Chapter 30 Noir's trap (part 2)


"Look at this girl! Drop dead gorgeous. ...Is she new? How come I have never seen her before?"

"My father's agency is trying to hire her. My older brother Yasu, the chief editor of 'Glamour' magazine has been pretty obsessed about this girl, ever since he met her at the castle photoshoot."

"I see... your brother is still a skirt chaser. Anyway, what's her name?"

"Her name is Aiyora. Apparently she goes to Cross Academy with Senri and Rima."

"Oh! So she is a member of Cross Academy night class! No wonder she's so beautiful."

Hearing the familiar name Yuuki's ears perked up. She was about to put the third book on Zero's arms but paused, and looked back at the pair of boys who were engaged in pretty intense discussion holding the popular youth magazine in hand.

The magazine was open and Yuuki got a glimpse of the girl whose picture was on display. From where she was standing, Yuuki could clearly see the picture. But the girl looked nothing like Kaname-sempai's sister. However those boys mentioned the night class, and Rima and Shiki-senpai... so which Aiyora are they talking about?

If all dots are connected then, it only leads towards one person.

Curiosity got the best of her, the brunette now felt determined to see it for herself.

"Hey!" But Zero's irritated grunt pulled back.

"Why don't you go to the counter and start paying. I will join you in a bit." She said placing the last book onto his awaiting arms and rushed off to the direction of the magazine shelf. Leaving Zero behind to sigh out in despair.
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Yuuki was so amazed, that even the slightest of movement like blinking, seemed impossible for her to do that moment. Now after looking at the magazine so closely it was clear that the girl in it was indeed Aiyora. However she looked different, almost unrecognizable. On the magazine she looked more mature than what she looks in real life. But nevertheless beautiful. Then again she's a vampire. And vampires are beautiful, it's a given fact.

"Are you done day dreaming?" came Zero's annoyed taunt from behind. Yuuki blushed and quickly shut the magazine.

"You're done paying?" Yuuki did not expect him to come back this fast.

"Let's go. We have to be on duty. The photography team will be arriving soon." He grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her out of the bookstore.

Yuuki cast one last look at the magazine before existing the store.

•••

The walk back to the academy was decently pleasant for Yuuki. Frankly she was quite excited about the shoot. When the headmaster told her that the guardians would have to patrol the ground during the photoshoot, she agreed right away. Unlike Zero, who saw no point in this since day class have been sent back home. He mindlessly argued with the chairman about it but finally was left with no choice but to agree when Yuuki declared she would go on patrol by herself if he didn't join her. And there was no way Zero would let her walk into the vampires nest alone.

"Yes please, remove all the thorns. Her skin is very delicate."

They heard the deep familiar voice speaking to someone.

Yuuki stopped right away and searched for the source of the voice. Zero who was behind her, had no choice but to do the same. There, not too far from them stood Kuran Kaname— making a purchase from the street vendor.

"Here you go sir, your roses and apples."

"And this is for you," he paid the vendor. "Keep the change."

"You are very kind. Have a wonderful day sir."

"You as well."

Just as the vampire turned on his heels he came face to face with the guardians.

"Good morning Yuuki." He greeted her flashing a tender smile.

"Kaname-sempai! Good morning." Her face flushed under the vampire's stare. "I wasn't expecting to see you this early in the morning."

"I usually don't leave the dorm during daylight, but today I had to run some small errands." Both Yuuki and Zero noticed the small basket full of red apples and small bouquet of red roses occupying each of his hands.

"I am on my way to the academy. Would you like to walk with me?"

"Sure."

Zero who has been the silent observer, guessed the items in the pureblood's hands were for Yuuki. But was surprised when the brunette started to walk off instead of giving them to her.

Who the heck are those for? Zero could not shake away the curiosity. If not for Yuuki then who was Kaname buying these for? Maybe they are for Yuuki, he will just give them to her later. But how much later... It's not like Yuuki's birthday is coming anytime soon.

"Who are they for?" Ultimately Zero could no longer hold back and let his thought out loud.

"Aiyora." The response came instantly. Kaname did not even look back to see the face Zero made. It was logical enough for Zero to make the face he made. After all who the heck gives red roses to their kid sister!?

Once they reached the Academy, Kaname left in haste after briefly wishing Yuuki 'good luck' and to stay safe and careful during today's patrol.

Zero on the other hand found the pureblood to be a bit off, but made no comment.

Then suddenly, an image flashed before him. It was from the night of the dinner, while they were returning— the entire time inside the limo the purebloods remained locked in each others arms. It was the first time Zero saw Kaname openly show affection for someone that wasn't Yuuki. As a matter of fact the pureblood rarely interacted with Yuuki since then. Considering the history the two shared this sudden change was odd.

Before he could digest the one that already plagued his brain, another image flashed before Zero— it was from morning of the day after st. Xocolotto Day. Zero was en route to the farmers market to buy supplies for the horses when he ran into Kuran, who was climbing up the long stairs carrying his sleeping sister in his arms.

Kuran Kaname wasn't a playboy that was seen with various women everyday. Which was precisely why his sudden closeness towards his little sister started to seem odd. And the cherry on top of the cake was the way the pureblood was acting towards the other pureblood.

Seriously! Which brother buys a bouquet of red roses for his sister...?

•••

Aiyora woke up to find Kaname sitting by her side on the bed, with his palm resting on her forehead. She parted her mouth to ask what was going on, but he answered before she could voice out the question.

"Your room temperature was warmer than it should be. So I got worried..." it explained why he was feeling her forehead. Considering his actions to be reasonable Aiyora said nothing more post his explanation.

Yawning, she sat up and tried to rub the sleep off of her eyes.

"Be gentle!" He lightly scolded, pulling her hands off of her eyes. "...otherwise you will end up hurting yourself. ...Oh look here Aiyora,"

Then, turned her face to the bedside stand to show her the small basket full of apples and the bouquet of red roses.

"... I brought some presents for you."

The younger Kuran made a face. First of all— she would hardly considered either of those valuable presents. Second— why was he buying her presents on random day?

Personally, Aiyora wasn't the type of girl who would be blown away every time someone gave her flowers. For her flowers were to be sniffed once, put it in the vase next and to be thrown out couple days later, once they start to die out.

As for apples, she hated them! So what gave him the idea that she liked them? After all this was the third time he was gifting her basket full of apples.

"Did I ever tell you that apples are my favourite fruit?" She had to ask. Because this needed to be stopped.

"No. However I want you to eat one everyday because of it's nutrients. You barely consume food, or drink blood..." he grabbed one apple and offered her, which she accepted reluctantly and put it into her mouth. "...it is not a healthy sign for someone who is still at the growing stage." Also apples and roses come from the same family. As fruits they are considered equally romantic and passionate.

That part remained in his mind.

After finishing the apple, Aiyora left her bed and headed to the washroom to get ready for the day. Kaname remained on her bed, his eyes suddenly settled on her study table. The stark white envelope on top of the black book caught his attention. He reached for it... took out the letter from inside and read it calmly. Then put the envelope back to its original place but pocketed the letter and left.

•••

Then, at noon that weekend, the photography team arrived at the campus.

Hanabusa yawned as he stumbled wearily down the hall rubbing sleep out of his eyes.

"You're up?" Akatsuki couldn't help but crack a small smile.

"Why did it have to be this early in the morning? Couldn't they shoot at night?" The blonde complained.

"No, apparently photos featuring everyday life appears best during daylight. Plus they need to include some outdoor shoot as well for which the daylight is must."

The crew was setting up the filming equipment around the campus. Rima and Senri were with them, surrounded by the makeup crew while receiving instruction from their manager.

"Akatsuki…" the mentioned vampire turned hearing Ruka's voice.

She pointed at the man currently fiddling with the camera. It was the same guy that covered their photoshoot at the studio the other day, Inakaru. He came with the magazine team. He looked at little mature in age, around late twenties and at first glance looked like a gentle person. From his appearance he could easily pass as television star. His hair and clothes were perfectly groomed, making him look somewhat pretentious.

"That guy…?" Feeling something was amiss Hanabusa discreetly inquired, without pointing his finger, just looking over Akatsuki's shoulder. Though his cousin didn't speak initially but his gaze flashed, as if in agreement.

"He's currently the hottest photographer. He came today with Aiyora-sama as his next target. But since Kaname-sama has ask us not to involve his sister, so Ruka will be filling in for her."

"There's no way I'm doing this." Ruka's eyebrows crunched and lips curved down to a frown. However, despite her reluctance, it was Kaname-sama's order so she'll just have to put up with couple hours of this torture.

"Ah the tall young man and his lovely partner. Thank you for helping with the photoshoot last time. The two of you are really well matched couple." The photographer Inakaru suddenly popped up in front of them with a beaming smile on his face.

Hearing those words, Ruka turned her face away, not blushing but with a scowl. "You misunderstood, it's nothing like that between us."

Akatsuki's expression briefly darkened hearing Ruka's vehement denial but it soon cleared up. Then, in one casual move he positioned himself right in front of her, protectively.

"Inakaru-san pleasure to see you again. Are you covering today's shoot?"

"Yes, I'll be the one solely covering today's photoshoot." He replied patting the camera that was hanging around his neck. "…where is Aiyora-san? Is she not participating in today's shoot? I think she would make a very cute school girl."

"She would not be joining today. She's feeling under the weather." Ruka said.

"That's too bad! She would have been perfect for the 'campus life'. …In that case why don't the two of you join in. Because if it is just Shiki and Rima, I'm afraid I won't have enough models. The editor have been granted permission to cover the whole premises. So we need more figures."

Basically he was asking them to be in the photoshoot again.

"We've already been informed. If it's just for one scene there should be no problem."

Upon hearing Akatsuki's reply Inakaru frowned with bemusement.

"Is there no way we can shoot couple more scenes?"

"If that's the case there should be more suitable candidate for this job then us." Akatsuki pointed to Hanabusa, who was still yawning.

"What? Him... he looks familiar. I feel like I've seen him from somewhere before."

"As a boy he was often on TV as gifted child."

"Wow! That's great... excuse me?" Holding his camera tight the photographer ran towards Hanabusa.

Suddenly hearing someone call him out, Hanabusa immediately turned his head around.

"Can you please model for this shoot. You could be one of Shiki and Rima's friends."

"Model...? Wait me?"

"You've been on tv right? The prodigious genius, I still remember you." Inakaru quickly rattled off all the information that Akatsuki just gave him.

"Well... in a blinding flash Hanabusa suddenly transformed. No longer sleepy, he charmingly smiled at the photographer while running a hand through his long bangs. "If you insist then I'm happy to help out."

"I want you to appear and pose like a genius, can you do that for me?"

"That's what I'm best at."

•••

The photoshoot began in the library.

When Aiyora went down they were having a small break. The makeup artist was working on Rima and the hair stylist was fixing Senri's hair. While the photographer Inakaru was chatting away with Akatsuki and Ruka.

Sensing the pureblood's presence Akatsuki turned and quickly bowed. Ruka also mimicked his move but the scowl on her face clearly stated this action did not come from her heart but rather was being forced to do so. And Inakaru simply waved a hand at her.

Not understanding what's happening, Aiyora offered them a small smile and looked towards the set focusing on Senri who was getting his hair done, then Rima who was getting her makeup done and Hanabusa who was flirting with the female crew members.

"I heard this school is divided into two groups, day class and the night class. Shiki and Rima are in the night class that's why they are able to model during the day. So where are the day class students?" Aiyora heard the photographer ask Akatsuki.

"They're not here. You see it's the weekend. So most of them went home and whatever small number of them stayed are in their dorms." Aiyora answered joining their group.

"Where is their dorm?" The photographer inquired curious.

"The sun dorm is located further away from here." This time the response came from an innocently captivating voice, from behind Inakaru.

"Ah Ichijou... you're also here? Aiyora-sama... forgive me for not noticing you."

Placing a hand over his heart Hanabusa bowed. A look of tension suddenly taking over his features. Aiyora couldn't help but frown. Just moments ago he was wondering around and socializing with all the crew members dazzling them with his charm but right upon noticing her he changed. What's going on?

"I'm here on behalf of Kaname to have a look at the photoshoot." Ichijou answered Aidou's question then turned to Inakaru and smiled. "You see the night class and the day class do not really interact. So to avoid large crowds of day students gathering here, we decided not to tell the day class about this."

"It's a great pity though..." Inakaru said extending his hand for a shake.

"I'm sorry, what is?" Ichijou asked shaking hands.

"I was told the day and the night class have different uniforms. So I was hoping to take pictures of both." Inakaru explained as he gestured with his camera.

"Alright... we're done." Having done the their job the hair stylist and the makeup artist jumped off the set.

"Guess we'll take couple more pictures here before moving to the next location. Aiyora-san are you certain you don't want to join...?" Inakaru offered her again but the pureblood declined with a shake of her head.

"I'm here to watch over the shoot, not participate."

"Well what can I say... your charisma will be greatly missed. However I do hope you do not turn down the agency's offer to model like you are turning me down today."

With that said the photographer returned to set and the sound of camera shutters once again rang out in the library.

•••

After the photoshoot in the library finished, the stage was moved to the atrium, following the theme of 'campus life'. Senri reluctantly sat down beside Rima on the bench next to the garden and opened up the bento box. Hanabusa stood behind, hoovering over Rima.

Ironically this was not how the night class normally behaved.

"Somehow I'm beginning to feel sorry for Shiki and Rima." Ruka remarked from her position under the shade of a tree. She ran a hand through her hair as she observed the photoshoot with Akatsuki and Aiyora. Despite being professional models Shiki and Rima were vampires and exposure to sunlight must be very uncomfortable.

"I guess... I'm afraid the only motivation here is to find the guy." Akatsuki who stood between Ruka and Aiyora replied; as he looked at Hanabusa, who was currently stealing a small slice of apple out of the lunch box in Rima's hand and stuffing it cheerfully into his mouth.

"That expression... is that how genius supposed to look like!?" Ruka thought out loud.

"It depends on the type of personality the person possess. In Aidou-kun's case he prefers attention. Then there are some geniuses who prefer to be left alone and be lonely."

Ruka remained silent but did not like how Aiyora was correcting her.

"What I meant is that Aidou should consider becoming a celebrity... Considering how much he enjoys these attention. Besides, the profession would suit his personality."

"One cannot just become a celebrity!" Aiyora cut in, irritated. "It requires a lot of hard work, followed by immense success and on top of that luck to become one."

"Aidou won't be able to become a celebrity." Akatsuki joined in, before the conversation escalated to something else. As the tension in their voices were rising, especially from Ruka's side.

Both the girl looked at the scene in front of them. Ruka at least didn't see a reason why Aidou won't be able to become a celebrity.

"Really... but why?" Ruka asked him tilting her head in puzzlement. Wondering why he was suddenly taking the pureblood's side?

"He's not good at keeping secrets."

Now it was Aiyora's turn to snap her head at Akatsuki. "What has that got to do with becoming a celebrity?" She rolled her eyes thinking whether any of these morons knew what it is to become a celebrity.

All of them watched on as Hanabusa cheerfully smiled at the camera. He smiled just like the way he smiled at the day class girls during switchover. For now none of them were sure if he was smiling from inside or just doing his job.

Just then, the chatter among the staff reached their ears once again.

"It happened yesterday again, you know... the mysterious death by blood loss."

"Ah I heard it too, it was the girl who worked in the hair styling department."

"I was told the attack happened after pack up, when she was on her way home."

"The girl was quite pretty. The target is another beautiful girl. This is becoming really scary."

"I don't think you need to worry about it then."

"Hey Chiyako-senpai, what do you mean!"

A round of laughter broke out.

Although it was clearly a tragedy but these girls were relaxed and gossiping amongst themselves like the matter was not to be dwelled on seriously. However to the three vampires standing, the matter held a different meaning. This news is similar to the one they heard few day ago during the castle shoot.

In the so called 'show business' there are plenty of vampires working among humans. Actors, singers, athletes, political commentators, directors, producers, journalists... the list goes on...

But for a vampire to suck the blood until the victim dies... a level-e wouldn't be able to walk around the modelling studio without being noticed.

Ruka and Akatsuki's common thought was interrupted when the editor of the magazine suddenly appeared in front of Aiyora and started to converse with her.

"We have not received your form yet Aiyora-san."

"Ummm... aren't you the editor of the magazine? What connection do you have with the modelling agency?"

"That agency is owned by my father."

"Ah I see... well, I'm yet to speak to my brother about it. Unless he signs the form..."

"I'm sure he would happily sign it. In fact he should be proud. Our agency only signs contract with professional and well known models. You're the first newcomer we will be launching."

"I highly doubt it would make a difference. You see... my brother is the type of man whose head and heart is still stuck in the ancient times. Even though he does not say it out loud but he firmly believes a woman's only purpose in life to cook for her man, pleasure him and look after his children."

"That's too bad... and quite shallow."

"I know!"

Ruka frowned in disgust. The fact that Aiyora was bad mouthing Kaname-sama so casually did not sit so well with her. That man declared her as his fiancée and how does she repay him? By speaking so lowly about him to outsiders. Ruka had enough of that brat's nonsense. She was about to open her mouth and put the pureblood brat in place when Akatsuki silenced her by giving her hand a firm squeeze.

"Anyway... I hope you are somehow able to convince your brother." The editor added with a flirty wink. "...But for today I have a small request Aiyora-san?"

"What is it?" It was Akatsuki that asked. All this time he was minding his business but now that the situation seemed to be taking a different turn he had to meddle in. After all if something happens to the pureblood the dorm president will separate their head from their body.

"I would like to interview you in a bit."

"Me?" Aiyora asked pointing a finger at herself. "Why me? I'm not a real model yet."

Akatsuki and Ruka shared a suspicious glance.

"Yes... but your mere appearance has created quite the craze. Everyone is curious about you, wants to know you. So for the next issue of the magazine I would like to include an exclusive interview of yours. ...My assistant Nina will explain the rest and prepare you for it."

Having finished his explanation, the editor quickly shoved a business card into Aiyora's hand and returned to where the other staff members were.

Aiyora's face flushed. She was really flattered that people were interested in her before she stepped foot in the industry.

Akatsuki got a quick glimpse of the name printed on the business card that Aiyora was holding— Takumori Yatsu (Yasu).

Once Aiyora left their side Ruka grumbled, "...so annoying."

Akatsuki was not sure whom Ruka was indicating that too, wether it was the editor or the younger Kuran. But ever since the announcement made by their leader, Ruka's mood turned sour every time she faced the younger Kuran. These days she even started to call Aioyra a 'brat' behind her back. Akatsuki has personal experience in this field, he is well acquainted with the feeling but that doesn't mean he let his emotion control him. Only God knows how many times a day he gets the urge to call their dorm president 'asshole' but does he do it? In his mind yes, but verbally no.

"That guy... he seems to be targeting Aiyora-sama. You think we should inform Kaname-sama?"

"Yes!" Ruka exclaimed no longer hiding her bad mood. "I can't sit tight and have Kaname-sama misunderstand me once again because of that brat's greed for limelight."

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As the 'lunch-time' scene finished, Hanabusa walked back to his cousins.

"Hey how do you guys think I did? I was pretty cool right?"

In response to Hanabusa's question Akatsuki lifted his head and narrowed his eyes. "Well it wasn't that great."

"Hey! how could you say that!"

"Hanabusa, if you're here to play then you might as well go back to your room." Ruka scolded him, as he childishly pouted.

Meanwhile in the background the shoot was still ongoing.

"So Shiki-kun this is a single shot. Rima-san you could change for your next shot in the meantime. ... okay, now Shiki-kun how about you go over to the lawn there."

Following Inakaru's instruction Senri laid down on the lawn.

"Perfect! Now pretend you're taking a nap after the lunch you just had."

While the photographer finished taking those solo shots, Rima came back all dresses up and ready. Inakaru turned his attention to Akatsuki and Ruka and waved them over.

"Yo... sorry to keep all waiting. You guys can all come in now."

Akatsuki and Ruka nodded at each other, as they got up and stepped over to the lawn. A staff member suddenly came over and handed Rima some photos and a box of chocolate to Shiki. As the next scene is called 'Happy Memories with Friends'. Rima was instructed to look through the photos and others were asked to smile and chat with each other.

Upon hearing the instruction Ruka, Akatsuki, Shiki and Rima all thought the same thing— No Way!

Hanabusa was the only one who answered energetically "Okay, no problem."

•••

After the photoshoot outside, everyone was given a quick break before the shoot was moved into the school.

During this time Yuuki took the opportunity to wander around the set. Secretly she was hoping to run into Kaname. According to the chairman, this photoshoot was granted special permission by him. So he must be around... right? But so far Yuuki had no luck. However the hopes of running into him filled up her heart with excitement.

Kaname-sempai where are you?

She saw some of the night class students around. Hence felt tempted to ask them but before she could make up her mind on how to approach the those night student she heard,

"Are you trying to find your hero?"

"Huh?"

Yuuki quickly turned back and found a very unhappy Zero was standing behind her. There was frustration dripping from his tone. But that's how Zero has always been when it comes to vampires. Which is why over the years Yuuki has mastered the skill to not pay attention to Zero's bitterness towards the vampires all the times. She can understand where he is coming from but the fact that he refused to believe all vampires aren't bad sometimes got into her nerves.

"Why are you roaming around the sets looking all excited, instead of patrolling?"

"I've finished patrolling the area already. There's no one around. Have you forgotten the day class students have been sent home."

Yuuki felt slightly offended by the accusation. Especially when it was coming from someone who slacks off all the time. Who was he to point fingers at her, when most of the time during patrol he doesn't even show up himself.

"Now that the day-class girls aren't here, you decided to look for that guy." He shoved a hand through his hair "... do whatever you want for all I care." the same hand was then shoved inside his pocket as he turned around.

"I'm heading back to the stables."

"Make sure you come back, the break is only for an hour. Then the photoshoot will be moved into the school."

Excited to see what's going on Yuuki kept wandering around the photoshoot area. Now that Zero was gone she felt more free to explore. Just as she was about to leave and go look for Kaname, someone tapped on her shoulder.

"You're a day class student right? The uniform is different."

"Yes I am. Actually I'm also a member of the disciplinary committee and work as a guardian for the school. It is my job to make sure everything around the school always stays in order. ...and who might you be?"

"Sorry to bother you, I'm the photographer." The man smiled and raised his camera.

"Ah I see..." As all this time Yuuki was busy looking for Kaname, so her focus stayed mostly on the night class student on sight and because of this she did not pay much attention to the crew.

"I was wondering, could you please model for me as day class student? I heard the day class students won't be here today."

"Well... you see I'm not a model and don't have much idea on how to pose."

"That is no problem. In fact it would be perfect as our magazine is targeted towards ordinary young people. So I want to take some shots of general students as well. Besides, you are so cute."

Yuuki wasn't sure how to respond to this request. "Um... I don't know what to say."

"Please say yes. Pretty please? Look, to avoid any problems, I'll go and clear it up with the chairman now. At the moment we're taking a little break, but the shoot is being moved up to the rooftop next, so would you please come? ...I'll be waiting. Bye!"

Before Yuuki could reply the photographer rushed off.

Not sure what just happened, it took a while for Yuuki to realize. "Wait... am I going to be on a magazine?"

According to the photographer she definitely was.

Then suddenly, the image of Aiyora from the magazine earlier flashed before her.

"Oh dear!" Yuuki quickly ran into the makeup room to fix her appearance and tidy up.

Once ready the short haired brunette looked at herself in the mirror and practiced couple of different smiles and expressions. She wasn't sure whether to be herself or would she be expected to pose in certain way. Aiyora was posing like the professional model. Would she be expected to pose like that as well?

Earlier Yuuki caught glimpse Shiki, Rima, Kain, Aidou and Ruka all pose for the camera.

Am I going to be photographed with them? That alone is going to be huge and terrifying.

But... But...

"If I get featured on a magazine, then Kaname-sempai would be able see it..." with that thought in mind, Yuuki's heart started racing once again.

Unable to conceal her growing excitement the guardian exited the makeup room and went up to the rooftop, being absolutely oblivious to how quiet the surrounding was. Something unnatural for its scenario.

•••

Akatsuki was walking towards the library. He was just few steps behind a their president, who appeared all calm and composed on the outside despite having several volcanic eruptions inside.

During the break Akatsuki and Ruka informed the pureblood about the invitation for a one on one private interview that was offered to his fiancée by the editor of the magazine. Of course, the information didn't sit well with the older Kuran.

Pushing the door open Kaname found a man seated by the window seat, the exact spot that Shiki was occupying during the library shoot.

"...that's him, the editor." Akatsuki slowly whispered to the pureblood.

"Ah... I'm expecting someone here. And who are you?"

"She's not coming." Kaname calmly told him settling his body against the wall, while Akatsuki just remained by the door.

At first the editor, Yasu was going to ask why but then, understood it was pointless. So all he asked was, "Is that her decision or yours?"

Kaname did not respond...

"Oh..." The editor face formed a full O shaped before he blurted out the following. "...She was right. You are a control freak."

"Excuse me...?"

"You heard me!"

Kaname's eyes narrowed down.

"Well I guess it can't be helped. With her charisma and beauty she doesn't look like an ordinary person. I was really looking forward to having a nice chat with her... What a pity." With that said the editor stood up and decided to leave the library. However as he walked past Kaname he somehow had the urge to say "...It looks absurd when a brother tries to act like a possessive lover."

Behind him Kaname spoke out. "Oh, but I am the lover... so tell me what was your intention...? ...To devour my lover?"

The editor froze. He glanced over his shoulder at Kaname. "Wait, what did you say?"

"You're just an ordinary human. I had no intention of getting myself involved with you. However... you became greedy and made a move on the girl I desire. So, now it's a different matter entirely."

To think that, this lowlife, useless slimeball tried to make a move on Aiyora burned Kaname from inside out.

"Look I don't know what you're talking about. But if Aiyora-san isn't coming then I am going to leave."

In the blink of Akatsuki's eyes Kaname appeared in front of the editor. One split second later his large hand seized the editor by the chest. The man was lifted off his feet, his toes could barely touch the floor.

"Wa-wait! What are you doing?"

"She's not someone you can touch..." A flash of extreme anger burst forth from the depth of Kaname's wine orbs which now turned red. "...no one can touch her, no one is allowed to devour her... but me" the last part came out as very low whisper.

Overwhelmed by the situation, the editor started trembling in fear. He spoke in a shabby voice as the last ray of hope to get out of the mess he got himself in.

"I admit... I have used interview aa bait to devour some girls. But end of the day the sex took place with consent. ...Look I won't go after her. I promise! I won't touch your girlfriend-"

"I'm not his girlfriend!"

That escalated the already brewing tension in the room to next level. Despite his wish otherwise Kaname released his hold on the editor who collapsed on his knees to catch his breath.

"Yasu-san... I'm extremely sorry for my older brother's behaviour." Aiyora rushed to the man's side to help him up.

"Um...he claims to be your boyfriend." he pointed his finger and glanced at Kaname, who glared at the man in turn.

"I should get going. I think it would be best to postpone the interview till you become an actual model."

Pulling himself out of her hold the editor rushed out of the library.

With the editor's exit the uncomfortable silence took over. All three of the vampires just stood there embracing the dead silence. Kaname simply looked at Aiyora, while she was stabbing him with her glare and Akatsuki tried to think of how to get himself out of this uncomfortable situation.

"Since when are you my boyfriend!?" The uncomfortable silence reached its end as the younger Kuran opened her mouth.

The older one signalled the awkwardly standing aristocratic to see himself out. After Akatsuki exited, Kaname opened his mouth.

"That man had ill intentions towards you. The interview was just an excuse to lay his dirty hand on you."

"So?" She demanded crossing her hands across her chest.

"He was thinking of doing unimaginably vulgar things to you."

"He's a human. There's simply no way he can just touch me, a pureblood vampire."

"I was not ready to risk it."

Her hands balled to fist as she tried to control the rage growing inside her.

"My offer letter from the agency... it's missing. And the past person who entered my room was you..."

"..."

"I was thinking about consulting the matter with you. Spent days and night thinking how to convince you. But I guess... I have your response." She looked away biting back a sob.

Kaname gulped, unsure of what kind of response to give her and which would best suit his defence.

"What have I done to you onii-sama?" She asked out of the blue, in a tone that was broken and continued in that direction.

"...Why do you hate me so much? Why is ruining my happiness the sole purpose of your life. Here I'm trying to do everything to keep to the connection between us as civil as possible... but none of that seems to matter to you. Why is that? Why can't you stand my happiness?"

"That is not true Aiyora. Please... do not say like that."

"Oh yeah! If it's not true then why did you steal my offer-letter from the agency? If I have done something to hurt you or cause trouble for your beloved Yuuki then please tell me directly. Punish me if I am indeed wrong... But please don't crush my hopes and dreams like this. That's not fair!"

She broke down before him in bitter sobs. And watching her cry like that was not easy for Kaname.

"Don't cry Aiyora. Please don't cry. It hurts me to see you like this..." he reached out to touch her but she took two steps back and dodged away from his touch.

"Do you honestly take me for a fool! ...Huh?"

"I care about you, I truly do." He tried to reach for her again and ended up cupping her face but this time using both her hands she gave him a hard push that shoved him couple steps back.

"Save those empty words for the idiot who'd believe. And if you truly care about me then, don't just say it, because I don't believe in words. Its the action that matters to me."

"Tell me... what do you want? I will do anything... anything to take your sadness away. Just name it and it shall be yours."

"The fact that you're still asking what I want after doing all these, clearly shows you know nothing about me. So do us both a favour and get the fuck out of my life!"

"Watch your—" language.

But Aiyora did not stick around to hear him. She was already gone from the library before Kaname could finish his sentence.

•••

Meanwhile...

Zero searched around the school ground. His anxiety level escalated when he neither sensed nor saw any traces of Yuuki.

Where could she be?

Right from the start Zero had a bad feeling. Unsure as to why they were put on patrol duty when all the troublesome day class students have been sent home. He was against the idea but Yuuki's determination to patrol on her own forced him to come.

Panic took over the silver haired guardian when even after a while of search he found no clue off Yuuki's current whereabouts. All that he found was a group of night class students sitting by the water fountain conversing amongst themselves.

"Did you hear what happened to the magazine editor a while ago?"

"Oh yes, apparently he got into some serious problem with president Kuran."

"Why? Did the editor do something to miss disciplinary committee?"

"No! He tried to make a move on the dorm president's current obsession..."

"Wait what!? That human made a move on Aiyora-sama...?"

Then suddenly, in the distance, on the rooftop, Zero caught a glimpse of that familiar dark brown hair, which was gently flapping against the wind. Under normal circumstances he wouldn't have cared why Yuuki was up there. But now with so many strangers around on campus Zero did not feel safe to just leave Yuuki by herself.

So the silverette rushed towards the school building to get to Yuuki's side as quick as possible and as he passed the group of gossiping vampires his ears picked up parts of the their on going discussion.

"From what I learned, the editor tried to lure her in by inviting her for a private interview. But someone tipped off the information to Kaname-sama on time and he personally took care of the matter. So Aiyora-sama is safe."

"Thank God! I'm glad she's safe. I'm happy to see that Kaname-sama is really looking out for her."

"You're right, Aiyora-sama is indeed getting special treatment from Kaname-sama these days."

"She is... but I wonder why though? I mean what happened between them to bring such drastic change?"

"True his recent announcement certainly did take me by surprise."

"Oh come its pathetically obvious, you guys would have to be blind not to notice..."

"What do you mean Shouji-san?"

"Kaname-sama— he's trying to get naked with her."

Zero, the last person who should have been interested in the night class's gossip, abruptly stopped and glanced the at crowd over his shoulder.

Did he just hear that right? —because what that guy said otherwise translates to... No it can't be that. Zero shook his head and continued on his way to Yuuki.


a.n. I hope you guys aren't thinking what Zero's thinking. Because it's just baseless gossip from idle members of the night class.

Anyway, I was hoping to finish the Noir's trap in this chapter. But it was becoming way too long. So I had to save the climax for the next chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed. It maybe a bit slow but i hope you guys are enjoying the slow flow of the story.