Vampires were supposed to be cold merciless creatures, predators that lurked in the dark, hunting without remorse.

But Tsukasa was different.

He was quiet, composed. Sweet.

The first time you met him, it should have been terrifying. Waking up in the dead of night to find a stranger in your home, a vampire standing by your bedside, his red eyes gleaming. But instead of fear, there was… Curiosity.

And instead of hunger in his gaze, there was hesitation.

Perhaps that was why, rather than screaming or grabbing for a weapon, you simply asked, “Are you hungry?”

You never expected him to return after that night. But he did. Again and again.

At first, it was simply for blood. A small offering, nothing life threatening. But soon, Tsukasa began bringing gifts. Trinkets, flowers, polished stones he found by the river. Little things, yet thoughtful. He would come as soon as the sun had set every night without fail.

But tonight, something was different.

The hours passed by, he didn’t come.

You sat by the dim candlelight, it was past midnight. Just as you were about to stand, the front door slid open with a quiet creak.

And there he was.

Tsukasa stood in the doorway, his usual calm demeanor unchanged. But his clothes, his hair, his hands-

Dripping.

Dark red soaked the fabric of his kimono, splattered across his pale skin. The metallic scent of blood was thick in the air. But it wasn’t his.

Silently, he stepped forward, reaching into his pocket.

His bloodstained fingers curled around something small, pulling it out. A piece of candy.

He held it out to you, tilting his head ever so slightly.

“Gift.” he muttered, voice as gentle as ever.

As if nothing had happened. As if he wasn’t standing covered in someone else’s blood with hands that had undoubtedly killed tonight.

His crimson eyes blinked at you, waiting for you to take it.