Stay - Yang Jungwon 양 정원

𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐀

"Breaking news: The nation is in the midst of a massive vampire extermination operation. Government and military authorities have issued an urgent statement.  Declaring an end to any coexisting humans and vampires. The streets are filled with citizens demanding the eradication of vampires.  While Special Forces are intensifying the operation nationwide. To apprehend these creatures once and—"

The TV shut off with a click when Cerise reached forward and yanked the power cord. "Yah, why'd you do that?" Noa complained, frowning at her.

Cerise shrugged, picking up her jacket, "It's no use listening to such nonsense.  Once we leave it won't matter anymore," They were used to this.  Moving from place to place under the pressure of vampire hunts... or simply that it wasn't safe for any of them anymore. 

"The sun's gone down completely," They all looked up and saw Heli moving away from the window. "We need to leave now."

Jakah stood up, "Let's go then.  Cerise, you're driving." Cerise couldn't help but grin as Jakah threw her the keys, "Five minutes and we're leaving."

The eight of them nodded before dispersing to grab everything. 

Once Cerise slid a couple knives in her pant pockets, she grabbed a pistol from the table and Jaan handed her a rifle, "I thought we could have stayed longer," He muttered, handing her ammunition.

"Me too," Cerise agreed, loading up her pistol, "Relations between humans and vampires are becoming strained everywhere.  We can't stay in one place much longer."

"Guys, here," Cerise and Jaan looked up and saw Shion giving them passports, "New identities.  Jakah printed them up."

Cerise grabbed hers and saw that her birthday, place of birth, everything but her name had been completely changed.  Even her photo. She held it up and squinted it at them, "Nice.  So, where are we going?" She asked louder, looking at Heli. 

"Riverfield.  It's our next stop anyways!" Heli answered. 

Riverfield. It was where they planned on going once they moved.  People tend to notice when you don't age.  Cerise remembered looking up the place.  Beautiful town square and prestigious school.  It was also a more secluded and private town. Perfect place for them to lay low.

"We'll take you to Riverfield don't worry!"

Cerise sighed and shouldered her bag. Five minutes was up. It was time to go. She opened the back garage door for them and they took a step out into the moonlight. The alleyway was filled with dirt and smoke from people living on the streets.

The eight of them kept their heads down as they walked past two people making a fire in an old oil canister.

Once they made it to the car, Cerise unlocked the door, swinging it open, "Alright boys, let's go. Get in!" All the boys filed into the car as Cerise inserted the key. The engine revved. They were ready to go. But only seven of them were in the car.

"What the hell is he doing?" Cerise muttered as she opened her door. Jakah was standing by a dumpster they usually used to throw their old stuff out. "Jakah! What are you doing?" She yelled. Noa reached over the driver's seat and honked the car. "Hey! Don't do that," She said, glaring at him. Only earning a laugh.

Jakah still didn't move.

"He's stubborn. Shion, open the door," Jino said, gesturing for Shion to hurry up. Shion quickly opened up the door as the others did too. All seven of them climbed out except Cerise who stood by the driver's seat. She could hear them from here.

"Why aren't you getting in?" Jino asked him. 

"We can't leave without Chloe," Jakah's calm but determined voice rang through Cerise's ears.