Akane's short-lived calm dissolved into uneasiness as she looked down the dim and deserted corridor. Getting out of school quickly was the top priority. She had no desires to get bitten. When Aido had been alone with her, it seemed just being near her caused him physical pain with his thirst. They'll know a Human is near, so I need to get out fast, she reasoned before taking a deep breath and running the length of the corridor to the stairs.
She slowed once she reached the staircase making sure not to fall. Getting a scraped-up knee because she was too scared to pace herself was not a good plan, so she was careful as she descended the stairs two at a time. She had to travel down four flights but as she followed the stairs around on the third turn down, Akane came to an abrupt and breathless halt. Crap! Kaname stood at the bottom of the third flight of stairs, watching her quickly rack her brain for something to say to explain her presence in the school building after dark.
"Kuran! I mean Moon Dorm President… I know I'm not supposed to be here but…"
"It's alright, I heard about your riding accident, Miss Nakamura. How are you feeling?" Headmaster Cross must have warned him there'd be a Human in the school when night classes started.
"I'm fine. Horses and I have never gelled well," Akane answered, trying to sound as unfazed by him as she'd been before, but it was difficult to hide the tremor in her voice, she just hoped he thought it due to her mad dash down the stairs.
The expanding gap of silence was disconcerting and standing mere feet from a Vampire was not good for Akane's blood pressure either, now that she knew what he and the rest of the Night Class were.
"Be sure to take care, Miss Nakamura. You've had rather an eventful time lately." Kaname eventually said in his amiably pleasant tone. Eventful? What's that supposed to mean?
"Umm… if you're looking for Headmaster Cross, he's in his office." Akane told him, thumbing over her shoulder, hoping her gesture looked nonchalant. Kaname certainly wasn't helping her keep up the pretence by just standing there watching her.
"Thank you, Miss Nakamura. You should head back to your dorm now. I'm sorry, I kept you."
"No, it's ok, umm… I should…" Akane gestured down the stairs. Kaname smiled placidly, stepping to the side, giving Akane room to get by, but didn't climb the stairs himself.
With a thundering heart, she held her breath as she moved nearer, finally passing the Vampire and continued down the final steps at a steady walk. All the while she could feel the Vampire's eyes on her back. Once she reached the ground floor she discreetly glanced over her shoulder, checking she wasn't being followed, then bolted for the exit.
Akane burst out the front doors of the school building, almost knocking Yuki over, who was waiting to take her back to The Sun Dorms. Thankfully, Akane managed to stop the pair of them toppling over and stop herself from sending the smaller girl flying. She stood back, gasping for breath and saluted the Disciplinary Committee member.
"Nakamura, are you alright? What happened?" Yuki asked worriedly, very worriedly. Akane saw as she discretely checked her neck and collar for wounds or marks. I knew they had to be in on this. Makes sense, I suppose. What else would you need a committee designed to separate students? Unless one was prey to another.
"Yeah… don't… want to stay out too long. … have to keep up… good behaviour… or I'm gone, remember?" Akane panted.
"Right, well let's get going." Yuki smiled, relieved Akane hadn't been hurt or ran into anything, or anyone, she shouldn't. Akane was still fighting for air so just nodded and followed, thankful the Headmaster's daughter was as easily cajoled as her father.
Yuki bid Akane a goodnight, once they reached The Sun Dorms, then left to continue her patrol of the academy grounds. Akane trudged up to her room, exhausted from the days' events and entered her dorm with a sigh. Damn Kuran! What did he mean by "eventful" anyway? Akane didn't have more time to think on the Vampire's words, however, as Miu dived at her roommate, capturing her in a surprisingly strong hug the moment she opened the door.
"Akane, are you ok? I was so worried! You went as white as a sheet! Mr Iwata looked about ready to faint when you passed out on the way to the infirmary!" she burst in one breath while clinging to Akane's waist.
"Miu, I'm fine. I just need a good night's sleep," Akane reassured, prising her friend from around her torso. Miu reluctantly withdrew and watched Akane pluck out some night clothes from their dresser and head into the bathroom to change for bed.
"You're not hungry?" Miu called through the door. Akane shook her head as she appeared and climbed into bed with a tired sigh.
The fright from meeting Kaname so unexpectedly erased any appetite Akane had when she woke.
"You sure you're ok? I can get the Dorm Leader if you still feel woozy."
"I'm ok, Miu, promise." Miu accepted Akane's assurance and moved to turn out the light and get into her bed.
"Oh, wait! I almost forgot…" Akane turned to face Miu but frowned at the devious look she wore. "Idol asked about you today."
Akane blinked back owlishly in surprise.
"He seemed worried when I told him what happened."
"What! You told him! Why?" Akane whined, twisting her body and face as the uncomfortable feeling of embarrassment filled her. She felt as her cheeks reddened at the knowledge Aido, and possibly, everyone at school (Human and Vampire), now knew about her impromptu nap time.
"He asked after you. What was I supposed to do, lie?" Miu asked with mock innocence.
Akane glared at her friend before turning away, hiding her blush and sending a clear message that she did not want to discuss this further.
"Ok, you don't want to tell me. I get it." Miu held her hands up in defeat with an amused grin at Akane's pouting. "I'll find out eventually, and we both know that!" Miu lied down in her warm bed, covered by her cosy blankets and rested her head on her newly fluffed pillows, leaving Akane stewing while she peacefully drifted off to sleep.