Chapter 24 - Confession

Ryuu took the wine, quenching his thirst, feeling the sensation and bitter taste of the wine, and was slightly precise at what he found. The taste was unlike before. Now it was simply too addictive, similar to drinking a drug. Though he pondered if it was the nature of having a [ blood magic ] that it somehow gave him a trait similar to a vampire. 

He was confused as to what reason for his simple [ Blood Magic ] to give this trait and knew that shouldn't give him these new characteristics. Ryuu thought of a few possibilities that it was an affinity trait that opened up after getting the magic or due to his system doing whatever rule it wanted.

The latter is the highest possibility. He can't say whether it was only him or other people who would experience the same change. If they acquire blood magic. 

Whatever the case maybe it shouldn't affect him negatively and just enjoy the taste of the wine that is similar to blood. 

"Whoa! Did you add something to the drink??"

"No, it's just a simple wine but I ordered it overseas."

"Damn it's amazing, man."

"Another one."

Ryuu and the bartender were baffled when Justine finished the drink rather quickly. He sighed already knowing it was going to happen. 

"Hahaha, I'll be, Young lady. Here."

He pours another glass of alcohol that was excitedly drunk by Justine. Ryuu remains silent preparing himself to take her home then glances at the woman beside him who had her phone rang.

She frowns reading the message on her phone then catches Ryuu's glance and for a brief moment, the two stare at each other. Ryuu caught her gaze that seemed to hold great pain and responsibility along with buried unrelenting anger. 

It was his intuition that said so. He gave a friendly smile before he's back to his friends. Meanwhile, the woman or rather Alexandra Trese felt something odd about him but was unable to conclude anything.

"Hey Hank, I'll go ahead since I've received messages from the boys."

"Is that so? Then good luck and keep safe."

She nodded before leaving the bar taking one last glance at Ryuu and once again saw their figure slowly blocked by the door. Ryuu wine red gaze unconscious glints at Trese before turning his attention to Justine.

"I've been pondering but why doesn't this place have any customers? It's odd how desolate that place is."

"Don't know, I'm confused as you are kid."

"Well, this should be full. I mean come on, this glass of wine is some good shit."

Ryuu tried to act dumb but wanted to know why the place was so empty when it should at least have two or more customers when it's a winter month. 

"Hahaha, I appreciate that kid. Hey, tell me your name, I'm Hank Sparrow, call me Hank."

"Ryuu Cinco. Just call me Ryuu."

Their stay in the bar was rather interesting as Ryuu tried to excuse himself to the bathroom before molding a blood clone to investigate the bar. They were small enough that they were hardly noticeable. 

He already notices a few security cameras around the bar while also walking towards the bathroom. Soon the clones ascended the second floor to find any clue or supernatural item but unfortunately, the place was clean, and couldn't find anything.

After a few hours, Justine became drunk from the amount she had drunk. It was unbelievable that her body was able to withstand that amount of alcohol.

"One hic...mwore plwease! Hic hic..."

"Jeez she just drank like a few dozen bottles of alcohol. Good luck being with her."

"Justine, that's enough for today."

"Whatcha shaying? I'm not drunk yet!  hic...I can still go! One more!"

"Yup, you're definitely drunk. Come on, let me take you home."

Ryuu helped her to stand up, placing her arm around his shoulder and assisting her every step. He could feel her chest pressed against his own but ignored it and took her money to pay for the drinks.

"Here, this should do it."

After paying for the drinks, the two immediately rode a taxi to head home safely. Once they were in the car, Justine started to rumble non-stop along the way which he had already grown accustomed to when they hung out.

"You know~ I like your new face. It's irresistible."

Ryuu was surprised when she moved closer to her and pressed her chest even more into his body causing him to be aroused especially when he felt drunk after drinking several cups of wine. 

He ponders how it was possible when his body should develop a strong metabolism that alcohol shouldn't affect him and thought it was probably the vampiric trait when he consumed blood.

Their faces were inches apart with Justine's eyes glistening that tempted Ryuu the more she gazed into her abyssal stare. Her face was red from the drunkenness and was driven by primal instincts.

"You know I like you~. Do you...Hic...like me, Ryu-Hic-u?"

'What the shit!?'

Ryuu was taken aback by the sudden confession by her as it had never happened before. He thought it was possible his sudden change.

"Why…Hic... are you...Hic hic...so quiet?  You...don't...hic...like me? Is…Hic...it because...I dress...l-like a boy?"

He paused for a moment seeing her quivering slightly suddenly by his silence before embracing him into his arms ignoring the driver who gave a thumbs up to Ryuu. 

"No, I find you appealing whether you dress like a boy or a girl. To me you're Justine and that's what is important."

Ryuu could intuitively feel himself cringing along with countless watchers seeing him act. He couldn't deny her charm was extremely enticing when she wore male clothes in a way that made his otaku side scream. 

Justine heard his words, gave a childish smile, and was happy that he didn't mind before looking at him once again.

"T-Then kiss me if you like me."

She was able to utter a single phrase without much stuttering, leaning closer to Ryuu who smiled before moving as well. Their lips were soon inches apart and made justice wait in anticipation but Ryuu moved to kiss her forehead confusing her. Justine looked at Ryuu who had a complicated expression. 

"There, did you like it?"

She was speechless hearing him before making a pout hitting him on his chest for not kissing her in the lips.

"I want...Hic..it in...hic...The lips!"

Justine cried out but gradually felt her eyes growing weaker and soon made her tired and fell asleep in Ryuu's chest with his face opting for a warm smile. 

"You'll get it when you're not drunk. I don't want to take advantage of you when you're not in the right mind. Not to mention, the unshaking feeling for my future relationship ."

Ryuu leaned his body against the car seat brushing her ever so often before they arrived in the middle-class residence where there was a small makeshift basketball ring. He carried Justine in a bridal carry where she unconsciously wrapped her arms around his shoulder.

"D-Don't...go..leave….me…" 

He could whisper silently that made him guilty for being a delusional man in desiring a selfish dream. Ryuu paid for the taxi cab before walking his way to the front door of the house giving a loud knock.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Auntie Rhea."

Rhea Reyes, Mother of Justine and a good friend of his mother who went to the same high school. 

Ryuu heard a woman's voice before the door revealed a slightly overweight woman's large hips and legs due to giving birth to multiple children. Once she saw Justine soundly leaving in his arms gave a warm smile.

"How many did she drink?"

"Several dozen at least."

"Well come inside, please lay her down on the sofa and let me handle the rest." 

He did as told placing her on the sofa but had difficulty removing her arms around his shoulder that did go unnoticed by her mother.

"I'll be going now, Auntie."

"Wait, why don't you stay for the night? It isn't safe to be alone in the streets these days."

"It's fine, Auntie. Thank you." 

"If you are so. Then keep safe." 

Ryuu nod taking quick glance at Justine before walking his way towards the door but stops when Rhea spoke.

"Have she told you how she feels?"

"...yeah…"

"Did you accept it?"

He turns to her feeling conflicted from his newfound desires and fear of hurting her for being selfish. 

"I'm....still lost." 

Rhea was taken aback by his words that sounded sincere and pondered what he meant by it but it was too late as he had already gone home.