Disclaimer: Vampire Knight and all its characters belong to Hino Matsuri-san.

Chapter 3

Rima walked slowly in the park, enjoying the cool evening breeze that brushed her cheek. Her white umbrella became her only companion. Luckily she didn't smash it on Karen's head just now. After spending the afternoon walking around the mall, she decided to watch the sunset in the park instead of going back to Moon Dorm. She would be missing her class again tonight. Rima sighed at the thought.

'It's not like I'm avoiding Shiki…'

The photoshoot he had with Karen took longer than his thought. By the time it ended, it was already early evening. Shiki rushed back to Moon Dorm in Cross Academy to get ready for class. He couldn't skip anymore classes since he never told anyone about his absence the other night and he definitely was not looking forward to Kaname's punishment.

On the way to class, Shiki decided to visit Rima's room. He knocked on the door a few times but nobody answered. He turned the door knob and peered inside but Rima was not in sight.

'Where would she have gone to?' he asked himself.

"Hey, Shiki!" Shiki turned around and saw Ichijou waved at him. "Let's walk to class together."

"Uh, ok," Shiki agreed. In his mind, he was still thinking about Rima.

"What's wrong, Shiki?" Ichijou asked, seeing the numb expression on Shiki's face.

"Oh, nothing. Everything's fine," he replied bitterly.

As soon as they reached the class, (after passing through a mob of Day Class fangirls) Shiki hurried past Ichijou and walked in, expecting to see Rima in her usual place. But he was disappointed to see the empty seat.

He slumped himself on his seat as he tried to figure out Rima's whereabouts. He released a loud sigh, loud enough to catch Ichijou's attention.

"Shiki, are you sure you're ok? Where's Rima?" the blonde asked. His tone was serious and his green eyes pierced through Shiki's silver ones.

"I truly don't know, Ichijou," he murmured.

"Did anything happen between you two?" Kain interrupted.

Shiki hesitated. "Well, we… actually…"

Ichijou put a hand on Shiki's shoulder. "I think you should go find her," he said, smiling reassuringly at the younger vampire. Shiki looked at Ichijou, surprised with his concern.

"Can I?" he asked.

"Yes. You really should, Shiki," Aidou added, winking at him.

"Kaname?" Ichijou asked the Moon Dorm President.

Kaname turned and nodded, giving his approval. Shiki quickly got up, briefly thanked the pureblood and strode towards the door. While walking past Ruka, he heard her whispered something, "She's waiting for you somewhere."

Shiki nodded at the long-haired vampire before sprinting out of the door.

'Rima…'

Rima watched the moon silently as she sat alone on the bench in the park, infatuated by its beauty. Her hands fiddled with the laces on her umbrella as her mind wandered, thinking about him.

'How is Shiki's doing? I'm sure he's tired after the photoshoot. I hope he takes his blood tablet or he will pass out again without me there,' she thought amusingly.

As the cold night breeze blew, she shivered. She looked at her outfit, which were just a thin button-up blouse and a knee-length black-laced skirt. Resting her umbrella at the side of the bench, she tried to warm herself by blowing her hot breath on her palms.

Rima turned abruptly when she felt something soft and warm on her shoulders. She looked up and saw Shiki. He smiled as he adjusted his white uniform coat on Rima's slim shoulders.

"You could get cold, you know," he said as he settled down beside her.

"Hmph," she snorted softly. "Vampires don't get sick easily."

Shiki let out a soft chuckle which surprised her. 'Shiki never laughed before. Not as much as he used to when we were kids. But… when he did, he looks so innocent… and cute,' she thought, not realizing her blushing face as she let her gaze fell on him.

Shiki turned to face her. His face was shadowed with uncertain expression.

"Rima," he started. "I'm sorry about just now. I never asked for the situation to be like that and I don't even expect her to be my partner. My partner is only you. Only you, Rima," he said, caressing her smooth cheek gently.

"Wha- What are you talking about?" Rima stammered and looked down as she felt her face burning.

Shiki smiled. He loved the way she blushed. He loved the way her blue eyes gazed at him when she thought he wasn't looking. He loved the way she snorted at him. He loved the way she tied her hair with the black ribbons he gave her. He loved to touch her soft, silky hair. He loved the way she placed her Pocky Choco sticks between her lips. And most importantly, he loved her the way she was.

Realizing that, Shiki grabbed her and wrapped her in his arms. Surprised with his action, Rima just let him ran his hands through her hair as he tightened his hug. Rima slowly hugged him back and clutched his shirt as he buried his face into her soft hair. He breathed in deeply, smelling the sweet fragrance of her light orange hair.

A few moments later, they released the hug and gazed at each other. With his other hand around Rima's body, Shiki used his free hand to lift her chin. Slowly, he closed their distance and pressed his lips on hers. His warm lips coaxed hers to join him as he kissed her intently. She kissed him back with the same passion as his hands snaked around her slender body. She could feel his hot breath fell on her face. He tilted his head to the side to deepen the kiss as her fingers ruffled his red hair wildly.

They pulled away moments later and found themselves gasping for air. Rima's face was deep red while Shiki displayed a faint tinge of pink on his cheek. Still not letting go of her, Shiki ran his thumb on Rima's swollen lips. He looked into her eyes and stroked her fringe.

"Rima," he whispered. "I- I love you."

Rima looked into his eyes deeply, searching for insincerity, dishonesty. But she couldn't find any. She could only see his determination and a glint of hope. His soft eyes reflected his strong will. The will to capture her empty heart.

Finally, Rima smiled at him. Her eyes softened as she whispered back, "I love you too, Shiki."

Shiki flashed her a charming smile before pulling her into a tight hug. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear that made her heart fluttered.

"Call me Senri from now on."

"Senri…" He smiled as she murmured his name.

"Rima…"

Ayako waved at Rima and Shiki when she saw both of them walking into the studio. She raised her eyebrow, noticing that they were holding hands. Blushing, they quickly released their grip on each other's fingers and pretended to look stupid.

Karen, who had just changed her clothes skipped towards them. Her eyes lingered on Shiki as she approached him.

"Yesterday's photoshoot was totally amazing! It's a waste that you went back early, Rima-san," Karen said, smirking at Rima. Rima gave her a deathly glare when Karen grabbed Shiki's hand.

"I hope you will always be my partner, Shiki-kun. We will be the hottest pair in town! I'm sure--" Karen stopped suddenly when Shiki pulled his hand from her grip roughly. Karen was about to snatch his hand back when suddenly Rima stopped her. She gripped at Karen's wrist and stared into her eyes.

"You're not going to do another photoshoot with Senri because he's my only partner. And yesterday was the first and the last photoshoot you'd had with him," Rima hissed in her face.

Karen snorted and freed herself from Rima's grip. Then she turned to Ayako, who was watching them interestingly.

"She's lying, right, Ayako-san?" Karen asked. The tone of sarcasm in her voice was too obvious to be missed.

The short-haired woman snapped her fingers. She looked at the three youngsters in front of her.

"No, I think Rima-chan's right. You're not suited to be Shiki-kun's partner, Karen-san," Ayako said slowly.

"WHAT?!" Karen shouted, her eyes glinted with anger. "Why?"

"I don't know. It's just… you two looked weird together," Ayako answered, tapping her chin. "And I think Shiki-kun is not comfortable with you, Karen-san. You were posing excessively and he tried to hide his uneasiness but we could see it obviously from his expression. However, when he and Rima-chan, modeled together, we could finish it quickly because of their chemistry. And even I think that Shiki-kun and Rima-chan looked cute together," she added, winking at Rima.

Karen grumbled angrily. She pouted and stamped her feet on the floor before storming out of the room. Shiki and Rima watched her before looking at each other, sharing an intense gaze. Ayako sighed gratefully.

"Thank you, Ayako," Rima said.

"That's nothing. Seriously, I'm tired with a model like her. And I think I made a mistake by pairing up Shiki-kun and Karen-san together. I'm truly sorry, Rima-chan, Shiki-kun," Ayako said apologetically.

"It's ok, Ayako. But you have to grant me a request," Shiki said, smirking slightly.

"Huh? What is it?"

"Let me and Rima have the day free to ourselves," he replied, glancing at Rima.

"Oh, that? Sure! By the way, you looked exhausted yesterday, Shiki-kun. You deserve a day off," Ayako said. "Well, I shall excuse myself. Take care of Rima-chan, Shiki-kun."

"Thank you, Ayako," Rima thanked their manager. "That was quite mean, Senri," she said to Shiki.

"What? Aren't you happy we've got a day off? A day for ourselves," Shiki smiled and leaned down to press his forehead on hers.

'Senri, huh?' Ayako thought as she glanced at the couple. Then she smiled knowingly as she walked away from them.

'My favourite pair ever!'

A/N: That was chapter 3.. Sweet, right? Haha.. Oh yeah some of you might be wondering this: How do Ruka know about Rima waiting for Shiki? (Though she's not exactly waiting for him. She just wants to avoid him for some time). Well, let's just say that it was her instinct as a girl. XD R&R onegaishimasu!!