The next evening, Shelly's phone rang. She glanced at the screen — it was Denial.
"Can we meet this evening?" his voice came through, calm but firm. "I have something to tell you."
Shelly's fingers froze over the phone. That day… I somehow escaped with my life from this boy. And now he wants to meet again? Is he… planning to kill me this time?
Out loud, she said cautiously, "You can just tell me over the phone."
"No," Denial replied without hesitation. "It's something important… something I can only say in person."
There was a pause. Then, almost as if reading her mind, he added quietly, "Oh… are you scared of me? That day, I didn't kill anyone. And I'm not going to harm you. I really… just need to talk."
His voice didn't sound threatening. After a moment's hesitation, Shelly agreed.
---
At exactly 7:00 p.m., Denial called again to give her the location. Shelly followed the directions and arrived to find the place almost empty, the streets unusually quiet. A small shiver ran down her spine.
Denial must have noticed her unease. "Don't worry," he assured her. "It's safe here."
Safe? Shelly thought to herself, forcing a polite smile. It's not the place I'm afraid of… it's you.
They sat down, and Denial began to speak. His voice was low but steady, as if he had been carrying these words for a long time.
He told her about his past — how he had turned into what he called a bloodthirsty creature, where he had come from, and how love had always been a curse for him. Each time he fell for someone, without even realizing it, he ended up killing them… not out of malice, but because of the curse that bound him.
"I don't drink human blood all the time," he said. "Sometimes animal blood keeps me alive. But… I've lived more than a hundred years like this."
Shelly stared at him, eyes wide. For a moment, she forgot to breathe. She had seen vampires only in dramas and movies — but now, one sat right in front of her.
Before she could say anything, Denial suddenly knelt in front of her. "Please… help me break this curse. I don't want to live like this anymore."
"W-what are you doing?!" Shelly stammered, startled.
"Please," he repeated. "I've tried so many times… but I've failed. Every time I fall in love, I end up killing the person. I… I don't want to live anymore."
Shelly took a deep breath. "Then try… one last time. Maybe this time will be different. And from today, I'll be your friend. Whenever you need me, just call. I'll do my best to help you."
A faint, almost fragile smile touched Denial's lips.
Shelly was about to leave when he suddenly said, "Wait here. I'll be right back."
He ran to a nearby shop and returned with a small bag of food. Handing it to her, he said, "That day, you bought me a new dress… but I never gave you anything. So… this is from me."
Shelly smiled warmly. "Alright. I accept. Thank you, Mr. Denial. But I have to go now — I have work tomorrow."
"I'll walk you home," he offered immediately.
"That's not necessary—" she began, but he cut her off gently. "It's too cold tonight, and the streets are empty. Please, don't refuse."
Looking at his earnest face, Shelly finally nodded. "Alright… let's go."
And together, they walked into the night.
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Continue.....