When Darkness Falls

The back alleys of the slums were dark, filthy, and filled with shadows that twisted in the dim light. Beom-in sprinted through them, his breath coming in sharp gasps, his heartbeat a wild drum against his ribs.

There was only one thought in his mind.

Get to Yeon-jun.

Faster.

He pushed himself harder, ignoring the stench of rotting waste, the uneven ground beneath his feet. The walls blurred past him, and the only sound louder than his footsteps was the pounding in his chest.

He had to get there before it was too late.

Beom-in's vision blurred with tears, his breath coming in sharp, uneven bursts. He wiped at his eyes furiously, but it didn't help. The ache in his chest, the weight of guilt pressing against his ribs—it wouldn't go away.

This is my fault.