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

Chapter 38

Manami squirmed and wriggled around as she slowly opened her eyes. It took her a couple of blinks before the blurriness went away and she could finally see.

Surprisingly, she felt more energetic than before. The hunger she once felt was temporary gone and she could move. Well, only her fingers.

On the contrary, she couldn't move her body at all, since she felt herself being held down against something cold but warm. It was a strange feeling she only got from one person.

She looked up, noticing the branches of oak trees hanging around them, as they sat on the dry and grassy ground, leaning against a trunk. The moon was still illuminating the darkness, as the chirping of some crickets nearby emphasized the emptiness of the forest.

How long have I been out for?

She turned her head to the side, looking at what it was that she was leaning on, despite already knowing the answer.

He came.

He really came for me.

She lifted up her hand to cover her face, as she looked back down.

I can't get my hopes up.

He sees me as a prey. A pass-time. Just some plaything.

I should just escape while I can.

She turned her body to face him.

His eyes were closed, as he peacefully slept in his deep slumber. His wavy blond locks fell in front of his face, revealing his prince-like aura.

Some people really were born lucky...

She lifted up her finger and twirled it through one of his locks. So soft.

Manami sat there for a good minute, watching his face, not knowing what to expect. Did she want for him to wake up, or did she want to leave? If she waited for him to wake up, would he tell her that he feels something more for her?

It's childish to hold on to such unrealistic expectations. Even if he did feel the same way, there would be no point. He is a vampire and I am a human.

She knew the answer, and it was the one decided by the left side of her brain. The logical one.

Slowly and steadily, she moved his arms off of herself and stood up. It took a lot of control not to accidentally wake him up, but by the time she was out of his grasp, he was still asleep.

Great. Now, just turn around and go...

She stood there for a little while, staring at his face.

Then, she turned and began to walk.

She stopped again, hesitating but turning around anyways.

She looked at him one more time, before continuing to walk.

One step at a time, she made her way through the forest, but with each one, she began to feel regret. She increased her speed, as she began to speed walk, then jog, and then eventually, run.

She was going to run away from all of this. From him, the Sakamakis, the Mukamis... she was done with all of them.

I'll start from scratch. I can go to Sua's place, and live there until I find a job. Then, I can-

She couldn't finish her thought before she felt a grasp on her hand, and a yank, which pulled her back into something hard.

"Are you trying to run?" Her eyes widened, as she was met with a familiar blond man.