Chapter 13: I Don't Eat, I Don't sleep, What am I?
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In the hushed stillness of the early morning, a dim light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle, ethereal glow over the room. The atmosphere was laden with a sense of serenity and intimacy that enveloped Minji and Haerin.
Haerin, her long ebony hair cascading over the sheets, lay nestled under the warm covers with her head resting comfortably on Minji's chest. Her eyes, though closed, betrayed her wakefulness, the crimson hue of her irises muted in the soft light. Minji's fingers traced delicate patterns through Haerin's raven tresses, eliciting a soft sigh from her lips.
"Silky," Minji murmured under her breath, her voice barely a whisper, the word capturing the texture of Haerin's hair.
Haerin couldn't resist the temptation to peek, her sanguine eyes fluttering open as she gazed up at Minji's face. But her view was obstructed, and for a moment, she found herself torn between focusing on Minji's gaze and the captivating sensation pressing against her.
In a subtle shift, Haerin adjusted her position, her movement causing the bed to ripple slightly. Minji, ever perceptive, lowered her gaze, her eyes locking with Haerin's in a silent exchange. The intensity of the shared gaze spoke of unspoken truths and a burgeoning connection.
Haerin finally broke the silence, her voice a seductive whisper tinged with the allure of the night, "Why won't you sleep?" Her words hung in the air, a velvet caress on the stillness of the morning.
Minji's lips curled in a knowing smile, and she countered with a soft, breathy question, "Why won't you?"
Haerin's lips curled into a mesmerizing smile of her own, revealing just a hint of her sharp, pearly-white canines. They both acknowledged the unspoken understanding between them—the reasons they remained awake in the quiet predawn hours.
As Minji continued to run her fingers through Haerin's silky locks, she leaned back against the pillow, a contented sigh escaping her lips. Her chest rose and fell in a rhythm that seemed to synchronize with the languid pace of their conversation.
Haerin's eyes, crimson depths filled with unspoken desires, trailed over Minji's figure, lingering on the subtle curves accentuated by the gray V-cut vest she wore. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips, a subtle display of longing that she couldn't quite conceal.
The room was enveloped in the soft, pre-dawn light filtering through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on Minji and Haerin. Their proximity felt both comforting and strangely intimate. Haerin's eyes lingered on Minji's lips for a moment, a subtle hint of hunger in her gaze.
Haerin's voice, still tinged with drowsiness, resonated like a whisper in the quiet room, "I don't sleep much, you know. It's not a vampire thing; it's more of a personal choice."
Minji's fingers continued their gentle exploration through Haerin's hair as she replied softly, "I figured as much. You always seem so alert, even in the dead of night."
Haerin shifted slightly, her head resting more comfortably on Minji's chest. She inhaled Minji's scent, a mixture of warmth and comfort. "I guess old habits die hard."
Minji's lips curved into a gentle smile. "You don't have to pretend around me, Haerin. I know you're not like other people, and I'm okay with that."
Haerin met Minji's gaze again, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions – vulnerability, longing, and a hint of sadness. "You have no idea how rare that is, Minji. Most people would run away from someone like me."
Minji's hand found Haerin's cheek, her thumb brushing softly against the cool skin. "Well, I'm not most people. Besides, I'm curious. I want to know the real you, Haerin."
Haerin closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the warmth of Minji's touch. "You're too kind, Minji."
As they lay there, the world outside gradually awakened. Birds began to sing, and the first rays of sunlight stretched across the room. Haerin, despite her reluctance to sleep, found solace in this moment with Minji, where she didn't have to hide or pretend. It was a rare and precious connection that neither of them wanted to let go of.
Minji shut her eyes, Haerin squinted "Too Kind"
-
The chapel held an atmosphere of serene stillness as Haerin's eyes remained fixed on the back of Minji's head. Memories of the previous night danced in her mind, a tantalizing recollection of shared intimacy that refused to fade. Haerin's thoughts wandered back to that unforgettable encounter.
-
"Are you hungry?" Minji's voice broke through the reverent quiet, drawing Haerin's attention. Haerin paused, her words hanging in the air, as if the question had stirred something within her.
"What?" Haerin replied softly, her voice barely audible over the hallowed stillness of the chapel.
Minji's lips curved into a serene smile, and her eyes held a gentle understanding as she repeated her question, "Do you want my blood?"
Haerin's heart skipped a beat, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly as her gaze dropped to Minji's hand. With a graceful sweep, Minji brushed her fingers over her own shoulder, revealing the pale expanse of her neck beneath the soft fabric of her attire. It was a vulnerable yet inviting gesture, one that sent a shiver down Haerin's spine.
"Why?" Haerin questioned, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Minji's offer was both alluring and perplexing, and Haerin couldn't help but wonder about the motives behind it.
Minji's smile deepened, carrying an air of gentle reassurance as she responded, "Because I trust you."
Haerin didn't hesitate, her movements swift and purposeful. She advanced towards Minji, her every step shrouded in a subtle, anticipatory crunch that resonated in the dimly lit room. Minji's response was a hushed, startled gasp, a quiet prelude to the symphony of their shared night.
With deliberate intent, Haerin's fangs found their mark on Minji's tender neck. A low, breathy shriek escaped Minji's lips, a testament to the mingling sensations of pain and pleasure that surged through her. Haerin drank, savoring the exquisite taste that set Minji apart from any other.
Haerin's eyes slid shut, her senses fully immersed in the experience. Minji's eyes rolled back, her mouth agape in a wordless symphony of ecstasy. Her fingers clutched at Haerin's arms, a grip that was startlingly powerful, dangerously so. Haerin could feel the strength in Minji's grasp, an unexpected facet of her beloved's nature.
As Haerin savored each drop, she couldn't help but shudder with delight. Reluctantly parting from Minji's delectable neck, Haerin's tongue traced her lips, tasting the lingering essence of her beloved's lifeblood. A gentle, reverent kiss was pressed upon Minji's shoulder as their connection loosened. Minji's grip, once unyielding, began to slacken.
For a moment, Haerin's crimson gaze shifted to the disheveled bedspread below, a canvas that bore witness to their shared passion. It was a silent testament to the intensity of their union. Then, with deliberate slowness, Haerin withdrew from her lover's neck, her eyes locked onto Minji's.
Minji's eyes were droopy, both of them bathed in a drowsy, post-feast languor. A faint, weakened smile graced Minji's lips as she found her voice, speaking softly, "That was..."
Haerin leaned in, capturing Minji's words with a deep kiss that spoke of a love that transcended the boundaries of night and day. Their encounter had left an indelible mark on both of them, binding their fates together in ways neither could fully comprehend.
Minji's reaction was immediate and electrifying. Her initial shock gave way to a passionate response as her body stiffened, and her lips met Haerin's in a fervent kiss. Her fingers wove into Haerin's raven-dark hair, lost in the intoxicating rhythm of their embrace. They swayed together in a timeless dance of longing and desire, their connection deepening with every stolen moment.
As the kiss finally broke, Minji's breathless voice betrayed her astonishment, "Holy shit," she mumbled, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Haerin's eye twitched, her expression slightly perturbed by Minji's candid reaction. She had expected various responses, but this one caught her off guard. A low chuckle escaped Minji's lips, her dazed eyes fluttering as she succumbed to a dizzying sensation. She fell backward, and Haerin moved with practiced grace to catch her, cradling her head gently and guiding her down onto a soft pillow.
Minji sighed, her senses swimming in the aftermath of their passionate encounter. Haerin's brow furrowed with a twinge of guilt and fatigue, knowing that her own well-fed state had left Minji in this vulnerable state. They lay together in the aftermath, their entwined destinies sealed by the events of that fateful night.
-
Haerin's mind was yanked forcefully from the depths of her memories, returning to the present moment with a start. She scanned her surroundings with heightened senses, ever-vigilant, only to find her gaze drawn to Winter. Winter's intense hunger was palpable, her predatory eyes locked onto Karina. The scene played out on the stage, where Karina stood alongside the principal, delivering announcements.
The chapel was filled with the serene sound of a choir that had just begun to sing, their voices resonating through the sacred space. Haerin's sharp gaze switched from the captivating performance to Minji, who sat in front of her, eyes fixed squarely on Haerin. Minji's lips curved into a warm smile, her eyes searching Haerin's for any hint of emotion.
But Haerin's face remained a stoic mask, betraying nothing of her inner turmoil.
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She finally did it. Minji has her hooks deep into Haerin, and they both seem oblivious to it. I try not to meddle in others' relationships,
'You're lying'
Okay, okay I'm lying to myself. Now that I've seen where it can lead, I can't help but get involved, even if it means my knuckles are still throbbing, wrapped tightly in bandages.
She has a boyfriend, and I should have expected as much. A beautiful girl like her is bound to have admirers flocking to her side. But my role here is to ground her, to show her a world she's never seen before.
I steal a glance at Haerin, and she's no longer looking at me. Instead, her attention is focused elsewhere. I turn my gaze back to Karina, who's already watching me. I raise an eyebrow, sensing her inner unease. It's oddly amusing, and I can't help but anticipate the day when she becomes mine.
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I find myself nestled in the shadows, my eyes locked on Karina as she gracefully navigates the lunchtime routine with her friends. It's a tableau of perfection, and I play my part. I mimic Haerin, who effortlessly blends in with her own group of friends, feigning interest in the food before me. A sandwich hovers near my lips, only to be forsaken as it meets the cold surface of the tray. Pretending to eat, it's an art I've mastered, watching her.
The passing students shoot me curious, judgmental glances, but I respond with a defiant raise of my brow. Their opinions are mere whispers in the wind. My undivided attention remains on Karina.
She's ensconced within her circle, a symphony of refinement and elegance. Her friends mirror her poise and grace, their camaraderie a sight to behold. Together, they converse with artful sophistication, a world apart from my own.
Amidst the cafeteria's bustling chorus, a cascade of laughter suddenly pierces the air. There she is, Karina, the epitome of beauty, laughing with abandon. How can one laugh so wholeheartedly and yet retain such breathtaking allure?
My lips curl into an unbidden smile. As her laughter dances around us, our eyes connect once more. Time seems to halt in that fleeting moment. Her laughter gradually recedes, her smile faltering as she locks eyes with me. Her gaze penetrates, her eyes bewitching. In that suspended instant, the truth crystallizes – she is destined to be mine, and I am resolved to claim her, regardless of the price to be paid.
As Karina stands, bidding her friends farewell with a few words and waves, I seize the moment. My half-eaten meal drops to the tray, forgotten, and I'm on my feet in an instant, ready to shadow her every step. With graceful precision, she disposes of her tray and exits the bustling cafeteria, setting the stage for our inevitable encounter.
I follow, treading quietly like a phantom, my movements purposeful and resolute. The hallway stretches before us, dimly lit and devoid of prying eyes, offering the perfect backdrop to our clandestine meeting. She walks, and I follow, staying hidden in the shadows.
Her destination becomes evident as she approaches the girls' bathroom. My anticipation surges, for this is where our paths will cross once more. I slip inside the restroom, the door clicking softly behind me. There she stands, a vision of grace at the sink, washing her hands.
My presence, like a whisper in the night, startles her. "You again," she mutters, her voice carrying a blend of irritation and curiosity. She gazes at her own reflection, and through the mirror, our eyes lock. It's an eerie yet electrifying connection that ensnares us both.
Her attention is drawn to my injured hand, wrapped in bandages, and I allow a moment of vulnerability to flicker across my features. "An unfortunate mishap," I reply, my voice carrying a hint of nonchalance. It's a mere façade, concealing the hunger that churns beneath the surface, hungry for more than just her curiosity.
"Mishap?" Karina echoes my words, her footsteps echoing as she approaches the paper towels. I nod, maintaining an air of casual indifference. "Yes, mishap," I repeat, my voice smooth as silk, though beneath that veneer lurks a deeper hunger, a relentless desire.
She finishes drying her hands, her movements meticulous, and I can't help but be captivated by her every gesture. My gaze remains fixed on her, unyielding, as I tilt my head ever so slightly, an enigmatic smile playing at my lips. "What brings you here, Karina?" I inquire, my tone laced with curiosity.
Her eyes narrow slightly, suspicion etching itself onto her features, but she offers no immediate answer. I take a step closer, the allure of her presence pulling me in like a moth to a flame. "You know, we have yet to finish our conversation from the other day,"
Karina's voice held an air of maturity and formality as she responded to my probing questions. Her words were measured, and she seemed determined not to let me get under her skin. But she couldn't hide the underlying tension that pulsed between us.
"Yeah, well. I don't really want to talk about something totally unreasonable with someone like you," she said, her voice cool and composed.
I raised a brow, my predatory instincts humming with excitement at her challenge. "Someone like me?" I inquired softly, taking a deliberate step closer, the rhythmic drip of the tap punctuating the silence.
"What am I like?" I continued, watching her closely.
She shrugged, her gaze unwavering. "Creepy, obnoxious, egotistical," she replied without hesitation.
A low chuckle escaped my lips as I closed the gap between us, the tension in the room growing palpable. "Oh, really?" I murmured, my voice laced with a predatory edge.
Karina nodded, her poise unyielding as she perched herself against the counter. "Anything else?" I pressed, my words carrying a sense of anticipation.
She pondered for a moment, her brows furrowing in thought. "You also act really sketchy," she continued, her voice soft but resolute. "You never eat your lunch, and you show up in places you shouldn't be. And your eyes... they change color."
My smile deepened at her words, and I leaned in closer. "Anything else," I whispered, my presence now overwhelming.
Karina straightened up, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. "W-what," she stammered, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
"Say it, what I am" I demanded, my gaze locked onto hers.
Her face contorted, emotions warring within her. Finally, she looked up and uttered the word that hung heavy in the charged atmosphere. "A vampire," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.
My smile widened, revealing the predator beneath. "That's right," I purred, relishing the undeniable truth that had just been spoken.
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Minji sat in her art class, her gaze fixed on Haerin, who was immersed in painting. The classroom was abuzz with activity as students worked on their various projects. Haerin's canvas, however, stood out. It was a masterpiece in progress.
The art teacher, Mrs. Collins, approached Haerin and marveled at her work. "Haerin, your attention to detail is remarkable. You have a true talent for painting," she praised.
Minji sighed inwardly, her eyes flickering to her own painting. It was a simple still life of a fruit bowl, well-executed but lacking the intricate brilliance of Haerin's work. She knew that Haerin had centuries of practice to hone her skills, and it was difficult not to feel a pang of jealousy.
As Minji gazed out of the classroom window, her mind drifted to Winter's words from the previous night. "Another full moon tonight," she muttered to herself. She had been introduced to a world of supernatural beings, vampires like Haerin and Winter. It was a world that both fascinated and terrified her.
Turning her attention back to Haerin, she couldn't help but admire the vampire's dedication to her art. Haerin's every brushstroke seemed deliberate and calculated, as though she were channeling her centuries of experiences onto the canvas.
Winter's influence was undeniable. Minji couldn't shake the feeling that the vampire had a hidden agenda, one that involved her and, by extension, Haerin. She suspected that Winter's motives were far from altruistic, and she needed to unravel the web of secrets that surrounded him.
After art class ended, Minji approached Haerin, who was carefully putting away her painting supplies. "Haerin," she began tentatively, "I've been thinking about last night. About Winter's words."
Haerin looked up, her crimson eyes locking onto Minji's. "What are you thinking?" she asked, curious yet cautious.
Minji took a deep breath, her determination evident in her voice. "I believe Winter has a plan, something that involves both of us. I want to find out what it is and, if necessary, make sure it doesn't harm us."