The academy felt unusually tense that evening. Even the usual chatter in the common hall was subdued, replaced by quiet murmurs and darting glances toward the windows. News of the rogue vampire sighting had spread faster than wildfire, despite the staff's attempts to keep it contained.
Airi walked through the corridor, feeling the weight of every pair of eyes on her. She didn't need anyone to tell her she was the center of attention—whether it was because of her charm awakening or because of the incident, she wasn't sure. All she knew was that tonight was going to be anything but peaceful.
Celene was the first to intercept her. "You shouldn't be walking alone," she said in a low, serious tone. "If the rogue vampire is still out there, you're an obvious target."
Before Airi could reply, Lys appeared from around the corner, arms crossed. "And I suppose you think you're the best one to protect her?" Lys's smirk was sharp, her voice dripping with challenge. "You're not the only one capable of keeping her safe."
Tusiko followed right after, her expression more subtle but her tone no less firm. "We're not turning this into a competition," she said, glancing between the two. "We all stay together. That's the safest option."
Rena's voice chimed in from behind Airi, sounding far too cheerful for the current mood. "Oh, but isn't it more fun when we do make it a competition? Winner gets to be Airi's official bodyguard."
Airi groaned inwardly. "I'm standing right here, you know. Shouldn't I get a say in this?"
"No," the four answered almost in unison.
They argued all the way to her dorm, each one subtly trying to position themselves closest to her. Celene insisted on taking the lead in case of danger. Lys kept walking on Airi's right side, claiming it was her "lucky position" for keeping people alive. Tusiko lingered behind, eyes scanning the shadows like a hawk. Rena, somehow, had managed to hook her arm through Airi's without anyone noticing.
When they finally reached her room, Airi thought she'd have a moment to breathe—but of course, they all followed her inside.
"This isn't a group meeting place," Airi protested, standing in the middle of the room with her arms spread.
"It is now," Celene said flatly, already moving a chair near the window.
Lys leaned against the wall, looking annoyingly at ease. "So. Has anyone considered the possibility that the rogue vampire might be after Airi because of the charm awakening? Maybe they can sense it."
That thought made the room fall silent. Airi felt her pulse quicken. She didn't like the idea that something as uncontrollable as the charm could be a beacon to danger.
Tusiko nodded slowly. "It's not impossible. Some vampires are drawn to strong magical signatures, especially ones they think they can exploit."
Rena tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Which means… we'll have to stick even closer to Airi than we thought. I like this plan."
The argument started up again, louder this time, until a knock at the door cut through it. Everyone froze.
Celene moved first, signaling for silence as she approached the door. She opened it just enough to peek outside—then stepped back, expression unreadable. "It's the headmistress."
The tall, commanding figure of the academy's headmistress stepped into the room, her sharp eyes scanning each of them in turn. "I see you've all heard the rumors. Good. That will save me the trouble of explaining the danger you're in."
"Danger?" Airi repeated, trying to keep her voice steady.
"The rogue vampire is still within the academy grounds," the headmistress said without hesitation. "And I have reason to believe they're targeting students connected to last night's incident."
Lys's gaze darkened. "Then we fight."
"No," the headmistress said firmly. "You will let the security teams handle it. Your job is to remain here, together, until the threat is neutralized."
Tusiko stepped forward. "With all due respect, Headmistress, locking us in a room isn't going to stop a determined enemy. It'll just make us easier to find."
The headmistress's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't argue. "Stay alert. If anything feels wrong, signal the wards immediately." She left as abruptly as she came, leaving the air heavy with tension.
The room was quiet for a long moment, until Rena broke the silence with a grin. "Well, if we're stuck here all night, I'm making tea."
Airi sighed. Between the looming threat of a vampire and the even more dangerous threat of her harem fighting over her, she wasn't sure which was worse.