Thanks for the reviews so far! Here's chapter 4, where things start to really pick up...

It's almost seven o'clock, and I can't even begin to say how nervous I am. At the rate the butterflies in my stomach are fluttering, I'll be lucky if I can eat anything at dinner.

I'm going on a date with Takuma. A double date, actually, he explained yesterday at lunch; we're going with two of his classmates: Senri Shiki and Rima Toya. I only hope my stomach doesn't do its usual swooshy thing around them, like it does around the rest of the Night Class.

I don't know what to think about Shiki and Toya. I know they're both models, and I know that Shiki is Takuma's roommate. Since I don't watch the Night Class that often, I can't say I know very much about either of them.

The winter-bared tree branches creak in the wind. I snuggle my nose down into my scarf to keep it from being numb as I wait.

"Good evening, Hikari-chan," comes a familiar voice from behind me, and there stands Takuma, a charming smile on his face. He gestures to the two bored-looking figures behind him. "This is Senri Shiki and Rima Toya."

"It's nice to meet you, Shiki-senpai, Toya-senpai," I say with a smile, bowing briefly to them in turn. Regardless of Takuma's earlier assertion that we're all in the same grade, I don't want to presume that they'd be okay with any degree of familiarity. "I guess you already know, but I'm Hikari Yagari."

Toya's face darkens for just a moment, but she nods in a very polite manner; Shiki takes a bored look in my direction, looks me down, and nods at me, as well. "Nice to meet you, Yagari-chan," Shiki says. He may always seem perennially bored, but the way he looks at me is more like he's studying me. I suppose if Etsuko were to begin dating someone, I'd want to get to know him or her, so I guess I can't blame him if he wants to do the same for Takuma.

Takuma offers his arm to me with a smile, and we set off for the trail that will take us around the lake. It'll probably take the better part of thirty minutes to reach town by foot, but it's the only way to sneak off campus without attracting attention. Technically, upperclassmen are allowed to leave campus so long as they're back before curfew, but I doubt we'll be back by eight.

Dead brown leaves crackle and crunch underfoot as we walk down the path. It's weird taking a guy's arm—I mean, it's adorable! But it's so old-fashioned. It's not the first time he's offered me his arm, either. I wonder if it's just a quirk of his or if he's trying to impress me more.

I'm a little afraid of speaking, as I don't want to make a bad impression on Takuma's friends. No doubt my position in the Day Class has already prompted them to form a less-than-reputable opinion of me. I imagine they think everyone in the Day Class is one of those shrieking fans like the ones who worship Idol-senpai.

"You seem so quiet," Takuma observes as we walk along the lakeside.

I shrug. "You can't blame me for being nervous on the first date I've been on in ages."

"Ages?"

I think back to the last time I was on a date. During the April of my sophomore year, Aoi Takahashi took me on a "date." That is, he saved some brownies from a care package his mother had sent him and we shared them while sitting by the lake in the afternoon sun. It was all right, as dates go, but it didn't take me long to realize that I didn't feel about him the same way he felt about me, so I awkwardly avoided him for the next month until he refused to speak to me again unless it was absolutely necessary. I still feel kind of bad about that, but I didn't know how to turn him down without hurting his feelings. (Not like I didn't hurt him by not saying anything.)

"A year and a half?" I finally hedge.

"I'd say you're overdue, then!" Takuma concludes, smiling.

"I've actually never been taken out somewhere on a date, either, having been at Cross Academy for the last three years," I continue. "So you could maybe even say this is my first real date. No pressure," I tease him.

"Then I shall strive to provide a memorable first experience. Should I tell you what I have planned, or just surprise you?"

"Surprise me," I tell him. Which kind of surprises me. "But yeah. I'm going to be judging you tonight, just so you know."

"Should I know the criteria on which you'll be judging me?"

"Didn't you get the rubric I made?"

He makes a tsking sound and feigns self-directed exasperation. "I knew I was forgetting something."

"That's a mark against, right there."

"Can I make up for it with extra credit?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"I thought you said to surprise you."

"Fair enough." I smile at him. He's very fun to talk to. I already knew this, but it's nice to experience it again. I turn my gaze back to the path, and to Shiki and Toya ahead of us. They're holding hands, and it's clearly a practiced thing between them. I wonder how long they've been going out. "Tell me about Shiki-senpai and Toya-senpai. I don't know anything about them."

Takuma mulls it over for a moment. "Shiki has been my roommate at Cross Academy since our first year here, and I've known him since we were little. He's my closest friend, next to Kaname. He's the one who got Toya into modeling. They've worked together for—a while, now, and they've been dating for even longer." He pauses. "What sorts of things do you want to know?"

I frown a bit. "They seemed a bit... underwhelmed when we met up just now. I don't want to make a bad impression, I guess."

That makes him nod in understanding. "They may not seem friendly at first, but they're all right. Don't worry. They'll like you," he says with a cheery smile. His open coat waves out behind him as a light breeze from the lake heads our way. His coat amuses me for some reason. It's a deep blue-gray, double-breasted, with a high collar and fastened with a low-hanging belt. It's obviously from a designer—probably everything he owns is, now that I think about it. I've never seen any clothes like his, nor have I seen him wear any clothes that didn't look tailored to fit him to a tee.

I say this like I've seen him wear much else besides his school uniform. I've only ever seen him wearing casual clothing twice, and this is the second time. But still.

We finally reach town and Takuma leads us to a small café. To my surprise, it's just an ordinary café, nothing too fancy. I half-expected a five-star restaurant, but I'm grateful, all the same. I didn't dress for anything better than this, and I certainly wouldn't have had the means to pay for it. Even though Takuma told me that he was paying for my meal, I would've liked to have enough money to be able to cover the cost, just in case.

Upon seeing Shiki, Toya, and Takuma, the hostess bumps us up in the queue and we're seated in just two minutes. Judging by the look on her face, and the fact that she didn't once look at me, I'm guessing it's because they're all so model-pretty—literally, in Shiki and Toya's case. The other patrons don't seem happy about this development. Perhaps it's not ethical, but I'm not really complaining.

The dim lighting, presumably to facilitate a more intimate mood, is soaked up by the creamy cardstock menus. Oh, they have salmon tartare! That sounds fun. Then again, so does the andouille gallette.

I set down my menu and look over at Takuma, who's still deciding. Toya, on the other hand, seems to have made her choice.

This is a double date. I ought to make an effort to talk to them a little, and it's only going to get more awkward the longer the silence stretches.

"Toya-senpai," I say a little timidly, trying to put on a brave front. "What classes are you and Shiki-senpai taking?"

Toya, looking a little bored with the entire ordeal, says calmly, "I expect they're similar to yours, only higher-level. Macroeconomics, calculus, engineering, biochemistry, Japanese literature. English foreign language."

My brows go up. "Engineering? Biochemistry? Those sound… very difficult!" I give a wide-eyed smile of admiration, but I fear I look too impressed.

"Not really," she says with a sigh. "The issue is more trying to stay awake in class. That's the hard part."

"I know," Shiki complains, setting down his menu. "The instructors are ridiculously boring. The least they could do would be to try to make things interesting."

"I'm just thankful that they even offer biochemistry," Takuma adds. "How many other academies offer it to their students?"

"They certainly don't offer it in the Day Class," I mumble, a little sheepishly. I knew it; they think we're all dumb. Not that I particularly want to study biochemistry; science has never been my forte. Come to think of it, I don't really have an area of expertise. I'm good at sprinting and long-distance running, and I suppose I've got good balance and hand-eye coordination, but academically, I'm not really drawn to a particular subject.

I suppose that could make a good enough conversation starter. "Biochemistry… that's so cool. I wish I could be good at something like that. What's your favorite subject?" I look at Shiki, this time, trying to keep the conversation flowing.

Shiki raises his hand to cover a lazy yawn, and pauses before finally saying, "Art class, I guess. It's all right."

"That's just because you don't have to work at it," Toya responds flatly. I'm noticing more and more that their demeanors are really condescending, though in a subtle way. It's as though they think that the entire world is just too boring for them, and they're deigning to put up with it, anyway. Or maybe it's just me they're looking down on. "My favorite is Japanese."

"I think Statistics might be my favorite," Takuma muses, propping his chin in his hand.

Toya and Shiki both smirk at that, and roll their eyes. They are a lot alike. "Predictable," Toya says with a languid smile.

"Must run in the family," Shiki drawls.

I frown in confusion, and look at Takuma for an explanation.

"She doesn't know," Toya scoffs, and she smirks again. "You didn't tell her, Takuma. I'm shocked."

"Appalled," Shiki echoes.

Takuma rolls his eyes. "Come on. It's not that important."

I frown. "What's not important?"

Toya's smile grows just a little smug. "His grandfather is the head of the Ichijo Group."

What.

The.

Heck.

I seriously want to disappear right now.

I had no idea he was related to that Ichijo! Takuma seems so kind, caring, and charming, and so easy to talk to. And while he may be rich, I wouldn't have expected him to be that rich. God, his family basically is the one percent! I must seem like an absolute moron!

I begin to wonder if Shiki and Toya aren't somehow related to rich and famous families, too.

Shiki gives an amused smile that holds a very patronizing edge. "Yes, that Ichijo Group," he says slowly.

Okay, Ichijo Group or no, Night Class or Three-o'clock-Slump Class, I'm fed up with Shiki and Toya. They're arrogant snobs and I'd really like to give them a piece of my mind, but I can't do that outright. Fine. I've got a thing or two up my sleeve; I'm not entirely dumb.

"Oh, yeah?" I say boldly. "Well, my grandfather repairs old clocks, so."

I take it back.

I am dumb. Completely.

I'm spending way too much time focusing on Toya and Shiki rather than on Takuma, who is the entire reason I'm here. I'd thought that my comment would be funny. It's the kind of thing I might say to Etsuko if she mentions something like being bored when traveling abroad. She always laughs afterwards.

Shiki and Toya both stare at me for several seconds before bursting into a fit of giggles. It's impossible to really tell by the sound of it if they're mocking me, snubbing me, or if they honestly think that I'm funny, but I'm not looking up from the table to see for myself. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that they're not laughing at the joke.

I hear Takuma's ringing laugh beside me, and I wish I'd had the sense to stay in the dorms and not go on this date. I really wish I could learn to keep a better reign on my temper. Maybe then I could save myself from "open mouth, insert foot" moments like this.

"Hikari-chan, you're cute." I hear the smile in Takuma's voice, and he doesn't sound at all arrogant. Nothing but good-natured amusement in his voice. I chance a look at him, only to see that he's smiling broadly at me, like he really found it funny—not me, but the joke. Which was the entire goal.

I feel myself blush a little and smile back. Maybe this isn't a total disaster, after all.

Dinner continues, and Shiki and Toya are a little friendlier. I catch a few derisive comments aimed at me and the Day Class, but I try to ignore them. If it weren't for my earlier outburst, I might have tried to argue back, but I really don't think it's worth the effort. After all, I probably won't end up building much of a friendship with either of them, at this rate.

After we leave the café, we split up into pairs—Shiki with Toya and Takuma with me. The plan is to meet back in front of the café by ten, which gives us a bit over an hour to do whatever we want in town.

I simply stand there under the awning of the café, Takuma by my side, as we watch Shiki and Toya go on their merry way. I hear him sigh. "I'm sorry about all that," he apologizes softly, but sincerely. "I should've known that they'd be rude, but I didn't want to think about it. I'll talk to Shiki when we get back to our room tonight."

I'm getting the idea that Takuma is one of those people who makes friends with everyone. Because he's genuinely nice to everyone, all kinds of people like him. So he's got friends who are complete jerks as well as friends who are actually decent people. Still, I wonder how he can be so nice while surrounded by people like that. At least his friends' poor manners aren't rubbing off on him.

"It's okay," I say. I only mean that I'll get over it; it really wasn't okay at all. I don't want to make him feel badly. However, I'd thought that if I got along with his friends, it might improve my chances with him. Guess that idea's shot down.

"No, it's not okay," he insists. I look back at him, and he's serious. "I hope I can make up for their behavior a little. What would you recommend?"

His green eyes are searching me with an earnestness that scares me a little. "It's not a big deal, Takuma-kun!"

He pauses to think for a few moments before smiling at me. "That rubric we talked about would really come in handy, now."

I have to smile at that, and he beams in response. "It's not like it was the first time, or the last. I'll be fine."

He's silent for several moments, but he then nods his head in one direction. "Let's go."

He holds out his arm for me once again, and I take it. "Where are we going?"

Now, he's smiling. "You'll see."

Takuma leads me through crowds of people, around and past shops of all different shapes and sizes. Finally, he stops before one of the shops along the main drag and opens the door for me. Inside, illumined by dim electric chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, sit shelves upon shelves of books.

It's an independent bookstore. I can't remember the last time I was at a bookstore that wasn't a chain of some sort. It's old, has positively ancient woodwork and old furnishings, smells musty, and is generally amazing. The scents of old book and wood polish permeate the air. All sorts of books of every size, shape, and genre, line shelves along walls, under the staircase, on the staircase. Sideways, upright, leaning against each other drunkenly—books old and new, crisp and clean or well-loved.

I'm not entirely convinced this isn't heaven.

Seeing my expression (no doubt, glowing could describe it), Takuma chuckles and places his hand gently around my shoulders, guiding me forward. "Come on."

He steers me around the shelves, but I'm not even paying attention to him anymore. Currently, I'm flipping through the pages of a novel by one of my favorite authors, subtracting its cost from my pocket money. I don't really have much, and I probably won't get any more before the end of the year, so I can't overspend. It is a little expensive, but I love this author! I really need to buy it!

Maybe I should wait to find a paperback version. That would undoubtedly be cheaper. If I don't buy anything else for the next three months, I could make my remaining money last, maybe.

No. I really shouldn't. What if an emergency comes up? I don't have a lot of money and I should save what I have. There's been talk of Dad's company laying people off, so… I'm not sure how much pocket money I can count on getting. I ought to save what I have for college, at least.

"Wow, that didn't take long," Takuma remarks with a quick chuckle, and I quickly close the book before sighing and reluctantly putting it back on the shelf. "Getting something else, then, huh?"

I shrug noncommittally. "I might go back to it later," I tell him. "You might want to go find whatever you want to get. If you follow me, you'll probably get bored."

He grins in understanding. He knows precisely what I'm talking about. "I get really distracted when I'm shopping for books, too," he admits. "Meet you at the front in fifteen minutes?"

"Sounds good."

I turn back to the shelf I'm at, then slowly meander to the left, my eyes scanning the shelves for any and all titles that catch my eye. I know that this will be yet another disappointment, not being able to buy anything, but Takuma's intentions are good, and it's been so long since I've been in a bookstore that it feels good to be here, regardless. After perusing some novels and several manga volumes, I head over to a shelf full of older books, which I discover are for sale at astronomical prices. Still, I can't help but be in awe of them. The gorgeous illustrations, the pressed leather and canvas covers… and they're so aromatic.

Yes, I love the smell of old book.

The minutes pass slowly. This is so depressing. Why can't I just have a little money? Manga isn't all that expensive. I mean, really, just one wouldn't be terrible, would it?

But I should be good.

I suppose I'm being ungrateful. I've got a roof over my head; I'm at an excellent school getting a great education; I've got dry, clean, whole clothes on my back, and enough belongings to be comfortable. When I look at that, I seem like a brat to be so sad over the inability to buy a few frivolities.

Even so, I can't help but want them.

I sigh and walk towards the front of the store to meet back with Takuma, both relieved and sad to be leaving. I know I can't stay much later, anyway—the store is closing soon.

There he is, leaning against the door like a male model. The more I get to know him, the more I realize that Takuma is so far out of my league, it isn't even funny. Note to self: enjoy our time together, but don't get too attached.

He smiles at me and holds the door open for me. He's such a gentleman; it's so cute.

"No books for you?" he asks as I take his arm once again.

I shake my head. "Not this time."

"Didn't find anything good?"

I shrug noncommittally. "Not really."

His eyes focus on me and he frowns. "Really? What about that first book you found?"

"I can probably find it in the library." That isn't wrong. At least, I hope not.

"Fair enough. You're still reading Silver Spoon, right? What book are you up to, now?"

"Just finished book five," I say. "I'm at the mercy of the library's hold list. Book six has been out for a solid month."

He shakes his head. "You should've said something. I'd have gotten it for you."

Without meaning to, I smile. He's so sweet. "I don't want to seem like I expect anything from you."

His answering smile is soft. "I appreciate that. But I definitely understand the struggle of wanting to read more. Next time, let me know."

Next time! I grin and return my gaze to the road. I might be able to claim plausible deniability if I let myself walk a little closer to him, bumping my shoulder into his as we continue down the street.

Yellow lights in windows gleam here and there, letting a golden glow onto the cobbled streets and sidewalks. Hardly any of the shops are open anymore. It must be getting late, but it's nice to just meander and chat. I shiver in the chill wind, and Takuma glances over. "Where's your jacket?"

That's when I realize it. "Oh, darn it, I must've left it back in the café!" I say in a disappointed tone. I hate it when I do that. "I guess we'll have to go back and get it."

"It's no big deal," Takuma says cheerfully. "It's only a short walk." He wraps one arm around my shoulders and draws me close. His hand rubs up and down my arm. It doesn't do much for my body temperature overall, but the gesture does make my face heat up a bit. I tell myself that the sense of security I feel is just a result of my imagination running wild.

We make our way to the café, and he heads inside to retrieve the coat while I wait out front. The crowds are significantly thinner; there are hardly any pedestrians in sight anymore.

I look around the side of the café building, down the alley. On the side of the stone building next to it is an old painted advertisement for a mill company. Wonder what it sold?

I've got nothing better to do, and it's right next door, so I slip into the alley entrance, staying close to the main road.

I hear a sound behind me and turn. There's nothing there, but the alley is a little dark, so it's hard to tell. It's probably just a stray cat or something. There's a small part of me that wonders if it's wise to be in a dark alley, but I'm so close to the street that I'm not too concerned. I'm just being jumpy, that's all.

I return my attention to the old advertisement. I can't make out all the words in the faded paint—not with the light this dim, anyway. I think I see the word "flour," but it's hard to read. I'm not sure.

There it is again! It's the sound of a soft footstep on the ancient cobblestone pavement. The hair on the back of my neck prickles, and I look back toward the street. It's not exactly lit up, but it's better than down that alley.

A shiver runs up my spine and I get a niggling sensation at the back of my mind telling me to get away, get out, run away—now, now, now.

Cold—

Tight—

Someone's hand is around my throat from behind, and another arm is anchoring my body against theirs. How did this happen? Stupid, stupid, stupid! I shouldn't have gone into the alley. Takuma, where are you?

And now, I can't even scream! I can't do anything. I hate being helpless—hate, hate, hate it! Why can't I just keep my head out of the clouds for five minutes, enough to—

Okay, calm down, Hikari. First, figure out this guy's intentions. Is he trying to mug me, kidnap me, what?

I hear a hissing voice in my ear. "No one warned you about dark alleyways?" Something wet and disgusting leaves a slimy trail against my neck, and I realize it's the man's tongue. Oh, geez—oh, god…

I'm trying so hard not to freak out right now. It's not working very well, because I'm hyperventilating.

Come on, Hikari! You've got legs—use them!

I kick backwards, and the man grunts; it's only enough for him to just loosen his grip, and I start to squirm and kick in his grasp. He's distracted, now, which may give me enough time to draw someone's attention, or maybe Takuma's out of the café by now.

The sound of voices makes my captor freeze for a moment.

"…seen Hikari-chan?"

"I don't know. I thought she was with you."

"We haven't seen her."

It's Takuma, Shiki, and Toya! The man growls low in his throat (what the heck?) and slowly backs us into the shadows. They haven't seen us yet. How can I get their attention? They're so close by! The man's hand is still over my mouth, so I can't make a lot of noise, but maybe I can—

Ew, gross…

Okay, this is no time to think about what's gross. Do it.

I bite down on the man's hand, and he growls. I catch the words "stupid humans" as he mutters darkly to himself. My eyes are searching frantically for something to help me, and the man's arm tightens around my waist while the other presses down harder over my mouth. I feel myself being carried. The rough stone wall presses into my front, and he leans over me from behind, pinning me. What's he trying to do!?

No! Please, this can't be happening! Please…

IS HE BITING ME?

A very sudden and very loud pain pinches at my neck and I feel his lips clamp down on my skin to suck at the bite marks.

Vampire.

Before I can think about it any further, the vampire jerks violently. His teeth are yanked out of my neck (not without a significant amount of pain) and I hear him choke and gasp for a moment before he lets go. I fall into the circle of someone's arm as an explosion of blood turns everything dark and black. There's a wet-sounding squelch and a loud cracking sound. Then, my attacker is nothing but dust.

I don't even dare to breathe. I realize I'm shaking. After a moment, I inhale sharply. The metallic scent of blood and sand is sucked in through my nose, accompanied by a spicy-sweet smell. Takuma.

Takuma rescued me.

My head turns to look at his expression. His eyes, cold with rage, are glowing a bright, luminous red. I don't even care. All I can do is clutch at his shirt and bury my face in his chest.

It takes a few seconds, but his arms wrap around me tightly. "It's all right, Hikari-chan," he whispers against the top of my head. "It's all right."

"Is this kind of thing going to happen every time we see each other?" I mumble. Guess someone biting me is all it takes for my memory to return these days.

His chest shudders with a dry, breathy chuckle. "Some first date, huh?"

"What happened?"

"A Level E vampire attacked you."

"What's Level E?"

"Insane vampires driven only by hunger. They attack indiscriminately."

Well, that explains that, I guess.

I hear footsteps in the alley and Takuma's grip on me shifts to where his left arm keeps me close, but we can both see Toya and Shiki approaching. Toya's eyes are a little wide. She holds out my coat, which Takuma takes. He wraps it around me and then resumes holding me. "Thank you, Toya-senpai," I say quietly.

She nods, but looks troubled. "This whole place reeks with blood."

Shiki grunts in agreement. "You'd better get her out of here soon or more will come. Did you have to make such a mess?"

"If I'd known I would have to fight off Level Es, I'd have brought my sword," Takuma retorts drily. He looks down at himself. "What a shame. I liked this coat."

I turn to see what he's talking about, and see (how did I miss this earlier?) he's drenched in blood. His entire right arm is dark, and his front is mostly covered. Even his face and hair are red and splattered. I look down at myself. I'm not much better. My shirt collar is now soaked with red, and I imagine I look much the same beneath my coat.

"We can't walk back through town like this," I blurt out, as though that's not occurred to anyone yet. "Do we call a taxi?"

"I'll call the headmaster," Takuma says as he pulls a cell phone from his pocket. "You two can walk back. There's no need for you to get in trouble, too."

Toya nods. "See you back at the dorm." She turns to me with an expression almost like pity. "Hope you feel better, Yagari-chan." Shiki nods at me, too, before they leave the alley to head back to the academy.

Takuma's phone is already at his ear. I'm so close, I can hear the ringing on the other end faintly, and then a click as someone picks up. "Kaien Cross."

"Headmaster, this is Takuma Ichijo. I need a car sent to town immediately. I'm afraid there's been an incident."

"What happened?"

"A Level E attacked one of the Day Class students. It's been sorted out, but we need to get back to campus as quickly and discreetly as possible."

I hear Headmaster Cross swear softly on the other end. "Those rules are put in place for a reason. Yes, of course. I'll come straight away. Where are you?"

"In the alley by the French café on Grant Street."

"I'll be there in five minutes."

"Thank you."

Takuma ends the call and pockets his phone. He looks at me, comes to some kind of decision, and slowly begins to sit, guiding me down with him. The sandy remains of my attacker provide a soft cushion for us. Guess he's good for something, now.

I should probably be concerned about sitting on a vampire corpse, shouldn't I? Somehow, I can't bring myself to care.

"Are you going to be okay?" he asks. I see his eyes are still glowing faintly red and I frown.

"Are you?" Not that I'm afraid he's going to attack me, but I also don't want to tempt fate anymore than I've already done tonight.

"Would you like me to go?" There's no note of hurt or sadness in his voice, only concern for me. Like he'd leave me alone if he thought I was afraid of him.

I shake my head. "I trust you. And you did save me just now."

He brings his right hand up to his lips and begins to delicately lick at the blood on his fingers. "I hope you won't think me terrible, but you smell so good." His eyes glow a little brighter, and he reluctantly lowers his hand.

I get the feeling he's not talking about my cherry blossom shower gel. "Maybe one day, you can taste me for yourself," I suggest, perhaps a little timidly. I really don't know what social protocols revolve around blood drinking, or if him biting me could turn me into a vampire myself, or what. "I mean, if it won't be a big deal, or anything."

He smiles at me fondly, pleased but with reservations. It's enough to tell me that blood drinking comes with certain social strings, and I don't fully understand what I'm really offering. "Maybe one day."

"Of course," I add, "that might have to wait until you can take me on a date where I don't get attacked. The quota of People Who Can Drink Hikari's Blood has been filled for the night."

He breathes a laugh through his nose and squeezes me briefly. "Then I'll be sure to guard you more carefully in the future."

He grows quiet and I snuggle into his side a bit. He's so warm. "Does this mean I won't get my memory erased anymore?"

His laugh is soft and bittersweet. "Sadly, it's not my decision to make. We'll speak to the headmaster and then I'll talk to Kaname about it later. I was hoping we wouldn't have to deal with that hurdle so soon."

We grow quiet, each caught up in our own thoughts. Soon, I see the dim glow of headlights at the dark end of the alleyway, and I hear a car door click open. I can't see past the lights, but I hear footsteps approaching. Takuma slowly stands, then pulls me to my feet just in time for Headmaster Cross to arrive.

"Yagari-chan, I'm so glad you're okay," he says in a worried voice. He turns to Takuma. "Thank you for taking care of the situation, Ichijo-kun." His eyes narrow behind his spectacles as he looks him up and down. "Did you get into an accident with a Level E or did you go swimming in raspberry Jell-o?" Trust the headmaster to come up with something like that. He's such a dork. But a nice dork, I remember as he places a hand gently on my back and guides me to the car. "When we get back, we'll get you some hot chocolate while you get patched up."

There's nothing said about us breaking the rules or how we might be punished for having done so. I'm grateful that he's at least going to wait until we're safely in the car before tackling that topic. I just want to be back, safe in bed. Serves me right for sneaking off campus, I suppose.

I sit in the front and Takuma sits in the back. I'd have preferred to sit back there with him, but I wasn't about to argue about the seating arrangements. Headmaster Cross drives us out of town in complete silence. It's not until we're pulling up at the main office that the headmaster speaks.

"I called Kaname as I was leaving. He should be here soon."

Takuma just nods calmly, as though he expected it. The car is turned off and I notice I'm sluggishly weak and a bit shaky as I turn to open the door. I'm so cold. In a moment, Takuma is there, opening the door for me and offering me a hand out. He doesn't try to support me, though, once I'm standing. I'd imagine the headmaster might have a few choice words if he tried anything beyond strictly casual contact.

We're led into the empty nurse's office, where I'm told to have a seat on one of the beds. Takuma sits on a chair nearby as the headmaster busies himself with gathering bandages and antiseptics. The bright fluorescent lights make Takuma's bloodstained face and coat look worse than before. The stark contrast between his pale skin and hair and the crimson splotches is visually jarring. I don't know if I can look at him without looking horrified (of his appearance, not of him), so I pretend to study the crocheted blanket covering the bed I'm on.

"There are some blood tablets in my office, Ichijo-kun," Headmaster Cross announces. Something in his voice hints that Takuma should leave us alone for a few moments. Takuma nods and leaves.

The headmaster turns to me with his hands full of medical supplies. "What happened this evening, Yagari-chan?" he asks gently as he opens a package of antiseptic wipes, which he uses to clean the blood away from my neck.

I swallow. When I speak, my voice only croaks, so I clear my throat and start again. "Takuma-kun and I went to town to go to dinner." I can't bring myself to say it was a date, even if that's the clear implication. "We went to the shops after, but then I realized I'd left my coat in the café, so we went back. Takuma-kun went in to get it, and I waited outside, but I got attacked by... a... by a Level E."

The headmaster nods quietly, encouraging me to continue.

"I didn't know what it was at first. I thought I was being assaulted, but then he bit me. Takuma-kun saved me, but I don't know how. One minute, I was trapped, and the next, there was blood everywhere and... yeah." I really wonder how long it will be before I can just go to bed. I'm so tired. Drained. That's the word I'm looking for. I wonder if it's okay to ask for that hot chocolate the headmaster offered earlier. "I know we weren't supposed to go. I'm sorry."

Calmly, as though none of my story surprised him, the headmaster switches from wiping off blood to applying antibiotic cream to my neck with a cotton swab. "I think it's safe to say you've learned your lesson," he remarks drily. "Were you and Ichijo-kun on a date?"

"Yes."

He sighs and readies a gauze bandage and some tape to cover the area. "Should I ask how that came to be?"

"It's my fault, Headmaster," comes Takuma's voice from the door. "I've been the one to approach her in the past. She has not tried to initiate contact, so it's my fault that we've been spending time together."

Headmaster Cross's eyes narrow a bit. "I know this will seem like an invasive question, but how do you feel about Yagari-chan?"

Takuma pauses. His eyes convey a bit of annoyance at the question, but only briefly, and the look is replaced with one of understanding. "I like her. I think we get along very well, and I want to get to know her better. Yes, I am aware that she would taste good," he adds flatly, knowing or guessing that the headmaster might want that issue to be addressed, "but that has nothing to do with why I want to be around her."

He doesn't once blink. His voice is firm and he speaks with conviction. He means what he says.

I feel my cheeks heat up a bit. The headmaster turns to me. "And you, Yagari-chan?"

I swallow, unsure how to proceed for a moment. "Takuma-kun saved me." I pause. "I trust him." That's possibly not what he's looking for. "He's funny, and smart. I want to get to know him, too."

Cross sighs. "I started the Night Class with the hopes that vampires and humans could learn to live together in peace, to prove that it wasn't impossible. I never dreamed I would be successful in this way. Ichijo-kun, you seem to be interested in more than Yagari-chan's blood. And Yagari-chan seems to like Ichijo-kun for more than just his good looks."

I bite back a retort at that and settle for an indignant glare, which the headmaster doesn't see. Takuma, however, bites his lip to keep from chuckling. I am not that shallow. "Trust me, Headmaster, if that's all there was to him, I'd be long gone, by now," I say in a low tone.

"And I find it hard to believe that Takuma would be such a bad judge of character as to overlook a shallow personality," says a new voice by the door. Kaname Kuran stands there, looking at Takuma with one brow raised calmly. He is still covered in blood. "You should clean up."

"Please feel free to use the shower," the headmaster agrees quickly. "Down the hall on the left. There are fresh towels in the linen cupboard."

Without a word, Takuma bows and continues down the hallway toward the bathroom. "Yagari-chan has already had her memory erased twice," Kuran continues as he enters the infirmary. "Considering her heritage, and that she has overcome spells on her mind twice already, I would say it is her fate to be around vampires."

The headmaster sighs heavily. "So this has been going on longer than just tonight." He gives me a look, but before I can say anything, he continues. "It's not my decision to make, but I believe her father would agree. Though I'm not sure if he'd like for her to be on dates with vampires."

I frown. I'm not entirely sure what he's getting at—okay, he's right about the date thing, but what about him agreeing for me to be around vampires?

Seeing my look, the headmaster waves his hand a bit. "Your real father, not your foster-father. We're good friends, he and I."

Huh. Well, that's a bit unexpected. I can't say I've ever met the man. What sort of man must he be to agree that being around vampires is to be expected of me?

"If I could have a say in my own life," I venture sharply, "I'd like to not spend the rest of my days with the feeling that I'm forgetting something. If that's anything you'd like to take into account, Kuran-senpai."

Kuran gives a tiny smirk at me. "She is her father's daughter. Yes, I suppose that can be allowed, but certain measures will have to be taken. Headmaster?"

Cross sighs dramatically. "If I allow you to remain aware of the Night Class's secret, and to continue contact with Ichijo-kun, will you actually obey the rules I give you?"

I deflate a bit. "Yes, Headmaster. Now that I know why the rules are in place, I'll be less likely to challenge them." I tug at the sleeves of my coat. This is more than just roaming the grounds on a nighttime stroll. This is about my safety, plain and simple.

"You are not to be allowed on the Moon Dormitory grounds under any circumstances," he says firmly, "and Ichijo-kun is not allowed by the Sun Dormitory. You're not allowed outside after curfew, just like always. And I'm suspending your privilege to go off-campus. However," he says quickly, before I can protest. Not that I really feel like doing that. I do deserve it. "I will set up times that the two of you may be together in my office under my supervision." After looking at me, he smiles sardonically and amends this. "I won't always be in the same room, but I'll be nearby to ensure that you aren't in any danger. Ichijo-kun may have good self-control, but he is still a vampire and you're still a human." I relax. That makes sense.

"Will you tell my foster parents?" I ask. I'd really rather not have to deal with the absolute fit they'd throw if they knew the ramifications of attending a school with vampires as well as dating one.

The headmaster shakes his head. "I don't think they need to know just yet, unless you're put in danger again."

"I have no problems with those terms," Kuran agrees. His dark eyes turn to me. "Takuma is not to drink your blood on campus. What you do over the holidays is up to you, but your blood has already caused a great deal of trouble in the Moon Dormitory this evening. I don't want any further mishaps of this sort, if they can be prevented."

I nod. I guess that's to be expected. Though can they really smell me from so far away? It's a wonder there's not been a riot in the Moon Dorm before now. Are they in an uproar every time someone gets so much as a paper cut?

"You will also tell no one about your relationship with Takuma." Kuran's eyes are hard, and I know he means it.

Okay, that's going to be a little harder to get around. I suppose I could tell Etsuko anyway, but since I'm being allowed to go through with this, I'd rather not break the rules more than I have to. Sneaking out to read is one thing, but this is a huge issue. "I won't go telling everybody—I understand that it would be problematic. But could I maybe tell my roommate, so that she doesn't worry about me? If she promises to also tell no one, that is."

The headmaster responds with a nod. "I think that's reasonable, provided that you don't tell her about the Night Class's secret or Ichijo-kun's identity."

I shake my head. "I'll just tell her I was assaulted this evening. That actually is true..." I grimace a bit at the memory, and at how easy the admission sounds. It's the forgetting that's going to be the hard part.

"I think it's also wise for you to see Ichijo-kun under the pretence of attending a special class for college credit," the headmaster adds. "Though if you wish to tell your roommate that you and Ichijo-kun are seeing each other, you may."

"Oh, we're seeing each other, now?" Takuma's voice is a welcome ray of sunshine as he enters the room. His hair is lank and damp from a shower, but now free of all traces of blood. "I suppose that means I don't have to worry about how to ask you." He smiles at me, well aware of his goofiness. I roll my eyes but smile back, anyway.

"I'll inform him of your stipulations," Kuran says to the headmaster, who nods as he rises.

"I'll call a maid to bring you a spare change of clothes for you both. And I think we could all use some hot chocolate."

I meet the headmasters eyes and smile. That does sound really good. He nods at me, then leaves the three of us behind. Takuma sits across from me on the next bed over.

"Understand that caution must be taken in this situation," Kuran says quietly. His dark red eyes bore into me. "I do not want anything untoward to happen to either of you, should your feelings for each other become widely known." There is a pause, during which I frown, but Takuma nods reluctantly at Kuran like he understands. "Yagari-chan, you are a human being. We've been at war with humans for millennia. Though relations between us are still strained, we are closer to achieving peace than we have ever been."

"And as the headmaster said, that's why the Night Class was formed," Takuma elaborates. "We hope that living in close proximity with them will cultivate goodwill and lessen the hatred and disgust we were taught growing up."

I nod slowly. "You might be taking that idea a little further than Headmaster Cross intended," I observe wryly. Takuma grins a bit but doesn't respond.

"The point is," Kuran continues, "Takuma is part of one of the most influential and powerful families in our world. While he has grown to be comfortable with humans, the majority of our world is not. It would cause more than a mere scandal. Word of your relationship must not get out."

I'm getting the feeling that the consequences would be more than simply getting shunned by society. I nod, wondering when we'll hit the point where this becomes more trouble than it's worth. Sure, it's fine now, while we're just getting to know one another and while it's relatively easy to keep it a secret. But what happens when we graduate? What happens if we become close enough to want to continue our relationship in spite of the inevitable backlash from the vampire community? Is there even any reason to continue, or should we just call it quits while it's easy and no one's heart will be broken?

Not that I want to stop seeing Takuma. He's adorable, kind, and funny, and so smart. There's something about being with him that feels comfortable, like it just works being with him. Even if he is the grandson of the owner and founder of the Ichijo Group, and so far out of my league that I'd have to use a rocket ship to get in the ballpark of someone of his caliber.

I look up at him to see his green eyes (now with no traces of red) looking at me carefully. "I understand if you want to stop now. It's really the sensible thing to do."

"That's true," I admit. What decides it for me, though, is thinking about whether or not I'll have regretted trying or not. "I don't know if I want to be sensible."

Takuma gives a very happy smile and my heart does a little flip. "Life's much too short to be sensible all the time. I was hoping that would be your answer."

I blush as I remember Kuran's still here. "Then I will do what I can to help you," he says with a small smile. "I, too, share the burden of wanting to be with a human."

That makes me a little surprised. Pureblood Kaname Kuran, in love with a human? Goodness, there will be open riots on campus if that gets out! But I'm glad someone with such influence in the vampire world will be on our side, even if it's not important right now. And even if I don't find him the most likeable person around.