A terrifying night: The Cross

Chapter 3: Someone who does listen to you

After lunch with Miss Yumi, Ryota seemed to have regained his usual cheerful mood. His smile—so warm and genuine—had the ability to brighten even the hardest hearts, though only those who truly understood his feelings could fully appreciate it. In a moment of silence.

—Why are you always late, Ryota? —she asked, breaking the silence.

The boy flinched, clearly nervous.

—Uhh... well... it's complicated.

—Complicated? —Yumi raised an eyebrow—. Do you have trouble sleeping or something?

Ryota looked away, scratching the back of his neck.

—Well... I don't think I should tell you, Sensei.

—Ryota, if it's something important, you need to tell me. I'm here to help —Yumi said in a soft but firm tone.

Ryota sighed, surrendering.

—Promise me you won't tell anyone.

—Promise.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Ryota took a deep breath and, with the most serious voice he could muster, confessed:

—I stay up all night watching episodes of Blazing Spirits.

Yumi blinked a couple of times, processing his response, then gently bonked him on the head with her notebook.

—YOU BRAT?! And here I was worried, thinking something serious was going on!

Ryota immediately knelt, bowing like he was in front of a king.

—I'm sorry, Sensei! I knew it would sound stupid, that's why I didn't want to say it.

Yumi sighed, still a little annoyed, but her thoughts lingered on the idea that Ryota might be hiding something else. After all, he was half-vampire. Nights were often associated with vampires in her mind, and her imagination started coming up with troubling scenarios.

Finally, she couldn't hold back anymore.

—Ryota... can I ask you something else? —she said hesitantly.

The boy looked at her, puzzled.

—Sure, Sensei. Ask me anything.

—Well... I'm not sure if I should... —Yumi brought a hand to her chin—. It might be uncomfortable for you...

—Sensei, why are you beating around the bush? Just ask me already —Ryota said with a smile.

—I just don't want to offend you.

—Don't worry, Sensei. I trust you a lot, so go ahead and ask.

Yumi took a deep breath, still unsure.

—What do you do at night? —she asked, skirting around the real question she wanted to ask.

Ryota tilted his head.

—I already told you—I watch Blazing Spirits.

—No, I don't mean that... —Yumi pursed her lips and looked away for a moment before steeling herself—. Do you... drink human blood?

The atmosphere seemed to freeze completely. Ryota lowered his head, staying silent.

Yumi began to panic internally. Maybe I offended him... Why did I say that? I'm such an idiot...

—Ryota, I... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked something so personal...

But before she could finish her apology, Ryota suddenly dropped to his knees.