My name is Ren Volkom, a first-year high school student—and possibly a vampire. That's the only way to explain the bloodlust that's haunted me for the past two years. Vampires don't just wake up one day, right? As far as I know, I was never bitten. Yet, I'm obsessed with drinking human blood. I resist for a while, but eventually, I give in.

I once tried abstaining for three weeks—it was hell. I shook, felt drained, and nearly lost my mind. I could drink nightly, but I limit myself to twice or thrice a month. Tonight is one of those nights—what I call "the hunt." It sounds brutal, but I don't harm anyone permanently. I find, stalk, and bite.

My speed and strength let me finish before they even realize. Tonight, I'm lucky. Within thirty minutes, I spot a lone girl standing under the moonlight. Wait—I know her. Brianne Leviantis, the student council president. Why is she out so late? Rumor has it she's dated half the boys in class. Should I risk drinking her blood?

Like a junkie, I can't afford to be picky. I creep closer—WOOOM! A sudden gust knocks me into a trash can. Heart racing, I duck behind it. Where did that wind come from? Brianne turns, sharp eyes locking onto the bin.

«Ren Volkom, come out. I know you're there.»

I freeze. How does she know my name?

«What were you trying to do?»

Panic grips me. What can I say? That I wanted her blood? Maybe I should lie and say I planned to rob her—but that might make things worse.

She steps closer, slow and deliberate. Her hips sway, and I notice how her chest rises and falls rhythmically.

«Elaine was right. You have the Blood Crystal,» she says, relief in her voice.

«I have… what?» I stammer, confused.

«The crystal in your heart,» she explains. «How else do you explain what you were about to do?»

«I'm… a vampire,» I blurt out awkwardly.

She laughs, genuinely amused.

«You know vampires aren't real, right?»

«Yeah, sure. Just kidding,» I mutter, though I've never been more serious.

Brianne smirks, grabs my wrist, and says, «Come with me.»

Before I can react, she pulls me into a narrow alley and starts unbuttoning her beige shirt, revealing a black lace bra.

I stop breathing. Tan skin. Silky blonde hair. Curves—she's way out of my league.

«W-What are you doing?» I stammer.

«I don't want bloodstains. Go ahead—do what you came for.»

Her words send a shock through me. My fangs extend. My green eyes flash crimson.

She's taller—fifteen centimeters, at least. In her heeled boots, I have to stand on my toes to reach her neck.

The moment my teeth pierce her skin, a soft, sensual moan escapes her lips. Her breathing quickens.

Her blood—it's like nothing I've ever tasted. Sweet. Intoxicating.

I press her against the wall, her chest soft against mine. Her arms tighten around me, pulling me closer. Soft moans escape her lips, growing louder.

I sink my teeth deeper. Her blood flows like a warm river, staining her skin. Surreal.

«R-Ren… that's enough,» she gasps, trembling.

She pushes me away—gently.

Reluctantly, I step back, heart pounding. Her blood drips from my lips.

Why did she let me do that? Does she… like me? Impossible. She's Brianne Leviantis—she could have anyone. I'm just a nobody. So why?

Brianne pulls disinfectant and cotton from her bag, dabbing the bite marks casually. She buttons her shirt as if nothing happened.

I watch, confused. Cotton and disinfectant? Did she know this would happen?

«Does anyone know about your… peculiarity?» she asks, serious.

«No. I don't think so,» I reply, still dazed.

She nods. «Good. Tomorrow, after class, meet me in the student council room. I'll explain everything. Go home for now.»

She turns and disappears into the shadows, leaving me breathless—and lost.