The sun barely rose through the veil of grey clouds. Tsu district's rooftops were still soaked from last night's drizzle, and somewhere within the hazy warmth of a modest apartment…
Machio Araki tossed and turned in bed, a sheet wrapped loosely around his bare chest. Sweat trickled down his temple. His bangs stuck to his forehead.
Ding.
[New Quest: Sultry Sweat]
Condition: Survive the fever. Optional: Get taken care of by a vampire girl.
Reward: Increased resistance to bloodlust pheromones.
"Ugh… damn System… I'm dying here and you're still horny?" he groaned, voice hoarse. His muscles ached. His heart pounded erratically in his chest like a rebellious drum. He couldn't tell if the heat rising through his body was the fever or the effects of last night's "Crimson Pact."
He clutched his pillow and mumbled, "…Tachibana…"
---
At Heiron High...
Tachibana's silver ponytail shimmered under the school lights as she walked the hallway with her arms crossed, unusually quiet. She ignored the stares from jealous girls and love-struck boys. Her lips were tight. Her crimson eyes narrowed.
Something was off.
She hadn't felt that pull since her coming-of-age ritual. That moment when a vampire's blood aligned with fate.
And now… Machio's scent haunted her. She could feel his pulse even from blocks away.
"What the hell happened to you…?" she muttered, gripping the school railing.
"Yo!" Nariyuki waved from across the courtyard, a meat bun in his mouth. "Machio's got a fever! Real spicy one too! His mom left for work, so he's solo."
Tachibana blinked.
"…Alone?"
The meat bun fell from Nariyuki's mouth as he saw her expression change.
"…You're not gonna bite him again, right?"
She didn't reply.
She was already gone.
---
Meanwhile, deep beneath Kyoto…
In the ancient underground chamber known as Crimson Hollow, lit by blood-lanterns and carved obsidian pillars, a woman sat on a jagged throne of bones.
Rosria.
The leader of the rival vampire clan. Thesa knelt before her, black cloak stained with claw marks and ash from last night's clash.
"I've seen him, my lady," Thesa said, biting her lip. "The Crimson Pact… it chose him."
Rosria's eyes glowed with blood-purple fire. Her fangs elongated beneath her dark lipstick.
"Describe him."
"A pervert," Thesa muttered. "But… his aura is twisted. He's developing faster than any vessel I've seen. He broke Tachibana's bond. And when he touched me… I—I felt shame."
Rosria rose, red velvet dress flowing like ink. Her heels echoed across the stone.
"To shame a vampire… how divine," she whispered, caressing Thesa's chin. "We must reclaim him."
"But the Pact—"
Rosria's nail traced down Thesa's neck.
"If he belongs to no clan… then by our laws, he is free game."
---
Back at Machio's apartment…
Clack.
The front door creaked open. A breeze carried the scent of lavender and danger.
Tachibana stepped in, locking the door behind her.
"Machio?" she called, slipping off her shoes. The apartment was quiet, save for the soft hum of the fan. She tiptoed to his room and pushed the door.
There he was—shirtless, sweating, cheeks flushed.
Her cheeks heated too.
She sighed and knelt beside him, placing a hand on his forehead.
"Burning up… idiot. You really pushed yourself."
She got up, wandered into the kitchen, and, surprisingly, made him porridge. It was a little salty, and she might have added too much ginger, but still—effort counted.
When she brought the bowl back in, he stirred.
"...Tachibana?" His voice cracked.
"Shh," she whispered. "Eat. You'll sweat it out."
She gently fed him spoonfuls, wiping his mouth with a towel every now and then. Her thighs pressed together. The heat was spreading.
"Your… scent's changed," she murmured.
He looked at her lazily. "I feel like I'm gonna melt."
"You already are," she smirked.
Suddenly—
[Quest Update: Sultry Sweat – Phase 2]
Condition: Reverse nurse scenario activated. Optional: Feed her next.
Bonus: Shared sweat exchange (kinky).
Machio blinked.
"What—?"
But he didn't get the chance to process it. Tachibana leaned forward and dabbed the sweat from his chest—then, without thinking, she licked the towel.
"…Salty," she murmured, blushing hard. "Don't ask why I did that."
He stared, mouth wide.
"I—I wasn't gonna—"
She put a finger to his lips. "Shut up and get better."
They both paused.
Their faces were close. Breath mingling. Her silver bangs tickled his forehead.
Then—
ACHOO!
Tachibana sneezed, falling back into his arms.
"…Oh no," she whispered.
The screen blinked.
[New Condition: Vampire Cold]
Tachibana has contracted 'Crimson Fever.' Symptoms: increased pheromones, needy instincts, and emotional volatility.
Machio's nose bled immediately.
"This is NOT gonna end well."
---
Elsewhere…
Rosria rose from her throne and summoned her shadow courtiers.
"We move tonight," she declared. "Tachibana has fallen ill. The boy is unguarded. We take him… and break the rules."
Her guards bowed. Thesa looked hesitant.
"My lady, if we do this, the High Coven—"
"Screw the Coven," Rosria spat. "This Crimson King will belong to me."
Her crimson eyes glinted.
"And if he resists… then we'll make him submit."
---
To Be Continued…