Hunter and Runner: A Nighttime Game of Tag with Humans

In recent months, a large-scale nighttime game of tag known as "Cops and Robbers" has been spreading rapidly across human communities. Played in parks and city streets after dark, the game divides participants into pursuers and fugitives in a citywide chase. Because it takes place entirely at night, it has become an unexpectedly suitable outdoor activity for us—rarely do conditions align so conveniently with our limitations.

The appeal lies in how easily we can blend in. Night gatherings have seen a steady rise in vampire participation, particularly among younger generations seeking smoother integration into human society. Activities that allow us to run, strategize, and laugh alongside humans under shared rules are uncommon. At the same time, a game built on pursuit and concealment offers a controlled outlet for instincts that might otherwise demand restraint.

There is, however, one unspoken rule: moderation. Among vampire participants, managing one's speed has become common practice. A regular attendee of organized games in Seoul noted, "The first time I joined, I ran at full speed and the match ended within minutes. Now I adjust to human pace—slowing just before a capture, even stumbling occasionally."

The reason for the game's steady popularity is simple. For humans, it is a nostalgic return to childhood. For us, it is one of the few communal outdoor activities free from concern about sunlight. To chase without overwhelming, to hold back without losing interest—that balance is what keeps the game enjoyable for everyone.