It's all because of your reviews, readers, that made me feel happy to the point that I went ahead and write this chapter for you~ *send my love to you all*

I send this story to AO3 under the same username: 831Tea. (feel free to go there and read~)

I don't own Vampire Knight nor songs or anything, really. Except for OCs and my plot.

English isn't perfect but I did try my best~

[The music that Zero plays for his solo on the piano is called: "Vampire Knight - Zero Kiryuu's Theme (Extended) which can be found on YouTube. :)]

Enjoy~ *beam*


Cross Academy
Chairman's Office
Later…

Two Prefects standing in front of Kaien who is sitting behind the desk. The office room is painted by the orange-gold that stretches through the large windows. Outside of the sky was filled with the color of fire hearths and tangerines. It is but the reflection of the dawn, the promise of the rising sun that comes after the velvety night has had its say and the land has rested once more. Kaien smiles warmly at his adopted daughter and his pseudo-son. "Yuuki-chan… Zero-chan… how's the decoration at the Great Hall?" he asked, curious.

"It's done." Yuuki answered, happily with a big smile on her face. "It took all day, but we managed to finish it, thanks to Night Students' help." She added, obviously relieved.

The Chairman nodded his head with satisfaction. "That's wonderful to hear." He adjusted his glasses. "Now, I want to inform you both is that we have a new student."

Yuuki blinked at her adopted father in surprise. "Already?" she didn't expect to have another new student so soon after the pureblood female that transferred to this school weeks ago.

Zero stared at the ex-hunter with knowing eyes. His heart swells with excitement that he will be seeing his pseudo-brother soon.

"He's different student. He will be part of your duties, a Prefect." Kaien explained while Yuuki's eyes widen in surprise while Zero calmly crossed his arms. "He is a trained hunter, so he will be helpful a lot. I already informed him of the rules and his role as Prefect and Day Student." Before he could explain further, the knocks interrupted. "Please come in." he granted his permission.

Zero turned his gaze over the door when he smelt the familiar scent that he never thought he misses so much. When the door opens to revealed Takamiya, Kaito the pseudo-brother of Zero. "Ah! Hello, Takamiya-kun." Kaien greeted the hunter politely.

Kaito shuts the door behind him as he is wearing a Day uniform with prefect band wrapped around his bicep. His hazel orbs glanced at Zero with a blank face. The silver-haired hunter froze as he just realized that this is the first time that Kaito doesn't know the real truth of his heritage or that he is an unofficial vampire. He hopes that Kaito will accept him.

"Yuuki-chan, Zero-chan… meet Takamiya, Kaito." Kaien introduced the hunter to other Prefects. "Takamiya-kun, meet my daughter. Cross, Yuuki. And Kiryuu, Zero."

Yuuki bowed politely at Kaito with a soft smile. "Hello, Takamiya-kun." Yuuki greeted the hunter.

Kaito examined the young brunette from up and down then coldly tipped his head at her out of politely. Yuuki couldn't help but feel like Kaito doesn't like her. When Kaito shifted his gaze over to Zero who stares at him silently.

Two eyes stared at each other for a moment while Kaien and Yuuki watch them nervously and curious.

Then a smile break on Kaito's face. "Aren't you going to greet your brother, Zero?" he cocked his eyebrow at the silver-haired hunter.

Zero's heart swells with warmth and relief. "Hello, Kaito." He greeted the hunter slightly warm tone with softening amethyst eyes.

"Eh? B-brother?" Yuuki speaks up, baffled. They didn't look like each other at all. She didn't know that Zero has a brother. She thought his family was dead.

The silver-haired hunter flinched as Kaito and the Chairman turned their attention on her with shock. Yuuki blinked at them puzzled until she realized that she said the last part out loud. She covered her mouth in horror that she didn't mean to say it out loud. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blurt it out in such carelessly!" the brunette apologized to Zero.

Zero closed his eyes and shook his head. "It's fine." He mumbled while his heart squeezes old agony that he already accepted the truth that his family is dead and gone. Except for his twin brother who is still alive and somewhere. However, that doesn't mean it's not painful. "Kaito is like a brother to me. We grew up together, working as Hunters." He briefly explained to Yuuki, calmly as he opens his blank eyes.

"Oh…" Yuuki whispered then lowered her hands. She bit her lips, not wanting to ask any question even though she desperately want to. She doesn't want to hurt Zero because not only the silver-haired Prefect refused to look at her. Kaito is glaring at her while the Chairman's gaze was filled with sadness.

The ex-hunter cleared his throat. "Well then… Yuuki-chan and Zero-kun will assistance you with your Prefect's duty. If you have any concerns about class or dorm room, feel free to go to them. If it's an emergency, please come to me or go to Yagari." He said to Kaito.

"Alright." Kaito easily understood.

Kaien beamed at the new student. "Wonderful. You do remember the rules?" Kaito nods his head. "Excellent. Now, you've come to a weird time. However, this will be a bit easier for all of us who is aware of vampires' existence." His hazel eyes sparkle. "Tomorrow night is when the ball start."

"Excuse me?" Kaito raised his eyebrow at the Chairman with baffled and perplexed.

The legendary ex-hunter grinned widely. "You are going to attend Masquerade Ball!" he announced cheerfully as he clapped his hand.

Kaito turned his attention to Zero who looked resignation acceptance. "…He's serious?" he blurted in surprise. He never attends such a fancy ball before. Not even during his Hunter mission!

"Of course." The Chairman answer with a beaming smile on his face. "Do you have a tuxedo? If not, I'm sure there is something formal you could borrow from the drama class." Kaien said, with a determined glint in his hazel eyes. He wants to make sure all students attend the ball with appropriate formal wear.

The ash-brown hunter sweatdropped at the childish sparkles coming from the legendary ex-hunter. He glanced over to his fellow Prefects who give him sympathetic looks. "…urg." He mumbled, resigned. Maybe he should've waited for one more day, so he doesn't have to force to attend a ball.

.

..

Bloodline of Sin

Night Twenty-Two

"Masquerade Mask: Part I"

..

.

Sun Dormitory
Zero's Dorm Room
In the Morning…

The silver-haired hunter stared at the package that is sitting on his desk. The package arrived late last night in front of his door when he returns from his patrol. There wasn't any scent on the package so he doesn't know where or who is it from. Zero took it inside and left it on the desk as he was too exhausted that he went to sleep.

And now, he is wide awake and sitting on his bed while eyeing the innocent package. He wasn't sure what it is inside that box. However, he knew that he has to get up and open. Zero reached up to his face and rubbed it with a sigh. He pushed his blanket away from his body, swing his legs over the edge of the bed, and pushed himself up. The silver-haired hunter silently walked toward the desk and unwrapped the package.

Slowly, and surely, he carefully unwrapped it and lifted the lid from it. His amethysts spark with intrigue and awestruck when he saw the majestic of a mask. Zero lifted the mask up and leisurely examined it. It was a beautiful mask, and the gemstones look very real and expensive. He silently wondered who gifted him such a magnificent mask.

Maybe it was from his ancestor's lover?

After all, Sanctus did give him the gloves so, Zero wouldn't be too surprised if the ancestor vampire sends him a package. 'But then, how did he know about the Masquerade Ball?' he mused, confused. His gaze shifted down and saw the formal attire. He gently placed the mask on the desk and grabbed the tux from the package not unkindly and was surprised to feel the silk-like touch.

Zero has no idea what kind of brand this tuxedo was, but he could tell that they are very expensive kind. Not only it came with pearl-white gloves, violet-tie, and purple rose. It also came with black Italian leather shoes.

The silver-haired hunter wondered why Sanctus would spend thousands on such formal attire when it's only for one night? He shakes his head but silently thanked his ancestor's lover for the gift. At least, Zero won't be an outsider from the Masquerade Ball.

His gaze shifted over the digital clock on the nightstand. The ball won't start until eight in the evening. So, he has plenty of time.

.


.

Moon Dormitory
Kaname's Dorm Room
Meanwhile…

Kaname examined the mask in his hands while the rest of his formal attire are laid out on his bed. The mask was custom made for him. It was made with the onyx-black mask with garnet gems that imprints around the cat-like eyes, and the pattern was armor-like that shimmering by the lights. It was simple yet elegant. Fitting for the royalty for pureblood like him.

The Pureblood Prince carefully set his mask down on the bed and sauntered his way over the windows that were covered by the heavy curtains. He moved the curtain from the back of his hand and narrowed his eyes at the morning day scenery outside.

It was a lovely morning however, there are semi-grey clouds in the distance that he knew there will be rain tonight. He will have to bring the umbrella with him as he does not wish to get soaked by the rainfall. His auburn gaze glanced away as he lowered his hand and letting the curtain fall back to hide the window. Kaname wondered about his loyal servant who is still away during her investigation. 'I wonder if finding the information that I seek are hard to obtain for her?' he mused, curious, however, he has faith in her abilities.

In the meantime, he is looking forward to seeing Yuuki wear the dress he has sent for her as a gift. Most of all, he is actually excited to see Zero's formal attire at the ball tonight. 'I bet he will look absolutely stunning.' He mused, with a small smile on his face.

.


.

Daybreak Town
Daybreak Great Hall – Ballroom
Evening…

The chandelier from a time of opulence and emotional indifference now shone its beauty for all in a ballroom that invited all to dance. Along with the fairy lights and tiny lights wrapped around the pillars that shone white and gold like starlit night and the beauty of the moon. The tables are covered with black cloth, with clear-plates and clear-utensils and violet-purple cloth napkins. The black chairs are wrapped around with dark violet that hangs with black and white crystals behind.

The long table near the wall was filled with a banquet and glass fruit bowl. There are some props such as mini-masks, fake gemstone colorful rings, and candles lit up everywhere. There are candleholders placed on the walls, black curtains that pushed wide opened to reveal a beautiful night sky with upcoming grey clouds. The beautiful music is playing from the orchestral band near the stage.

The Great Hall was picturesque and charming that it's so rare for students to witness and experience inside of the ball. Many females wear beautiful dresses in all different types and shades of colors along with masks. Many males wear a handsome tux in all different types and mostly white to black shades color along with masks as well. The masks are all different shapes and colors that conceal most of their faces. Some are a full-on mask, while other are half mask and some are even having animal-like traits. It was unique and different, none of the masks are the same.

Yuuki arrived in the ballroom in a pale-pink dress with long sleeves, and the hem of the skirt was shorter at the front while it longer at the back, she also added a rose necklace around her neck and pale-pink heels. She has a pink lace mask with red rose patterns. She looks very elegant. Yuuki gasps softly when she looks at the ballroom. The brunette did help decorated the Great Hall and has seen the results of it. But never seen full transformation along with music and illumination.

It was breathtaking to her.

She carefully smooths the dress that was gifted to her by Kaname which she hopes to find him and thank for the dress. Yuuki steps forward while keeping her eyes out for anyone she knew. She wondered if she could dance with Kaname and maybe, even Zero. She hopes this ball will give her a chance to be close to a vampire prince and a cold prefect.

Meanwhile, Kaname is standing by the band as he observed his surrounding with the hope to catch a certain silver-haired hunter. His auburn orbs spotted the Chairman who wears a neatly dark-grey tux with a grey-white cross-pattern mask. Kaien beamed at Kaname when he approached the Pureblood Prince. "This ball is amazing, Kaname-kun." Kaien approved.

"Yes. The students did a wonderful job with decoration as well." Kaname commented, calmly.

The ex-hunter hummed happily to see all Night students and Day students mingle as they are enjoying their time in the ball. "I didn't get the answer from Zero, by the way." He said to Kaname who turned his gaze to him, puzzled. "When I informed him about your request—anonymous—about him playing the piano solo. I told him to think about it. However, I didn't get any answer from him. So, I'm not sure if Zero will be playing the piano or not."

Kaname couldn't help but disappointed with that answer. He was hoping to hear Zero's playing. However, maybe he could try to persuade the standoffish hunter to play at least one song. The Pureblood vampire scanned around quietly and noticed Yagari who looks displeased as he is wearing a black tux with a plain black half-mask that completely cover his damaged eye. The hunter was standing by the fruit punch bowl with warning stern in his lone eye at any students.

His auburn orbs also found a new hunter student that he was informed by the Chairman last night. He wasn't happy to learn that there is another hunter on the school ground. However, he decided to have a talk with the Chairman later since he doesn't want to spoil any energy nor excitement. He continues looking around more however, there isn't any silver-haired hunter yet. 'When will I see you, Zero?' he mused, slightly impatience.

.

.

.

In the meantime, somewhere in the Great Hall ballroom. Kaito huffed softly as he adjusted his orange-red fox-like mask while sitting on the chair with boredom. He arrived at the ballroom half an hour ago and he was already bored out of his mind. Kaito hasn't got a chance to introduce the students since he just arrived at Cross Academy yesterday. No one knows him except a small handful who knew him.

"If it isn't hunter-san." Kaito twitched with irked when he heard the familiar playful yet lazily tone behind him. He turned his head over his shoulder with a glare.

"What the hell do you want?" the hunter grumbled as he crossed his arms while leaned back against the chair. Kain smirks at Kaito as he walked around the empty table to sat down on the chair across from him. "Did I say you could sit there?" Kaito sarcastically said with a scowl.

Kain wears a black tux with a red tie and a beautiful black mask with red-orange gemstones that shines like fire. He leaned forward to place his chin on his palm as his elbow rested on the table. "Now, now… is that how you greet a fellow student?" he asked with a playfully pouted while his burnt-orange gaze examined Kaito's mask. "Lovely mask."

Kaito made a bitter face. "Go away." He doesn't want to entertain nor make any conversation with the noble vampire.

"Hmm…" the lazy vampire hummed with thoughtful. "…nah. I rather sit here since you look lonely, Fox-san."

The hunter growled exasperatedly with hateful glares at Kain who smirks widely at him. Kain doesn't know why but being mischievously around the hunter is rather fascinating and intriguing for him. "Also, you haven't told me your name." Kain reminded the hunter.

Kaito raises his eyebrow skeptical. "You didn't investigate me?" he assumed that noble vampires would look up to him since he is a dangerous new hunter that will be attending the Cross Academy.

"I could look it up easily and find out your name. But what's the fun to do that? I rather have you tell me your name from your own lips." Kain's burnt-orange eyes flicker at Kaito's lip then back to hazel orbs.

The hunter scoffed rudely. "Then you are going have to wait for a long time, vampire." He muttered, coldly.

The orange-haired vampire just shrugged his shoulders carelessly. "Then I'll just continue calling you hunter-san or Fox-san… hmm… I think I like Fox-san better." He stated with decided.

"…just go away." Kaito glares at Kain, wishing the vampire to leave him alone.

Unfortunately, Kaito will learn the hard way that whatever caught Kain's interest, will stay with him for a very long time. Since Kain rarely finds things that are intriguing him. Kain glanced around and saw the fruit punch bowl in the distance. "Allow me to get you a drink." He stood up.

Kaito frowned deeply at the vampire warily. "Why?" he asked, suspiciously.

"Why not?" Kain winked at the hunter then ambled his way toward the banquet table. Kaito stares at the noble vampire with perplexed, baffled, and mistrustful.

What the hell just happened?

.

.

.

Sometime later during the ball, Zero has finally arrived in the ballroom in his black tuxedo with a violet tie, a purple rose that tucked in the breast pocket, his silver hair is half combed back while half of his bang over his eye, white gloves, and a beautiful majestic mask adored his face. His amethyst orbs examined the large Great Hall which he finds impressive and stunningly.

The silver-haired hunter steps forward in the ballroom while gracefully makes his way through the crowded students. When he reaches the over the side of the ballroom where the glass balcony doors are. He turned around and scanned around for any potential dangers, his instincts didn't warn him, so he slightly relax.

Zero crossed his arms as he is enjoying listening to the music from the band, he could easily pick up the piano, cello, and violin that are playing a romantic song. He hummed softly, appreciating the music that is playing through the Great Hall. He watches couples joined on the dance floor, waltzing with their partner. His gaze carefully examined the couples, two females leaned against their foreheads with warm smiles on their faces. A male guides his female partner who is standing on his toes as they seem to enjoy their semi-silly dance. A female dancer swings her hip while holding a male in the wheelchair hands. Two males snuggle with each other at the corner of the dance floor. Most couples are dancing while others are either watching or eating.

It was truly a wonderful formal ball that Zero never experiences in his life. He inwardly sighs as he glanced at the beautiful night through the glass balcony doors. The silver-haired hunter decided to have fresh air before he starts to take a patrol.

The silver-haired hunter glide to the door, open it quietly, and slipped outside, unaware of a pair of auburn gaze watching them from the distance.

.


.

Daybreak Town
Daybreak Great Hall – Balcony
Night…

Zero steps into the cold night of cloudy sky with barely illumination from the moon. The balcony was wide and magnificent. The marble stones bricks ground, with white-marble benches that were pushed against the walls, there are mini-garden plants in the corner filled with greens and flowers, marble-stone rails that are filled with vines from the garden nearby.

It's a simple but charming balcony. The silver-haired hunter leisurely stride toward the rail and placed his gloved hand on top of the marble-rail. Zero doesn't know why, but ever since he was little, he always fond of balconies. His amethysts orbs shine softly by the moonlight that barely peeks through the cloudy as he carefully observed the view in front of him.

Maybe seeing from his view, nothing really changes when he is paying attention to the world around him. It's almost liked the time stands still, making nature look its best and pleasant for any wanderers.

All in his life, time goes on no matter what. However, when he stop and stare, it feels like there isn't time that exists. Just nature and calm. He doesn't know why he adores it, but maybe it could be from his biological mother. Who knows, she might be the one who loves to be outdoor, watching the views from the balconies.

Zero briefly wondered if he could find a way to use his ability to learn more about his birth mother. He will need to find Miwa's possessions in order for him to gain knowledge of his mother. His muse was interrupted when his hunter instinct poked him while his vampire instinct perked up as he immediately knew there is a pureblood vampire nearby. He turned his head to his left blankly and watch Kaname approaching him calmly.

The moonlight attempt to sneak through the grey balls of cotton to illuminates the beautiful night of creatures. However, the clouds continue to conceal the stars, making them nonexistent, hiding the moon. However, the moon continues fighting because it wants to shine its light on the Earth. However, the grey clouds stretched over the sky more and more, giving it a hazy ominous feel.

Kaname tipped his head with a polite greet. "Hello, Kiryuu-kun." He said, with a hint of warmth when he reached the silver-haired hunter. His auburn lit up when he carefully examined Zero's appearance. "You look gorgeous." He sincerely said, content and satisfied. The pureblood vampire knew that the silver-haired prefect is stunning, but to see him wearing a formal suit along with a mask…

…he is truly pulchritudinous.

Zero blinked at the pureblood prince with a mixture of baffled, perplexed, warily yet slightly embarrassed. He grunted in response and turned his head away, inwardly grateful that his mask is covering his pink cheeks. Zero is not used to receive such compliments from anyone, and it's strange to hear it from the Pureblood Prince. His gloved hand that was on the rail, curled up to a fist while his amethyst orbs shifted upward at the cloudy night.

Kaname steps closer to the rail, couple of feet away from where Zero is standing, as his auburn eyes examined the quiet land ahead of them. The silence between them isn't awkward nor uncomfortable. It's rather tranquil between the pureblood and the hunter.

After a peaceful moment, the Pureblood vampire opens his mouth. "By chance, will you play the piano?" he asked, curious and slightly hopeful.

The silver-haired hunter continues staring at the grey balls of cotton. "…are you the one who requested for me to do the solo?" he asked, instead of answering the question.

"Yes." Kaname admitted with a soft smile on his face as he turned his head to Zero. His auburn shines brilliantly.

Zero frowns as he slowly tore his gaze to the pureblood prince. His amethyst filled with warily. "Why?"

The Pureblood hummed with contemplative, turned his back, and leaned against the rain. His gaze shifted away from the silver-haired hunter and watches the indoor scene through the glass balcony doors with neutral interest. "Music tells a story when someone plays the instrument."

The silver-haired hunter furrowed his eyebrows with confused and Kaname continue. "I want to get to know more about you, Kiryuu-kun." He smiles softly. "Will you please play your solo? Just one song?" he asked, once again politely and hopeful.

"…I don't know if I can play." Zero admitted, sadly. It has been years since he touches the cold keys of the beautiful instrument. "It was… before—" he paused, couldn't bring himself to say it out loud.

Fortunately, Kaname understood as he did have knowledge about Zero's past thanks to his research and Kaien's information years ago. "…I missed them." He blurted it out, unknowingly why he is saying this to the cold-heart hunter. However, he feels like it's the right time in the right moment. Something tells him that Zero needs to hear this. "Father and Mother." He clarified as he watches embarrasses Yuuki who is dancing with her adopted happy father on the dance floor.

Zero blinked by this sudden information. He has somewhat recalled about Yuuki explained to him about her parents. However, he only knew that her parents were born vampires and that they were siblings and married. Which he couldn't help but feel disgusted by that. Incest is wrong and could easily mess up the future generation. However, he couldn't bring himself to ruin or tarnish the pureblood's parents by his disagreement with the affairs between Kuran members since he did know that Yuuki and Kaname's parents were murdered by their uncle.

"Haruka and Juri… they were wonderful people. Father was very kind and patient. He was also a pacifist who believed in the bright future. Juri was strong and mischievous. She was very passionate when she was dedicated to her dreams of a peaceful existence with humans. I missed them dearly and I do love them very much. What keeps me going—" his auburn gaze was on Yuuki for a second while Zero mentally thought the pureblood prince was probably thinking about sister. "—that my love for them didn't fade away. They are there in my heart, in my memories… every day."

Kaname shifted his gaze to silence Zero. "…love is immortality." He solemnly stated.

Then the chill breeze came in, playing the vampire's and hunter's hair as the sound of thunder heard from the distance. Zero slowly turned his head to Kaname as his amethyst orbs shine. Among of grey clouds, the moon finally managed the peek through to shines its light, coincidentally, onto the silver-haired hunter. "Is that how you live everyday?" he whispered, curious.

"When we lost someone we love…" the pureblood pause for a brief moment then smiles bitterly. "…we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind. And the memory… the memory suddenly becomes a treasure." Kaname added, gently as his auburn soften when he recalled his memories.

Zero carefully examined the pureblood vampire with contemplative then sighed softly. "…death leaves a heartache no one can heal…" he muttered, forlornly.

"But love leaves a memory no one can steal." Kaname interjected, softly and the silver-haired hunter stared at the pureblood who smiles sympathetically. "…are you going to let the heartache stop you from playing the music that gives you love from your family?"

The silver-haired hunter closed his eyes as he thought about his life before the tragedy. Tsukiya smiles brightly as his eyes shine with admiration and pride when he is teaching young Zero how to play the piano. While Kaori is helping young Ichiro with the violin as they were sitting on the couch. The warm sunlight shines indoors from the open curtains during the spring season. He slowly opens his eyes, drops his fist from the rail to his side, and uncurled them. "…I'll play the solo next."

Kaname's auburn eyes brighten up with excitement.

.


.

Daybreak Town
Daybreak Great Hall – Ballroom
Some Time Later…

The spotlight shines upon the black grand piano. Zero slowly steps forward to the beautiful and elegant instrument. His amethyst eyes almost obsessively examined the grand piano as he got closer until he gracefully sits on the black leather piano bench. The silver-haired hunter inwardly hesitant, almost want to leave but he held himself back because he can't run away forever. He always focuses on the tragedy, sad and bitter memories of all his life.

Kaname's words whisper through his mind.

["When we lost someone we love…we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind. And the memory… the memory suddenly becomes a treasure."]

Zero inhaled as he mentally went through the music in his mind, attempting to figure it out which he could play. It's been so long since he plays the piano. And he doesn't want to randomly play, because he wants to play with meaningful music. To allow the piano to sing, to translate his soul and emotion to listeners. Not just them, but to his family.

To his birth mother too.

He lifted his fingers to touch the cold keys underneath his gloved. Suddenly, he knew what song to play as he closed his eyes and pressed the key. His father's voice whispers from his old forgotten memory.

["This piano is how my soul is given a voice, how it seeks to connect, to communicate the truth of my heart. Music tells its tale as long as I pour my soul and emotion into it. I can do that… and so you can too, my little pianist."]

His long fingers reunited the familiar cold keys so naturally and effortlessly as the music plays through the ballroom. All eyes are on him quietly with awestruck, admiration, and heartrending. The audience somehow could feel the music of the pianist's heartbeat, the soul that sings its silent lyrics, the emotions that tell its story of his love.

Among the audience, Yagari, who is standing by the buffet table, stares at the stage as he immediately recognized his student. He stared at Zero with disbelief stunned. He recalled that Zero played the piano years ago, but he gave up and never touch it again. The hunter couldn't help but allow a small smile appeared on his face. He would never think he gets to hear his student playing the piano again.

Meanwhile, Kaien watches Zero in dazed, shocked, and yet nostalgic. If he didn't recognize that the pianist was Zero, he would have thought he is watching Tsukiya. The ex-hunter recalled when he watched and listened to Zero's father who loves to play the elegant piano in his home. Tsukiya always loved playing his piano whenever he could in his free time. And to witness his old best friend's son playing the music… Kaien knew that Tsukiya would be doubtlessly proud of Zero.

Somewhere nearby, Kaito didn't know that Zero could play the instrument. Kain leaned toward the hunter with impressed. "I didn't know Guardian-san could play the piano." The noble vampire whispers softly to Kaito's ears. The hunter twitches when Kain is too close to him as he steps aside and sends his warning glares at playful mirth in his burnt-orange eyes.

While Yuuki stares wide eyes at the pianist with stunned, bewildered, and amaze. She never thought that the cold-hearted Prefect has such beautiful talent. Yuuki wondered why Zero never discloses his talent to her. Yuuki used to know a lot of things about Zero because they were practically raised together for the past four years but… maybe this whole time, she truly didn't know the real Zero. And that made her feel dejected and determine. She will continue to persist to get to know the real Zero and hopefully, open up his heart to her someday.

Close by the stage, Kaname was completely mesmerizing by Zero. His auburn orbs shine brightly with astonishment and awestruck when the music greets his ears. The pureblood prince has no doubt that Zero could be a wonderful pianist, but he didn't expect that the silver-haired creature's talent was outstanding and enchanting. Kaname could imagine so easily in his mind; Zero dressed in a loose white button shirt, black jeans, black combat boots, as he was currently playing the white grand piano in the large room. The balcony double doors are open wide with curtains dances by the winds, sunlight shines indoors, bring the music to the world. While Kaname is sitting on the cushioned lounge, with his eyes close as he enjoying listening to the piano's sings. It was lovely to imagine that brings a swell of excitement, butterflies in the stomach, and his heart was beating fast.

Suddenly, Kaname understood.

The pureblood prince isn't interested in Zero's blood nor his body. In fact, Kaname has, somehow, want Kiryuu, Zero to be his romantically.

As in…

Kaname covered his speechless mouth. 'I…want him to be my eternal mate.' He mused, dumbfounded. Kaname loves his sister, he truly does care about Yuuki… but he would never take her as his eternal mate. It was too risky, too dangerous, and yet…

Kuran, Kaname… wants this broken beautiful creature to be his forevermore as the alluring music from the piano finally finishes its song.