Chapter Two

I hid in the locker room. After everyone had gone and the bell rang for next period, I finally opened the bathroom stall door and peered around. No one was there. I walked over to the sinks and washed my hands, even though they weren't dirty. I looked at myself, still in my bathing suit with drenched, ugly, matted-down hair. My eyes were red and puffy from crying but I was finished now. I wasn't going to cry anymore. It just wasn't worth it. I knew the brothers all cared, but they only showed it when they felt like it.

Before I could get a grip, I leaned my back up against the wall and slid down, putting my face in my hands and starting to cry all over again. Why were they doing this to me? Was it punishment? Was it something I did? I didn't understand. What happened when I died? What happened to Cordelia? To their uncle? What happened to them? To me? I just wanted to know and for some reason it was making the Sakamaki brothers like this. It had to be—

"What was that all about?" a male voice asked and I lifted my head so quickly it hit the wall behind me and I yelped. The voice laughed and I looked up.

"Oh. You're…"

"The guy who pulled you out of the water."

"This is the girls' locker room."

"Yea, but I saw you go in and never come out. There's only one door, so I figured you still had to be in here." He frowned. "Why are you crying? You wanted to die out there?"

I was startled by his direct question, but I quickly shook my head.

"Then what?"

"I just… wanted to get someone's attention…" I knew I probably sounded like a stupid little girl just then, but it was truth… and it was partially the reason I was crying—because I'd was being a stupid little girl. Trying to drown to get Ayato's attention… what kind of an idiot was I just then?

"Hmm… that must be pretty important to you if you were going to die over it." The young man slid down the wall to sit next to me.

"I knew I wasn't going to die."

"What if I hadn't seen you? Everyone else was a little preoccupied."

I didn't want to go into details with this random stranger, but I couldn't help it. I hadn't spoken with someone in quite a while, and this was nice, to be honest.

"Did you hear someone shout before I went under?"

"I… don't think so. Why?"

"Because that was him. He noticed me… But I thought…"

"Oh, I get it. I wasn't supposed to save you, huh?" The boy laughed. "The other guy was."

I looked at him in confusion.

"Well if he wasn't the one who saved you, then maybe that should tell you something. Yea?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't be dense," he said with a playful smile. "Just break up with the guy."

"Oh."

"Oh? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing."

The young man sighed and scratched the back of his head. "You don't want to break up with him?"

"It's not like that?"

"Then explain."

I looked up at the large clock and saw that it was only a few minutes into the current class period. If I was skipping, then I had a lot of time, and it didn't look like the pool was open this period, so no one would be in the locker rooms, either. I had time.

"It's not like that… It's… we're not like that."

"You're not dating the guy?" I shook my head in reply. "Then you're just trying to get his attention? You want him to notice you?" I nodded that time. "Well, listen," he began with a light laugh, "If you want this guy's attention and he doesn't even give it to you when you're about to drown, then he's not worth it. You shouldn't try so hard."

"It's not like that either."

The man frowned. "What?"

"He would've saved me if you didn't."

"What do you want then, an apology?"

"No. I'm grateful you saved me… I didn't want to die when I did it. But it seems like he doesn't want to care anymore… I don't know…"

"You talk like you've dated him in the past. Have you?"

"No," I couldn't help but laugh. Vampires… dating? It was a funny thought. Dating was a human tradition, and they probably thought of themselves as too good for that sort of thing anyway. If they wanted someone, they just took them and did what they wanted to them. I knew this for a fact, from experience and the stories they told me.

"Then what? You want to date him but he's not for it?"

"No."

"You're not making any sense."

"It's complicated."

"It doesn't have to be."

I looked up at him and our eyes met. His were a light hazel—very calming, patient… it was relaxing to meet eyes with him.

"I don't see how that can be true."

"Just forget about him."

I paused. I'd never actually thought about that option. Was he saying I could leave the Sakamaki house? I'd thought about it, but I always knew I'd have nowhere to go and nothing to do. But could I start preparing to leave? Is that what he was saying I could do? Prepare to have the brothers out of my life?

"I can tell you're thinking about it now," the boy said. "If there are other people in your life… other people to talk to… to go to when you need a break from the rest of the world…"

"What are you saying?" I could tell there was another meaning behind his words.

"Why don't you forget about him and come with me for a bit?"

I blinked twice before readjusting. Did I hear him correctly? His eyes seemed trustworthy enough. His face wasn't sneaky or scary, like a vampire's. And he'd saved me when Ayato ignored me. Maybe this was some kind a sign for me. Maybe this boy was right.

"I'm Haru," he said, standing up. He held out his hand to help me up. "It's nice to meet you…?"

"Yui Komori," I said softly, taking his hand. He gently hauled me to my feet.

"Pretty name," he said with a smile. "Now I hope you don't mind, but I'm starting to feel a little bit uncomfortable in the ladies' room."

I couldn't help but smile. This boy… Haru. He seemed genuine. He led the way out to the halls and I followed behind him, but I stopped in my tracks when I saw who was leaning against the wall right outside the door.

"Ayato… kun…"

Haru turned as my eyes hit the ground and I could feel the tears coming back.

"Hey," he said softly, taking my hand. I could've sworn I saw Ayato twitch a little at that, but I looked away, still down at the ground, away from him. "Come on, Yui. It's fine. Let's go to class." I could feel some tension in the air, but Ayato didn't make any moves to stop us as I walked away with this kind young man. But as we quickly as we started walking away, Haru stopped again.

"Who is this?"

I looked up. It was Subaru, standing in our way.

"What's it to you?" Haru asked with a shrug. His voice wasn't threatening, but it still held the same note as "get out of the way". I wasn't sure how the white-haired brother would take that.

"Tch."

Subaru glanced at me, and then down to my hand in Haru's. He looked back up at me and narrowed his eyes. I froze. Why was he mad at me? I didn't do anything wrong. But just when I thought he might do something violent, as per his usual reaction to things, he just stepped out of our way and scowled. I wanted to say something to him, but I couldn't think of anything as Haru continuing leading me down the hall. But in a few crowds and around a couple corners, I could see each of the vampire brothers watching me, their eyes glowing dangerously.

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It felt strange, to have a friend. Someone normal. Someone who didn't want to drink my blood or use me in some crazy reincarnation ritual. Someone who talked to me and listened to me and actually cared about what I said and how I felt… Someone human. I couldn't remember the last time I'd had normal interaction like this with another human. It was revitalizing. I could see myself getting excited to go to night school every weekday. I could see myself getting up in the morning and not being able to hide my excitement for the end of the day, when the sun went down and I could talk to him again. I felt like I could truly smile for the first time in a long time.

It was nearing the end of the school day, and although I felt bad for skipping the majority of my classes, it was really fun. It was pitch black outside, but I could picture the sun shining when I didn't look out the windows. Haru told me stories about his life—his parents, he was an only child, he used to have a dog but it ran away, he's dated two girls, both who were at his previous school, he's a new student and that's why I didn't recognize him, and he loves to paint. It felt great to know someone on this level, but I knew I was holding back because of my past. I didn't want to tell him about my father, and how he'd gone missing over a month ago, and he hasn't shown up since. I couldn't tell him that I was told to move into a house full of vampire brothers because I was supposed to be a vessel for a dead vampire who was the evil mother of three of the brothers that I live with. And I couldn't tell Haru that I died and somehow came back to life after the process went through because I didn't even know how that worked. I wanted to tell him about my father, and all the wonderful memories I had of him from when I was a child, but then I could think about was how he sold me through the church to be a vessel for the Awakening. I still didn't understand if he did it for a good reason or just because he wanted money, and I would never get the chance to ask him because I've made peace with the fact that he'll probably never come back.

Even still, it was nice to just talk to someone and hear them talk about themselves.

"Well, Yui, I guess I'll see you tomorrow," Haru said with a smile and a wave. We stood outside the main entrance to the school. It looked beautiful bathed in moonlight. "Even though we skipped our classes today, we actually have three of them together anyway, so we should probably just go to class from now on." He let out a sheepish laugh and I smiled at him and nodded.

"Tch."

I jumped when Subaru appeared around the corner and walked past Haru and me to the limo. I thought everyone was inside already…

"I think I have to go," I said apologetically.

"Yea, me too. Mom's waiting out in the back parking lot I think. Why don't you give me your number and I'll text you later?"

I nodded, but then quickly remembered that Ayato broke my cellphone the day I moved into the Sakamaki mansion.

"Wait, it's actually broken," I said with a sorry frown. "I'll let you know if I ever replace it, but it's been a while."

"Really? How do you live without a phone?" he asked with a chuckle. I just shrugged and he got the message. "Okay, okay. Go on home. I'll see ya tomorrow, Yui. Have a good rest of the night."

"You too," I replied with a smile, and I turned and ran to the limo. I entered and saw them all, sitting there. But this time, they were all watching me. Their eyes weren't avoiding me or glancing out the window. They all looked at me. Glaring, almost. Reiji looked disapproving. Kanato, Laito and Subaru all narrowed their eyes. Shuu had one eye open, looking at me, expressionless, but he closed it when I looked back. Ayato saw me once and then turned away, watching the window. His face was unreadable.

I closed the door behind me and tried to see if I could put some distance between me and Ayato on the small cushion. But just when I thought I was in a good place, I felt his arm go around me and rest along my shoulders and the back of my seat. I turned to him in surprise but he was still looking out the window. I looked at everyone else and they were also avoiding eye contact again.

Did it really bother them so much that I made a friend? I didn't get it. Once again, I was very confused. I looked again at Ayato when the car started moving and he had his head tilted slightly back and his eyes were closed. I knew it was out of place, but I felt like I had done something very wrong, as if spending time with Haru was offensive to them. But that was absurd. He was only a human, like me. They never cared about humans before. So what was it? There were so many things I wanted answers to. Why wouldn't they just talk to me?

I glanced out the window, looking back towards the front entrance to the school, and saw Haru standing there, his mouth open in shock as he watched the limo pull out onto the road.

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"You live with them?!"

The pool was closed tonight so we had a regular health class-style period, learning about CPR and spinals and the different swimming strokes. It was boring and I couldn't wait to get in the water again tomorrow. Haru already said he'd be my partner if Ayato didn't show up again.

"Like, you live with those guys? Yui, no wonder you feel the way you do. You're kinda stuck." He laughed but then held back, seeing as it was a touchy subject for me. "Why don't you live with your family? I heard from a few people that those guys are filthy stinkin' rich, though. They must have a huge home, right? Must be nice there actually, now that I think about it."

I shrugged.

We sat in the hallway between classes. The next class was the last period of the night and then it was time to go home. I knew this would probably be my last time to see him tonight, so I wanted to talk.

"How long have you been there?"

"Almost two months now I guess."

"That's not that long."

"Seems like it."

"I bet."

An awkward silence passed between us and Haru frowned. "You sure you're okay? You come in here every day looking like you're about to cry again." I glared at him a bit and he pretended to be scared. We both laughed. This was nice. This was really nice. "So what about your family? Why aren't you with them instead?"

I supposed I could tell him part of the truth, as long as I didn't give away the bad stuff. "My mother died when I was young, so it was always just me and my father. A little more than two months ago my father went missing, and he left me a note. It told me to come here. He said that these people would take me in and take care of me."

"Did the note say when he'd be back?"

I froze. This is what I didn't want to talk about. I just shook my head and looked away.

"Oh, hey, I'm sorry. We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. I didn't mean to pry."

"Why are you being so nice to me?" I asked, looking back at him. He seemed stumped by my question at first, but then he bounced right back.

"Well, you kinda stood out cuz you're the first girl I've ever seen try to drown herself. And well… you were upset and I'm new here… I figured we could both use someone to talk to. And…" he trailed off. "Well, Yui, to be honest with you… I really like you."

I felt a blush creep its way under the skin on my cheeks. I knew exactly what he meant from the way a faint blush spread on his face as well.

"Haru…"

"I know, I ruined the moment. Sorry again—"

"No, what I mean to say is… Haru… I like you, t—"

"Oi! Pancake!"

I jumped at the familiar voice, almost standing up. Ayato came around the corner and he looked angry. I gulped. What was his problem?

"We're leaving early tonight. Let's go. The limo's out front already. Everyone's waiting."

I quickly stood up and gathered my things, but when I looked at Haru's expression, I froze again. I could tell what he wanted to say. He would ask me why I'm listening to Ayato. He would tell me to do my own thing and not be so miserable with them anymore. So I slowly set my things back down on the ground.

"Ayato-kun…" I turned and faced him. "If you and the others need to go home early, then don't let me be a burden to you. I'll call a cab after last period is over. You can go home without me."

His face changed to one of shock, but it was quickly replaced with his angry expression again.

"We need to talk to you," he said simply, his tone impatient. Oh, now they wanted to talk? Why? Obviously they were angry that I made a friend, and that wasn't fair.

"Then you can talk to me tomorrow—"

"Yui! Listen to me!"

I jumped when he used my name. He never used my name. His voice wasn't just angry or irritated anymore, either. There was a sense of desperation in it. But what could that be from?

"Ayato… kun…"

"Listen," Haru suddenly said, standing up and coming between me and Ayato. I couldn't help but watch him in his brave act. If only he knew what Ayato was, he wouldn't be so brave. "She said she wants to stay until the end of the day. I'll make sure she gets home safe. I'm sure my mom won't mind taking you home, Yui." He turned to me and I could only stare back at him.

"Back off," Ayato hissed, and for a second I thought he was about to show his fangs. Thankfully he didn't.

"She doesn't want to go with you."

"Then that's just too bad."

"Too bad for you, maybe."

I heard a faint yet deep growl emanate from Ayato and I suddenly got nervous for Haru. I grabbed my things again and started walking past him towards the purple-haired vampire. But before I took my second step past Haru, a hand grabbed me and spun me around, and suddenly a mouth was on mine. My eyes grew wider than they've ever gone when I was bitten by the Sakamakis. And I soon realized that this wasn't something that I didn't want.

But before another thought could process in my head, I was torn from Haru. When I looked around, he was in front of me, staring, wide-eyed. So were the six vampire brothers. They faced me, and bore their fangs. I suddenly felt very afraid, and from the look on Haru's face, he did as well. The sight of people just appearing out of thin air was most likely new to him.

Ayato was the first to approach me. He grabbed my arm and tugged me towards him violently. He pulled me so hard I let out a small scream. Carefully angling us so that Haru wouldn't see his fangs, he dug them into the skin on my lower neck and drank. I winced and yelped, but he made no movement as if he would stop because of my pain.

"Ayato-kun… please… it hurts…"

I felt myself getting fainter and the ceiling started to spin. When he finally stopped, he didn't even hold me upright and I collapsed onto the floor.

"What did you do to her?!" I heard Haru shout, at the same time the bell rang, shrieking through the halls. People started coming out of the classrooms and before long the halls would be full.

I didn't know what was going on, but I saw Reiji lean forward and whisper something to Haru that made his face go pale. Then I was cradled against Ayato's chest and the cold air of the night was hitting my sensitive skin. Then I was in the limousine. Then before I knew it, I was in my bed, and I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer as a dark sleep consumed me.