*Warning*: a friggin' reverse harem, lots of crappy humor, coarse/inappropriate language everywhere, a very out-of-character Yui, lots of OOC-ness especially from the main heroine, a slight CRACK!Fic, some flashbacks for more back story, perhaps breaking of fourth walls, maybe some references from other anime/media/literature/types of work, maybe a bit of dark humor as well, perhaps some suggestive language and innuendos, suggestive scenes(?), a dark and dreary atmosphere and setting, vampires, blood everywhere, shitty parenting/childhood, unhealthy relationships, more blood, sadistic and perverted vampires, maybe some terrible characterization of certain characters, crappy romance, useless drama, hopefully NO smut or lemon.
*Disclaimer*: I do not own Diabolik Lovers or anything from the franchise. All rights go to Rejet, the games' developer, as well as the studio that created the anime adaptation, Zexcs. Any references or quotes and dialogue from the anime and any other types of work belong to their rightful owners. I do not own any songs mentioned in this story, they belong to their rightful artists. I do not own the image, it belongs to its rightful owner/artist.
~Any similarities to characters, settings, scripts, or stories from other pieces of literature or media are purely coincidental. However, ©This story belongs to me, Whimsical Gypsy.
*Also, I want to thank the Guest reviewer from the last chapter! Thank you for taking your time to drop a review and I appreciate it! I'm glad you like my story and you have my sincere gratitude! Look forward to my story~ Plus, I just realized that there are more Yui/Shū moments compared to the other brothers... oh, well. But thank you once again for your review!
Ch. 4: A Snack under the Moonlight
I sigh in sadness as I slowly walk down the mansion's hallway, hanging my head low.
"Shark week is finally over! But why do we have school? I want to sleep instead!" I let out a tired yawn, especially what happened two nights ago and the following events from yesterday. "Now I have to give all these letters to the girls."
I gave all the letters to each brother and watched the different reactions from each of them. Surprisingly, I survived and lived to tell the tale. I have no idea how I managed to pull it off, but I'm still alive and in one piece! Although, I almost had a heart attack at Subaru's livid expression and the look that he almost wanted to rip the letter apart. Fortunately, I managed to convince all of them to reply or to at least consider the letters.
I pat my shoulder bag, containing not only my intact cell phone, but five letters. For some reason, Reiji wanted to personally give the letter to the girl.
I still blush at Shū's request to read his fan girl's letter out loud to him. I almost received another kiss, but I stubbornly refused. Then he tried to suck my blood, but I high-tailed it out of his room.
God...! Seriously, these vampires! Why was I even offered up as a sacrifice to them in the first place?
At that last thought, my heart suddenly throbs and I clutch my chest in pain. The pain isn't as bad as the first time I experienced it when I glimpsed at that lavender-haired woman out the balcony. But... why am I experiencing heartburn...? I have a healthy diet thanks to Reiji... and I already lay off from the fatty calories and cholesterol. Plus, I haven't been to McDonald's or Burger King lately...
My heart nearly leaped out of my chest when I happen to run into Kanato right when I am about to grab something from the kitchen. The creepy little boy is clutching his teddy bear as usual and standing just below the staircase, off to the side as if waiting for someone.
"Good evening, Yui..." he greets me with an unnerving smile, setting off alarm bells in my head.
"...Hi, Kanato-san, I was just going to get something in the kitchen and then go meet up with Reiji outside." I clutch my shoulder bag closely. I don't trust any of them to leave my things with.
"Please, don't be so formal. Just Kanato, alright?" he blinks in mild surprise then tilts his head to the side to give me one of his innocent stares. His fan girls fall for it every time, but not I!
Plus, I haven't completely recovered from the fact that he almost trapped me inside his room yesterday when I delivered the letter to him. Also, I just found out that all the telephones in this mansion are either broken or someone purposely made it so I can't communicate outside.
"I'm thirsty..." he suddenly blurts out, taking a few steps towards me. I gulp as he looks down at his teddy bear and I take a few steps backwards. "Teddy is thirsty as well."
"Uh... how about I make you some watermelon milkshake? They're very sweet." I try to divert his attention from my blood. There's no way I'm going to let any of them suck my blood after the bathroom incident with Shū. "Also, watermelon shakes go well with red velvet cupcakes! I'll go grab them in the kitchen."
I skedaddle out of there as I rush to the kitchen, feeling his skeptical stare after me.
I quickly grab a bowl full of cubed watermelons from the refrigerator before setting up the blender. I put ten ice cubes and crush them before blending everything in the blender. I add two full cups of milk and about six tablespoons of sugar, since Kanato is very fond of sweet things after I witnessed him eat more than seven plates of cake. I blend them into a puree and after that; I pour the contents in a glass, almost filling it to the brim. Since I made too much, I pour the rest in a glass pitcher and refrigerate it.
I close the refrigerator and grab a red velvet cupcake from inside a box full of them bought fresh from the local bakery. I smile as I remember Reiji taking me there yesterday after grocery shopping.
I grab a few tissues as well before rushing out and giving them to Kanato, patiently waiting for me.
"Here, no need to thank me." he stares at the glass of watermelon milkshake and the cupcake in my hands. "I'm sorry, but I feel a little faint... I'm currently low on blood... maybe next time?"
PleaseacceptitpleaseacceptitpleaseacceptitpleaseacceptitI'mbeggingyoupleaseacceptit.
"...Hmm." he decides to accept them, giving me a tiny smile.
Holy mackerel―he can actually smile like a human being! A tiny and shy innocent smile a small child would give someone after receiving sweet treats. Whew! I'm saved!
"I do love sweet things..." he murmurs, giving me a long and intense stare.
"Right... well, we should get going." I shy away from his gaze. Good Lord! This kid needs help!
I did not miss the mischievous smirk he gave me before I turn away and walk out the doors. Hopefully, I will manage to survive and come out unscathed.
( -_-)旦~
School ended without a hitch and I successfully delivered all the letters to the girls. Now, I'll just have to wait and see for their replies, if there is any... just my luck that the limousine broke down and I have to walk home.
I watch the messenger bat fly into the dark skies, the full moon shining brightly accompanied by shimmering stars scattered across the night sky. I sigh as I look down at my hands, clutching a portfolio full of music sheets. The orchestra teacher wanted me to learn several pieces when he accidentally overheard me play the piano in the music room. Even though I'm already in choir, he said he'll let me join his class once in a while to observe the other students play their instruments.
"But I'm not even a professional piano player... besides, I only know how to play because someone taught me..." I decide to head straight home.
I push the doors open and jump down the steps. I made it out of the school property and to the sidewalk. I stare up at the tall buildings and skyscrapers in the distance, numerous lights twinkling. I watch as cars, taxis, and buses pass by. Unfortunately, I don't have any money since I forgot to bring my wallet with me.
"I guess I'll just walk home..." I recently found a nice shortcut that I can take... but it's a dark and long alleyway that takes just fifteen minutes to reach home. But I have to walk through a forestry and wooded area if I want to reach the mansion, which is a definite no when it's late at night. Who knows what or who I'll encounter in the dark alleys and the woods at night?
I was about to walk home when I spot Laito―of all people―standing just several meters away from me, facing the streets. He stands under one of the cherry trees, looking up into the skies. I hear him speaking in English, as if reciting one of those Shakespearean sonnets.
I just casually ignore him, walking to the direction of the mansion. I was about to walk past him when I hear him speak louder in an alluring voice.
"My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite." I notice he's staring up at the full moon, sporting a gentle and longing expression, his cheeks flushed pink.
Alright... he's reciting Shakespeare... that reminds me, I have a reading assignment due tomorrow. I have to read two acts and prepare for a quiz and a discussion for English. Ugh...
"Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow..." he sighs then adds, "...right, little bitch?"
I freeze in my tracks, hearing him clearly address me as I sense a presence behind me. I am too shock to even react at the pair of arms wrapping around my waist and the soft caress of his lips across my earlobe.
"Do not swear by the moon, for she changes constantly. then your love would also change." he whispers into my left ear.
Well, obviously... the moon has different phases and it waxes and wanes... but that's beside the point!
"Uh... I overheard you reciting some quotes..." I sweat drop. It would have been romantic, but since this is Laito I'm talking about... not so much. "So, uh... please let go of me?"
"Why would I?" he chuckles, tightening his hold around me. "You heard the confessions of a man under the full moon. Besides, I'm feeling quite thirsty..." he places a light kiss on the crook of my neck, pushing aside the neckline of my blouse and blazer. "Perhaps it's because of the full moon?"
NONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONO! NOT TONIGHT!
"I'm sorry, but... I don't feel too well!" I pry his hands off from around me and break away from his hold. "I'm going home."
"Hold on just a minute, little bitch. We're not done yet." he grabs my wrist, pulling me back to him.
"Not out in public! Laito, please let go!" I panic in fear of any bystanders. I prepare myself for a painful ordeal when Laito suddenly loosens his hold and drops his hands to his sides.
I follow his gaze up into a large screen plastered on one of the buildings nearby. A female newscaster talks about a certain politician with the name of Tōgo Sakamaki.
"Who is that?" I stare at the unfamiliar man displayed on the screen.
"Tōgo Sakamaki, a very renowned politician as well as a prominent philanthropist and..." he trails off, staring intently at the screen, "...our dearly beloved father." his voice dripping with scorn at mentioning the name. "To me, he's merely the object of my hatred."
So he's their father? The one Reiji speaks with such contempt...?
I continue to stare at the unfamiliar man on the screen, my fuchsia eyes glued to his masculine and handsome features... suddenly, something throbs in my heart and I feel my lips forming the words...
"Karl Heinz..."
It's as if I've known the man before... but I can't recall clearly nor do I even understand what I'm thinking or saying.
I see Laito whip his head towards me, face full of unmasked surprise.
"H-huh? Did I say something?" I feel something pull me back to reality and I shut my eyes close at the oncoming headache. What was that...?
"Just... who are you?" I blink my eyes open to see Laito grasping me by the arm, staring intently at my face. "...Never mind. You look like you're about to faint."
Is that genuine concern I see on his face?
"I'm fine... I just had a stupid flashback." I answer, steadying myself.
He raises a brow at me, "You're just full of surprises, aren't you, little bitch?"
I frown at the nickname, giving him a serious stare. "Please stop calling me that, especially out in public. I have a name you know."
"...Alright, Yui." my eyes widen at his charming grin, taking a hold of my hands. "I'll call you that whenever we're out in public, but no promises at home."
Did he just... called me by my name? Hell must be freezing over!
"Anyway, uh... I really need to sit down." I put a hand to my temple as another wave of pain hits my frontal lobe.
"I know of a great place!" Laito suddenly perks up. "It's a nice café I like to visit, they have the best macarons!" I observe his features shift into that of an excited child. He must really love macarons, huh?
"Okay, sounds good... as long as they have some hot tea and delicious macarons." I offer him a genuine smile. In return, Laito gives me a grin before pulling me into the direction of the café.
At least I get to enjoy these very rare moments.
( ・^・)？
As Laito and I enter the café, we are greeted by a chorus of welcomes. I look around the nice establishment, taking note of the beige colored walls with pictures and paintings of famous landmarks worldwide. The seats have cream colored cushions as well as the booths. A medium-sized crystal chandelier hangs on the light blue ceiling and I look down at the floral designs of the linoleum covering the floor. I can hear All 4 One's instrumental version of I Swear playing in the speakers and I wonder if we're really in Japan...
I look around amongst the few customers. The lady at the cashier seems to perk up when she sees us, or more specifically, Laito.
"Good evening, Laito! It's been a while since you've last visited us..." she greets him with a smile and Laito gives her one of his charming grins that would make all the girls swoon, except for me. It's very effective and the woman blushes before directing her curious gaze to me. "Oh... who's this... young woman?"
"She's my love―" I cut him off before he can finish that sentence.
"We're just acquaintances from school!" I reply, shooting the playboy a glare.
"I see..." she narrows her eyes before giving us a welcoming smile. "Anyway, what can I get you two?"
"Uh..." I look at all of the variety of food, drinks, and pastries displayed on the menu. "What do you want?" I turn to my companion.
"We'll have two of each flavor of all the macarons you have." Laito says.
"Okay, what do you guys want for drinks?" the woman pushes a few buttons on the cash register.
Laito gestures for me to order first and I nod. "I'll just have blueberry tea."
"Then I'll have almond toffee crunch."
"Got it! Your order will be up in just a few moments!" she gushes out.
"Sorry... I didn't bring any money with me..." I turn to Laito.
"It's fine..." he pulls out his wallet. "I'll pay for both of us." he flashes me a grin.
Feeling guilty, I sigh. "...Alright... but I'll pay you back next time."
"With your body." he smirks.
...
...
...
"Anything but that!" I am so close to ripping that fedora off atop his head and throwing it across the room like a discus.
Even the woman widens her eyes in shock at Laito's words and I ignore the customers' stares.
"Ufufufufu~ How cute! Looks like Laito finally found someone worth keeping." I turn my head to a man emerging from the doors behind the counter. "And she's quite adorable to boot!" he gives me a wink.
"Manager! I thought you were taking a break!" the cashier lady gasps, clutching her chest.
"Oh, I was... until I heard the commotion... and look what I found!" he gestures to Laito and I.
"We're not together, sir... it's all just a misunderstanding." I try to convince the man looking between us.
"Uh-huh... try telling that to him, honey! You two look just as good as a young couple!" he gushes out, eyes turning into stars.
Oh, heck no! Not a chance!
"Of course, I love her very much." Laito smiles, snaking an arm around my waist and pulling me closer to him.
Ugh... not you too!
The cashier lady gasps and even the manager widens his eyes, putting a hand to his heart.
"No way!" the woman gives us a disbelieving stare.
"My goodness! Satan must be freezing in hell right now!" the manager sighs dramatically then turns to give me a playful smile. "You must be one hell of a girl to capture this playboy's fickle heart! You have no idea how many girls and women fall and trip all over him, captivated by his charms and promiscuous ways... but you must be special!"
"W-what...?" is he serious?
"Of course, she's very special to me. You'll be seeing a lot of us together from now on..." he smirks down at me and I resist the urge to wipe that devious smirk off from his face.
"Um, no. We were never together in the first place, Laito." then I turn to the manager. "Please excuse him. He's just joking."
"So you guys are not dating?" the woman asks inquisitively.
"No, we're not dating." I give Laito a glare before he can answer.
"That's too bad... I thought he finally found someone. Oh, well..." the manager sounds very disappointed and I stare at him in disbelief.
Does he really think Laito and I are a couple? That's never going to happen!
"Anyway... call me out if something juicy happens." the manager winks at his employee before disappearing through the doors leading to the kitchen.
"Sorry about that... he can get a little too carried away sometimes... anyway, please have a seat." she smiles at us before Laito and I grab a seat.
We decide to sit on one of the booths near the back, hiding from curious and prying eyes. The wall behind me serves to block the lingering stares of customers and staff. However, I'm alone with Laito and... I'm not very comfortable with that idea.
A waitress with flowing locks of gold appears with our drinks. She carefully sets them down on our table, but not before winking and blowing a kiss at Laito.
"Hey, Laito~ Glad to have you here with us tonight..." she giggles then turns to me, "Good evening, Miss." then she sashays back to her post, purposely swaying her hips. Of course, Laito stares after her like a pervert.
"How many girls have you screw―went out with?" I take a small sip of my hot blueberry tea, the sweet taste lingering on my tongue.
Laito stirs his coffee with a teaspoon before grabbing two tiny packets of sugar, dumping them in his ceramic mug. "Too many to count, my dear~ should I start in alphabetical order?"
"Oh my gosh..." I gape before going back to my tea. "I don't know if I should be worried if you have STDs or not..."
"Of course not. I always make sure with every woman I slept with." Laito scoffs, dumping cream into his steaming coffee. "By the way, how's your tea? You could've gotten something better to drink. This place has one of the best coffees I've ever had."
"No thanks... I like my tea." I smile, taking another sip. "Also, just to be clear... this is not a date."
"Why not?" he gives me a teasing smirk, stirring his steaming mug with a teaspoon. "Even the manager thinks we're lovers~"
"That's because you told them that you... l-l-love... me." I sigh, trying not to feel embarrassed.
Laito chuckles, leaning his cheek against his palm, "That's because I love you, Yui..."
...
...
...
I continue to stare blankly at my tea. The way he said those three words... it's as if they were nothing. It's as if those three words have no meaning at all. I mean, how can anyone say those words so easily? It may sound romantic to other girls, but... I raise my head to return his stare.
He sits in a rather haughty and dignified manner. He continues to stare at me, a smirk across his smug features. Those three words sound very hollow and I find it uncomfortable.
"...No, you don't." I reply as I lean back on my seat, giving him a placid stare. "You don't love me; you want to have sex with me."
"What's the difference? Don't all women swoon whenever men say those three words to them?" Laito shrugs and I finally realize and understand. Even though he maintains that ditzy and air-headed attitude, but a playboy like him... he's quite cunning underneath all that façade. It scares me just how manipulative and sly he can be.
"See?" I sigh tiredly, "You don't love me at all. What you feel towards me is lust. You might like me... to an extent. But your feelings are not sincere, Laito."
"Who said my feelings are not real? I can say those three words all over again... just like to all the ladies I've been with." he smirks darkly.
I shake my head, giving him a disapproving look. "You don't understand. There's a very clear difference between love and infatuation. Love and like are not the same."
"Love, huh?" he drops his smirk and instead dons a pensive expression, as if mulling over the word. Then he wipes the expression from his face, chuckling darkly to himself. He raises his head to give me one of his lustful stares of deprived hunger. "You are so naive and innocent, Yui. But that's what I like about you..."
"What?" I narrow my eyes.
"There's no such thing as love in this world. Such concept doesn't exist." he gives me a bitter smile. "You're a fool for believing that there's something what you humans call as... love."
"...I may not believe in true love, soul mates and fate and destiny and all that mushy stuff, but..." I look away from him, focusing my gaze at a picture of the Eiffel Tower on one of the frames. "I know that love exists. They come in many different forms. I don't understand love at all, I find it very complicated and tricky... it's something I don't like to dwell on... but I do believe that it exists. It's a very powerful emotion, thus... it can also be dangerous at the same time."
He didn't answer, continuing to gaze at me with such a serious and contemplative expression. And that's when I realize that this person―vampire does not know what love is.
"That's... just sad." I mutter as a sudden epiphany struck me like a lightning bolt. "You've never known or even experienced unconditional love before... or even familial love..." I stare at him.
Just how messed up are these brothers? I've been questioning their sanity and behaviors since the beginning, but this is just... I pity them.
He gives me a questioning stare when a voice suddenly interrupts my thoughts.
"Here's your order!" the cheery waitress from before sets down a huge plate filled with colorful macarons. "Enjoy~"
"Thanks..." I mutter as I watch her walk away from our table.
The macarons look very delicious as I grab a blue one. "Is this blueberry?"
"They have a variety of flavors. You should try them all." he smiles languidly, leaning his cheek on his palm while gazing at me.
"It's... amazing." I finish my macaron before grabbing a pink one. Laito nods as he takes a sip of his coffee. I feel a little uncomfortable under his scrutinizing stare.
"...You're an interesting one, Yui. I've never met a girl like you before..." he sighs, lazily stirring his mug. "Someone stubborn and strong-willed and defiant as you... honestly, it's very attractive." he shoots me a smirk.
"Uh-huh... keep telling yourself that, Laito. Your flattery needs some work." I roll my eyes at his words. "Your sweet talk may have an effect on other girls out there, but to me; it's nothing but empty words."
"You're different all right... but I wonder..." he suddenly drops his smirk, giving me a smoldering stare. "How long will you last compared to the other brides?"
His words send a shiver down my spine that I choke on my strawberry-flavored macaron.
"There, there..." he croons, handing me a tissue. "Don't die on me now, Yui. I look forward to our fated meetings in the future. I'd like to see where this goes..."
I drink down the macarons with my tea, averting my eyes elsewhere. The rest of the night passed by in a blur as we made conversations with macarons and coffee and tea. Then I asked him a question regarding him and the other brothers. I found out that Shū and Reiji share the same mother, while the triplets share a different mother from the two. Subaru is the only child from yet another different mother.
I didn't even remember when we finally returned home. The moment I entered my room and locked the door, I immediately find myself in dreamland when my head touched the pillow.
（ﾉ´ д｀）'
I trudge out of my English classroom, feeling happy and relieved after the quiz and discussion. "That was nerve-wracking... at least the teacher didn't pick on me."
I hate discussions, especially if it's the entire class. There will always be those who never shut their mouths and those who never speak or stay silent until the teacher picks on them. I, on the other hand, am more in the middle. I don't like talking much, but sometimes I feel the need to share my thoughts and opinions... sometimes.
I didn't pay attention to my surroundings, since I'm too busy looking through the music sheets. I bump into someone in accident and I raise my head to apologize.
"I'm sorry―" I start, but the girl did not acknowledge me, instead she turns away, rushing past me. "Isn't that the girl who asked me to give her letter to Shū-san...?"
But why did she looked so startled and ran away from me?
I shrug it off, ever since I gave them the brothers' replies, the girls have not approached nor talked to me at all. That is until...
"Uh... Komori-san...?" the familiar voice snaps me out of my reverie and I blankly stare at the second year in front of me. I must have been so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even notice when she approached me nor called out my name.
"Y-yes...?" I blink in confusion at the blonde-haired and lilac-eyed girl in front of me. She looks nervous, wringing the hem of her blouse while frowning. "Ah, senpai... sorry, I was lost in my thoughts..."
"Anyway, can you meet me at the local bakery later after school? I mean, it's fine if you don't want to... but..." she trails off, looking ready to cry.
I straighten up in alarm at her teary-eyed expression. "Sure, I'll meet you there! Then can you wait for me outside the school gates once school is over?"
"T-thank you so much, Komori-san! I just... I-I really need someone to talk to." she sighs, nodding at me.
"No problem... besides, I've always wanted to try out their pastries." I grin, trying to lift her spirits up. I did not mention the fact that Reiji took me there two days ago.
"Okay, thank you... I'll meet you outside the school gates!" with that, she gives me a farewell before walking off in the opposite direction.
Now I'll just have to make an excuse to Reiji that I'll be staying out late tonight... hopefully everything will be alright.
(シ-_ -)シ
It must have been a miracle that Reiji gave me permission to meet up with a "friend" and stay out late tonight. However, he forcefully saved his number in my contacts list, making sure he can stay in touch with me in case I try to do something stupid. Psh, as if I'll do something dumb... but no promises.
The pretty second year and I took the bus to the bakery. Now, I currently find myself sitting across from her on our table, sipping mint tea and savoring my blueberry and strawberry tarts and green tea cake.
"So, uh... I'm curious about Reiji-san's reply to your confession." I start, trying to break the awkward silence.
She has not touched her boba milk tea, staring blankly at the checkered table.
It seems like I hit a nerve as she stiffens at the mention of Reiji's name and her confession. "I don't mean to pry or anything... you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
"N-no... it's fine. Actually, that's what I want to tell you anyway..." she sighs. "I want to share it with someone I can trust... and besides, you're close with him anyway."
"Trust?" I raise an eyebrow. Someone like her... trust me? "How can you easily trust someone like me you've never really known. We're not close and we don't have any classes together. We're not friends and this is the first time someone asked me to hang out after school."
"...You've never hang out with anyone outside?" she gives me a surprised stare.
I shrug at her response, calmly sipping my tea. "I was raised by the church back in my hometown. I went to a private and strict Catholic school and everyone who went to my school were either rich snobs or people who don't want to associate with an orphan like me." Wait, why am I telling her my back story? This is no time to have emo flashbacks!
"You're an orphan?" she asks. "Wait... so you're telling me that you don't have or you don't know your real parents?"
"I don't know my real parents... and I just found out that the person who raised me isn't my real father. I've always wondered about that when I was young... every time I ask him who or where my mother is, he would always tell me she died after she gave birth to me. In the end, I have no recollection or any idea who are my biological parents. I just recently found out that I'm adopted."
"...I didn't know that..." she stares at me wide-eyed.
"Well, it's nothing personal, to me anyway... I'm just glad that the church accepted an orphan like me. At least they decided to raise me into the person I am now." I sip my mint tea, averting her searching gaze.
"...I trust you, Komori-san." she gives me a smile.
"What? Why? How?" I stare at her in surprise, nearly spitting out my drink and dropping my mug.
"You told me about yourself for the first time. You didn't care what I think about you or whether you're an orphan or not... I trust you." she continues to smile. "That's what makes you unique from the other girls I've met. You're not a shallow individual who has no dignity or shame... setting you aside from other girls I've had the misfortune to be acquainted with."
Her speech patterns have changed and I stare at her in wariness. She's definitely different and her gloomy and depressed attitude from earlier vanished. Oh, well... as long as she's not sad anymore.
"I see... I'm flattered then... to have earned the trust of someone like you, senpai." I grace her with a genuine smile.
"You're making me blush. I'm nobody special, but I do want to confide in you..." she smiles, drinking her milk tea.
"What about it? Is it about your confession?"
"Yes, unfortunately... Reiji-san rejected me." she flatly states, giving me a deadpan stare.
"..." I didn't answer, since I have no words to tell her.
"He was so blunt and straightforward to the point where I thought he hates me. His words were cruel, but honest... I like that about him, even though he clearly told me he has no interest in me whatsoever..." she leans against her palms, staring off into space.
"Reiji-san is very frank and honest... his words may sound polite, but it has a biting edge. I don't blame you for feeling crushed afterwards." I sigh. Obviously, only Reiji can do that with his snarky and sassy attitude.
"It hurts... a lot. I was prepared for his rejection, but..." she leans back, directing her gaze back to me. "He even gave back my letter after he rejected me... and told me there's no use in writing back when he was going to say no to me in the first place."
"...I'm sorry, I don't really know what else to say. I'm sure you don't want my pity or comfort." I smile wryly.
"Thanks... I'll get over it eventually, but I really did like him... a lot."
"Hey, you're strong for having the courage not to cry. Heck, you didn't even cry in front of me earlier or when Reiji rejected you. You looked like you were about to spit out a tear-jerking eulogy at a loved one's funeral... but anyway, I admire your resilience." I give her a comforting smile. "Plus, I'm not trying to sound cliché, but there's plenty of fish in the sea."
"Haha! You're right!" she bursts out a loud laugh. "Thanks for listening to my stupid teenage girl worries, Komori-san. I'm so sick and tired of being an emo bitch, I'll eventually forget all of it sooner or later and move on. I'm glad you stuck around..." she grins.
"You're very welcome, senpai. If you need someone to cry on or listen for advice or just to hang out and talk about girly stuff like this... just seek me out. You can always find me in the nearest restaurant, bakery, cafeteria or any place that has food, I'll be there." I grin, wiping my mouth with a napkin.
"Anywhere that has food, huh? Alright, I'll keep that in mind." she chuckles. "Anyway, why don't we exchange numbers?"
At her response, I freeze in shock. Uh... Reiji specifically warned me not to give out my number to anyone but the Sakamakis. There will be punishments and consequences if I don't heed his words. He fears that I might communicate for help or risk someone outside the family knowing my predicament.
"Uh... about that, I'm sorry, but... someone broke and crushed my cell phone." I reply. "I didn't get the chance to buy a new one or have the money to..."
Pleasebelievemepleasebelievemedon'taskaboutitanymorepleasebelievemeomgdon'taskanymorequestions.
"Oh... okay, that's too bad." she sighs. "Well, I guess I'll just seek you out in person then. We can always hang out together during lunch breaks."
"That would be great!" I nearly jump in happiness at her offer. Being stuck with six sadistic vampires for more than a week has taken its toll on me.
And so, we continue to chat and share stories with each other for hours. I lost track of time as I stare up into the night skies and the half-moon above. I'm so happy to finally find a good female friend to talk to and spend time with. Although... Laito's words from last night are still fresh on my mind.
This chapter... ugh... I wrote in a rush once again. My brain is not cooperating with me... but anyway, the fourth chapter is here!
Thanks to all my readers as well! Thank you for all the favs, follows and reviews so far!