A terrifying night: The Cross

Chapter 2: Am I a Monster?

There were three minutes left for Ryota to reach the school. Three minutes that marked the difference between a simple complicated day and a total catastrophe. Without a second thought, he began to run as if his life depended on it. The sound of his heartbeat echoed in his ears as he dodged pedestrians and crossed streets without paying attention to traffic lights.

—Sorry! Excuse me! Out of my way! —he shouted repeatedly, pushing through the crowd.

Finally, the imposing silhouette of Kagetsu no Tani Kōkō school appeared before him. Its prestige and reputation made it the best school in District 14. At the gate, the morning guard, known among students as "Poste-kun," raised his voice with authority.

—Hurry up! You've got seconds left to get in! Otherwise, you'll be marked late.

Ryota quickened his pace, feeling the uncomfortable stares of some classmates who were also running late. Some glared at him with disdain, while others simply kept their distance to avoid him. He was used to it. The label "half-vampire" followed him like a shadow.

But he hadn't accounted for one crucial detail: his shoelaces were untied. At the worst possible moment, he tripped and fell to the ground in front of everyone. Laughter erupted around him like a cruel orchestra. Yet Ryota didn't stop. He quickly got up, tied his shoes, and kept running.

—Ryota Gallardo! —the guard's voice stopped him just at the entrance—. Late again. You're in trouble.

Ryota, panting and desperate, tried to plead.

—Please, Poste-kun, let me in! I'm in serious trouble!

The guard stared at him sternly.

—No! Rules are rules, and it wouldn't be fair to the others. Also, don't call me Poste-kun!

— But all the people call you that ... —Ryota replied, confused.

—Exactly! People, not vampires —the guard snapped with contempt.

The word "vampire" hit Ryota like a dagger to the heart. He lowered his gaze, swallowing his frustration. The guard, unmoved, added:

—Head to the principal's office. She's waiting for you.

As Ryota walked to the office, he heard the guard mutter under his breath.

—I hope they expel him already...

With every step, he felt the stares of his classmates, the hushed laughter, and the murmurs that followed him. Some changed direction upon seeing him, others deliberately moved aside, and the bravest simply stared at him with open hostility. In his mind, Ryota kept asking the same questions:

"Why? Why do they look at me like that? Why do they avoid me? I don't want to hurt them... I'm not a monster..."

At last, he reached the principal's office. Before he could knock, the door opened, and the principal appeared with a stern expression.

—Ryota Gallardo, come in. I've been expecting you.

Inside the office, the principal gestured for him to sit across from her desk. Her gaze was a mirror of disdain.

—This is your twelfth tardy this semester. What are we going to do with you?

Ryota tried to explain himself.

—I'm really sorry, Principal. Today I had a problem on my way here, and...

—I'm not interested in your problem —she interrupted coldly—. This is a serious institution, and your behavior tarnishes our reputation. In fact, your mere presence here is enough to damage it.

Ryota clenched his fists. Her words hurt, but he couldn't argue back. The principal continued:

—You know this school only accepted you because someone with significant influence made an agreement with the government. We don't know who they are, but thanks to that intervention, we're obligated to have you here. Do you think that's fair to the other students?

Ryota's frustration boiled over.

—Fair? —he said, looking up—. Do you think it's fair for a 17-year-old boy to endure insults, threats, and fear for something he didn't choose to be? To be rejected by classmates, teachers, and even staff just because he's half-vampire? Is that fair?

The principal glared at him.

—Don't you dare talk to me like that! —she exclaimed, slamming her desk—. I'm your principal, and you'll respect me!

—And I deserve respect too! —Ryota shot back, his voice filled with frustration.

Silence filled the room, broken only by their heavy breathing. Finally, the principal spoke, her tone sharp.

—You're suspended for one week. If you ever disrespect me again, you'll be expelled. Now, go to your classroom.

With a heavy heart, Ryota walked through the halls. Tears threatened to fall as he tried to hold himself together. When he entered the classroom, the warm voice of Miss Yumi greeted him.

—Ryota, just in time. Go ahead and take your seat.

He nodded weakly. "Yes, ma'am," he said, his voice subdued, as he moved to his usual spot at the back, by the window. The whispers started almost immediately. Some classmates moved their desks and chairs away from him, while others threw wadded paper in his direction. Though he tried to ignore them, their cruel words and laughter echoed around him.

"Am I really a monster?" he wondered, gazing at his reflection in the window.

During lunch, Ryota climbed to the rooftop, his usual refuge. Checking his bag, he realized he'd forgotten his lunch in his rush that morning. Hugging his knees, he sat in a corner, hunger and sadness gnawing at him.

Just then, Miss Yumi appeared with a kind smile.

—I knew you'd be here —she said gently.

Ryota looked up, surprised.

—Miss Yumi...

—I noticed you seemed down today. Something's bothering you, isn't it? Want to talk about it?

Ryota averted his gaze, unsure.

—There's no point, Miss. It's always the same...

His stomach growled loudly, cutting through the silence. Ryota's cheeks flushed in embarrassment, while Miss Yumi chuckled softly.

—I see. Maybe talking will be easier on a full stomach. Here, I brought this. I always pack extra.

She pulled out a neatly prepared bento box from her bag. Ryota stared at it in surprise.

—I can't take that, Miss. It's your lunch...

—It's plenty for two. Don't be stubborn —she insisted, sitting beside him.

Reluctantly, Ryota accepted the offer. With the first bite, his eyes widened.

—This... This is amazing!

Miss Yumi smiled, satisfied.

—I'm glad you like it.

As they ate together, Ryota felt something he hadn't experienced in a long time: peace. Though the world rejected him, in that moment, he wasn't completely alone.