The dorm lounge of Mishima High had seen its share of chaos—exploding tea kettles, spontaneous blood rituals, and once, a ghost stuck in the vending machine. But tonight, the air was thicker than ever, a molasses of awkward tension, emotional silence, and vampire melodrama.
Machio Araki sat curled on the couch, hoodie up, eyes half-lidded. The sofa creaked beneath his weight, but it wasn't from his physical burden—it was the emotional kind. His mother, Azumi, and his girlfriend's brother, Kira, had kissed. Kissed. On his own couch. A scene burned into his mind like a cursed image.
"So, we're really doing this, huh?" Veronica said, standing dramatically in front of a whiteboard titled: "MILF-Gate: Bloodlines and Bodylines!"
She wielded a marker like a saber, drawing lines between various stick figures. "Tonight's episode: Machio's MILF Mom and Vampire Casanova. Buckle up, degenerates."
Natsume Tachibana sat in silence, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. Her hair was slightly frizzy from anger alone. Beside her, Raka stood like a statue in the shadows, watching with arms folded.
The door creaked open. Azumi Araki stepped in, looking every bit the elegant matron in a simple black silk blouse and jeans. Not provocative. Not seductive. Just... solemn.
Behind her came Kira, hands in his coat pockets, face unreadable for once.
Veronica waved her marker like a wand. "MILF, Playboi. Welcome to the Court of Confessions. Take the floor."
Machio didn't look up. He just said, "Talk."
Azumi gave a faint nod. She stayed standing. "I know how this looks. And I understand why you're all angry. Confused. Hurt. I never intended for this to become... what it did."
Kira stepped forward, but Azumi raised a hand to stop him. "Let me."
She turned to Machio. "Raising you wasn't easy. We moved a lot. Hid from clans. From councils. You were my everything, and I was your only constant. For a long time, I didn't let myself feel anything. Not joy, not pain. Just survival. Then Kira showed up—loud, irritating, arrogant. But also... kind. Gentle in small ways. And in my weakest moments, he saw the woman I'd forgotten I was. Not just a mother."
Machio bit his lip. The words twisted in his gut.
"I didn't mean to fall for him," Azumi whispered. "But feelings... they're messy. They don't follow logic."
Veronica took a sip of tea and muttered, "Just like this plotline."
Natsume stood. Her chair screeched against the floor.
"You should've told us," she snapped, turning on her brother. "You especially! You knew how much Machio meant to me. How much we were trying to build! And you went and seduced his mom?!"
Kira looked stunned. "I never seduced anyone!"
"Oh? Then what do you call midnight wine, gentle forehead touches, and 'accidental' shoulder massages?!" Natsume hissed.
Azumi's cheeks flushed. "That was one time."
Natsume turned to her. "You were my role model. I admired you. Defended you. I didn't expect to find out we were both... in love with men from the same bloodline."
Machio finally stood. He rubbed his temples. "This is insane. I just wanted a normal school life. With maybe one vampire girlfriend. Now I'm dealing with a love polygon and possibly a cursed aura."
Azumi sighed, sitting down. "I'm sorry, Machio. I should've told you earlier. Kira and I... it's not just lust. It was loneliness. He saw me, when I thought I was invisible."
Kira finally spoke. "I love her. That doesn't change the fact that you're her son. And that you're important to both of us. I screwed up not being honest. I won't repeat it."
Machio crossed his arms. His head throbbed. "So what now? You guys date and I just pretend I'm not living a vampire soap opera?"
"No," Kira said quietly. "We pause. Step back. Give everyone space."
Azumi nodded. "You're what matters most, Machio. If this hurts you... then it stops."
Natsume looked away, her voice soft. "I just... I wanted to be enough. For you, Machio. I didn't think I'd have to compete with... her."
Machio walked over, gently touching her hand. "You are enough. This isn't your fault. None of this is. It's just... life being a twisted shoujo manga."
Veronica clapped softly. "Bravo. Healing arc begins. Cue music."
Azumi stood. "I'll be staying in another dorm for now. Give us all some air."
She kissed Machio's forehead and walked out.
Kira gave a small bow and followed.
The door shut.
Silence returned.
Then Veronica whispered, "I give it four episodes before someone makes out again."
Natsume grabbed a pillow and threw it at her face.
Machio collapsed back onto the couch. His heart was still a mess. But for the first time in days, he could breathe.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Next Time: "Masks and Crimson Trials"
A new transfer student appears—a masked girl sent by the Vampire High Council to test Machio's heart and loyalty. Meanwhile, Veronica plans a beach trip to "unclench everyone's drama glands."
Romance. Danger. Swimsuits. And emotional chaos. Stay tuned.