chapter 31 Noir's Trap (part 3)


Meanwhile...

Sweet! So sweet... that girl must be very tasty.

He licked his lips with anticipation.

How can I resist...

Smiling a sinister smile, with the flashing eyes of a hunter was... Inakaru, the photographer. He climbed up the stairs in moderately fast steps while the vampire inside him was busy deciding whether to drain the prey quickly or would it be better to taste her slowly. ...after all, his prey this time was very special.

As a renowned photographer, it has always been so easy to find prey within the entertainment industry. The blood of that popular actress was fresh and vibrant. That girl from the hair styling department, a week ago was also very tasty, although she had a plain face.

When Inakaru first came into the school, he was disappointed. He wanted to find his target among the day class girls. Unfortunately, none showed up and just as he was about to give up... that girl appeared in front of him, the guardian of the school.

Without a doubt she was the best prey Inakaru had come across so far.

On this point he shared some similarities with that 'woman devouring' editor, Yasu. However to compare his noble act with that lousy man's sleazy sex life was simply ridiculous.

And that guy wanted to go after Aiyora— he must have been dreaming.

At first, Inakaru also targeted Aiyora. When he first laid his eyes upon her, that day in the castle. Oh how his fangs ached as she was posing in front of his camera in all her glory. He drooled all throughout the photoshoot.

However despite looking and smelling so delicious that girl was haughty. Her arrogance knows no limit. God knows what does she think of herself. And it was her arrogance that forced Inakaru to back away. Not to mention Shiki also kept a watchful eye on her all throughout— so abducting her was out of the question.

Taking lesson from there, Inakaru decided to stick to his usual preference— the ordinary, honest and cute girls. Just like his next prey. What was her name again...?

Ah, Yuuki.

Despite being ordinary, there was something special about this Yuuki girl. So if he was to miss this opportunity to devour her, he'd never have another one like it again.

Unable to keep the excitement inside anymore, the photographer started to laugh.

Almost arriving at the rooftop, he found a figure sitting on the last step of the stairs.

Now Inakaru, not the photographer but Inakaru the vampire raised his head. His laughter came to an abrupt pause.

"Aiyora-san...?" He was confused, what was she doing here? Not that he mind...

"Why were you laughing like a maniac?"

Inakaru tried to dodge the question. "You look upset, is everything alright with you Aiyora-san?"

The girl nodded her head— No! She was not alright. In fact she had been sitting here for the past couple hours thinking about various way she could murder her older brother, who not only destroyed but completely demolished her modelling career even before it could take off.

"What's the matter?" Inakaru tried to initiate a conversation.

"Hope's been crushed, dreams shattered... my modelling career has ended before it could even start. All thanks to that asshole of a selfish older brother that I have."

"Ah, I see... so the sudden rumours going around about the editor getting cornered by someone is true."

"Sadly it is..."

Her anger was becoming evident now. However, the only positive sign for Inakaru was that it wasn't directed towards him. Therefore he could use it to his advantage. It surely was his lucky day. He came into the academy in search of bronze, found silver but now gold is readily presenting itself on platter.

"Aiyora-chan," he was now addressing her as if they were friends. The 'san' has changed to 'chan'.

"You are a very talented girl. No force in this world can stop you from becoming a model. Even if the editor refuses to take you in the entertainment industry because of what unfolded with your brother... I can launch you as well. ...like him I also have good connections everywhere."

Hiding his excitement he climbed up the stairs and crunched down before Aiyora. His hand reached out to cup her face but instead landed on her long slender neck, that was craned to the side. Her hair was tied into a big bun sitting over hear head. Which as a result left that luscious neck on complete display. This girl was natural born tease. It was her specialty to tease her predator.

"Don't touch me..." Oh she was getting haughty again. The way she brushed off his hand, made him feel like he was a dirt.

"Aiyora-chan... you see compromises are constantly made inside the show business." his eyes turned red revealing the vampire that was hidden inside all this time. "So in order for me to give you a chance I must gain something in return from you... Now tell me... are you ready to give me what I want?"

Inakaru tried to reach for neck again. This time it was his face that started to lean closer. He couldn't decide whether he should lick and taste that delicious looking neck or should he just directly bite her down and start sucking on the heavenly blood streaming inside her.

"No thanks! I'd rather sleep with a big-shot or his son rather than give my blood to a former human."

What? Inakaru froze. The current look in her eyes confirmed she already knew of his nature.

"I can sense my sister, up on the rooftop waiting for someone. And you look like you're on your way there. This cannot be a simple coincidence."

"You're right... I have indeed lured her into my trap. However now that I have you, why waste my time there." Having said that Inakura was about to pounce himself on Aiyora. But his entire form froze making him unable to move.

"Do not touch her." He heard a voice from behind. A voice that sounded like it belonged to an alpha. Then suddenly an invisible force pushed him away from Aiyora and made him land before the new arrival.

In the background he heard Aiyora telling the newcomer, "Now that you've arrived to save your precious girl, i'll take my leave."

Slowly raising his head Inakaru saw a tall man wrapped in long black coat, with an angelic face full of youth and cold smile on his lips. However his eyes held a strange gleam of lust and longing-ness. Following his gaze the photographer noticed this person was watching Aiyora's retreating figure.

"W-who are you?"

"I'm the president of the night class, the name is Kuran Kaname." like Aiyora he also spoke in a calm voice and polite manner.

Inakaru couldn't understand why the vampire genes in his body were ringing alarm and his body out of the blue trembled in fear. What's happening?

•••

The evening gleam cast a golden light on the rooftop. As the sun slowly disappears over the hill, the wind began to get a little colder.

"What is taking them so long…?"

Leaning against the fence, Yuuki watched the sunset. Her body was shivering in cold. Scared she'll catch a bad-cold, the brunette wrapped her arms around herself.

It was long past the appointed time, yet nobody showed up. Not to mention the strangely quiet surrounding was giving her weird vibes.

"Did I come to the wrong location?" Yuuki was almost convinced she ended up at the wrong place, and just as she was about to give up, she heard someone assuring her from behind.

"No, you didn't."

Looking back the guardian was surprised to find her favorite sempai's sister.

"Aiyora-chan!"

Aiyora's presence served as an assurance for Yuuki, because if she was here that means the others are just coming.

Just then, as if reading her mind Aiyora responded. "If you are waiting for Inakaru, then you might as well head back. …He won't be coming."

"Why? What happened?"

The vampire managed to flash a fake smile.

As we're speaking, just behind the door, Inakaru is getting killed by the hands of your future husband.

The temptation to reveal the truth seemed very appealing. However, Aiyora knew better, revealing the truth to Yuuki currently is next to impossible. It will only make the situation more complicated. And who know how far Kaname will go to seek revenge, especially when Yuuki is involved. The last thing Aiyora needs now is to end up as unfortunate as Inakaru. So for the sake of survival she opened her mouth carefully.

"Something urgent happened at the agency. Both him and the editor had to leave immediately because of that. The rest of the crew is packing up and almost ready to leave."

Then added the rest bitterly. "Even my interview with the editor has been cancelled."

"Oh… ah well, its like that then…"

Aiyora could feel Yuuki's disappointment. After all she was also floating on the same boat. Or that's what she thought, until the brunette opened her mouth again.

"What a pity. I wanted Kaname-sempai to see my picture on a magazine."

Aiyora looked at her with wide, astonished eyes.

Are you fucking serious! Do you not have a life aside from doing all 'Kaname-sempai'. Here, my career practically sank because of that fucker and you on the other hand wanted to model just so that he could see you on a magazine? And then what… masturbate!

Aiyora was truly ready to lose her temper with Yuuki. But held herself back, barely. As there was no point in taking her anger out on the wrong person. It was not Yuuki's fault that her interview session has been cancelled.

"Actually it's a good thing that he didn't. Kaname onii-sama would not have appreciated seeing your picture on a magazine. The way he reacted to mine, let's not dare imagine what he would have done if it were you in my place… his wrath would have probably blown up half the academy."

Hearing the slightest negative words about Kaname made Yuuki defensive right away.

"He is not like that. Kaname-sempai is a very kind and gentle person."

Aiyora was in a mood so bad that even hearing the slight praise about the other pureblood was hard for her to digest. But she maintained her composure and responded gracefully.

"I agree. But that face is only saved for you, Yuuki-sempai. It is because he holds you special in his heart, is why he is only kind to you. However to the rest of us, he is different. We mean nothing to him. We're simply pawns that he needs for purposes."

The frown on Yuuki's face turned deep. No that's not true...

•••

"Wh-who... the hell are you?"

Refocusing on the man before him, Kaname asked firmly. "Did you not understand. I've already said my name."

His beautiful voice completely dominated Inakaru's thought process. The instinct of lower class vampire kicked in and made him realize the significance of the person standing before him– A member of the pureblood series; the same as the one who turned this photographer into what he was today.

Also, aside from being a pureblood, this man was an ancient and the monarch of the night world. Inakaru was not familiar with those information or statuses but surely he could feel them in his powerful aura.

"You're a pureblood." The photographer spoke like he just realized. "…b-but why are you here?" suddenly he felt cold, very cold.

Taking a step closer, Kaname smiled. "I heard you were abusing girls."

Inakaru's face paled. Kaname continued to smile as he stepped even closer. He was such a powerful beast that before him the pompous photographer felt timid and lost.

"Did you honestly think I wouldn't notice? The mysterious deaths by blood loss; the culprit – its you."

"W-why do you th-think its me?"

"You see… it was I who sent Ruka and Akatsuki to that photoshoot. It was also me who instructed Rima and Senri to find you. It's fortunate you popped up earlier than I expected. …after all these incidents its best to deal with this as soon as possible."

Inakaru stared in disbelief.

"You… Rima-Shiki… the whole night class… you all are…"

"Vampires of noble birth." Kaname confirmed, then continued. "Because you didn't show your hand at the last photoshoot, we had to lure you here. Once you entered the school, you became trapped. Now that you're already in the cage I can easily get rid of you."

Inakaru couldn't believe this, the man before him was the mastermind. Everything was a trap. They already knew his true color, just pretended not to notice. Now it made sense, why Aiyora was carrying an air of superiority around him. Why she consistently behaved like he wasn't worth a dime. He finally understood why Ruka had the bitter face every time she looked at him. Even Hanabusa and Ichijou, the ones he met today, they also had cold expression hidden underneath the warm eyes.

"So you lured me into the school and used the guardian girl as a bait?"

"Exactly. And then have the other guardian– who is a vampire hunter in making exterminate you."

"Then why are you here instead of the hunter?"

"Because someone unplanned came in the middle of it."

Although Kaname did not take the name but the photographer got hint, about whom he was talking about.

Now Inakaru was clear— So this was the person who single handedly man-handled the editor when the latter went after Aiyora. Basically this guy is the one, whom the editor described as Aiyora's obnoxious boyfriend.

"It was you… you're the one that made the editor leave in a haste."

"Yes."

"You're also the person Aiyora was cursing earlier...?"

"..."

"I see... Now I understand, you're preying upon her yourself. Like mine your fangs are also aching, your throat is also dry… you also have the urge to devour that feisty girl. ...So you understand the feeling."

Kaname's silence confirmed all of Inakaru's assumptions.

The photographer saw an easy way out. All he has to do is apologize and the pureblood will let him off the hook.

"I'm sorry, it was an honest mistake. I won't go after your girl. Not even in the future. So let's just call it a day and-" he couldn't even finish the sentence – let me go. As Kaname's glacial glaze froze him all over.

Inakaru could tell the pureblood was angry, but didn't know why.

Instinct told Inakaru, he was going to be killed. He won't be able to drink the blood of the girl who was waiting for him at the rooftop. However... he did not want to die. Not yet. So even when facing a pureblood vampire, he decided not to go down meekly.

"I'm not going to die here!" he declared bravely.

With nothing to lose Inakaru changed within seconds. Fangs elongated, eyes wide open, his face transformed into one of a ferocious beast.

He leaped up, towards the top flight of the stairs and charged. Despite the obvious attack, Kaname remained impassive. He looked at Inakaru without expression.

Focusing all his strength on his fingertip, the former human aimed squarely at the pureblood. The next moment his finger was indeed touching Kaname. But…

His fingertip fell off and crumbled away into dust. It was followed by his arm and shoulder. Ashes fell onto the wooden staircase.

"Think twice before you touch me."

This cold phrase, softly delivered, shook the former human to his core. Inakaru screamed as he rolled down the stairs, clutching his shoulder which was gradually turning to dust.

He rolled around on the floor with his remaining arm slowly crumbling to ash. Having witness Kaname's strength, Inakaru came to a horrifying realization – there's no way he could beat this guy.

"Please! I beg you, don't kill me." The former human begged, as he lay on the floor. There seemed to be only one way out of this—

Aiyora! She was the ace card he could use.

"I can help you!" Suddenly he exclaimed.

Kaname looked at him amused. "What can you possibly help me with?"

That question gave Inakaru a ray of hope.

"I have a way with girls. I can easily lure them. Spare me today and I promise to bring her to you tomorrow. Then whether you suck her dry or eat her the way that vile editor eats woman— that remains up to you."

"Her?" Kaname arched an eyebrow.

"Aiyora."

The pureblood's heart skipped a beat. Inakura could not tell whether that reaction was caused by the mention of her name or the idea of obtaining her. Either way works. As long as he can get out of this accursed place alive.

"You like her don't you. Even though I don't know either of you very well but the way you gazed at her… explains everything."

When Kaname said nothing Inakaru understood he was heading in the right direction.

"You want her, don't you…? …it's alright, you don't have to admit. The silence is speaking for you my friend. It's showing your inner fears. It is also screaming out how afraid you are, to let her know about how you feel… well, let me tell you something– she knows! She is aware about it, yet acting oblivious. Her game is on an advanced level. And I can help you reach there in no time. Trust me, you won't regret saving me."

Kaname's expression did not change. Like the frozen ice in the light, the pureblood stood silently in place. The wind blowing in from the windows riffled through his hair and the sunlight in the background only served to make him look even darker.

"Are you done?" Kaname's mouth slowly opened.

If the pureblood was angry before, he was furious now.

"Please… please spare me." Inakaru pleaded. Desperately wanting to live, he crawled up the stairs, leaving a trail of ashes behind his wake. He managed to climb to Kaname's shoes. Then looked up at the pureblood, unable to speak anymore. Only whimpers of fear escaping from his throat.

"If you so wanted to live… you should not have attempted to use her as the bargain chip… the fact that you tried to use her as product in the market, was your biggest crime. ...And for that I simply cannot forgive you."

A smile emerged on the pureblood's face. In that smile, there was glimpse of sympathy, mystery and a growing maddening obsession.

His time was up, Inakaru understood.

In the moment of his death, forgetting his fear Inakaru became completely absorbed into Kaname's face. He found himself thinking how beautiful was that predatory smile. He understood his soul could not escape the pureblood's captivity, as his heart succumbed to his magnetism.

Was this the charm of the purebloods?

That was the last thought to cross Inakaru's mind before his body turned completely into ashes…

Thud… Thud… Thud…

That was the sound of the camera rolling down the stairs.

•••

The two girls stood in awkward silence. Each believing they were right on their stance.

For Aiyora all her rage at the moment was directed towards one person. And unfortunately Yuuki happen to admire that same person, so there was no way for her to see the bad in him. In fact the brunette refused to believe a single word that left the younger vampire's mouth earlier.

"I'm sure you have misunderstood. Kaname-sempai has different ways of looking out for everyone—"

"Yuuki-sempai please let's drop the topic." The words left Aiyora's mouth in a dead serious voice. Yuuki was taken aback by Aiyora's tone and turned to see the her hands have been balled to fist, shoulders tight, eyes hidden behind the long bangs and fringes. Yuuki wasn't sure if she should be scared, after all this person was a vampire. And poking an enraged vampire is equivalent to playing with fire or putting hand inside a hungry lion's mouth.

"I really like you, admire you. And I'd absolutely hate to have our friendship ruined. But if you don't stop talking about Kaname onii-sama now I'm afraid I'll end up saying something that would hurt your feelings."

Yuuki gulped nervously. Was that a threat? What did she even say to make her so angry?

"Also, since you mentioned your Kaname-sempai has different ways of looking out for others... in that case tell me how is it fair that everyone in the night class ends up getting punished every time they do something with you? But the punishment is never severe when other day class girls are involved?"

Where is all this bitterness coming from Aiyora-chan?

"Take me for example— remember you once asked me about my childhood memories with Kaname onii-sama and I could not give you a proper response. Do you wish to know why that was the case? ...It was because my childhood days were mostly spent waiting for him. My earlier day at the Shiki residence... every day I would sit by the window and wait for him, only to be met with disappointment in the end. Then I would call him too; but he barely answered my calls and when he did, those phone calls never lasted more than a minute and he always sounded annoyed. It took me a while... but I finally understood and accepted that he doesn't want me. Then I moved on.

But with you,Yuuki-sempai... it has always been different. Which is why I understand where you're coming from. However don't try to pressure me to feel the same way about him as you do. It will only result in bitterness and make me despise him more. You may be indebted him, and that is because he gave you every reason to feel that way. It's not the same for me."

Yuuki opened her mouth but just as she was about to speak the door opened and Kaname walked in.

"Am I interrupting something?" He approached them.

"No no no, Aiyora-chan and I were just chatting."

"And what might be my two favorite girls chatting about?"

His footsteps came to a stop once he was behind Aiyora. He stood so close that there was barely any distance between their bodies. His chest was almost touching her back.

The temperature continued to drop and the breeze around turned chillier. All this time it was effecting Yuuki but now it started to effect Aiyora as well, making her wrap her arms around her body to keep herself warm.

Noticing her do that, Kaname took off his coat and gently draped it over Aiyora's shoulders. But the latter tried to resist. She shrugged her shoulders couple times to shake of the coat but Kaname held her down during the third attempt.

"Please don't resist, it's getting very cold."

Her struggles stopped but his hands didn't let go. Instead they made it to her waist and snaked around there tightly.

"Good girl." he tenderly kissed her temple on her right.

Oh I see what's going on, you overheard our conversation and now you're trying to show your beloved what a kind brother you are. Well... kudos to you! If you were an actor, you'd surely get an award.

Yuuki looked at the vampires, now she was more confused. She found herself questioning Aiyora's earlier statement. If all that she said earlier was true, then what is this? Kaname-sempai is being too kind to her yet she just said all those horrible things about him. A part of Yuuki was convinced whatever Aiyora tried to feed her before was nothing but lies.

She looked at the vampires again...

Kaname was whispering something into Aiyora's ear followed by kissed the top of her head. In response Aiyora tried to break free from his arms but those attempts remained futile. He chuckled at her action, then whispered something into her ear again and this time she nodded her head 'yes'.

There was a subtle ache spreading through Yuuki's heart. In that moment she found herself envying the younger vampire. It no longer matters what kind of past she shared with her brother, because the present she is living is beautiful. This closeness that Aiyora shares with her brother now, it is something Yuuki has been craving for ages. The way so casually he acted with her, held her, kissed her... Yuuki longed for all those.

Although she knew the gap between her and Kaname was great. But Yuuki still wanted him...

Ever since as a child she was rescued by him, he had always been the prince charming that popped out of fairy tale. He would always be the object she earns after.

With him so close Yuuki's heart started to race once more...

And it was something which caught both the vampires attention right away.

"Yuuki-sempai—"

"Oh I almost forgot mention, Zero has been searching for you Yuuki."

"Huh?"

Not just Yuuki, even Aiyora was confused. Why was he pushing away the chance to spend time with her. More importantly why is he sending her to Zero –his rival.

Just what kind of twisted game are you playing?

"He looked worried. Maybe you should let him know that your are alright."

"You're right... I'll go do that." Yuuki gave him a quick bow of appreciation before taking off from there in search of Zero.

But Kaname once again called her before she opened the door and stepped inside. "Also Yuuki… thank you for all your hard work today."

"Please don't mention I was just fulfilling my duty as a guardian and disciplinary committee."

With that said, Yuuki was gone. Leaving Aiyora completely alone with the last person she wanted anywhere near her at the given moment.

Once the door closed behind Yuuki's form, Aiyora made another attempt to break free from his arms. But this time his hold seemed to have gotten even tighter, if that's even possible.

"Onii-sama…" Aiyora spoke tiredly, it was after a long time she opened her mouth. In fact for the first time since Kaname joined them.

"Kaname." He corrected, seductively whispering into her ear.

Her face crunched in disgust. Why are you uttering your own name so seductively, weirdo!

"Whatever!" a sarcastic smile made it to her lips.

"You hair smells nice…" he buried his face into hair.

"Because I wash them with flavoured shampoo!" he hummed a response while nuzzling his face there.

"If there is something you need to say then spill it. Otherwise let me go. I'm in a terrible mood to tolerate your nonsense."

"Please stay…" it was a request ...no a plea. "…please, let's watch the sunset together."

Aiyora sighed. In that sigh all her current emotions were heard.

"We can talk…"

"There is nothing to talk about."

"I want to listen, to everything that has been pent up inside your heart. Holding onto hard feeling will only make them harder going forward. So please share…"

"Kanam-"

"I am aware that you have not been able to fully forgive me. And I do not expect you to, either. However I want you to know, that I will patiently work all my life to earn your forgiveness."

"…You don't have to work all your life. Just seal off your idiot girlfriend's mouth, that should be enough."

"I am sorry on Yuuki's behalf..."

"You know, I wasn't half as mad when you thrashed the editor, as I am now, in this very moment. She really infuriated me. Hat's off to her. Truly she can bring out a person's worst, while keeping her own innocence intact."

Kaname kissed the side of her head to comfort her.

"I truly want to leave the past behind and look forward to brighter future with both of you… but she is just making it harder. By pushing her great childhood with you onto my face will only make things harder for me. And she does not seem to understand that."

He turned her around and raised her face up by placing a hand under her chin. He could see her struggle to hold back on the tears. She was fighting real hard to keep them within her eyes.

"Would it make you happier if Yuuki was out of our life. You can tell me candidly. No matter what you say won't change the way I feel about you. Nothing in this world can."

Aiyora felt confused and somewhat scared by his words. Just because she was mad at her sister at the moment doesn't mean she is ready to leave her side. Sisters are suppose to fight but end of the day that fight is meant to be mended and make the bond stronger.

"What are you talking about?"

"What if we leave the academy behind and have a fresh start."

That means I have to leave Ri-chan behind, no, absolutely not! Even if I leave the academy it will be with him not you.

"We can't leave! If we leave what will happen to the chairman's pacifism and peaceful co-existing."

"Takuma can be put in change of the night class."

Aha! I always knew this night class and co-existing with the human was your bullshit excuse to stay close to Yuuki.

"What are you talking about. Did you fall and injure your head? Because you're talking crazy." She said sarcastically.

Kaname chuckled. His hand that was resting on her waist moved further down to her hips before it suddenly circled around her rear and lifted her form off of the ground.

"What are you doing?" Aiyora exclaimed trying to put someone distance between them by grabbing his shoulders. But it barely worked since her feet were at least a feet above the ground.

"You… can tell me if you're not happy here. I will make different arrangement for us…"

Us? Since when the heck are we Us?

"I'm fine here. I'll be fine anywhere as long as you don't try to control my life like it's your personally bought property."

"I'm not trying to control you. I'm just trying to protect my treasure."

"Oh really! Then why did you steal my offer letter from the agency? Don't tell me you took the letter so that you can sign and post it."

Kaname chuckled at her choice of words. "That angry face makes you look cuter than you already are… my treasure."

"Get this into head clearly, no matter what you do, you cannot stop me from becoming a model. I will sink into any level to enter the entertainment business… And what treasure!?"

"You…" he pulled her face closer and whispered. "…you are my treasure. That must be protected from all the hungry vultures."

He deeply kissed on the side of her face.

A feeling of uneasiness took over her heart.

"Are you drunk?"

"I'm sober."

"Yet you're making no sense!"

"I do make sense… you just have to open your eyes and look carefully, then everything will fall into it's place."

"I don't even know what we're actually conversing about at this point."

"You do. You can sense it within your heart."

"…Are you sick? …Do you have a fever?"

The way he was speaking was surely not a normal one. So she touched his forehead with her own, to see if he was indeed running a higher temperature. But while doing so, she unintentionally went close, a little too close…

…and having her this close caused him multiple reaction within Kaname's body. His heart started to race. It was beating so fast that it felt like it would burst out of the ribcage any moment now. His breath was coming out deeper and harder and his body was... very lightly trembling. All in all it felt as if he was physically fighting a beast.

He looked like he wanted to say something but something from deep inside was holding him back.

"Kaname onii-sama… are you okay?"

For the first time Aiyora focused into his eyes and saw the reflection of her own nervous face. Those dark eyes of his had a very strange gleam in them, a kind of gleam that no one has ever seen before.

After somewhat understating the situation, now Aiyora was scared.

"Please put me down."

"No!"

"Kaname onii-sama…"

"No! I won't let you go anywhere until you listen to me…"

"At least put me down. We can sit down somewhere and talk… this position is uncom-"

"Where. Is. Yuuki?"

Both froze. That demanding voice didn't belong to either of the purebloods.

In union they turned and found Zero —standing not to far from them.

Kaname slowly put Aiyora down. "What are you doing here?"

"Where is Yuuki?" The silver haired boy asked again.

"She left to look for you." Aiyora answered and taking this as her chance she broke free from Kaname's arms. "On a second thought...i'll go look for Yuuki-sempai while you two not so gentlemen sort out your own issues."

Using that as her prime excuse she took off from there leaving them to deal with the awkwardness and aftermath.

.

.

.

For the longest time the two men remained in silence. The only source of sound there came from the gentle breeze that riffled though their hair.

"Those ashes on the stairs... that photographer... you killed him..."

Kaname looked at the sweaty boy like he was some sort of deadly disease.

"I did what you should have done. ...Yuuki was lured here, from under your watch." Kaname turned the table and pushed the blame on Zero. His calm voice acted as the sharp knife that stabbed Zero in the heart.

"If you're not careful next time, I will be very upset."

Zero lowered his head and clenched his fist, his nails leaving deep impression into his palms.

"Vampire hunters have the ability to distinguish between vampires and humans. If you are not even helpful in that aspect then your place by Yuuki's side is useless."

Situation has come to this, that Kaname can no longer be around Yuuki all the time. Therefore Yuuki needs someone by her side who can protect her at all cost, so that he can rest ease and focus on the other issues on hand. This was his biggest reason for keeping Zero around.

Zero clenched his teeth, angry at his own uselessness and inability to protect Yuuki. And the sprinkle of salt on fresh wound was having Kaname come to her rescue.

Kaname turned his back on the defeated Zero and asked, "Do you intend to protect Yuuki for the rest of your life?"

Yes.

Zero did not say anything audibly but Kaname still knew of his response.

"If so, then why don't you step up here, come to my level? You do realize, in order to protect Yuuki you have to become like me."


For the next couple days Aiyora's mind was plagued with worry for her older brother.

Each time her mind reflected back to their interaction on the rooftop on the day of the photoshoot, she grew more worried. Something was off with him. He looked like he was at the edge of his limit. A little more push is all that's required to make him completely lose it.

But what could it be… that is bothering him to this length?

Even tonight, he walked out of the running class. Not that it actually matters. But still, he's the president, and has a reputation to hold. What kind of example would these sort of behavior lead to?

"What's wrong?" Beside her Senri poked.

"Thinking." She responded chewing her bottom lip, still lost in her thought.

"About?"

"My older brother..." The Shiki heir tensed at the mention of the pureblood. But Aiyora took no notice of that. Her eyes remained glued on the teacher, who after a long time was writing something on the board. Tonight the night class was getting an actual lecture on history of vampires.

"I think he needs to get laid." Aiyora bluntly stated, of course keeping her tone very low.

Hearing that, Senri shot her a look.

"He needs to have some real good release, there's a lot of pent up frustration inside him."

The model had no desire to take part in this conversation, but didn't even know how to stop her.

"Earlier I played the matchmaker and arranged him a date with Cross Yuuki. Looks like now I must turn into a pimp and find him someone to have a one-night-stand with. …Do you think someone from the night class would like to help out? Maybe Ruka-senpai… or that blonde girl sitting beside Takuma nii-san. …Or that curly haired girl…?"

Senri kept shooting her the 'are you serous look'.

"Perhaps it would be best to hire a prostitute. This way all sort of awkwardness can be avoided."

"Doesn't he like that disciplinary committee girl?"

"Yes, but she's human. He can't have sex with her. It's too risky. What if in intensity of the orgasm he ends up biting her. That will lead to a whole new problem."

"Then... why don't you do it!"

It took Aiyora a second to understand that his phrase was a statement, not a question.

"Why would I do it?" She charged, the look on her faced turned annoyed.

"You're his fiancée."

Aiyora frowned, deeply disappointed. How could he suggest something like that keeping a straight face.

"Ri-chan…" she turned to him and further lowered her already whispering voice. "…you know I'm not interested in him that way and vice-versa."

"How do you know what he feels?"

"Because we talk about it! I know the situation of his heart. So going forward never, not even jokingly suggest such things… is that clear?"

"…yes." He responded with hesitation.

And neither spoke for the rest of the class. Once the class ended and the teacher exited, the Shiki heir collected his books and got up. He was about to leave when Aiyora grabbed his wrist.

"Wait for me…"

"..."

There was an odd silence. Everyone in class was now eyeing her. More specifically her hand, that was grasping his. Aiyora also returned them the confused stare. It's not like this was the first time she has held Senri's hand in public. So why was everyone giving her the odd stare? Before she could figure out Senri pulled his hand free and walked away without even waiting for her.

"Did he just ignore me?" Aiyora asked the person that was passing by.

"Forgive me Aiyora-sama, I don't actually know." The boy said bowing slightly.

Why the heck is this dude bowing? ...whatever!

Shrugging her shoulders the pureblood was also about to get up but paused as her phone suddenly rang. Sitting back down, she picked out the devise from her pocket and noticed it to be an unknown number but she answered anyway.

"…Am I speaking to Kuran Aiyora?" Inquired the voice from the other side.

"…yes, and who might you be?"

With a motion of her hand she signaled all the night class students to leave and not wait for her.

"My name is Takumori Kyosuke, I am the owner of the modelling agency…"


Aiyora has not only turned into his biggest weakness but has also become his only source of intoxication... his addiction... and that was now turning into a problem.

Her mere presence had him trying to keep his inner beast at bay. The beast that wanted nothing more than to feed on her till there was nothing left. And it scared him, to think that one day he will not be able to control himself and end up harming Aiyora.

He poured a few tablets into the glass full of water and waited till it transformed into faux blood. He cannot, he simply cannot remain thirsty. As it posses great risk to Aiyora's well being.

He vaguely heard the sound of door opening and the soft footsteps nearing. Her lavender scent which should be calming him, tonight worked the other way... it excited him... got him all geared up, but for what?

A hand came and rested on his left shoulder.

Unconsciously, Kaname tensed. But consciously, restrained himself. Deep down knowing all too well he wouldn't be able to do it for long. Because it wasn't just up to his heart, this body was playing a major role too. The attraction he felt towards her, sometimes controls everything.

A person like him could have imagination so powerful that sometimes it became hard to distinguish between the illusion created by his mind and the reality he was living.

"Kaname onii-sama?"

The hand resting over his shoulder finally took charge and turned him around. Like a pet dog Kaname allowed himself to be controlled... this time.

"Thank you..." There was a genuine smile on her lips. And Kaname wasn't sure whether it was an illusion created by his mind or was she actually smiling at him.

His mind whirled.

"The agency called to inform that they have received your signed consent form and have already recruited me." Her hand moved from his shoulder to now caress his face. "Thank you for making it happen. You have no idea what this means to me. ...first time, this is the first time you've done something for me... I'm touched."

She paused to swallow. "I never thought you'd do this. And for that I just don't blame your mindset, but our society too. The council won't be happy with this decision. After all even if there are several girls from the noble families working in the Show Business, I'll be the first ever pureblood. The council will not let you off the hook, you do realize that?"

Wrapping his arms around her waist Kaname pulled her close, so close that there was barely any gap between their bodies. Strangely Aiyora did not react negatively to it.

"You, don't have to worry about the council. Leave them to me." he assured her.

"They might give you hard time..."

"That's fine..." resting his forehead on her, he sighed contently. "You think I can't take this much trouble for you."

"What if I expose myself too much?"

He smiled, "...didn't you already do that?"

Aiyora pouted childishly. "I understand it may have been blinding to your eyes. But given the current time its nothing."

To remain on the safer side Kaname decided not to comment on that. Who knows what sort of opinion he will give and she will end up upset.

Yet without a warning he pulled Aiyora into his arms and held her in a warm embrace. "Do whatever it is that is required to fulfill your dreams. I promise not to stand on the way nor will I allow any other to do so."

She finally relaxed into the hug and returned it with similar affection. "Thank you... Kaname onii-sama. Hearing that from you means a lot to me."

His heart skipped a beat.

"You know... I never even imagined you'd do something for the sake of my happiness. No words can express the amount of joy and excitement I'm feeling right now..."

Now it was racing.

"Everything seems so unreal... too good to be true. ...I don't think I will ever be able to repay you back for this favour. Now like Yuuki-nee, I'm also indebted to you."

You don't have to repay any favour, just hold me into your arms like this forever, that's all I ask for. After all these times I have finally come to realize that you're all I want... you're everything that I desire and you're everything that I need to sanely survive. ...You may not have realized it yet Aiyora, but it doesn't change the fact that I love you... I love more than anyone, more than anything, more than life itselfself—

"I love you..."

What! His eyes turned wide. For Kaname the world came to a stop.

He pulled back slightly and looked down at her in complete disbelief. Did he hear that correctly? She just confessed! Just like that! Or were his ears playing some sort of dirty tricks.

His lips parted... I love you too, I love you more... my treasure, you have no idea of how much love this old heart has in store for you.

... but sadly he could not speak.

"Thank you onii-sama... thank you so much..."

She was saying more but he lost the ability to focus. And abruptly pulled her into his arms once more. His hold now tighter than the one before.

"You're the best sibling one could ever ask for. You're the best! I love love love you!"

Wait what!?

The smile on Kaname's lips slowly changed to a frown as he detected the platonic undertone of her voice. He logically tried to examine her voice and desperately searched for some form of passion in them.

But...

"Anyway..." she pulled back and kissed him on the cheek. "I have to go share the good news with others. You're the first person I ran to, after getting off of the phone with the agency." Having said that she broke free from his arms and left... almost dancing her way out.

And all Kaname could do was silently watch her retreating figure in complete defeat. Till a voice, the voice that once belonged to Inakaru suddenly rang inside his mind like an alarm bell.

"She knows! She's aware about it, yet acting oblivious."

No! It cannot be. That scumbag ex-human was lying. He never even knew Aiyora well enough to understand what's inside her mind.

Do you know her well enough? His subconscious mind questioned, only to be met with silence.


a.n. What do you guy think? How many of you believe Aiyora is aware?

Thank you for reading hope you guys enjoyed the update. Also if any of misunderstood Aiyora's bitterness with Yuuki in this chapter— She loves Yuuki but Yuuki trying to pressure her to make Kaname shine in bright light didn't sit well with Aiyora.

Also if you guys notice and errors or spelling or grammatical error feel free to point out , it will make it easier for me to correct them.