Reiri’s POV
My gaze lowered as we held hands. In an instant, it felt like I was being carried away to the clouds because of the happiness I was feeling. I’ve longed for this kind of opportunity, and I never imagined it would come true now.
I snapped back to reality when he suddenly stopped dragging me and let go of my hand. I felt a hint of disappointment because it felt so good to hold his hand that perfectly fit into mine. I could feel the security and assurance that everything would be okay.
Wow. Just by holding his hand, it already had a different effect on me.
“I thought we had an agreement, Rei. I just want to remind you that our one-month deal is almost over. So, keep your promise to me.”
His eyes looked straight into mine. Those eyes that made me drown in my own thoughts every time I looked into them.
“Rei? Are you okay? Don’t tell me you’re already mesmerized by my look?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
That snapped me back to my senses and the reality that it wasn’t my hand he wanted to hold. That I wasn’t the one he wanted to be with.
I rolled my eyes to hide the embarrassment caused by me staring at him.
“Don’t flatter yourself. And I haven’t forgotten that our deal is almost over, so don’t worry. I had no intention of talking about it earlier. You’re the only one whose being too obvious here.” I crossed my arms and looked away. I avoided his scrutinizing gaze because I couldn’t endure it.
I felt my legs getting weak. But I needed to gather my courage and not let his presence affect me.
After a few seconds, I saw him grinning from the corner of my eye.
How satisfying it would be to punch and slap his face. Maybe it would be okay if I do that. After all, he seems to be numb and unable to notice or understand my feelings.
“Good. It’s better to be sure. For now, let’s go to the dining hall first. I’m already starving to death!” He even held his stomach.
I just sighed. He started walking again, and I just followed him, realizing that I was also hungry. When we reached the dining hall, there were only a few students left. Break time was almost over.
“Hi, Prince Hiro! You’re so handsome!”
“Wahh! Prince Hiro, my love!”
“Oh my, just be mine! Please be my hero!”
I rolled my eyes as we started walking towards the entrance. I’m not a snob or mean type of vampire. The truth is, I don’t really care much about attention-seeking people.
I just couldn’t figure out why my patience is so thin because of this idiot that’s with me.
Yes, there are only a few students here. But despite that, it feels like there are still so many of them because of the excessively flirtatious ones. Most especially those common vampirettes!
I felt even more annoyed when my companion started waving and winking. It’s no wonder why so many girls have high hopes because of guys like him who give false hopes. He’s always been a player.
Well, is he still a player?
“Hiro! Rei! Oh, there you are. Are you done taking care of the student council office?”
I was taken aback when I heard Mikan’s voice. She was standing in front of us with a smile.
I looked at Hiro, who was now ignoring the girls who were trying to get his attention earlier, and his face suddenly brightened.
“The truth is, we’re not done yet. We’re just going to grab a bite to eat. Why don’t you join us?” Hiro flashed a sweet smile. The kind of smile that a good boy would have. A smile that can make every girl fall for him.
Including me.
I didn’t even wait for Mikan’s response. I started walking and left the two of them. I headed straight to the counter. I was almost there when I suddenly bumped into someone.
“Shit!” I shouted out of frustration. I widened my eyes as I looked at my now completely soaked uniform.
“I-I’m sorry, Princess Reiri. I-I didn’t mean to. I apologize!”
I looked up but didn’t see anyone in front of me. So, I was almost taken aback when I suddenly heard a voice from below, causing me to gradually lower my gaze. There, in front of me, was a common vampire who was bowing deeply while kneeling!
Oh, poor boy. He doesn’t need to do that!
“Rei! Are you okay? Should we call this one to the guidance office?” Hiro’s face was too serious. He gave a harsh look at the poor student who was still kneeling in front of me.
I shot Hiro a murderous glare. I could never abuse my position here at the academy, in the kingdom, or anywhere else for my own benefit.
“No need. I know it wasn’t intentional, so let’s not make a big deal out of it. Besides, it’s just water. It will not leave a stain.”
Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent. I could feel the tension from everyone present. It seemed like committing even a small mistake against us royalties was a big sin in their eyes, as if you needed to be immediately punished.
I smiled at the guy in front of me, even though he wasn’t looking at me. “I’m fine. I was just surprised, that’s why my reaction was like that. Get up already. I’ll be even more angry if you don’t get up.”
He looked up at me with so much fear. So, I widened my smile even more when he slowly stood up. He almost stumbled because of trembling so much, that’s why I supported and help him stand.
“I apologize, beloved princess.”
He was still trembling, and I just sighed. I may be a princess, but I’m not one of those bratty princesses out there who scold and belittle others.
“It’s okay. You can go now. Just watch where you’re going next time.” I gave him an assuring smile.
I looked back at Hiro and Mikan, who were both standing like statues on the side. “I’ll just go to the restroom. You two can go ahead and eat.” I didn’t wait for their response and walked away.
When I arrived at the restroom, I was surprised to see that Mikan was following me.
“Oh, Mikan. What are you doing here?”
She opened her mouth to speak, but not a single word came out. She looked away, and I knew that she wanted to say something. Though she seemed hesitant, I could tell that something was stopping her.
“Mikan, what is it? Is there a problem?” I placed the wet part of my uniform on the dryer here.
“Well, um... It’s just that... um...”
I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to control my irritation. “What is it then? You know you can just tell me.” I winced slightly because I felt like I sounded fake.
This is not me!
I remained with my back turned to her, waiting for her to say something. Until I heard the question I had been avoiding.
“Are you mad at me? Are you and Miley mad at me? Did I do something wrong to the two of you?”
Oh, hell. How am I supposed to answer that question?
***
Hiro’s POV
“What are you doing there? Are you peeking over the girls now inside the restroom?”
I almost jumped in surprise when I heard my best friend’s voice. Out of all the vampire who could have seen me here, it had to be him!
I slowly turned to him and smiled, but it seemed more like a grimace.
“No, no! I just happened to pass by. You’re overreacting, seriously. I wouldn’t stoop that low.”
He raised an eyebrow. It seemed like he wasn’t convinced at all.
I swallowed nervously. I would be in big trouble if he found out. Especially since his sister was inside, and he might think all sorts of things.
“Are you sure? But it looks like you’re eavesdropping or something. Who is inside, anyway?”
I was about to speak when he suddenly peeked through the door. I ended up slapping my forehead.
He quickly turned his gaze towards me, his eyes narrowing.
“What do you think you’re doing? Are you after my sister?” He balled his fist. “I warned you, Hiro. You’re my best friend, and you can play around with any girl you want. Just do not mess around with my sister. I thought I already made that clear to you?”
His words carried a soft but threatening tone. I was used to him being in beast mode all the time, but there was something different about him now.
“I never forget what you told me before. Believe me, I have no bad intentions. I’m just waiting for the two of them here and was curious why they’re taking so long. That’s all.”
I looked straight into his eyes. That was the truth. I was surprised when Mikan suddenly followed Reiri, and I got worried that Reiri might say something, so I quickly followed them.
He stared at me for a moment, as if confirming whether I was telling the truth or not. Then, he slowly nodded.
“Okay. It’s a good thing that we understand each other.”
I was about to invite him to leave when someone else spoke first.
“Brother? Hiro? What are the two of you doing there?”
I first caught sight of Mikan. I smiled at her, and she smiled back.
Then, my gaze met Reiri’s. I didn’t know why, but I could see a mix of emotions in her eyes. The eyes that I used to love looking with so much joy.
Used to.
My heart started racing again, but this time, I was too confused about whom it was beating for.
Was it for the one I love now?
Or was it for the one I used to like?