It was the first day of October. The leaves were just starting to turn orange, some of them breaking free from the branches and falling off the trees as the wind blew. The weather was nice. Not too hot and not too cold. Hoseok and I had just finished decorating the house, inside and out. It took some time, but we were extremely pleased with the result. Fake spiderwebs covered the windows while purple and orange lights lined the edge of the roof. We even purchased a couple skeletons to sit out in the yard. Inside the house, we had a spooky tablecloth on the kitchen table, Halloween themed gel clings on the windows, and some fake pumpkins and figurines decorating the furniture around the house.
"What do you think?" Hoseok asked.
"It's perfect! We need some pumpkins to set outside, though."
"It's kind of late, why don't we get some another day?"
"Good idea. I'm kind of tired from all the decorating anyway." I yawned.
"Me too. Hanging those lights was a pain."
"What do you say we kick off spooky season with warm apple cider and some Halloween movies, hm?" I suggest.
"Sounds perfect."
Minutes later, the two of us were bundled up in thick blankets, holding mugs of warm apple cider in our hands.
"Let's watch a fun Halloween movie." Hoseok suggested.
"No. We should watch something scary!"
"You know how I feel about scary movies." He frowned.
"What if it's something a little scary?"
"A little?"
"Yeah."
"Okay." He nodded.
"Alright! I wanna watch It!"
"You mean the clown movie?"
"Yes I mean the clown movie. It's not even scary."
"Maybe to you."
"If it gets to be too much, we can choose a different one. How's that?"
"Okay."
I grin and start the movie, nestling close to Hoseok as the opening credits scrolled across the screen.
Hoseok managed to make it through the first half of the movie with minor freak outs. I helped by warning him of any jump scares so he would be prepared. We were nearing the end of the film when The Losers Club go into the old house where Pennywise lives. I was so into the movie, I didn't even think about Hoseok. I glanced his direction just to check on him. I was surprised to see him leaned forward, his eyes glued to the tv as Pennywise twisted out of the refrigerator and stalked towards Eddie, taunting him and pretending he was going to attack. Hoseok let out a maniacal laugh as we watched the scene play out.
"He's terrified!" He commented, a wicked grin on his face. "How thrilling."
I furrowed my brows at Hoseok's behavior. He's been scared this whole time and now he's suddenly into the movie?
"Are you okay?" I ask with a chuckle.
"I'm fine, Y/n. Never been better." He answers, his voice oddly calm.
"Okay." I mutter, turning my attention back to the tv.
The movie was coming to an end, it was time for the big fight scene. Hoseok leaned back into the couch cushions, pulling the covers up as he watched from behind his homemade protective wall of blankets.
"You want me to change the movie?"
"No." He shook his head. "Let's finish watching. I can handle it."
"Okay." I nod, turning towards the tv.
When Pennywise was finally getting defeated, Hoseok seemed to perk up.
"Yes!" He exclaimed. "Kill that stupid clown!"
I couldn't help but laugh at his animated and passionate reactions. He was like a dad yelling at a football game on tv.
When the credits started rolling, Hoseok let out a sigh, dropping his head against the back of the couch. "What a relief."
"You seemed to be really into it at the end. Also, what was with the crazy laughter when Eddie was being tortured?"
"Oh." He looked away, scratching his head. "That's weird."
"It was weird. It's almost like you weren't yourself for a second."
His eyes seem to widen at the statement. "Hey, lets watch another movie. I want to pick this time." He spoke up, changing the subject.
I decided not to bring up his weird behavior again and simply brush it off.
We decided on a family friendly, non-scary movie to ease the tension in the room. Hoseok seemed a bit rattled by the previous movie.
"This movie is much better." Hoseok smiled, watching the tv. "I like these kinds of Halloween movies. Not those with jump scares."
"Sorry I made you watch that." I apologize, running my fingers through his hair.
"It's okay. It wasn't so bad, actually. I wouldn't watch it again, though."
"That's fine. You're brave for even agreeing to watch it."
"I am?" He asked, his eyes sparkling.
I nod. "So brave."
He let out a tiny giggle. "Tell me again."
"My Hoseokie is so brave." I say, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"One more kiss?" He asked cheekily.
I lean in to give him another kiss on the cheek, but he turns his head at the last second, my lips landing on his. He chuckled, clearly proud of himself for tricking me. I close my eyes as his arms wrap firmly around my waist, pulling me closer to him.
"Mmm." He hummed, pulling away momentarily. "You're sweeter than any Halloween candy."
The compliment sent chills down my spine, in a good way. The movie seemed to be forgotten as Hoseok gently lowered me on my back. He hovered over me momentarily before diving in for another kiss. He moved his lips feverishly against mine, my heart rate getting faster by the second. Hoseok is always so upbeat and cheerful, so when he gets in one of these moods, it excites me. I like seeing Hoseok's darker side.
My fingers moved up to his ebony hair, feeling the softness of it as Hoseok continued to take my breath away. His lips parted from mine only for him to move to my jawline, my eyes instinctively fluttering closed.
"What about the movie?" I asked breathlessly.
"I'd much rather do this." He spoke lowly, almost in a growl.
"Fine with me."
He stopped his ministrations, pulling away to look me in the eyes.
"How about I run us a bubble bath? I can light some pumpkin pie candles and use some fall scented bubble bath."
I bit my lip, a smile making its way onto my face. "Sounds like a nice way to end the night."
***
The next day we set out for the local pumpkin patch to choose our pumpkins. We were taken in groups on a hayride down to the pumpkin patch. It was a calm and leisurely ride, except for the itchy hay bails.
"Wooooow!" Hoseok gaped. "Look at all these pumpkins."
"There's so many to choose from." I comment.
The two of us made our way out into the field. I saw a few pumpkins that seemed to have been stepped on. Either that or they were rotten. I found another one that looked to be the perfect shape, only to roll it over and see a huge, ugly, dark scuff on it.
"Darn." I mutter, walking over to search another area.
"Y/n!"
I look over and see Hoseok holding up a rather large pumpkin over his head.
"Are you serious right now?!" I shout.
"It's perfect isn't it?"
"It's a bit large, don't you think?"
"That's what's so great about it!" He beamed.
"Put that down before you hurt yourself!"
"Yes ma'am." He wobbled a bit, but managed to set the pumpkin on the ground. "I'm getting that one." He pointed.
"Since you're getting a big pumpkin, maybe I should get one around the same size. That way they match."
"I'll help!" He piped up, scampering around the patch in search of the perfect pumpkin.
I continued my hunt, examining every large pumpkin I could find. At last, I was able to find a beautiful, round, bright orange, blemish-free pumpkin.
"I got it!" I exclaim excitedly, lifting the pumpkin up so Hoseok could see it from where he was currently standing.
"Nice choice, babe! Let's buy it!"
The two of us carried our pumpkins back to the trailer and took a seat on the hay, waiting for the rest of the group to finish.
We were taken back to the main area where we paid for our pumpkins and headed home.
We got to work setting up for a messy pumpkin carving as soon as we got home. Newspapers and carving tools were laid out along the porch.
"Alright!" I rub my hands in anticipation. "You ready?"
"Yes!" Hoseok placed his hands on his pumpkin.
I started out by sketching rough lines where I wanted to carve, then I cut open the top and started gutting the pumpkin.
Hoseok made a face as he reached inside his pumpkin, pulling out a handful of squishy seeds and pumpkin guts. I laughed as I tossed mine onto a pile on the newspaper.
"It's not so bad." I say, reaching in for another handful.
"It feels awful."
"It'll be worth it once we start carving." I assure him.
I got started on mine first. I managed to get the inside of the pumpkin cleaned out in no time and I was finally able to move on to the best part. Since we didn't only had pumpkin carving knife, Hoseok and I would have to share it.
"I'm ready to start carving!" Hoseok announced gleefully.
"Do you want to use this? I can wait and use it after you finish yours." I offer.
"It's fine, I'll just use the knife."
"Are you sure? Using the carving tools is safer."
"I'll be fine. Plus, I'd rather me get hurt than you."
"Just be careful, okay?"
He nodded and got to work.
A few minutes had passed, the both of us laser focused on our pumpkins. I set the small carving tool aside to give my hand and wrist a break, my eyes trailing over to Hoseok. His eyes were staring unblinking at the pumpkin in front of him, his knuckles white from gripping the knife so hard. He seemed a bit too into it.
"Hoseok?" I asked.
An evil grin spread across his face, his teeth clenched together in the creepiest way as he violently carved the pumpkin
"Hoseok!" I shout.
His face falls flat, his eyelids blinking rapidly as he looks at me, a blank look on his face. He looked like he had just been snapped out of a trance. "What is it?"
I hesitate, unsure of what to say.
"Is something wrong, love?" He asked softly.
"No." I shake my head, getting back to work
I push aside the strange event and just enjoy doing fall activities with the one I adore.
"I just love Halloween." I comment excitedly as I set out my freshly carved pumpkin.
"Babe, what do you think?" Hoseok asks, holding his pumpkin up.
An unevenly cut face was carved into the orange gourd. It sported a cute heart shaped mouth that resembled Hoseok's.
"I love it." I smile.
He lets out a giggle and places the pumpkin beside mine. "It's perfect."
***
Weeks pass by, Halloween is just around the corner. Hoseok and I went to a harvest festival the night before and enjoyed fun games, caramel apples, and delicious fall desserts. Today, we were planning our costumes for a small party at a friend's house.
"We're gonna be the best dressed. I just know it." I grin, taking a look at our costumes.
"For sure." Hoseok gave a faint smile.
"What's wrong?" I ask softly.
"Halloween is just weird for me."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know." He muttered.
"You don't know or you can't tell me?"
He paused. "Maybe you should go to the party alone. It'll be safer that way."
"Safer?" I question.
"Yeah."
"You're sounding weird. What's going on?"
"It's this thing that happens to me on Halloween. It's been going on since I was 18."
"What? You gonna turn into a werewolf or something?" I tease.
"Something like that." He muttered something quietly, I didn't quite hear him.
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"Hoseok." I sigh, walking over to him. "I want to spend Halloween with you. Especially this Halloween. It's the first one we're sharing together. If you don't go to the party, then I'm not going."
He looked at me worriedly. "Fine. We'll go to the party."
"That's the spirit!" I ruffle his hair and go to hang up our costumes.
***
I finished applying my makeup and checked my reflection.
"Everyone is gonna be so jealous of our costumes." I grin.
Leaving the bathroom, I go searching for Hoseok. I hadn't seen him for at least ten minutes, or even heard him in the house.
"Babe, you ready? We should head out soon." I announce, walking into our shared room.
I see Hoseok standing in front of the dresser, his finger tracing over a framed photo of us.
"Hoseok?" I ask.
"What a nice photo." He says, his voice sounding different than it usually does.
"Why is it so dark in here?" I ask, ignoring his comment.
"I like it dark." He stated, turning towards me.
"Alright. You can stop now. You got me!" I laugh. "C'mon babe, I know that whole Halloween night thing is just a prank. You can cut it out now."
His head tilted slightly as he stared at me.
"I'm serious Hoseok. Also, where's your costume? I thought you were up here getting ready?"
"This is my costume."
"No it's not. We agreed on-"
"I'm wearing this." He stated firmly.
"Is there something wrong?" I ask, my voice becoming shaky. "You're acting really weird."
"Nothing is wrong, doll. Everything is just peachy." He strides across the room, moving closer.
I instinctively took a step back.
"Where are you going?" He asked softly, venom dripping from his voice.
"N-nowhere."
"Good. I wanted to spend some time with my love." Hoseok reached out, grabbing my wrist, jerking me harshly towards him.
I looked up at him, a chill running down my spine. He doesn't look like himself. His all black hair now had one single strip of white in it. Dark circles have appeared around his eyes which seemed to have lost all light and now hold something sinister behind them. All those times that we was acting weird, laughing at kids being scared out of their wits, stabbing his pumpkin with that knife, it wasn't an act. Is this what he meant by something happens to him on Halloween night?
"Why are you acting so scared? You said you wanted to spend Halloween with me. Didn't you?"
"We have to go to the party."
"Forget the party." He growled. "I wanna stay here with you." He whispered, leaning in, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear. "I haven't seen you in a while. Did you miss me?"
Haven't seen him in a while? What is he talking about?
"I said, did you miss me?" He asked, more harshly this time as he grabbed my jaw.
"H-Hoseok. You're scaring me."
"Hoseok isn't here."
________________________________________
Ooh spooky! 👻
This (in my opinion) was a bit messy. I had this concept of Hoseok being Jekyll and Hyde but didn't really have a solid storyline so I just kind of wrote down whatever lol
I'm cool with how it turned out though.