bite || l.dh

☀️7

Yuki stared blankly at the ceiling above her. The digital clock on the shelf across the room read 4:21 AM. Her hand went up to the silver heart pendant resting on her collarbone. She dreamt of that night once more, leaving her afraid to sleep.

How long did she have to relive that horrible night? At this point, it was unfair. Even if it had been years, the sight of losing her brother still broke her in every way possible. She could still feel the heat of the flames scorching her skin.

She sat up, deciding to put her waking hours to use. She changed into an oversized shirt and sweatpants. She didn't have morning classes, but she did set a meeting with Donghyuck in the library at 9.

She left the apartment complex and let her feet take her wherever they'd take her. She listened to the Lilo & Stitch soundtrack which she loved. She found herself standing before an orphanage. It was her home at some point, but she knew that the feeling was nothing but a memory.

"Chiyuki? What are you doing out here this early?" Yuki flinched at her full name. She turned to face Yeona, the daughter of the head of the orphanage. Yeona always helped take care of the children and she wasn't really far away in age.

"I was just out for a walk and was in the area." Yuki answered. She quickly took some of the grocery bags in Yeona's hands and helped her bring them in to the kitchen.

"Does a juice box count as a token of gratitude?" Yeona offered.

"That sounds nice." Yuki accepted. She leaned against the kitchen counter as she caught the juice box in one hand. "How are the kids? I haven't seen them in months."

"They've been doing well. They're more behaved than when you were still here." Yeona answered. "You were quite the devious one in your years here. It's been really quiet."

Yuki nibbled on the straw as she dove deeper into her thoughts. "These kids sure don't know how to have fun then. Should I teach them a thing or two?"

"My hair will turn white faster than my mom's did if you do." Yeona chuckled. She scanned Yuki once more, something feeling off to her. "Where's Stitch? You never go anywhere without him. You don't even bathe without him in your line of sight."

"I lost him, but I think I'll find him soon. He always comes back anyway." Yuki shrugged. Although she was anxious about her treasure's disappearance, she knew it would come back to her.

"I remember that one time you lost him while you were here. We searched the whole orphanage, but that little boy found him by the swings." Yeona recalled with a smile. "Now that I think about it, besides Jeno and Jaemin, that little boy was really close to you."

"Little boy?"

"I forgot his name, but he was around your age. He absolutely adored you in his time here. You were like a big sister to him." Yeona added. "By the way, are you still looking for a side job? I heard from Jaemin you're one workaholic."

Yuki hesitantly nodded. She did have multiple part time jobs, but who was she to say no to an opportunity? She watched as Yeona pulled a flyer of what looked like a car wash event.

"We're having a fundraiser event. It's a car wash event and we need extra hands to watch over the kids. It's a two day thing, so we thought of paying those helping us. I was wondering if you can get Jaemin to help too."

"I think I can. He loves playing with children anyway." Yuki assured.

☀️

"Took you long enough." Donghyuck grumbled. He sat relaxed in his chair, his phone in one hand. "Is my time really that insignificant to you?"

"Let's get started. We can finish half today and reschedule for another time." Yuki placed two cups of coffee, the other obviously safe for vampires to drink. She pulled her notebook and a couple of articles out of her bag. "I forgot to copy the guide questions, but we can get things done anyway."