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Miki's best friend, Rhea, was the only person she trusted enough to spill secrets to.
They sat across from each other at their usual spot in the small café near campus, the smell of cinnamon and espresso comforting, the hum of chatter a perfect cover for confessions that could change everything.
Rhea sipped her iced coffee and raised a brow. "You kissed her?"
Miki winced. "Can you say that louder so the barista can hear too?"
Rhea's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Sorry, sorry. Just... wow. You kissed the hot CEO vampire."
Miki stirred her coffee, unable to look up. "It wasn't planned. We were drinking, and she was about to leave with Ren, and I just—"
"You got jealous," Rhea finished for her.
Miki's head snapped up. "I didn't."
Rhea smirked, leaning in. "You totally did. You've got it bad, Miki."
Miki groaned, burying her face in her hands. "This is insane. I don't even know what we are. I don't even know what she is. She's a vampire, Rhea. I keep forgetting that when she looks at me like... like I'm something she's afraid to lose."
Rhea's teasing smile faded, replaced by something softer.
"You really like her," she said quietly.
Miki looked away. "I don't know. Maybe. But it's complicated."
There was a pause.
Rhea drummed her fingers on her cup. "You know, I've read about vampire lore. You know what it says about... vampires falling in love?"
Miki blinked. "Rhea, not everything is like your weird supernatural romance books."
Rhea rolled her eyes. "Just listen. It says vampires don't fall in love easily. They're creatures of instinct — feeding, surviving, moving on. But when they do fall, it's like a blood bond. They imprint. It's permanent."
Miki's stomach dropped.
"Permanent?" she repeated.
Rhea nodded. "Yeah. Once they've decided, it's like... they can't let go. Ever. It's rare, but it's real. And if the person they fall for rejects them or dies... it drives them insane."
Miki's coffee went cold between her fingers.
"Are you saying Celeste—" she started, but her voice caught.
Rhea shrugged lightly. "I'm saying... if she's looking at you like that, you should be careful, Miki. Really careful."
Miki's thoughts spiraled.
The way Celeste's eyes softened when she looked at her.
The way she had kissed her back — desperately, as if she'd been holding back for too long.
The way she had promised she would protect her, even against an ancient vampire who could kill them both.
Permanent.
Unbreakable.
Forever.
Miki's heart pounded.
"Rhea..." she whispered. "What if I can't give her that?"
Rhea reached across the table, squeezing her hand. "Then you need to be honest. Don't lead her on. But also... don't run away just because you're scared."
---
Later, walking home alone, Miki's mind wouldn't stop spinning.
Permanent.
Unbreakable.
Forever.
She reached her apartment and paused outside, staring at the door next to hers — Ren's new place.
And on the balcony, Celeste was there, waiting, her coat draped over her shoulders, her hair loose around her face.
Their eyes met.
Miki didn't know what to say.
But Celeste didn't push her, didn't rush forward. She just smiled softly.
"Hey," Celeste said, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Miki opened her mouth.
Then closed it.
Then, quietly, she whispered, "Hey."
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