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velting · 1 month ago

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Blood Lock

CHAPTER 6

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

⚠️𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 ⚠️

!ᴠɪᴇᴡᴇʀꜱ ᴅɪꜱᴄʀᴇᴛɪᴏɴ ɪꜱ ᴀᴅᴠɪꜱᴇᴅ!

Heavy mention of drugs, mention of drugging,stalking and sexual assault + ect.

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✧｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+*⁠.⁠✧⁠｡⁠*ﾟ✧｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+*⁠.⁠✧⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+✧｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+*⁠.⁠✧⁠｡

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The business classroom was wrapped in a blanket of tense silence, broken only by the faint sound of pens scratching against paper and the steady ticking of the clock mounted on the wall. [Name] sat at her desk, carefully working through the exam in front of her. The questions were challenging but not impossible. She moved methodically, double-checking every answer, her brows furrowing as she filled in the blanks and scanned for errors.

After completing the last question, she let out a small sigh of relief and placed her pen down. Her eyes briefly wandered over her paper, ensuring she hadn’t skipped anything. Satisfied, she leaned forward, resting her head on the cool surface of the desk. The clock’s rhythmic ticking seemed louder now, each second dragging on as the room remained cloaked in stillness.

Glancing to her left, [Name] noticed Yo. His chin rested heavily on his hand, and his eyelids drooped as he struggled to stay awake. His pen occasionally faltered midair before lazily scrawling another answer. Next to him, Ranze had already finished his exam. A faint smile tugged at [Name’s] lips as she saw him sketching aimlessly in the corner of his notebook, likely trying to ward off boredom.

On her right, Hitomi sat with a book in her lap, her exam tucked neatly beneath it. She appeared completely absorbed in her reading, occasionally turning a page with a delicate touch. [Name] envied her friend’s foresight. ‘I should’ve brought a book too,’ she thought wistfully.

Her gaze drifted a few rows back, landing on Haru. He was hunched over his desk, his pen moving frantically as he raced against the clock. His expression was one of deep concentration, his brows knitted in determination. A few seats away from him sat Rensuke, his broad shoulders and upright posture making him easy to spot. [Name’s] stomach twisted uneasily, and she quickly averted her eyes. Just seeing him made her feel awkward, unsure of how to process the lingering emotions from their previous encounters.

At the front of the class, Kuon leaned back in his chair with an air of arrogance. His hands were laced behind his head, his exam resting completed on his desk. He smirked faintly, as if he was above the effort the rest of them were putting in. [Name’s] jaw tightened. The memory of Kuon stealing her phone. Chasing her, and sucking her blood. Souring her mood. ‘Of all people, why did he have to be here?’

The stern voice of Mr. Snuffy broke the silence, snapping [Name] out of her thoughts. “Eyes on your own papers,” he reminded the room, his sharp gaze scanning for any signs of cheating. “Fifteen minutes left.”

A ripple of unease passed through the students who weren’t finished. Haru shifted anxiously in his seat, his pen moving even faster. Meanwhile, Yo gave up on his fight with sleep and straightened in his chair, rubbing his eyes in a futile attempt to focus.

[Name] sat up, her fingers idly drumming against her desk. The ticking clock seemed louder now, and the tension in the room felt heavier as the remaining time slipped away. She glanced at her exam once more, resisting the urge to triple-check it. ‘I’ve done enough,’ she reassured herself, though a twinge of doubt lingered.

The quiet movements of her classmates and the subtle creaks of shifting chairs filled the air, blending into the monotonous rhythm of the clock. [Name’s] mind wandered as she waited for time to expire. She thought about the exams still ahead, the looming blood drive, and her encounter with Ikki last night. But no matter how hard she tried to distract herself, she couldn’t shake the restlessness crawling beneath her skin.

As the seconds ticked by, she stole another glance at her classmates. Ranze was now shading an elaborate doodle on his notebook, while Hitomi’s serene focus on her book remained unbroken. Even with the pressure of exams, their calm composure was enviable.

“Ten minutes,” Snuffy announced, his tone unyielding, and the collective anxiety in the room seemed to deepen. [Name] clenched her hands together, waiting for the clock to strike freedom.

The exam had ended, and the room filled with the rustling of papers and the scraping of chairs as students packed up and prepared to leave. [Name] placed her exam neatly on the pile at the front of the classroom, her thoughts already shifting toward her next destination. As she turned to leave, she was stopped by Hiori, who approached her with a small smile.

“Hey, [Name]-chan,” Yo said softly, his hands tucked into the pockets of his blazer. “It’s been a while since we hung out properly. Want to hangout tonight? Like old times?”

[Name’s] lips curved into a warm smile, her tension from the exam melting away. “That sounds perfect. What time?”

“Let’s meet at the gate around 7 p.m.,” Yo replied. “I’ll pick the place.”

“Alright, I’m looking forward to it.” [Name] gave him a playful thumbs-up before the two parted ways, each heading to their next destination.

As [Name] made her way to the elevator, she felt the lingering tension from the exam ebb away. Her thoughts drifted toward the evening plans with Hiori, a nostalgic sense of comfort welling up inside her. She pressed the elevator button and waited for the doors to slide open.

The hallway was quiet, save for the faint echo of footsteps. As the elevator arrived with a soft ding, [Name] stepped inside and pressed the button for her floor. Just as the doors began to close, a voice calling her name froze her in place.

“[Name]! Wait!”

Her eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat. She turned her head to see Rensuke hurrying toward her, his expression earnest. Panic surged through her veins as memories of that night flashed in her mind. Without thinking, she began frantically pressing the close door button, willing the elevator to shut before he reached her.

But it was too late.

Rensuke slipped his arm into the narrowing gap, forcing the doors to open again. He stepped inside, his towering frame filling the space. [Name] immediately backed against the wall, her hands trembling as she hugged her bag to her chest.

“Wait, [Name],” Rensuke said, holding his hands up in a gesture of peace. “I just want to talk. Please.”

She shook her head, her voice low and shaky. “Don’t come near me!”

“[Name], I swear—” Rensuke’s voice softened, tinged with regret. “I didn’t mean for things to happen the way they did. I just—”

“Don’t!” [Name] interrupted, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear. She pressed herself harder against the wall as he stepped closer. “You attacked me! Do you even realize how terrifying that was?”

Rensuke winced, his jaw tightening. “I know. I know, and I’ve been trying to find the right time to—”

Before he could finish, [Name] attempted to push him back. Her palms pressed against his chest, but he barely budged. Rensuke gently grabbed her wrists, his strength evident but not overbearing.

“Please, just listen—”

The elevator doors suddenly opened with another ding. [Name’s] breath hitched as she saw a tall figure step inside. Mr. Blake, their strict and no-nonsense AP English professor, glanced between the two with a sharp, calculating gaze.

Rensuke immediately released [Name’s] wrists and took a step back, his expression hardening into neutrality. [Name] hugged her bag tighter, her heart pounding as she avoided eye contact with either of them.

Mr. Blake raised an eyebrow but said nothing, stepping to the side and pressing his floor button. The doors closed again, and the elevator resumed its descent.

The air inside was thick with awkward tension. Mr. Blake, as usual, seemed unimpressed by the situation but chose not to address it directly. Rensuke stood rigid, his gaze fixed on the floor, while [Name] silently prayed for the elevator to move faster.

Tick. Tick. Tick. Each passing second felt like an eternity as the elevator descended floor by floor with the elevator music singing in the background.

“Tall and tan and young and lovely, the girl from Ipanema goes walking”

‘What the fuck is this music choice….’

[Name] clenched her fists, her knuckles white as she stared at the glowing floor numbers above the door. Rensuke shifted slightly, glancing at her from the corner of his eye but saying nothing. Mr. Blake remained a stoic pillar of authority, his disapproving aura only adding to the suffocating atmosphere.

When the elevator finally reached the ground floor, the doors slid open with a soft chime. [Name] bolted out before either man could say a word, her heart racing as she hurried toward the next exam venue.

Rensuke stayed behind, his shoulders slumping slightly as he leaned against the elevator wall. Mr. Blake exited slowly, his cold gaze lingering on Kunigami for a moment before walking away.

The encounter left a sour taste in [Name’s] mouth, and as she tried to shake off the lingering unease, one thought echoed in her mind: I need to stay away from him.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The New Generation 11’s club room basked in the soft glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the tall windows. The space was lavish, with sleek furniture and shelves lined with trophies, photographs, and memorabilia from various games. Yet amidst the air of prestige, Ruka Sanzuku’s presence was anything but formal.

He lounged on the wide windowsill, his tall frame sprawled out with practiced ease. His black hair spilled lazily over his shoulders, and an open book rested on his face, shielding his crimson eyes from the sunlight. Hands tucked behind his head, he gave off an air of effortless coolness, though anyone who truly knew him would recognize his deliberate nonchalance.

On the nearby table, his phone buzzed faintly, the notifications stacking one after another. Missed calls. Text messages. All from the same contact: Dad.

Ruka ignored it, the faint vibration no more than background noise to him. His phone was perpetually set to silent mode for precisely this reason. The last thing he wanted was to be dragged into yet another interaction with the man he loathed most. His jaw tightened slightly beneath the book as the vibrations continued to roll in.

‘Why won’t he just leave me alone?’ Ruka thought bitterly.

The door to the club room creaked open, breaking the silence. Ruka didn’t move, though his sharp ears immediately recognized the click of high heels against the floor.

“Ruka,” came the familiar, accented voice of Ms. Bogdanova. Her tone was as cold as ever, carrying an edge of professionalism that left no room for nonsense.

Ruka didn’t respond.

Luiza approached him, her tall figure casting a shadow over the windowsill. Her maroon eyes flicked to the phone on the table, the screen lighting up with yet another incoming call. She crossed her arms over her chest, her black sweater and pencil skirt adding to her austere presence.

“Your father called the academy,” she said flatly. “He vwanted to know vwhy you aren’t answering his calls.”

Ruka exhaled sharply through his nose, a dry chuckle escaping him. Slowly, he lifted the book off his face and glanced at her with a lopsided smirk that didn’t reach his eyes.

“Did he, now?” he drawled, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Well, he can go fuck off for all I care.”

Luiza’s brow furrowed slightly, though her expression remained mostly neutral. She let out a soft sigh, a gesture that betrayed a mix of exasperation and resignation. “Ruka,” she began, her voice calm but firm, “this behavior vwill not help. Vwhatever issues you have vwith him, ignoring his calls is not—”

“Spare me the lecture, Bogdanova,” Ruka interrupted, swinging his legs off the windowsill and sitting up. His crimson eyes burned with simmering anger as he stared her down. “You think I give a damn what he wants? That man’s been dead to me for years. So he can take his calls, his texts, and his bullshit excuses and shove them up his ass.”

Luiza’s eyes narrowed slightly, though she didn’t flinch under his glare. She knew Ruka’s temper well enough to expect resistance, but his outright hostility was still grating. “You may hate him,” she said evenly, “but that doesn’t mean you can act like this vwith everyone. There are consequences—”

“Oh, save it,” Ruka snapped, his voice rising. He stood to his full height, towering over her, his frustration boiling over. “You, him, everyone else—you can all kiss my sorry ass and fuck off while you’re at it! I don’t owe anyone anything! Not him! Not you! Nor anyone in this hell hole of a place!”

Luiza’s jaw tightened, her maroon eyes flashing with a rare hint of anger. She met his glare head-on, her icy demeanor unshaken. For a long moment, the room was charged with tension, their defiant stares locked in a silent battle of wills.

Finally, Luiza broke the silence with a sharp exhale. She straightened her posture, her expression returning to its usual stoic mask. “Fine,” she said curtly. “If you vwant to self-destruct, that’s your choice. But don’t expect me to clean up your messes.”

Without another word, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

Ruka watched her leave, his fists clenched at his sides. The sound of the door closing behind her left him alone once more, the room now eerily quiet. He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a low growl of frustration before grabbing his phone from the table.

The screen was a mess of notifications. Calls. Messages. Voicemails. All from the same name. His grip tightened on the device, his teeth clenched as he swiped through them.

With a few swift taps, he cleared every single message and call log, erasing any trace of his father’s attempts to reach him.

“Tch,” he muttered under his breath, tossing the phone back onto the table. He returned to the windowsill, leaning back with his hands behind his head once more.

But this time, the sense of ease was gone, replaced by a gnawing irritation that lingered like a shadow over him.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The gym field buzzed with the chatter of students and the rhythmic sound of sneakers pounding against the track as [Name] Sanzuku stood at the finish line, panting lightly but with a triumphant gleam in her eyes. The brisk autumn air cooled her skin, and a gentle breeze played with the ends of her hair. She had just completed her midterm lap challenge, finishing ahead of most of her classmates—a feat she was quietly proud of, though she tried not to draw too much attention to herself.

Grabbing her water bottle from her bag near the bleachers, she took a long sip, savoring the refreshing coolness against her parched throat. Her glasses slipped slightly down her nose, and she pushed them back into place, scanning the field to see who else was wrapping up. The fast runners were now trickling in, some laughing, others doubled over to catch their breath.

As she capped her water bottle, [Name] noticed Hyoma approaching her. His striking red hair, tied back in its signature ponytail, swayed slightly as he walked with an air of casual confidence. His sharp, focused eyes were a blend of determination and something softer—curiosity, perhaps.

“Hey,” Hyoma said smoothly as he reached her, his voice carrying a natural charm that made her heart skip for a moment. “You’re really fast out there. Didn’t think you’d keep up with the likes of me.” His lips curved into a faint, teasing smile, but the compliment was genuine.

[Name] felt her cheeks warm slightly but quickly brushed it off, offering him a grin. “I’ll take that as a compliment coming from the fastest in the class. Guess I got lucky today.” She twisted the bottle in her hands nervously, though her playful tone masked it well.

Hyoma tilted his head slightly, studying her with an amused expression. “Lucky? Please. You’ve got some serious talent. No need to downplay it.”

[Name] let out a soft laugh, feeling a flicker of pride at his words. “Thanks, Chigiri. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this good running.” She paused, catching her breath. “How about you? You’ve been running circles around everyone as usual. How are you feeling?”

He shrugged, his usual confident air evident. “Same old. I’m feeling good. Better, actually, after watching you keep up out there. Most people fall way behind.” He smirked, but his gaze lingered on her longer than it should have, softening slightly. “So, uh…what about you? How’s everything? You holding up okay?”

[Name’s] smile grew at his concern. “Yeah, I’m fine. A little tired, but I guess that’s normal after sprinting like crazy. Thanks for asking.” She hesitated for a moment, fiddling with the strap of her gym bag. “Actually, I was wondering…would you want to hang out sometime? Like…outside of class? It’s been a while since I’ve just relaxed with someone, and you seem like you’d be fun to talk to.”

Hyoma blinked in surprise, his confident façade momentarily faltering. His heart raced slightly, though he kept his cool. “You want to hang out? With me?” His voice came out more casual than he felt.

[Name] laughed softly, nodding. “Yeah, why not? Unless you’re too busy or not interested…”

“Interested?” Hyoma interrupted, his tone a touch sharper than intended. He cleared his throat, his composure returning. “I mean, of course. I’d like that. When were you thinking?”

Her face lit up with joy, her eyed sparkling in the sunlight. “Really? That’s great! I’m not sure yet, but maybe after the midterms settle down? We can figure out a day that works for you.”

Hyoma nodded, his lips quirking into a genuine smile. “Sounds like a plan. Just let me know when and where.”

“Awesome!” [Name] said, her excitement bubbling over. She gave him a small wave as she started walking away. “I’ll see you later, Chigiri.”

As she left, her hair swaying behind her, Hyoma found himself watching her longer than he intended. His heart felt lighter, though he didn’t quite understand why. Shaking his head, he muttered to himself, “What are you doing, Hyoma? Get a grip.”

[Name] rejoined Nijiro and Meguru, who were engaged in a heated game of rock-paper-scissors under the shade of a tree. Meguru’s infectious laughter echoed as he threw out yet another “rock,” much to Nijiro visible frustration.

“There you are!” Meguru called out, his wide grin stretching from ear to ear. “Come on, [Name], help me out. This guy’s trying to cheat, I swear.”

Nijiro scoffed, crossing his arms. “I’m not cheating. You’re just predictable, Bachira.”

[Name] laughed, sitting down beside them. “What’s the score?”

“Let’s just say I’m winning,” Nijiro said smugly, though the mischievous twinkle in Meguru’s eyes suggested otherwise.

As they continued their playful banter, [Name] felt a rare sense of normalcy and contentment. For now, the stresses of exams and life faded into the background, replaced by laughter and the promise of new connections.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The evening was cool, the soft hues of dusk painting the sky in shades of pink and orange as [Name] Sanzuku stood before her closet. Her dorm room was small but cozy, lit only by the warm glow of a desk lamp. Clothes were strewn across her bed as she debated what to wear. She didn’t want to seem like she was trying too hard, but she also wanted to make a good impression on Yo.

Finally settling on a white sweater layered under a red cardigan, paired with jean shorts, black tights, and her favorite red Converse, she stood before the mirror. Her hair cascaded neatly down her shoulders, tied with red ribbons, and her glasses sat perfectly perched on her nose. Giving herself one final glance, she grabbed her small crossbody bag and stepped out into the crisp air of the evening.

The academy grounds were quiet, most students staying indoors to recover from the midterm exams. As she approached the gate, she spotted her best friend Hiori Yo waiting for her, leaning casually against the brick pillar. His light blue hair reflected the soft glow of the streetlights, and his hands were stuffed into the pockets of his navy jacket. He seemed lost in thought, gazing at the pavement until [Name] called out to him.

“Yo-kun!” she waved, her voice cheerful.

Yo’s head snapped up, and his soft, sapphire eyes lit up when he saw her. A small, shy smile tugged at his lips as he straightened up. “[Name]-chan,” he greeted, his voice gentle.

As she approached, she noticed his cheeks were slightly flushed. “You’ve been waiting long?” she asked, standing a bit closer to him than usual.

“Not really,” he replied quickly, shaking his head. “You look... great.”

[Name’s] own cheeks turned pink at the compliment. “Thanks! You’re not so bad yourself, you know.” She held out her hand. “Ready?”

Yo hesitated for a brief moment, but then he reached out and gently took her hand in his. His touch was warm and careful, as if he were afraid to hold her too tightly. Together, they stepped out into the evening, their footsteps echoing softly on the cobblestone path as they headed toward the nearby arcade.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The arcade was bustling, neon lights flashing and the sounds of game machines filling the air. [Name’s] eyes lit up at the sight of the basketball shooting game tucked into the corner.

“This one’s my favorite,” she said, tugging Yo's hand as she led him over.

“You’re that confident, huh?” Yo teased, his usual quiet demeanor giving way to a playful smirk.

“You bet I am,” [Name] replied, her competitive side surfacing. She pushed her glasses up her nose and grabbed a basketball from the rack. “Watch and learn, Yo-kun. This is where I shine.”

As the timer started, [Name’s] focus was unmatched. She sank shot after shot, the balls swishing cleanly through the hoop. Her movements were quick and precise, her hair swaying with each toss.

Yo watched in amazement, his cheeks tinged with admiration. “You’re really good at this,” he admitted, his voice almost drowned out by the game’s sound effects.

“Years of practice,” [Name] said with a grin as the buzzer went off, signaling the end of the round. She looked at the scoreboard and clapped her hands together in victory. “A new high score!”

The machine spat out a cascade of tickets, which [Name] gleefully collected. Yo chuckled at her enthusiasm, his usual reserved nature softening.

“You could probably own this arcade with all those tickets,” he joked.

[Name] rolled her eyes playfully. “Please, I’m just getting started.” She scanned the prize counter and her eyes lit up when she spotted the little Sanrio Little Twin Stars plushies. “Perfect,” she said, pointing to them.

After exchanging the tickets, [Name] handed Hiori the pink-haired Lala plushie while keeping the blue-haired Kiki for herself.

“For you,” she said, holding it out to him with a bright smile.

Yo stared at the plushie, his fingers brushing against hers as he took it. “Lala?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“And I’m keeping Kiki,” she added, holding up her own plush. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Kiki’s blue hair kind of reminds me of you.”

Yo froze for a moment, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson. He looked down at the plushie in his hands, his lips parting as if to say something, but no words came out.

“What’s wrong?” [Name] asked, leaning slightly closer. “Don’t you like it?”

“N-no, I do,” Yo stammered, clutching the plushie tighter. “It’s… nice. Thank you.”

[Name] smiled, satisfied. “Good! I thought it suited you.”

They spent the rest of the evening trying out different games, from racing simulators to claw machines, where [Name] managed to snag a small keychain shaped like a basketball. Every so often, their hands would brush as they reached for coins or tickets, and each time, Hiori’s blush deepened.

As they stepped out of the arcade, the night air was cooler, and the streets were quieter. [Name] hugged her plushie close, a content smile on her face.

“Tonight was fun,” she said, glancing at Yo. “We should do this more often.”

Yo nodded, his expression softening. “Yeah, we should.”

For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them standing under the glow of the streetlights. Yo glanced at [Name’s] face, illuminated softly by the light, and felt a warmth in his chest he hadn’t felt before..

The streets were quieter now, illuminated by the gentle glow of streetlights and the soft radiance of the crescent moon overhead. [Name] and Yo strolled hand in hand, their fingers interlaced, a comfortable silence between them. The air carried a faint chill, but neither seemed to notice, lost in the warmth of each other's presence.

As they passed by a small food stall tucked into the corner of the street, [Name’s] eyes lit up at the sight of the glistening tanghulu—candied fruits on skewers, their glossy surfaces catching the light like tiny jewels.

“Oh! Tanghulu!” [Name] exclaimed, tugging gently on Hiori’s hand. “We have to try some!”

Yo followed her gaze and smiled softly. “Sure. Let’s get some,” he said, his voice warm and steady.

The vendor, an elderly man with a kind face, greeted them cheerfully. “Fresh tanghulu! Perfect for a sweet night like this!”

[Name] leaned forward, studying the vibrant assortment of fruits—strawberries, kiwis, grapes, and even pineapple chunks—all coated in a thin layer of hardened sugar. “I’ll take one with all the fruits, please,” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Yo, always more reserved, glanced at the options before nodding. “Just strawberries for me, thanks.”

As the vendor prepared their skewers, [Name] turned to Yo, her expression playful. “Strawberries, huh? Keeping it classic?”

Yo chuckled softly, his blue hair catching the glow of the nearby lantern. “You can’t go wrong with the classics,” he replied.

When they received their tanghulu, [Name] immediately took a bite, the crunch of the sugary shell giving way to the sweet and tart flavors of the fruit inside. “Mmm!” she hummed in delight. “This is so good! Why don’t we have these more often?”

Yo took a more measured bite of his skewer, savoring the flavor. “I guess we’ll have to make this a tradition,” he said, glancing at her with a soft smile.

They wandered a little further before finding a bench beneath a large oak tree. The branches swayed gently in the breeze, and the moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground. They sat down, the tanghulu skewers still in hand, as the sounds of distant laughter and the occasional hum of a passing car filled the air.

[Name] leaned back against the bench, letting out a contented sigh. “Thanks for inviting me out tonight, Yo-kun. I really needed this after all the stress from the exams.”

Yo turned to her, his expression softening. “I should be the one thanking you,” he said quietly. “It’s not every day I get to spend time like this… with someone so special.”

[Name] paused mid-bite, her eyes widening slightly before a blush spread across her cheeks. “Yo-kun…” she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

Yo hesitated, his grip tightening slightly on the now-empty skewer. The weight of his unspoken feelings pressed heavily on him, and for a moment, he felt his usual calm demeanor falter.

“I mean it,” he said, his voice steadier now. “You’re… more important to me than I think I can ever put into words. Being here with you tonight—it’s all I’ve wanted for a long time.”

[Name’s] heart skipped a beat, her gaze locking onto his. The tension between them was palpable, the world around them fading as the air seemed to thicken with unspoken emotions.

Yo took a deep breath, his free hand trembling slightly as he reached for hers. “[Name]-chan, I—”

Before he could finish, [Name] gently placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. Her touch was soft, yet it sent a jolt of electricity through him.

“I know,” she said, her voice calm yet laced with emotion. Her eyes,glimmered in the moonlight. “You're Quite easy to read Yo-kun.”

Yos's eyes widened, and his breath hitched as she slowly leaned closer. The world seemed to hold its breath, the only sound the rustling of the leaves above them. [Name] closed her eyes, her face inching toward his.

Yo swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest as he instinctively leaned in as well. Their breaths mingled, the tension between them finally snapping as their lips met in a tender, heartfelt kiss.

The moment was electric, yet achingly gentle, as if time itself had paused to bear witness. The sweetness of the tanghulu lingered faintly between them, but it was overshadowed by the overwhelming warmth of their connection.

When they finally parted, their faces remained close, their foreheads resting against each other Yo’s cheeks were flushed, his sapphire eyes shimmering with a mixture of joy and disbelief.

“[Name]-chan….” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

She smiled softly, her expression radiant. “You don’t have to say anything else,” she murmured. “I know.”

For a moment, they simply sat there, hand in hand, basking in the glow of the moonlight and the quiet intimacy they now shared. The night felt infinite, the bond between them stronger than ever as they gazed at each other with unspoken affection, knowing this was just the beginning of something beautiful.

The night had grown quieter, with the distant sounds of the city fading into a serene stillness. [Name] and Yo sat close on the bench, the tanghulu skewers discarded nearby, their hands still lightly entwined. The moonlight bathed the scene in a silver glow, their shared moment feeling like a fragile dream.

Yo turned to her, his sapphire eyes shining with determination. He tightened his hold on her hand, taking a deep breath. “[Name]-chan, I’ve been meaning to tell you…”

[Name’s] heart raced, her cheeks tinged pink as she waited for the words she longed to hear. She tilted her head, her voice soft and encouraging. “Yo-kun … I—”

The sound of a low, smooth voice cut through the tension like a blade.

“Shouldn’t you two be heading to your dorms?”

[Name] froze, her breath hitching as she turned to see a tall figure stepping out from behind a nearby tree. Ruka’s lean frame was cloaked in shadow, his hands casually stuffed into his pockets. His crimson eyes gleamed under the moonlight, a contrast to his nonchalant demeanor.

Yo immediately stood, his face flushing a deep crimson as he bowed slightly. “Ah, Ruka… I didn’t mean to— I mean, I apologize if this seemed… improper,” he stammered, his usual calm shaken by the sudden intrusion.

[Name’s] embarrassment quickly shifted to frustration. “Ruka! What are you even doing here? Were you following me?” she demanded, her voice a mix of anger and disbelief.

Ruka shrugged, his expression unreadable. “I wasn’t following you. I just happened to be nearby,” he said coolly, though the timing of his arrival suggested otherwise. “It’s late, and you should be back at your dorm.”

Yo glanced between the two, sensing the growing tension. He straightened, brushing off his jeans as he prepared to leave. “I should go,” he said softly, his gaze lingering on [Name]. “[Name]-chan, thank you for tonight. I… I’ll see you on campus.”

“Yo-kun, wait—!” [Name] reached out to him, her voice tinged with desperation.

Yo smiled gently, raising a hand to reassure her. “It’s okay. Goodnight, [Name]-chan.” He hesitated for a moment before offering a playful wink. Then, with a calm but deliberate pace, he turned and walked away, leaving [Name] standing there, her heart sinking.

The silence that followed was deafening. [Name] stood rooted to the spot, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Slowly, she turned to face Ruka, her heterochromatic eyes blazing with fury.

“You… you ruined it,” she hissed, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sorrow.

Ruka raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “Ruined what? You sitting here late at night alone with some guy?”

[Name’s] hands shook as she yanked the Kiki plush from her bag and hurled it at him with all her might. “You’re unbelievable! Always sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong!”

Ruka caught the plush effortlessly, glancing down at it with a sigh before looking back at her. “You’re overreacting.”

“Overreacting?!” [Name’s] voice cracked, tears welling in her eyes. “You’ve done nothing but meddle in my life! Do you enjoy making me miserable? Are you satisfied now, Ruka?!”

Ruka’s jaw tightened slightly, but he said nothing, his calm exterior betraying nothing of what he might have felt inside.

[Name] took a shaky step forward, her voice breaking as she continued. “I hate you! I hate you for this!!” she spat, her tears spilling over. “Stay away from me!”

Before he could respond, she slapped him hard across the face. The sound echoed in the quiet night, the sting of it sharp and immediate.

Ruka stood motionless, his cheek reddening from the impact, as [Name] turned on her heel and ran. Her sobs echoed faintly in the distance, each one stabbing at the silence like a dagger.

For a long moment, Ruka remained still, the only movement the soft breeze ruffling his hair. He looked down at the Kiki plush in his hands, his crimson eyes shadowed with an unreadable emotion.

“If only you knew…” he murmured under his breath, his voice low and tinged with a rare vulnerability.

He glanced up at the sky, the moon now partially obscured by drifting clouds. Letting out a quiet sigh, he slipped the plush into his jacket pocket and walked away, his figure disappearing into the darkness as the night carried on in its haunting stillness.

[Name] bolted through the quiet campus, her sobs echoing softly into the chilly night air. The moonlight cast pale beams onto the cobblestone paths, painting her surroundings in a somber glow. Tears streamed down her face, and no matter how many times she wiped them away with her sleeves, they continued to fall. Her chest heaved with the weight of frustration and heartbreak as her steps faltered.

From ahead, a familiar figure stepped out of the shadows, his auburn hair catching the faint glow of a streetlamp. Sae Itoshi stood in her path, his sharp, stoic gaze softening ever so slightly as he took in her tear-streaked face and trembling frame.

“[Name],” Sae called, his voice calm but firm. He took a step closer, his hands tucked casually into his coat pockets. “What happened?”

[Name] froze, her fists clenching at her sides. She sniffled, quickly turning her face away to avoid his piercing gaze. “Nothing,” she muttered, her voice cracking. “It’s none of your business, Sae. Just… move.”

Sae’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t move. Instead, he shifted his weight, blocking her path entirely. “You look like hell,” he said bluntly, crossing his arms. “Something clearly happened, and you’re not going anywhere until you tell me.”

“I said it’s none of your business!” [Name] snapped, her voice rising in frustration as fresh tears spilled over. She tried to push past him, but Sae’s reflexes were too sharp. He caught her wrist with a firm but gentle grip.

“[Name].” His tone was quieter now, a rare hint of softness breaking through his usual cold demeanor. He pulled her toward him, his gaze meeting hers directly. “Stop running.”

Her breath hitched as Sae’s free arm came up, resting lightly on her shoulder as he brought her closer to his chest. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice steadier this time, tinged with genuine concern.

For a moment, [Name] stiffened in his hold, her pride screaming at her to shove him away. But the weight of the night overwhelmed her. Her knees buckled, and she fell to the ground, pulling Sae down with her. Her sobs broke free, unrestrained, as she clutched at her chest.

“I hate him!” she cried, her voice trembling as she buried her face in her hands. “Ruka ruins everything! Every single time… he always shows up and ruins everything!”

Sae knelt beside her, silent as he watched her crumble. Slowly, he leaned closer, his hands resting on her shoulders. His touch was steady, grounding.

“Go on,” he urged quietly. “Let it out.”

[Name’s] voice wavered as she poured her heart out. “I just… I don’t understand why he does it! Does he hate me that much? Is it a joke to him? Why can’t he just leave me alone?” Her sobs deepened, and she clutched at her sleeves, trembling. “And now… Yo-kun….I ruined everything with him, too…”

Sae shifted closer, wrapping an arm around her back to steady her. “You didn’t ruin anything,” he said, his voice low and even. “Don’t let some idiot like Ruka make you think otherwise.”

[Name] looked up at him, her tear-streaked face reflecting the hurt and anger in her eyes. “You don’t understand,” she whispered. “He’s always there, Sae. Always interfering, always controlling everything I do… I can’t take it anymore!”

Sae sighed, his free hand moving to gently pat her back. His touch was awkward but sincere, as though he wasn’t used to comforting others. “I get it,” he said after a moment. “Having someone like that breathing down your neck? Yeah, it’s suffocating.”

[Name] leaned into his shoulder, her sobs subsiding into quieter hiccups as his steady presence began to calm her. Sae didn’t move, letting her take what she needed from the moment.

“You’re better than that,” he continued, his voice a little firmer now. “Don’t let him dictate how you live your life. You’ve got more in you than that.”

[Name] clutched at his jacket, her voice muffled against his shoulder. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

Sae sighed faintly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Don’t get used to it,” he said dryly. “But you looked like you were about to break in half. Figured someone had to step in.”

She managed a weak laugh through her sniffles, the sound fragile but genuine. “Thanks… I guess.”

Sae pulled back slightly, tilting her chin up with a careful hand so their eyes met. “Feel better?” he asked, his tone back to its usual bluntness.

[Name] nodded hesitantly, wiping at her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater. “A little.”

“Good.” Sae stood, offering her a hand to help her up. She hesitated for a moment before taking it, letting him pull her to her feet.

As they stood under the moonlight, the tension between them eased slightly. Sae’s usual arrogance was absent, replaced by a quiet understanding.

“Next time,” he said, glancing at her with a rare, almost imperceptible softness in his gaze, “don’t keep it bottled up. It’s pathetic to see you like this.”

[Name] rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. “You really know how to ruin a moment, don’t you?”

Sae shrugged, his scroll returning. “What can I say? It’s a talent.”

For a brief moment, the night felt a little less heavy, and as they walked back toward the dorms, [Name] found herself silently grateful for the unlikely comfort Sae had given her.

The quiet night air hung heavy as [Name] sniffled, her tears now reduced to soft hiccups. Sae observed her, his sharp features unreadable under the moonlight. After a moment, he sighed and, without warning, bent down and swept her off her feet, lifting her effortlessly into his arms in a bridal carry.

“Wha—what are you doing?!” [Name] stammered, her face instantly turning scarlet. She instinctively clutched at the fabric of his jacket, her wide eyes darting to meet his.

“You’re exhausted, and the dorms are about to close,” Sae said flatly, his voice carrying its usual bluntness. He didn’t even glance at her as he adjusted his grip slightly to make her more comfortable. “If you don’t get back before curfew, they’ll lock the doors, and you’ll be stuck outside for the next seven hours.”

“I—I can walk on my own!” [Name] protested, squirming in his arms. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was sure he could hear it.

“Stop moving,” Sae commanded, his voice low and firm. He shot her a sharp look, his gaze piercing. “Unless you want me to leave you outside to freeze. Then again, maybe you’d enjoy sitting on the steps of the girls’ dormitory all night?”

That shut her up instantly. Her face burned with a mixture of embarrassment and indignation, and she turned her head away, muttering under her breath, “You’re so annoying…”

Sae shrugged faintly but said nothing, his pace steady as he carried her across the campus. The soft glow of the lamps illuminated the path, their faint hum filling the silence between them. [Name] tried her best to look anywhere but at Sae, her cheeks still flushed as she focused on the sound of his footsteps against the stone walkway.

Eventually, they reached a separate building, more modern and luxurious than the other dormitories. Sae carried her through the front doors, which opened with a swipe of his keycard, and into the elevator. The soft ding of the elevator and the sleek, minimalist interior were a stark contrast to the rustic charm of the main campus.

“This is…” [Name] began, her voice trailing off as she looked around.

“My dorm,” Sae replied simply as the elevator doors slid open. He stepped out and carried her down a quiet, carpeted hallway before stopping in front of a door. With one hand, he unlocked it, pushing it open to reveal an impressively sleek and modern interior.

The room was pristine, with minimalist furniture in shades of black, red, and white. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city skyline, and a large sectional couch sat near a low glass coffee table. The faint scent of cologne lingered in the air, clean and sharp, much like its owner.

Sae carried her straight to his bedroom—his chambers, as he called it with a hint of mockery in his tone—and gently set her down on the edge of the massive king-sized bed. The room was as polished as the rest of the dorm, with a neatly made bed, a desk with an open laptop, and bookshelves lined with neatly organized items.

“You can use the bathroom,” Sae said, nodding toward a door on the far side of the room. “Take a shower if you want. I’ll order something to eat.”

[Name] blinked up at him, her face still flushed. “I—I can’t just—”

“You’re already here, aren’t you?” Sae interrupted, raising an eyebrow. “Unless you’d rather starve and wait outside for the morning.”

[Name] huffed, crossing her arms. “You really know how to make a girl feel welcome, don’t you?”

Sae again shrugged, ignoring her sarcasm as he pulled out his phone and started dialing. “Hurry up. You look like you could use a break.”

Her retort died in her throat as she sighed, muttering a quiet “Thank you” before heading to the bathroom.

The bathroom was just as immaculate as the rest of the dorm, with sleek black tiles, a glass-enclosed shower, and a large mirror that reflected the soft, ambient lighting. [Name] closed the door behind her and let out a long breath, leaning against it for a moment.

“This is insane…” she whispered to herself, her cheeks still warm.

She quickly undressed, folding her clothes neatly before stepping into the shower. The hot water cascaded over her, washing away the stress and tension of the night. She leaned her forehead against the cool tile, letting the steam envelop her as she replayed the events of the evening in her mind.

Ruka’s interruption. Yo’s retreat. Sae’s unexpected kindness.

Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she thought of Ruka, anger bubbling up again. But it was quickly replaced by a strange sense of gratitude for Sae’s intervention. Despite his bluntness and arrogance, he had been there when she needed someone most.

After what felt like an eternity, [Name] stepped out of the shower, wrapping herself in a fluffy white towel. She glanced around the bathroom, realizing too late that she hadn’t brought a change of clothes.

“Oh no…” she muttered, her face heating up again.

She hesitated for a moment before cracking the door open slightly. “Um… Sae?” she called, her voice barely above a whisper.

“What now?” came his reply from the other side of the room.

“I—I didn’t bring any clothes…”

There was a pause, followed by the sound of footsteps approaching. Sae appeared in the doorway, his expression unreadable as he handed her a neatly folded set of clothes—a plain black T-shirt and a pair of his boxers.

“Here,” he said, his tone casual. “They’ll probably be huge on you, but it’s better than nothing.”

[Name] took them quickly, her face burning as she mumbled a quiet, “Thanks.”

“Don’t take all night,” he added, turning and walking away.

She shut the door again, exhaling sharply. “This is going to be a long night…” she muttered to herself as she changed into the borrowed clothes.

When she finally emerged, Sae was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone. A bag of takeout sat on the coffee table, the aroma making her stomach growl.

“Eat,” he said without looking up.

[Name] sat down hesitantly, her eyes darting to him before reaching for the food. “Thanks,” she said softly.

Sae glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. “Get some rest after. You’ve had enough drama for one night.”

She nodded, her heart still racing as she wondered what the rest of the night would bring.

The rich aroma of freshly prepared sushi filled the air as [Name] sat cross-legged on Sae’s luxurious couch, a neatly arranged takeout spread laid out before her. Each piece glistened under the soft glow of the overhead light: delicate nigiri, colorful uramaki, plump temaki, and perfectly rolled futomaki. The assortment looked like a feast meant for a royal banquet, and [Name’s] stomach growled audibly, betraying her initial hesitance.

She picked up a pair of wooden chopsticks, hands trembling slightly as she dipped a piece of salmon nigiri into the small dish of soy sauce mixed with a dab of wasabi. Her cheeks flushed as the flavor exploded on her tongue—a perfect blend of the fish’s buttery texture and the sharp kick of wasabi. She couldn’t help but let out a small hum of satisfaction, the warmth spreading through her.

“This is amazing,” she murmured to herself, her gaze darting to Sae, who sat on the opposite end of the couch. Unlike her, he wasn’t eating; instead, he reclined back casually, one arm draped over the armrest, his sharp features illuminated by the light. His expression was neutral, his focus somewhere distant as if he were lost in thought.

“Aren’t you going to eat anything?” she asked, her voice tentative, breaking the silence. She picked up another piece, a bright avocado roll, but paused mid-air as she looked at him.

Sae’s gaze flicked to hers, his icy green eyes meeting her own. “I already ate before,” he said simply, his tone as detached as ever. He shifted slightly, his posture relaxed yet commanding. “It’s all yours. Eat as much as you want.”

[Name] blinked, unsure how to respond. His bluntness always caught her off guard, but tonight there was something different about him. He seemed… calm. Almost uncharacteristically considerate. She nodded and continued to eat, savoring each bite. But as she ate, her eyes kept drifting back to him.

He really was handsome, she thought, begrudgingly admitting it to herself. His auburn hair fell just right over his forehead, framing his sharp jawline. The dim lighting highlighted the high planes of his cheekbones, and his calm demeanor added an air of mystery that only made him more alluring. Every ten seconds or so, she found herself stealing glances, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

“Are you going to keep staring, or do I have something on my face?” Sae’s voice broke through her thoughts like a crack of thunder. He turned his head slightly to look at her, one brow raised in that signature condescending way that made her stomach flip.

[Name’s] chopsticks froze midair, a piece of sushi precariously balanced between them. Her face turned beet red as she fumbled to respond. “I—I wasn’t staring!” she stammered, her voice a little too loud in the otherwise quiet room. “I was just… I mean, I—”

“It’s rude to stare,” Sae interrupted, his tone calm but pointed. There was no malice in his words, but the faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips told her he found her reaction amusing.

She lowered her chopsticks and looked away, her heart pounding in her chest. “Sorry,” she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. The heat in her cheeks was unbearable, and she wished she could melt into the couch cushions and disappear.

For a moment, the room fell into silence again, save for the faint hum of the city outside and the occasional clink of her chopsticks against the plastic tray. [Name] tried to focus on the food, but her appetite was fading fast under the weight of her embarrassment. She couldn’t believe she’d been caught staring so blatantly.

Sae, meanwhile, seemed entirely unbothered. He leaned back further, his eyes half-lidded as he watched her with an unreadable expression. “You’re blushing,” he said suddenly, his voice devoid of the usual sharpness.

[Name] snapped her head up to look at him, her eyes wide. “I am not!” she protested, her hands instinctively flying to her cheeks as if to check.

Sae’s blinked just a fraction, a rare hint of amusement breaking through his usual stoicism. “Sure, you’re not,” he said, his voice tinged with serious demeanor. ��Must be the wasabi, then.”

Her jaw dropped, and she scowled at him, though her face was still burning. “You’re such a jerk,” she muttered, shoving another piece of sushi into her mouth to avoid saying anything else.

Sae hums softly, the sound low and brief, almost as if he hadn’t meant to let it slip. “Just eat, [Name],” he said, his voice returning to its usual composed tone. “You’re the one who said it was amazing.”

Despite her embarrassment, she couldn’t help but feel a strange warmth in his words. There was something oddly comforting about the way he spoke to her, even if he was teasing. She continued eating, occasionally stealing glances at him when she thought he wasn’t looking.

But of course, Sae noticed every time. He didn’t say anything else, though. Instead, he watched her in silence, his sharp gaze softening ever so slightly as she finished her meal. For all his coldness and arrogance, there was a quiet tenderness in the way he stayed by her side that night, making sure she was safe, even if he’d never admit it outright.

The remnants of the sushi feast had been cleared, and the air between Sae and [Name] carried a faint tension. She sat on the edge of the couch, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. Sae stood by the dining table, as calm and composed as ever, though his sharp gaze flickered toward her now and then.

“Thank you for the meal,” [Name] said, breaking the silence. Her voice was soft, though her heart was still racing. “It was really delicious.”

Sae gave a small nod, leaning casually against the table. “It wasn’t any trouble,” he replied, his tone neutral but not unkind. He folded his arms across his chest, his expression unreadable as he observed her.

[Name] hesitated, chewing on her lip. The elephant in the room loomed larger with each passing second—where was she going to sleep? She glanced at the couch beneath her, noting how it wasn’t particularly wide or comfortable. But at the same time, asking to sleep in his bedroom felt impossible. She fidgeted some more, finally summoning the courage to speak.

“Um…” she began, her voice tentative. “I can just sleep on the couch. It’s fine, really.”

Sae’s brow arched slightly, his lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smirk. “The couch?” he repeated, his tone laced with incredulity. “You’re my guest. It’d be rude to let you sleep there.”

[Name] blinked, taken aback by his straightforwardness. “But it’s your place,” she argued, her cheeks heating up. “I can’t just take over your bed. That’s… way too much.”

Sae pushed off the table, his movements smooth and deliberate as he took a step closer to her. “It’s just a bed,” he said bluntly, shrugging as if the matter were trivial. “You’ll sleep in my room. I’m not going to let you stay out here like some stray cat.”

The comparison made her bristle, and she shot him a glare. “I’m not a stray cat!” she protested, her face now as red as a tomato. “I just don’t want to impose.”

Sae sighed, clearly unimpressed by her stubbornness. “You’re making this harder than it needs to be,” he said, his tone taking on a sharper edge. “Just take the bed, [Name]. End of story.”

But [Name] wasn’t ready to back down. “I don’t want to take your bed!” she snapped, her frustration bubbling over. “If anything, we could—” She stopped mid-sentence, her brain catching up to her mouth. Her face turned scarlet as the words spilled out before she could stop them. “We could… just… share the bed.”

The room fell deathly silent.

Her heart dropped to her stomach as the weight of what she’d said hit her like a freight train. She clapped a hand over her mouth, her wide eyes darting toward Sae. He stood there, utterly still, his sharp green gaze locked on her with a mixture of surprise and faint amusement.

“…Share?” Sae repeated slowly, as if testing the word on his tongue. His seriousness returned, this time with a teasing edge. “That’s a bold suggestion.”

[Name] buried her face in her hands, groaning in embarrassment. “I didn’t mean it like that!” she squeaked, her voice muffled. “I—I just thought—ugh, never mind!”

Sae hummed again, a rare sound that sent a shiver down her spine. “Relax,” he said, his tone unexpectedly light. “It’s not a bad idea. The bed’s big enough.”

[Name] sat frozen for a moment, her brain struggling to process what had just happened. She was going to share a bed with Itoshi Sae. The same Itoshi Sae who was practically a living legend. The thought made her head spin.

Her head snapped up, eyes wide with disbelief. “Wait, what?” she blurted, her voice cracking slightly. “You’re… okay with that?”

He shrugged again, his demeanor casual, as if they were discussing the weather. “I don’t see the problem,” he said, already turning toward the hallway that led to his bedroom. “Come on. It’s late.”

[Name] sat frozen for a moment, her brain struggling to process what had just happened. She was going to share a bed with Itoshi Sae—the same Itoshi Sae who was practically a living legend. The thought made her head spin, excitement and anxiety warring within her.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

In his private chambers—a sleek and modern bedroom adorned with muted red tones and minimalist décor—Sae was already getting changed. His back was to her as he pulled off his shirt, revealing his toned upper body in the soft light of the bedside lamp. [Name] immediately spun around, her face burning as she stared at the closed door behind her.

‘Don’t look. Don’t look. Don’t look!’ she chanted internally, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Her entire body felt like it was on fire, and she couldn’t stop her thoughts from spiraling. ‘I’m going to sleep in the same bed as Sae. THE Sae. Oh my god, what if I snore? Or take up too much space? Or—’

“Are you just going to stand there?” Sae’s voice cut through her mental chaos, pulling her from her spiral. She flinched, glancing over her shoulder just enough to see that he was now dressed in a plain black T-shirt and sweatpants. His hair was slightly mussed from changing, and for a fleeting moment, he looked almost approachable, almost… human.

“I—I wasn’t looking!” she blurted defensively, her cheeks still aflame.

Sae gave her a bemused look, clearly unfazed by her flustered state. “I didn’t say you were,” he replied, walking over to the bed and sitting on the edge. “You’re overthinking this, [Name]. Just get comfortable and sleep.”

Her gaze darted to the bed—a massive expanse, with crisp dark sheets and a fluffy red comforter that looked far more luxurious than anything she’d ever slept on. The sight only heightened her nerves. “I’ll try,” she mumbled, inching toward the other side of the bed as though it were a dangerous animal.

But before she could settle, Sae strolled toward her, his intense gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her heart racing as she searched his eyes for an answer.

Sae’s expression softened, and he reached out, his fingers gently taking her chin and tilting it upwards. “Nothing’s wrong,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. He admired her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken, his gaze tracing the contours of her face, as if memorizing every detail. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

[Name’s] heart began to race uncontrollably at his words, the warmth of his breath washing over her. She could hardly process what he was saying, lost in the depths of his teal eyes, which held a mixture of sincerity and something deeper—a connection that sent bolts of electricity through her.

And before she could formulate a response, before her mind could catch up to her racing heart, he leaned down, closing the distance between them. His lips found hers in a soft yet electrifying kiss, igniting a spark that sent her senses reeling. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in a moment that felt suspended in time.

[Name’s] mind blanked, her heart pounding wildly as she melted into the kiss, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her—confusion, excitement, fear, and an undeniable spark of desire. She had stepped into uncharted territory, and as their lips moved together, she felt herself surrendering to the moment, caught in the intoxicating pull of Sae’s presence.

[Name] was still reeling from the kiss, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest as she gazed into Sae's intense green eyes. The air was thick with an electric tension, a mix of confusion and desire swirling around them like a tempest. She could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her, the world outside fading into a distant memory.

Sae pulled back slightly, his breath warm against her skin, and for a heartbeat, they remained suspended in that intimate space. He looked at her with a longing that sent shivers down her spine, a hunger in his gaze that made her pulse race even faster.

“[Name],” he whispered, his voice low and velvety, almost a growl. “Can I…no… may I drink your blood?”

The words hung in the air, heavy and charged, wrapping around them like a cocoon. Her mind spun as the implications of his request sank in. The romantic tension that had filled the room now twisted into something darker, more primal. She could feel her heart quicken, the thrill of fear dancing alongside the warmth of desire.

“Is it… is it safe?” she stammered, uncertainty creeping into her voice. The thought of being so vulnerable with him sent tremors through her, yet there was something exhilarating about it as well.

Sae’s expression softened, and he nodded, his gaze unwavering. “I promise, I’ll be gentle.” His voice was like silk, soothing yet laced with an undeniable edge of urgency. “I need it, [Name]. I want to feel you, to connect with you in a way that only we can.”

As she met his gaze, something deep within her stirred—a yearning that felt both terrifying and irresistible. In that heated moment, she found herself nodding, a small, barely perceptible gesture that seemed to ignite a fire in his eyes.

Without warning, Sae grasped her shoulders, his grip firm yet tender, and gently pushed her down onto the soft mattress of his bed. The comforter enveloped her, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside. The room was bathed in the silvery glow of the moonlight streaming through the glass windows, casting delicate shadows that danced across their forms.

“Just breathe,” Sae murmured, leaning closer, his breath ghosting over her neck, igniting every nerve ending in her body. She could feel his warmth, his presence—a magnetic pull that drew her into his world.

As he hovered above her, she felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation. His lips brushed against her neck, sending shivers of sensation cascading down her spine. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his voice husky with desire. “I promise, it will feel… good.”

With a mix of fear and exhilaration, [Name] surrendered to the moment, a soft whimper escaping her lips as he pressed his mouth against her skin. Sae’s fangs grazed her neck, a jolt of pain mingling with an unexpected rush of pleasure that coursed through her.

And then, he bit down, the sensation sharp yet intoxicating. She gasped, the initial sting quickly fading into a warm wave of euphoria that enveloped her entire being. It was a strange dichotomy of pain and pleasure, a dance of sensations that left her breathless.

Sae drank her blood with a reverence that sent her heart spiraling. His eyes fluttered closed, and a low growl of satisfaction rumbled in his chest as he savored the taste of her essence. In that moment, they were lost to the world—two souls intertwined in a darkly romantic embrace, the moonlight illuminating their connection.

[Name] felt herself slipping into a haze, the boundaries of her body blurring as the warmth spread through her veins. She whimpered softly, a mix of fear and the intoxicating pleasure that coursed through her as he continued to drink. It was a surreal experience, and every heartbeat echoed with the knowledge that she was giving him a part of herself—an act of trust that bound them together in a way she had never imagined.

As the moonlight bathed them in its ethereal glow, the tension between them shifted into something deeper, something primal. Sae’s eyes flickered open, filled with an intense hunger that spoke of a connection that transcended the physical. He pulled back slightly, his lips glistening with the evidence of their union, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other, breaths mingling in the space between them.

“Are you okay?” he asked, concern etched into his features as he brushed a thumb gently against her cheek, wiping away any trace of their encounter.

[Name] nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes… I’m okay.” The warmth of his touch sent another wave of heat coursing through her, igniting the embers of desire that had been stoked by their shared moment.

Sae studied her for a moment longer, his expression unreadable, and then he leaned down, capturing her lips in another kiss—this one more tender, more passionate, as if sealing the bond they had just forged. The world outside ceased to exist, leaving only the two of them wrapped in the intoxicating glow of the moonlight, their fates intertwined in a night that would change them both forever. The air was thick with the promise of what was to come, and [Name] allowed herself to embrace the uncertainty, knowing that in Sae’s arms, she had found something truly extraordinary.

The moonlight poured into Sae's room, casting a silvery glow that wrapped around them like a soft blanket. After their heated encounter, the air felt different—charged with emotions that hung delicately between them. Sae, still reeling from the intimacy they had just shared, gently lay his head onto [Name’s], a subtle yet profound gesture of affection. His heart raced, a mix of hope and trepidation swirling within him as he breathed in the sweet scent of her hair.

[Name]'s thoughts were a whirlwind. She felt the warmth of his presence enveloping her, yet skepticism gnawed at her insides like a persistent shadow. Sae was popular—an enigmatic figure adored by many, a living legend revered by fans and admired by countless women. Doubts crept into her mind, whispering that perhaps this was just another fleeting moment for him, a thrill to be savored before moving on to the next conquest. How could someone like her ever hold his attention in a world filled with glamorous options?

“Is everything okay?” Sae’s voice broke through her spiraling thoughts, gentle and laced with concern. He lifted his head slightly to meet her gaze, his sharp green eyes searching hers for answers.

[Name] hesitated, her heart pounding. “I—I just…” she stammered, struggling to articulate the turmoil within her. “You’re… you’re Sae. And I’m just… me. I don’t know if I can return your feelings.” The words felt heavy, a weight she had carried since the moment they had first connected.

A soft sigh was brief across Sae’s face, one that warmed her more than the comforter draped over them. “You don’t have to return my feelings right away,” he reassured her, his voice steady and sincere. “I can wait for you, [Name]. As long as it takes.” His sincerity wrapped around her like a comforting embrace, and for a moment, the self-doubt that clung to her began to dissolve.

She looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of insincerity, but found only depth and warmth. “But what if you find someone else?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. “Someone who can love you like you deserve?”

Sae’s expression softened, and he reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The simple touch sent shivers down her spine, igniting a rush of emotions she was still trying to comprehend. “I’m not looking for someone else,” he said, his voice unwavering. “What I feel for you is different. It’s real. And I’m willing to be patient, even if it means waiting a long time.”

His words hung in the air, a promise wrapped in vulnerability. [Name] felt a warmth bloom in her chest, a flicker of hope amidst her skepticism. ‘Could it be true? Did he genuinely mean what he said?’ The thought sent a thrill through her, but the doubt still lingered—could she truly accept something so precious?

“Okay,” she finally whispered, her voice barely audible. “I’ll try to sort through my feelings.”

Sae smiled wider, a look of genuine relief washing over his features. “That’s all I ask,” he replied, his voice softening. “Just take your time.”

With a shared understanding, they nestled into the covers, the weight of their earlier tension fading into a comfortable silence. As their bodies intertwined beneath the soft sheets, the world outside vanished, leaving only the two of them wrapped in a cocoon of warmth and intimacy.

“Goodnight, Sae,” [Name] murmured, feeling secure in the embrace of the man who had opened his heart to her.

“Goodnight, [Name],” he replied, his voice a soothing balm to her racing heart. “I’ll be right here when you’re ready.”

As sleep began to wash over them, the moon continued to cast its gentle light through the window, illuminating the room with a soft glow. The tension of the day melted away, replaced by a deep sense of comfort. In that moment, as they lay together, their arms intertwined, [Name] felt a flicker of hope—a fragile connection that held the potential for something beautiful.

With each passing second, she allowed herself to drift into slumber, her heart still racing but now filled with the warmth of possibility. Sae’s steady presence beside her, the gentle rhythm of his breath, gave her the reassurance she needed, and for the first time in a long while, she felt safe. The night stretched on, wrapping them in a blanket of shared dreams and unspoken promises, as the moon kept watch over the two lovebirds, guarding the tender beginnings of a bond that was only just starting to take shape.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The first rays of morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden hue over the sleek room. [Name] stirred in the oversized bed, groaning as she slowly woke up. The comfort of the plush mattress made her reluctant to move, but she forced herself to open her eyes. Blinking a few times, she turned her head to the side, expecting to see Sae still sleeping—but his side of the bed was empty, the sheets smooth and untouched as though he’d left some time ago.

She rubbed her eyes and stretched, groaning softly. The faint sound of running water reached her ears, and she realized he was likely in the shower. A soft sigh escaped her lips. Of course, he’s already up and about. Figures.

Glancing at the bedside clock, she noted the time: 5:30 a.m. Two and a half hours before the dorms open again… and my exam later. [Name] pushed her glasses onto her face, shaking off the lingering drowsiness. The thought of the upcoming test filled her with a twinge of anxiety, but a bigger thought overshadowed it—she owed Sae a proper thank-you for his hospitality.

Determined to show her gratitude, [Name] slid out of bed, straightened her clothes, and padded softly to his kitchen. It wasn’t a grand kitchen, but it had all the essentials: a stovetop, an oven, and a modest fridge. She opened the refrigerator, scanning its contents before spotting a carton of eggs. A small smile tugged at her lips. Perfect. I’ll make him breakfast.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The faint sizzle of eggs frying in the pan filled the quiet room as [Name] focused on her task. The rich aroma of butter and eggs wafted through the air, and she felt a flicker of pride in her work. Cooking wasn’t her forte, but she could manage something simple like this. As she reached for the spatula, carefully flipping the eggs to ensure they didn’t break, the sound of a door opening behind her made her freeze.

A rush of warm, steamy air billowed into the room, and [Name] turned her head slowly, almost dreading what she’d see. Standing in the doorway to the bathroom, his body glistening with droplets of water, was Sae. A towel hung low around his hips, revealing his toned torso and lean muscles. His damp hair clung to his forehead, and he rubbed a smaller towel over his head to dry it, seemingly unaware of—or unbothered by—her presence.

[Name’s] face turned beet red in an instant. She spun back around, gripping the spatula tightly as if it were her lifeline. “W-why are you undressed?!” she stammered, her voice cracking with mortification.

Sae paused mid-step, glancing at her with an arched brow and an almost amused expression. “Why wouldn’t I be?” he replied coolly, his tone as casual as if they were discussing the weather. “This is my dorm. I can do whatever I need.”

His nonchalance only made her embarrassment worse. “B-but I’m here!” she exclaimed, still refusing to turn around. She waved the spatula in the air for emphasis, her hands trembling slightly. “You could at least—ugh, I don’t know—put some clothes on!”

Sae smirked faintly, clearly enjoying her flustered state. He crossed the room with unhurried steps, his bare feet padding softly against the tiled floor. “You’re the one who decided to cook in my kitchen at this hour,” he said, his voice laced with dry humor. “Should I have announced my every move?”

[Name] groaned, squeezing her eyes shut in a futile attempt to calm her racing heart. “That’s not the point!” she huffed, her voice muffled as she buried her face in her free hand. “Just—go get dressed, already!”

He let out a soft chuckle, the sound deep and teasing. “Fine, fine,” he said, brushing past her as he headed toward his bedroom. “But don’t burn the eggs while you’re busy freaking out.”

She shot him a glare over her shoulder, though her face was still bright red. “I’m not freaking out!” she snapped, but her voice wavered, betraying her nerves.

Sae didn’t respond, simply disappearing into his room with an air of calm that left her feeling even more flustered. She let out a long breath, trying to steady herself as she turned her attention back to the stove. The eggs were done now, perfectly cooked with golden edges. She plated them carefully, adding a slice of toast she’d prepared earlier.

[Name] placed the frying pan in the sink with a soft clatter, exhaling as she ran warm water over the soapy dish. The kitchen filled with the gentle hum of running water and the faint scent of breakfast still lingering in the air. She felt more composed now that Sae had disappeared into his room, giving her some much-needed space to collect herself.

Just as she began scrubbing the pan, a sudden, obnoxiously loud knock erupted from the door, echoing through the dorm like an impatient thunderclap. [Name] froze mid-motion, her grip tightening on the sponge.

‘Who the hell could that be at this hour?’

The knocking grew more insistent, the rhythm irregular and taunting, as if whoever was on the other side was trying to get a rise out of whoever was inside. She turned her head toward the door, wide-eyed and startled. Another knock came, followed by a voice—a voice that sent an uneasy chill crawling up her spine.

“Oi, Sae! You’re not gonna leave me standing out here all day, are ya?” The voice was loud, overly enthusiastic, and dripping with something uncomfortably zesty. “C’mon, don’t tell me you’re hiding some chick in there.” The voice let out a mocking laugh. “Wait, you totally are, aren’t you? Let me see her! Is she cute?”

[Name’s] stomach dropped. ‘No way.’ She knew that voice. She had heard of that voice. Shidou Ryusei.

This fucking wild zesty, unpredictable and eccentric man with no filter to speak of. And judging by the obnoxious knocking and the tone of his voice, he was every bit as chaotic as suggested.

Before she could decide what to do, the knocking abruptly stopped. The door creaked open—Sae must’ve left it unlocked—and in stepped Ryusei, his blonde with pink tips and hair catching the light, his wild grin instantly setting [Name] on edge. He glanced around the dorm, his sharp eyes darting from one detail to another until they landed squarely on her.

The grin widened, twisting into something unsettling. His hands slid into his pockets as he whistled low, dragging the sound out like he was savoring it. He took a slow, deliberate step forward. “Well, well, well. What do we have here?” His tone was syrupy, with an edge of mischief that made [Name’s] skin crawl. “Didn’t think I’d run into someone like you here. Must be fate to see you again, huh?”

[Name] turned back to the sink, determined not to engage. ‘Don’t respond. Don’t even look at him. Just clean the dishes and get out.’

Ryusei, however, was not the type to be ignored. He leaned against the counter, watching her with a predator’s gaze, his grin never faltering. “What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue? Or maybe you’re just playin’ hard to get.” He tilted his head, his voice dropping into something almost purring as he added, “I like that.”

She stiffened, her grip on the frying pan tightening. ‘Ignore him. Just ignore him.’

Ryusei chuckled, clearly amused by her lack of reaction. “Silent treatment, huh? Cute. Real cute.” He moved closer, his presence suffocating, until he was standing directly beside her. Without warning, he draped an arm around her shoulders, his fingers brushing against her sleeve. Leaning down, he whispered into her ear, his voice dripping with mock seduction.

“Y’know, girls like you are dangerous. All quiet and mysterious, pretending you’re not interested. But I see right through you.”

The words sent a shiver down her spine, but not in the way he probably intended. [Name] snapped, shrugging his arm off with a sharp movement. “Back off,” she said, her voice firm despite the anger bubbling beneath the surface.

Ryusei stepped back, throwing his hands up in mock surrender, but the grin on his face only grew. “Whoa! The kitten’s got claws!” he said, his tone dripping with exaggerated sarcasm. “Didn’t know you had it in you, sweetheart.”

She turned to face him fully now, her glare cutting through the air like a blade. “What are you even doing here, anyway? This is Sae’s dorm. Shouldn’t you be annoying someone else?”

He snickered, crossing his arms as he leaned against the counter, completely unbothered. “Annoying? Babe, I’m the life of the party. And you didn’t answer my question.” His eyes glinted with mischief. “Why are you here, huh? Unless...” He paused, his grin twisting into something far darker, his voice lowering to a mockingly conspiratorial whisper. “...you’re a hookup?”

[Name’s] face turned bright red. “What?! No! I’m not—”

“Oh, c’mon. It’s Sae we’re talking about,” Ryusei interrupted, making an obscene gesture with his hand that sent her into a full-body cringe. “Tall, rich, good-looking. Wouldn’t blame ya for trying to score.”

Her embarrassment turned to anger in an instant. “You’re disgusting!” she snapped, her fists clenching at her sides. “Get out before I—”

“Before you what?” Ryusei cut her off, stepping closer again, his grin never wavering. “Call Sae? Oh, please. He’s probably used to me crashing here by now.” He tilted his head, looking her up and down with a critical eye. “Though I gotta say, I didn’t think Sae’s type would be so... fiery. You’re full of surprises.”

She groaned, turning back to the sink to avoid giving him the satisfaction of a reaction. ‘Why did I have to deal with this first thing in the morning?’

Just then, footsteps approached from Sae’s room. Ryusei’s expression shifted, his grin softening into something more sly as Sae stepped into view. Dressed now, his hair still damp from the shower, Sae’s sharp gaze immediately landed on Ryusei, then flicked to [Name]. His expression darkened ever so slightly.

“What are you doing here, Shidou?” Sae asked, his voice calm but cold.

Ryusei shrugged, his grin widening. “What? Can’t a guy drop by to see his buddy? And hey, you didn’t tell me you had such interesting company.” He gestured toward [Name], who was doing her best to look unbothered.

Sae’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before returning to Ryusei. “Leave her alone,” he said simply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The tension in the room thickened like smoke as the door clicked shut behind Sae. [Name] let herself relax for a fleeting moment, assuming Ryusei had left. But before she could completely compose herself, a hand clamped onto her shoulders from behind, firm yet casual, making her jump.

“What are you—?!” [Name] began, whipping her head around. Ryusei grinned down at her, his golden eyes brimming with mischief. He gave her shoulders a light squeeze, his touch teetering uncomfortably between playful and invasive.

“Hey, Sae,” Ryusei called out casually, his gaze still locked on [Name], who was glaring daggers at him. “So, how was she? Any fun last night?” His voice carried a deliberate edge of innuendo, laced with mock curiosity.

[Name’s] face turned crimson in an instant. “Excuse me?!” she snapped, twisting out of his grip, but Ryusei was quick to close the distance. He came up behind her, his lean frame crowding her space until she could feel the warmth radiating off of him.

“You’re a feisty one, aren’t you?” Ryusei murmured, leaning closer so his breath tickled her ear. “Bet Sae just loved that.”

“Get away from me!” she hissed, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and discomfort. She tried to step aside, but Ryusei’s arm darted out, blocking her escape as he leaned on the counter, caging her in.

“Shidou,” Sae’s voice came sharp and cold, cutting through the air like a blade. “Enough.”

Ryusei turned his head, his grin unfaltering. “What? I’m just getting to know your little guest. Isn’t that what roommates do?” His tone was light, almost teasing, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes.

“She’s not my guest,” Sae said curtly, taking a step forward. His posture was relaxed, but the tension in his jaw and the intensity of his gaze told another story. “And you’re crossing the line.”

“Oh, come on,” Ryusei said with a laugh, ignoring the warning. He turned his attention back to [Name], who was practically vibrating with anger. “Don’t tell me you’re shy now. You didn’t seem so shy a minute ago.” His grin widened as he added, “I mean, you’re in his dorm, wearing that. What’s a guy supposed to think?”

[Name’s] hands balled into fists at her sides. “You’re disgusting,” she spat.

“Disgusting? Me?” Ryusei feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart. “I’m just stating the obvious. Right, Sae?” He threw a glance over his shoulder at the other boy, who hadn’t moved but whose piercing stare was fixed on him like a predator sizing up its prey.

But Ryusei wasn’t done. He placed his hands lightly on [Name’s] waist, his fingers brushing the fabric of her shirt in a way that made her skin crawl. “Relax,” he said, his voice dropping into a mockingly soothing tone. “You’re so tense. No wonder Sae’s got you all wound up.”

[Name’s] breath hitched, her body going rigid as she felt the pressure of his hands through her shirt. “Stop it,” she said through gritted teeth, her voice low and furious.

Ryusei leaned closer again, his grin practically feral now. “Why? Afraid you’ll like it?”

That was it. [Name] shoved him hard, forcing him to stumble back a step, but his grin only widened as if he found her anger amusing.

“I said stop,” she snapped, her voice rising this time.

The atmosphere in the room was electric now, charged with tension so thick it was almost suffocating. Sae took another step forward, his movements deliberate and measured.

“Ryusei,” he said, his tone dangerously low. “Touch her again, and I’ll break your hand.”

Ryusei tilted his head, clearly unbothered by the threat. In fact, he seemed to revel in it. “Ooooh, scary,” he said, wiggling his fingers in mock fear. “You’ve got a real soft spot for this one, huh?”

“Get out,” Sae ordered, his voice steady but carrying an undeniable authority that made the air feel heavier.

Ryusei hesitated for a moment, his grin faltering ever so slightly as he glanced between Sae and [Name]. Then, with a dramatic sigh, he stepped back, throwing his hands up in surrender.

“Fine, fine. I’ll go,” he said, turning toward the door. But just before he left, he glanced back at [Name], his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. “Catch ya later, sweetheart. Don’t miss me too much.”

The door shut behind him with a loud click, leaving an uneasy silence in his wake.

[Name] exhaled shakily, her hands still trembling from the adrenaline coursing through her veins. Sae stepped closer, his gaze softening as he studied her.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice quieter now.

She nodded, though the tightness in her chest hadn’t fully subsided. “I’m fine,” she muttered. “He’s just... a freak.”

Sae’s eyes darkened. “I’ll deal with him.”

“You don’t have to,” she said quickly, though the thought of Ryusei pulling something like that again made her stomach churn.

“I will,” Sae said firmly, leaving no room for argument. “He doesn’t get to act like that.”

[Name] met his gaze, surprised by the intensity she found there. For a moment, she felt a flicker of something—gratitude, maybe, or relief. But it was fleeting, swallowed up by the lingering unease that Ryusei had left behind.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The crisp morning air bit at [Name’s] skin as she stepped out of Sae’s dorm, her heart still racing from the unsettling encounter with Ryusei. She exhaled a shaky breath, bowing slightly toward Sae, who leaned casually against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

“Thank you for letting me stay the night,” she said softly, clutching her bag strap tightly.

Sae nodded, his expression unreadable. “It was nothing,” he replied flatly, though there was a faint edge of warmth to his tone.

[Name] didn’t linger. She turned on her heel and took off at a brisk pace, her phone vibrating in her pocket as she reached the dormitory stairs. Fishing it out, her eyes widened in horror.

“Thirty minutes?!” she yelped, her voice echoing in the stairwell. “Crap, crap, crap!”

She bolted down the steps, nearly colliding with another student who gave her a bewildered look. “Morning!” she blurted in passing, too frazzled to notice their reply.

Her feet pounded against the pavement as she raced toward her own dorm. The early risers milling about campus barely registered to her—she shot off quick greetings and apologetic smiles to anyone she nearly bowled over. Her mind was singularly focused: get ready, get to class, and don’t be late.

Finally, she skidded to a stop in front of her dorm, breathless and disheveled. She fumbled with her keycard, muttering a stream of curses under her breath. “Come on, come on…” The lock beeped, and she burst inside.

Her roommate: Hitomi looked up from her desk with a startled expression. “[Name]? Are you okay?”

“No time!” [Name] called over her shoulder as she dashed to her room, flinging open the closet and yanking out her uniform. She hopped on one foot, trying to pull on her shoes while buttoning her blouse at the same time. “I’ve got an exam in—oh God, twenty-five minutes now!”

Throwing her bag over her shoulder, she shot out of the dorm as quickly as she’d come in, barely remembering to lock the door behind her.

The Classroom Hurdle

By the time [Name] reached the classroom building, her lungs were burning, and her legs felt like jelly. The halls were eerily quiet, the echo of her hurried footsteps the only sound as she sprinted toward Mr. Blake’s classroom.

“Why does his room have to be so far from everything?” she groaned, clutching a stitch in her side. “It’s like he planned this to kill us!”

Her heart sank as she heard the distant sound of the bell ringing. ‘I’m late. Again.’

Slowing to a defeated walk, she approached the classroom door, her hand hovering over the handle. She could already picture Mr. Blake’s icy stare, the disappointed furrow of his brow, the stern, clipped tone of his voice. Steeling herself, she pushed the door open as quietly as she could.

The classroom was dead silent except for the faint shuffle of papers as Mr. Blake distributed the exam sheets. Every head turned toward her as she slipped inside, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She kept her gaze glued to the floor, praying she could make it to her seat without drawing too much attention.

“[Name],” came the unmistakable deep voice of Mr. Blake, stopping her in her tracks. She looked up hesitantly, and there he was—arms crossed, a clipboard in one hand, his sharp grey eyes narrowed down at her.

“You’re late,” he said, his tone clipped and icy. He raised his left wrist, tapping his watch with an air of exaggerated patience. “Again.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Blake,” she mumbled, her head hanging low.

“Sorry doesn’t stop the clock,” he retorted. “Class started five minutes ago. That’s five minutes you’ve wasted—for yourself and your peers.” His gaze swept over the room, as if to emphasize her disruption to the entire class.

[Name’s] stomach twisted with shame as she shuffled to her seat. She could feel the weight of her classmates’ stares, some sympathetic, others annoyed. She sank into her chair and set her bag down as quietly as possible.

“Next time,” Mr. Blake continued as he placed the last exam on his desk, “try leaving your dorm earlier. I’m sure whatever excuse you have is fascinating, but I’d rather not hear it.”

[Name] swallowed hard, her cheeks still burning as he began pacing the room, exam papers in hand.

“Let’s hope you studied, Miss Sanzuku,” he said as he handed her a sheet, his cold gaze lingering on her for a beat too long. “Because being late won’t be the only thing hurting your grade today.”

She nodded mutely, gripping the paper so tightly her knuckles turned white.

“Alright,” Mr. Blake announced, his voice ringing out with authority. “You have one hour. No talking, no wandering eyes, and absolutely no excuses. Begin.”

The sound of pens scratching against paper filled the room as [Name] turned to the first question. But no matter how hard she tried to focus, her mind kept drifting back to Mr. Blake’s words, the weight of his disappointment settling heavily on her shoulders.

“I can’t screw this up,” she whispered to herself, her resolve hardening. “I won’t.”

Her pen hit the paper with determination, and for the next hour, the only thing she let herself think about was the exam in front of her.

The clock on the wall ticked relentlessly, the sound somehow louder in the tense silence of the classroom. [Name] put down her pencil, her exam finally complete. She let out a soft sigh of relief and leaned back in her chair, her fingers brushing over the edge of the paper she had labored over for what felt like an eternity.

The air was thick with anticipation as the other students scribbled furiously, desperate to finish before the timer went off. [Name’s] gaze wandered across the room, her eyes landing on Mr. Blake.

He was standing at the front of the class, arms crossed, his eyes fixed directly on her. The intensity of his glare was enough to send a shiver down her spine. Her heart sank as she quickly averted her gaze, staring down at her desk instead.

‘Why is he looking at me like that?’ she wondered, her cheeks burning. ‘Does he think I cheated? Did I do something wrong?’

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, willing the timer to go off and end her misery.

Finally, the shrill ring of the timer echoed through the room.

“Time’s up,” Mr. Blake announced, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. “Put your pens down. I’ll collect your exams.”

The students obeyed, the sound of pencils dropping onto desks a small symphony of relief. [Name] let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, slumping slightly in her chair.

“Hey,” whispered Ikki, her seatmate, as he gave her a light pat on the back. “You did good, don’t worry.”

She managed a small smile, though her nerves refused to settle. “Thanks,” she murmured, though she wasn’t so sure.

Mr. Blake began his methodical march around the classroom, collecting exams one by one. His polished shoes clicked against the tiled floor, each step a reminder of his cold, commanding presence.

When he reached [Name’s] desk, her breath hitched. He picked up her paper without a word, but his glare lingered on her, sharp and unrelenting.

Her stomach churned. ‘He hates me. He definitely hates me.’

As he turned away to collect the next paper, [Name] felt a rush of relief, only for her anxiety to spike again as the bell rang. The room erupted into movement as students hurriedly packed their bags and made for the door, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere.

Just as [Name] was about to join them, Mr. Blake’s voice rang out, cutting through the chatter.

“[Name],” he called, his tone firm and brooking no argument.

She froze in place, her face heating up as every head in the room turned toward her.

“See me after class,” he added, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her throat tighten.

Ikki gave her a sympathetic look, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Good luck,” he whispered, offering a small wave as he slipped out with the rest of the class.

Now alone with Mr. Blake, [Name] felt the weight of the silence pressing down on her. She clutched the strap of her bag tightly, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Close the door,” he instructed, not looking up as he organized the stack of exams on his desk.

She obeyed, the soft click of the door sounding unnaturally loud in the empty room.

“Sit,” he said, gesturing to the chair directly in front of his desk.

[Name] hesitated, then shuffled forward and sank into the seat, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. She couldn’t bring herself to look him in the eye, her gaze fixed on the desk in front of her.

There was a long, heavy pause before he finally spoke.

“Care to explain why you were late again?” he asked, his tone calm but laced with unmistakable disappointment.

“I…” She faltered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I lost track of time, sir. It won’t happen again.”

Mr. Blake raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. “You’ve said that before. Yet here we are.”

Her cheeks burned with humiliation. “I’m really sorry,” she murmured.

“Sorry doesn’t fix the disruption you caused,” he said bluntly. “And it certainly doesn’t excuse poor time management.”

[Name] bit her lip, struggling to keep her composure. She wanted to defend herself, to explain the chaos of her morning, but she knew it would only sound like an excuse.

“You’re a bright student, [Name],” he continued, his tone softening ever so slightly. “But intelligence means nothing if you can’t apply discipline. This is your education, your future. If you don’t take it seriously, why should I?”

His words hit like a punch to the gut. She nodded silently, her throat tight with unshed tears.

After a moment, Mr. Blake sighed, leaning back in his chair. “I’m not here to humiliate you,” he said, his voice gentler now. “I just want to see you succeed. But that won’t happen unless you start taking responsibility for yourself.”

“Yes, sir,” she managed, her voice trembling.

He studied her for a moment, then nodded. “You’re dismissed. Don’t let this happen again.”

[Name] stood quickly, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Mr. Blake. I won’t.”

As she hurried out of the classroom, she felt a mix of relief and shame swirling in her chest. One thing was certain—she couldn’t let herself be late again.

[Name] slung her bag over her shoulder, her face flushed with lingering shame as she quickly left the classroom. Each step away from Mr. Blake’s office-like presence felt like a release, but the weight of his words pressed heavily on her chest. She leaned against the nearest wall, exhaling shakily. Her fingers found her temple, pinching in an attempt to ease the throbbing headache that had started from all the stress.

“Why can’t anything go right today?” she muttered under her breath, squeezing her eyes shut.

But her fleeting moment of peace shattered when a familiar, mocking voice interrupted.

“Well, well, look who got herself another lecture,” Himizu drawled, his tone dripping with teasing amusement. He strolled toward her with his signature lazy smirk, his hands tucked casually into his pockets.

[Name] groaned, throwing her head back against the wall in exasperation. “Ugh, not now, Himizu. I’m not in the mood for your crap.”

But Himizu only grinned wider, tilting his head playfully as he came to a stop a few feet away from her. “Aw, come on, [Name]. You’re no fun. You’re practically the school’s poster girl for tardiness. Don’t tell me you’ve given up already?”

Her glare shot daggers at him. “Buzz off, Himizu. I mean it.”

He raised his hands in mock surrender, his tone suddenly shifting into something that almost sounded sincere. “Hey, hey, relax. I’m not here to poke fun at you… well, not entirely.”

[Name] crossed her arms, skepticism clear on her face. “Then what do you want?”

Himizu took a small step closer, the mischievous twinkle in his eye momentarily dimmed by something resembling genuine remorse. “I just wanted to apologize,” he said, shrugging nonchalantly. “You know, for butting in back at the café the other day. I didn’t mean to ruin your little study date with Ikki. I’ve been told I can be… intrusive.”

[Name] blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected apology. Himizu? Apologizing? That alone was enough to make her lower her guard slightly.

Before she could respond, Himizu pulled out a neatly wrapped piece of chocolate from his pocket, holding it out to her with a faint smile. “Here. Consider it a peace offering. And, you know, a little sugar boost before your next exam.”

She hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering between his face and the chocolate in his hand. “You’re being suspiciously nice,” she muttered, though there was no malice in her tone.

“Suspicious? Me?” Himizu feigned hurt, clutching his chest dramatically. “[Name], I’m wounded. I’m just trying to make amends here.”

Against her better judgment, she reached out and took the chocolate. “Well… thanks, I guess,” she said, unwrapping it carefully. “This is… surprisingly thoughtful of you.”

Himizu’s smirk returned, his eyes glinting with something unreadable as he watched her pop the chocolate into her mouth.

[Name’s] expression lit up as the rich, velvety flavor melted on her tongue. “Wow, this is actually really good,” she said, smiling despite herself. “Did you make this or something?”

Himizu chuckled, his voice low and smooth. “Let’s just say I have my ways. Go on, have another. You deserve it after the day you’ve had.”

Her smile grew a little brighter as she reached for another piece, oblivious to the subtle shift in his expression. Behind his charming facade, there was a glint of calculated satisfaction in his eyes, the kind that hinted at ulterior motives.

[Name] finished the second piece with a grateful sigh. “Thanks, Himizu. I appreciate it. I needed this.”

“Anytime,” he said smoothly, his smirk deepening. “I hope it helps you feel… better during your next class.”

She didn’t notice the slight emphasis he placed on the word “better,” nor the way his gaze lingered on her as she turned to leave.

“I’ll see you around,” she called over her shoulder, waving lightly as she hurried off toward her next exam.

Himizu remained where he stood, watching her retreating figure with a knowing snicker. “Oh, you will, [Name],” he murmured under his breath, his voice dripping with amusement. “You definitely will.”

As he turned to walk away, the sound of his laughter echoed faintly through the hallway, leaving an unsettling tension in the air.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The classroom buzzed softly as students settled into their seats, preparing for the AP Government and Politics exam. The air was filled with the rustling of papers and the occasional cough, but [Name] could barely register any of it. Her body felt like it was on fire. She sat stiffly, her fingers trembling as she gripped the edges of her desk. Her face was flushed a deep crimson, and her breaths came shallow and erratic.

Something was terribly wrong.

Her skin tingled with an unbearable sensitivity, every movement of her clothes against her body making her shiver. Her mind raced, screaming at her to keep calm, to hold it together. But her body refused to obey. Her thighs pressed together beneath the desk as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, biting her lip to stifle the soft whimpers threatening to escape.

“What… What did Himizu do to me?” she thought desperately, her heart pounding in her chest.

Just then, the chair next to her scraped against the floor. She flinched, her body jolting at the sudden sound. It was Tabito, her senpai, sliding into his seat. His sharp gaze scanned the room before landing on her.

“Yo, [Name],” he greeted casually, leaning back in his chair with his usual confident smirk. “How’s it going?”

[Name] didn’t respond. She sat frozen, her hands clenched tightly on the desk as she stared straight ahead, trying to ignore the heat radiating through her body.

Tabito raised an eyebrow, noticing her unusual silence. “[Name]?” he repeated, his voice tinged with curiosity. When she still didn’t reply, he leaned closer, his hand lightly brushing her shoulder.

Her reaction was immediate. She yelped, jerking away from his touch as if she’d been burned. Her wide, panicked eyes met his, and she clapped a hand over her mouth to suppress the sound.

Tabito frowned, his sharp eyes narrowing as he studied her. Her flushed face, her rapid breathing, the way she squirmed uncomfortably in her seat—something was definitely off.

“Hey… Are you okay?” he asked, his tone uncharacteristically serious.

“I—I’m fine,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn’t meet his gaze, instead staring down at her desk as her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her skirt.

Tabito didn’t buy it for a second. His keen nose picked up on something strange, something… intoxicating. It was faint but unmistakable—a sweet, musky scent that clung to her like a second skin. His eyes widened slightly as realization dawned on him.

“Aphrodisiac?” he muttered under his breath, barely loud enough for her to hear.

[Name’s] head shot up, her eyes filled with a mix of embarrassment and alarm. “W-What?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Before he could respond, the professor began handing out the exam papers, and the room fell into an eerie silence.

[Name] forced herself to focus on the paper in front of her, but her hands trembled as she picked up her pen. The questions blurred before her eyes as she struggled to write, her body betraying her with every passing second. Her breaths came faster, her chest heaving as she fought to maintain her composure.

“Keep it together… Just get through the exam,” she thought desperately, her pen scratching against the paper.

But it was impossible. The heat was unbearable, and her body ached with a need she didn’t understand. She pressed her lips together tightly to stifle a whimper, her free hand gripping the edge of the desk so hard her knuckles turned white.

Tabito, seated beside her, watched her out of the corner of his eye. Her behavior was anything but normal, and the scent wafting off her was growing stronger. His mind raced as he tried to piece together what had happened.

He leaned slightly closer, keeping his voice low so as not to draw attention. “[Name],” he murmured, his tone unusually gentle. “Did you eat something before coming here?”

She hesitated, her eyes darting toward him. “Y-Yeah,” she admitted quietly, her voice strained. “Himizu… He gave me some chocolate… He said it was an apology…”

Tabito’s jaw tightened, his gaze darkening. “That bastard,” he muttered, his voice laced with anger.

[Name’s] eyes filled with panic. “W-What’s happening to me?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Tabito’s expression softened slightly, though his sharp eyes remained focused. “Just breathe,” he instructed. “Whatever he gave you, it’s messing with your system. You need to stay calm and get through this exam. I’ll handle the rest later.”

[Name] nodded weakly, her hand clutching the pen so tightly it hurt. She kept her head down, focusing every ounce of her willpower on completing the exam.

Tabito, meanwhile, kept a watchful eye on her, his mind already plotting how he would deal with Himizu once this was over. No one messed with [Name] and got away with it—not on his watch.

The classroom was oppressively quiet, the only sounds being the faint scratching of pens against paper and the occasional creak of a chair. The tension in the room was suffocating, but for [Name], it was almost unbearable. Her body trembled as she rested her head on the desk, her breaths coming in short, ragged bursts. She had finally made it through the exam, but the aphrodisiac's effects seemed to be intensifying, her body betraying her in the worst way.

Her thighs clenched together tightly, trying to create some semblance of relief, but it only seemed to make the sensation worse. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she whimpered softly, muffling the sound with her hand. Tears began to well up in her eyes,blurring her vision as she struggled to maintain her composure.

Just when she thought she couldn't endure it any longer, she felt a hand on her lap. Her eyes widened, and a small yelp escaped her lips as she flinched.

"Relax," Tabito's voice murmured softly in her ear, low enough that no one else could hear. His hand rested lightly on her thigh, and he began rubbing slow, firm circles in an attempt to soothe her.

[Name]'s breath hitched, her body jolting at the unexpected touch. The heat flooding her system surged, and her sensitivity skyrocketed. Tears slipped silently down her cheeks as she clenched her fists, trying desperately not to make a sound.

Tabito smirked faintly, his sharp eyes flicking between his exam paper and her trembling form. "Shh, it's okay, [Name]," he whispered, his tone both soothing and commanding. "It's almost over. Just try to hold on a little longer."

But his efforts to calm her were having the opposite effect. The gentle pressure of his hand on her thigh sent shivers through her, the friction amplifying the unbearable sensitivity coursing through her body. Her mind was a chaotic blur, filled with both shame and desperation.

Meanwhile, two pairs of eyes had noticed the unfolding scene.Across the room, Alexis's gaze darkened as he peered over his paper.

His eyes locked onto Tabito's hand on [Name]'s thigh, his jaw tightening with barely concealed jealousy. His fingers gripped his pen so tightly it threatened to snap.

"Karasu," he thought bitterly, his lips curling into a subtle sneer. "Always so bold, aren't you? She doesn't belong to you."

At the same time, Seishiro, seated a few rows ahead, lazily turned his head. He had finished his exam early and was now bored out of his mind. He wasn't allowed to use his phone or nap, so his attention wandered-until he heard a faint yelp behind him.

Glancing over his shoulder, he caught sight of [Name]'s flushed, tear-streaked face and Tabito's smirking expression as his hand subtly moved beneath the desk. Nagi's gray eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of curiosity sparking in his otherwise apathetic demeanor.

"What's going on back there?" he mused silently, his gaze lingering on [Name]'s trembling form.

Meanwhile in the corner of the front two males were bored out of their minds as they continued their exam, Oliver rested his hand on his chin while Shuuto frustratingly flipped through the exams, it wasn’t until they both caught a whiff of what smells Like aphrodisiac. “Oi do you smell that” Oliver leans to his partner.

Shuuto instantly nodded as he looked around, trying to find the scent from their person, it wasn’t until both of them spotted the distressed [Name] with a flushed face as Tabito continued to serve her thighs to calm her.

Oliver scuffed up a laugh while Shuuto licked his lips in hunger. “Heh, I bet she'll taste amazing right now.” Oliver let out a dry chuckle.

Tabito, oblivious to their stares, leaned in closer to [Name], his breath warm against her ear. "You're doing great," he murmured, his voice soft but firm. "Just a little longer, okay? The exam's almost over, and then we'll figure this out.”

[Name] bit her lip, her tears falling faster as she fought to suppress the whimpers threatening to escape. Her entire body felt like it was on fire, every nerve ending alight with unbearable sensitivity. She clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms, the pain grounding her ever so slightly.

But her resolve was crumbling. The overwhelming sensations, combined with the shame of her situation, were too much to bear. She let out a soft, muffled sob, her shoulders shaking as she tried to keep herself quiet.

Tabito's smirk faltered for a moment as he noticed her tears. His hand stilled, his expression softening ever so slightly. "[Name],” he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm sorry... I Didn't mean to make it worse."

His words were meant to be comforting, but they only added to her humiliation. She shook her head weakly, unable to respond.

The exam timer finally rang, signaling the end of the session. The teacher began collecting papers, and the students started packing up their things. [Name] remained frozen, her head still resting on the desk as she tried to compose herself.

Tabito withdrew his hand, leaning back in his chair as if nothing had happened. But his sharp eyes flicked briefly to the four, noting their pointed stares. He smirked faintly, his expression unreadable as he leaned closer to [Name] one last time.

"Let's get you out of here," he murmured, his tone low and calm.

[Name] nodded weakly, her movements slow and shaky as she gathered her belongings. But as she stood to leave, she felt the weight of multiple gazes on her. Ness's glare was icy, his lips pressed into a thin line, while Nagi's lazy yet observant eyes tracked her every move. As Oliver continues to watch her like a prey and Shuuto staring at her hungrily.

The tension in the room was palpable, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

And [Name], caught in the center of it all, could do nothing but endure.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The hallways buzzed with the low hum of students talking and shuffling to their next classes. Tabito clenched his jaw, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd as he half-dragged, half-carried [Name] through the chaos. Her body trembled against his, her breaths shallow, her skin flushed a deep crimson. The effects of the aphrodisiac were intensifying, and her legs threatened to buckle beneath her.

"Damn it, [Name], hold on," Tabito muttered under his breath, his tone uncharacteristically concerned. He tightened his grip on her waist, his mind racing to find a secluded spot where he could help her ride this out without drawing attention.

But it was proving αιtticuit. Every few steps, students turned to glance at the odd pair, their curiosity barely masked. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, and Tabito's patience thinned.

"Keep walking, mind your own damn business," he growled, glaring at a group of underclassmen who quickly averted their eyes.

[Name] let out a soft whimper, her head lolling against his shoulder. Her body felt like it was on fire, her nerves alight with unbearable sensitivity. Each step sent jolts of sensation through her, and her vision blurred with unshed tears.

"Karasu... I-I can't..." she choked out, her voice barely audible.

Tabito cursed under his breath, his frustration mounting. "Just a little further," he said, trying to sound reassuring despite the tension in his voice.

But fate had other plans. As they turned a corner, a sudden jostle from a passing student broke Tabito's grip on [Name]. She stumbled, her weakened legs giving out beneath her, and before Tabito could react, she disappeared into the sea of students.

"Shit!" Tabito spat, his eyes darting wildly as he shoved through the crowd. "[Name]!”

His heart raced as he pushed past students, ignoring their annoyed protests. He knew how vulnerable she was, how dangerous it was for her to be alone in this state. His mind reeled with possibilities, each one worse than the last.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

[Name], meanwhile, found herself in a haze, her legs barely supporting her as she leaned against a wall for support. Her mind was a chaotic blur, her body betraying her with every pulse of unbearable heat. She barely registered the hand that suddenly clamped over her mouth, silencing her startled gasp as he was yanked into a dark, cramped storage closet.

The door slammed shut behind her, and she was pressed against the wall, her heart pounding in her chest. The air was thick and musty, filled with the scent of cleaning supplies and dust. But another scent overpowered it-a scent dark and intoxicating, like aged wine mixed with something predatory.

"Shh..." a low voice murmured near her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

[Name]'s breath hitched as she felt the weight of a body pressing against hers, trapping her in the confined space. Her hands instinctively pushed against the figure's chest, but her strength was no match for whoever held her captive.

"Don't struggle," the voice purred, its tone a chilling mix of amusement and hunger. "You're too delicate right now, Sanzuku."

She froze, her mind racing. The voice was unfamiliar, smooth yet laced with a dangerous edge. Her tears spilled over as she whimpered softly, her body trembling under the weight of her captor's proximity.

"P-please..." she managed to whisper, her voice shaky and weak. The figure chuckled darkly, their breath warm against her neck. "You smell so... intoxicating," they murmured, their nose brushing against her skin as they inhaled deeply. "Like a feast waiting to be devoured."

[Name]'s heart felt like it would burst from her chest. She squirmed, her movements only eliciting another low laugh from the mysterious figure.

"Ah, such a rare delicacy," they continued, their voice dripping with dark satisfaction. "So sensitive... so vulnerable.”

She bit her lip, desperately trying to stifle the noises threatening to escape her. The heat coursing through her veins made every touch unbearable, every breath a struggle.

"Let me go..." she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.

The figure leaned in closer, their lips brushing against her ear as they whispered, "Why would I do that when you're so... irresistible?"

[Name]'s tears flowed freely, a torrent of anguish and fear, her mind spiraling deeper into panic with each passing moment. The once familiar room seemed to close in around her, its walls shrinking as if the very space were suffocating her. The oppressive darkness clung to her skin, the silence pressing down like a weight too heavy to bear. Her chest tightened, making it nearly impossible to breathe. She could barely think through the haze of fear and the overwhelming, uncontrollable effects of the aphrodisiac coursing through her veins.

Her body felt foreign to her now, each tremor betraying the deep sense of helplessness that surged within her. Her captor's touch—his hands sliding lower—made her stomach churn with revulsion. A muffled sob escaped her lips as her trembling fingers desperately clawed at the cold wall behind her, anchoring herself to something solid in the midst of her unraveling. And yet, despite her fear, there was a flicker of hope, a distant sound that pierced the heavy silence—footsteps. Could it be? Was someone coming?

The cramped storage closet reeked of cleaning chemicals, the sharp scent of bleach mixing with something far more metallic—a thick, sickening smell that made her stomach roll. Blood. She could smell blood in the air, her own. A chill of dread passed through her as her back pressed harder against the cold, unyielding wall. Her body felt too weak to fight, her limbs sluggish, as though the aphrodisiac were draining the last of her strength. Every nerve in her body was hypersensitive, each pulse of her heart sending waves of heat and discomfort through her, making her skin burn. She gasped for air, her body twitching involuntarily, caught between terror and the drug's maddening effects.

"Karasu... please... help me..." The words barely left her lips, barely audible above her frantic breathing. Her tear-streaked face was flushed with both fear and something far more unsettling, a tremor in her voice as she whispered his name.

But it wasn't Tabito who stood before her—it was Himizu, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling hunger. His lips curled into a twisted smirk, a look of cruel satisfaction as he stepped closer. "You're even more exquisite like this," he murmured, his voice a low, velvety drawl that sent shivers down her spine. "So weak... so utterly vulnerable."

[Name] struggled, her body feeling like it was encased in lead. Her limbs refused to obey her frantic will to escape. "P-please... let me go..." she managed to choke out, her breath hitching with each desperate plea, tears flooding her cheeks.

Himizu tilted his head, the smirk on his lips growing darker, more sinister. "Let you go?" he scoffed. "Oh, [Name], you're far too precious for that." His fingers, cold and deliberate, brushed along her flushed skin, tracing a slow, agonizing path from her cheek to her exposed neck. The touch was electric, sparking a painful heat that surged through her, making her body shudder against her will. She bit her lip, desperately trying to suppress the reflexive moan that threatened to escape.

"Stop... please..." Her voice trembled, barely a whisper, drowned by her fear and shame.

But Himizu paid her pleas no mind. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear, his voice thick with dark satisfaction. "You smell divine," he whispered, inhaling deeply as if he could taste her in the air. "And your blood... I've craved it for so long."

Before she could even react, the sharp sting of pain pierced through her neck as Himizu sank his fangs deep into her tender flesh. The agony was immediate, excruciating. [Name]'s body jerked violently, a strangled cry tearing from her throat. Her hand flew instinctively to her mouth, silencing the noise, her sobs muffled as she pressed her palm over her trembling lips. The pain was unbearable, every beat of her heart seeming to amplify the sensation, and she could feel herself slipping, losing control.

Himizu groaned against her neck, his voice thick with satisfaction as he drank deeply, his grip tightening around her waist, anchoring her in place. "Such a perfect taste," he muttered between gulps, his words full of twisted pleasure. She felt the blood leaving her, felt her strength draining away, but the aphrodisiac kept her body alive with sensitivity, each brush of his fingers against her skin setting her nerves alight. Her body betrayed her, a shudder running through her, her face flushed with shame as she struggled to hold back the involuntary sounds that threatened to escape.

"Stop... I-I can't..." she sobbed, her voice a broken whisper.

Himizu pulled back, his lips stained with her blood. He licked them clean, his crimson eyes gleaming with wicked delight. "You're fighting it, but your body knows the truth," he taunted, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. "You're mine, [Name]. No one else can have you."

Her breaths were shallow, her vision swimming with tears, the world blurring in and out of focus. She shook her head weakly, her voice barely a whisper as she clung to the fading sliver of hope. "Karasu... help me..."

Meanwhile, Tabito was storming through the hallways, his jaw clenched and his eyes blazing with fury. His instincts screamed that something was wrong—he could feel it in the air, the faint but unmistakable scent of [Name]'s blood, pulling him like a magnet. His heart pounded in his chest, the thought of her in danger sending his mind into overdrive.

"Damn it, where is she?" he muttered under his breath, pushing past the students who seemed oblivious to the danger. His thoughts were a whirlwind, the image of [Name’s] tear-streaked face flashing in his mind.

He didn't stop until he reached the storage area. The muffled sound of a sob reached his ears from behind a closed door. His heart leaped into his throat, and without hesitation, he kicked the door open, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto the scene before him.

[Name] was slumped against the wall, her body trembling, her skin pale. The fresh bite marks on her neck sent a surge of rage through him. Himizu stood over her, his lips bloodstained, a twisted smirk curling on his face.

"Ah Karasu!," Himizu said calmly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as if he had done nothing wrong. "You came just in time."

Tabito's fury ignited. His voice was low and venomous, laced with pure threat as he stepped forward. "Get away from her."

Himizu chuckled darkly, his crimson eyes narrowing. "And if I don't?"

Without a second thought, Tabito moved like a blur. He grabbed Himizu by the collar, slamming him against the opposite wall with such force that the shelves rattled, a bottle of cleaning solution crashing to the floor. "Touch her again," Tabito growled, his voice dripping with menace, "and I'll end you."

Himizu smirked, unfazed, his voice mocking. "So what? Upset I got the first drink to your precious kohai? She doesn't belong to you y’know?"

Tabito's grip tightened, his knuckles whitening. His eyes narrowed with cold fury. "She doesn't belong to anyone, least of all a snake like you."

With a final, forceful shove, Tabito sent Himizu sprawling to the ground, his body crashing onto the floor with a sickening thud. Tabito turned his attention to [Name]. Her face was pale, her eyes glassy, exhaustion and fear evident in her every breath. Gently, Tabito knelt in front of her, his voice softening as he took her trembling hand. "Sanzuku, it's okay," he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I've got you now."

Her lips quivered, and new tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered his name. "K-Karasu..."

"I'm here," he said firmly, his expression softening despite the storm raging inside him. "You're safe."

Carefully, he lifted her into his arms, his jaw set with renewed determination. He shot one last glare at Himizu before walking out, his voice cold and unwavering. "If you ever come near her again, you'll regret it."

All Himizu did was stick out his tongue and roll his eyes “yeah right” he murmured.

As Tabito carried [Name] down the hallway, his heart thudded in his chest, his resolve hardening. He silently vowed to protect her, no matter the cost. No one would harm her again. Not while he still drew breath.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The dimly lit nurse's office was an oasis of muted colors and gentle sounds, filled with the faint hum of a small ceiling fan that spun lazily overhead. The sterile scent of antiseptic mingled with the soft rustle of bedsheets, creating an atmosphere that felt both clinical and oddly comforting as [Name] lay on one of the examination beds. Her face was pale, a stark contrast to the vibrant decor of the room, beads of sweat still clinging to her skin as if they were reluctant to let go. She clutched the thin blanket covering her trembling form, her fingers white-knuckled as she fought to steady her breathing.

By her side sat Tabito, his expression a tumult of concern and barely contained fury. His usually composed demeanor was shattered, hands clenched into fists on his lap, knuckles turning white as he struggled against the urge to lash out at the circumstances that had brought them here. His eyes, sharp and intense, were fixed on [Name], willing her to recover, to feel safe again.

Pablo Cavasoz, the young and quirky nurse, moved gracefully around the room, a whirlwind of energy against the backdrop of stillness. Dressed in a slightly oversized white coat adorned with an eclectic assortment of pins featuring colorful cartoon characters, he hummed a cheerful tune that felt almost out of place in the somber setting. His round glasses reflected the faint glow of the nearby lamp, casting tiny rainbows on the walls, while his perfectly styled hair, with its playful spikes, added a dash of flair to his otherwise clinical appearance.

“All right, [Name]-chan,” Pablo said in his soft yet playful tone, placing a small vial of medicine and a glass of water on the bedside table, the clink of glass punctuating the quiet. “This will help neutralize the aphrodisiac in your system. It’s fast-acting, but you’ll still need to rest up for a while.” His voice was warm, wrapping around her like a gentle hug, soothing and reassuring.

[Name] nodded weakly, her voice barely audible as she murmured, “Thank you, Nurse Cavasoz…” The words felt heavy, laden with both gratitude and a deep sense of vulnerability.

Pablo waved a hand dismissively, a bright smile illuminating his face, the kind that could chase away shadows. “Please, I told you to call me Pablo! Nurse Cavasoz sounds so stuffy, don’t you think? Besides,” he added, striking a playful pose, “I’m the cutest in this entire building. Cute names only!” His lightheartedness was infectious, but it failed to reach Tabito, whose focus remained unwaveringly on [Name].

Despite her fragile state, [Name] managed a small, fleeting smile, the corners of her lips twitching up momentarily before the weight of her reality pulled them down again. Tabito's sharp eyes remained fixed on her, his jaw tightening as he noticed her wince with every slight movement, a silent promise brewing within him to protect her at all costs.

Pablo handed her the glass of water, his tone softening as he leaned closer. “Drink up, sweetheart. We need to flush that nasty stuff out of your system. And next time, be more careful, okay? You’re no use to us in this condition.” His gaze was earnest, a blend of concern and warmth as he encouraged her to take care of herself.

[Name] nodded again, taking small, tentative sips from the glass. The cool water felt soothing as it trickled down her throat, a gentle balm against the turmoil within her. Yet, her hands trembled slightly as she held the cup, and she couldn’t help but gaze down at the clear reflection of her face in the water. Her eyes, betrayed the storm of emotions swirling inside her, her lips trembling as memories of the incident flooded her mind.

Tabito noticed her growing stillness, the way her breath caught in her throat. “[Name],” he said gently, his voice laced with concern, the urgency of his feelings barely contained. “Are you okay? Is the medicine working?”

For a moment, [Name] didn’t respond. The silence stretched between them, heavy and charged. Then, without warning, tears welled up in her eyes and spilled over, streaming silently down her cheeks like a river of sorrow. She clutched the blanket tightly, her shoulders shaking as quiet sobs escaped her lips, each one a testament to the pain she had endured.

“I… I can’t believe this happened to me,” she whispered, her voice breaking like fragile glass. “It was horrible, Karasu… I felt so helpless…” The admission hung in the air, raw and vulnerable, exposing her innermost fears.

Tabito’s heart clenched at the sight of her pain, a fierce protectiveness igniting within him. Without hesitation, he leaned forward and enveloped her in a protective embrace, his arms wrapping around her trembling frame as if he could shield her from the world. “It’s over now,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing, a balm for her wounded spirit. “You’re safe, [Name]. I won’t let anyone hurt you again.” His words were a promise, a vow that resonated deep within her.

[Name] buried her face in his chest, her tears soaking into his shirt as she cried openly, the floodgates of her emotions finally releasing. The warmth of his embrace offered a fragile sense of security, but the weight of the experience lingered heavily in her heart, a shadow that refused to dissipate.

Pablo, who had been silently observing the exchange, cleared his throat softly, breaking the intimate moment with his gentle presence. “Karasu-kun, make sure she rests. The medicine will take care of the physical effects, but the emotional wounds… those will take time.” His usual playful demeanor was replaced with a rare seriousness, a reminder that healing was a journey that required patience.

Tabito nodded, his eyes never leaving [Name’s] tear-streaked face, determination etched in every line of his expression. “I’ll stay with her,” he said firmly, a promise wrapped in resolve.

Pablo smiled faintly, his gaze softening as he gave a small, reassuring pat on [Name’s] shoulder. “You’ve got a good friend here, [Name]-chan. Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything, okay? Now, get some rest.” With that, he retreated to his desk, leaving the two alone in their shared cocoon of emotions.

The room fell into a soft silence, broken only by [Name’s] quiet sniffles and Tabito’s steady, calming words, a steady heartbeat in the chaos of her mind.

“You don’t have to face this alone,” Tabito whispered, his hand gently stroking her hair, a soothing gesture that spoke volumes. “I’m here for you, no matter what.” His presence was a lifeline, a promise that, despite the darkness, there was still light to be found.

[Name] clung to him tighter, her tears gradually subsiding as exhaustion began to take over, the weight of her emotions shifting as she felt the warmth of his unwavering support. Though her heart still ached, she found a glimmer of comfort in his steadfast presence, a fragile hope that, somehow, she would heal, one day at a time.

The nurse’s office lamps cast a warm yet eerie ambiance over the small space. The soft hum of an air purifier and the occasional rustling of paperwork from Pablo’s desk were the only sounds accompanying the shallow, rhythmic breaths of [Name], who lay nestled beneath the crisp white sheets. The tension in her muscles had finally begun to ease, thanks to the medicine coursing through her veins, dulling the lingering effects of the aphrodisiac.

Pablo stood beside the bed, arms crossed, his head tilting slightly as he observed the sleeping girl. “It’s best if she rests,” he mused, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Her immune system is still tense from all that stress. She needs time to recover.”

[Name], still half-conscious, managed a tired but grateful smile. “Thank you… for everything,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Pablo blinked in surprise before a light pink dusted his cheeks. He chuckled softly, placing a hand over his chest as if deeply moved. “Ah, what a precious compliment. You really do know how to make a man blush, [Name]-chan.”

A dark shadow loomed over Pablo before he could revel in his moment of flattery any longer. Tabito’s eyes burned with irritation as he shot Pablo a piercing glare, his body tensing in barely restrained jealousy. He did not like how [Name] was giving him attention—especially not Pablo of all people.

Ignoring Pablo entirely, Tabito shifted his focus back to [Name], his expression softening. With gentle fingers, he caressed her cheek, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine. “Rest, [Name],” he murmured, his voice deep and soothing. “I’ll be here when you wake up. I promise.”

[Name’s] eyes flickered up to meet his, her heart skipping a beat at the tenderness in his voice. A faint blush colored her cheeks, and she gave him a weak nod. “Karasu… thank you… for everything,” she murmured before her eyes fluttered shut.

Tabito took her delicate hand in his, lacing his fingers through hers as her breathing slowed into a steady rhythm. The medicine had finally taken full effect, guiding her into a peaceful slumber.

The room remained silent for a few moments, save for the sound of [Name’s] slow breaths. Then, Pablo let out a small whistle, crossing his arms as he observed her sleeping form.

“She really is beautiful, isn’t she?” he remarked nonchalantly, a smirk playing on his lips. “It’s no wonder she’s gained so much attention lately… so many guys circling around her, craving her blood.”

Tabito’s entire body went rigid. His grip on [Name’s] hand instinctively tightened as his gaze snapped toward Pablo, his eyes now glowing with a predatory sharpness.

“Shut the hell up,” Tabito growled through clenched teeth. “Don’t talk about her like that.”

Pablo chuckled, completely unfazed by Tabito’s hostility. He leaned back against the desk, crossing one leg over the other in a casual stance. “What? I’m just stating the obvious,” he mused, tilting his head. “Someone like you—so desperate to claim her—doesn’t stand a chance, not when you’re up against us.”

Tabito’s breath hitched. He knew exactly what Pablo meant. The others. The vampires. They were all watching, all waiting, all hungry.

Tabito’s hand itched to ball into a fist. He wanted nothing more than to drive it straight into Pablo’s smug face. But [Name’s] soft hand lay in his own, her warmth anchoring him. No matter how badly he wanted to rip that cocky expression off Pablo’s face, he wouldn’t leave her side.

Instead, he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper. “You’re wrong about one thing,” he said, his glare sharp enough to cut through steel.

“Oh?” Pablo smirked, raising a brow. “And what’s that?”

Tabito’s grip on [Name’s] hand tightened ever so slightly. “Unlike the rest of you, I don’t need to sink my teeth into her to be close to her.” His voice was steady, unwavering, filled with unshakable conviction. “I don’t need blood to want to protect her.”

Pablo’s smirk faltered for just a fraction of a second before he let out a short chuckle, shaking his head. “Tch. How noble,” he mused, standing upright. “But that won’t change the fact that the others won’t be so… patient.”

Tabito didn’t flinch. His eyes burned with an intensity that sent a clear message: Let them come.

Pablo exhaled through his nose, amused but knowing better than to provoke Tabito any further—for now. With a small stretch, he turned toward his desk, waving a dismissive hand. “Well, I suppose we’ll see how long your little resolve lasts, won’t we?”

Tabito didn’t respond. He simply sat back down beside [Name], brushing a strand of hair from her face as she continued to sleep peacefully, oblivious to the storm of possessive hunger brewing outside these walls.

No matter what, he would be there when she woke up. And he would make damn sure that no one—no one—laid a single fang on her again.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

A dull ringing filled her ears. Her body felt heavy, weighed down as if she had been submerged in water. Slowly, she blinked, the blinding fluorescent light above making her squint as her vision wavered, struggling to focus.

Where was she?

Her fingers twitched against the sterile sheets beneath her, the faint scent of antiseptic lingering in the air. The nurse's office? The realization settled into her sluggish mind. But something felt... wrong.

As she shifted slightly, a deep groan left her lips. Her head ached, and when she instinctively reached up to adjust her glasses, she grasped at nothing. Her breath hitched. Her vision -already blurry without them-was reduced to a hazy mess of indistinct shapes. A sense of unease slithered down her spine.

Something wasn't right.

She turned her head to the right- blinking against the blur-until her gaze landed on a figure seated beside her bed.

Her stomach dropped.

Mr. Luna sat there, slouched ever so slightly, his usual composed demeanor nowhere to be found. His lips curled into an unsettling smile that stretched far too wide, his golden hair disheveled as if he had been running his fingers through it obsessively. His piercing predator eyes gleamed with something unreadable- something twisted.

And then she saw it.

The deep crimson splatters staining his white button-up shirt, dark streaks smeared across his jaw, dripping from his fingers like he had devoured something raw. The sharp contrast against his pale skin made her stomach churn violently.

[Name]'s entire body froze.

Her breath shallowed, her heart hammering so fiercely it felt as if it might burst from her ribcage. Her lips parted, a scream clawing up her throat

But before she could make a sound, a large, blood-streaked hand shot forward, slamming over her mouth with a force that sent her head snapping back against the pillow.

A thud.

Her eyes widened in horror as Mr. Luna leaned over her, his breath ghosting over her trembling skin. His smile never faltered.

"Shhh..." he whispered, pressing a single bloodied finger to his lips. His voice was calm, eerily gentle, yet laced with something inhuman.

[Name] whimpered beneath his palm, her vision swimming with unshed tears. She desperately tried to shake her head, tried to move, but her body felt sluggish, like she was sinking into the very mattress beneath her.

Her mind screamed run, but her limbs refused to obey.

Mr. Luna tilted his head, his grin widening at her distress. He traced his thumb along the corner of her lips, smearing something metallic onto her skin.

"Ah... such a delicate thing," he mused, his voice carrying that same mocking lilt he used in class when berating a student. "You always look so composed, so full of life." His fingers ghosted over her throat, feeling the erratic pulse pounding beneath her skin.

He let out a soft hum, as if delighted by it.

"But right now..." His grip on her chin tightened just enough to keep her from looking away. "...you're trembling."

[Name] squeezed her eyes shut, silent tears slipping past her lashes. This wasn't real. It couldn't be real.

Then, she felt something warm and wet press against the side of her throat-right where her pulse pounded furiously.

Her breath hitched violently as his tongue flicked out, tasting the sensitive flesh there.

A quiet, shuddering whimper escaped her lips.

Luna laughed.

"Oh, [Name]," he crooned, his voice dripping with sick amusement. "What a delicious reaction."

Her body jerked as she tried to push him away, but her strength was nonexistent, her limbs betraying her completely.

He chuckled, drawing back just enough to look her in the eyes. "Are you afraid?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

[Name] barely managed to shake her head, but the attempt was feeble- pathetic, even.

Luna's expression darkened, his grip tightening as his nails lightly scraped her jaw.

"Lying doesn't suit you, darling."

Her breath stilled.

Then, without warning-he sank his teeth into her neck.A sharp, burning pain erupted through her skin as fangs pierced through like searing hot knives. [Name]'s body arched, a strangled cry muffled against his hand. The sensation was unbearable-both icy and scorching at once-making her nerves scream.

Her fingers clawed at his wrist, weakly trying to pry him off, but it was futile.

Her world was spinning.

Darkness crept at the edges of her vision as her heartbeat thundered in her ears, growing erratic, slower-

And then, everything faded to black.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

A desperate gasp tore from [Name’s] throat as she jolted upright, her chest heaving with ragged breaths. Her entire body was slick with sweat, her trembling hands clutching the bedsheets in a death grip.

The remnants of the nightmare clung to her, suffocating, as if Luna’s presence was still lingering in the air.

The phantom sensation of his fangs piercing her skin sent an involuntary shiver down her spine, and she instinctively reached up, her fingers ghosting over her neck.

‘It was just a dream… Just a dream…’

‘But it felt so real.’

She curled into herself, hugging her legs tightly against her chest, her breathing still erratic. Her vision, blurred without her glasses, only made the room feel more distorted—more unfamiliar. She felt utterly lost, trapped in the aftermath of a nightmare that refused to release its grip on her.

A chair scraped against the floor.

“[Name]?”

A voice, gentle yet concerned. Warm hands wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her into an embrace. Pablo.

She flinched at first, the lingering horror making her muscles tense, but when she registered the warmth of his body, she instinctively melted into his hold. He was solid, real, not a dream. Her fingers gripped onto the fabric of his coat, seeking something—anything—to ground herself.

"Shhh, it’s okay, I got you," Pablo murmured, his arms tightening around her protectively. He gently rocked her, one hand smoothing over her damp hair in slow, soothing strokes. "You’re safe. Whatever it was… it’s over now."

[Name] tried to suppress the sobs bubbling in her throat, but the moment she felt the comforting weight of his embrace, the dam broke. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she buried her face into his shoulder, muffling the sound of her cries.

“I-I had a nightmare…” she choked out, her voice barely above a whisper.

Pablo’s grip on her tightened just a little. "A nightmare?" he echoed, his voice laced with concern.

She nodded against him, unable to find the words to explain the horror she had just witnessed in her dream. She didn’t dare speak his name—the sheer thought of Luna’s wicked grin, the blood staining his lips, made her stomach churn violently.

Pablo didn’t press her for details. Instead, he hummed softly, his fingers idly twirling a strand of her hair. "Nightmares can be cruel, huh? They feel so real, like they’re clawing into your mind and refusing to let go." He let out a small sigh. "But you know what? They can’t hurt you. Not as long as I’m here."

[Name] sniffled, pulling away slightly to rub at her swollen eyes. "Thank you… I—" She swallowed thickly, still shaken. "I just… It scared me."

Pablo gave her a reassuring smile, his amber eyes glinting under the dimmed lights of the nurse’s office. "Of course it did, sweetheart. But you’re too pretty to cry over something as dumb as a nightmare." He wiped a stray tear from her cheek with his thumb, his touch lingering just a second too long. "And lucky for you, you’ve got me. I can chase all those bad dreams away."

[Name] let out a small, watery chuckle, despite the weight in her chest. "You make it sound like you’re some kind of dream guardian."

Pablo gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Oh, darling, I am!" He wiggled his eyebrows. "Aren’t I cute enough to be one?"

His theatrics earned a faint giggle from her, and the tension in her shoulders finally eased. Pablo, ever the charmer, always knew how to pull her out of dark moments.

But then, as her mind settled, she noticed something—or rather, someone was missing.

She glanced around, her heart sinking slightly. "Where’s Karasu?"

Pablo’s expression flickered, just for a fraction of a second, before his usual carefree demeanor returned. "Oh, that guy?" He shrugged. "Had to leave for practice. You know how he is, all serious about his sport and whatnot."

[Name’s] lips parted slightly, a small pang of disappointment blooming in her chest. "Oh…"

Pablo watched her closely, the way her gaze dropped slightly, the slight frown tugging at her lips. He resisted the urge to scoff. Tch. That bastard Karasu always gets her attention…

But he didn’t let his irritation show. Instead, he cupped her cheek, tilting her head so she had no choice but to look at him. "Hey, don’t make that face, sweetheart," he cooed, his voice dripping with honeyed sweetness. "You’ve still got me here, haven’t you?"

[Name] blinked, her expression softening as she smiled faintly. "Yeah… Thank you, Pablo. For everything."

Pablo grinned, resting his chin on her head. "That’s what I’m here for, my darling," he murmured, his voice velvety smooth. His arms wrapped around her once more, holding her just a bit closer.

She didn’t know it.

She didn’t realize it.

But the way he clung to her, the way his fingers traced patterns against her back, the way his gaze darkened ever so slightly as he breathed in her scent—

He wasn’t just comforting her.

He was claiming her.

The moment [Name] stepped out of the nurse’s office, she exhaled deeply, feeling as if she had just surfaced from drowning waters. The sterile scent of antiseptics still clung to her senses, but at least now she was free. After everything—the fever, the nightmare, Pablo’s strangely intense presence—she finally had a moment to herself.

Pulling out her phone, she checked the time.

6:47 PM.

Only two hours had passed since she had dozed off in the infirmary. Two hours of lost time. Two hours that she should have spent on the court, practicing, keeping herself sharp, keeping herself distracted.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. There was no point in going now—practice was long over. With a sigh, she decided to head back to her dorm, hoping a good night’s rest would clear her mind.

Walking through the dimly lit hallways, she reached the elevator and pressed the button. A soft ding echoed in the empty corridor, the metallic doors sliding open with a mechanical whir. [Name] stepped inside and hit the down button, watching the doors begin to close.

‘Finally… just a few minutes, and I’ll be in my room.’

But just as the doors were about to seal shut, a smooth voice cut through the quiet.

"Wait a moment, querida."

A hand—pale, slender, yet undeniably firm—stopped the doors from closing. The motion sensors detected it instantly, forcing them to slide back open.

[Name’s] heart stopped.

Her blood ran ice cold as her breath hitched in her throat.

There, standing before her, was him.

Mr. Luna.

Her psychology professor stepped inside with that ever-present, unnerving smile curling on his lips. His sharp jaded eyes locked onto her, gleaming like molten gold under the dim elevator lights. There was something off about them—too intense, too knowing, as if he could peer straight into her thoughts.

The doors slid shut behind him, sealing them inside.

[Name] forced herself to swallow the lump in her throat. Her hands curled into fists at her sides as she shifted awkwardly, willing herself to stay composed.

"Ah, qué suerte." Luna hummed, his deep Spanish accent making his words flow like honey—syrupy, rich, but far too thick. "What a delightful surprise to run into you at such a time."

[Name’s] fingers twitched as she gulped, forcing herself to nod.

"I-I guess so…" she murmured, barely managing to keep her voice steady.

But inside, panic was crawling up her spine.

She hadn’t forgotten.

The nightmare. The vision of him standing over her, his shirt stained red, his lips curled into that same off-putting smile. The way he had shushed her, his hand covering her mouth as if to silence her forever.

And now—now she was trapped with him in an elevator.

The enclosed space felt suffocating. The air suddenly seemed thicker, heavier, pressing down on her lungs.

Luna chuckled softly, a low and velvety sound that sent a chill down her spine.

"You seem tense, mi querida…" His voice was smooth, playful—yet there was a certain edge to it, something almost mocking. "Long day, hmm?"

[Name] forced out a shaky breath.

"Y-Yeah… Just… not feeling great."

Luna tilted his head slightly, watching her with far too much interest.

"Oh?" he mused. "Qué pena. And here I was, thinking you were simply avoiding me."

[Name] stiffened.

Her eyes darted toward the floor, anywhere but his piercing gaze. "O-Of course not," she lied, hoping he wouldn’t hear the slight tremble in her voice.

He let out a low hum, stepping closer.

Too close.

A mere breath away.

She flinched, her back pressing against the cold metal of the elevator wall.

His eyes gleamed with amusement, as if he enjoyed her reaction.

"You know," he drawled, lifting a hand lazily, trailing his fingers along the elevator’s sleek paneling, "it’s funny…" His gaze flickered back to her, that ever-present smirk widening.

"For someone so fearless on the basketball court… you seem rather skittish right now."

[Name]'s breath hitched.

Her fingers clenched the hem of her sleeve as she averted her gaze. "I just… had a bad dream, that’s all."

Luna’s smirk deepened.

"A dream?" he echoed, his voice dripping with intrigue.

[Name] nodded stiffly, not daring to elaborate.

Luna studied her, his eyes practically devouring every inch of her expression—the slight quiver of her lips, the stiffness in her shoulders, the way she refused to meet his gaze.

Then, as if something clicked in his mind, he let out a low chuckle.

"Ah… I see now," he murmured.

[Name] swallowed hard. "S-See what?"

Luna leaned in, his lips ghosting near her ear.

"You dreamt of me, didn’t you?"

[Name] froze.

Her breath caught in her throat as sheer terror shot through her veins like wildfire.

He knew.

How? How?!

She snapped her head up to look at him, her eyes wide in shock.

Luna merely grinned, his sharp canines glinting under the dim elevator lights.

"Oh, querida…" He let out a mock sigh, feigning disappointment. "If you wanted to see me so badly, you could have simply asked."

The elevator dinged.

The doors slid open.

[Name] bolted.

Without a second thought, she shoved past him and darted out, her heart hammering against her ribs. She didn’t dare look back.

She didn’t need to.

She could feel his gaze burning into her back.

And in that moment, she knew—

This wasn’t the last time she would be alone with Mr. Luna.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The classroom was cold.

The harsh, sterile air carried the faint scent of ink, paper, and the distinct sharpness of Ms. Bogdanova’s ever-present perfume—a deep, musky blend that somehow made the room feel even heavier.

The overhead lights buzzed softly, casting an artificial glow onto the scattered desks, each occupied by weary students who, like [Name], were sentenced to this purgatory of unfinished exams. The air was thick with silence, only occasionally broken by the scratch of a pen against paper or the quiet shuffling of someone adjusting in their seat.

And yet, despite the eerie stillness, [Name] could barely keep her eyes open.

Her head was slumped onto her left arm, her right hand weakly gripping a pen as she desperately tried to finish her history exam. The text on the paper blurred together in a chaotic mess of black ink, her exhausted mind struggling to string together coherent thoughts.

Her eyelids grew heavier.

The pull of exhaustion was merciless.

Every blink lingered for a second too long.

Her grip on the pen weakened.

Her breathing slowed.

‘No, no, no, stay awake…’ she scolded herself internally, forcing her eyes back open.

But her body refused to cooperate.

She had spent the entire night haunted by him.

Mr. Luna’s voice still echoed in her ears, silky and teasing. His eyes, sharp and knowing, pierced through the darkness of her mind, as if he was still watching her—still toying with her.

She had tossed and turned in her bed, her heart pounding against her ribs long after she had escaped the elevator. Even in the safety of her dorm, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was still trapped—that she had never truly left that suffocating space with him.

And now, in the cold, suffocating silence of Ms. Bogdanova’s classroom, [Name] was fighting a battle against her own exhaustion.

What she didn’t realize, however—was that she wasn’t alone in her struggle.

From the corner of his eye, Alexis Ness watched her intently.

Seated right beside her, his magenta eyes flickered with amusement, tracing every little motion she made—the way her head bobbed slightly as she fought against sleep, the way her lips parted ever so slightly when she exhaled, her lashes fluttered like a butterfly’s wings whenever her eyes threatened to close completely.

To him—she looked adorable.

She was trying so hard to stay awake, yet failing so miserably.

Alexis found himself smiling—a small, amused curve of his lips.

His fingers drummed idly against his desk, but his gaze never wavered from [Name’s] face.

"You’re going to drool if you keep nodding off like that," he whispered, his voice light and teasing.

[Name] startled, her head snapping up as if she had just been electrocuted.

Her pen slipped from her grasp, clattering against the wooden surface of her desk.

She turned to face him, her eyes still glazed with sleep, her expression a mix of confusion and exhaustion.

"H-Huh…?" she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexis chuckled softly, resting his chin on his palm as he leaned in just slightly.

"You look like you're about to pass out," he mused. His tone was gentle, almost playful—but there was something unreadable in his gaze.

[Name] blinked slowly, still trying to process his words.

She hadn't even realized he was sitting next to her.

Or rather—she had been too exhausted to care.

"I-I'm fine," she muttered, rubbing her eyes and straightening her posture in a poor attempt to look more alert. "I just need to finish this stupid exam…"

Alexis tilted his head slightly, his magenta eyes narrowing with interest.

"Hmm… but at what cost?"

[Name] frowned. "What do you mean?"

He smirked.

"I mean… if you keep pushing yourself like this, you're going to collapse before you even finish the last question."

She opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, Ms. Bogdanova’s sharp voice cut through the silence.

"Quiet."

The atmosphere in the room froze.

[Name] felt a chill run down her spine as she turned to see Ms. Bogdanova at her desk, her maroon eyes piercing through them like a hawk that had just spotted its prey.

She didn’t yell.

She didn’t even glare.

She simply stared—and that alone was enough to suffocate the entire room.

"Focus on your exams," she said coldly, tapping her nails against her desk in a slow, rhythmic pattern. "Or leave."

[Name] quickly grabbed her pen, her heart pounding.

Alexis, however, barely reacted.

Instead, he smiled…a small, knowing smirk as he turned back to his paper, twirling his pen between his fingers.

Still, his gaze lingered on [Name].

And she could feel it.

Even as she forced herself to concentrate, even as she tried to ignore the exhaustion creeping up on her again—she knew Alexis was watching her.

Observing her.

Admiring her.

But unlike Yoichi’s warmth or Ruka's overprotectiveness—Alexis’ attention felt… different.

Like he was enjoying something that she hadn’t quite figured out yet.

And that unsettled her more than she was willing to admit.

The classroom was eerily quiet.

The air was heavy with the scent of old books, the lingering traces of ink and paper that had been scrawled upon for the past hour. The harsh fluorescent lighting cast a pale glow over the room, giving the scene an almost sterile feeling, as if time had slowed to a crawl. The only sounds were the soft scratches of pens against paper, the occasional shuffle of a chair, and the steady, rhythmic ticking of the clock mounted on the wall.

But Alexis Ness wasn’t paying attention to any of that.

His magenta eyes were locked onto one thing—her.

[Name] had barely managed to finish her exam before slumping forward onto her desk, her arms folded beneath her head as she surrendered to exhaustion. Her long, lashes rested against her cheeks, her lips parted ever so slightly as she breathed in soft, even rhythms. Strands of her hair slipped free from her hair ties, framing her delicate face in a way that made Alexis' breath hitch in his throat.

She was utterly defenseless.

So vulnerable.

So perfect.

He swallowed hard, his fingers twitching at his side as he stared at her, utterly entranced.

"Meine Prinzessin"

His lips barely moved as he whispered her name under his breath, savoring the way it felt against his tongue.

His heart thudded heavily against his ribs, the dull pounding almost deafening in his ears.

She had no idea—no idea—just how much he adored her.

How much he had watched her.

How much he had wanted her.

Slowly, carefully, Alexis reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, tilting it slightly to capture her sleeping form. His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment, as if savoring the moment, before he pressed the button.

*Click.*

The soft shutter sound was barely audible, but it sent a thrill through him.

He took another.

And another.

Each snapshot was a treasure—each moment of her peaceful slumber a glimpse into something so precious, so intimate that it made his fingers tremble.

He wanted more.

His hand moved before he could stop himself, his fingers brushing against her forehead as he delicately pushed aside the stray strands of hair that had fallen over her face.

His breath hitched again.

She was so warm.

His fingertips lingered against her soft skin, tracing the curve of her temple, the gentle slope of her cheek.

She didn’t stir.

She didn’t even flinch.

A smirk curled at the edges of his lips.

"Tired little thing… you really push yourself too hard, don't you?" he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

His other hand twirled a strand of her strands of hair around his finger, feeling the silkiness of her hair between his fingertips.

He exhaled slowly, reveling in the simple act of touching her.

God—she was so soft.

So delicate.

So his.

If only she knew.

If only she understood how deep his admiration ran—how much he was willing to do to keep her safe… to keep her his.

"No one else deserves to see you like this." His voice was so quiet it was almost a breath, his smirk fading into something darker.

He hated that others got to stand so close to her.

That others could look at her, talk to her, breathe the same air as her without earning it.

She belonged to him.

Only he had the right to admire her this closely.

Only he had the right to touch her.

Alexis’ fingers brushed over her cheek once more before he reluctantly pulled away, letting out a shaky breath.

The bell would ring soon.

And she would wake up.

She would stretch, rub the sleep from her eyes, and walk away—completely unaware of the way he had worshiped her in these fleeting moments.

But that was okay.

Because Alexis was a patient man.

And soon enough…

She would understand.

Soon enough—she would be his.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

The loud, shrill ring of the bell shattered the silence, jolting [Name] awake.

Her breath hitched, her body tense as if she had been yanked from the depths of an unpleasant dream. She blinked rapidly, her eyes darting around in momentary disorientation, trying to piece together where she was.

Then it hit her.

The exam was over.

A slow, relieved sigh escaped her lips as she stretched her arms above her head, exhaustion still weighing heavily in her limbs. Finally.

Yawning, she lazily ran a hand through her dark hair, attempting to smooth out the tangled strands. Around her, the other students groggily gathered their things, sluggishly heading toward the front to turn in their exams as Ms. Bogdanova, ever stern and imposing, stood by the desk collecting them.

"Once you turn in your exam, you are dismissed," her voice rang with a thick Russian accent, her sharp maroon eyes scanning the room with disinterest.

[Name] sluggishly stood up, gripping her exam paper in one hand while fumbling for her bag with the other. Every step toward the front felt heavier than the last, her body pleading for sleep, but she forced herself forward, handing over the paper before making her way back to her seat.

All she wanted was to get back to her dorm, collapse into bed, and sleep for hours.

But before she could even take another step, a voice—too close, too familiar—cut through the air.

"Meine Prinzessin, let me walk you to your dormitory."

She barely registered the voice before a figure stepped in front of her, blocking her way.

Alexis.

His usual cheerful, lopsided grin stretched across his face, magenta eyes glinting with something unreadable. His posture was relaxed, casual—but there was something about the way he stood, the way he tilted his head slightly, that sent a faint shiver down her spine.

[Name], still too drowsy to think properly, merely blinked up at him.

Did she really want company? Not really. But… did she care enough to say no?

Not at the moment.

Another yawn escaped her lips as she sluggishly nodded. "Yeah, sure… whatever."

She barely noticed the way Alexis’ smile widened at her agreement, or the way his grip on her wrist tightened just a little too much as he took her hand in his.

"Perfect," he murmured, his voice carrying an undertone of something dangerously satisfied.

Without waiting for her to adjust, he gently but firmly guided her forward, steering her through the corridors.

The hallway was dimly lit, the fluorescent lights above casting eerie, elongated shadows along the walls. Most students had already cleared out, leaving the space eerily quiet save for the distant echo of footsteps fading in the distance.

[Name] was barely paying attention, her body moving on autopilot as she let Alexis lead her. The cool evening air brushed against her skin the moment they stepped outside, a soft breeze rustling through the trees that lined the pathway toward the dormitories.

It was peaceful.

Almost too peaceful.

She didn’t notice the way Alexis’ eyes flickered downward toward her bag as she adjusted it on her shoulder.

She didn’t notice the way his fingers subtly brushed against the fabric as he ever so smoothly slipped a tiny object inside—so small, so undetectable, she would never know it was there.

And she certainly didn’t notice the way his lips twitched with hidden delight, his heart pounding in anticipation.

This was it.

His access to her.

His own private window into her world.

Now, he could watch her when she was alone.

Now, he could see every little thing she did.

Now, she was his—whether she realized it or not.

But of course, he couldn't let his excitement show.

Not yet.

Instead, he squeezed her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her skin in a comforting manner.

"You're really tired, huh?" he asked, his voice warm, caring—deceptive.

[Name], still half-asleep, merely nodded. "Yeah… I didn't sleep much last night."

"Poor thing," Alexis cooed, his tone dripping with fake sympathy. "You push yourself too hard, [Name]. You should really take better care of yourself."

She huffed a small, sleepy laugh. "I try."

"Hmm… not hard enough," he murmured, his fingers tightening around hers for just a second before loosening again.

The dormitory building loomed ahead, the golden glow of the entrance lights illuminating the pathway leading inside. As they reached the doors, [Name] finally pulled her hand away, rubbing her eyes with a tired sigh.

"Thanks for walking me," she mumbled, offering a small, genuine smile.

"Of course," Alexis beamed, his eyes never leaving hers. "Anything for you."

If she had been more awake—more aware—she might have noticed the way his voice dipped slightly at the end, the possessiveness lurking beneath the surface.

But she didn’t.

She simply turned toward the doors, yawning once more as she disappeared into the dormitory.

Alexis remained standing there, watching her until the doors closed behind her, sealing her away inside.

And then—finally—his smile dropped.

His magenta eyes darkened, his fingers twitching slightly as he clenched his hand into a fist.

He turned away, slowly walking back toward the campus, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, signaling that the camera was now live.

His smirk returned.

"Sweet dreams, Meine Prinzessin."

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

✧｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+*⁠.⁠✧⁠｡⁠*ﾟ✧｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+*⁠.⁠✧⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+✧｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+*⁠.⁠✧⁠｡

𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝�� 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!!!

Title Character Bios Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

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