Hiro’s POV
My heart aches upon seeing the two of them that close. But I can’t do anything else but dream that she would be smiling at me, talking to me, accompanying me, and holding my arm instead.
I clenched my fists. But before I was about to do something that I know I would regret later, I decided to just leave. I didn’t pay much attention to Nicole when she noticed me.
She looked so frustrated. But I don’t have time to explain right now. All I want is to be alone and run away from all of them.
So, I quickly ran away. I had no idea where I should go.
I ran here and there. I walked here and there. I bumped into some people, but they were the ones apologizing to me even though I was the one at fault. Some even bowed down while asking for forgiveness.
“Hi, Prince Hiro! Want to have some fun?”
I stopped walking when a tall girl suddenly appeared beside me.
I gave her a bored look. I didn’t pay much attention to her overall appearance. But she could have been beautiful if she hadn’t turned her face into a coloring book.
However, if she had asked me at a different time, maybe I would have answered her with a straightforward yes. But unfortunately for her, I wasn’t in the mood for flirting.
“I’m sorry. But I still have some important things to do.” I didn’t bother to wait for her response and started to walk away again.
I thought I have already accepted it. I thought I could already overcome my emotions.
Because I’m Hiro Collins. The guy who always gets what he wants and can have any girl in just a snap of a finger.
But now the reality was hitting me hard.
Until now, I still wonder how everything led to this. How is someone like me, who doesn’t take things seriously, could feel like this. How I ended up like this all because of one girl.
I suddenly stopped walking when someone suddenly grabbed my arm. I was about to confront who it might be when I was stunned as soon as I saw Reiri.
“What are you doing here?” I asked her without enthusiasm. I quickly pulled my arm away from her grasp.
I looked around and realized that I didn’t even notice that I was already in a part of the forest.
She shook her head. “Do you think you can escape the reality forever?” she asked seriously, looking straight into my eyes.
Her question puzzled me, causing my forehead to furrow. I had no idea what she was talking about. “What do you mean?”
It’s impossible that she was referring to Mikan and Kira. Because I’m confident that no one knows about my true feelings for Nicole’s best friend.
She looked at me in disbelief, as if I were an innocent man asking a stupid question. “Oh please, Hiro. We both know what I mean. That’s why I’m still wondering how a playboy like you fell for a girl. A human girl, to be exact. I never thought you were capable of feeling such a thing. You’re just like my brother.” She burst into laughter, but it was obvious that it was forced.
I was taken aback by her words. “How...” I swallowed. “How did you...” I couldn’t finish my sentence before she interrupted me again.
“How did I know about it?” She shrugged. “To be honest, it was just a hunch at first. But now it’s confirmed based on your reaction.”
She smiled at me, but I saw something different in her eyes. Sadness and pain. It was like a different Reiri was standing in front of me.
I leaned my back against one of the trees and buried my hands in my pockets. I stared at her in confusion, trying to figure out how she had an idea about that matter.
“How did you even come up with a hunch like that? It’s not like it could just randomly cross your mind without any basis, right?” I asked suspiciously.
She blinked, as if she didn’t expect me to ask that question.
“Well?” I urged her, as she remained silent.
Several seconds of silence passed before she cleared her throat and began speaking.
“It’s actually based on my observations,” she replied almost in a whisper, but I could still hear her.
I just nodded. “I didn’t know that you’re that observant. Among the six of us, only Vincent has a knack for observing the surroundings and actions of others. So, I won’t be surprised if he’s the first one to notice.” I straightened myself up. “But it never occurs to me that it would be you instead.”
I looked at her with doubt. “I didn’t realize that you also pay attention to my every move. But why though? Could it be that you secretly have feelings for me?” I teased, trying to lighten the tension in the atmosphere.
I wasn’t used to having conversations like this with her. Because if we weren’t teasing each other, we’d end up yelling at each other.
I couldn’t help but grin when she suddenly fell silent. I also noticed the blush on her cheeks. Well, it looks like I’m going to win our argument this time.
“Don’t assume things! I don’t pay attention to every move you make! It just so happens that I’m the one who sees you whenever you look at her. That’s why I thought of that. But I have no interest in you whatsoever because I can’t stand playboys like you!” I was surprised when she suddenly shouted.
“Really? Why do you seem so defensive then?”
She gave me a glare, and I could only grin even more.
But I was taken aback when a mischievous smile slowly appeared on her lips. “Won’t you stop teasing me, or should I tell them about your secret glances at Mikan? Knowing my brother, you’ll be dead.”
That made my mouth shut. I suddenly felt a surge of anxiety. “No way.” I shook my head at her.
She stuck her tongue out. “Yes way! I gotta go. I’m sure everyone will be shocked by what I’m going to say.”
She was about to turn her back, but I immediately stopped her. “Rei, please don’t,” I pleaded. They don’t need to know about that matter. It will only make the situation worse.
She put her index finger under her chin and looked upwards as if thinking.
Damn this annoying spoiled brat girl! Out of all the people or vampires who could know my secret, why does it have to be her?
“Okay,” she said afterwards.
“Really?” I made sure to confirm with her.
She nodded.
“Thanks, Rei!”
“Yeah. But in one condition.” She crossed her arms.
I silently cursed. Of course, it comes with a condition. Why didn’t I think of that sooner?
“What condition?” I made sure that I wouldn’t let this girl get away this time.
She smiled so sweetly and a glint of excitement flashed in her eyes. I didn’t feel good about it. It seems like I won’t like what I’m about to hear.
“Be my slave for one month.”
My jaw dropped.
***
Reiri’s POV
“Damn it! Damn it! Fuck!”
I smirked while watching Hiro cleaning outside the mansion.
“You’ll do the kitchen next after that, huh.” I giggled.
He gave me a stern look while tightly gripping the broom. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he breaks it again. I can’t even count how many times he has already used it.
“Your time will come, Rei! I’ll get back to you too!” he shouted angrily.
I just rolled my eyes at him. When has he ever gotten back at me?
Ever since you fell for him without him even doing anything. A part of my mind whispered. I just shook my head.
“Whatever. Just hurry up and finish your work.”
I picked up the book beside me and started reading. My heart is beating so fast right now, and I need to calm it down. Why does it always lose control whenever Hiro is around? This is really bad.
To be honest, the tasks I assign him are pretty easy. He doesn’t have super speed and strength for nothing. He could probably clean everything up in less than five minutes.
But of course, I don’t allow him to use his special ability. I want him to struggle a bit. Besides, I just really want to piss him off.
I made him clean all the rooms and even the living room earlier. Now it’s time for the entire outside area before moving on to the other parts inside later.
If only I could have him clean our dorm room too, I would have done it. But we rarely stay there, so I’ll just let it slide.
“Damn! I can’t believe that I’m actually doing this thing right now!”
He’s been complaining non-stop since earlier. I’m amazed that he hasn’t tired himself out from all the cursing and grumbling.
Several minutes passed, and I remained staring at the book in my hands. But I couldn’t understand anything about it. I hadn’t even turned a page.
I sighed. Until now, I’m still thinking about what happened earlier. I clearly saw the jealousy in his eyes. I couldn’t ignore how tightly he clenched his fists.
I know Hiro as a calm and laid-back vampire. Like someone who has no problems in life. So, it’s sad and frustrating to suddenly see him change his emotions when it comes to Mikan.
But I’m also annoyed with myself because I feel irritated by Mikan for no reason. I don’t really have any issues with her. Besides, she’s a friend of Nics, so we also treated her as a friend.
But I just can’t really help it.
I looked up and happened to catch Hiro facing away from my direction. I was able to freely gaze at his back.
Well, that’s all I can do. Look at him when he’s not looking or stare at him from a distance. Endure the pain whenever he’s with different girls, especially when he looks at Mikan.
How I wish it was me he’s looking at.
“I must be really captivating and handsome, right? Are you enjoying the view?”
I blinked when he suddenly spoke. I was even surprised to see that he was already facing me. He’s even wiggling his eyebrows like an idiot!
Was I really lost in thought that I didn’t notice he was facing and looking at me? How stupid of me!
“Stop being so full of yourself! How can I enjoy anything when just seeing your ugly face ruins my day? Just go somewhere else, you still have a lot to do!” I stood up angrily and quickly went inside.
Once inside, I closed my eyes and leaned against the back of the door. I tried to calm down my heart that has been going crazy since earlier.
What the hell did that guy do to me? Why am I like this?
I remained in that position until...
“Are you okay?”
I almost jumped when he suddenly appeared beside me. “Why do you always—” I didn’t finish what I was going to say when I turned and noticed that his face was already so close to mine!
We stared at each other for I don’t know how long. All I know is that I couldn’t move from where I was standing. One wrong move and I’m dead. That’s for sure.
It felt like time suddenly stopped as he slowly brought his face closer to mine. I could hear the loud pounding of my heart, and I was afraid he might hear it too.
Just what the hell is he planning to do?
“Ouch! Why did you do that?” I glared at him. I quickly moved away from him and touched my forehead where he flicked it. It was just a flick, but it felt like I was punched.
“You know what, you’re acting really weird today, and it creeps me out already,” he said, confused. “Anyway, I’m already done outside. I’ll just go to the kitchen.”
He was about to leave when he suddenly looked back at me. “Just make sure that everything lasts for only a month. Because if not...” His jaw clenched.
“Alright. I give you my word.” I frowned. It was becoming annoying. He had already assured me about that matter several times earlier.
“Just one month. Just one month,” I heard him chant as he turned his back on me.
I quietly watched him until he completely disappeared from my sight.
If only I could see what will happen to the two of us in the future. What our fate will be. But my visions are always sudden. Moreover, as far as I know, I can only see warnings and premonitions.
I sighed. I have my own reason why I asked for this condition from him.
One month. I only have one month to have the chance for him to notice me, to be with me, and most of all, to love me.