nightmare unfolding. A man was being brutally attacked by a dark figure. The victim was on the ground, trembling in sheer terror.
Prithvi couldn't just stand by. She rushed out of the store. "Hey! Stop! Leave him alone!"
The attacker stopped. He slowly turned his head.
His face was shrouded in an unnatural darkness. His eyes weren't human—they were glowing, blood-red orbs of malice.
The nightmare from the Unworthy World had arrived.
Jinwoo's POV – City Side
Jinwoo checked his watch and pulled out his phone. He dialed Prithvi's number.
"Prithvi…?"
No answer. The call rang out until it went to voicemail. A cold knot formed in his stomach. "Why isn't she picking up?"
He quickened his pace, heading straight toward the bookstore.
Outside "The Prithvi" Store
When Jinwoo turned the corner, the world seemed to stop.
His heart shattered.
There, against the wall of her dream shop, lay Prithvi. Her body was motionless.
The sight was horrific. Blood pooled on the pavement. Her skull was cracked, her face pale, and her eyes—those beautiful, bright eyes—were closed forever. 😭
Jinwoo froze. The air left his lungs in a ragged gasp.
"PRITHVI!!!" 💔
In a blur of lightning speed, he was by her side, pulling her broken form into his arms. Tears he hadn't felt in centuries began to fall.
"Why… why did you leave me like this?" he choked out. "I told you I would protect you… but I wasn't here."
He shook his head, his voice breaking. "I came here to tell you I love you… but you can't even hear me now."
The Aftermath
Police sirens began to wail in the distance as a crowd gathered. Jinwoo looked around at the carnage. The other bodies nearby were mangled beyond recognition—heads smashed, blood sprayed across the asphalt like a macabre painting.
Rage, cold and suffocating, began to replace the grief in Jinwoo's eyes.
The Silent Promise
"Prithvi… I love you," Jinwoo whispered into the silence.
He leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her cold forehead. The moonlight bathed them in a pale, silver light.
As he stood up, his hands clenched into white-knuckled fists. The ground beneath him seemed to tremble with his suppressed power.
"Whoever did this… I will find you," he hissed, his voice vibrating with a terrifying bloodlust. "I won't just kill you. I will destroy everything you have ever known." 🔥
Chapter 6: "The Voice of Love"
("You shouldn't leave me… I am waiting for you.")
🌃 Scene: City street – midnight
Jinwoo is holding Prithvi's body, crying…
Suddenly… 🔊💓
🔊 Thump…
🔊 Thump…
🔊 THUMP…!
It feels like it's coming from Prithvi's heart…
Jinwoo (crying):
"You haven't left me yet…
I will save you, Prithvi…"
Jinwoo holds Prithvi's body tightly and rushes at super speed, leaving the city and heading towards an old house near the forest edge…
🏚 Scene Shift: Forest edge – Abandoned House
Jinwoo opens the gate and goes inside…
Inside, there is an old lady; she is shocked to see Jinwoo…
Old Lady:
"It's been so long, Jinwoo…!"
Jinwoo:
"I don't have time to talk, Ma…
Help this girl… somehow."
Old Lady:
"Who is this… what happened…?
It looks so painful to even watch…"
She places her hand on Prithvi's chest…
🔊💓
🔊 Thump… thump… thump…
Suddenly, she feels the heartbeat…
Old Lady (in shock):
"Pavam…! This girl is still alive… It's a miracle!
But she is in a lot of pain…
Her head is severely damaged…"
Jinwoo:
"Please… help her first.
She is my soul…
Her name is Prithvi."
The old lady looks at him and thinks deeply for a moment…
Old Lady:
"Your soul… hmm…
It looks like you love her…
Fine… I will take care of it."
She places her hand on Prithvi's forehead:
Alice:
"Prithvi… I will heal you…
My name is Alice."
Jinwoo leaves the house…
Alice looks at Prithvi…
Brutal wounds across her whole body… head injury… bones are bent…
But there is a firm determination on Alice's face…
Alice (whispering mildly):
"I will save you…"
🌆 Scene Shift: Back to the City – Early Morning
Jinwoo returns to the city from the forest…
But the sight is terrible…
Only dead bodies in the city—civilians, tanks, army soldiers—everyone is dead…
Blood everywhere… total silence…
No one alive… no sound… only the wind…
Jinwoo stands there calmly…
Jinwoo (in a cold tone):
"Who did this…"
🌑 THE ETERNAL FLAME – END
(But this is not over…)
☠ TO BE CONTINUED IN: THE UNWORTHY WORLD