Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters. Everything belongs to Matsuri Hino. I only own the OCs.
1. SWEET ADDICTION
I gaze at the window for the nth time. Normally, he would visit—more like, stand across the street—once every three to four days, but the man I was waiting for hasn't show up for almost one week now. It made me worry, thinking that something bad might have happened to him.
But who was I kidding? I should be the one worried with myself. I was defenseless unlike him; with only a pepper stray to protect me from any assaulter.
He was strong and capable, and yes, a bit cruel and insane but, that's what most people so in him.
But that's not what I saw. . .
I served the plate of sweets to my customers. School must be done, I thought, seeing student customers in our shop.
Our shop is quite famous with the high schoolers and middle schoolers—especially, with couple students.
I watched as another pair of couple entered the shop, immediately one of our servers were on their side, directing them to their seats.
I heard the bell chimed, another customer entering.
Looking back, I stood still, shocked.
"Welcome!" The other servers greeted. It was a shop policy to greet everyone who comes in to the store and send well wishes when they leave.
But instead, I stood there gaping.
It was him. . . He was finally here. And not just here gazing from outside but, he was inside the café.
It was not only I who was gaping at the good-looking man, everyone was.
Suddenly, another coworker of mine rushed to his side.
"Table for one, sir?" She asked hopefully, wishing that he wasn't waiting for anyone in particular.
However, his eyes never left mine. We were at a standstill, waiting for the next move.
When suddenly, the customers next to me caught my attention. Everyone was moving back to their own paces.
"Miss, we'd like to have another Lemon Meringue Cheesecake." He said.
I jotted down their orders and was about to go when suddenly, a hand grabbed my arm.
When I looked back, red and blue met my soft chocolate ones.
"Table for two." He said, shocking everyone employee. What kind of woman snagged this handsome man? Probably was running through their minds.
I nodded, showing him a seat at the corner where the sun didn't shine. It was still a bit early for vampires to be out but, here he is, sitting at my workplace, ordering something to eat.
I waited as he looked at the menu. My eyes run from his long lashes shadowing his cheeks, to his to-die-for slim nose, to his strong jaw line and high cheekbones, and lastly, to his soft lips.
"What would you suggest?" He said. When I didn't reply, he looked back at me, catching me gazing at him intently.
"The. . . The Lemon Meringue Cheesecake is one of our bestsellers as well as the Blueberry Cheesecake."
"If you were the customer, what would you order?"
"D-Definitely the Lemon Cheesecake."
He smirked. "Not because it has one of the highest prices?"
Caught. He caught me. But, I smiled. He knows me quite well. There's no point in lying to him. "No, definitely not." I answered. Okay, I was definitely flirting with our customer which was totally against the rules.
He handed me the menu, and said, "Then, one Lemon Meringue and one Blueberry Cheesecake." He ordered two cakes, making me surprised.
"Should I serve both of them or once your partner arrives?"
"Once she arrives." He answered. "I'll be eating the Blueberry one."
What does he expect; that I'm allowed to eat with a customer while the other employees are working? I'd be fired if that happened.
"Certainly, sir." I answered, making my way back to the front desk and file their orders. I then, went back inside the kitchen, and immediately, got bombarded with tons of questions from eager single ladies.
I smiled, not knowing what to do. "We have customers waiting outside. Shouldn't we assist them?" I reasoned out however, it obviously didn't work, and the ladies only glared at me, awaiting my answers.
"He was the last one to enter the shop and it's almost closing time, Kaede so, stop making excuses." One said.
"So, what's he like?'
"What's his name?"
"Why is this the first time he came here? Is he a foreigner?"
There was no room for escape when suddenly, an opening came in. The chefs called, saying that the orders are now ready. Immediately, before any of the other employees could say anything else, I went and get the orders.
I went outside, back into the customer's area to deliver their food. I handed the couple their Lemon Meringue followed by his Blueberry Cheesecake.
I slowly laid down the plate on his table, followed by a glass of cold water. Accidentally, my finger brushed his. I turned a shade of red as his eyes met mine, a smirk playing his lips.
"Thanks." He said, smirk still on his lips.
I left his table, this time, I didn't enter the kitchen, knowing that the other workers would just corner and interrogate me. I took my place near the front desk, waiting for any customer that needs my assistance.
Another thirty minutes passed by and there was no sign of his counterpart. I was sure that it'll be another vampire. My female coworkers were being restless, wanting to know who stood up such a delightfully gorgeous man. They wanted to approach him, to know if he wanted something else—and one did try but, all she got from him was a glare—a very scary one.
She squealed in fright, covering half of her face with the tray and immediately scrambled back to the kitchen and since then, I was the only one approaching the heterochromatic-eyed man.
Though it did not stop my fellow coworkers to ask what the man was like.
I approached him, my hands in the front like how we were trained. "Sir, we are about to close the shop," I began politely, hinting him that he needed to go now. "would you like me to your wrap your other order instead?"
He nodded quietly, shutting his book as I picked up the empty plate on his table. Later, I came back with a bag, the sweet inside.
He stood up, going to the counter and paid his bills then, he left. He was holding the book in one hand while the bag of cake on the other. The bell tingled as he left the store, just like how he came in.
I sighed, finally, be able to move as I pleased without eyes watching my every movement. His gazes gave me goosebumps, sending shivers all over my body. Like how a predator eyed his prey, just waiting for the right time for the hunt.
And I know when that is. . .
I took my top off, changing back into my casual clothes; my shift's done for the day. And the others have already left, saying they were going for a drink. Knowing that I have a very low tolerance for alcohol, I refused, saying I have other plans.
They started joking and laughing. "Finally, you're meeting someone!"
"Thank, God! Our little Kaede is finally growing up!" One of them said.
I laughed, of course. They were all just making all of us laugh.
Suddenly, I heard something clatter. I hold my breath as I turned, my eyes widened as chocolate brown ones met the red and blue eyes that kept hunting my dreams.
"R-Rido!" I whispered, shocked. I haven't put on my shirt on so right now, I'm half naked in front of a man.
Without any notice, he pulled me in, snaking his arms around my waist. He locked me in, his face near my neck. I shivered as his tongue ran up and down, tasting my flesh.
"Juri." He whispered before suddenly, his fangs emerged, sinking deep in my neck. I yelp, feeling it sink deeper than last time.
I didn't know whose name he just said, and I didn't really want to know. Maybe, it was his past lover?
All I know was, he must be really hungry. I thought as I felt my blood escaping me.
I took a deep breath, my sight blurring. "W-Wait, R-Rido." I said. I need him to stop. If he takes anymore, I'll faint. I pushed him with the little strength I have left. "I s-said, wait!" This time, I gathered all that I have and pushed him away. His fangs scrapped my skin, blood trickling down.
Immediately, his eyes shone angrily. In an instant his hand was gripping my neck, and I on the other hand, sucked in as much air as I could possibly get.
"Let me remind you your place." I snarled at me, and I shivered. "You are my prey, my food so, don't ever give me orders."
He let go of my neck and then, disappeared to who-knows-where.
My breathing became rugged as I held my neck. My fingers now covered in a little blood. "What the hell was that about?"
After a few minutes of organizing myself, I went home. I took the same route I take every day. I clutched by bag, being cautious of my surroundings. I reminded myself to be careful of everyone that passes me—especially now that some people have a reason to actually attack me.
I touched the place where he bit me, wincing in pain.
I arrived at my apartment minutes later, no one attacking me—which was quite a surprised. I know vampires have more enhanced senses and my recently acquired wound would definitely catch a lot of attention.
Taking my shoes of at the door, I left them disarray. My apartment was small with a one bedroom I share with my brother and one bathroom. But, to me who lives with another sibling I was close with, and with a low paying job, this was more than enough.
I went to the living area, dropping my bag on the couch. I didn't notice it at first but, when I did, my eyes went large.
It was the bag from our store. . .
I went to the coffee table, dropped on my knees, and opened the package. The Lemon Meringue Cheesecake sat there, untouched.
With a note on the side, I smiled.
I took a small bite off the cake before whispering, "It's okay. I understand." Knowing that he was somewhere near.
I yawned, not listening at all to my professor. He was blabbering about some economic facts that I should be jotting down but, I was so tired to do so.
My seatmate and best friend looked at me curiously, elbowing me. "Hey, are you okay?" She asked, concern showing on her face.
I only smiled at her then, nodded to reassure her. I went back into writing, trying to get my attention back the lecture at hand. I should be studying, midterms are nearing and I haven't even started studying for it yet. And with my work, and. . . him on the sidelines, I really can't afford to cram everything.
When the bell rang, I dropped my head on my desk, groaning. Beside me, my friend, Chinatsu was organizing her things.
"Kaede, you look tired. Are you sleeping okay?" She asked.
I lifted my head; my hair was in a complete disarray. "I'm fine, Chinatsu. Just really tired from all the studying." I lied. Yes, I slept late but let's just say it wasn't from studying.
Suddenly, she gasped. I followed her line of sight, and it seemed like she finally noticed the bandage on the side of my neck.
"What happened with that?!" She screamed.
I scratched my cheek, acting guilty. "I accidentally scratched myself while studying. There was a part I couldn't get, and it really irritated me." I laughed. "I only noticed the scars this morning."
She shook her head. "You're such a perfectionist! You should take better care of yourself."
"Will do." I said while slinging my bag on my shoulder. We were heading to the cafeteria. Fortunately, our lunch break is quite early compared to the other students. I have about two hours before my next class starts.
I really scheduled it like that, knowing that the next subject is one of the hardest in my program: Econometrics. And yes, I'm not one of those geniuses other there who eats math for breakfast so, I have to work twice—no, thrice—harder than anyone.
And did I mention, my best friend was one of those math geniuses?
So yes, I'm very lucky indeed.
We entered the cafeteria, almost all seats were unoccupied. I chose the cheapest meal, and head for an empty table.
"Kaede, have you heard from your brother? He hasn't called since, he left."
It was a known fact in the entire university that the gorgeous economics student that goes by the name of Chinatsu Soeda is dating my older brother. He was five years older than both my best friend and I but, I can clearly see that they both mattered to each other.
In short, they were head over heels with one another.
However, after leaving for a job trip, my brother hasn't message or call us even once, which he normally does.
We're getting worried—especially I, who knows exactly what's out there. But, I couldn't let my mind go down that path.
"Maybe, there's no reception in where he is." I reasoned out, but not truly believing what I said.
Chinatsu also nodded, still looking down.
I hate seeing her like this.
"How about this, let's go out and do some shopping? Maybe, we can by some clothes."
Perking up at the thought of spending time together, she smiled. "Let's do that!" She said. "We haven't been spending much time since, you had a job, Kaede."
Speaking of job, luckily, I don't have one today.
"Yeah, sorry about that. Juggling work and school are taking so much of my time." I scratched my brown hair.
"Or maybe, you're just busy hooking up with that handsome guy?" She suggestively added.
I stilled. Did she mean Rido?
". . .What do you mean?"
"Oh, please. Some girls saw you meeting with this handsome guy, late at night." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "I mean, it's okay if you don't want to tell me because the girls said he looked a bit older but still. . ."
I turned red with her implications.
She burst, laughing out loud. "How come you never told me?"
I didn't know what to say. And to be honest, I never really thought that I have that kind of relationship with the heterochromatic-eyed man. All I know is that he meets up with me for a couple of days, and almost drains my blood off me.
How can I explain that to her?! It wasn't even a relationship like she suggested!
"I-It's not like that! W-We don't have that kind of relationship!" I stuttered, making her laugh even more.
"Okay, okay." She said, still laughing.
I picked up my tray and huffed. We put our trays on the cleaning area and went straight to the university library.
It was a bright outside—to bright for our liking to stay outside so, we headed to the next best thing to study at.
We studied for the duration of our lunch break. Before our time is done, we picked up our things. I've read and studied the chapter we're going to discuss in the lecture and I've also, answered some problem questions just in case I got called to the front to solve the said questions. There's no harm in being prepared, and the entire time, if Chinatsu was not doodling on her notebook, she was sleeping her head off.
Damn genius.
We headed to our last class for the day. It was quite uneventful, except for the fact that I got called to solve one of the problems. Thank God, I practiced earlier.
When all my classes were done for the day, I headed straight to the gate. There, I saw my best friend already waiting for me.
"Let's go, Kaede." She said, enthusiastically, pulling to the busy street.
She must have missed me. I thought, chuckling to myself.
We went from store to store, checking out tops, dresses and even friendship bracelets. At first, we were not holding any papers bags but, the more shops we entered, the more paper bags we were carrying.
I didn't buy much, only the friendship bracelet I share with Chinatsu and a nice top. I'm not s shopaholic like the blonde beside me. And if I shopped like she did, four hands wouldn't be enough to carry all the bags—and I wouldn't be eating anything for a month.
By the time we were done, I was so tired yet, it seemed like Chinatsu's energy haven't even reached half of it.
"Oh, Kaede let's go to the next shop." She said.
Even before she said it, we were already walking to its direction.
"Hey, shouldn't this be enough? You have so many clothes already." I said, sighing.
She looked back, realizing the much bags on both of our hands. She chuckled, "I guess you're right."
In the end, we stopped by at a family restaurant, eating dinner. It was a fun day, a normal day just going to school, attending boring class, and shopping with my ever-hyper best friend. Nothing weird or scary going on. . .
Or so I thought.
When we went our separate ways, it was already dark outside. She gave half of what she bought to me, saying it was a gift for being such a wonderful friend, which I refused. It was her money, for goodness' sake. But, she insisted, saying that she will throw the clothes if I don't accept.
In the end, I took them, thinking it would be such a waste.
I was heading home, happy with the thought of getting to spend time with my friend. I wasn't really paying much attention to where I was going when suddenly, I bumped into someone.
Immediately, I mumbled a soft sorry. I picked up the bags slowly when I realized, the man didn't even move.
I looked up, and my eyes went large with fear.
I ran going back at the direction I came from, leaving the bags behind.
The man followed me. He was not as fast as Rido was but, he was faster than a mere human like me.
I made a sharp turn however, I didn't see the wooden crates blocking the way. I stumbled, my knees where bleeding.
I shook. That's not good.
It'll only attract more vampires, and I'll be a buffet if I don't do something.
I stood up, wincing in pain but before I could even take another step forward, I was thrown to the ground. My back hit the cold, hard ground; my lungs felt like there was a boulder on top of it. I couldn't breathe, and I think my head was bleeding.
Suddenly, the vampire was on top of me, licking my cheek. I shut my eyes close, waiting for the inevitable. I was so tired; my body wouldn't move like I wanted it to.
However, his fangs never came. And suddenly, there were only ashes circling around me. The vampire was gone in an instant.
My head was aching, my eyes were blurring, and tears where staining my cheeks. My eyelids were slowly closing but, before it did, I saw a glimpse of brown.
And that's all I need to be reassured.
I whispered before the world went black, "R-Rido."
Author's Corner: Hey, guys. Here's the first chapter of this story! I hope you like it! Just a quick reminder, English is not my first language so, there may be some grammatical errors out there. Also, if you like this story (or any of my works), let me know by giving me support and buying me some coffee at ko-fi / L3L4LOF6 under the name njeuel. It'll be much appreciated! Thanks, everyone!
