Classic Story

The sun has reduced its heat level. Trees are even more comfortable for shelter. Coupled with the breeze, making drowsiness can arrive at any time.

However, Neko could only lean on the tree while waiting for Ritsu to wake up from his sleep. She was still thinking about Natsume, but she was also thinking about how cold Ritsu's hands were.

But, is it possible for a human to have a normal body temperature? Aren't humans warm-blooded mammals?

"Are you done playing?"

Ritsu's voice was only answered by a nod from Neko. Ritsu also got up from his sleep lazily, he also scratched the nape of his neck that didn't itch at all, "Okay, I'll take you home."

"No need. I can go home alone," refused Neko gently.

"Really? What if you were stopped by some people and asked something and asked you to leave?"

"Uh, okay. We're going home now," said Neko who had thought if Ritsu's words were true too.

And now, they are walking side by side. However, only silence appeared between them.

Ritsu walked with his hands in his pants pockets and made several people focus on him, especially the women. Meanwhile Neko walked without paying attention to the direction.

Suddenly, Ritsu put his arm around Neko which made Neko look at the sound that almost hit her. If Ritsu didn't embrace him, he might have become a Neko penyet.

"Thank you," said Neko who immediately returned to keep her distance from Ritsu. And once again, Ritsu only glanced at Neko then returned to focus on the road.

The situation was getting more and more quiet. Only the sound of footsteps mixed with the sound of the wind could be heard.

"Just tell me if there's something bothering you," said Ritsu while glancing at Neko.

Neko surrendered. He had guessed that Ritsu already knew what was in his mind.

"Perhaps... do you know why Natsume prevented me from talking to you or Eichi Tenshouin?"

Ritsu gave a smile, "Try to ask him."

Neko pursed her lips. She thought that maybe Ritsu didn't remember the conditions that had just been created between him and Natsume.

Ritsu laughed a little at Neko's behavior. However, before answering the question, Ritsu asked Neko to stop by a cafe. Even though Neko had refused, for the sake of that answer Neko had to follow Ritsu.

Arriving there, Ritsu ordered tea and Neko ordered strawberry parfait. It didn't take long for their order to arrive.

"Do you know any stories about vampires?" said Ritsu after sipping a cup of hot tea.

"Everyone knows that story. They bite and suck human blood, just like mosquitoes. Only, they are more vicious. However, some stories like Twilight, Van Helsing, Underworld, Blade, sometimes show different things," replied Neko which made Ritsu manage to laugh again.

"Hey, what's so funny?"

"Any other thoughts?" Ritsu replied which made Neko think.

"Finally, I was told by Natsume's mother that at the end of the year one thousand seven hundred and thirty-one, thirteen people in a village in Serbia died mysteriously. And it is suspected, it was the work of a vampire, Arnold Paole," explained Neko.

"Yes, more or less so," answered Ritsu who left Neko confused by her own thoughts.

"Natsume-kun holds the answer. I think it's best if you find the answer yourself, Neko."

"I don't like riddles. But, well . . . I'll find the answer."

"During that time, you shouldn't ask anyone else. Got it?"

"Huh? Why?"

"Natsume-kun will probably scold you again."

Ritsu's answer was enough to make Neko understand. Neko was again aware of the relationship with Natsume which had just been disheveled.

"Understand."

*****

I don't know how long they had been in the cafe and without noticing, the sky had darkened. The moon has replaced the position of the sun to protect the creatures of the earth.

And now, they have arrived in front of Neko's fence. However, Neko also saw Natsume who seemed to be standing outside the fence of his house.

She ignored Natsume and thanked Ritsu for taking him home. After that, she immediately entered the house.

"How many times do I have to say to stay away from him, Ritsu?" said Natsume after it was felt that Neko was quite far from the range of their chat.

"I don't think that's a problem, is it, Natsume-kun? After all, you're the one who made him fall in curiosity," replied Ritsu.

"There's a good time to tell him."

"And I think it's too late. The Fool, the card chosen by Neko, will become a reality in the near future or later. Of course, as a mage, you must have prepared various means, right?"

Natsume was silent. And of course, Ritsu's question was true. Natsume had already prepared a few things while Neko was away from him.

"Okay, I think it's time for me to go home. Good night, Natsume-kun," Ritsu said with a smirk on his face as he disappeared into the darkness and left a few maroon rose petals.

On the other hand, Neko was soaking herself in the bathtub. Just to relax, she also had time to remember all the clues given by Ritsu.

She began to daydream slowly and let his thoughts go. Neko also noticed the hand that was touched by Ritsu. Even though it had passed, the cold sensation still lingered on his skin.

After relaxation, Neko put on pajamas to sleep. However, she didn't want to sleep yet. She brought some biscuits and a glass of milk to his room.

Accompanie with a laptop, she searched for all the keywords and research related to the mythological creature.

Along the search, she found several stories if vampires were real in some parts of the world. Even though it's still gloomy, Neko is still looking for that answer. Mainly on their physical characteristics.

Pale skin, fangs, low body temperature, some of those from high castes have red beads. Sometimes they need blood, but there are also those who don't need it at all.

Of all the species, the daywalker vampire is the most dangerous. They are strong enough to walk in the sun, they are quite agile, intelligent, easy to mix with humans, and some of them are very loyal.

Its strength is not in doubt. Some daywalker vampires have the power to read minds, make other vampires suffer from certain gazes, manipulate fellow vampires, see the future, are strategists, and so on.

Neko was even more confused by all the statements, "Are they real?"