Chapter 7: "It's Your Blood"
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Minji found herself in a state of bewilderment as another day at the school unfolded. Haerin, who had been by her side through thick and thin, had become an elusive shadow. It was as if their heartfelt reconciliation from the previous day hadn't even occurred. Minji couldn't fathom what had gone wrong.
Sitting beneath the sprawling branches of a tree, Minji absentmindedly picked at the grass beneath her fingers. She watched as nature went about its business, indifferent to the turmoil in her heart.
"Maybe you should try and talk to her?" Danielle's voice broke through her thoughts. Minji turned her gaze away from the grass to look at her friend. Her expression was a mix of concern and empathy.
Minji sighed, the weight of her confusion and frustration pressing upon her shoulders. "There's no use," she grumbled in response, her voice carrying a hint of bitterness.
Danielle regarded her with a gentle but determined look. "Well, you're bound to make up. You're cousins, after all," she said, trying to inject some optimism into the situation.
Minji let her head fall back against the sturdy trunk of the tree, staring up at the leaves that rustled gently in the breeze. "Yeah, cousins," she muttered, her words laced with uncertainty and a touch of resignation.
The bell's ringing disrupted their conversation, signaling the end of their break. With a heavy heart and unresolved feelings, Minji and Danielle rose from their spot beneath the tree and made their way to their next class. The unspoken wounds between Minji and Haerin remained, casting a shadow over their once-unbreakable bond.
As they entered the classroom, Minji couldn't help but wonder if this silence would be their undoing or if, in time, their connection would find a way to heal the rift that had formed.
Minji couldn't shake the bittersweet feeling that had settled within her. Watching Haerin seamlessly blend in with the other students was a stark reminder of the bond they shared, a bond that was currently fractured. She muttered to herself softly, "She's supposed to be my mate," her voice a mixture of longing and frustration.
The days that Haerin spent avoiding her seemed to take a toll on Minji. Not only did she feel emotionally drained, but there was also a peculiar sensation of psychic weakness, as if their bond weakened with each passing moment. It was an unsettling feeling that she couldn't ignore.
Then, a glimmer of hope. Haerin suddenly rose from her seat in class, requesting permission to visit the bathroom. Minji glanced around, seizing the opportunity that had presented itself. She shut her eyes tightly, focusing on her intent, and with a mental push, she teleported to the location where Haerin had gone.
When Minji opened her eyes, she found herself inside one of the bathroom stalls. The silence in the bathroom was deafening, and she could hear the distant sound of running water from the faucet. Her heart pounded with anticipation. There was no turning back now.
Slowly, she pushed open the stall door, revealing Haerin standing by the sink. The moment stretched on, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tension. Minji couldn't bring herself to speak; instead, she waited, hoping that Haerin would break the silence that hung between them.
Haerin remained still, her gaze locked onto Minji's. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, and it felt like the entire world had disappeared, leaving only the two of them in this charged moment.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Haerin took a deep breath. Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant, as she said, "Minji..."
The name hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their strained relationship. Minji waited, her heart in her throat, hoping that this would be the moment when they could start to mend what had been broken.
Minji drew in a deep breath, the tension in the bathroom palpable. Her eyes bore into Haerin, unwavering in her demand. "Explain," Minji urged, her voice carrying a low but determined tone.
Haerin continued to meet Minji's gaze, her own eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and turmoil. She was aware that Minji deserved an explanation for her recent behavior. The silence between them was heavy, and Haerin knew it was time to unveil the truth.
"I deserve an explanation," Minji reiterated, her voice slightly louder this time. "Why are you avoiding me? It's not fair, not to mention very confusing!" Her frustration was evident.
Haerin gulped, her throat feeling dry. She hadn't wanted to cause Minji pain, but her actions had led to precisely that. Minji's furrowed brows deepened, awaiting a response.
"Are you... do you dislike me all of a sudden?" Minji's voice quivered with uncertainty. "I thought we were going strong."
Haerin finally broke the eye contact, her gaze drifting to the floor. Minji's observant nature hadn't missed how tired Haerin appeared today, as if she had been carrying a heavy burden.
"You bit me that night, so we're stuck together," Minji reminded her, her voice firm. "You can't just walk away from me when you feel like it."
Haerin's head shot up, her eyes meeting Minji's once more. The rapid beating of Minji's heart echoed in the small bathroom, a testament to her anxiety. Haerin struggled to find the right words to explain her actions.
"I've been trying," Haerin began, her voice barely above a whisper, "to ignore this feeling."
Minji's furrowed brows deepened as she sought clarification. "What feeling?" she asked, her tone deadpan.
Haerin's nostrils flared, and she hesitated before admitting, "The hunger."
Minji's eyes widened, her heart quickening with realization. It was an answer she hadn't expected, and a flood of questions surged within her.
Haerin sighed, her voice carrying the weight of a centuries-old struggle. "Minji, you must understand that I am a vampire. This hunger is an innate part of me, deeply ingrained in my very essence."
Minji's eyes held a mix of concern and curiosity as she listened intently. Haerin continued, "The night I bit you, I tried to resist, to spare you from this burden. But with each passing day, it grows stronger."
Minji swallowed hard, processing Haerin's revelation. "So, you're saying... you've been avoiding me because you're afraid of hurting me?" Her voice was soft, filled with empathy.
Haerin nodded solemnly. "Yes, precisely. I fear losing control, succumbing to the primal urges within me. I couldn't bear the thought of harming you, Minji."
Minji's cheeks burned with a mix of desire and determination as she ventured deeper into the suspenseful game she had initiated. Her voice was a soft murmur in the small bathroom.
"Well, I guess that's quite nice to hear," she admitted, her eyes locking onto Haerin's.
Haerin nodded, her expression tense. "I suppose, in your case. But the sound of your beating heart is too much to bear," she confessed, the inner turmoil evident in her gaze.
Ignoring Haerin's warning, Minji dared to take another step closer. "Really? What does it feel like?" she inquired, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
Haerin's lips quirked in a conflicted half-smile as she met Minji's gaze. "Agony," she admitted, her voice a mere whisper. "So, I suggest you don't get any closer."
Yet, Minji's relentless determination drove her forward, each step an unspoken challenge. "But I can't," she confessed, feeling herself grow stronger, healthier, with every inch closer to Haerin. "I need to feel... I don't know, your presence."
Haerin's eyes flickered, and she shut them tightly for a moment, as if wrestling with some inner demon. "I understand. It's my fault we're like this," she murmured, her tone heavy with guilt, "in more ways than one. But please, for your own good, go away."
Minji's gaze bore into Haerin's bowed head. Her voice, now barely above a whisper, held both tenderness and frustration. "You're such an idiot," she chided softly.
Haerin's eyes flickered open, meeting Minji's with a mixture of longing and despair. "We're mates, remember?" Minji reminded her gently, her voice tinged with a touch of softness. "If it aches so much, then... bite me."
Haerin's eyes widened in surprise as Minji's daring proposition hung in the air. Her voice was hushed but filled with determination. The tension in the bathroom grew palpable as seconds ticked away, neither of them daring to break eye contact.
"You don't understand, Minji," Haerin whispered, her voice tinged with both longing and agony. "It's not that simple. Once I start, it's hard to stop."
Minji's eyes bore into Haerin's. "But you said we're mates, right? You won't hurt me."
Haerin's struggle was evident as she fought the internal battle between her primal instincts and her deep affection for Minji. "I can't guarantee that, Minji. I don't know if I can control myself."
Minji took another step forward, her hand reaching out to caress Haerin's cheek. "Then we'll learn together. We'll find a way to make this work."
Haerin's breath hitched as Minji's fingers brushed against her skin. "Minji, you're not thinking straight. This is dangerous."
Minji leaned in, her lips close to Haerin's ear. "Maybe I like danger," she whispered, sending shivers down Haerin's spine.
The room seemed to close in around them, the intensity of their connection undeniable. Haerin's instincts warred with her love for Minji. The question remained, would she give in to her hunger, or would their bond prove strong enough to conquer it?
Intrigue hung in the air as Minji locked eyes with Haerin, her voice holding a note of undeniable suspense.
"12 PM sharp, my room, be there," Minji uttered, her voice carrying a quiet but commanding tone. With a final lingering look, she turned away, her footsteps echoing in the bathroom. However, she couldn't resist one last glance backward, catching Haerin's intense gaze.
Minji offered a gentle smile, her words holding both affection and warning. "And don't do this again," she cautioned. "You could always just ask." With that, she left Haerin alone in the bathroom, a whirlwind of emotions swirling in the vampire's eyes.
Exiting the bathroom, Minji navigated through the bustling hallways, her mood noticeably uplifted. When she joined her friends at lunch, her radiant aura did not go unnoticed.
"Someone's in a good mood," Danielle commented, a knowing look in her eyes.
Minji nodded as she proceeded further down the lunch line. "I made up with Haerin earlier," she confessed, her voice tinged with excitement.
Danielle chuckled. "I can tell," she replied with a smirk. "Your aura is... radiant."
Minji scoffed playfully, though a hint of satisfaction lingered in her expression. "Yeah, I guess."
With a mischievous glint in her eye, Danielle changed the subject. "So, are you doing anything tonight? Me and Hanni are gonna have a sleepover in my dorm."
Minji smiled but shook her head. "I'm all right. I actually have an appointment," she said smugly, watching as Danielle's puzzled expression deepened.
"An appointment?" Danielle echoed, genuinely intrigued and perplexed by Minji's cryptic words.
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In the dimly lit room, the clock's relentless ticking seemed to echo with anticipation. Minji's gaze remained fixed on the digital display, the numbers slowly counting down. It read 11:57, and the significance of those remaining three minutes hung heavily in the air.
A soft glow emanated from the night lamp positioned on the nightstand nearby, casting a warm and reassuring ambiance in the room. The walls bore pale lavender hues, and a few framed artworks added a touch of elegance to the decor. The room was impeccably tidy, as always.
Restless and anxious, Minji shifted beneath her covers, the duvet rustling softly. In these moments before her fateful meeting, she couldn't help but wish for an end to her fear, even if just for a while. She tried to settle her nerves, closing her eyes and taking a slow, calming breath.
As the seconds ticked away, she couldn't resist the urge to peek. And there, as if summoned by her very thoughts, Haerin appeared. Her presence filled the room with a unique aura, both unsettling and intriguing.
"Hey," Minji greeted softly, her voice a mixture of nerves and familiarity. Haerin blinked a few times before silently making her way to sit on the edge of Minji's bed.
"Hello," Haerin's voice rang out, sending a shiver through the room. It was a greeting that carried the weight of ages, a reminder of her immortal nature.
Minji couldn't help but inhale sharply, her heartbeat quickening as she faced the impending moment. The room was bathed in the gentle glow of the night lamp, casting eerie shadows that danced on the walls.
The question hung heavy in the air, a query that resonated with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. "So how does this work?" Minji's voice wavered as she spoke, her eyes locked on Haerin, her guide into the enigmatic world of vampires.
Haerin's gaze remained unwavering, fixed on the delicate curve of Minji's neck, where her pulse fluttered like a trapped butterfly. Her response was measured and calm, revealing none of the centuries she carried within her.
"It's quite simple," Haerin's voice, as usual, possessed an otherworldly calmness. It was the serenity of one who had seen it all and understood the mechanics of this most primal of needs.
Minji nodded, her resolve firming, even as her nerves seemed to fray at the edges. She took a deep breath and followed through on her commitment, her slender fingers gently brushing aside her dark hair, exposing the vulnerable expanse of her neck.
"Okay, well," Minji's voice trembled slightly, her eyes squeezed shut as she presented herself willingly, embracing the inevitable with a mixture of fear and acceptance. Her words hung in the air as a pregnant pause enveloped them, the room holding its breath in anticipation.
"Bon appétit, I guess," Minji concluded, a wry attempt at humor in the face of her unease. The room seemed to respond with a sudden chuckle, a haunting sound that caught her off guard.
Her eyes snapped open, meeting Haerin's gaze. Confusion flickered across her features as she sought understanding. "What?" Minji questioned, watching Haerin with a mix of fascination and bemusement.
Haerin's voice held a subtle, timeless quality, as if she were an observer of centuries, imparting her knowledge to Minji in this pivotal moment.
"You are a peculiar human," Haerin mused, her dark eyes fixed on Minji with an intensity that seemed to pierce through the very essence of her being. It was a gaze that held secrets and wisdom, carried through lifetimes.
Minji, still unsure of what to expect, felt a shiver run down her spine as she heard Haerin's words. "Peculiar? How so?" Her voice trembled slightly, a mixture of anticipation and the eerie sensation of being scrutinized.
Haerin leaned in closer, her breath cool against Minji's skin, sending a wave of goosebumps cascading down her arms. "You offer yourself with such courage, yet you jest in the face of your own vulnerability. It is a rare quality."
Minji swallowed hard, her pulse quickening as she felt Haerin's presence drawing nearer. The room seemed to close in around them, shadows dancing in macabre waltz, a fitting backdrop for this otherworldly encounter.
Haerin's lips, impossibly soft and inviting, brushed against Minji's neck. It sent a thrill of both fear and exhilaration coursing through her veins. The sensation was electric, a dance of anticipation and surrender.
A faint whisper escaped Haerin's lips, her voice a mere murmur against Minji's skin. "Hold still, dear Minji. This will be... unlike anything you've ever experienced."
Minji complied, her entire body going rigid as she awaited the inevitable. It was a moment suspended in time, where the ordinary and the supernatural converged, and Minji's world was forever altered.
As Haerin's cold, unyielding touch met Minji's skin, it was as if a thousand icy needles had been pressed into her neck. A sharp, searing pain shot through her like a lightning bolt, and Minji's eyes shot wide open. She couldn't help but gasp, and her trembling hands instinctively grasped Haerin's shoulders.
The sensation was overwhelming, unlike anything she had ever experienced. It was a paradox of pain and pleasure, an intimate violation that sent shivers down her spine. Haerin's lips on her tender neck felt like a chilling caress, her breath ghosting over the rapidly beating pulse point.
Minji's head involuntarily fell back, offering herself to the relentless pull of the vampire. Haerin, now firmly in control, held Minji's shoulders down against the bed with an otherworldly strength. Her relentless suction on the wound made Minji groan in both agony and ecstasy, trapped in a whirlpool of sensations that defied explanation.
Finally, Haerin broke away, her eyes gleaming with an otherworldly hunger and intensity. She leaned back slightly, her lips smeared with Minji's crimson blood, and her voice held a hauntingly seductive tone as she spoke, "Sweet."
Minji, panting and dazed, could only watch as Haerin withdrew from her neck. The room seemed to spin, and her senses were heightened to an almost painful degree. She was irrevocably changed, and as the seconds ticked by, she began to comprehend the magnitude of what had transpired.
Minji couldn't tear her gaze away from Haerin's eyes, which had once again returned to their normal color. The room felt charged with an otherworldly energy, leaving her both intrigued and unnerved.
"What was that feeling?" Minji asked, her voice trembling with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
Haerin's lips curved into a serene smile as she leaned in closer. "The taste of the elixir that binds us," she replied, her words holding a quality that often left Minji baffled.
Minji couldn't help but groan in response, her frustration tinged with amusement. "You and your riddles," she muttered, rolling her eyes and looking away.
As Haerin shuffled backward, Minji took the opportunity to sit up, her senses still reeling from the intense encounter. Haerin, undeterred by Minji's playful exasperation, leaned in once more. With a flicker of her tongue, she licked Minji's neck, savoring the lingering taste of her blood.
It was an intimate act, almost tender in its nature. Haerin relished the sensation, as if the blood were a rare and exquisite nectar, the embodiment of their connection. The room seemed to hold its breath as their connection deepened, and Minji couldn't deny the electrifying pull that bound her to Haerin.