SIRENS AND car horns filled the road, and people hurried across the pedestrian lane. There, Iyana walked behind a few steps behind the man. His steps were steady, unhurried, even as the world rushed in chaos.
That made her smile wryly.
So people like this exist.
Those who never cared this much about anything else.
Then his arm lifted, smoke drifting out with a faint strawberry scent. He lowered it again. A slim vape caught between his fingers. Another smoke revealed through the post light.
Then he stopped.
One hand in his pocket, head tilted, he looked at her.
"The smoke bothers you?" His voice was quiet, low.
"No."
"Then walk beside me."
She walked over until she reached his side.
Together, they began to walk.
"You're meeting a taxi?" he asked.
"A car."
"Hurry?"
"I need to reach Mizuri before nine-thirty."
A few people crossed their path.
"Student?" he pressed.
"Yes."
"You're smart then."
"That's useless in Mizuri," she snorted, harsher than intended.
"What is useful, then?"
"People who'll serve and submit to big companies."
His lips curved faintly.
"And who," he drawled, "are these so-called vampires?"
"Vampires?"
"Yes. The ones who suck the potency of talents."
She snorted, with a wry smile. "Forget talent. Most don't even bother. They're the Chamber. It's all just connections there."
"Very large bats, no doubt." He took another drag.
She sighed. "Sorry, I'm ranting here."
"They're blood-sucking animals. To rant about them is the kindest thing you can do," he replied.
She chuckled. "The description fits. Most of these elites go out at night. You know, like clubs or casinos."
"Very," he drawled.
They reached the end of the street and turned right. Then they merged with the highway crowd. They moved carefully through the flow. A young man looked at Iyana, yet, somehow, caught sight of the tall figure beside her. So he quickly looked away.
Suddenly, there was a scream.
Everybody turned.
A boy sat crying on the pavement. His mother sneered at a man bowing in apology before dragging her child away.
Iyana and the man turned to walk again.
"The common tragedy," he said, glancing at her.
"Tragedy?"
"When a man can't believe he's seeing beauty in this street."
"Why does he need to crash into a child for that?" she asked with a slight sneer.
"You prefer those who crash straight into you?" he said, with an amused voice.
"I prefer an empty street," she muttered.
His chin lifted, mouth curving faintly.
But he said nothing.
At the next corner, the crowd stopped for the light. The light turned green, and they crossed. As soon as they reached the block's end, he turned toward another curve. Another shadowed building, and in the well-lit parking lot of a small coffee shop, a black Maybach was parked.
"That's my ride," she said, turning to him.
"Thank you," she added, politely.
The car rolled to a stop. The window slid down.
"Miss," Apple greeted, eyes flicking briefly to him.
"I didn't know this place, so he helped me," Iyana explained.
"You can come with us," Apple told the man. "Where are you going?"
"My place is far," he replied dryly.
"That's alright."
Iyana turned to him. "Just come."
His lips curved.
"You trust too much. What if I like abducting beautiful women?"
She snorted faintly. "At least two people know my location. And every post here has cameras. You'd at least be a suspect."
"Very smart," he murmured lazily. "Then… please take care of me."
They both got in.
...
SILENCE REIGNED in the car for a few minutes. While she was gazing out the window, Iyana's lips curved. Strange, that one could lock up their grievances alone in the bedroom, yet spill them out to a stranger in the middle of a crowded street.
Ironic.
It took less than an hour to reach Santan, because the car drove through private roads, and at one point, the car passed through a vineyard bordering the capital and the Mizuri district.
First Magnolia Ridge.
Now this vineyard.
She wondered just how incredible Lyron's family connections. Then she remembered the stranger again. He was quiet now, gaze on the window.
"You're from the capital?" she asked.
His head tilted.
"Yes. I work in finance."
"Oh. So you've met vampires, huh?"
He gave a faint nod.
"All kinds. Goblins, cyclopes, dragons—"
She laughed.
His lips curved as he watched her.
"No," she teased. "You'll have a harder time with nymphs."
Her smile faltered.
She looked away quickly, lips pressed tight.
"You think they can harm me?" he asked, amused.
"Not really."
"Then why say so?"
"It's just.. they think you look great."
His hum stretched low, lingering. The sound made her cheeks warm. When she turned, he cut in—
"Then I'll assume you agree with them."
Her heart fluttered.
It wasn't an agreement. Just observation.
"I don't think they can harm you," she said with a thin smile.
"Well," he said softly, lips curving, "nymphs are just athletes… with better hair."
She blinked, half-smiling.
Funny way to describe very beautiful women.
"So nymphs are nothing but superior muscle and symmetry? Then what kind of creature could, at least, annoy you?"
His expression stayed unreadable. "Mosquitoes and ticks, no doubt. They even enter with the windows closed."
She laughed.
"That's an unsolvable problem."
The car slowed to a stop before the campus gate.
"Thank you," she said, first to him, then to Apple.
"Thanks for the ride."
"Rest well, Miss. Take care," Apple replied.
Then she stepped out.
The gate loomed ahead as she walked up the ramp.
But the car didn't leave.
Inside, his knuckles rested lightly against his lips, his gaze fixed on her back. He remembered the flush in her cheeks.
His lips curved.
For now, I'll give you space.
"Sir, I've already settled the payment with the Cassia Highway management."
"Let's go," he said dryly, giving her one last look.
The car rolled away.
*