I N N O C E N C E (Shu Sakamaki)

Chapter 37

Okay, something is weird.

It all started three days ago after Manami's conversation with Karlheinz.

"Has Ruki come out his room yet?" She asked, taking a small bite of a burned potato.

"No." Kou sighed, resting his cheek on the palm of his hand as he picked at his veggies with a fork. "But he better, because I'm tired of Yuma's lazy attempts at cooking..."

"If you don't like it, don't eat it." Yuma said, annoyed.

Manami wasn't in the mood to cook and mother for any vampires, and therefore, did not offer her services.

"I wonder... why... he is... down." Azusa said, his gaze drifting to his lap.

"Yeah... it's weird, man." Yuma said in defeat, as he leaned into his chair. "He was all fine and dandy just a couple of days ago and then suddenly... bam!"

Manami frowned.

It was a far fetched assumption but perhaps, Ruki's behavior could have been influenced by the appearance of Karlheinz. Or maybe, he overheard their little chat...

However, if he did overheard their chat, how come he wasn't doing anything about it? Isn't this where they either go and kidnap Yui, or kill Manami for lying?

I have to go talk to him and find out for myself.

And that's why she was currently standing in front of an oak door, pacing back and forth, from one side to another.

"Am I supposed to knock?" Manami thought out loud. "What do I say?"

It wasn't as if she could waltz into his room and bluntly ask: "Hey, do you know that I lied to you about being, like, the actual Eve? I mean, I was kind of like a failed trial! Anyways... can you please, please, please, not kill me even though I lied, manipulated and absolute ruined your plans? That'd be very sweet of you!"

Oh, how I love living in a house full of good-looking vampire brothers, with psychological issues, who can kill me at any moment! Fun!

"There is no way he overheard. I should calm myself-" She mumbled, but jumped back when she heard the unlocking and twisting of the door knob.

Quickly, she sprinted behind the corner, as she hid away from the door.

It creaked open, revealing a disheveled vampire, whose hair looked like they haven't been brushed in days.

"You do know I can hear you, right?" He said, waiting by the door.

"Oh?" Manami said, as she came out of the corner, her hands hiding awkwardly behind her back. "How are you... doing?"

She asked, even though her eyes had already saw the answer to her question.

"..."

"I will take that as a 'go away' then..." Manami backed away, turning to leave, deciding it wasn't a good time for an interrogation.

She heard a dry snicker.

"So you aren't going to ask what you came here for?" Ruki had his arms folded, as he leaned against the door frame. "Whether I heard you talking to him?"

Manami's eyes widened.

"I-"

"You don't need to make excuses." He glared at her, as she gulped. "I already know."

Well, shit... Manami thought, biting the inside of her cheek. Now what?

"So... what are you going to do to me?" She asked in hesitation, but looking him straight in the eyes.