The room felt too quiet after the realization sank in — that the kiss had been real, that neither of them had imagined it.
Davon still sat on the edge of the bed, eyes locked on Elise like she might vanish if he blinked. Elise stood frozen in front of him, her heart racing so loudly she was sure he could hear it.
"So… I just confessed and kissed you before even brushing my teeth. That's a new low, even for me."
Elise smiled despite herself. "You looked half asleep. I thought you were going to fall back onto the pillow mid-kiss."
"But I didn't," he said quietly. His eyes softened as he looked at her. "Because you were real."
For a moment, neither moved. The air between them grew warm, heavy with words they didn't need to say. Slowly, cautiously, Davon reached for her hand again — this time fully awake. She didn't pull away. Her fingers curled around his.
"Elise," he said quietly, "if I cross this line now… I won't be able to pretend anymore."
Her breath hitched, but she stepped closer. "Then don't pretend."
That was all it took.
He leaned in slowly, giving her time to stop him. She didn't. Their lips met again — not rushed like before, but deeper, surer. The world outside the room faded. Elise's hands tightened on his shirt as her knees weakened slightly. Davon steadied her, pulling her closer, his touch gentle, protective.
For those few seconds, there were no secrets. No vampires. No fear.
Just them.
Then—
The door burst open.
"So THIS is where you two disappeared to!"
Elise jumped back like she'd been struck by lightning. Davon spun around just in time to see Devin, Lucian, Patricia, and Anastasia crowding into the room with wide grins.
Patricia's eyes sparkled. "Oh please, the tension was screaming. We just followed the vibe."
Anastasia gasped dramatically. "I knew it! I absolutely knew it! They totally kissed!"
Lucian folded his arms, smirking. "Judging by her face, they didn't just almost kiss."
Elise's face burned bright red. "You people have NO sense of privacy!"
Devin laughed. "Says the girl who chose the most obvious hiding place on campus."
Davon cleared his throat, trying to regain at least some dignity. "Can we help you with something before you all die from teasing?"
Patricia grinned wider. "Oh, we already got what we wanted."
Anastasia rushed over and hugged Elise tightly. "I'm so happy you two made up! I was so worried!"
Elise hesitated, then hugged her back. "Me too."
Lucian clapped his hands. "Well, since the dramatic reunion and secret kissing session is over, can we all agree that Davon officially has a girlfriend now?"
Davon shot him a warning look. "Lucian—"
But Elise surprised everyone by answering softly, "He's… someone I care about."
The room went silent for a split second.
Then Devin whooped. "IT'S OFFICIAL!"
Elise buried her face in her hands. Davon just laughed — a real, unguarded laugh — and for the first time in days, the tension that had wrapped around all of them finally loosened.
For now, everything felt light again.
Unaware that outside, in the silent corners of the campus, darkness was already beginning to move.