The next day, Zero didn't show up to class. I wondered if he'd ever come but he didn't. Apparently I'm not the only one who is keeping an eye out for the Kiryu. Yuki Cross has been staring blackly at the empty spot near the window during mathematics. The teacher had called her out numerous times, but the girl's thoughts were anywhere but algebra.

Much like Yuki, I also couldn't seem to focus on what the teacher was saying, thankfully I had already completed my homework at the library. I've almost forgotten I had already finished it when the teacher came to check. So much happened that day... It's hard to believe it was yesterday.

"You are the fennikusu..."

Fennikusu, that's what Keith called me, a being of light. During break time and lunch, I tried to look it up in the mythology isle at the library. I found some books about a bird like creature, a phoenix, but it wasn't close to what I was looking for. Maybe there aren't any books about the fennikusu. Or maybe I'm just looking at the wrong place. Regardless, I rented the books anyways.

Maths class went by in a blur and before I knew it, class has ended. I frown as I look down at my notebook. I haven't even made any notes, what were we even discussing today?

"Ne, Hina-chan, Are you alright?"

"Huh?" I look up and see familiar grey eyes. Aiko gives me a faint smile while touching my hand, she seems worried. She sat one seat before mine and had turned around while the teachers were switching.

"Oh, I'm alright..." I say to her, but she doesn't seem so convinced.

"Are you sure?" Aiko asks, looking up at my notebook, "You seem distracted..." She moved her hand off of my hand and taps her finger on the empty paper. I scratch the back of my head in shame.

"It's a boy isn't it!" Hikari yells from besides me, throwing an arm around my shoulders, taking me into a half hug. "Let me guess... It's Keith-san right!"

"W-what?!" I stutter, "N-no it's not what you think!" I try to push Hikari away, but she presses me closer to her side.

"Oh come on Hinata, just admit you are in love with a night class student!" Hikari jokes, emphasising the word 'love'.

"Yeh, now we can go all together to see the night class!" Aiko chirps in, grinning from ear to ear.

Why do they always think about boys?!

"I'm not in love!" I yell, pushing Hikari away, finally freeing myself from her tight grip. As soon as I'm lose, I notice that everyone's head is turned towards me, including the geography teacher who just walked in. Embarrassed, I bow down to the teacher and hide my face behind my notebook, I'm pretty sure my face is as red as a tomato by now.

I can hear my classmates talk among themselves about my little outburst, Hikari and Aiko are grinning down at me, I can feel Hikari's hand softly pat down my back trying to calm me.

"That was so cute!"

"Our day class beauty looks even prettier when angry!"

"Did you see her face, it's so red!"

"Poor Susaku-chan..."

I grown as my classmates continue talking about me. Why did I say that out loud! Thankfully, the teacher asked everyone to be quiet and the attention was soon diverted to the blackboard instead of me. I calmed myself down and lift my head up, Hikari greeting me with a soft smile.

"I'm sorry Hinata, I just assumed..."

"It's okey." I reassure her, bumping my shoulder against hers. "I am kind of out of it, but it's not because I like someone..."

"Then what is it?" Hikari whispers, trying not to disturb the lesson.

"Headmaster has put me into the Disciplinary Committee..." I tell her, mumbling under my breath a little. I know my friends are not so keen about the Perfects, no, they really dislike them! But sooner or later, they'll find out and I'd rather tell them now than later. Besides, I didn't want them to know the real reason I'm so distracted today.

"YOU'RE WHAT?!"

"Hikari Date! Would you please be so kind and sit down!" The teacher scrolled at the girl, Hikari apologised and sat back down on the wooden bench. She continues to stare back at me mouthing a 'we need to talk'. I mouth her a quiet 'sorry' and dive back into my books, trying to seem interested in what the teacher was saying. From the corner of my eye I see Yuki looking my way. Our gazes meet and Yuki frowns, her eyes travelling back to the empty seat near the window before locking on mine again.

I raise my shoulders at her, telling her I also don't know where Zero is. Suddenly, Yuki jumps up from her seat and runs out the classroom.

"H-Hey, Cross! Where are you going? Hey!" The teacher yells at the headmasters daughter but Yuki already disappears out of the doors. I can hear the teacher let out a loud grown and watch him pull at his hair. "What is wrong with you all today?! Is your education just a joke to you!"

And so, class resumed but Yuki never returned. I assume she's trying to find Zero, or either find a way to help him. Zero is a vampire. After he bit her, nothing will be the same anymore. It wouldn't surprise me if he will never return to class, he'd probably join the night class. I haven't seen him after our talk at the library, but I feel for him. It's not his fault he is a vampire now, he hates vampires!

I know it's inevitable, but secretly I hope Yuki will find a way to keep Zero in the day class. I might not have spent a lot of time with him, but based of the time I did spent with the silver haired boy, I do like his company. He might have hurt my wrist and almost lost control, but he did not want to hurt me. I know he won't hurt me out of nowhere because he never intents to hurt others.

I'm sure he is beating himself up in his room because of what he did to Yuki last night. As the headmaster said, he had surprassed his vampiric side for four years... He was bound to lose control. As selfish as it might seem, I'm glad it wasn't with me. It's not that I rather want him to hurt Yuki, I'd never wish harm on anyone! It's because I fear I'd hurt him out of self defence, like what happened when I got attacked in town. I've no control over the light within me,  what if Zero would've ended up like the vampire from that time? I'd never want to hurt him like that for something he couldn't control!

Before I knew it, classes have ended and the headmaster has called to over to his office. I've managed to avoid Hikari and Aiko for the rest of the day. I don't know how I should explain to them how I became part of the Disciplinary Committee. For now I got other things to worry about...

"What's this?" I ask the headmaster as he clasps on a thick wristband on my wrist that is not bandaged up.

"That is Epione, an anti-vampire weapon." The headmaster explains, lifting up my hand, pointing at the little black knob on top of the wristband. "It's somewhat like a gun, but instead of bullets it shoots out darts when you press on it, like this."

I watch as the headmaster points my wrist with the weapon at a vampire plushie he kept on the window frame. He presses his other hand onto the little knob and a thin glowing needle shoots out of the device right at the innocent plushie. I expected the needle to get stuck into the fluffy toy but as soon as it came close it disappeared.

"W-was that magic?!" I yell, surprised at what I just witnessed.

"I wouldn't call it magic... But since it's a needle-like dart which only works on vampires... You can call it that, yes."

I blink at the ash blonde man and look back at the weapon wrapped around my wrist. Although the wristband is rather thick, the actual weapon is rather small and is easily to be mistaken as an accessory, a rather ugly accessory but nothing to weird to not pass for fashion. The band seems to be made of black leather and the little knob is a silver-blackish metal with a design of a crescent moon imbedded on the top of it. 

"So what do you call this thing? A dart, needle shooter?"

"It's called Epione, after the goddess of pain relieving." The headmaster explains, letting go of the weapon and sitting back down behind his desk. "It's needles will temporarily paralyse a vampire once one gets shoot at them. Of course, it only works temporarily, but it gives you enough time to run away."

"Why don't you just give me a gun like Zero?" I ask, plopping down on the chair behind me.

The headmaster shakes his head, "Zero has been training to hunt vampires ever since he was young. Yuki, as my daughter, has been taught how to properly protect herself if necessary. You however, never had any training like my children. For now, Epione will be enough for you to defend yourself with. Once I find you a proper teacher, you'll receive a proper weapon."

"Why can't you teach me, Headmaster? I assume you're a vampire hunter too, are you not?"

I watch as the headmasters eyes widen in shock, his body stiffens and a drop of sweat drips down his forehead. "H-how did you know?!"

Awkwardly, I scratch the back of my neck, trying to laugh away my discomfort. "I wasn't sure but your reaction confirms my suspicion. It's not like a normal person would suddenly decide to create a private school for humans and vampires alike..."

The headmaster laughs and presses his hand against his face. "Susaku-chan... You're so clever..."

I shrug and lightly tap my fingers n my knees impatiently. All day I've been thinking about what would happen to Zero now that he bit Yuki and has transitioned. I haven't heard about Yuki either, and I also heard Hikari and Aiko mention that the night class will not have any classes today... I frown and find myself nervously playing with the red ribbon of my braid.

"Headmaster, if you don't mind me asking... What is going to happen to Zero?"

The headmaster takes a deep breath before releasing the air afterwards. He too is worried about the boy.

"He'd have to join the night class from now on..."

"I see..." I look down at my feet, letting go of the ribbon and clenching my fist as I place them on my lap, Epione hidden by my sleeve.

"Is there a change you'd let me go see him?" I ask him, fully aware that my request will probably be shut down.

"Susaku... I know you're worried..."

"Please Headmaster, I really need to see him!" I beg, my eyes locking with his.

"It's a selfish request, I know. I know Zero is dangerous and that he should join the night class... But Zero would never hurt anyone intentionally!"

I grit my teeth, but push myself to continue. I have to see Zero. I might not have known him for long, but if he is how I think he is, he'd beat himself up over hurting Yuki. Someone who he cares a lot for.

"Please understand... I need to see him before he leaves to the night class..."

The headmaster sighs and leans his body back into his chair, throwing a blanket over his shoulders.

"Alright... I know you can protect yourself if anything happens." He says, hugging his blanket closer. "His room number is twenty-seven. When you're done talking, please head back to your dorm immediately. You might be a Guardian now, but you're still to inexperienced to be alone at night."

I abruptly stand up from my seat and bow before the headmaster. "Thank you very much!" As soon as I thanked him, I run out of the office towards the boys Sun Dormitory.

☀️☀️☀️

Zero sat at the edge of his bed, looking down at the Bloody Rose in his hand. He remembered when his foster father has first given him the weapon.

"Since you're a Perfect now, I'm giving you this just in case the 'one in a million chance' arises where something goes wrong."

"This gun won't hurt a human... But it will kill a vampire."

In a swift movement, Zero reloads the gun in his head and let his hand drop to the floor. He hurt Yuki... He bit her. He can still remember how her blood tasted on his tongue... It was warm, sweet and had this tang to it that made him long for more.

Zero despises that part of him enjoyed drinking the blood of the girl he loves the most. And the picture of her, which lays besides him on his packed travel bag, only taunts him more.

I don't diverse to be alive...

Zero closed his eyes and lifted the anti-vampire weapon up, pressing the cold metal against his temple. At that moment, he was ready to end it all... End his suffering until he loses all control and becomes a Level-E. His finger lingered over the trigger, ready to end it all.

"Zero...NO!!"

The Kiryu didn't notice that his door had been opened. Hinata Susaku had been wanting to talk to the vampire all day. But as soon as she opened his door, she found herself leaping towards the silver haired boy, clenching the weapon with her hand as she pushed him down his bed. The recently packed bag fell down on the ground with a loud thud.

"What are you doing?!" The girl yelled as she hovered over the Kiryu, the gun pressed down besides him.

"Nothing..."

"Lair!" Hinata yelled, her golden eyes looking down onto his lavender eyes with fury. "You were about to shoot yourself in the head!"

Suddenly, Zero grabbed her hand that pressed the gun down and effortlessly swung them around. The golden girl screamed out as she felt her back hit the bed frame.

"Do you remember?" He says, eyes blazing a crimson red as he looked down on her, still holding her wrist. Squeezing it a little harder as he brings her hand up to above her raising chest. Hinata didn't dare to move.

"I looked at you with the same hunting eyes... My nails digging into your skin, drawing blood."

Zero leaned closer, his nose brushed down her jaw. She could feel the little hairs in her neck stand up as the Kiryu spoke.

"That time... All I could think about was devouring your blood... And I almost did."

Zero closed his eyes and listened as Hinata's heart hammered against her chest. He took a deep breath and trashed his lips over the tender skin of her neck.

"Last night, I lost control and sunk my teeth into Yuki's flesh at this exact spot."

Zero growled lowly, resisting the urge to do the same to the girl beneath him. Slowly he managed to lift himself up again. He opened his eyes, they turned back to their usual lavender.

"The sound I made while I sucked Yuki's blood... While that sound is still ringing through my ears, you both will never be safe around me."

"Z-Zero..." Hinata stammered as the boy pushed himself off of her, grabbing his travel bag from the ground. "Please... Don't leave. You're stronger that this!"

"You don't get to say that!" Zero yelled back, his back turned towards her. "You don't know me..."

Hinata raised her upper body up from the bed and stared at his back. She knew she had no right to tell him to stay, she is not Yuki. She doesn't know Zero like she does. But the girl cared for the moody teenage vampire hunter. He was there when she and Yuki got attacked by a Level-E. He was there when she was to afraid to go to town alone. Despite him hurting her, he resisted biting her and apologised. He couldn't help it that he got turned into a vampire, but he tries everything in his power to stay in control and fight the monster within.

"Zero, I'm begging you. Please stay!" Hinata could plead as much as she could, but Zero had already made up his mind.

"Goodbye, Hinata."

The girl watched as the he walked out of the room, his Bloody Rose clenched in his hand. She could feel tears build up in her eyes but she quickly wiped them away with her sleeve. Defeated, she let her body fall back onto the bed and stared at the sealing. They were just about to become friends... But now, Zero has left and there was nothing Hinata could do to stop him.

"Hinata-san..."

The blonde girl turned her head towards the door. A familiar short girl with messy brown hair stood at the doorway, doorknob in her hand. Hinata could feel the tears come back as she saw the sad expression of the girls face. If there's anyone who'd be hurt the most by Zero's leaving it would be Yuki. Hinata felt for the girl...

"I'm so sorry, Yuki..."

"Where's Zero?" Yuki asked, confused as to why Hinata layer upon her Perfect partner's bed.

"He left..."

Hinata's words rang though her ears. He left... Zero left Cross Academy... Yuki's biggest fear has become reality. Tears streamed down her face as it finally hit her. Zero is gone...

"N-no..." Yuki stuttered, not wanting to accept that the Kiryu left. "Zero can't leave!"

Suddenly Yuki turned around and sprinted down the hallways, through the front door, towards the gates of the academy. She wasn't going to let him leave her like that. Zero was supposed to stay with her forever! She was almost at the gate as she saw the familiar silver hair before her.

"Zero!" She screamed out his name and slammed herself into his back, wrapping her arms around him. She was going to make sure that he wouldn't leave. Yuki would do anything to keep Zero from leaving.

Yuki will convince Zero to stay.

Vote, comment, enjoy!

I know, this was a pretty boring chapter... But I couldn't just skip it.
Hinata didn't follow Yuki because she simply didn't have a reason to do so. She just recently joined the Guardians so her Perfect duties haven't started yet.

Kaien didn't give Hinata a real weapon yet because you don't simply give one a sword if they don't know how to use it. Epione is a simple yet effective 'weapon' to defend herself with for the time being.

Also (if you're still reading this) I'd like to know what you think about Hinata... About her relationship with Keith and Zero? Maybe Kaname even. Of course, you don't have to tell me... I'm just curious 😊