𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕟-𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕟 | ᴇɴ-

𝟏𝟖

Jake

Dinner is not the same these days. We are forced to sit separately and, even worse, alone. None of the orphans approach us anymore. We sit on different tables and have to go through the food painfully on our own. Rui walks past my table with his tray and I wave. He looks away.

What did I do?

I look down at my food. It's fish tonight. And it's as unappealing as ever. Next to my plate is the cup of pills we have to take every day. I'm so tired of this. It dizzies me and doesn't alleviate my hunger. I don't know how long we will have to go on with this. Jay-hyung gave us answers, but not enough. We still don't know how long it will take for the maids to trust us again. Maybe never again.

After long hours, dinner is finally over, but it doesn't make anything better. It will only be replaced with longer hours alone in my room, fighting for sleep. Then the routine will start over again. Like some days, Sunoo isn't here, and looking around I can't find Niki either. Perhaps he skipped dinner. Or maybe he's with Sunoo.

Everyone begins standing up and retiring to their rooms after leaving their trays. I try to greet the other orphans like usual, but they ignore me. They look at us like we're strangers.

"Lee Heeseung, Park Jay, Shim Jake, Park Sunghoon, and Yang Jungwon please stay behind a moment!" the cook calls down the dining room.

I look across the room at Sunghoon. He looks as puzzled as me. We've never been asked to stay behind before.

"Form a line before the counter!" The nurse stands there, wearing a mask and gloves.

"What's going on?" I whisper to Hoon as we move into line.

"I hope it isn't what I think," he answers, clenching his fists. I didn't know he was a fighter. What happened to make him like this?

Jungwon is at the head of our line, followed by Heeseung-hyung. Then we stand, with Sunghoon behind me, and Jay behind him.

"Open your mouth," the nurse orders, taking out a flashlight. The Mistress stands beside her.

Jungwon does as asked and the nurse inspects his mouth. Are they looking for our fangs?

"You may go," the nurse tells him after a few minutes of looking into his mouth.

Heeseung-hyung follows. I focus my mind on staying calm. I can't let my insincts take over now to give me away. I need to regain their trust. But Jay's words keep resonating in my head: the Mistress knows. I glance at her. She overlooks the nurse's work as we're inspected.

"You may go."

Hyung leaves after sending a look my way. I can't figure out what he's trying to tell me with his gaze.

"Open your mouth," the nurse tells me.

I do. The Mistress's gaze burns into me. I need to convince them. We're not vampires.

The nurse nods. "You may go."

I almost sigh in relief. One glance at the Mistress tells me she's satisfied. She smiles at me. Did I convince her?

Instead of going to my room I go to the opposite side. An idea has planted itself in my head. Maybe there is a way to change this. Maybe I can do something about it.

I don't have to wait long before the Mistress arrives at her office. I'm waiting outside when she gets there.

"Jake," she says, surprised. "I didn't expect you here. Is something the matter?"

I need her to trust us again.

"Yes! I wanted to ask you something," I answer.

"Come in, we can talk inside."

She unlocks the door to her office and lets us inside, taking a seat behind her desk. I'd never been in this room before, but I concentrate on what I came to say instead of the shelves on the back wall.

"I, uh, I wanted to offer help," I start. "I realise the seven of us have been distant lately, and I hope it hasn't sent the wrong idea. We've just had a lot on our plates lately, but I want to help. If there's anything you need. We don't want to be a burden and I'd gladly aid with what you ask. Because we do... we do care about what you and the orphans think of us. And we don't mean any harm."

I take a breath and brace myself for her answer.

"Yes, I don't think your friends have been very trusting of the maids's care and the orphans have felt a bit awkward about it."

"We do trust your care!" I say quickly. "And we like hanging out with the other orphans. Or at least... I do."

She smiles. "I appreciate the sentiment, Jake."

"Of course. If there's anything I can do to help... I can also talk to my friends."

She thinks for a moment before answering, playing with a long silver key between her fingers. "I think I know how you can help."

I smile with relief. I can make them trust us again.