Page 24 of The Awakening

“I am sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks, Haruka.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, what was her ailment?”

Can of worms. I wonder why he’s digging. Does this have to do with his and Nino’s deciding I was vampiric in nature a few weeks ago? I am not.

“The doctors always said her body just couldn’t absorb nutrients like it should. They tried supplements and a ridiculous number of treatments. There was nothing they could do. Eventually her heart failed.”

He’s nodding and obviously thinking about something. I decide to take advantage of his silence. “How… did you and Nino get together? How did you know he was right for you?”

The process of creating vampire bonds is explicitly concealed from human culture. It’s incredible how they manage it, as there are literally no written documents or research on the topic. For all I know, Nino and two other vampires did a flamboyant mating dance in front of Haruka and he chose the one he liked the most.

Or vice versa, I suppose. I can’t easily picture Haruka doing a mating dance. If he did, it’d be glorious—with silk and flowing robes… Actually, I think I would quite like to see that.

Jokes aside, everyone assumes sex or feeding is involved. You’d think someone would have officially spilled the beans somewhere along the way. Some aspects of vampire culture are very private like this. No stinky humans allowed.

“Everything between Nino and me felt natural when we met. We openly communicated with each other and submitted to our instincts. Neither of us fought the organic pull between us.”

“That sounds nice.” I smile. It truly does. “Is that how it is for most ranked vampires?”

“Unfortunately, no. Past experiences, assumptions and miscommunications often cloud a vampire’s perspective, hindering them from seeing the truth as it stands in front of them. I imagine humans struggle with the same predicament?”

His eyebrow is raised over his rich iris, and I nod. “We do. Absolutely.”

“Perhaps as a means of celebration for your proposal submission, you might be willing to have dinner with us next Sunday? Junichi will be there as well.”

“Dinner? At—at your home?”

“Yes. If you do not find our natures offensive?”

“No, of course not.” Their natures just make me anxious with my stomach in knots. That’s all. “I would love to have dinner to celebrate. Wow…”

“Perfect.” Haruka smiles. “You can join us following shogi next week.”

I narrow my eyes at him, feeling absurdly competitive. “Yeah… shogi. Next week.”

Haruka tilts his head back, laughing in a deep sound from his throat. I want to shove him like we’re on a playground in primary school.

Twelve

Junichi

[Hey. You ready?]

After I hit send, I fall back onto the bed in the hotel room and make myself comfortable. I’m exhausted and it’s been a long day. A minute later, my phone dings.

[Yes.]

I’m tired. But I’ve genuinely enjoyed talking to the doctor for the past week. He’s more relaxed and open now, and he has interesting yet grounded points of view. He questions things, which I suppose is a fundamental characteristic of being a doctor.

As I relax against the pillow, I call his number and bring the phone to my ear. After a couple rings, he answers.

“Hi—are you going to do the show?”

I sigh. “No. I told you I don’t model.”

“I looked up the designer online,” he says. This is another funny thing. If I mention anything that Jae doesn’t know, he researches it. Then he’s practically an expert on it the next time we talk. “You match the designer’s aesthetic perfectly. All his other models from his last catwalk show favor you.”