The Diary of a Korean Vampire: Part One

Kwang jolted awake at the sound of his alarm. “Damn it—I’m late for school again!” He threw on his uniform in a rush, grabbed his bag, and sprinted to his bike. The morning air stung his face as he pedaled furiously, racing the clock. By the time he reached the school gates, his heart was pounding. He bolted up the stairs, ducked into the classroom, and slid into the last seat, keeping his head low. He knew his teacher—always stern, always angry—wouldn’t let his lateness pass unnoticed. Sure enough, a gravelly voice called his name. “Kwang, where is your homework notebook?” His stomach sank. He fumbled through his bag, rifling desperately. “I—I forgot it, sir. I’m sorry.” The teacher’s glare could have frozen fire. “Get out. Now.” Kwang slouched out, hiding his relief with a smirk. Good thing that i***t kicked me out. His class is so boring, I’d die of it before lunch. He wandered toward the restroom, splashed cold water on his face, and found two boys already inside. One was Si Yeon, broad-shouldered and rough around the edges. The other was Yoheon, pale, thin, and visibly weaker. Si Yeon twisted Yoheon’s arm until he cried out. “I told you yesterday,” Si Yeon growled, “you’d better bring me cigarettes, or I’ll shove your head into the toilet.” “Hey,” Kwang cut in, “maybe you could fight with a little more manners? Violence isn’t necessary.” Si Yeon sneered. “Mind your own business, i***t. Stay out of this.” He tightened his grip, making Yoheon whimper louder. Kwang’s lips curled. “Did you just call me an i***t? Really? Fine. Let’s see about that.” Before Si Yeon could react, Kwang’s fist shot forward, cracking against his jaw. Yoheon stumbled free as Si Yeon roared, swinging back. But Kwang was already gone, slipping through the door as if nothing had happened.