A/N: Hello readers! I'm sorry for the "late" update. I've just been busy lately with multiple tests and projects to do...yes, blame school xD. Anyway, I'd like to thank my reviewers: TamiKitty-Chan, hellopanda23, Crazy Rabid Bunnies, georgisakura, xXvampiredumgum13Xx. You guys rocks xD! Yeah, happy reading! Sorry, if the story is going at a snail pace.

14 Petals: He loves me not.

I wish I was there to see it. No. I wish I was there to stop it. I wish that it had never happened.

I was idly passing through the school corridors where streaks of sunlight infiltrated through the windows, dancing along the floor, and casting a blinding and irritating light to my eyes accustomed to darkness until a group of giggling and gossiping girls piqued my interest.

"I've got some juicy news!" one girl started, sounding astonished and excited at the same time.

"About what?" a curious one asked.

"Aiko went up to Shiki-Senpai and confessed!" the girl exclaimed, no longer able to hold the vigor in her for she had plenty to say.

"What? Really? Oh my god!"

"What did he say?"

"Well, he was appalled in the beginning, but I don't know what really happened later on because they went elsewhere to discuss private matters…"

The fits of chatting continued on, and it was later on during the day did I find out that Aiko held hands with him.

She smiled condescendingly. A smile that had a hidden message that meant she won him, and I lost. That bitch. How dare she…but does Shiki really feel the same way about her? Something about him looks odd. Is he even thinking straight?

"Of course he wants to be with me. While you were gone, he finally had the chance to pour out his undying love for me," she said knowingly, placing a hand over her chest, then added, "It was love at first sight…we were destined to be together." A bright color gleamed in her eyes and stared frightening into mine.

I tore my gaze off her and settled on to Shiki's still figure. I can resemble him to a statue in the museum.

Shiki didn't say anything. He looked so lifeless. His eyes were filled with dullness as if he were really a puppet…

"I don't believe it," I said stubbornly, quickly passing by her, stalking down the hallway then turned to a corner, leaning my back up against the wall, I glazed ahead.

I waited for him, hoping that he'd come back for me and say that their relationship is a fake.

I don't want to believe it nor do I want to see them ever again. Those filthy hands of her are touching the pureness of Shiki's shiny skin. Sigh, I've always dreamed of being the first to do that.

"Rima…," a soft voice said, and I didn't have to turn my head to see who. It was Ruka, and I guess the facade of my face shows everything especially a feeling of sadness.

"I heard and saw it all. It's no use," I sighed and narrowed my gaze to the floor.

"But for some reason, I just don't think it's Shiki. He's not the type of guy who'd pick up any girl," I added confidently. "I mean think about it. Valentine's Day, I remember that listless face of his and how Takuma had to urge him to accept the generous gifts from the girls."

"So, what are you suggesting?" Ruka asked as she walked up to me.

He's not himself. What ability does Aiko possess anyway? I've never seen her use her powers on me. I know she can hit hard, but other than that…I don't really know." Was she the girl who caused the explosion? Oh wait, that was Akatsuki, and it was big time for him. How about the false earthquake? No, that was a new student who accidentally cracked the Earth. Although something about twisting people's mind was said from the other vampires. Immediately, the name, the gender, the face cleared in my head. Could she have…?

"He's under her control…" I suddenly concluded and crossed my arms.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I can't believe I let a terrible thing happen to him. Where's that bitch? She took advantage of him during his weak state? So, does that mean she made him sick? Putting a pretense up like that. She was very daring like that not to mention despicable.

My eyes searched rapidly, looking into empty trees, bushes, and pathways as I continued running down the cobblestone pathway.

Despite my burning skin, I just had to find them and confront to Aiko that what she was doing is wrong. She can't simple have him like that. She'll never feel happy anyway. Moreover, I have to save him unless he's affectionate about her then I can't stop the endless love, can I?

She doesn't even belong to the school nor does she deserve love…

I gritted my teeth and spotted the two of them resting peacefully under a tree where a nice shade covered them from the sun.

Coming to a slow, I squinted and saw the both of them cuddling close. Actually, it was Aiko forcing upon Shiki.

No way.

I darted over to the tree, and she peeled back, only slightly, from Shiki. Turning her attention to me as a smirk played her lips, she said, "Excuse me Rima, but ever heard of privacy? Let alone personal space?" Her eyes glittered mischievously, and her grip tightened on Shiki's arms.

"No Aiko, because for all I know, this isn't real," I snapped at her, fixating my attention at Shiki who was apparently half-asleep. There she goes again.

"What do you mean?" her voice sounded light and innocent as she faced Shiki, she giggled. "Of course this is all real," she used her index finger to caress his chin and pulled his face close to her.

Burning with anger, I yanked her hair and slapped her harshly, leaving a red mark on her face whilst she let out a yelp, and quickly held a hand over her face.

"I will not tolerate this. Shiki isn't the type of person who'd date someone like you! You took advantage in his weak state. He doesn't even look interested in you!" I huffed and pointed at her accusingly.

Aiko glowered at me, but I continued bitterly, "You disgust me in every way even though I don't want to say how. All I can say is that you do not love a person properly."

There were far too many words to describe her, but I couldn't formulate them into a sentence that can fully describe her personality and attitude. Besides, it wasn't the right time…I just needed to take a breather, and who knows if Shiki is truly under her spell.

"What are you talking about?" she asked, feeling offended as she covered her mouth in surprise. "This love is pure and real. Face it. You're just jealous."

"Say that one more time, and I'm about to smack you once more," I dared her and held a hand up in the air, ready to strike.

"Say what?" a low voice asked. A sound raised my heart rate to the next level, it was so soothing and calm not to mention melodious to my ears.

I lowered my hand and shifted my gaze to his confused expression that had looked so innocent, but I shouldn't be fooled by him. He might be playing a few tricks up his sleeve, so I scoffed and said, "Nothing."

"Shiki," Aiko whined. "She was going to say all sorts of bad stuff about you and me. She also slapped me," she hugged onto his arm, but he shrank back which I took notice of. Aiko didn't care and continued talking, "She doesn't approve of our relation." She looked deeply into his blue eyes.

He disregarded the slapping part, so I couldn't be too sure whether or not he's got a mind of his own. I mean Shiki isn't an effusive guy, so I asked him demandingly, "Is it true? Your relationship with her?"

There was a buzzing silence for a while, and I crossed my fingers secretly hoping that this was all a nightmare before he replied with the monotone and impassive face, "Yeah."

His answers pricked tears to my eyes. I saw the devilish and ugly smile placed itself on Aiko's lips, expressing her delight. My eyes stung painfully that I swiveled on my heel to get away from them.

Why? How come no one can ever sense my agony? I swung my arms faster, sniffling in between.

Our withering love…

I returned to the dorm, only to find a withering daisy whose petals looked crispy brown.

I fell onto my knees as I felt a teardrop splat on my thigh. The heavens knew since the beginning.

Our love is withering Shiki, isn't it?

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