January 28. Baade Residence. 6 am.

"It's your turn!"
"What do you mean it's my turn?! It was just my turn yesterday!"
"Just cook food, dammit! I can't even cook edible food!!"
"I still eat your terrible cooking!"
"Today is a special day, an exception! So cook some good food!!"

Kanae and I were fighting over who gets to cook breakfast. This kind of argument happens sometimes. We have a schedule on who gets to cook. Kanae is a good cook so I can't argue over that, but... My cooking... it really is garbage.

I have no choice but to "cook" human food since I can't consume yummy suffering human souls anymore. Now that I understand the tastes, I wouldn't want to cook anymore. How does Kanae keep up with this shit?! It's worse than shit and trash!

It was at that moment that something interrupted our argument... or someone.

The door bell rung. This person has some manners. Our group of friends will just go and enter without hesitation. Someone in particular doesn't even bother going to the front door! He was going through my bedroom window!

Kanae and I walked towards the front door and opened it. We were welcomed by a kind of disturbing scene...

"I'm ready for the date." Veronica says.

We were both shocked and disturbed that we just froze up. Our faces are going pale and our jaw is wide open.

Even though she's the same bitchy bitch we're used to seeing, she actually looks decent and simple today. I was thinking she has the same fashion taste as Joan but no... Oh, right, because she can't afford any good-looking (rich-looking) formal clothes like Joan.

"W-w-w-wait a minute!! I'm not yet ready!!!" Kanae panicked, immediately rushing upstairs.

When Kanae left, Veronica then just realised I was also there. She locked her eyes to mine and coldly asked, "why are you here?"

"Oh, right. Only Joan knows."

Veronica looked utterly shocked. Her reaction says "death". She grabbed me by the collar and began shouting at my face. "What is it?! Do you live together or something?! Answer me!!! Is that why you always ask him to bring you along when you were going home?!!"

"Veronica, calm down!" I tried to reason out. I'm trying my best not to break her arm. It's like shaking Cervi's hand all over again.

"Tell me everything!" She persisted.

"I said calm down!" I kicked her side so she can let me go. It's better than to have a broken arm so she should be thankful. "Yes, we're living together! Yes, we sleep on the bed together! Yes, we cook for each other! Yes, we shop together! Yes, we do things together! Yes, we're the only ones here! So what of it?! For this day, I gave my approval of him to spend a day with you! Isn't that what you should think of right now than be jealous of something you can't even posses?!" As soon as I was done talking, I saw her hand raise up. I purposely didn't dodge again. If hitting me makes her feel better, then why not?

She slapped me. I did not flinch nor try to slap her back. This is really unlike me. But I can't go on saying an excuse like "but I'm a demon!" I am a human now. That's what I'd like to believe at least...

"Don't you dare underestimate me! I can take him away from you faster than him taking you!"

I raised a brow, confused at what she just said. What does she mean by that? I wonder...

"I can prove to you! In just this day, he will fall for me! Just you wait, Celeste Auden! I will make him kick you out of his own house!" She proclaimed like it was a challenge. I don't really care. "Are you scared? Hmph. You should be." She's back being the bitch we all know. I'm both relieved and not at the same time. She's back to normal, but then that means she's annoying again.

"Thanks for waiting. I also had to go and cook breakfast for Celeste." Kanae was saying as he was walking towards the front door. "Well then, shall we go?" He asks. He doesn't present his arm for her to hold on. He isn't escorting her. That's weird. He always escorts me whenever the two of us hang out.

"Y-yes..." Veronica immediately turned into a shying mess. She now looks like the girl protagonist of some comics Kanae has. I wonder what those are called. I only know that it's not english. The writings are weird, but not as weird as my own language.

Now then, what shall I do all by myself in this huge mansion?

------

Borg's Café.

"Sorry. I should've eaten breakfast earlier." Kanae apologised.

"It's ok. I got too excited and ended up not eating breakfast too." Veronica brushed it off and reassured him. Though it was not a lie, it was just because she doesn't have enough money for this day. Her payday's tomorrow, so she can't really buy anything today. She was glad that Kanae didn't eat breakfast, or else she wouldn't be able to either.

"So, do you want to say anything to me? Your thoughts about me or something?" Kanae tried to hold up a conversation.

"Flashy." Veronica plainly answered, staring blankly at his eyes.

Kanae sweatdropped, not expecting such a short answer.

"Hm? Did you expect something?" Veronica innocently tilted her head to the side.

This made Kanae feel stupid. "No..." He dismissed. "Why do you like flashy guys anyway?"

"Why? Because I think I deserve something perfect for once. I've had nothing, I want to strive for something! Something worth it! And I won't give up until I get that! That's what I think my only purpose is since I'm still alive." Kanae cannot figure Veronica out. She sounds determined and depressed at the same time. She wants something, but that's only because she thinks it's her only purpose.

Kanae doesn't know what to do. It's true that he still hates her, he still doesn't trust her, he just can't seem to understand her, he couldn't possibly cope up with her so easily.

He gulped in nervousness. He's nervous because he doesn't know what to do. He wants to cheer her up somehow, but he doesn't know how. He then abandoned his brain and spoke from his heart.

"Star." He called out. Veronica jolted in surprise. "That's your name, right?" Kanae continued.

Veronica hesitantly nodded. Where is this going? She asks herself. She doesn't expect any kind of reaction or pity when she starts talking about her insecurities. This is a first for her. Of course, some weight flew off her shoulders when Celeste lets herself be stabbed and slapped, be hurt, just to relieve herself. She doesn't know this, but she got a bit relieved after hitting Celeste. It doesn't change the fact if Celeste got hurt on purpose or not.

"It suits you. Being a star, I mean." Kanae kept on talking while Veronica patiently and attentively listens. "It's okay to be selfish, it's just how humans work. Don't you think that you, being a star, is actually a good idea?" Kanae warmly smiled at Veronica, which made her blush.

"I get why that Auden likes you now." She murmured. Kanae didn't quite hear what she said, but chose to speak nothing. "She doesn't care if someone is flashy or not, she just likes you because you're nice!" Veronica flashed a bright smile that Kanae could never imagine seeing in person, or at all.

"Me?" Veronica's tears started to well up, her voice trembling from her intense emotions. "I don't even know where to start." She started sniffling, her tears started flowing on her cheeks. "I don't deserve kindness. Sometimes I'm contented by watching from afar, but sometimes I can be much more greedy." She looked at her shaking hands, as shaky as her voice. She started going pale, her chapstick can't keep her lips from going white. Her skin is whiter than her whitening lotion.

Kanae didn't panic. He just waited a bit more. The waiter then handed two cups of tea. Without saying a word, Kanae slid the other cup to Veronica.

Veronica stared at the cup for a whole minute before taking a sip. Afterwards, she returned to her normal state. No one can still distinguish whether her normal state is good news or bad news. But they all know that Veronica being normal is better than any state she can be.

"Sorry to break it to you, but I'm taken." Kanae decided to talk now because he believed that Veronica's nerves have calmed down and so, he can't hurt her in that kind of relaxed and calm state.

"I know. I was too late." Veronica joked like an emotionless robot. Kanae remembered that moment when Veronica was still working with Daniel to try and know Celeste's weakness. She was done, that was her breaking point.

Kanae was somewhat relieved to see Veronica calm and relaxed. She may not show intense emotions right now, it's the opposite actually, she doesn't show any kind of emotions, but she's not broken like before.

Kanae thought he would hate their time together. He hates to admit it, but deep inside, he was enjoying trying to uncover Veronica little by little.

•

Mall.

"Oh, this is good too! And this, and this, and this, and everything!!!" Veronica looks excited and happy, checking out all the things she likes. Since she has no money and she's shy to ask Kanae for some, she was merely window shopping.

Kanae is watching her every action. I wish Celeste can be like that. He thought. Being spoiled, enthusiastically pointing out all the things she wants, happy and energetic. Kanae wanted to see that side of Celeste.

Kanae knows the feeling of being greedy. Celeste doesn't notice this despite living together since he stores all his selfishness to himself. Celeste doesn't notice how Kanae wanted to be touchy-feely with her. He wanted to hug her tight at night, hold hands whenever walking together, and hold her protectively near his side at all times so no one can approach her. He keeps all his hidden intentions locked inside his heart.

Especially today since he's with someone else. He doesn't want to be rude and think of someone else when someone is already by his side, keeping him company. Kanae frowned, knowing how disrespectful and insensitive he is by merely thinking of someone else other than his companion. He held his head tight, confused and afraid.

"Kanae?" Veronica called out. Kanae slowly raised his head up to look at her. "It's been a while now, no? Who knew time flies by so fast?" Veronica looked around. It is 6 pm by now.

Kanae just stared at Veronica, dumbfounded and wide-eyed. He was shocked to the point he froze up.

"Why don't we call it a day? It might not look like it, but I genuinely had fun. Thank you." Veronica flashed a warm and reassuring smile to Kanae. "Besides, I think your head is fillled with the thoughts of someone else right now. I've noticed after we left that café. I'm not that dumb to not notice it. So, hurry and go. She might be waiting for you right now."

"Veronica." Kanae finally redeemed himself. He put his feet back to earth again. "Thank you." He gave the same warm smile that Veronica gave him. "I'm also not like other people who wouldn't notice you were thinking of someone else too. He may not be flashy, but something in him piqued your interest, innit?" Kanae smirked, exhibiting his devilish personality.

Veronica blushed. Her face looks as red as a tomato! Kanae kept on laughing and taking pictures. Veronica tried to fight, but she's only a normal person so anyone who's in the main group can only take the phone away from Kanae with such ease.

After teasing Veronica, Kanae just went on and bid goodbye. Veronica might have the possibility that she will get blackmailed sooner or later since she's dealing with the sadistic devil here! But instead of staying angry at him, she only chuckled. How did he know that I was thinking of someone else? She thought to herself. He really is interesting...

•

Baade residence. 6:15 pm.

I am selfish. I know that. I am so selfish. I can't help it. I missed her. I just wasted a day without her. No, I did not waste a day. I did not waste a day...

"Kanae? You're home? That's great! Can you cook dinner for me?" Celeste selfishly commanded as soon as she saw Kanae enter. Noticing the tiredness from Kanae's eyes, Celeste's face fell. "Oh uhh... Sorry, nevermind. I already ate." Celeste decided to dismiss it. Look at that, she's not that selfish after all.

Kanae stayed in his position, not even looking at Celeste. Celeste is worried so she walked towards him to check if he's ok. Only an inch remain and before Celeste can even touch him, Kanae hugged her in a flash.

"Kanae? What's wrong?" Celeste asks out of confusion and curiosity. "Did that bitch do something to you?"

"Let me be selfish." He whispered. It was not like him to feel so emotionally exhausted that he actually wanted a hug from Celeste.

"Are you drunk?" Celeste insensitively asked, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.

"You don't know what's going on in my mind every time I see you." Kanae goes on and on. His mind is completely blank! He's letting his heart speak up!

"Kanae..." It was this time that Celeste noticed the truth. He's not thinking. She thought.

"Let me be selfish tonight. Please." He hugged tighter. He was scared. Kanae was afraid of losing Celeste to someone else. He's having delusions. If he can't have her now, then she will get taken by someone else. He lost his patience. He can't control himself any longer. Only one thing can snap him back-- Celeste's refusal. That was the only thing that can possibly take him back to reality and control himself again.

"Ok." Unexpectedly, instead of a refusal, Celeste agreed to him being selfish.

"N-No! You don't understand the consequences!" Kanae pushed Celeste away, breaking the hug. "If I become selfish, there's no turning back now."

"If you're so aware of the consequences, then why are you demanding for it?" Celeste gave Kanae a smug look.

Kanae gulped at the scene in front of him. He can't distinguish if it's a dream or not. If he passed out or not. "You'll regret it."

Celeste burst into a fit of laughter. "I don't regret any decisions if it's with you." She flashed a very light smile. "I'm friends with an assassin who wanted me for my blood and power. I'm friends with a devil who took care of me. I'm living with that friend right now. Do you think I regret that?"

Kanae furrowed his eyebrows. He bit his lip. Blood flowed out of it and it hurts. If Celeste agreed to his demand and he already told her the consequences, then... he might not really hold back.

•

"Come on, Missy~~" Kanae stretched out his arms, inviting Celeste for a hug. Celeste tiredly flopped down to him. "Face the other way." Kanae's not a demon, but Celeste felt like his eyes turned red. It may be because of the moonlight, but it bothered Celeste for a second.

Celeste then faced the other way, sitting on Kanae's lap. She's not facing Kanae and Kanae can't see Celeste's face.

Kanae hugged Celeste's waist and pulled her close to him. He buried his head on her shoulder.

After a moment, Kanae started to lightly kiss Celeste's shoulder. Celeste flinched in surprise and struggled to get away from Kanae's grasp, but Kanae is strong. Celeste is stronger, but the ways on how Kanae holds her down avoided her from escaping.

"I like a good struggle. Do you regret it now?" Kanae purred in a sadistic tone. His hands can't seem to let Celeste go so easily, but he controls his strength to not accidentally break her ribs. "You agreed to it."

Celeste couldn't utter a word, still trying to break free from his grasp without hurting him. Not following Celeste's shoulder, Kanae's eyes narrowed and he targeted her back instead. He lightly kissed it once more.

Panicking even more, Celeste rolled over. Kanae's arms slipped away. Taking advantage of the situation, Kanae smirked as he pinned Celeste down, grabbing her arms tightly. Seeing Celeste's tears rolling down her face, Kanae let down his guard and decreased his strength.

"When you said you wanted to be selfish, I thought you would mean you want me to do embarrassing stuffs so you can blackmail me or tease me for it! I didn't think you would be this kind of selfish!" Celeste slowly starts to regret her decision.

"I already told you the consequences. I can't hold back anymore. I thought about this really hard, you know!" Kanae decided to talk back.

"Is this a dream?!" Celeste screamed, cried out. "I'm this selfish too, but I don't know if this is real or not! Kanae is a man, but I don't think I'd get this far! I saw your eyes glow red! I don't really know if this is real or not, but I know that if I started struggling, I can easily overpower him! I noticed that he always respects my decision and will try to satisfy what I want even if he says he is selfish! You are not him! Bring Kanae back!"

A sly smile was formed in Kanae's face. His face started distorting in a way where it's no longer distinguishable. His eyes are red as a demon's and all the surroundings are as black as a void. He then screamed when he was rushing to Celeste.

------

I screamed, jolting up from my bed. I felt as someone was holding me by the waist so I turned to look. It was Kanae, sleeping soundly. When I easily escaped from his grasp, I see his face being bothered. Next thing I know, he was searching for me. I put a pillow beside him. He just took it without noticing it's a pillow. I smiled at him.

I stood up from my bed and looked at the sky. It's still dark. What time is it? I had a nightmare.

Why is my eyesight so blurry? I reached out to my eyes and I felt something liquid. Am I... crying?

Before I knew it, I started screaming out of my lungs. Kanae panicked, running straight to me. He tightly holds my shoulder and asked what was wrong. I can clearly see the panic in his face. It's written all over him.

His eyes... They're beautiful. Relaxing and caring gold eyes. I love them. I want to just stare at them instead of the sunset. I don't want to see those nightmarish red eyes again.

I hugged Kanae tightly. "I had a nightmare!" I screamed.

"Shh. It's only a dream." He hugged me back, his right hand gently patting my head.

"What kind of selfish thing you've done last night?" I glared. I was angry.

"Hm? I just held you tight. You must've been more tired than me. As soon as I hugged you, you were fast asleep." Kanae teased, snickering.

"I guess so..." I whispered, clutching my hands together.

He doesn't know... that I stained my hands with blood...

•

4:30 pm. Mall.

I should at least shop once in a while. Hmm. As far as I know, Cervi's favourite drink is a banana milkshake while mine is Starbucks's strawberry and cream frappuccino!

As I think of this, I rushed to the nearest milkshake stall and started looking for the banana flavoured one.

When the clerk asked for my order and I told her, some guy crept up to me. "My treat." He winked.

I'm not in the mood to be engaged in some kind of hang out, no matter what it is. I glared, looking directly into his soul. "I have money with me." I put up a glare of annoyance.

"Don't get me wrong, feisty miss." He panicked. "I just want to talk."

"Possibly about what? You have no connections with me!" I don't know this guy, not even from the party!

"Veronica Star. You know her, right?" His facial expression looks serious. He's not messing around. Who comes to a 13-year old flirting like an adult? That's just sick.

I eyed my suspicions on him first before offering my hand for a handshake. "Celeste Auden." I introduced myself.

The guy smiled, taking my hand. "Oliver Kenzie."

•

"To sum it all up, you killed Veronica emotionally."

"I wouldn't say that's the case." He went on with excuses.

This guy tricked Veronica into liking him. Veronica is empty and he filled it with false hope. If he didn't give her enough money, she could've committed suicide long ago. At that time, we can meet each other in Hell.

"Why would you do such a thing?" I asked with concern.

"Were you even listening to what I was saying?! I don't deserve her! She's innocent! I want you to help her see someone else and let her be genuinely happy." He begged. But he's not smart. I can't change history.

"Idiot. She was already genuinely happy with you. You ruined it. You were just the only one who made her happy yet you still think she doesn't deserve you?! You just say that when something happened! And that 'something', I mean you fucking up. You didn't. You just fucked up when you broke up with her!!!" I tried to not go on a rampage with this motherfucker. I can't believe Veronica dated this guy! How old is she again? I don't see any attributions that can possibly lead her to him.

"You seem to be her friend. Are you?" He eyed me like he's doubting me.

"No, not at all. I just gave her a chance to have something she wants for a long time. And that is--" I stopped to heave a heavy sigh. "To date my friend."

"Hmm." He playfully hummed, smirking as he thinks he's looking through me. "That friend of yours... do you have feelings for him?"

I almost spilled my milkshake when he made that comment. I feel like I just choked on shaved ice!

"What the--" I coughed from choking on absolutely nothing.

"Shh." He placed a finger over my mouth. This guy!!! Having the guts to still try to shush me! Has he no idea who I am??!!! He's worse than AC and Lana!! "Judging by your reaction, I'm guessing it's a yes." He flashed a bright smile like I almost didn't die choking from the milkshake. "But I will borrow you for a while. Is that okay? I'm a bit curious to know about Veronica's life."

I smacked the finger off of my mouth and angrily asked, "then why don't you call her?"

"She hates me to death. I already tried that, trust me." He blankly answered. He quickly changed his emotion from poker face to happy-go-lucky. "So now, let's get to know each other." He smiled a very flashy smile and quickly dragged me away.

•

"What kind of clothes do you want?" He asks, looking at me with those sparkling eyes of his like the excitement in Joan's eyes.

I wasn't answering. I was just watching him buy anything he wants. I chuckled a bit, and that surprised him. "I don't really care."

Oliver hummed. He went to somewhere and rushed back quickly. He then walked towards me and puts something on my neck. A necklace? A red ruby in the middle.

"I think red suits you. You know..." He trailed off, removing his hands from the necklace he just put. "You can be selfish sometimes. Guys really like to be relied on." Hmm. I'll take note of that. I want to try it on Kanae.

Veronica... is selfish and dependent. Oh, now I get it. Veronica likes Oliver because he listens to her every whim. And Oliver, who weirdly likes Veronica's whims, likes Veronica because he wanted to feel as someone she can rely on! What a couple!

Kanae and I are independent. Don't know if that's a good thing or not. We're not selfish-- no. I'm selfish. Though I hide these things all to myself.

Joan and Zan are something. Joan is almost the same as Veronica, except, she's not a bitch.

Cervi is like the girl one in a relationship, if ever he can get someone.

And Carol... is like Oliver, but not annoying.

"Thanks but I don't really want-- hm? Wasabi? Isn't that a japanese spice?" I was distracted mid-sentence because I saw a spice that I think Kanae would like. "I'll go ahead and buy it. Wait for me here." With that, I rushed off, not hearing anything Oliver has to say.

But then there's this guy in the way. A muscular guy, more muscular than Eskar, and Daniel's bodyguards.

"Hey little cutie. Wanna have some fun?" He winked. This guy is gonna make me sick faster than Oliver!

"Move." I glared.

"What was that, you bitch?!" He cracked his knuckles and tried to get a hold of me but when I was about to dodge his grasp, a flying kick caused the guy's arm to move out of my way.

"Oliver!" I cried out.

"Celeste, just stay right behind me." He insisted, fire in his eyes. Wait a minute... Is this situation explaining how I should rely on him? Then, take the stage, bud.

•

In less than a minute, he was on the ground, getting badly beaten up by the guy. I'm surprised he's that determined to try and beat him to prove a point.

Seeing Oliver in a weak state, and the guy just kept on hitting and hitting him, I decided to go ahead too.

Being stealthy, I walked up to him and stabbed my hand in his back chest, aiming for the heart. I can't believe that even in human form, I can stab my way through his body, being protected my multiple layers of flesh and bones.

Seeing me, Oliver panicked, immediately dragging me away without any words spoken. He's trying to cover the bloody hand until we reach the exit. Too bad I can't buy that wasabi for Kanae now.

We then ran away, just running and running, until we stopped by at Flame's.

"I'm sorry for dragging such a young and innocent lady in a bar like this. But this is the only place where people wouldn't get suspicious of your bloody hand." Oliver's voice sounded softened and concerned. I should be the one to be concerned about him! I mean, I just killed a man for him while he was still determined to fight after a bloody fist fight and he's basically in the verge of death! He didn't go to a hospital first, he just went to a bar just because he was so worried about me!

"Flame." I called out, snapping my fingers.

"Oh, hello there, Princess. Haven't seen you in a while. What brings you here?" Flame exclaimed like he was excited to see me. "Man, that guy that Zan brought is a real heavy drinker! He became so vulnerable and fragile, screaming out your name!" He laughed like he watched the best show in years.

"Yeah, right." I ignored, continuing to go and talk about Oliver's wounds. "First aid. Now." I said as I pointed my thumb at Oliver.

"Who is this--"

"Treatment now, questions later." I demanded, not letting Flame speak another moment.

Flame immediately treated him with first aid before a new customer arrives. He's a great man.

"You know the owner of this bar?!" Oliver stared at me, shocked.

"It will be a long explanation so I'll cut it short: he's my friend's friend." I said as I stood up from my seat and proceeded to exit.

"Hey, where are you going?" Oliver asked, following up.

"Home." I non-hesitantly answered.

"It is getting pretty late. Can we have hang outs like these again?"

I chuckled at him, leaving him surprised. "Of course. Just let fate decide for now. Cheers!" I bid goodbye, waving at him while smiling. He did the same. While mine is bright and innocent, his was a bit down. I didn't mean to base it in probability but because I have no phone, I can't contact him and ask we hang out again.

I should probably ask Veronica about Oliver's number once I get a new phone.

•

Back to the present.

Well. Kanae wouldn't mind me staining blood again. My demon ways wouldn't automatically get sucked in too. I was holding my best not to kill him right away since Oliver was trying his best to fight. It's not a sin, I have a reasonable explanation!

"Kanae." I called out. He looked at me dreamily. That kind of look will soon fade away when he knows what I had done behind his back. "I had a date with someone else behind your back."

Instead of a shocked or jealous face, Kanae just gently pats me on the head, softly stroking my hair. "Did you have fun?"

I took a moment and processed what just happened earlier. "Yeah. I did." I answered with a weak but warm smile.

Kanae then kissed my forehead and silently tucked me in. "Then just think about that guy in your date so that you won't get another nightmare. I will go downstairs to have a glass of water. Sleep well, ok?" He then exited without me giving a confirmation.

He's... cool.