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velting · 2 months ago

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Blood Lock

CHAPTER 5

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⚠️WARING⚠️: THIS CHAPTER HAS SOME NOT SAFE CONENT! PLEASE READ WITH YOUR OWN CAUTION!! IF YOU DON'T ENJOY IT! THEN PLEASE SKIP IF IT MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED EVERYONE!

:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The weekend arrived with a quiet hush over the campus. The corridors were emptier than usual, save for the occasional cluster of students enjoying their free time. [Name], however, couldn’t shake the events of the night before. Every time her mind wandered back to Yoichi’s kiss, her cheeks flared a deep crimson. She had spent half the morning pacing her dorm room, trying to make sense of her feelings.

"Why am I like this?" she muttered to herself, her hands tugging at the sleeves of her oversized cardigan. She shook her head as if trying to physically rid herself of the thoughts. "Focus, [Name]. You’ve got stuff to do."

With a determined nod, she decided to head to the library. Studying always helped clear her mind, and with exams looming, she had the perfect excuse to dive into research. The crisp autumn air nipped at her cheeks as she made her way across campus. Leaves crunched under her feet, their golden hues scattered across the pathways like nature’s own confetti.

The library was quiet when she entered, the faint scent of aged paper and ink enveloping her. She walked past rows of shelves, her fingers brushing against the spines of books as she searched for the ones she needed. Stopping by the history section, her gaze fell upon a particular title: “Vampires: Myths, Legends, and Truths.”

Her brow furrowed. “Vampires?” she murmured under her breath.

The book seemed almost out of place among the historical texts, yet its bold title called to her. She hesitated, glancing around the library. No one seemed to be paying her any attention, so she pulled the book from the shelf, the old leather cover cool against her fingertips.

Curiosity prickled at the edges of her mind as she searched for a secluded corner to read. She found an empty table tucked away near the back of the library, surrounded by towering bookshelves that created a cocoon of solitude. Sitting down, she opened the book, the pages crackling faintly as she flipped through the introduction.

The dim lighting above cast a warm glow on the aged pages as [Name] began to read. The text delved into the origins of vampire myths, citing historical events and folklore from different cultures. She skimmed through sections on ancient beliefs about blood-drinking spirits and their evolution into the modern vampire archetype.

“Immortality,” she read aloud in a hushed tone. “Enhanced senses, strength, and speed… but also vulnerability to sunlight, holy objects, and wooden stakes.”

She paused, tilting her head. “Garlic, though? That just sounds dumb.”

The book continued to describe vampires as both seductive and predatory, their charm often used to lure unsuspecting victims. [Name]’s lips pressed into a thin line as her eyes skimmed over the descriptions.

"Sounds like some people I know," she muttered dryly, thinking about certain individuals on campus.

But then, her heart skipped a beat. One passage described vampires' ability to compel or influence others, bending their will through eye contact or touch. Her mind flashed back to Rensuke—his piercing gaze, the way her body felt immobile under his touch.

“No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “That’s ridiculous. He’s just—he’s not…”

Yet, the seed of doubt was planted. She continued reading, her fingers tracing the delicate script as she learned about vampire hierarchy, their weaknesses, and signs that someone might be one. Myths and truths were separated, yet the lines blurred in a way that left her unsettled.

Hours seemed to pass as [Name] lost herself in the book. The library’s quiet atmosphere felt heavier now, the stillness amplifying the creak of the floorboards and the occasional shuffle of other students in the distance. Her eyes darted over another passage.

“Symptoms of a vampire attack: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, puncture wounds…”

Her thighs twitched instinctively as her mind went to the still-visible mark. The memory of that night, the way her body had screamed in pain, sent a shiver down her spine.

“No,” she said more firmly, closing the book for a moment. She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. “It’s just a coincidence. Stuff like this doesn’t happen in real life.”

Yet, her mind betrayed her, piecing together fragments of moments and people.The Raichi incident, Rensuke’s strange behavior. Sae’s almost predatory aura. The cryptic warnings about Ruka and the way Ego seemed to watch everything unfold with an omniscient air.

“What if…” she began to think, but immediately stopped herself.

“No,” she said aloud, this time firmer. Her voice echoed faintly in the empty section of the library, startling her. She glanced around, heart pounding, before returning her gaze to the book.

Still, curiosity won out. She reopened the text, flipping to a section on detecting vampires among humans. As she read, her breath hitched.

“Red eyes during heightened emotions… an aversion to mirrors…” Her voice grew softer as she recited the words. “Cold skin… a hunger that never quite subsides…”

Her mind once again betrayed her, conjuring images of people she knew. Raichi’s sharp teeth, Rensuke’s smoldering red gaze. Ruka’s icy hands when he pulled her away. The way Michael and Lorenzo seemed to devour everything with their eyes, as if nothing could satisfy them.

[Name] slammed the book shut, the sound reverberating through the quiet library. She stood abruptly, clutching the book to her chest as she glanced around nervously.

“No way,” she muttered, her voice trembling. “This is ridiculous. They’re just people. Normal people.”

But even as she tried to convince herself, the uneasy feeling in her chest refused to subside. She placed the book back on the shelf, her hands shaking slightly, and quickly gathered her things. As she walked out of the library, the sensation of being watched prickled at the back of her neck.

[Name] didn’t turn around. She didn’t want to see if anyone—or anything—was there.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The streets of town buzzed with a lively weekend energy as [Name] wandered aimlessly, the chill autumn breeze biting at her cheeks. Her stomach growled, snapping her out of her spiraling thoughts about vampires and unsettling campus drama. Spotting a cozy sandwich shop tucked between a bookstore and a boutique, she made her way inside, grateful for its warmth and inviting smell of freshly baked bread.

She approached the counter, scanning the chalkboard menu. "Grilled cheese with tomato soup, please," she said to the cashier, offering a small, polite smile. As she waited for her order, she found a quiet table near the window and settled in, pulling out her phone.

The warm golden light from the overhead bulbs glinted off her glasses as [Name] scrolled through Instagram. A series of funny cat videos managed to coax a few chuckles out of her, the tension in her shoulders slowly easing. By the time her food arrived—a perfectly crisp sandwich paired with steaming tomato soup—she felt like she could almost push the events of the past week aside.

Almost.

She took a bite of the sandwich, savoring the buttery crunch and the gooey cheese. But as soon as she dipped it into the soup, a voice broke through her momentary peace.

“Well, if it isn’t [Name]!”

She froze mid-bite, slowly looking up to see Kuon Wataru standing by her table, his signature cocky smile plastered across his face. He waved casually, a sandwich in one hand and a drink in the other.

“Oh, uh… hey,” she said hesitantly, swallowing her food.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked, already pulling out the chair across from her.

[Name] glanced around the shop, noticing the multiple empty tables he could’ve chosen. Her eyebrows furrowed. “There’s, uh, plenty of other spots,” she said carefully.

Kuon shrugged, setting his food down. “Yeah, but none of them have the pleasure of your company.”

She sighed. Something about his presence made her wary, but she wasn’t in the mood to argue. “Fine,” she muttered, waving a hand toward the chair.

He sat down with a satisfied grin, leaning back in his seat. “Thanks. So, how are you holding up?”

[Name] raised an eyebrow. “Holding up?”

“Y’know,” Kuon said, leaning forward slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. “After that whole assembly thing. Heard it got… intense.”

Her grip on her spoon tightened, and she avoided his gaze, staring into her soup. “It’s fine,” she said curtly.

“Fine?” Kuon echoed, his tone laced with disbelief. “Come on, [Name], I saw the way Ruka dragged you out of there. And then you—” He mimicked the motion of her slap, his hand snapping to his cheek dramatically. “That was wild. I mean, I didn’t think you had it in you to—”

“Kuon.” Her voice cut through his chatter like a knife. She finally looked up at him, her expression sharp. “Can we not talk about that?”

He held up his hands in mock surrender, a smirk still playing on his lips. “Alright, alright. No need to bite my head off.”

[Name] sighed, running a hand through her hair. She took another bite of her sandwich, hoping the act of eating would put an end to the conversation.

But Kuon wasn’t done. “Still,” he said, leaning his elbows on the table, “you gotta admit, Ruka can be… a bit much, right?”

Her eyes flicked to his, narrowing slightly. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, come on,” Kuon said, his tone light but pointed. “The guy’s always hovering around you. Like, does he even give you space to breathe? He acts more like your shadow than your cousin.”

[Name]’s jaw tightened. She set her sandwich down, her appetite suddenly waning. “He’s just protective,” she muttered, though even as she said it, the words felt hollow.

“Protective?” Kuon snorted. “More like controlling. Seriously, [Name], the way he acts—dragging you away, trying to micromanage your life—it’s not normal.”

She clenched her fists on the table, the frustration that had been simmering inside her finally bubbling to the surface. “You think I don’t know that?” she snapped, her voice low but fierce.

Kuon blinked, surprised by her outburst.

[Name] took a deep breath, her hands shaking slightly. “I’ve told him a million times to back off, but he doesn’t listen. He just keeps… smothering me. Like he thinks I can’t take care of myself.”

Her voice cracked on the last word, and she quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

Kuon watched her for a moment, his smirk fading into something softer. “Hey,” he said, his tone unusually gentle. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

She didn’t respond, staring down at her hands as they twisted in her lap.

“For what it’s worth,” Kuon continued, “I think you handled yourself pretty well at the assembly. Ruka needed to be put in his place, and you did that. You’ve got guts, [Name]. More than most people around here.”

She glanced up at him, her expression conflicted. “It didn’t feel like guts,” she admitted quietly. “It felt like… like I lost control.”

“Maybe,” Kuon said with a shrug. “But sometimes losing control is the only way to make people listen.”

His words lingered in the air, and for a moment, [Name] felt a flicker of understanding pass between them. She picked up her spoon, swirling it in her soup as she mulled over his statement.

“Thanks,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kuon leaned back in his chair, his smirk returning. “Anytime. Just remember—if you ever need someone to vent to, I’m your guy.”

[Name] gave him a small, reluctant smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As Kuon finished his meal and excused himself, she watched him go, her thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Despite his brash personality, he had given her something to think about. Maybe, just maybe, she didn’t have to deal with everything on her own.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The sandwich shop was beginning to clear out as [Name] finished the last sip of her tomato soup. She felt a small sense of relief after venting to Kuon, even if the conversation left her with mixed feelings. Packing her things, she made her way to the counter to pay, bowing slightly to the cashier.

“Thank you. That was delicious,” she said sincerely, handing over a few bills.

The cashier smiled. “Come back anytime!”

As [Name] adjusted her bag on her shoulder and headed toward the exit, she instinctively reached into her pocket to check her phone. Her heart sank when her hand came up empty. She stopped in her tracks, patting her other pocket. Nothing.

Frowning, she opened her bag and rummaged through it carefully, checking every compartment. Maybe she had misplaced it. She scanned the table where she’d been sitting, her eyes narrowing as she retraced her steps.

‘Okay, no big deal,’ she told herself. It’s here somewhere.

But the longer she searched, the faster her composure crumbled. She ducked under her table, checking the floor. Nothing. She went back to her chair, lifting it to see if her phone had slipped underneath. Still nothing.

“Where is it?” she muttered, her voice growing more frantic.

Her heart raced as the worst-case scenarios flashed through her mind. What if someone stole it? What if she dropped it? What if it’s gone forever?

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. ‘Stay rational, [Name]. Think.’

She thought back to the last time she’d seen it—when she was scrolling through Instagram while eating. Maybe she’d left it there. She went back to the table again, scanning it meticulously. Still, her phone was nowhere to be found.

Her stomach churned with dread. No way… Kuon wouldn’t, would he?

The idea made her blood boil. She hoped it was just a coincidence and not a cruel joke at her expense.

As she stepped outside, she spotted an old payphone across the street. She sprinted over, fumbling through her bag for spare change. Sliding the coins into the slot, she dialed her own number, the metallic beeps of the phone ringing loud in her ears.

“Please, please, please,” she whispered, holding her breath as it rang.

After a few moments, the line connected, and a voice came through.

“Well, well, look who’s calling,” came the familiar, smug tone of Kuon Wataru.

[Name]’s eyes widened, her grip tightening on the phone. “Kuon?!”

“That’s right. Lose something, [Name]?” His voice dripped with mockery.

Her blood ran cold. “Where’s my phone?” she demanded, her tone sharp.

“Oh, don’t worry,” Kuon replied, his smirk audible through the receiver. “Look across the street.”

Her head snapped up, scanning the area frantically. Then she saw him. Standing casually across the road, leaning against a lamppost, was Kuon. In his hand, he held her phone, waving it teasingly in her direction with a smug grin plastered across his face.

[Name]’s jaw clenched as a wave of anger surged through her. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she muttered under her breath.

Kuon raised the phone to his ear, still watching her. “Relax, [Name]. I was just keeping it safe for you. You should really be more careful with your things.”

Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the receiver. “You took it, didn’t you? While I was eating.”

“‘Took’ is such a strong word,” Kuon said, feigning innocence. “I prefer to call it… borrowing. You know, as a friend.”

“Friend?” [Name] hissed, her voice rising. “What kind of ‘friend’ steals someone’s phone and then taunts them about it?”

Kuon laughed, the sound infuriatingly casual. “Oh, come on. You’ve been so stressed out lately. I figured I’d give you a little distraction. You can’t take everything so seriously.”

“This isn’t funny, Kuon,” she snapped, her voice shaking with anger. “Give me my phone back. Now.”

Kuon sighed dramatically. “Alright, alright. No need to get your glasses in a twist. Meet me over here, and I’ll give it back.”

She slammed the payphone down, her teeth grinding as she stormed across the street. The cold wind nipped at her face, but she barely noticed, her focus locked on Kuon’s smug expression.

When she reached him, she held out her hand, glaring at him. “Hand it over.”

Kuon twirled the phone in his hand, smirking. “You’re no fun, you know that?”

“Kuon,” she said through gritted teeth, her patience wearing thin. “I’m not in the mood for games. Give. It. Back.”

Finally, he relented, placing the phone in her hand with an exaggerated flourish. “There you go. Safe and sound.”

[Name] snatched it from him, checking to make sure everything was still intact. Her fingers itched to slap the smirk off his face, but she took a deep breath, trying to compose herself.

“Next time,” she said coldly, “keep your hands off my stuff.”

Kuon held up his hands in mock surrender. “Message received, loud and clear.”

She turned on her heel and began walking away, her grip tight on her phone.

“Hey, [Name],” he called after her.

She stopped but didn’t turn around.

“For what it’s worth, you’re cute when you’re angry.”

Her fists clenched at her sides as she walked away, her heart pounding with frustration. Of all the nerve…

But as infuriating as Kuon was, she couldn’t shake the unsettling thought that there was more to his actions than just playful teasing. Something about the way he’d smiled at her—the glint in his eyes—made her feel like she was a pawn in a much bigger game.

The sound of bustling traffic filled the air as [Name] stopped at the curb, waiting for the light to change. Her fists were clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white, her phone gripped protectively in her hand. She inhaled deeply, trying to steady her nerves after the infuriating encounter with Kuon.

But then, she felt it—hot, shallow breaths against the back of her neck. Her entire body stiffened as a shiver raced down her spine.

"You smell… delicious," came Kuon’s low, almost predatory voice, the words dripping with sinister amusement.

[Name]’s eyes widened, her stomach churning as she instinctively stepped forward. Her pulse quickened, and her breath caught in her throat. The moment she turned her head slightly and caught the faintest glimpse of his smirk, her fight-or-flight instinct kicked in.

Without a word, she bolted across the street, weaving through honking cars and startled pedestrians. Her heart pounded in her chest as adrenaline surged through her veins. She didn’t dare look back, but she could feel Kuon’s presence like a shadow looming behind her.

“Where are you going, [Name]?” His voice carried through the air, playful yet dripping with menace. “You know you can’t outrun me.”

She didn’t stop, didn’t respond. Her only thought was to get away. Her trembling fingers reached for her phone, desperate to call someone—anyone—for help. But as she unlocked the screen, her heart sank.

No SIM card.

Her footsteps faltered, panic overtaking her. “No… no, no, no!” she whispered, tears stinging her eyes. 'He must’ve taken it. He handed my phone back, but he took the damn SIM card!'

Her vision blurred as fear clouded her mind. She didn’t know where she was going anymore—just away. Away from Kuon. Away from the overwhelming dread building in her chest.

Her frantic running led her to an old, abandoned church. The worn, wooden doors creaked as she shoved them open, the sound echoing in the hollow space. Dust swirled in the air as the faint moonlight streamed through the cracked stained-glass windows, casting eerie, fragmented patterns on the floor.

[Name] stumbled inside, her breathing ragged. She looked around desperately, her mind racing for a plan. Hide? Block the door? Call for help?

Before she could decide, the doors creaked again behind her.

She froze, her blood turning to ice as Kuon stepped inside. His pace was slow, deliberate, almost mocking. His smirk grew wider as his dark eyes locked onto hers.

“Well, well,” Kuon drawled, his voice echoing in the empty space. “Running to a church for sanctuary? How… poetic.”

[Name] backed away, her steps uneven as she struggled to keep her composure. “Stay back,” she warned, though her voice betrayed her fear.

Kuon chuckled, his fangs glinting in the dim light as he stepped closer. “Oh, [Name]. You should’ve known by now… there’s nowhere you can run from me.”

Her back hit the cold, stone altar, and she flinched. The realization that she was trapped sank in, and her knees threatened to give out.

“Y-You’re one of them, aren’t you?” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. “A… vampire.”

Kuon tilted his head, his grin widening as he flashed his fangs fully. “Smart girl. I was wondering when you’d figure it out.”

Her hands trembled as she gripped the edge of the altar, trying to steady herself. “Why me? What do you want from me?”

He stepped closer, his movements slow and calculated, like a predator cornering its prey. “Why you?” he repeated, his tone turning almost reverent. “Do you have any idea how special you are? Your scent… your blood… it’s intoxicating. I’ve been watching you for a long time, [Name]. Dreaming of this moment.”

She shook her head, her breathing shallow as tears welled in her eyes. “You’re insane,” she whispered.

Kuon laughed darkly, his gaze never leaving hers. “Maybe. But you can’t deny it, can you? There’s something between us. You feel it too.”

Before she could respond, he lunged forward, slamming her body against the altar. The force knocked the air out of her lungs as she gasped, her hands instinctively trying to push him away.

“Let go of me!” she cried, her voice breaking.

But Kuon was unrelenting. He pinned her wrists above her head with one hand, his strength overwhelming. His face was inches from hers now, his smirk replaced by an almost animalistic hunger.

“You can struggle all you want,” he said, his voice low and rough. “It just makes you even more irresistible.”

Tears spilled down [Name]’s cheeks as she shook her head. “Please… don’t.”

Her vulnerability only seemed to excite him more. His free hand trailed down her neck, his fingers brushing against her skin with a chilling intimacy.

“You have no idea how hard it’s been to resist you,” he murmured, his voice laced with desire. “But now… I don’t think I can anymore.”

As his lips brushed against her neck, [Name] squeezed her eyes shut, a sob escaping her lips. She prayed for something—anything—to save her.

With sharp Fangs, Kuon forcefully sank his fangs deep into [Name]’s neck, she gasps from the pain as Kuon begin to greedily gobble her blood, in distraught pain she screamed from the top of her lungs, the pain triggering to thrash but Kuon restricted her movements.

The sound of tasteful moans coming from the male while hearing the girl in distress made him drink more, “Please! Stop! AAAHHH!!” She began to beg him to quite, her vision becoming blurry from all the tears streaming down her face.

With last gulp, he finally retired back and wiped the blood off his lips while having a sadistic smirk on his lips.

The church was silent except for the sound of her ragged breathing and Kuon’s whispered promises of indulgence. But in the quiethe a sigle blodd drops on the floor.

[Name] remained motionless, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps as Kuon’s sinister gaze bore down on her. The oppressive weight of his presence was suffocating. She desperately searched her surroundings for a way out but found none. Her mind raced, yet her body refused to move, frozen in terror.

Kuon smirked, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim, moonlit church. "You know," he said casually, his voice laced with mockery, "you make this too easy, [Name]. You're so predictable, so... human." He teased, taking his hands off her wrist, replacing it on her neck.

[Name] swallowed hard, her throat dry as sandpaper. "Why... why are you doing this?" she managed to stammer, her voice trembling.

"Because I can," Kuon replied simply, tilting his head as if the question amused him. "And because you're special. Don’t you realize how irresistible you are? That sweet blood of yours..." He trailed off, licking his lips as if savoring the blood.

[Name] clenched her fists, forcing herself to stand tall despite the quivering of her knees and the lack of iron in her body. "I’m not some... some thing for you to toy with!" she snapped, her voice rising with a mix of fear and defiance.

Kuon laughed softly, a low, unsettling sound that reverberated in the hollow space. "Oh, [Name]. You’re so much more than that. You're a puzzle, a prize... something worth possessing.” He emphasized the last word, his tone dripping with obsession.

The intensity in his gaze caused her to take a groan in pain, bumping her head onto the altar behind her. She felt the cold marble press against her spine, trapping her. Kuon advanced slowly, savoring her helplessness.

"You can’t run forever," he whispered, his voice almost tender. "Sooner or later, you’ll realize there’s no one else who can protect you. Not your friends, not your roommate, not even Ruka. They're all just distractions. But me? I’ll keep you safe... in my own way."

[Name]’s heart pounded in her chest as she tried to think of a way to stall him. "You're wrong," she said, her voice wavering but steady enough to convey conviction. "They care about me. They’re not like you."

Kuon’s expression darkened for a fleeting moment, a shadow passing over his handsome features before a twisted smirk returned, contorting his face into something almost monstrous. “You think you know them so well,” he muttered, his voice dripping with condescension. “But you’ll see. They’re just as selfish as I am—just as hungry for you.”

He leaned in closer, his breath hot against her skin, sending a shiver down [Name]’s spine. His lips brushed near her ear, and she could feel the weight of his words wrapping around her like a suffocating shroud. “I’m just the only one honest enough to admit it.”

[Name] flinched at his words, the cold steel of his twisted logic digging into her psyche like a dagger. Each syllable echoed in her mind, casting shadows over her thoughts and causing her resolve to falter. She struggled to maintain her composure, but the unsettling truth of his statement gnawed at her, chipping away at her defenses.

Kuon’s hand reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. His touch was unexpectedly gentle, yet it churned a storm of fear within her. The contrast between his softness and the darkness in his eyes was unnerving, as if he were a predator toying with his prey.

With a strange mix of tenderness and menace, Kuon slowly knelt down before her, his presence looming as he pried her legs apart. The movement was deliberate, almost reverent, as he took hold of one of her thighs. [Name]’s breath hitched in her throat as she felt the heat radiating from him, a palpable intensity that made her skin crawl. Her body shivered involuntarily, a reaction to the mingled sensations of fear and a strange, helpless vulnerability.

Not a moment longer, Kuon sank his fangs into her thigh, the sharpness of his teeth piercing her flesh with a sudden, excruciating pain.

A scream erupted from [Name]'s lips, raw and desperate, echoing through the stillness of the night. “Please, stop! Get away from me!” she begged, her voice trembling as she writhed in agony, tears streaming down her cheeks.

But her pleas fell on deaf ears, swallowed by the darkness that enveloped them. Kuon was lost in his primal instinct, feasting on her blood with a fervor that sent shockwaves of terror coursing through her. Each gulp he took was a reminder of her helplessness, a stark contrast to the life that was ebbing away from her.

As he savored the rich flavor of her blood, his red eyes glinted with amusement and an obsessive hunger, reflecting a twisted joy that sent chills down her spine. The more he consumed, the more he seemed to revel in the power he wielded over her, as if her suffering was the very essence of his existence.

[Name] could feel herself slipping away, the darkness creeping in around the edges of her vision, but Kuon remained, a haunting figure of twisted desire and insatiable hunger, consuming both her blood and her very spirit.

Suddenly, the heavy wooden doors of the church creaked open, the sound reverberating like a thunderclap. Both Kuon and [Name] froze, his head snapping toward the entrance. A dark silhouette stood in the doorway, illuminated by the pale moonlight.

"Step away from her," a low, cold voice commanded, cutting through the tension like a blade.

Kuon’s smirk faded, replaced by a scowl of irritation. "Oh, great. Another hero," he muttered, turning to face the intruder.

[Name]’s breath hitched as she recognized the figure. It was Barou, his eyes glinting dangerously in the dim light. His expression was unreadable, but the simmering anger beneath the surface was palpable.

"You're interrupting something private," Kuon sneered, his cocky demeanor returning as he crossed his arms. "Why don’t you leave before you get hurt, selfish king?"

Barou stepped forward, his movements deliberate and controlled. "Let her go," he repeated, his tone colder than ice.

Kuon tilted his head, clearly enjoying the challenge. "And if I don’t?" he asked, baring his fangs slightly in a subtle threat.

Barou’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the air in the room seemed to crackle with tension. "Then you’ll regret it," he said simply.

[Name] watched the standoff with bated breath, her fear momentarily eclipsed by the hope that someone had finally come to her rescue. But the question remained—would Barou be able to protect her from Kuon’s monstrous strength, or was she simply trading one danger for another?

Kuon chuckled, the sound low and mocking, as he stepped away from [Name] with deliberate slowness. "Regret it, huh? Big words, Barou. But let’s see if you can back them up." His fangs glinted as he smirked, his crimson eyes narrowing with amusement and challenge.

[Name] clung to the altar behind her, her knees trembling as she glanced between the two. Barou’s presence was commanding, his aura exuding raw power and authority. But even with him here, the tension between the two vampires was suffocating, their power pressing against her like a physical force.

Barou's expression was sharp, his red eyes boring into Kuon with a mixture of disdain and restrained fury. "Step away from her," he repeated, his voice calm but laced with a deadly edge. His towering figure loomed over the space, a silent promise of retribution.

Kuon sighed dramatically, throwing his hands up as if conceding. "Fine, fine," he drawled, taking a step back. "I’ll let her go… for now." His gaze flicked to [Name], his eyes softening into something disturbingly tender. "But remember, [Name], I’ll always be watching. You can’t hide from me."

Her stomach churned at his words, and she clenched her fists to stop her hands from trembling. She didn’t trust herself to speak, afraid her voice would betray her fear.

As Kuon turned to leave, he paused, throwing one last smirk over his shoulder. "Oh, and Barou? You might have won this little round, but don’t think for a second that this is over. I’m not done with her yet." With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving an oppressive silence in his wake.

[Name] exhaled shakily, her legs finally giving out as she slumped against the altar. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she forced them back, refusing to let the fear consume her.

Barou approached her slowly, his heavy steps reverberating through the hollow church. His sharp eyes softened slightly as he crouched down to her level, his large frame casting a shadow over her. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice gruff but quieter now.

She shook her head, though her body still trembled and exhausted. " I’m… I’m okay," she stammered, avoiding his gaze. "I didn’t think anyone… would come."

Barou’s jaw tightened at her words, his golden eyes flickering with a dangerous light. "You think I’d let that scum get away with this?" he muttered, more to himself than to her. His tone was low, but the anger in his voice was unmistakable. "Ruka wouldn’t forgive me if I didn’t step in. And neither would I."

Her eyes widened slightly at the mention of her cousin. Of course, this was Ruka’s doing—his way of keeping her “protected.” But Barou's tone held something more than obligation; there was an undercurrent of personal resolve.

"He’s not going to stop, is he?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Barou exhaled sharply, his frown deepening. "No," he admitted bluntly. "But that doesn’t mean you have to deal with him on your own." He glanced away, his expression tightening. "You’re under my watch now. No one’s touching you—not Kuon, not anyone."

[Name] blinked up at him, her lips parting slightly in surprise. Despite his gruff demeanor, his words brought a small measure of comfort, a flicker of hope in the midst of her fear.

Barou stood and extended his hand to her. His large palm hovered in front of her, steady and resolute. "Come on," he said. "Let’s get you out of here."

Hesitating only for a moment, [Name] took his hand. His grip was firm, grounding her as he helped her to her feet. Standing beside him, she felt dwarfed by his presence, but for the first time that night, she didn’t feel entirely vulnerable.

As they walked out of the church, the moonlight casting an eerie glow over the ruins, [Name] couldn’t stop herself from glancing at Barou. His silence was heavy, his focus locked straight ahead, but his protective stance gave her a strange sense of security.

A question nagged at her, though. "Barou," she murmured hesitantly, "how did you know where I was?"

He didn’t look at her, his gaze still fixed forward. "I didn’t," he replied gruffly. "Ruka’s been keeping tabs on you, and I’ve been keeping tabs on him. When I heard Kuon was lurking nearby, it wasn’t hard to figure out the rest."

Her lips parted in surprise, but no words came out. She looked down, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her skirt. "Thank you," she said softly. "I mean it. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t come."

Barou stopped walking, turning to look at her with an unreadable expression. "You’re safe now," he said simply. "That’s all that matters."

As they continued down the quiet streets, Barou’s towering presence beside her, [Name] felt the weight of the night’s events begin to lift—if only slightly. But deep down, she knew this was only the beginning.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the quiet cooking club room, casting a soft glow on the polished counters and neatly arranged utensils. [Name] stood at the sink, humming quietly to herself as she washed the last of the dishes. The aroma of freshly made takoyaki lingered in the air—a comforting blend of savory batter, octopus, and a hint of seaweed.

The club room was hers today, a rare escape from the chaos of her usual life. Sundays meant no official club activities, which gave her free rein to cook to her heart's content. Today, takoyaki had been on her mind, and she'd spent the last hour perfecting the crisp yet tender spheres, carefully plating them with drizzle patterns of sauce and mayonnaise.

The peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by the sound of the door creaking open behind her. [Name] paused, her hands still submerged in soapy water, and glanced over her shoulder.

Standing in the doorway was none other than Eita Otoya. He leaned against the doorframe with a casual confidence, his sharp, fox-like features accentuated by his ever-present smirk. His white hair with green bang was slightly tousled, giving him a roguish sly charm that he undoubtedly used to his advantage.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Eita drawled as he stepped inside, his voice smooth and playful. "I didn’t think anyone would be in today, but I guess I’ve been blessed with some unexpected company."

[Name] blinked in surprise before offering a polite smile. "Oh, Otoya. I didn’t expect anyone else either. Just… cleaning up after cooking."

Eita’s smirk widened as he approached, his hands slipping casually into his pockets. "Cooking, huh? Let me guess—you made something amazing, didn’t you? It smells too good for it to be anything else."

She chuckled softly, shaking her head as she returned her attention to the dishes. "I made takoyaki. Nothing fancy."

"Takoyaki?" Eita repeated, feigning astonishment. "Come on, [Name], don’t sell yourself short. Knowing you, it’s probably the best takoyaki anyone’s ever tasted."

[Name]’s cheeks warmed slightly at the compliment, though she quickly brushed it off. "I wouldn’t go that far. I was just experimenting with the recipe."

Eita leaned against the counter beside her, his sharp eyes watching her intently as she worked. "Experimenting or not, I’d bet money it’s better than anything I could make." He leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping to a flirtatious murmur. "You know, you could always teach me. I wouldn’t mind a private cooking lesson from someone as talented—and cute—as you."

[Name] glanced at him, her lips twitching into a faint smile. "You? Cooking? I can’t imagine you having the patience for it."

"Hey, I’m a quick learner," Eita said with a playful grin, placing a hand over his heart as though wounded by her doubt. "Especially if it means spending more time with you."

Her smile widened slightly, though she rolled her eyes at his attempt to charm her. "You’re impossible."

Eita chuckled, clearly pleased that he’d managed to draw a reaction out of her. His attention shifted to the counter, where the plate of takoyaki sat neatly arranged. His eyes lit up as he reached out and plucked one of the golden-brown spheres from the plate.

"These look amazing," he said, holding up the takoyaki as if appraising it. Then, with a sudden idea, he turned back to [Name], the smirk returning to his face. "Say ‘ah.’"

She blinked, caught off guard by the gesture. "What?"

"You heard me," Eita said, stepping closer and holding the takoyaki out toward her. "Come on, let me feed you. It’s only fair—I mean, you made these, right? You deserve the first bite."

[Name] hesitated, her cheeks flushing slightly at the forwardness of his actions. "I… I can eat it myself, you know," she said, attempting to deflect his playful gesture.

"But where’s the fun in that?" he teased, leaning in just enough to make the distance between them feel charged. His tone was light, but his gaze was sharp, studying her reaction with an almost predatory curiosity. "Come on, [Name]. Just humor me a little."

She sighed, realizing he wasn’t going to give up so easily. Reluctantly, she leaned forward and took a small bite of the takoyaki he held out. The savory flavors melted on her tongue, and she had to admit it was pretty good.

"See?" Eita said triumphantly, his grin widening as he pulled the rest of the takoyaki back and popped it into his own mouth. "Delicious. Just like I thought. You really are talented, [Name]."

She shook her head, half amused and half exasperated by his antics. "You’re ridiculous, Otoya. But thanks, I guess."

He leaned against the counter, his expression softening slightly as he watched her. "You know, I don’t get why you don’t join us more often. You’re way more fun to hang out with than half the people I know."

[Name] raised an eyebrow at him, her skepticism clear. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"It’s the truth," he said, his tone surprisingly earnest. But then, true to form, his smirk returned. "Besides, it’s not every day I get to see someone so cute getting all flustered."

[Name] rolled her eyes again, though she couldn’t completely hide the small smile that tugged at her lips. For all his shameless flirting, Eita’s company wasn’t entirely unwelcome.

The two fell into a comfortable rhythm after that, with Eita occasionally sneaking more takoyaki from the plate and [Name] half-heartedly scolding him for it. Though she wasn’t completely swayed by his charm, there was something oddly relaxing about his presence—like a distraction from the chaos that had defined her life recently.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting warm hues across the club room, [Name] found herself grateful for the moment of normalcy, however fleeting it might be.

The comfortable rhythm of their conversation continued as Eita leaned lazily against the counter, his fox-like grin never wavering. [Name], still skeptical of his intentions but amused by his antics, picked up another takoyaki from the plate with her chopsticks.

“Alright, your turn,” Eita said, pointing at her with a playful gleam in his eyes.

[Name] raised an eyebrow. “My turn for what?”

“To feed me,” he replied smoothly, crossing his arms as though the idea was entirely natural. “I fed you, so it’s only fair you return the favor, don’t you think?”

[Name] stared at him, momentarily dumbfounded. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Do I look like I’m kidding?” Eita’s grin widened, his tone carrying a mock innocence. “Come on, [Name]. Don’t leave me hanging. It’s only fair.”

She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation. “You’re unbelievable. Fine, but don’t make this weird.”

Eita’s smirk deepened as she begrudgingly raised the takoyaki to his mouth. He leaned forward slightly, biting into it with a satisfied hum. “Delicious. But you know what makes it even better?”

“What?” she asked, already regretting indulging him.

“The fact that you’re the one feeding me,” he said, his voice dipping into a teasing lilt.

[Name] rolled her eyes, setting the chopsticks back on the counter. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

Before she could grab another piece of takoyaki, Eita suddenly reached for [Name]’s hand with a speed that left her breathless. His movements were smooth and deliberate, an elegant predator in a world that had suddenly narrowed down to just the two of them. He pulled her toward him, and the sudden shift caught her off guard, causing her to stumble slightly. Her free hand instinctively landed on his chest, the warmth of his body radiating through the fabric of his shirt, and their faces drew alarmingly close.

“O-Otoya!” she stammered, her voice a mix of surprise and annoyance, her heart racing in a wild rhythm against her ribcage. “What are you—”

“Shh,” he interrupted, his voice a low murmur that seemed to envelop her like a shroud. His fingers gently tilted her chin upward, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes, sharp and sly, held a glint of something deeper—something calculating that sent a shiver down her spine.

Before she could fully comprehend his intentions, Eita leaned in closer, his breath brushing against her skin.

The world around them faded into a background hum as he closed the distance, and she could feel the tension crackling in the air.

“You’ve been so tempting, [Name],” he whispered, his voice laced with a mix of desire and something darker. “I’ve waited too long for this moment.”

Panic surged within her as she realized what was about to happen. “No! Otoya, don’t!” she pleaded, trying to pull away, but his grip on her wrist tightened, anchoring her in place.

The playful facade he wore melted away, revealing a hunger that was both intoxicating and terrifying.

In an instant, Eita sank his teeth into her flesh, the sharpness of his fangs piercing her skin with a sudden, brutal force. A gasp escaped her lips, quickly morphing into a cry of agony as pain shot through her throat.

The sensation was a jarring mix of searing pain and an overwhelming rush of vulnerability as he began to drink her blood, his lips curling around the wound as he savored the taste.

[Name] struggled against him, her instincts screaming for her to escape. She kicked her legs, trying to push him away, but he was relentless, his strength far surpassing her own.

“Let me go!” she cried, the desperation in her voice rising as she felt the warmth of her life ebbing away. But her pleas were met with silence, swallowed by the intensity of his feeding.

Eita drank deeply, his eyes closing in pure ecstasy, a low growl emanating from his throat as he reveled in the warmth of her blood. Each gulp sent waves of weakness coursing through her body, and she felt herself slipping.

The world around her blurred, the vibrant colors dimming as darkness crept in at the edges of her vision.

“[Name],” he murmured between drinks, his voice thick with satisfaction. “You taste even better than I imagined. I want you”

With each word, the weight of his obsession pressed down on her, suffocating and intoxicating all at once. She felt a mix of despair and confusion, her body betraying her as she fought to stay conscious.

But with every heartbeat, Eita’s hold on her tightened, and she could feel the pull of oblivion beckoning her closer.

For a moment, [Name] froze, her breath catching as his expression softened into something almost tender. Yet, the sly edge to his grin remained. “You know, [Name],” he began, his voice low and smooth, “you really don’t realize how beautiful you are, do you?”

She blinked, heat rising to her cheeks as she quickly tried to push him away. “Otoya, stop it. This isn’t funny.”

“I’m not joking,” he said, his grip firm but not forceful. “I’m being completely serious here.”

“Otoya—”

He cut her off again, his voice turning playful. “You have no idea, do you? How much competition I have?”

“Competition?” [Name] repeated, her brow furrowing. “What are you even talking about?”

Eita chuckled, the sound low and almost predatory. “You’re seriously clueless, aren’t you? Do you know how many guys are after you, [Name]? The New Generation 11? Every single one of them.”

[Name]’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Wait—what?”

“Not just them,” he continued, his tone becoming more intense, as if he were listing off names for dramatic effect. “The U-20 team, too. Even Hiori, your childhood best friend, and Karasu, your precious senpai. They’re all in love with you. You’re like… this impossible prize everyone’s fighting for.”

Her mouth opened, but no words came out. The weight of his statement left her stunned, her mind racing to process the absurdity of it all.

Eita took advantage of her momentary silence, leaning in even closer until their faces were mere inches apart. His voice softened into a whisper, dripping with false sweetness. “But none of them can appreciate you like I do, [Name]. None of them can make you feel like I can.”

Before she could respond, Eita closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a sudden, forceful kiss that sent shockwaves through her entire being. The world around them faded into a blur as the warmth of his mouth enveloped hers, igniting a fire that pooled low in her stomach.

[Name]’s eyes widened in shock, her hands instinctively pressing against his chest, trying to push him away. But Eita held her firmly in place, his grip unyielding as he deepened the kiss, his lips moving against hers with practiced ease. There was a raw intensity in his touch, a confidence that was both thrilling and terrifying. The warmth of his breath mingled with hers, each exhale a tantalizing invitation that overwhelmed her senses.

Panic surged through her as she struggled against him, her mind racing with a mixture of indignation and bewilderment. “Otoya, stop—” she managed to gasp, but he was relentless, his mouth claiming hers with an urgency that left her breathless.

The kiss was a whirlwind of sensations; the softness of his lips contrasted sharply with the firm way he held her, as if he were marking his territory. She could feel the heat radiating off him, the undeniable chemistry crackling in the air around them. It was intoxicating, yet it sent a jolt of rebellion coursing through her veins. How dare he?

When he finally pulled back, his smirk returned, though his gaze was more intense now, a spark of possessiveness lighting his sharp eyes. “See? No one else can get this close to you, can they?” His voice was low, dripping with a mix of triumph and challenge that made her pulse race.

[Name]'s hand shot up, wiping her lips as she glared at him, her cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and something she refused to acknowledge. “You’re unbelievable! How dare you—”

“Relax,” he interrupted, raising his hands in mock surrender, though the teasing glint in his eyes remained, infuriating her further. “It was just a kiss. Nothing to get so worked up about.”

She stepped back, desperately trying to put some much-needed distance between them as she fought to steady her racing heart. “You’re out of your mind, Otoya!”

“Maybe,” he admitted with a casual shrug, his grin unwavering. “But at least I’m honest about how I feel. Can any of the others say the same?”

[Name] didn’t respond, her mind too clouded with frustration and confusion to come up with a retort. The air around them felt charged, electric with a tension that lingered like a storm ready to break. It was a heady mix of anger, attraction, and the undeniable connection that seemed to draw them together despite her better judgment.

Eita finally stepped back, giving her space as he casually grabbed another piece of takoyaki from the plate. “Thanks for the snack, [Name]. You’ve got talent, both in cooking and… other areas.” He winked, popping the takoyaki into his mouth with a playful flourish, the casualness of his demeanor contrasting sharply with the intensity of their earlier exchange.

Before leaving, he glanced over his shoulder, his smirk softening into something more genuine—though no less mischievous. “Think about what I said, okay?” His words lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of the kiss and the implications behind it, and that terrible blood sucking. How. Dare. He.

And with that, he was gone, leaving [Name] standing in the club room, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion, saddened, and an undeniable anger that she couldn’t quite name. The taste of him still lingered on her lips, a reminder of the moment that had shaken her to her core, and as she leaned against the wall, her heart raced with the realization that things could never be the same again.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The cooking club room felt stifling now. The air seemed heavier, and [Name]’s thoughts swirled like a storm. Eita’s words replayed in her head, his confident smirk etched in her memory.

"You have no idea… how much competition I have. The New Gen 11… U-20… even Hiori and Karasu…"

She huffed, shaking her head as she walked down the hallway, her footsteps echoing in the quiet building. “He’s just trying to get under my skin,” she muttered to herself, gripping her bag tightly. “There’s no way. He can’t be serious.”

But despite her attempts to dismiss his claims, a seed of doubt lingered. Could it be true? Did so many people really feel that way about her? And if they did, why hadn’t she noticed?

“I need some air,” she said aloud, her voice firm as if to push her doubts away. The rooftop had always been her refuge—a place where she could think clearly without interruptions.

Reaching the staircase, [Name] ascended quickly, her mind still clouded. She pushed open the heavy metal door to the rooftop, the fresh breeze instantly greeting her. The scent of autumn leaves lingered in the air, and the city skyline stretched out before her.

The rooftop was quiet, save for the distant chirping of birds and the occasional rustle of wind. [Name] walked over to the edge, placing her hands on the cool metal railing as she let out a sigh.

“Ridiculous,” she said under her breath. “As if half the world is obsessed with me. Otoya’s full of himself.” She shook her head, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I shouldn’t have let him get to me.”

Just as she closed her eyes, trying to center her thoughts, a sound broke through the silence.

It was deep, smooth, and hauntingly beautiful—a hum that resonated through the air like the call of an ethereal being.

[Name] froze, her breath catching. The melody carried a strange allure, tugging at something deep within her. It was unlike anything she’d heard before, yet it felt oddly familiar.

“Is someone… singing?” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the haunting tune. She turned slowly, her eyes scanning the empty rooftop.

No one was there.

The melody continued, weaving through the air like silk, growing more mesmerizing with every passing second. It felt almost otherworldly, as if it didn’t belong to this realm.

[Name] stepped away from the railing, her heart pounding. The hum seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once, enveloping her in its mysterious embrace.

“Who’s there?” she called out, her voice trembling slightly.

The sound stopped.

A sudden silence fell over the rooftop, so absolute it made the air feel heavier. [Name]’s pulse quickened as she glanced around, her eyes darting to every corner of the space.

She walked slowly, her shoes clicking softly against the concrete as she searched for the source. “Hello?” she called again, her voice echoing faintly. “Is someone here?”

Nothing.

Her brow furrowed. She could’ve sworn someone had been there—someone just out of sight. The sound had been so clear, so close, yet there wasn’t a single soul in sight.

“Am I imagining things?” she muttered to herself, her voice shaky. “It felt so real…”

Her eyes landed on a shadow near the far corner of the rooftop. It was fleeting, barely perceptible, but it sent a shiver down her spine. She took a step closer, but when she reached the spot, there was nothing there.

“Great. Now I’m seeing things,” she said, trying to steady her breathing.

Still, the hum lingered in her mind, its haunting beauty etched into her memory. It wasn’t something she could simply dismiss. It felt like a call—like whoever, or whatever, had been there wanted her attention.

But why?

Shaking her head, [Name] stepped back toward the railing, gripping it tightly as she tried to make sense of the situation. The wind picked up, ruffling her hair as she stared out at the horizon.

“I need to stop overthinking,” she told herself firmly. “It’s probably just the wind or… or something stupid like that.”

And yet, deep down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t alone.

As she turned to leave the rooftop, her steps hesitant, she cast one last glance over her shoulder. The space was empty, the stillness almost unsettling.

But as she reached the door, she thought she heard it again—a faint, lingering note, as if the melody was bidding her farewell.

[Name] paused, her hand on the doorknob. For a moment, she considered staying, waiting to see if the mysterious presence would reveal itself.

Instead, she shook her head and opened the door. “I’m just imagining things,” she whispered, stepping into the stairwell. “That’s all it is.”

As the door closed behind her, the rooftop fell silent once more, the haunting hum fading into the wind as if it had never been there.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The library was quiet, save for the faint rustle of pages being turned and the occasional soft hum of the air conditioning. [Name] walked through the rows of bookshelves, her bag slung over her shoulder and a determined look on her face. Tomorrow was the start of exams, and despite her confidence in most subjects, history loomed over her like a shadow. It wasn’t her strongest suit, and the thought of it threatened to ruin her plans for a carefree fall break.

She found an empty desk near the back of the library, away from prying eyes, and set down her things. The desk quickly filled with books—massive, intimidating tomes about wars, treaties, and ancient civilizations. “Alright,” she muttered to herself, cracking open the first book. “Let’s do this.”

For the first hour, her focus was sharp. She jotted down notes, underlined important details, and tested herself on key dates. But by the second hour, the words on the pages started to blur. [Name] yawned, covering her mouth as her eyes watered slightly. “No, no, no,” she whispered, shaking her head. “Stay awake. You have to get through this.”

She stretched her arms over her head, twisting her neck to the side to loosen the stiffness setting into her shoulders. The peaceful silence of the library made it harder to stay alert, and she found herself stifling yet another yawn.

Just as she rubbed her eyes and tried to refocus, a shadow fell across her desk.

“You look like you’re drowning in history,” a familiar voice teased.

[Name] blinked up, her vision adjusting to see Reo standing there, a charming smile playing on his lips. His violet eyes gleamed with curiosity as he looked at the mountain of books surrounding her. He was dressed casually, his blazer slung over one shoulder, but he still had an air of effortless elegance about him.

“Reo?” she asked, her voice laced with surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“I was passing by and saw you through the window,” he explained, pulling out the chair opposite her and sitting down. “Thought I’d check in. You looked pretty intense.” He glanced at her stack of books and raised an eyebrow. “History, huh? That bad?”

[Name] let out a small laugh, leaning back in her chair. “Let’s just say it’s not my favorite. I’m fine, though—just tired.”

Reo rested his chin on his hand, studying her carefully. “You sure? You look like you’re about to pass out.”

She waved him off, offering a tired smile. “It’s nothing I can’t handle. I just need to power through a bit longer.”

Reo smirked, clearly unconvinced, but he didn’t press the issue. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed. “You’ve got a strong will, I’ll give you that. I don’t think I’d survive if I had to study all of… this.” He gestured vaguely at the pile of books.

“Believe me, I don’t want to,” [Name] admitted, tapping her pen against her notebook. “But I need to pass this exam. I’m not letting history ruin my fall break.”

Reo chuckled, his laughter light and melodic. “Fair enough. So, after exams, any big plans for your precious fall break?”

She shook her head, a small shrug accompanying the motion. “Not really. Just want to relax and maybe catch up on some shows. Nothing too exciting.”

Reo tilted his head, his violet eyes narrowing slightly as a sly smile spread across his face. “Well, in that case, how about you hang out with me and Nagi? We’ve got tickets to Central Point Tower, but he decided to ditch at the last minute, so I’ve got an extra spot. It’d be fun.”

[Name] blinked, caught off guard by the sudden invitation. “Central Point Tower? Isn’t that the fancy new observation deck downtown?”

“Exactly,” Reo said, leaning forward slightly. “It’s got everything—an amazing view, great food, and even a VR game section. It’d be a shame to let the extra ticket go to waste.”

She hesitated, glancing at her notes before meeting his expectant gaze. Despite her initial reluctance, she found herself nodding. “Alright, I’ll go. Sounds like fun.”

Reo’s smile widened, his satisfaction evident. “Good choice. You won’t regret it.” He stood up, smoothing out his blazer. “Now, I’ll let you get back to your history dump of knowledge. Good luck, [Name].”

“Thanks,” she said, waving as he walked away. “See you after exams.”

He gave her a casual salute before disappearing around the corner, leaving her alone once more.

[Name] exhaled, a faint smile lingering on her lips. Reo’s visit had been unexpected, but it had lifted her spirits. She turned back to her books, feeling a bit more energized as she resumed her studies.

But even as she tried to focus on the intricacies of historical events, her mind occasionally wandered to his invitation. ‘Central Point Tower, huh? It might be a nice change of pace after all the stress of exams.’

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The classroom was filled with the quiet rustling of papers and the faint hum of the overhead lights. [Name] sat at her desk, her brows furrowed in concentration as she worked through her Mathematics exam. The equations sprawled across the pages before her, each one demanding her full attention. She carefully wrote out her work, glancing occasionally at her calculator to ensure every number was precise. Her pen moved swiftly but methodically, the sound of it scratching against the paper blending into the background noise of other students doing the same.

[Name]’s mind was laser-focused, her heart steady. This was one subject she had prepared extensively for, having spent the morning drilling formulas and problem-solving techniques into her brain. Still, she double-checked every answer, unwilling to leave anything to chance.

The large digital clock on the board buzzed, signaling the end of the exam period. Mr. Lavinho’s authoritative voice cut through the silence. “Alright, time’s up. Pencils down, everyone.”

A collective groan erupted across the room as students reluctantly set their pencils aside.

“Finally,” Kira Ryosuke muttered, leaning back in his chair with a relieved sigh. He ran a hand through his sandy hair, glancing at [Name]. “That was brutal. At least the first part is over.”

[Name] exhaled deeply, the tension in her shoulders easing as she placed her pencil on the desk. “Yeah,” she agreed softly, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “But it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Studying this morning helped a lot.”

Across the room, Gagamaru Gin had his head down on his desk, his hair tied messily around him. He groaned loudly, muffled against the surface of his table. “Math is not my strong suite” He spoke monotonous way.

“Math isn’t supposed to be your friend,” [Name] teased gently, packing up her calculator and notebook. “It’s just supposed to make sense.”

“Yeah, well, it doesn’t,” Gagamaru retorted, lifting his head slightly to eye at her, though his expression was more pitiful than intimidating.

Mr. Lavinho began walking between the rows of desks, collecting exams from each student. His cheerful yet commanding presence lightened the tense atmosphere. “Good work today, everyone. I know Mathematics can be a tough one, but I’m proud of the effort I saw. Keep it up for the rest of the week, alright?”

His words elicited a mix of grumbles and murmured thanks from the class. [Name] felt a small flicker of relief at his encouragement.

Kira stretched his arms over his head, letting out a groan of his own. “One down, seven to go,” he said, his voice filled with exhaustion but also a hint of optimism. “I just hope the Business exam isn’t as bad as this.”

[Name] glanced at her schedule in her planner, confirming the next exam. Business wasn’t her favorite subject, but she felt confident enough in her preparation. “At least it’s multiple choice,” she offered, trying to sound reassuring.

“That’s what they always say,” Gagamaru interjected, slumping further into his seat. “But then you get hit with all those ‘choose the best answer’ questions. It’s a trap, I’m telling you.”

[Name] chuckled softly at his theatrics, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her notebook. “You’ll survive. You always do.”

“Barely,” he mumbled, finally sitting up straight. His eyes glanced toward the clock. “When’s the next exam?”

Kira checked his phone, his brow furrowing slightly. “We’ve got about fifteen minutes. Enough time to stretch or grab some water.”

[Name] stood, smoothing out her skirt and gathering her materials. “I’m going to head to the vending machine. I need something to keep me going.”

“Grab me a water?” Gagamaru called after her.

[Name] turned back briefly, nodding with a small smile. “Sure thing.”

As she made her way out of the classroom, she overheard snippets of conversations from her classmates. Some were venting about tricky questions, others were already moving on to discussing the next test. The tension in the air was palpable, but [Name] allowed herself a moment to enjoy the temporary reprieve.

The vending machine stood in the corner of the hallway, and [Name] carefully inserted a few coins, punching the buttons for a bottle of green tea and a sports drink for Gagamaru. As the drinks clunked into the tray below, she exhaled softly.

“Just one down,” she muttered to herself, gripping the bottles tightly. “I can handle this.”

With renewed determination, she returned to the classroom, ready to tackle Economical Biology head-on.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The atmosphere in the classroom was tense as the students tackled their Economical Biology exams. [Name] sat at her desk, her pen moving steadily as she filled in the blanks with precise answers. This section relied heavily on memory and understanding of key definitions, and she thanked her early-morning study sessions for her confidence. Each question seemed like a test of focus and clarity, but [Name] remained composed, jotting down her explanations for the biology problems in detailed, neat handwriting.

To her left, Aryu Jyubei wrote with a flourish, his pen gliding across the paper as though the exam was a work of art. Every motion of his wrist exuded elegance, and even while answering scientific questions, he maintained an air of sophistication.

To her right, however, Isagi Yoichi was visibly struggling. His brows were knit in frustration as he stared at the fill-in-the-blank section. His pen hovered uncertainly above the page before retreating to scratch his head, and he muttered to himself as he tried to recall the definitions that seemed just out of reach.

Ms. Bogdanova loomed at the front of the room, her sharp gaze sweeping over the students like a hawk searching for prey. The stern look in her eyes made it clear she wasn’t tolerating any distractions or wandering eyes. She crossed her arms and leaned against the teacher's desk, her presence alone enough to keep everyone glued to their own papers.

[Name] finished her exam a few minutes before the timer beeped but didn’t immediately set her pen down. Instead, she meticulously went through each question, double-checking her answers and making sure she hadn’t overlooked anything. Satisfied that everything was accounted for, she leaned back slightly, allowing herself a small moment of relief.

As the timer on the board beeped, Ms. Bogdanova’s voice cut through the silence. “Time is up. Pens down.”

There was a collective exhale as students reluctantly put their pens aside. Aryu leaned back in his chair, stretching with a graceful motion that somehow made even exhaustion look stylish. “Ah, the exam is over,” he said with a content sigh. “Not bad. My answers were as perfect as my hair.”

[Name] chuckled softly, appreciating his flair even in a stressful situation. She packed up her materials while glancing at Yoichi, who looked far less relieved. He groaned, slumping forward onto his desk with a defeated sigh.

“I didn’t even finish,” Yoichi mumbled, staring despondently at his partially blank exam paper as Ms. Bogdanova began collecting them. “Why do they have to make these so long?”

[Name] offered him a kind smile. “Hey, it’s not the end of the world. You can always finish it on Friday during the make-up session.”

Yoichi looked up at her, his expression still glum but slightly less so. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Thanks, [Name].”

Aryu, ever the picture of poise, chimed in. “Indeed, Isagii-kun. A temporary stumble does not define your elegance. You’ll recover splendidly, I’m sure.”

Yoichi blinked at him, not entirely sure how to respond to that, but eventually nodded. “Uh… thanks, Aryu.”

With the exams collected and the second part of the day officially over, the students began gathering their belongings. The energy in the room shifted from tense to relaxed as the realization that they were free for the day set in.

[Name] slung her bag over her shoulder, stretching her arms to shake off the stiffness of sitting for so long. “Two down, six to go,” she said lightly, her tone filled with cautious optimism.

Yoichi managed a small smile. “Let’s just hope tomorrow’s subjects are kinder.”

“Psychology and History,” [Name] mused, already mentally preparing for another long night of reviewing. “It could be worse.”

Aryu adjusted his scarf with a flourish, smiling as if exams were nothing more than a minor inconvenience. “No matter the challenge, always face it with style. Now, I’m off to reward myself with a protein smoothie. Farewell!”

As Aryu glided out of the room, Yoichi shook his head, amused despite himself. “That guy really doesn’t change, does he?”

[Name] laughed softly, waving goodbye to both boys as she made her way out of the classroom. The day wasn’t over, but for now, she allowed herself a moment of peace, knowing she had done her best.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The soft hum of the vending machines filled the quiet campus gift shop as [Name] stood in front of the soda display, deciding between a lemon-lime soda or an iced tea. Her throat felt parched after the day’s exams, and she needed something refreshing. Finally settling on the soda, she grabbed one and turned to see Nijiro by her side, cradling a bottle of peach-flavored water in his hand.

“Want me to grab one for you too?” [Name] asked, smiling.

Nijiro blinked, caught off guard by her offer, before sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. “Oh, uh… you don’t have to.”

“Come on, it’s no big deal,” she said with a grin, heading to the counter. Nijiro followed closely, offering a quiet thanks as [Name] paid for both their drinks.

As they walked out of the shop, cracking open their bottles, Nijiro took a long sip before letting out a sigh. “AP English today? It was brutal. Some of those essay prompts made my head spin.”

[Name] tilted her head sympathetically. “It was tough, but you’ve got a good grasp of analysis, Nanase. I’m sure you did great.”

He chuckled nervously, glancing at her. “I don’t know about that, but thanks. I mean, compared to you, I probably bombed it. You make everything look so easy.”

[Name] laughed, shaking her head. “Trust me, it’s not as easy as it looks. And tomorrow’s going to be rough. History is… not my strong suit.”

Nijiro frowned, sensing the worry in her voice. He took a moment to think before smiling softly. “You’ve got this, [Name]. Seriously. You’re one of the hardest-working people I know. History doesn’t stand a chance against you.”

She glanced at him, his genuine encouragement warming her nerves slightly. “Thanks, Nanase. I needed that.”

As they continued down the pathway, sipping their drinks, the two chatted lightly about the exams and their plans for the upcoming fall break. The day had taken on a calm, almost peaceful rhythm—until they were interrupted.

A tall figure blocked their path, and both [Name] and Nijiro stopped in their tracks. Standing before them, with an unnerving grin spread across his face, was Don Lorenzo.

“Ah, it's the little rabbit,” Lorenzo drawled, his deep voice filled with mockery and amusement. His golden grills linted in the sunlight as he tilted his head, observing her like a predator studying its prey.

[Name] felt an icy chill crawl down her spine as her grip tightened around her soda bottle. Nijiro, sensing her unease, shifted slightly closer to her, his brows furrowing.

Lorenzo’s grin widened as he took a step forward, his eyes flickering between the two of them. “Finally, we meet. I’ve been dying to see the girl who’s got everyone so... enchanted.”

“What do you want, Lorenzo?” [Name] asked, her voice steady despite the unease bubbling inside her.

Lorenzo didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached out, casually taking a strand of her long black hair between his fingers. “You know, you’re quite the enigma, [Name]. This hair, this scent—” he leaned in slightly, inhaling dramatically, “—no wonder everyone’s losing their minds over you.”

[Name] froze, her discomfort visible in the way she stiffened. Nijiro, standing beside her, stepped in almost instinctively, moving to shield her from Lorenzo.

“Hey, back off,” Nijiro said firmly, his usually soft demeanor replaced with surprising determination. “She’s clearly uncomfortable.”

Lorenzo’s grin didn’t falter. If anything, it grew sharper, more sinister. He dropped [Name]’s hair and turned his full attention to Nijiro, mockingly clapping his hands. “Oh, look at you. Playing the hero. How noble.”

Nijiro didn’t back down, keeping himself between [Name] and Lorenzo. “I’m just looking out for my friend.”

“Friend, huh?” Lorenzo sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. “How cute. But let’s not pretend you’re anything more than a little sidekick, Little Hero. Do you really think you can keep her safe from people like me? Or Ruka? Or the rest of us?”

[Name] had heard enough. Her patience snapped as she grabbed Nijiro’s hand and started walking away, pulling him with her. “Come on, Nanase. Let’s go.”

Lorenzo didn’t stop them, but his laughter followed them down the path, dark and unsettling. “Run along, little rabbit. But don’t think this is over, [Name]. You and I, we’ll have our time.”

[Name] didn’t look back, her hand tightening around Nijiro’s as they hurried away. Her heart pounded in her chest, not just from Lorenzo’s words but from the way he had looked at her—as if she were something to be owned, to be broken.

Nijiro, sensing her distress, spoke gently. “Are you okay? I should’ve done more back there…”

“You did enough,” [Name] said, her voice soft but resolute. She let out a shaky breath, trying to steady herself. “Let’s just… let’s just stay away from him. From all of them.”

Nijiro nodded, his own unease clear in the way he glanced over his shoulder. Lorenzo might’ve let them go for now, but there was no mistaking the predatory hunger in his gaze. It wasn’t over.

Nanase Nijiro called after [Name], his pace quickening to catch up. “Wait, [Name]! Are you okay?” His voice was gentle, but concern laced his tone. He could see the tension in her shoulders as she walked ahead, gripping her soda tightly in one hand.

When she didn’t respond, he slowed his approach, not wanting to overwhelm her. But as he got closer, he noticed her trembling. “[Name]…” He stepped in front of her path, only to see the tears silently streaking down her cheeks.

“[Name]…” he said again, softer this time, his voice breaking with sympathy. He instinctively placed a hand on her shoulder, only for her to shake her head and look away, unable to meet his gaze.

Nijiro’s heart ached. “Hey, it’s okay,” he said gently. “You don’t have to say anything right now.” Without hesitation, he pulled her into a comforting hug, wrapping his arms around her as if shielding her from the world. [Name] stiffened at first but then sank into his embrace, her quiet sobs muffled against his chest.

“I hate it…” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I hate how people treat me. Like I’m… like I’m some kind of prize to be won.”

Nijiro clenched his fists behind her, his jaw tightening. “You’re not a prize,” he said firmly, his voice filled with conviction. He pulled back slightly, enough to look down at her tear-streaked face. “You’re [Name]. You’re kind, hardworking, and strong—stronger than anyone gives you credit for.”

She sniffled, looking up at him through her glasses. “I don’t feel strong.”

“You are,” Nijiro said with a small smile, reaching out to gently wipe away her tears with his thumb. “You’re standing tall despite all of this, aren’t you? That’s strength. And if it ever gets too heavy to carry alone, I’ll be here to help you.”

His words seemed to calm her, and she nodded, her grip on her drink loosening. Nijiro’s heart swelled with relief, though a pang of guilt followed. He’d always admired her—loved her, even—but he knew he couldn’t compete with the others vying for her attention. Still, seeing her like this, all he wanted was to protect her.

“Come on,” he said, forcing a lightness into his tone. “Let’s get out of here. How about we go to the garden? You could use some peace after… all that.”

[Name] hesitated but eventually nodded. “Okay,” she said softly, her voice still shaky but steadier now.

Nijiro smiled and held out his hand. She took it, her fingers wrapping around him hesitantly. Together, they walked away, leaving the tension of the moment behind.

But unbeknownst to them, Alexis Ness stood in the shadows, his phone raised, recording every second of their interaction. His lips curled into a smirk as he stopped the video. “Interesting…” he muttered, tucking his phone away. His mind was already racing with the possibilities of how to use this newfound piece of information.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

[Name] Sanzuku sat at her desk in the Psychology exam room, her pencil gliding smoothly across the paper as she worked through the written responses. The test covered everything from identifying psychological terms and parts of the brain to analyzing how humans react to various scenarios. Each question sparked confidence in her; she’d spent the last few weeks ensuring she understood the material.

She paused for a moment, tapping her pencil against her chin as she reviewed one of her answers about the limbic system’s role in emotional regulation. Satisfied with her reasoning, she moved on to the next question.

To her right, she could hear the faint muttering of Tokimitsu. He was hunched over his paper, his pencil scribbling furiously while he mumbled under his breath.

“C-come on, Aoishi. You studied for this,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. His hand trembled slightly as he worked through the problem, his nervous energy filling the air.

[Name] glanced at him, her expression softening. Poor guy, she thought. He’s so hard on himself.

On her left sat Itsuki, his typically calm demeanor strained by the exhaustion etched into his face. The dark circles under his eyes made it clear he’d been up all night studying. Yet, his focus never wavered, his pencil moving methodically as he tackled each question with precision. [Name] admired his determination, though she wished he’d taken better care of himself.

Her eyes wandered further down the rows of desks, spotting Kenyu Yukimiya sitting near the back. He had already finished his exam and was now engrossed in a book, his posture relaxed as if this was just another day for him. His calm aura was almost enviable. Nearby, Reo Mikage was also done with his test, though he wasn’t relaxing. Instead, he was jotting something in a notebook, his brow furrowed in thought. [Name] could only imagine he was strategizing or planning something, as usual.

The timer on the board ticked down, and [Name] turned her attention back to her paper. She carefully rechecked each of her answers, scanning for any mistakes or questions she might’ve overlooked.

When she was sure everything was in order, she put her pencil down and let out a quiet sigh of relief. One exam down, and she felt good about it.

A few minutes later, the timer buzzed, signaling the end of the exam.

“All right, pencils down!” Mr. Luna announced, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. “Pass your exams forward, please.”

[Name] collected the papers from her row and handed them to the student in front of her. As the exams were gathered, she leaned back in her seat, stretching her arms overhead.

Tokimitsu let out a shaky sigh beside her, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. “Oh man… I think I messed up on, like, half of that,” he muttered anxiously.

“You probably did better than you think,” [Name] said encouragingly. “You always overthink things, Tokimitsu.”

“I-I guess… but still…” He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly unconvinced.

On her other side, Itsuki closed his exam booklet and leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath. “I don’t know if I’m relieved or just running on fumes,” he said, his voice tinged with exhaustion.

“You need sleep,” [Name] said pointedly. “You’re going to burn out if you keep this up.”

“I’ll sleep when the exams are over,” Itsuki replied with a faint smile.

[Name] shook her head but couldn’t help smiling back. “Just don’t collapse before then.”

As the students began to file out of the room, [Name] gathered her things and slung her bag over her shoulder. She cast one last glance at Yukimiya, who gave her a polite nod before returning to his book, and at Reo, who seemed lost in his own thoughts.

With her spirits lifted by the sense of accomplishment, she headed for the door, ready to tackle the next challenge that awaited her.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The library was a quiet sanctuary in the heart of the bustling academy, its towering shelves filled with books that whispered of history, science, and imagination. [Name] Sanzuku sat at one of the farthest tables, her red glasses perched delicately on her nose as she scanned the open textbook in front of her. Her notes were spread out in a chaotic, yet strangely organized manner, and her fingers occasionally tapped the side of her pen against the table as she tried to commit the endless stream of dates and events to memory.

Her heterochromatic eyes moved swiftly across the page, absorbing every word. The faint smell of aged paper and the hum of the library’s air conditioning created a calming backdrop, one that momentarily masked her rising anxiety over the upcoming history exam.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated, a low buzz breaking the tranquil silence. Startled, [Name] fumbled to grab it, nearly knocking over a stack of flashcards. She glanced at the screen: Incoming Call - Koji. Her heart softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips.

“Koji?” she whispered, answering the call and holding the phone close to her ear.

“Hey Sis!” came her little brother’s surprised voice, loud enough that she instinctively glanced around to make sure she wasn’t disturbing anyone.

“Koji, keep your voice down,” she admonished softly, though there was no real annoyance in her tone.

“Oops, sorry,” Koji said, quieter now but still carrying his usual demeanor. “What are you doing? Are you studying? You always study too much.”

[Name] chuckled lightly, adjusting her glasses. “Of course I’m studying. Exams are in session you know. I can’t slack off like you always do.”

“Hey! I don’t slack off,” he defended, though his sheepish laugh gave him away. “Anyway, you won’t believe what I found!”

Her brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“Your poster!” he exclaimed proudly. “The one you said was lost forever. It was behind your desk this whole time. Guess I’m smarter than you, huh?”

[Name]’s mouth fell open in disbelief, and she nearly laughed out loud. “Koji! You were going through my stuff again, weren’t you?”

“Uh... maybe?” he admitted, not sounding the least bit guilty. “But it’s fine, right? I mean, you’re not even here to use it, and I was bored.”

Shaking her head, she leaned back in her chair, her hair brushing against her shoulders. “You’re incorrigible. But thanks for finding it, I guess.”

“See? You should thank me more often. I’m a great little brother.”

[Name] rolled her eyes, though a fond smile lingered on her lips. “You’re something, all right. So, what do you want, Koji? Besides rummaging through my room.”

His tone shifted slightly, becoming more earnest. “I just wanted to annoy you. It’s been kinda boring without you around, you know? The house is too quiet.”

She rolled her eyes at his comment but her heart ached a little at his words, and she softened her voice. “I miss you too, Koji. But I’ll be back soon. Fall break is only a few weeks away.”

“Promise?”

“I promise,” she said firmly.

There was a pause, and then Koji spoke again, quieter this time. “Take care of yourself, okay? I know you’re always so busy, but don’t overdo it.”

“I will,” she assured him, her voice warm. “And you stay out of trouble, got it? No more snooping through my stuff.”

“No promises,” he replied cheekily, and she couldn’t help but laugh.

“Bye, Koji. I’ll call you later.”

“Bye, [Name]-chan. Good luck with your exams”

The call ended, and [Name] stared at her phone for a moment, her smile lingering. She placed it back on the table, letting out a soft sigh. The brief conversation had been a welcome distraction, a reminder of home and the people who cared about her.

But the clock was ticking. The library’s clock chimed faintly, signaling that the break was nearly over. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her notes and dove back into her studies. The words on the page seemed to blur together, but she forced herself to focus, repeating dates and facts under her breath.

Just as the next bell rang, signaling the end of the break, [Name] felt a renewed determination. She closed her book with a quiet snap, her resolve stealing. ‘I’ll make you proud’, she thought, gathering her materials and preparing for her next class.

The library emptied quickly, but [Name] lingered for a moment longer, savoring the calm before stepping back into the whirlwind of academic life.

The school hallways were bustling with activity as students moved between classes, the sound of chatter and hurried footsteps echoing off the walls. [Name] Sanzuku walked briskly through the corridor, her mind racing as she mentally reviewed the key points for her upcoming history exam. The weight of her textbooks in one arm and her notepad in the other added to her sense of urgency, her hair swaying with every step.

As she turned a corner, a small clattering noise reached her ears. She paused, looking down to see that her pencil had slipped from her grasp and rolled a few feet away. Muttering under her breath, she crouched to retrieve it.

Just as her fingers were about to close around the pencil, a shadow fell over her, and a hand—larger and calloused—picked it up first.

"Looking for this?" a deep, composed voice asked.

[Name] straightened, blinking as she took in the figure before her. The young man was strikingly unique, with light-colored hair styled into dreadlocks that framed his sharp, slanted eyes. His lean frame carried an air of quiet intensity, and his piercing gaze seemed to cut through her like a blade. His strong, masculine presence was undeniable, making him stand out even in a crowd.

The pencil rested in his hand as he held it out to her, his expression calm yet unreadable. "You should watch where you're going," he said in a low tone, his words clipped and deliberate. “The tide doesn’t wait for anyone.”

[Name] blinked in confusion, taken aback by his cryptic phrasing. Quickly recovering, she reached for the pencil. "Uh, thanks," she began, her tone polite but wary. However, his comment lingered in her mind, and she frowned slightly. "Wait a second. What’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying I’m clumsy?"

Kairu’s expression didn’t change, though the corners of his lips twitched slightly, as if he found her reaction mildly amusing. "It’s not about clumsiness," he replied, his voice as calm as the lapping waves. "It’s about awareness. If you don’t keep an eye on the shore, you’ll get swept away."

[Name] narrowed her eyes, feeling a flicker of annoyance rise within her. "Okay, Mr. Surfing Philosopher," she said, crossing her arms, "maybe try handing back someone’s pencil without throwing in unsolicited life lessons next time."

For the first time, something flickered in Kairu’s sharp gaze, though it was impossible to tell whether it was amusement, irritation, or something else entirely. He inclined his head slightly, his voice still calm. "Fair enough. But you should hurry. The bell’s about to ring."

Her heart skipped a beat as she glanced at the clock on the wall. Her eyes widened in panic. "Oh no, you’re right! I’m going to be late!" she exclaimed, her frustration with him momentarily forgotten.

Clutching her pencil tightly, she darted past him, her hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor. "Thanks again, I guess!" she called over her shoulder before disappearing around the corner.

Kairu remained where he stood, watching her retreating figure with an unreadable expression. His hand lingered in the air for a moment before dropping to his side. His gaze followed her, lingering on the way her thair swayed with every frantic step.

"Like a fish swimming against the current," he murmured to himself, the faintest hint of a smile curving his lips. His sharp, slanted eyes glinted with something deeper, something primal, as he turned on his heel and walked away. The noisy hallway seemed to fade into the background as his thoughts lingered on [Name].

Kairu Saramadara’s movements were slow and deliberate as he exited the hallway, a predator savoring the thrill of the chase.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The history classroom was unusually quiet, save for the faint scratch of pens on paper and the occasional sound of someone shifting in their seat. The overhead clock ticked ominously, its hands creeping closer to the hour. The tension in the room was palpable as the students focused intently on their exams, each immersed in their own battle with the questions before them.

[Name] sat in the middle of the classroom, her red glasses slipping slightly down her nose as she hunched over her paper. Her hair hung limply by her shoulders, almost as if mirroring the growing sense of defeat she felt. The first few questions had been manageable, but as she progressed, the historical dates and significant events blurred together in her mind. By the time she flipped to the middle of the exam, a bead of sweat had formed on her temple.

She glanced up at the whiteboard, where the countdown timer ticked mercilessly closer to zero. Fifteen minutes left. She swallowed hard and forced herself to focus. Come on, [Name], she thought, gripping her pen tightly. ‘You studied this. You know this! Just think!’

But the harder she tried to recall the answers, the more elusive they seemed. Questions about key historical treaties and landmark battles stared back at her mockingly, their blank answer spaces a stark reminder of her faltering memory. She tapped her pen against her paper nervously, earning a soft "shhh" from someone behind her.

“Ugh, sorry,” she whispered, her face heating up in embarrassment.

She glanced at the next question, her eyes scanning it rapidly: "What was the main objective of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854?"

Her mind blanked. Was it trade? Diplomacy? Something else entirely? She couldn't remember, and the weight of her indecision pressed down on her chest like a stone.

Five minutes left.

Her heart pounded in her ears as she flipped to the last page. The sight of the final questions almost made her cry in frustration. She scrawled out a hasty answer to one, then hesitated on the next, the seconds slipping away far too quickly.

“Time’s up!” Mr. Prince’s booming voice shattered the silence, and the sound of the timer hitting zero followed immediately. “Pens down, everyone. That’s it.”

A collective sigh of relief and frustration swept through the room. [Name] froze, staring at the unfinished final questions on her paper. She let out a defeated groan and slumped forward, resting her head against her desk.

“Why am I like this?” she muttered, her voice muffled against the wood. “I totally flopped that. There’s no way I passed…”

Mr. Prince strode around the classroom, his unkempt blond hair bouncing slightly as he collected the exams. “Thank you, mates,” he said with his usual mix of charisma and confidence. “Now remember, history doesn’t care for excuses. Either you know it, or you don’t. Let’s see how many of you make me proud this time.”

As he walked by, [Name] shoved her paper toward him without lifting her head.

Akira, seated beside her, leaned over slightly, his soft voice breaking the silence. “Hey, don’t beat yourself up, [Name]. This is just one exam,” he said, offering her a reassuring smile. “You’ve still got time to prepare for the make-ups on Friday. Think of this as practice.”

[Name] turned her head slightly, her cheek still pressed against the desk. “I don’t know, Akira,” she sighed. “It feels like I’m drowning in a whirlpool of dates and names. I thought I studied enough, but clearly not.”

Reiji, sitting a row behind, twisted in his seat to face her. His eyes were calm and understanding as he rested his chin on his palm. “[Name], stop being so hard on yourself,” he said in his smooth, almost melodic tone. “You’re not alone in this. A lot of us struggled, and it’s not like you didn’t try. Effort matters, too.”

She lifted her head slightly, her glasses crooked on her nose. “You guys make it sound so easy,” she grumbled. “But this exam was brutal.”

Reiji chuckled softly. “Trust me, I didn’t breeze through it either. But that’s the thing about challenges—they’re meant to push you. You’ll do better next time.”

Akira nodded in agreement. “Exactly. And if you need help reviewing, you’ve got us. We’ll make sure you’re ready for Friday.”

[Name] sat up fully now, their words beginning to chip away at the dark cloud of self-doubt hanging over her. She adjusted her glasses and managed a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, guys,” she said softly. “I appreciate it. I just… don’t want to fail.”

“And you won’t,” Akira said firmly. “You’ve got the determination. Just take this as a lesson and move forward.”

Reiji’s expression softened further, his voice lowering to a gentler tone. “Besides, no one’s perfect, [Name]. Not even you. So stop putting so much pressure on yourself.”

The warmth in their voices was enough to lift her spirits, even if just a little. She nodded, straightening her posture. “Alright,” she said, her voice steadier now. “I’ll try to focus on improving for the make-ups. But you guys better not let me slack off.”

Akira grinned. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Reiji smirked. “Good. We’ll hold you to that.”

The tension in her chest eased as they shared a brief laugh. As the classroom emptied out for the next period, [Name] couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope reignite within her.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The hallway was bustling with students as they left the classroom, chattering about the exam or their plans for the next break. [Name] walked beside Akira, her mood still dampened by her performance on the midterm but uplifted slightly by his earlier words of encouragement. Reiji had split off to head to his club, leaving the two to share a more casual moment.

Akira, ever the observant friend, noticed the lingering worry on [Name]'s face. “You’re still thinking about that exam, aren’t you?” he asked, his tone lighthearted as he pulled his phone from his pocket.

[Name] sighed, adjusting her glasses. “It’s hard not to. That exam was brutal, Akira. And I know Mr. Prince is going to roast us when he hands them back.”

“Well, if you’re that worried, maybe I can distract you for a second.” He grinned and unlocked his phone with a quick swipe. “There’s someone I want you to meet—virtually, at least.”

[Name] blinked, tilting her head. “Someone I should meet? Who?”

“An old friend of mine. He’s transferring here in the spring term.” Akira tapped through his gallery and turned the phone toward her. On the screen was a picture of a tall, tan boy with blonde hair that had dark stripes and a toothy sharp grin that seemed larger than life. His pose was exaggerated, with both thumbs pointed at himself as if to say, “I’m the man.”

“This,” Akira declared with a playful flourish, “is Taiga Tsunzaki. Certified disaster of a human being.”

[Name] raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at her lips. “Disaster, huh? He looks... spirited.”

“Spirited is a generous word. This guy couldn’t charm his way out of a wet paper bag. And believe me, he’s tried.” Akira scrolled to another picture—this one showing Taiga with a bouquet of flowers, looking utterly dejected as a girl in the background walked away. “Case in point.”

[Name] couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Oh no, poor guy. He really puts himself out there, doesn’t he?”

“Puts himself out there is an understatement,” Akira said, laughing. “Taiga has a long, illustrious history of crash-and-burn moments. You’d think he’d stop after the fifth—or fiftieth—rejection, but nope. The guy’s got a heart made of titanium.”

“Sounds like someone who doesn’t give up easily,” [Name] said, though she couldn’t help but giggle again at the ridiculousness of it all.

“Oh, he doesn’t. But his flirting is so bad it’s almost an art form. Like, one time, he tried to impress a girl by juggling oranges in the cafeteria. He only made it through two tosses before they all hit the floor. He still called it a win, though.”

[Name] burst out laughing, earning a few curious glances from passing students. She quickly covered her mouth, her cheeks flushing. “You’re kidding!”

“Dead serious,” Akira said with a smirk. “And just when you think it can’t get worse…” He swiped to another photo, this one showing Taiga mid-bite, his face smeared with marinara sauce as he aggressively attacked a plate of spaghetti. The sheer intensity of the image was enough to send [Name] into another fit of laughter.

“What—what is he doing?” she managed between giggles, clutching her stomach.

“Survival of the fittest,” Akira said with mock seriousness. “When it’s you versus the spaghetti, you gotta show no mercy.”

[Name] shook her head, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “I can’t. This guy is unreal. Are you sure you’re not just showing me memes you found online?”

Akira grinned. “Nope. This is 100% authentic Taiga. He’s like a walking sitcom. You’ll love him when you meet him.”

“Well, he’s already making a strong first impression,” she said, handing the phone back to Akira. “I’ll be sure to brace myself for his... unique energy.”

Akira chuckled, sliding his phone back into his pocket. “He’s a handful, but he’s got a good heart. And hey, maybe he’ll be just the distraction you need when spring rolls around.”

“Maybe,” [Name] said, her tone lighter now. “But for now, I think I’ll stick with surviving today.”

“Fair enough,” Akira said with a nod. “But just you wait. Taiga’s coming, and life as you know it will never be the same.”

[Name] rolled her eyes playfully but couldn’t help the small smile that lingered on her face. Despite the stress of the day, moments like these made it all feel a little more manageable.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The soft glow of the desk lamp illuminated [Name]'s dorm room as she sat cross-legged on her bed, a history textbook open in front of her. Notes were scattered around her in organized chaos, and her glasses had slid slightly down her nose as she focused on the lines of text. The silence of the room was punctuated only by the faint rustling of pages and the occasional scribble of her pen.

Her phone vibrated, breaking her concentration. She leaned over, picked it up, and saw a message from Ikki Niko:

Ikki > "Can we meet at the campus gates? I need help with the English exam on Thursday."

[Name] blinked at the screen before smiling. Finally, a break. She quickly typed back:

[Name] > "Sure, I could use some fresh air! Be there in 10."

Slipping her phone into her pocket, she hopped off the bed and stretched. "Studying can wait," she muttered, pulling a sweater over her head and swapping her lounge shorts for jeans. As she slipped on her sneakers, Hitomi, her roommate, glanced up from her own desk.

"Heading out?" Hitomi asked, twirling a pen between her fingers.

"Yeah," [Name] replied. "Ikki asked me to help him with the English exam. Meeting him at the gates."

Hitomi tilted her head, her expression turning slightly concerned. "You know it’s going to rain soon, right? You should take an umbrella."

[Name] froze mid-step. "Ah, crap," she muttered. "I left my umbrella at Ruka's place last time."

Hitomi sighed, already standing up to grab her own umbrella. "Here, take mine. I’m not going anywhere tonight."

[Name] took the umbrella with a grateful smile. "You’re a lifesaver, Hitomi. I owe you one."

Hitomi smirked. "You always do. Now go, before it starts pouring."

[Name] chuckled as she left the room, umbrella in hand. The air outside was crisp and cool, the sky a deep gray hinting at the storm to come. She hurried to the campus gates, where Ikki was waiting.

Ikki stood near the lamppost, his hands shoved deep into his hoodie pockets. His dark hair fell slightly over his eyes, but even so, he kept glancing around nervously. When he saw [Name] approaching, he straightened, his posture stiff with apprehension.

"Hey, sorry for the wait," [Name] greeted him with an easy smile. She noticed how he fidgeted, his gaze darting everywhere except her face.

"N-No, it’s fine," Ikki stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I, uh, I just... needed some help with the English exam."

[Name] tilted her head, sensing his discomfort. "Of course. But first," she said, glancing up at the ominous clouds, "let’s grab something warm. There’s a café nearby, and I could really use a coffee."

Ikki hesitated for a moment, his shoulders tensing as if considering retreat. But then he gave a small nod. "O-Okay."

The walk to the café was quiet, save for the soft crunch of leaves underfoot. [Name] tried to strike up a conversation to ease the tension. "So, English, huh? Not your strong suit?"

Ikki scratched the back of his neck, his eyes fixed on the ground. "Not really. I can... understand it okay, but writing essays is a nightmare."

[Name] chuckled. "Well, you’ve come to the right person. I’ll have you acing it in no time."

Ikki glanced at her briefly, his cheeks tinged pink. "Thanks... for agreeing to help. I don’t usually... ask people for stuff."

[Name] smiled warmly. "No problem. That’s what friends are for, right?"

Ikki’s steps faltered for a second, his heart skipping at her casual use of the word "friend." He ducked his head, his bangs obscuring his face as they entered the café.

Inside, the warm aroma of coffee and baked goods greeted them. The cozy atmosphere, with its soft lighting and wooden furniture, seemed to relax Ikki slightly. They approached the counter, and [Name] quickly ordered a cappuccino for herself and a hot chocolate for Ikki, teasingly insisting that he needed something sweet to keep his brain fueled.

As they sat down, Ikki’s nerves began to show again. He fiddled with his cup, his fingers tapping against the ceramic. [Name] noticed and decided to lighten the mood.

"So, Ikki," she began with a mischievous grin, "is this your first time asking a girl for help? Or are you secretly some kind of smooth operator?"

Ikki nearly choked on his hot chocolate. "W-What? No! I’m not—" He broke off, his face burning as he stumbled over his words.

[Name] laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Relax, I’m just messing with you." She leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "But seriously, you don’t have to be so tense. We’ll go over the material, and you’ll be fine."

Ikki finally managed a small smile, his nervous energy slowly fading under [Name]’s easygoing presence. "Thanks," he said softly.

The two began discussing the exam, [Name] breaking down the material into simple explanations while Ikki listened intently, occasionally jotting down notes. As the storm outside began to drizzle against the café windows, Ikki found himself grateful—not just for the help but for the unexpected warmth of [Name]’s company.

The café’s cozy ambiance was suddenly disrupted by the jarring click of boots on the wooden floor. [Name] and Ikki, engrossed in their study session, barely registered the figure approaching their table until a smooth, taunting voice broke through their focus.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” Himizu rawled, his split tongue flicking out briefly as he smirked down at them. His sharp, serpentine features were framed by his hair, and his eyes gleamed with a predatory glint. He was dressed in a sleek black jacket and ripped jeans, a casual yet deliberate choice that exuded confidence.

[Name] sighed, recognizing the mocking tone instantly. “Himizu,” she muttered under her breath, already bracing herself for his antics.

Himizu ignored her tone, his focus entirely on [Name]. “Fancy seeing you here, [Name]. Didn’t know you were into babysitting introverts,” he said with a sly glance at Ikki, who stiffened at the remark.

Ikki’s grip on his pen tightened, but he kept his gaze fixed on his notebook. [Name], however, wasn’t as willing to let Himizu’s comments slide.

“Himizu, it’s not nice to dig into people’s business,” she said sharply, folding her arms and glaring up at him. “Don’t you have something better to do than bother us?”

Himizu chuckled, a low, sinister sound. “Oh, but bothering you is my business,” he replied, leaning against their table. His split tongue flicked out again, as if tasting the air for her irritation. “Besides, you’re far too entertaining to ignore. That sour little look on your face? Priceless.”

[Name] scowled, her patience wearing thin. “Do you ever get tired of being a pest?”

“Never,” Himizu said with a grin, leaning in closer. His voice dropped to a teasing whisper. “And you make it so easy. Tell me, [Name], do you always get this flustered when someone gives you attention? Or is it just me?”

Her cheeks flushed with anger, and she slammed her palm on the table. “You’re unbelievable! If you’re done being obnoxious, why don’t you—”

Before she could finish, Ikki finally spoke, his voice low but firm. “Leave her alone.”

Himizu’s head turned slowly toward Ikki, as if noticing him for the first time. His smirk widened. “Oh? And what’s this? A knight in shining armor? Or coward in calling?” He straightened and crossed his arms, regarding Ikki with mock amusement. “You’re braver than I thought, Niko. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

Ikki’s jaw tightened, but he refused to back down. “We’re trying to study. If you’ve got nothing useful to say, then go.”

Himizu’s laugh was cold and sharp, cutting through the quiet murmur of the café. “Oh, how noble. But let me give you a little tip, Niko. Playing the hero rarely ends well. Especially not for someone like you.”

[Name] glared at him, her voice sharp with exasperation. “Are you done yet? You’ve made your point—whatever it was. Now leave us alone.”

Himizu tilted his head, pretending to consider her words. “Hmm. I suppose I’ve had my fun for now.” He stepped back, his split tongue darting out once more in that unnerving, snake-like manner. “But before I go...”

He leaned in close to [Name], his lips near her ear. His voice dropped to a low, almost seductive tone. “You smell absolutely delicious.”

[Name] froze, a shiver running down her spine. She instinctively pulled back, her heart pounding in her chest. Himizu straightened with a chuckle, clearly satisfied with her reaction.

“See you around,” he said lightly, giving them both a mock salute before sauntering off, his laughter echoing behind him.

[Name] sat stiffly for a moment, her hands clenched into fists. “That guy is the worst,” she muttered, her voice trembling with anger.

Ikki, still tense, glanced at her. “Are you okay?”

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... creeped out.”

Ikki nodded, his own frustration evident in the tight set of his jaw. “Next time, I’ll make sure he doesn’t get the chance to bother you.”

[Name] managed a small smile, grateful for his support. “Thanks, Ikki. Let’s just get back to studying. I need something to distract me from... that.”

Ikki nodded again, and they returned to their books, though the lingering tension from Himizu’s presence weighed heavily on their minds.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

Exam Part 1/2

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𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚜, 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸'𝚖 𝚜𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚢, 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝙲𝙾𝙻𝙻𝙴𝙶𝙴 𝙲𝙰𝙼𝙿𝚄𝚂!! 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝙰𝙱𝙾𝚅𝙴 𝟷𝟾 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛!!!

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

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