5

“Are you someone who can’t eat this kind of thing?”

“Excuse me. What do you mean?” she asked, pretending she didn’t know what he was talking about.

“I don’t think there would be anyone in this country who couldn’t eat salad… No, wait. I can think of some people who can’t…” He frowned. “Vampires. As far as I know, they can only consume blood and beverages. I heard that as soon as they eat foods like this, their blood stops circulating and they feel excruciating pain…”

How did he know I was a vampire? she wondered. He’s probably trying to get me to blow my cover like this… Should I say I have a stomachache and get the hell out of here? No, then he’d know for sure I’m a vampire… What do I do? Neither option sounds good.

Her hand trembled as she reached for the fork on the tray, and he frowned when he noticed it. “…Maybe… I shouldn’t have said…” His voice trailed off as she shoved a forkful of salad into her mouth.

“Oh, I’m sorry for eating while you were still talking. It smelled too good to resist,” she said, her mouth full. “I never knew this restaurant’s food tasted so good… and I pass by every day… I’m so going to finish this because I’m starving. Do you want a piece?” “No, I’m fine,” he replied. “Oh, what were you saying earlier?” she asked. “Don’t worry about it. Finish your meal.”

Her phone rang, and she hurriedly pulled it from her bag. It was Roshan. “Excuse me, I have to take this,” she said as she rose from her seat and headed for the restroom.

She raked her fingers through her hair as she flushed the toilet, once she felt there was no more food to throw up. It had been so difficult trying to keep the food down. She had Roshan to thank, though. She turned on the faucet to rinse her mouth and wash her hands before she sank onto the seat. Drained, she sighed and raised her head to stare at the ceiling.

“I was able to narrowly avoid getting caught this time, but I really need to be more careful.” She made a quick prayer before heading out.

Kaiwan had stopped eating by the time she returned. “Um… I’m really sorry, but I have to go,” she said. “Is something wrong?” he asked, looking worried. “No, it’s just that classes are starting soon.” “I’ll walk you to school.” “There’s no need to. I’ll go on my own.” “It’s not a big deal. I could just—” “Thanks for treating me to lunch. See you some other time.”

She picked up her bag and hurried out of the restaurant like someone being chased, and unknown to her, Kaiwan’s eyes followed her until she disappeared from sight.

“I’m finally free,” she whispered with a smile as she headed for school.

The student council president thrust a knife into the air. “It’s time for us to take matters into our own hands. Let’s prove that we’re not vampires. Vampires are said to have powerful healing abilities, so…” The entire student council raised their hands and pulled down their sleeves, revealing bloodstained bandages on their arms.

“What? They all cut themselves?” a girl asked. “The entire student council did it.” “And what do we do if we find a vampire?” someone asked. “We’re going to turn them over to the police immediately. They can’t use their strength when the sun’s out… I know this is extreme, but I’ll have no choice but to suspect you if you refuse to join. Do you really want to argue over exposing vampires when we could be killed at any moment?” “That’s right.” “I think proactively proving we’re not vampires is a good thing to do for each other and, in a broader sense, for the good of the school and society,” another member said. “Everyone, get your arms out.” “This is too extreme.” “This is so messed up.” “I’m not doing this.” “Why are you looking at me like that? Fine, I’ll do it!” another student yelled.

This was the scene Zuriña walked into, and she wondered if this was how she was going to die. She needed to stay calm and forget about class. She had to get out of there as fast as she could…

“Excuse me.” Someone called from behind. She turned to leave, panic rising. If she was forced to take the test, she was done for. A hand grabbed hers, and she spun around to see Kaiwan. “Just start walking,” he said, pulling her along.

Two council members suddenly stepped in front of them. “Have you done the test to prove you’re not a vampire?” one asked. “We’ll just cut you lightly with a scalpel. Just enough to draw blood. The cut will be treated right away,” the other explained.

Kaiwan tried to pull her past them, but two more blocked their way. “It looks like you’re trying to avoid the test. So you’d better do it if you have nothing to hide.” “It isn’t right for you to suspect me without proper reason. You can’t force me to do something like this against my will,” Riña blurted. “How can you say that… when you know what happened at school?” the vice president demanded. “I know… what happened…” she started, when someone grabbed her other hand. “Then do it.”

Cold sweat broke over her skin. She was finished if they found out. Her sleeve was being lifted. She squeezed her eyes shut. “I can’t do this…” “Huh?”

She slowly opened her eyes and stared at the bloodstained bandage already wrapped around her arm. “See? We already did it. Do you need more proof?” Kaiwan asked as she slid her sleeve back down. “That’s right… Wasn’t it enough that you forced me against my will earlier? And now you want me to do it again?” she stammered.

This must be the bandage he used when he got hurt earlier, she realized.

“She could have gotten that bandage anywhere,” the president said, stepping closer. “He said she already did it—” “I didn’t see you take the test. So you need to do it again.”

Her eyes widened. Was this it? Was this how she’d get caught? She couldn’t think of a way out. He reached for her arm. Kaiwan seized his wrist and squeezed hard. “Listen. She’s not on an operating table. Cutting her more than once is enough, don’t you think? And by the way, it’s a crime to use a blade on someone without their consent. Unless all of you want to be charged, I suggest you stop now.”

“What do you think you’re doing? Let go of me!” “I understand how you feel, but let us go.” “Why would I? We’re catching vampires today, no matter what it takes. We’re even prepared to get expelled.” “I can see you’re determined…” A smile crossed Kaiwan’s face as he slipped out his ID. “…But I’m prepared to risk my life to catch vampires.”

“A cop?” they asked, stunned. “Is that enough proof? And just so you know, this student is on her way to the police station to assist in the investigation. Do you want to come with us?” “No…” they muttered.

She looked up at him, gratitude in her eyes.

Later that night, Zuriña glanced at her sleeping siblings when her phone buzzed. It was a message from Detective Miller.

“Hi, this is Detective Kaiwan. If you’re ever in any trouble, feel free to contact me.”

I barely escaped earlier, she thought.

“You have a boyfriend now, don’t you?” She spun around. Her siblings were wide awake. “I thought you were sleeping.” “I can tell it’s a guy just from the way you’re typing,” Henry said. “I can feel the excitement,” Rietta added with a grin. “Go to bed already. And can you please talk like normal elementary school kids?”

They laughed, and she waited until they drifted off before her thoughts returned to the detective. He was no ordinary person. But why had he let her go? She didn’t know for sure, but… she felt he wasn’t a bad person.

Meanwhile, Kaiwan stepped onto the rooftop of his apartment with a slow breath. He flicked his lighter, running his thumb along the flame, then checked his phone. “I didn’t think I’d run into one like this…” His gaze lingered on Riña’s photo. “I finally found the pureblood.”