∆ Clock Strikes EIGHT

'No way, sir.' I muttered, quite loudly, gaining the teacher's, Yamanaka Ivan or known widely as Sir Ivan, attention.

'Yes way, Akatsuki-san.' He squinted his eyes at me and smirked. I glanced at Ayato who was burning in fury. This is crazy. The teacher really was trying to mess up with Ayato and me.

'I'll repeat it in case you wouldn't believe what I'd just announced.' He cleared his throat and sat on his chair, leaning back.

'This weekend, our class is going for a trip to Okinawa. We are supposed to, you know... study and shits about Biology craps but I'm sure no one wants to do that. Actually, I planned to make a fake report about this but the principal wants evidence and she declared it as a compulsory for the students in this class to participate.' He said.

If this were in my previous school, I'd be the most excited about this but because I was cursed, and going to a trip with an angry vampire is no joke, I was the most afraid to go.

'Sir, what about the initiatory?' I asked, raising one hand.

'Oh, about that... I'll print out schedules for you guys to follow.' He replied and I nodded.

'You can choose your own partner. There are 26 students in this class, so pair up with anyone you want. I expect all of you 8am in the school compound.' Sir Ivan added.

'Sir, where are we staying?' one queried.

He grinned at that. 'The principal agreed to sponsor us, as we're in the elite class, so four pairs will be staying in an expensive chalet divided into four "spaces".' He answered.

'Are any other grades coming as well?' I questioned.

'You're inquisitive, Akatsuki-san,' Sir Ivan muttered and shook his head. 'Apparently, the only class that will go to Okinawa will be us.'

'Thanks, Sir.' I said.

-

As usual, dinner was silent. Unlike the Mukami brothers who would always argue over the food (especially Kou and Yuma), the Sakamaki brothers ate quietly.

'Anything you want to say, Kizuna?' Reiji spoke and I flinched. How did he know? 'Your face says you have something to announce.' He added.

I glanced at Ayato and Kanato. 'Our class will be going to Okinawa this weekend.' I said nervously.

Kanato put down his utensils rather angrily. 'I'm not going no matter what.' He said.

Reiji understood the situation as Ayato groaned in annoyance. 'I can make up an excuse for Kanato, but I can't possibly help you and Ayato, since they're connected.' He spoke.

I looked down to my food on the plate, knowing Ayato would probably whine or something. But after a while, Ayato didn't make a sound. I gazed at him and was taken aback when I saw how "composed" he was at the time being.

'It's fine, Reiji,' Ayato began. 'I can manage.'

'Then, that's good.' Reiji nodded his head.

I realized someone staring and I turned my head to Shuu. He mouthed the word what I expected was "my room" and I nodded once then continued to eat.

-

As promised, I walked to Shuu's room after a warm shower. I wondered what he wanted to talk about. For all I know, Shuu is the quietest one in the house (and the laziest) and when he speaks, it'd always be some kind of bad news or something terrifying, as stated by Raito.

Raito and I get along well, mainly because he's kind of talkative. I haven't been close to Subaru or Kanato (because he tried to kill me before). However, Shuu got a little what I would call, hyped up recently, after he had a hold on the book. If what Reiji said about me being raised by a vampire, then doesn't that mean Reiji and Shuu are my brothers?

I was yet to know that though. I haven't finished reading the book due to piling homework I had to complete. Shuu's room was slightly ajar, indicating that he expected my presence. I knocked twice and entered. He was lying on his bed in a simple t-shirt and sweatpants.

'Oh...' I murmured when I saw him, quite surprised by his "new look".

He opened an eye. 'What's it?' he asked.

See, he was talking a lot. Usually, he'd just ignore me and get straight to the point. Anyway, I took a seat on the sofa in front of his bed, and he sat up, ruffling his own hair.

'Nothing, I was just amazed seeing you in your night clothes.' I replied.

He held no expression and leaned against his pillow, watching me. I stared back at him. 'So, why did you call me here?' I started.

'Have you read the book?' he asked.

'No, I couldn't find my time.'

He sighed. 'Idiot... but I suppose Reiji has told you about your mother.'

'Y-yes...' I stammered and mentally kicked myself for doing so.

'You're aware that we share the same mother, then.' He continued.

I looked away and inhaled sharply. 'I have yet to confirm that.'

'You do. You are our half-sister so to say.' He said grimly.

'I don't have time to talk about this.' I quickly stood and walked to leave. Suddenly, he appeared in front of me, blocking my pathway, and grabbed my arm.

'And you should be aware that Reiji and I are free to harm you, that we won't feel the pain if you're in danger or anything of that sort.' He added.

I gulped and backed away. He spun me around and pushed me to the door. What is his intention? What is he going to do?

'You too are aware that I am a vampire.' He leaned forward and whispered into my ear.

I frowned, trying to free my hand from his. 'Let me go, Shuu.' I partially begged.

He inhaled and smiled. 'Your sweet scent.' He breathed unto my neck.

I shivered. AYATO WHERE ARE YOU WHEN I NEED YOU?!

'And you should know that we are connected by blood, and that Ayato won't realize you're in danger because we're siblings, and siblings mean no harm to each other.' He said.

'Holy shit.' I gasped when I felt his fangs touched my skin.

'You know that we've met before.' He spoke.

I frowned. 'When?'

'I guess you don't remember.'

'I-If you're going to drink my blood or something, you should make it fast. Please don't breathe on my neck, I'm very ticklish.' I said in a small voice, but actually was really afraid of what he was going to do.

I could feel his smirk against my skin and I halted breathing. Right then, a sharp, really sharp pain pierced into my skin, and I screamed on top of my lungs, grabbing Shuu's shoulders firmly.

I tried to push him away but he resisted. Tears streamed down my face and I started sobbing real ugly. He sucked as if my neck was some kind of a straw. It felt like infinity until Shuu retracted from my neck, his grin made a part of me wanting to smack him.

I bit my lower lip to suppress my sobs as I wiped my tears. Shuu chuckled. 'Crybaby.' He muttered and I rubbed my bloody neck. Shuu went back to his bed and lied down.

I couldn't help it. The pain was too much that I cried again. It remained that way for a long time until Shuu heaved out a sigh of annoyance. 'How long are you going to stand by the door and cry?' he spoke.

I wiped my tears again and approached him. He frowned at me and flinched as I climbed the bed. He quickly sat up and I did something stupid. Still crying, I wrapped my arms around his neck and cried unto his shoulder, holding him tight.

I wasn't losing consciousness like how others would do after being sucked so I forced myself to fall asleep because it might get awkward. Soon enough, I fell into a deep slumber. Though right before, I felt his hand caressing my hair like how a big brother would do to comfort his sister.

-

When I came to, I was in my bed, tucked in properly. My neck was sore and memories flashed across. I quickly sat up and touched the wound but it was already bandaged. I frowned.

'Oh?' I heard a familiar voice greeted me. I looked up and saw Raito across my bed, squinting his eyes at my bandaged neck. 'What's that? You're bitten?' he continued.

I heaved out a sigh and looked away. 'I unintentionally cut myself with a razor blade.' I replied nonchalantly, trying to sound innocent.

He smiled. 'You can never fool me, Kizuna-chan.'

'What do you mean?'

'Shuu bit you last night, didn't he?' he countered.

I flinched slightly and lowered my gaze. 'Don't tell anyone.' I muttered.

This time, he sighed, then approached. 'Isn't Shuu your brother? Why would he hurt you? And more importantly, I'd like to taste your blood as well.' He said.

'No!' I interrupted firmly. 'It hurts like hell.'

He laughed. 'Of course it does! That's why it's called pleasure. It hurts yet it feels so good.'

I snapped my head to him. 'Good?! It feels good?! You've never felt it how would you know it feels good?! Of course it's a pleasure for you vampires because you guys feel no pain!' I raised my voice.

He tilted his head and hummed. 'Eh.... really? Maybe I'll let Ayato-kun bite me some time.' He giggled.

I rolled my eyes and kicked the blanket off my feet. 'Very funny, you gay.' I mouthed and headed to my closet.

Raito laughed softly. 'I'll meet you downstairs, then.'

I nodded in response and he disappeared.

-

Ruki heaved out a huge sigh in frustration as he leaned against his seat. Azusa had fallen asleep on the sofa, tired. Yuma was meddling with the pillow while Kou was humming a song.

'So, Ruki-kun?' Kou spoke.

Ruki shook his head. 'I still can't contact her by telepathy. The Tsukinami brothers are still pursuing. Should we go to the Sakamaki's again?'

'Azusa's injuries are still critical, though.' Yuma cut in.

Ruki massaged his temple. 'I'll take care of him. Kou and Yuma, you two go.'

'Are you sure, Ruki-kun?' Kou asked.

'I am. Find her, bring her back here.'

'But she mentioned it before. She's cursed. She can't be separated from Ayato. Even if we force her, she wouldn't come with us.' Yuma said.

Ruki frowned. 'Knowing her, she must be missing us like crazy. All right, you two go and visit her. Check on her conditions and health. Make her smile.'

Kou giggled. 'That should be easy.'

'Any message, Ruki?' Yuma queried.

'We're waiting for you to come home.' Ruki answered.

'Noted.' Kou grinned.

**** WRAPPED ****

A/N: よ、今日はどう？　君たちは大丈夫か？　ぼくはさあ、このストーリーを書くことが　好きだよ。だから、止まらない。止まりたくない。読んでくれてありがとう。

また会おうぜ。

Okay my grammars suck. Vote, comment, and share! J

Love, Ryuuki

By my leave, mortals