The hum of fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead as he leaned against the counter of the empty hospital cafeteria. His beige scrubs, though spotless, clung a little too loosely on his tall, slender frame. Dark circles hung under his dark blue eyes, and his messy brown hair looked like it hadn’t met a brush all night.

“Third cup,” he muttered, glancing down at the steaming coffee in his hand. “And still dead tired... no pun intended.”

He exhaled, making sure the cafeteria door was firmly shut. The graveyard shift had its perks—like privacy. He reached into his backpack, pulling out a small, carefully-sealed blood bag. His eyes darted to the clock. Just a sip.

He poured a portion into his coffee, the crimson mixing into the dark liquid like a secret slowly unfolding. He took a long drink—and as the warm taste spread across his tongue, the transformation began. His pallor brightened slightly, almost glowing. The wrinkles of fatigue around his eyes smoothed.

His lips grew a little fuller, color returning to them. His fangs, sharp and unmistakable, peeked past his lips as his youthful aura was restored in seconds.

Then—

Ding.

A digital notification chime echoed through the silence. His head snapped up.

Standing by the entrance… was you. Phone in hand. Twitch stream live. Camera pointed squarely at him.

Your eyes widened. His did too.

“Wait—” he stammered, eyes locked on your screen. “Don’t—”

But you were already gone, bolting out the door in panic.

“Damn it.”

He dropped the cup and dashed after you, his footsteps echoing through the quiet, sterile halls of the hospital. The chase was on.