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Riiing!

Riiing!

Riiing!

Riii---!

A loud groan slipped from his pale lips, pain electrifying through his entirety. Numbness stung the moment Subaru moved his arms, it felt like needles pricking his pale skin. Getting up didn't help either; the throbbing pain in his head dropped all too sudden. But staying in bed wasn't an option for the boy, he'd force himself out if he had to. After all, Subaru had work at Helter Skelter after the night class. He could only sigh in his dilemma.

Albeit his depravity from human blood could've killed him, the boy's pride born from his upbringing couldn't accept that he was saved. The few nights before had been a recurring nightmare of weakness and helplessness. He had rushed into that backstreet thinking he could save some human he didn't know, only to be thrown around by what looked like ghouls. A vampire--a noble like him, needed saving from a no-name like her. His dignity was shattered the moment the stranger kissed him without his regard. But worse of all, whoever that was, knew his name and had the time to give him a one-line lecture.

Cursing, Subaru threw back his sheets and quickly got up. Dusk was quickly approaching, orange meeting the dark purple skies. The colors seemed to loom over the horizon as the light disappeared. Its mesmerizing touch crept into his room through the tiny cracks between his curtains. And when the boy ripped them open he was greeted by the quiet neighborhood he lived in. He was in no mansion, but rather in an apartment complex inhabited by humans.

Students were heading home, the vampire could see them carefree as they chuckled with their neighbors. Whilst he moped and was a lone soul about to survive another night. If fate is kind to him, he'll have no bullshit to deal with as the night starts. Does he pray for a good night? Of course, not he has no god. His god was love and it bled and died.

So he left the mansion. 

However, even when alone, somehow the unease of an almost-freedom mocked him. The uniform Subaru placed on was his collar to a long invisible chain. Ryoutei Academy existed to remind him that he could never get away. Did he have a choice? Yes: either go to school and freedom to live by himself or not go to school and be sent somewhere worse than hell. 

"Good evening, Fu-ji-mo-ri-kuuuun!" A young female giggled all of a sudden. 

Not again. Subaru swore under his breath as he locked his apartment door. Why did he get greeted by this little bitch? The one who greeted him, unfortunately, was his neighbor Mako Nonoka. She was still in her school uniform, a clad of raven black with a red ribbon with matching color around the hems of her outfit. She was weird because she had a crow for a pet, and the boy hated hearing its loud caws.

"Tch. You're here again, Nonoka," growled the boy irritably. If he hadn't gotten used to his false surname Fujimori, Subaru could've ignored her altogether. "You don't need to greet me every time I walk out."

"But Fujimori-kun, I only get to see you when you leave your apartment," Mako whined and stared at the boy with her gray eyes. "Besides, you should feel blessed! You get to feast your eyes on a beauty like me!" She added with a whip of her short chestnut hair. They bounced freely above her shoulders; it reminded of Subaru of a certain someone when she twirled her skirt before him.

"You're pretty confident for a middle schooler," he sneered and crossed his arms. "You should grow up first."

"I'm almost in high school! I'll be a first-year next year!" The girl made a pouty face at him, but her flirtatious attitude didn't go away. 

"I don't care. Just get inside already."

"You work late at night right?" Mako added, which stopped Subaru from walking off. "A couple of people last night were found dead this morning. According to the reports, they seemed to have died from blood loss."

Subaru frowned. The picture of the monsters came to mind. Their grotesque appearance was definitely not that of a normal vampire. Horribly enough, the boy never had seen something like them in all his known conscious life. Something was off, that's for sure. 

"Just stay inside and don't go wandering around at night if you want to get into high school," he snapped and stormed off.

Even if he was mean to her, Mako just kept bugging him with her greetings and smiles, very youthful for a human. Reasons why she was that way, Subaru didn't know. He's never seen her parents either. Well, the schedule was what kept them apart. Although the boy was unfriendly and grumpy, there were a few other humans slightly similar to Mako who'd greet him. It was a strange feeling, and the past months were never enough for him to get used to.

The long staircase down the concrete building winded downwards on each floor. Unfortunately, he was on the sixth floor and people were coming home. Subaru found himself excusing himself each time someone went up. It was a practice (at least that was what it looked like), and when the boy was new they did the same to him. No matter how quiet he was, the apartment's residents always greeted him with the exception of a few. Wasn't it normal to be snobby to strangers? It was a weird apartment complex with friendly neighbors. Not for Subaru--well, not like he had a choice in the first place.

Now was not the time to think about his neighbors. He knew he had to hurry and catch the train. Otherwise, the boy will be late for school, especially rush hour would slow him down even more. 

A black limousine awaited him at the entrance, a surprise Subaru didn't expect to see. Clicking his tongue angrily, Subaru walked off with a huff but halted in his tracks. He felt menacing eyes stabbing daggers into his back at each waking moment. The waiting silence only served as a magnet that pulled him to the vehicle, and no matter how much the boy sighed or grip his bag's sling Subaru couldn't stop himself from turning around and opening the door and stepping inside.

Instead of seeing all his brothers, the white-haired boy only saw one: Reiji. He was seated at the end with on leg over the other, his arms crossed across his chest. Stern eyes peered into Subaru's before a hand ushers him inside. Surprise swept over Subaru's face: wide-eyed and a slightly gaping mouth. But he obeyed his older bespectacled brother, although he didn't seem to have much choice in the first place, and took the seat right across the car, quite the distanced he placed between he and Reiji. And only once the boy closed the door behind him did the limousine begin to move. 

"How have you been, Subaru?" Reiji asked, but his tone cold and stern as always. His red eyes glanced at his gold pocket watch before placing it back into his black coat.

"Fine." Subaru's tone was hard and spiteful. He didn't even bother looking at Reiji, not even a glance after the first one. Whatever the bespectacled vampire wanted, Subaru didn't need to guess--he probably wanted him to go back to the mansion.

"I suspected you'd head to school early," said Reiji, balancing his head against his fingers. "Have you eaten? Drank your dose of blood? As vampires, it's important that we drink blood; we need those nutrients."

"Tch, what do you want, Reiji," the younger vampire snapped, finally glaring at the older vampire. "Knowing you, you don't meet up, even more, speak to any of us unless necessary. Picking me up and asking how I am isn't you. It's gross."

"I see. Let me cut to the chase then." A gray blur catapulted through the air, to which Subaru caught with ease. He opened his hand, revealing a key. But not just any key, a motorbike key. "I've found work, though I'm afraid I can't divulge details about it. And since you're deprived of necessary nutrients, it'll be dangerous for you to walk home from the academy. You should at least ride back to your apartment in the least amount of time possible."

"I don't need your help," growled Subaru, but he couldn't help but feel surprised. It wasn't the usual lecture.

"I heard you went home bloody the other night," Reiji's voice rang in his ears. "Did you really think I wouldn't know about that? Good that you didn't get killed. We wouldn't want another measly death of a sibling."

"Asshole."

"Language, you stubborn fool! I don't expect thanks! But I want you to accept this motorcycle, and make sure to stay alive at the very least." Reiji sighed and pushed back his glasses up his nose. "Just. . keep me up to date. I'm looking for the killer. We all want answers."

"Its been six months, but we still don't have a clue!" Closed fists slammed against his thighs, nearly crushing the new key in his palm. The emotion as red as fire burned inside of him, Reiji could see it well through his younger sibling's eyes. A naive youth boiling with a passion almost alien to him, or rather too foolish to exhibit. It is an uncontrollable factor that Reiji himself fears.

Calmness is an extension of control, thus the bespectacled vampire kept that factor close to his heart. He knew his brother's frustration so he doesn't impose more than he wanted to. There were too many reminders, far too many. 

The school entrance was coming to view now, and an unwelcomed nostalgia filled Reiji. Students were walking in albeit a few loitered by the entrance. There were no signs of his other brothers, though Reiji caught sight of the other family limousine leaving upon he and Subaru's entrance. There should be some peace in this vicinity, at least Reiji hoped; a lot of the troublemakers should be gone by now.

"The motorcycle should be at the back of the school," Reiji called out to Subaru as the boy was stepping out. "Don't ruin it on your first try."

Subaru only huffed in response before slamming the door shut. The limousine sped off right there and then, and the younger vampire didn't bother to watch his brother leave. It wasn't important. This was just another night to survive.

Ryoutei Academy was known for its prestige but also for its notorious night school, running from 6:30 pm to 12 am. The architecture was a combination of a Japanese school and Gothic architecture. There were stained glass windows on certain windows, a strange addition to the school albeit they even added a long U-turn for limousines and such. The moment Subaru set his eyes on the three arcs at the entrance, unease bubbled up inside of him. 

Every single time he heard his steps echoing against the gold, marble floor he's reminded how much a failure he was. A myriad of memories flooded uninvitedly into the boy's mind as he walked through the lavender-stained corridors. He imagined her laughing and giggling beside that redhead she chose. Subaru hated seeing that, no matter how happy he wished he could be for her, but bitterness stung him like a thousand needles to his heart. Unknowingly he began to claw at his chest, turning his pale skin pink with marks.

None of the brothers were in sight, and Subaru hoped it stayed that way through the night. That might as well include any vampire he knew that wanted her. He wouldn't know what he'd do if any of them taunted him. 

Despite not drinking the sufficient amount of blood a vampire supposedly does, Subaru's vigilant senses detected a familiar presence close by. He halted without hesitation, scanning his surroundings very briefly as he stood motionless. No one was around, so there was no need to hesitate.

"What do you want, Laito?" Subaru growled.

A small chuckle followed, revealing a young man wearing a fedora hat with his uniform. The younger man only kept still under this vampire's scrutinizing gaze. It just had to be him. "Hello, Subaru-kun. Is this how you greet your big brother when we rarely see each other?"

"We're only half brothers."

"Brothers nonetheless. It makes me sad you treat me coldly," the guy mused. Unlike Subaru who sported lavender-white hair, Laito had red hair stained with brown but it faded into blonde at the tips.

Subaru clicked his tongue at the remark. If only he could laugh, but he wasn't the type to. He only glared at his half-brother. Well, all the other brothers were actually his half brothers. The boy didn't share a mother with any of them.

 "I suppose I can't convince you to just come home?" Laito continued. "And I suppose Reiji brought you here from your tacky human apartment? He may not be saying it, but he honestly would rather have you stay at home with the rest of us."

"I'm not going back," snapped Subaru. "If you're here just to tell me to go back, piss off!"

"You were attacked the other day, weren't you? Kuku, you're pretty weak and reckless, Subaru-kun!" Laito hummed at the thought. The sureness in his voice had always irritated the younger vampire, "You were probably saved, yes? The question is who?"

"If you knew, you're wasting your breath," a sudden change of tone came over the white-haired vampire's voice. Subaru turned on his heels to leave even with class far from starting--as long as he got away from his half brother. Though since when did Laito and the others head to school early?

"You're going to look for whoever saved your ass. . aren't you, Subaru-kun?" The redhead's voice pulled Subaru back. "Knowing you. . that's what you're going to do."

The vampire frowned but didn't bother turning around. "Why do you care?"

"We have more important things to deal with, and the first one is taking the school back into our control. Ever since she came, everyone just. . went under her thumb." 

"She's not the boss. That bitch is toying with you."

"She a foreign cog. Normally I'd love a challenge, but she's off." Subaru knew exactly what the redhead was talking about. 

Six months earlier a new vampire came into Ryoutei Academy, and it was at the worse timing for the boys possible. Now this vampire didn't come to take over the school or anything, she wanted none of that apparently. But her existence had caused an imbalance that none of the older vampires had the mindset to take care of. Not even the gold-eyed bastards. Even if she didn't claim anything, things were going her way. 

That was how unstable their minds were back then. But what was the point of taking back the school if the vampire didn't claim anything in the first place? 

"Think about it," Laito added.

"You're wasting your time!" Subaru asked. "I won't bother. There's no point!"

"I don't really care. As long as she gets dragged off her. . high horse. Speak of the devil, here comes the princess," Laito chuckled with a hint of disbelief in his voice. Tipping his fedora hat at his half-brother, the redhead turned on his heels and left.

The noise of awes and gasps filled the air like a concert of popular boy bands, only that male voices mixed in evenly with female arias. They were calling out a name that Subaru only recently got familiar with: Akari Sokoware.

A distinctive figure stood amongst the humans with an aristocratic air around her. Hair as pale and dull as pink mochi, but her eyes were a gleaming gold color. Similar to certain vampires Subaru knew, however, somehow, was different. She was smiling at the pitiful humans like some benevolent goddess, waving at her countless fans. Horrifically, both girls and boys were swooning over her yet somehow too shy to grab the bitch's hand. Her youthful beauty wasn't what caught Subaru's eye. But rather the red eyeliner around her eyes.

A smirk contorted on her lips as the girl passed by the boy, followed by a wink. Unfortunately for Subaru, Akari Sokoware was a classmate of his--in fact, her seat was right in behind him. Some students behind her seemed to act as her attendants: carrying her bag for her while another carried her snacks. 

Who she was exactly was shrouded in secrecy. Her wealth was not what she flaunted--it was her influence. The moment she stepped into the school was the start of a change none of the Subaru and his brothers expected, more so the fact that everything bent under her finger. Everyone was quick to obey her, unquestioning even. The most ridiculous part was that no one tried to put a leash around her neck. It was like the arrival of a monarch.

Subaru could only sigh as he walked inside as well. The other students didn't bother him as they originally did--probably Akari's doing. The part Subaru hated the most though was seeing the bitch drink blood out of the students while everyone else was around. Nobody looked, but not even someone like him could be fooled.

"You're doing that here?!" The vampire snarled angrily as the girl fed on a boy. She was gentle with him though, careful to keep her hand behind his head while her other hand kept him upright. Her tongue licked the wound before telling the human "thank you" and he responded with, "anything for you, Sokoware-sama," and walked off like nothing happened.

It was not normal!

"No one cares,"  mused Akari. "You could drink from a girl if you like."

Immediately the boy slammed his fist on his desk. "I DON'T WANT ANY!"

Everyone blinked at him but turned away right after. Some of the students gasped in shock, it was out of the blue after all. No one has seen Subaru so angry in the classroom, because the boy usually leaves to let off steam. Not this time.

Instead of getting angry for the boy's insolence, Akari found it amusing instead. Her hands clapped once, making her attendants leave her side. Half of the room populace was reduced, and it showed Subaru who followed who. The mochi-pink-haired vampire flexed her influence at him like a wolf baring its fangs at a pug. But Subaru refused to bow his head at her to apologize, no one can make him.

"Neh, Subaru-kun, you're way too uptight. Do yourself a favor and loosen up. Smile more, it'll make life easier. Besides. . no one is forcing you to drink from anyone," the girl cooed at him and smiled.

"Ever since you came, everyone's turned into some mindless fucking zombie!" Subaru hissed.

"Mindless?" Akari scoffed, the expression turned smug. "I can't tell much difference? They're acting like they're normal, only that they're obedient to me. Hell, they won't remember anything we do together, so there shouldn't be psychological traumas. Honestly--"

She stuck to tongue out.

"--It's much more civil than your. . kinky tactics."

"You bitch!" The boy snapped. "I'd snap your neck! You'll regret saying that!"

Akari threw her head back as loud cackled escaped her mouth. She didn't bother holding back, the boy was just so pitiful. But when her mockery stopped, a more sober expression took over her charismatic facade. Like winding up a jack-in-the-box, Akari's slender middle finger contorted Subaru's face with unrivaled loathe. 

"I give zero fucks," sneered the girl. "Suck it up, Sakamaki! I'll be the one snapping your neck!" 

~~~

Number of words: 3345

This chapter is dedicated to one of my friends who have been supporting me and my books -- TDOROKI <3

Gah, I was supposed to update yesterday but I had to rewrite a lot of stuff because the completed chapter wasn't saved ;;

For anyone who's read the previous versions of the book, you def know that this new Akari is far different from the original one: redheaded and green eyes. And worse, she was a wimpy vampire ARGH xD

So what do you guys think? New Akari has mochi-pink hair and gold eyes with red eyeliner around them and is seemingly the new boss of the school :3

- Raita