The next morning, Sayuri woke up, but she had no desire to get out of bed. Still exhausted, she tried to fall back asleep, but a noise interrupted her thoughts, suitcases rolling down the hallway.
Half-asleep, she almost stumbled as she rushed out of bed. Opening her door, she followed the sound until she reached the front entrance, where she found her parents loading their luggage into the car.
"Sayuri, we're heading out. Take care of yourself, alright? And promise me you'll stay out of trouble," her father said, pushing the last suitcase into the trunk.
"I promise, Dad. I won't do anything wrong."
Her mother, already seated in the car, leaned slightly out the window.
"I left some money on the table, but I don't think you'll need much. Don't forget to study and eat properly."
"Okay, Mom. Have a great trip!" Sayuri replied with a soft smile.
"See you on Monday!" her mother called as the car began to drive away.
The moment the car disappeared from sight, Sayuri rushed back inside, excitement bubbling through her. She ran to her room, threw herself onto the bed, and grabbed her phone, quickly typing a message to Yume.
"Everything's set for tonight. I'll see you at six so we can get ready together."
She put on an upbeat song and began dancing around her room, laughter slipping out as a vibrant energy took over her body. She couldn't stop smiling.
For some reason… she had a strong feeling that something special would happen that night.
To pass the time, she tidied her room and finished a few small tasks. The hours flew by, and when she checked the clock, it was almost time to leave.
Sayuri packed her bag carefully, placing a few makeup items inside. In a separate bag, she folded her dress with care so it wouldn't wrinkle.
Before leaving, she checked the house one last time—windows closed, lights off. Taking a deep breath, she stepped outside, ready for the night ahead.
Yume's house wasn't far, so she decided to walk. A soft breeze accompanied her, and the sound of her footsteps blended with the quiet of the neighborhood.
When she arrived, she rang the doorbell, a small knot of anticipation tightening in her chest, the door opened quickly.
"Hi, Sayuri! Come in. Yume's upstairs finishing getting ready, go ahead!" her mother greeted warmly.
"Thank you," Sayuri said as she made her way up the stairs.
When she opened the bedroom door, she was greeted by chaos—yet it was a charming kind of chaos.
Clothes scattered everywhere. The hum of a hair dryer filled the room. Tights tossed over the bed. Makeup products covering every surface and in the middle of it all, Yume, with a thermal cap on her head and a sparkle in her eyes, completely immersed in her preparation ritual. Sayuri couldn't hold back a laugh.
"You're here!" Yume exclaimed, dropping everything to hug her. "I'm so excited for tonight! Oh, and the boys are already on their way."
"The boys? I thought only Kenji was coming."
Yume grinned, pulling her inside.
"Kenji and Jun! Didn't I tell you? They're coming with us."
Sayuri's heart skipped, for a brief moment, her thoughts drifted… but she quickly shook it off. There was no time to get distracted.
Together, they spent hours getting ready, laughing, sharing ideas, trying different poses. By the time the clock struck eight, they were finally done.
Feeling slightly nervous, Sayuri went downstairs to get a glass of water. Just as she lifted it to her lips, the doorbell rang, since she was closest, she went to answer.
When she opened the door, Kenji stood there, he looked stunning.
Dressed in an elegant suit with silver details, a perfectly styled top hat, dark eyeliner accentuating his eyes, and bold red lipstick.
"What are you supposed to be?" Sayuri asked, studying him curiously.
He struck a dramatic pose, flashing his fake fangs.
"A sexy vampire. Don't you think?" he said, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.
Sayuri laughed softly, before she could reply, Yume appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Sexy vampire?" she teased. "That's a good one, Kenji! We're ready, but… where's Jun?"
Kenji shrugged casually.
"He said he might come later. I think he had… a date or something."
Sayuri forced a small smile, hiding the subtle disappointment that flickered in her chest.
When they arrived at the party, they were immediately captivated. The place was breathtaking, decorated with flickering red and golden lights, creating a mysterious and elegant atmosphere. People looked like they had stepped out of a fantasy novel, wearing intricate and creative costumes.
As they approached the grand entrance, they spotted Jun. Leaning casually near a large decorative vase, he looked… unreal.
A tailored suit with red details, a long black coat, heavy boots. His makeup resembled Kenji's, but on him, it made his gaze even more intense.
"Jun, you actually came! Thought you'd bail," Kenji greeted.
"Well, I already bought the ticket. Would've been a waste," Jun replied, his eyes briefly drifting toward Sayuri—subtle, but intentional.
"Also a vampire?" Yume teased.
"I'm the better one," Kenji joked, wrapping an arm around Sayuri.
"Ugh, let's just go inside," Yume rolled her eyes.
Inside, they found a table, and as Sayuri sat down, she couldn't help but notice that upon arriving at the bar, Jun was immediately surrounded by girls, laughing and chatting.
"Jun's pretty popular with girls, huh?" she said casually.
"Popular? I don't know… but he's always surrounded by them," Yume shrugged.
Soon, Jun joined them, sitting beside Sayuri. Between drinks and laughter, Sayuri found herself watching him.
Every movement, every expression. She was fascinated… and confused.
Why did she feel breathless whenever he was near?
Before she could say anything, Yume grabbed her hand.
"Come dance!"
The dance floor pulsed with light and music. They laughed, danced, stumbled completely carefree.
After a few drinks, Yume leaned closer.
"I need the bathroom—be right back!"
Sayuri nodded, continuing to dance alone. That's when a stranger approached.
"Hey… you're beautiful. New here?" he asked, smiling in a way that made her uncomfortable.
Before she could respond Jun appeared, his arm wrapped around her waist.
"Can I help you?" he asked, his tone sharp.
The man hesitated… then walked away.
Sayuri turned, surprised, but before she could speak, Yume returned then Jun let go and disappeared into the crowd.
Later, they spotted Kenji at the bar kissing a red-haired girl. Yume and Sayuri exchanged awkward glances.
"Let's sit," Yume said.
Moments later, Yume began to feel unwell. Her laughter faded. Her movements slowed.
"I think I drank too much…" she murmured.
Sayuri immediately grew worried. After helping her drink water, she made a decision.
"We're leaving."
She called a taxi and helped Yume inside.
"Text me when you get home," Sayuri said, closing the door.
Now alone, the cold night wrapped around her.
"My bag…" she whispered.
She had left it inside, with a sigh, she went back in and there he was. Talking to a stunning girl in a provocative cat costume.
Something twisted inside her chest. She tried to walk past unnoticed
"Hey You. Where's Yume?"
She froze.
"Yume already left… she wasn't feeling well," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "So… have a good night."
She was already ready to leave, but Jun sighed, running a hand over his forehead, visibly annoyed.
"Wait. I'll walk you."
He stepped closer.
"There's no need, really…" Sayuri said quickly. "Don't leave your company alone…"
Her gaze shifted, almost involuntarily, toward the catwoman. Jun followed her gaze for a second, then looked back at her.
"She'll be fine," he replied simply.
Without giving her room to protest, he walked beside Sayuri to the table. They both sat down, an odd silence settled between them.
Jun swirled the whiskey in his glass, watching the liquid as if organizing his thoughts.
"So…" he said, without looking directly at her, "we didn't really talk much, did we?"
Sayuri nodded, a little tense.
"Yeah…"
He lifted his eyes, finally meeting hers.
"You're different from the girls who come here."
For some reason, that made her heart race.
"Different… how?" she asked, almost in a whisper.
Jun leaned slowly closer to her. Too close, close enough for Sayuri to feel that scent again… The same one, the same one that took her breath away.
"In a good way."
Before she could react, he took her hand and gently pulled her.
"Come."
Without thinking, Sayuri let herself be led to the dance floor. Lights flickered around them, the music pulsing through the air. Jun placed his hand on her waist, pulling her closer. Sayuri's heart beat out of rhythm.
She could feel the warmth of his body, the rhythm of his breathing… everything felt too intense. Jun watched her differently now. More attentive...More… interested.
His gaze drifted for a moment, as if taking in every detail, her delicate skin, the way she avoided holding his gaze for too long.
It intrigued him and attracted him. Slowly, he leaned his face even closer. Sayuri held her breath.
Her first kiss, she knew it, she could feel it. Her heart raced even faster but just as the distance between them was about to disappear.
"HEY!"
Kenji appeared out of nowhere, throwing an arm over both of their shoulders and completely breaking the moment.
"Hiding things from me now?" he said, laughing.
Sayuri quickly pulled away, completely flustered.
Jun closed his eyes for a second, clearly irritated.
"You always show up at the worst time…" he muttered.
Sayuri took a deep breath, her heart still racing.
"I think… I should go. It's getting late."
Without waiting for an answer, she stepped away, walking to the table to grab her bag. Her fingers trembled slightly as she slung it over her shoulder. She needed to get out of there, she needed to sort out her feelings but before she could reach the exit, Jun grabbed her arm.
The touch was firm, but not rough.
"I'll take you."
Sayuri turned her face, surprised.
"There's no need… stay with Kenji. I'll be fine," she said, trying to gently pull away.
But Jun didn't let go. There was something different in his eyes now. Less teasing… more intention.
"I said I'll take you."
She hesitated for a moment, thought about refusing again. But, without fully understanding why… she gave in.
"Okay…"
Jun nodded, and as they stepped outside, he said:
"Wait here."
Then he walked off quickly, disappearing down the street. Sayuri stood there, hugging her bag, her heart beating too fast for something she still couldn't name.
A few minutes later, the sound of an engine cut through the silence. Jun returned on a motorcycle. He stopped right in front of her and, without saying much, took a helmet and held it out to her.
"Get on."
Sayuri looked at the motorcycle for a few seconds. A mix of curiosity, fear… and a strange excitement.
She took a deep breath, put on the helmet, and climbed on behind him.
"Hold on," Jun said, starting the engine.
"Hold on to what?" she asked nervously.
Jun let out a low laugh. He took her hands and guided them to his waist.
"Here… trust me."
As the motorcycle sped off, Sayuri held her breath. The cold wind hit her face, her hair moving under the helmet, the city lights turning into colorful blurs dancing around them.
Every turn made her body lean along with his and without realizing it, she held onto him a little tighter. For a moment, everything disappeared, the pressure, the worries, the loneliness.
All that remained was the sound of the engine, the wind and that new, intense, alive feeling.
Jun stopped the motorcycle in front of her house the silence returned.
He got off first and helped her down carefully, holding her hand for a second longer than necessary. Sayuri removed the helmet and handed it back to him.
"Thank you… for the ride."
Jun simply watched her, saying nothing. She turned and walked toward the door.
Something made her want to look back but she didn't.
Until
"Sayuri…"
His voice made her stop and her heart skipped. She turned and before she could say anything, Jun stepped closer.
Without hesitation.
Without asking.
He kissed her.
A quick kiss… but intense.
As if it had been impulsive, as if even he hadn't planned it.
Sayuri froze for a second, too surprised to react.
The world seemed to stop and when he pulled away, the silence between them felt different.
Heavy.
Alive.
Unexplainable.