Jade meticulously packed their belongings, carefully arranging each item into their bag. Xylon couldn't help but notice the sheer size of the bag they were carrying, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Babe, why do you seem to be bringing so many things?" Xylon's tone was laced with intrigue as he questioned Jade.
"Hehe, I've got big plans for us once we enter the realm of humans—sightseeing, outings, picnics, and even attending church," Jade replied with a mischievous grin.
"Picnics and outings? But won't we get burnt?" Xenon interjected with a hint of concern.
"I don't recall anyone picnicking at night," Stephen added with a chuckle.
"And going to church is definitely out of the question," Maddison remarked dryly.
"Oh? Well, that's disappointing," Jade sighed, a hint of sadness creeping into their voice.
"Haha, we're vampires, babe," Xylon said, pulling Jade into a comforting embrace.
"I almost forgot, hehe," Jade admitted sheepishly, scratching their head in embarrassment.
Aria and Cedrick arrived, their presence oddly subdued, casting a quiet tension over the group.
"How long do you two plan to keep ignoring each other?" Blake's question hung in the air, breaking the uneasy silence.
Cedrick remained silent, averting his gaze from Aria, who met his avoidance with a solemn expression.
Lilith and Drew joined them.
"Sorry for the wait," Lilith said.
"You sure packed a lot, Zake," Heberlin remarked, eyeing Zake's numerous belongings with mild surprise.
"These are all my food," Zake grumpily replied, his demeanor suddenly serious.
Zake can speak properly now and no longer stutter.
"Is everyone ready?" Xenon's inquiry brought the focus back to the task at hand.
In unison, they nodded in confirmation.
With swift precision, they teleported to the location where the portal was located. They were greeted by the Gate Keeper's reverent bow, and then he opened the portal to the human realm.
One by one, they stepped through the portal, emerging into the familiar realm of humans within moments.
"Whoah, nothing seems to have changed," Blake observed, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a mixture of nostalgia and recognition.
"The town looks the same as it did before," Heberlin remarked, a sense of familiarity washing over him.
"But there's a certain charm to it," Xylon mused, a fond smile gracing his lips.
They started walking. They boarded a black limousine that would take them to Xylon's mansion.
.
.
When they arrived at the mansion, the servants warmly welcomed them, ushering each guest to their designated rooms.
While Jade tidied up their belongings, Xylon hugged her. With a gentle smile, Jade turned to face him, delicately placing her arms around his neck.
"I've missed this," Xylon confessed with a grin, his eyes filled with longing. Their lips met in a tender kiss.
Meanwhile, Aria, Maddison, and Lilith were unpacking their belongings in the same room.
"Aria, is there really no hope of reconciliation with Cedrick?" Maddison's sudden inquiry pierced the air, laden with concern.
Aria's gaze fell, her heart heavy with unresolved emotions.
"I'm not sure... even if I wanted to reach out to him, he always avoids me," Aria admitted, her voice tinged with sorrow.
"I can't help but feel sad for both of you. It's been two years, yet Cedrick still can't bring himself to talk to you," Lilith remarked, her empathy palpable.
Aria's thoughts drifted to the past, grappling with regret.
"It's also my fault. I should have just told him the truth from the beginning," Aria trailed off, lost in contemplation.
Maddison offered a comforting touch to Aria's shoulder, her expression filled with compassion.
"Don't blame yourself. You love him, that's why you hid your vampire identity from him," Maddison said, her words echoing with understanding.
"And besides, you're both vampires now," Lilith chimed in.
"That's why he hates me," Aria said sadly.
Maddison and Lilith hugged Aria, feeling sorry for her.
.
.
Blake rummaged through his belongings.
"Hey guys, did you see my boxer shorts?" he asked while digging through his bag.
"Man, why would we know where that is?" Heberlin replied, busy organizing his own stuff.
"Shit, I think I left it behind," Blake said.
"Do you only have one pair of boxers, and you were freaking out like that?" Xenon asked.
Blake scratched his head.
"Hehe, yeah. I would have two if I had only brought another pair. I only have one now, and I'm wearing it right now," Blake admitted.
"Damn, that was nasty," Xenon remarked.
"Come on, it wasn't that bad yet; it could still last until tomorrow," Blake said, laughing.
Heberlin immediately threw a book at him.
"Man, just buy yourself some new boxers!" he shouted.
Blake laughed while picking up the book that had fallen to the floor.
.
.
"Zake, I've barely finished cleaning and you're already making a mess," Stephen grumbled as he swept the floor.
Ignoring Stephen's frustration, Zake continued to eat, unfazed by the complaint.
"Tsk. Can I at least have some?" Stephen requested, reaching for the food, but Zake quickly moved his food away from him.
"Not a chance! This is only mine," Zake asserted firmly.
"Fine, keep it. Shove it down your esophagus," Stephen retorted with irritation, feeling rebuffed.
As Stephen glanced towards Cedrick, who stood pensively by the window, a wave of realization washed over him. Cedrick's transformation into a vampire had brought about a profound change, rendering him quiet and distant. Stephen could only sigh, acknowledging the shift in their relationship.
.
.
After tidying up their belongings, Xylon and the group made their way to the living room.
"So where do you guys want to go now?" Xylon asked.
"Do you guys still remember Paradiso Bar?" Xenon inquired.
"Yeah, that's the bar where we chased the chimeras," Blake recalled.
"What's going on at that bar now?" Maddison asked.
"I heard there's a new band performing there tonight, and they're supposedly popular," Xenon replied.
"Really? What's the band's name?" Blake leaned in with interest.
"Black Crux," Xenon answered.
"The name is so lame," Heberlin remarked.
"Haha, are they any good?" Xylon asked.
"Why don't we check them out?" Stephen suggested, sparking enthusiasm among the group.
"All right, it's getting dark soon anyway. Let's head over there shortly," Xylon decided.
A wave of excitement washed over them, their smiles widening in anticipation of the night ahead.