I set my alarm to wake early. I took a shower, making sure to tiptoe my way between the bathroom and my bedroom. It seemed pointless after a while to try and be quiet when the running water might have wakened Satoshi in an instant. I dressed in my school uniform and put my hair up before creeping down the staircase. Peeking around the corner at the landing into the living room, I saw Satoshi still on the couch. He slept obviously; one arm dangling off the edge, the other on his stomach, mouth slightly ajar, a leg bowed out.

I knew if I told him I was going to school, he'd say no. However, I could not afford to miss another day. I was a risk, he would say; I was not stable enough. Honestly… have some trust in me, Satoshi! Even if I was going to have to get used to a completely different lifestyle, I had self-control.

I put together an easy breakfast, eating a rice ball and an orange. My schoolbag stood at the door where I had left it last. Another glance into the living room displayed Satoshi unconsciously turning over onto his side, mouth still open. I slipped my shoes on and closed the door quietly as possible behind me.

The snow shone brightly as usual in the sunlight. I casually secured my sunglasses and began to walk to school. The streets were nearly empty, only a couple people doing their morning shopping at the markets. About half way, I passed Yousei graveyard like every other trip to school. I stopped at the gate. The shrine stood dark among the snow, a muddy footprint on clean, white carpet.

Hanako entered my mind once more. Even though Satoshi told me to not try talking with her or let the thought of it appear again, I could not help but wonder. He was helping me out with this change and I appreciated his aide. However, there are things that he had not answered when I asked. Possibly, Hanako could provide those answers. Satoshi may not have been aware of it himself, but he had become protective of me. It was somewhat flattering, yes… on the other hand, I wanted to get things straight; I wanted all the knowledge I could gain about my new life as a vampire.

"Tonight," I said to myself quietly and continued on my walk.

Once I arrived at the school gate, Sae-chan came into view. She stood by the entrance as if waiting for someone. I assumed it must have been Souichirou-kun, but I was proved wrong when she finally saw me approaching. She ran; a strange expression on her face. It was a cross between an ecstatic smile and the sudden surprise you get after finding you're bleeding and don't remember the cut.

"Kasumi-chan!"

She came right up to me, and then stopped, looking me up and down.

I quickly grabbed her into a tight hug.

"Wow, what was that for?" She asked.

"I'm glad to see you."

"Well, it's good to see you're back," Sae-chan said. "Where's Satoshi?"

"He's at home sleeping," I replied.

"He doesn't know you're here?"

I shook my head. "Even if I told him I wanted to go back to school, he wouldn't have let me. I had to leave on my own."

"Demo… daijoubu?" Sae-chan lifted her eyebrows in concern.

"Hai, hai, genki desu." I said. "True, it'll take some getting used to, but how can I start if I'm not allowed outside?"

We both laughed.

"Are you going to keep those sunglasses on, though?" Sae-chan asked. "It'll look pretty odd during class."

"Satoshi did it."

"Yes, but…" Sae-chan hesitated. "People expected it from him. If you come back after a scene like at the play and have become a female version of him…?"

"I'll try to go without them," I said after come consideration.

"I'm sorry," Sae-chan said after we got to the shoe lockers. "I don't mean to sound like I'm embarrassed by you."

"I didn't get that from you," I replied. "Plus, I understand what you mean. I shouldn't act like my little spell changed everything."

"… Little?"

I shrugged. "Alright…huge."

Sae-chan nodded.

"Chotto matte," I said.

"What is it?"

I looked over to Sae-chan, fear in my gut. "What has been said about Ryu?"

Sae-chan remained quiet for a moment, putting on her school shoes and placing her own into the locker.

"Well, they mentioned that he died," Sae-chan whispered. "They didn't say how, though I doubt they could even figure out how."

I should have expected that.

"I wouldn't worry about it right now, Kasumi-chan," Sae-chan said, resting a hand on my shoulder. "If you act like it's as big a shock as it was to us, you'll be fine."

"It was a big shock to me," I replied. "I wasn't myself…"

"I know, I know," Sae-chan bit her bottom lip. "Lay low for today."

"Okay," I agreed.

Once Sae-chan and I got to homeroom, everyone greeted me kindly, asking if I was feeling better. Apparently they all assumed I had had a fit or something of that nature before I even had to start making excuses. Though, some treated me quite timidly, as if I was about to drop to the floor and foam at the mouth. It would pass, I figured, seeing as gossip always replaced old news within a week. Overall, it felt good to be immersed in the school atmosphere again. I felt in my place.

Lunch hour rolled around and I realized that I had completely forgotten to bring one. Hurrying down to the lunch room, I managed to grab a yakisoba bun, which are the easiest to obtain since all the others are so popular. Seriously, the bread line in the cafeteria is busier than a shrine on New Year.

I joined Sae-chan in one of the atriums. It was much too cold to eat outside, but the many wide windows gave the illusion. Sae-chan even traded one of her delicious meatballs for a couple bites of my yakisoba bun. Life suddenly felt like it had been at the beginning of the year. After a while, Naoko-chan even joined us, delivering a weak smile.

I was happy to see her until my entire body gave that awkward lurch and I grabbed my chest. I horribly masked it to be a coughing attack and went back to my lunch. The feeling would not go away; it became difficult to concentrate even on chewing my meal. My bun tasted like ash in my mouth, dry and chalky, turning to a thick paste which took its precious time going down my throat. This wasn't food; Naoko-chan was food.

I shook my head violently.

"What's wrong, Kasumi-chan?" Sae-chan asked.

"Oh, uh, I just have a headache," I lied.

Naoko-chan looked down at her watch. "Ah, I was going to talk with Midoriyama-sensei about the math assignment. I'll catch up with you later?"

"Of course," Sae-chan said. "Matta, ne?"

"Ja, ne? Sae-chan, Kasumi-chan…"

"Ja, ne," I croaked out.

Naoko-chan bounced off with her bag and out of sight.

I heaved a sigh, completely exhausted.

"Something is wrong," Sae-chan stated more than asked.

There were too many people around to discuss my problem.

"Let's go to the bathroom," I said.

I stood weakly and Sae-chan followed.

On reaching the girls' bathroom, I quickly swung open each stall door to make sure nobody was in there with us. Completely empty. Good. Sae-chan waited patiently for me to begin, leaning on one of the sinks.

"You were fine until Naoko-chan came up," She said smartly.

"Yeah," I admitted. "I'd tell you why, but, the thing is, I don't know why myself."

"What do you mean?"

I rambled off the most information I could remember about chi no sentaku. I told Sae-chan about the entire previous day when Satoshi and I went to the café and later ran into Naoko-chan. Sae-chan listened politely but was obviously disturbed by the fact that vampires preferred special blood characteristics. Even more so, that I seemed to prefer whatever Naoko-chan had in her blood; I didn't blame her for being disgusted.

"So, Naoko-chan's blood?"

"Yes," I said. "I'm sure it's not just her because she wasn't in the café when I had my first reaction. I just wish I could figure out what it is so I can help her."

"What if it's not a bad quality?" Sae-chan suggested.

"I never thought of that," I replied, stunned.

I had merely assumed the blood types were all bad. Satoshi liked remorse. He also gave me the examples of liking the blood of liars or the arrogant or overstressed. Weren't all of those states one would prefer to rid themselves of?

I groaned and hid my face in my hands.

"Why Naoko-chan?!"

"It'll be okay, Kasumi-chan," Sae-chan said, bringing me into a hug. "Would it help…if you just bit her?"

"Sae-chan! I could never do that!"

"I figured that much," Sae-chan said. "Just trying to be supportive."

"Thank you," I replied, "but could you be supportive by making sure I never even get close to doing that? To anybody? Even if I beg you, find some way to stop me. Hit me on the head with a blunt object or something."

Sae-chan giggled and let me go. "Alright, Kasumi-chan. Let's get back to the classroom. Lunch hour should be done soon."

I nodded and we opened the bathroom door. However, we did not advance much farther. Satoshi stood on the other side, arms crossed, left eyebrow twitching and looking absolutely furious. My mouth fell open and Sae-chan let out a low noise.

"Nayami ni ima aru," Sae-chan whispered.

"For once, she's right," Satoshi almost growled.

Sae-chan huffed, her chest swelling.

"Did you enjoy sleeping in?" I asked as casually as possible.

"Kasumi," Satoshi hung his head.

He opened his mouth a couple times, only to close it again. He evidently wanted to get something across to me, but kept failing. Most likely out of sheer anger he could not speak.

"I'm not going home," I said before he could spit anything out. "I want you to trust me. I'm not going to learn to control it unless I test it."

He grabbed my wrist. "At least bring me, then."

Sae-chan's piqued demeanor faded.

"Aww, shinpai shite ita!"

Satoshi scowled at Sae-chan for a fulfilling moment before turning back to me.

"How much have you told her?"

"Everything," I replied, a little offended.

"So," Sae-chan clasped her hands together playfully, "What kinds do you like, Satoshi-kun?"

Satoshi glared. "Yours."

Sae-chan's grin vanished quicker than an Otaku grabbing the newest Gundam model from the shelf.

I laughed. "He's lying, Sae-chan."

"You're not supposed to tell her that," Satoshi said.

Lightening up a bit, he actually grinned.

"Oh, that's mean," Sae-chan pouted.

"Don't worry," Satoshi replied. "As soon as you feel guilty though… I'll find you."

Sae-chan looked at me with pleading eyes.

"I won't let him, Sae-chan," I played along. "Plus, he should know what will happen if he does."

I threw him a dirty look.

"Wow, this is like the whole dating rules," Sae-chan said as we walked to the classroom. "Friends and family are almost always off limits."

Satoshi opened his mouth to reply, but he decided against it. Good choice, I thought.

The rest of the day was actually quite relaxed. My blood had calmed down and a few clouds rolled in so everything was easier on my eyes. Satoshi almost pushed my sunglasses back onto my face, but I resisted. He did not understand how girls thought. Being comfortable came second to us, being socially acceptable and non-gossip material came first. Not that I liked that system, but it's inescapable.

"Fine," He puffed. "Don't come running to me when your head is pounding and you're about to faint."

"You wouldn't be able to stay away," I said and he tried feverishly to hide his sheepish grin.

I felt so special.

After school finished, the first thing Satoshi did was hand me my sunglasses. He wouldn't meet my eyes, but his face had some color. I snickered under my breath and we began to walk home with Sae-chan. The sun was low in the sky, but another hour would have to pass before it set. I understood my likelihood of meeting Hanako was slim until the darkness had settled in for at least a while.

Sae-chan left us half way while Satoshi and I made our way through the small shopping district of our prefecture. The clouds were a deep purple in the pomegranate sky. I had to stall, because if I stepped out right after getting home, Satoshi might be even more suspicious.

"Um, I need to pick some things up at the grocery store. Why don't you go ahead? I'll be fine," I said.

"I can go shopping with you," Satoshi replied. "You don't need too much, do you? We got stuff a couple days ago."

Thinking as quickly as I could, I said the one thing I knew would scare any boy away from shopping.

"Tampons."

A bit of embarrassment rose into my cheeks, but it wasn't nearly as much as Satoshi's, I could tell.

"Okay, I'll see you at home."

He walked on, waving over his shoulder.

I smirked to myself. It had worked. Also, he had called my home his home. I wanted to squeal like a little girl.

To preserve my story, I went to the grocery store and picked up a couple things I knew I needed, along with a box of tampons so I did not lie to Satoshi. I took my time and waited for the streetlamps to turn on. Once they did, I headed toward the graveyard. A shortcut was through the park, so I seized the opportunity. I hadn't planned on meeting anyone on my way.

A figure, shadowed between two lamps, stood quietly as if waiting. My hands began to shake as I felt my arteries and veins pulse. The roof of my mouth itched like mad and my tongue became dry. My hunger had returned.

I walked slowly closer and saw the yellow light of the streetlamp reflect off a pair of round glasses. It was Naoko-chan.

"Naoko-chan," I practically croaked.

"Oh, Kasumi-chan," She said. "What are you doing here?"

"It's a shortcut to my house."

"I see," She nodded. "Isn't Satoshi-kun with you?"

I shook my head. "I had to do some shopping."

She spied my bags and nodded once more. "I see."

I moved closer to her and inhaled deeply. There it was, that craving, that smell of cranberries. This time, a sharper smell lingered with it, almost spicy. I took another step, so we could have brushed shoulders if I turned. I sniffed again and finally recognized it: celery. I never thought cranberry and celery would go well together, but in this moment, nothing seemed more satisfying.

"Why are you wearing sunglasses?" Naoko-chan asked. "It's almost completely dark."

"I know," I said weakly. "My eyes have been really sensitive lately, though."

"I see," Naoko-chan said and nodded for what appeared to be the tenth time.

She began to talk about something else, but honestly, I did not hear her. I was too busy trying to calculate the easiest way to get at her neck. She stood about two inches shorter than me, three with her slouching. Then again, did it have to be her neck? I gazed down at her wrist, thinking I could simply grab it and bite.

"Well? What do you think?" Naoko-chan finished.

"Huh? I'm sorry; I wasn't listening."

"I heard Sugumi-kun talking about you in the locker room today after school. He sounds like he likes you," Naoko-chan said.

"You don't say," I replied, not caring one bit.

"You and Satoshi-kun get along so well, so I knew you'd never say yes," Naoko-chan said. "You're… you're so popular with the guys, Kasumi-chan."

"No, I'm not," I replied politely; girl etiquette.

"No, you really are."

My entire body pulsed once more. I dropped my bags and took hold of Naoko-chan's arms. Her eyes were wide and blank in the poor lighting, but mine felt glowing. Everything became sharp and clear. Naoko-chan's skin was transparent and every vessel shook in front of my hungry fangs. She struggled feebly, asked what I was doing.

My grip proved stronger yet as I lowered my head to her neck, taking in her beautiful scent, simply drowning. I grazed her skin with my teeth, excitement building in my chest.

"Kasumi-chan," her mousy voice spoke up and my cheek suddenly felt wet.

I pulled back and saw her crying; a tear had dropped onto my face. My sense returned in full and very rapidly. Slapping my hands over my mouth, I jumped over the hedge and collapsed by the nearest tree, not wanting to show my face. Soon, however, the pressure of a small hand descended on my back.

I looked up and Naoko-chan kneeled beside me. Her face was still wet from her tears and her expression quite frightened, but she did not run.

"Naze koko ni mada aru ka?" I asked, shame rising in my throat.

Naoko-chan kept eye contact with me, but did not answer.

I slowly sat up. "Naoko-chan, I…"

"Have you…always been like this?" Naoko-chan asked timidly.

I shook my head. "Recently."

"Who did this to you?"

I suddenly felt cold, like someone dumped a bucket of water over my head. I couldn't tell Naoko-chan Satoshi did this to me, because then she'd know he was a vampire as well. I hated to lie, but Satoshi's secret was not mine to tell.

"I don't remember," I replied.

Naoko-chan nodded, dropping her gaze to my mouth, where my fangs still ached to bite, even though the overwhelming sensation had cooled.

"Does Sae-chan know?" Naoko-chan asked.

"Yes. Oh, Naoko-chan, I'm so sorry I didn't tell you," I said; the apology lifted a gate and my tears flowed heavily. "I'm so sorry!"

I covered my face and sobbed.

"I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry for not telling you how I felt about Satoshi. I'm sorry for not coming to you as well when I found out what I was becoming. I'm sorry I tried to bite you. I'm so sorry."

My voice got higher with every word as it commonly did whenever I got hysterical. However, a girl's ears are trained to understand the high squeaks of another and Naoko-chan instantly put her arms around me in an embrace, letting me cry on her shoulder.

"It's alright, Kasumi-chan," She said, a little chocked up herself. "It's alright… I'm sorry, too."

"But, you have nothing to apologize for," I hiccupped.

"Just take it," Naoko-chan said, giving me a squeeze.

"Okay," I said, tears slowing down and breathing more stable.

She held me a while longer before letting go. We both got to our feet and went back to the path where my bags still laid, a bunch of leeks hanging out of one. I picked them up and faced Naoko-chan again.

"Are you sure you're alright?" I asked. "I didn't hurt you?"

"No," She said, "not at all. I think I'll head home now."

"Me too."

"Yeah, you… you shouldn't keep Satoshi-kun waiting," She said.

My heart skipped a beat as she finished, my blood happy and tongue dry once more.

I must have looked worried for she added, "Don't worry, Kasumi-chan. I won't tell anybody."

"Arigatou," I whispered, trying not to gasp at the end.

She turned and walked away.

Why? Why! Every time Naoko-chan mentioned Satoshi, I got that surge of desire to drink her blood. The pattern made no sense. Then again, it happened she was talking about Sugumi-kun, too, and how he liked me. Men? How could her blood possible have the essence of men? Oh, it made no sense!

I continued on my walk and reached the graveyard in no time. The gate was closed as usual, the metal strangely bright. I went in and stood in the center of the stone pathway. A breeze swept by, playing at my skirt and hair.

Then, I felt a presence behind me, but I did not have to turn to confirm it.

"I don't understand why you keep coming back here," Hanako said dryly.

I faced her. "I wanted to speak with you."

She glared at me and I saw her nose wrinkle, smelling the air around her.

"Ah," She sighed, her face becoming bright with interest. "So, it has finally happened. I must say, you were one of the slowest cases I have ever known. Is that why you are here?"

I nodded my head. "I have a couple questions."

She laughed and the chill air carried it all too well. "Kore wa joudan, deshou?"

"No."

Hanako stepped closer. "You seriously expect to come here and for me to plainly answer your petty questions?"

I did not answer.

"You waltz into my life and take my son, yet you still expect me to help you?"

I tried my best not to feel my fear as it crept up my spine.

Her laugh was cold, a winter like Tokyo had never known.

"It's…it's about my chi no sentaku," I tried to explain.

She obviously wasn't listening.

"I was, in fact, waiting for you to stop by," Hanako said. "Without Satoshi, that is."

She reached inside one of her many kimonos.

"You see,"

I saw something glint in the sliver of moonlight there was.

"Jama da yo…kare wa."

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Japanese Romanji Translations (in order of appearance)

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Demo…daijoubu? – But/However…Are you alright?

Hai, hai, genki desu – Yes, yes, I am just fine

Chotto Matte – Wait a second

Yakisoba – fried noodles (yes, they do come on buns…talk about carbs )

Matta, ne? – Later, right?

Ja, ne? – See ya

Chi no sentaku – blood preference

Nayami ni ima aru – Now you're in trouble!

Shinpai shite ita – He was worried!

Naze koko ni mada aru ka? - Why are you still here?

Arigatou – Thank you

Kore wa joudan, deshou? – That's a joke, right?

Jama da yo…kare wa – this literally translates to "he is a hindrance", but is also an expression which can mean "he is (would get) in the way" which is the one I intended.