Chapter 31: No Vampires Allowed
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Returning to the school routine felt surprisingly effortless, as if slipping back into a familiar rhythm. A week had passed since the start of the new semester, and now, gathered in the chapel, it was time to confront the elephant in the room. The entire student body sat in hushed anticipation as the principals took the stage to deliver their address.
"As we move forward, we must address an important matter," Principal Johnson began, his voice echoing through the chapel. "In light of recent events and the role vampires played in the war, we must decide whether to accept them into our school community."
A murmur of conversation rippled through the crowd as students exchanged uncertain glances. Principal Anderson stepped forward, her expression solemn. "We understand the concerns and fears that some of you may have. However, we believe in giving everyone a chance to prove themselves."
Principal Johnson nodded, his gaze sweeping across the assembled students. "We will be creating a special committee to discuss and evaluate this matter. Your input and feedback will be invaluable as we make this decision together."
The room fell silent as the gravity of the situation settled over them. The fate of vampires in the school hung in the balance, and it was up to everyone to determine their place in the community. As Principal Johnson announced the decision, a hush fell over the chapel. Murmurs of disbelief and disappointment rippled through the gathered students. Minji exchanged a worried glance with her friends, sensing the tension in the air.
Of course, they said no.
"We understand that this may not be the outcome some of you were hoping for," Principal Anderson continued, her voice steady despite the unrest in the room. "However, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of all our students."
Haerin's jaw tightened, her eyes flashing with frustration as she glanced around the room. "This is ridiculous," she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible over the whispers of the crowd.
Minji felt a pang of sympathy for the vampires among them, knowing that they would now face even greater scrutiny and discrimination. As the meeting concluded and students began to disperse, the weight of the decision hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the school community.
Minji locked eyes with Karina, sharing a silent exchange of disappointment and concern. They both knew the implications of the decision reached by the school authorities.
Returning her attention to the speech, Minji strained to focus on the words being spoken, but her mind was clouded with worry. She could feel the tension in the room, a palpable energy of uncertainty and unease.
"It's not fair," Minji whispered beside her, her voice tinged with frustration. "They can't just decide like that."
Karina nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring Minji's frustration. They both knew that the outcome would have far-reaching consequences for many students, especially those who were now faced with the prospect of being ostracized or excluded.
As the speeches concluded and the assembly began to disperse, Minji and Karina exchanged somber glances, silently bracing themselves for the challenges that lay ahead.
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Haerin paced anxiously, her words tumbling out in a rush. "They know, I can tell," she said, her voice tight with worry. Minji wanted to reassure her, but words failed her in the face of Haerin's distress.
"It was as if they were saying it straight to my face. You're not welcome here anymore," Haerin continued, her tone heavy with sadness.
Before anyone could respond, Minji's door swung open, and Winter strode in. "So I'm not the only one," Winter remarked, prompting a growl from Haerin.
"Asta este o prostie mare," Haerin muttered angrily. This is such bullshit.
"We need to stay calm, be neutral, show we can be trusted gain redemption," Winter urged, trying to diffuse the tension. Minji nodded in agreement.
"Redemption? We saved their lives, we're the reason the earth is still spinning! Ce mai vor acești nenorociți?" What more do these bastards want? Haerin exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice.
"What's she saying?" Minji asked Winter, feeling left out of their conversation.
"A lot of curse words," Winter replied, before returning to speak with Haerin in their own language. Minji sighed and rolled her eyes, feeling a pang of anxiety. She didn't want Haerin or Winter to leave, but she also didn't know how to bridge the gap between them.
Karina entered the room, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "What's going on?" she asked, her eyes scanning the room.
Minji glanced at Karina, grateful for her presence. "We're just trying to figure out what to do next," she explained, gesturing towards Haerin and Winter, who were still deep in conversation.
Karina nodded, her gaze shifting between them. "Well, we're in this together," she said, her voice firm. "Whatever it is, we'll find a way through it."
Minji felt a surge of gratitude towards Karina. Despite the uncertainty of their situation, having her friend by her side made her feel a little less alone.
The two mates sat beside each other, observing their vampire lovers engaged in heated discussion. Karina leaned over to Minji and expressed her frustration. "I don't get it. After all that's happened, can't we just make amends with the race that saved our lives?" she said, her voice tinged with exasperation.
Minji couldn't help but scoff at the notion. "After a feud that's lasted decades?" she replied, her tone skeptical.
Karina sighed, shaking her head in disbelief. "It's just ridiculous. Did you know that the vampires used to trade with us for 30 years when we were in famine, and now we treat them like degenerate creatures?" she revealed, her voice laced with disappointment.
"Where did you learn that?" Minji inquired, curious about Karina's newfound knowledge.
Karina shrugged nonchalantly. "Some book," she replied, her expression reflecting her frustration with the current state of affairs.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the escalating argument between their mates. "I'd rather leave," Winter declared with frustration evident in her voice. "I'd rather die," Haerin shot back, the tension palpable in the air. Minji's heart skipped a beat at Haerin's vehement response.
Sensing the tension, Haerin glanced at Minji and Karina, visibly attempting to calm herself down, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Karina couldn't help but voice her concern. "What's going to happen?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
"Nothing," Winter replied firmly, determination evident in her tone. "We're staying here, and we're not leaving," she asserted, her resolve unwavering.
"But what about Principal Anderson? He knows what you are," Minji interjected, voicing her apprehension.
Haerin's voice cut through the air, filled with determination. "If he wants me to leave, he'll have to kill me," she growled defiantly, her eyes flashing with determination.
"I need to get back, they're having a meeting," Karina announced, her short skirt billowing as she stood up. "I'll tell you what happens," she added before slowly making her way out of the room. Winter, on the other hand, simply sped off in vampire speed, leaving Minji and Haerin alone.
Minji rose from her seat and approached Haerin, enveloping her in a comforting hug. "I'm sorry," she whispered softly, her words laden with sincerity. As they embraced, Minji could feel the tension slowly dissipating, replaced by a sense of warmth and reassurance. Haerin slid her hands gently across Minji's back, her touch providing a sense of comfort and stability.
Minji's knees buckled under the weight of the emotions swirling around them, and the two slowly sank onto the bed, still locked in their comforting embrace. Haerin's hands spread across the expanse of Minji's back, feeling the rhythmic rise and fall of her breath. Minji allowed Haerin to find solace in their embrace, her own heartbeat gradually syncing with Haerin's.
As they lay there, Minji gently wrapped her legs around Haerin, drawing her closer in a silent gesture of solidarity. Haerin's whispered words cut through the tension in the room, her voice filled with determination and unwavering resolve. "I don't care what happens, I'll go through a war if I could. I'm not leaving you," she vowed, her words echoing with sincerity and love.
Minji's heart swelled with both gratitude and affection at Haerin's words. She tightened her embrace, savoring the warmth and reassurance that Haerin provided.
"I'm not leaving you either," Minji whispered back, her voice soft but filled with conviction. "We'll face whatever comes together."
Their bond strengthened in that moment, as they clung to each other amidst the uncertainty that loomed ahead. Together, they found solace and strength in each other's arms, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead as a united front.
The two must have fallen asleep because when Minji stirred awake, she found herself not in her blazer but just in her socks, skirt, and shirt. Haerin was beside her, gently stroking her hair.
"Why'd you let me sleep?" Minji groaned, feeling a bit disoriented. Haerin chuckled softly. "You were tired and restless," she nudged. Minji glanced down at her shirt, noticing that three buttons were undone, likely from her attempt to get more comfortable.
Minji sat up and reached for some joggers and a shirt, quickly changing before getting back into bed. "How long was I out?" she asked, feeling a bit disoriented.
"About three hours," Haerin replied. Minji groaned, feeling wide awake now. "Now I can't sleep," she complained.
"We could do something else?" Haerin suggested, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "Like what?" Minji asked, curious.
"I could teach you some of my language," Haerin offered, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Grinning mischievously, Minji played coy and pretended to hesitate. "Hmm, I don't know," she teased, pretending to consider the offer. "You might regret it if you unleash my inner linguist!"
Haerin smirked, noticing the subtle change in Minji's demeanor. "I can tell it has an effect on you too," she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Minji's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as Haerin's words hit home. "You don't know anything," she muttered, her voice muffled by the pillow she buried her face into. Haerin let out a playful scoff. "Yet I can easily read your mind. I knew from the minute I spoke," she said, her tone teasing. Minji let out a frustrated sigh. "Whatever," she muttered, feeling thoroughly embarrassed.
Haerin chuckled softly, sensing Minji's discomfort. "Relax, Minji. There's no need to be embarrassed," she said reassuringly, reaching out to gently pat Minji's back. "I was just teasing." Minji peeked out from behind the pillow, her cheeks still flushed. "I know," she said, offering a sheepish smile. "It's just... unexpected." Haerin nodded understandingly. "Well, now that it's out in the open, shall we continue with the lesson?" she suggested, trying to lighten the mood. Minji nodded, grateful for the change of subject. "Sure," she replied, sitting up and giving Haerin a determined look. "Let's do this."
"Alright, let's start with some basic phrases," Haerin said, her tone gentle as she began the lesson. "Repeat after me: 'Bună ziua,' which means 'Good day'." Minji repeated the phrase, trying to mimic Haerin's pronunciation. "Good, now try 'Bună seara,' for 'Good evening'," Haerin continued, patiently guiding Minji through each phrase. "And 'Noapte bună,' for 'Good night'," she added, encouraging Minji to practice until she felt comfortable with the pronunciation.
The door burst open, startling Minji, who flinched instinctively. Haerin let out a frustrated sigh. "What now?" she muttered under her breath. Karina rushed in, her expression tense. "They're testing everyone. We need to go, now," she urged, her voice urgent with a hint of anxiety.
"What?" Minji's voice quivered with disbelief as she processed Karina's words. The implications of what she just heard sent a shiver down her spine. "What're they testing for?"
Karina's gaze shifted to Haerin, her expression a mix of concern and uncertainty.
"Vampires, and their mates," Karina added, her tone grave. The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air as they made their way through the corridors, each step feeling heavier than the last.