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Chapter Text

Introducing......

     ● Name: Atsushi Nakajima

● Age: Soon To Be 20

● Has A Sweet, Kind & Innocent Nature

● Doesn't Have Many Friends

● Name: Akutagawa Ryuunosuke

● Age: Not Known

● Is Heartless, Brutal & Distant

● Is A Vampire, Not A Mere One But The Prince 

● He Rules Over Mythical Creatures 

● Searching For His Missing 'Mate' 

● Name: Kunikida Doppo

● Age: Not Known

● Royal General 

● One Of Akutagawa's Most Trusted Man

● Mate Of Dazai

● Name: Dazai Osamu

● Age: Not Known But In Atsushi's Perspective, She's 25

● Cheeky, Blunt & Playful But Is Very Caring To Atsushi 

● Atsushi Considers Dazai As Her Best Friend, Family & Big Sister

● Knows That She's Supposedly The Mate Of Kunikida 

TO BE CONTINUE....

Chapter Text

"Relax Atsushi... You'll Be Fine.... Right?" 

Atsushi mumbled as she looked up at the imposing skyscraper, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and trepidation. She had heard about the Yokohama Co., the biggest and probably the most successful company in all of Japan. Landing a job there would be an answer to her prayers, but she couldn't shake off the nerves that coiled in her stomach as she pushed the revolving door, stepping into the grand lobby.

The lobby was a world of sleek modernity, all glass and steel, with a reception desk strategically placed in the center. Behind the marble desk, a young woman with a pleasant smile looked up.

"Good morning, mam. How may I help you today?" She asked, her voice polite and cheerful.

Atsushi took a deep breath, forcing herself to sound more confident than she felt, "Oh, good morning. I'm here for a job interview. I have an appointment with Mr. Akutagawa?" 

She said, trying to keep her voice level, praying that she didn't sound as nervous as she felt inside. The woman behind the desk nodded, her fingers tapping away at her computer, her eyes scanning the screen. After a moment, she looked back up at him, a small smile still on her lips.

"Mhm, Mr. Akutagawa is expecting you. You're a bit early, but you can head upstairs to his office if you'd like. Just take the elevator to the 34th floor, you'll find his office there."

Atsushi nodded, a mix of excitement and nervousness making her stomach flutter.

"34th floor" she repeated to himself as she walked towards the elevator. The ride up felt like a rollercoaster ride, her heart beating faster with every passing floor. He couldn't believe she was about to meet the CEO of the country's biggest company. This was his chance at bettering her life, at maybe even escaping the cycles of poverty and uncertainty that had been her existence up until now.

The elevator came to a stop, the doors opening with a soft ping to reveal a hallway of polished wood and carpeted floors. The only sound was the faint ticking of a clock and the sound of her own heels clicking on the floor as she walked down the hall, searching for the right door to Akutagawa's office. Finally, she arrived at the end of the hallway, where a sign on the door read "Ryunosuke Akutagawa, CEO" in bold, silver lettering.

Atsushi paused outside the door, her heart in her throat. She took a deep breath, smoothing down her clothes and running a hand through her hair, hoping she looked presentable. She raised her hand, knuckles hovering over the glossy black wood of the door. All she had to do was knock. Just a simple knock.

She took one more steadying breath, and then she knocked. Her knuckles rapped lightly against the door, the sound loud and echoing in her ears. There was a short pause, an eternity in her mind, and then a voice from within,

"Come in"

Atsushi jumped slightly at the sound of his voice, deep and authoritative, even through the thick wood of the door. She took a moment to compose herself, her hand on the doorknob, her heart pounding in her chest. With a final, fortifying breath, she opened the door and stepped inside.

The office was as sleek and modern as the rest of the building, all clean lines and sharp angles. Atsushi's gaze roved the room, taking in the large glass desk, the abstract art on the walls, and the commanding view of the city from the window. But her gaze was ultimately drawn to the man who sat behind the desk, his eyes studying her with an inscrutable expression.

Ryunosuke Akutagawa, CEO of Yokohama Co., and according to all accounts, the most powerful and influential businessman in the country. He was not at all what she had expected. He was younger, for one, no older than his early thirties, with sharp, angular features, dark hair, and eyes that felt like they could pierce right through her. He seemed to radiate power, but at the same time, there was a guardedness to his expression that made him seem... distant.

He sat behind his desk, a slight frown on his face, his gaze still on her. He was dressed in an impeccable suit, the cut of the fabric flattering his lean frame. Despite the professional veneer, there was a hint of something else lingering in his gaze—a curiosity, perhaps, or something more sinister.

"You're early," he said, his voice cutting through the silence, making her jump a little.

"Oh, um, yes, I apologize," she stuttered, her nerves kicking back in full force. She fidgeted with a stray strand of hair, her eyes shifting from his face to the room around them, trying to figure out which was less disconcerting.

"I just... I wanted to make a good impression," she said, her voice a soft, nervous whisper.

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving her face. He seemed... amused, but there was something more behind the expression, something she couldn't quite place.

"Sit"

He said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk, "I have a few questions for you" 

Atsushi obeyed, her knees suddenly feeling like they were made of jelly. She crossed the room, the click of her heels loud in the otherwise quiet room, and settled into the chair. She resisted the urge to curl in on herself under his intense gaze, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap.

He watched her squirm for a moment, his hand drumming silently against the surface of the desk. His eyes raked over her, assessing, studying, like a predator sizing up its prey. Then, he spoke, his voice cool and businesslike, "Your resume"

He said, holding up a neat folder with her name on it, "You graduated at the top of your class from Yokohama University, correct?"

Atsushi managed a small nod, her heart in her throat. She wondered just how much he knew about her, how much was in that folder in his hands.

"Yes, that's right....I graduated valedictorian" She muttered quietly.

He hummed, his eyes flickering over the documents in the file, his fingers flipping through the pages, "Impressive"

eHe said, his tone almost admiring. "And your last job was as... an administrative assistant?" 

There was a pause as he continued to flip through her files, his eyes scanning the pages of text and numbers. When he spoke again, his voice had taken on a slightly dubious tone,

"And what makes you think you're qualified for this job? The position you applied for isn't exactly entry level"

Atsushi swallowed hard, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a good answer, "I... I'm a fast learner and a hard worker"

She said, her voice gaining some confidence. "I may not have a lot of experience, but I'm willing to put in the effort and learn whatever skills are necessary"

He quirked an eyebrow at her, his eyes still scanning the documents in the file, his expression unreadable as he said, a non-committal sound, "And what about stress? Are you good under pressure?"

Atsushi had to resist the urge to let out a bitter laugh. Stress? She was more familiar with it than she cared to admit. But she managed to maintain a neutral expression and nod, "I think so"

She said, her voice steady despite the way her pulse quickened, "I... I've had my fair share of stressful situations"

He finally looked up from the file, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her shiver. He pushed the folder aside and leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk, his hands steepled in front of him, "You understand the job is demanding, don't you? Long hours, no room for error. Can you handle that kind of pressure, day in and day out? Without breaking?"

His words were a challenge, a subtle test. But Atsushi was also not going back down, not when she has decided on,

"I can handle it"

She said, with more conviction than she'd ever felt in her life. "I won't break, I promise"

He gave a small, humorless chuckle, sitting back in his chair, his eyes never leaving her face. He seemed... almost intrigued now, like a cat toying with a mouse.

"You're quite determined, aren't you? You're not scared that your resolve will crumble once the weight of this job sinks in?"

Atsushi felt heat rise in her cheeks, a mixture of annoyance and stubborn pride. She wasn't going to back down, not now. She could feel his gaze roving over her, trying to read her emotions, and she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of seeing her waver, "I won't break"

She repeated, her voice firm, her eyes locked on his. "I'm not afraid of hard work, or long hours, or whatever challenges this job throws at me"

Akutagawa suddenly smiled then, an almost dangerous smile. His eyes glittered with a kind of dark amusement that made her stomach twist into knots. He seemed... entertained, almost pleased.

"Very well then~ Let's put your resolve to the test, shall we?"

Atsushi swallowed, knowing that she was about to get herself into something potentially way more than she could handle, but her spine was straight, her chin high. She was done with the poverty and the uncertainty, and if this was the only way to get out of it, she'd play his game. She took a deep breath,

 "Understood. What's the assignment?"

He smiled again, the gesture not reaching his eyes. He leaned back, his fingers tapping a rhythm out on the surface of the desk, "Your assignment is this"

He said, his voice cool and calculating, "You will work here, as my personal assistant. Your job will be to keep my schedule, handle my appointments, and essentially maintain order in my day-to-day life. And you will be on call. Day or night. If I call, you answer. Understood?"

Atsushi felt her chest tighten, her heart thudding wildly as the implications of his words settled over her. Personal assistant. On call. Day or night. It was... more intensive than she had been expecting. Still, she steeled her nerves, her voice firm, "I..understand"

She said, her throat dry, "I accept the assignment"

His smile grew faintly wider, his eyes glittering with something she couldn't quite define. It was almost a predatory expression, like he had just caught a particularly interesting prey.

"Good, then your first task will be to come here, tomorrow. Bright and early, six a.m. Don't be late. You work here now, and I don't tolerate tardiness"

Atsushi nodded, her mind racing. There was something about his gaze that made her skin crawl, something that felt... almost predatory. But she was committed now. She'd agreed to this assignment, and she wasn't a quitter, "I'll be here"

She said, mustering as much confidence as she could manage, "Six a.m. sharp"

He seemed satisfied with her response, his smile stretching a little wider, more predatory now than it had been a moment before. His eyes narrowed slightly, studying her like a scientist would a specimen on a slide, "Good"

He repeated, "You're dismissed for now. I'll see you tomorrow. Oh, and one last thing"

Atsushi had started to stand, her movements stiff and nervous, but his last words stalled her. She looked at him, her heart thudding against her ribs. She had an idea of what was coming next, and her stomach was in knots.

"What?" she asked, trying to keep her voice as steady as possible.

He leaned back in his chair, the shadows cast by the dim light of the office hiding most of his face. There was a pause, a moment of tense silence where he seemed to be savoring the moment before dropping the inevitable bomb, "You're mine now" 

He said, his voice low and silky, "Your time, your effort, your obedience. All mine. Understood?"

Atsushi's heart skipped a beat, a shiver of unease running down her spine at his words. "Mine". The way he said it, so casually, like he was making a claim on an object rather than a person. Still, she nodded, her voice coming out a little more high-pitched than normal,

"Understood," she mumbled, feeling like she had just signed a pact with the devil himself.

As Atsushi stared at him longer, she found herself swallowing hard, her body tensing as she took in his changed appearance. His eyes had started to glow a deep, unsettling red, and his mouth was... wrong. Something was definitely wrong with his mouth. Fangs were starting to peek out from beneath his lips, long and sharp. Her heart was hammering wildly in her chest, her body shaking with a mixture of fear and adrenaline.

"What...what are you?" she managed to stammer out, her voice shaking.

His smile grew wider, the fangs on display now, making his already sinister expression even more menacing. He chuckled, dark and rich, a sound that sent chills down her spine, "What do I look like to you, little mouse?"

He asked, his voice low and silky. "Does the wolf in sheep's clothing not intrigue you?"

Atsushi's mind was spinning, her heart thundering against her ribs. There was no doubt in her mind now that something was very wrong with this man, something fundamentally inhuman. There were fangs in his mouth, for god's sake. But she couldn't afford to show weakness now. She had to stay strong.

"You're not human," she managed to say, her voice still shaking a little but gaining some strength.

He raised an eyebrow, the smile still on his lips. He cocked his head slightly, studying her like she was an interesting specimen in a jar. He slowly stood, his movements deliberate and predatory, his eyes never leaving hers, "Very observant of you"

He said, his voice a deep, rumbling purr, "But then again, you're smart, aren't you? A smart little thing, all alone in the big city. Just perfect for a predator like me"

Atsushi felt her fear and trepidation climb as he approached, the click of his shoes on the hardwood floor sending shivers through her. She forced herself not to back away, to stand her ground even though her every instinct was screaming for her to run. She was frozen in place, like a mouse in the coils of a snake.

"What...what do you want from me?" she managed to ask, her voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckled again, stopping directly in front of her, the height difference suddenly very apparent. He loomed over her, tall and imposing, his eyes like twin pools of endless night. He reached out, his fingers tracing a light, almost teasing line down her cheek. His touch sent a jolt of electricity through her.

"I want many things, little mouse," he murmured, his voice dropping to a deep, velvety purr. "But you... you're going to be my favorite toy" 

Atsushi felt a mixture of fear and revulsion at his words, but there was something else there too, something that made her skin prickly and her chest tight. It was the way he was looking at her, like a cat that had just spotted a particularly juicy mouse.

"I...I won't be your toy," she said, forcing her voice to stay steady despite the way her heart was thundering in her chest. 

He chuckled again, the sound low and predatory. His fingers traced down her jawline, her neck, stopping at the base of her throat. He didn't apply any pressure yet, but the threat was implicit,

"Oh, you will~"

He said, his voice a low, silky threat, "You'll do exactly what I say. You'll dance like a marionette, tug on your strings whenever I want. You're mine now, little mouse, and you'll find it's much easier to give in than to fight" 

Akutagawa chuckled Uncannily, "So that's the start, welcome in my hell, doll~ will see ya tomorrow morning, assistant~" 

'Or not?' 

TO BE CONTINUE....

Chapter Text

"What the hell is going on?" 

Atsushi stumbled into her small, cramped apartment, closing the door behind her with a shaky sigh. She leaned against it, her legs feeling like jelly, her mind in turmoil. The events of the interview were still on replay in her mind, Akutagawa's words, his touch... it was like a bad dream that she couldn't wake up from.

She stumbled over to the couch, dropping down onto it with a weary thud. The silence of her apartment was oppressive, making her thoughts louder and more chaotic.

She leaned her head back, closing her eyes. She tried to calm her breathing, but her heart was still racing, her body still humming with conflicting emotions. The thought of going to work tomorrow, of seeing him again, filled her with a mix of dread and... anticipation? She shouldn't feel that way, she shouldn't. He was terrifying, monstrous, a danger to her in every way. But... there was a part of her that was drawn to him, that wanted to know more, to feel more...

She groaned, running a hand over her face. This was crazy. She was losing her mind. Yes, he was handsome, in a dangerous, sinister sort of way. Yes, he had a certain magnetism, a power that drew her towards him like a moth to a flame. But that didn't change the fact that he was a monster, a force of darkness that could consume her whole if she wasn't careful.

She opened her eyes, staring up at the ceiling. The silence in her apartment seemed to grow heavier, more oppressing. She felt alone, vulnerable. And she hated it. Suddenly, the thought of going to bed, being alone with her thoughts, felt unbearable. She needed... distraction, something to take her mind off the chaos inside her head.

She sat up suddenly, a thought occurring to her. Maybe a cold shower would help. Maybe the shock of the water would jolt her back to reality, shake away the cobwebs in her brain. She pushed herself up off the couch, the effort sending a wave of dizziness through her. The events of the day had left her weak, exhausted. But she needed to get it together, and getting cleaned up seemed like a good start.

She made her way into the bathroom, flicking on the light. The harsh, artificial light stung her eyes, making her wince. She undressed numbly, discarding her clothes on the floor. The chill of the air against her bare skin sent a shiver through her, but it also felt good, grounding her in reality.

She stepped into the shower, shivering as the cold water hit her skin. The water was like needles, prickling and biting against her flesh. She leaned her head against the cool tiles, letting the water wash over her, hoping it would bring clarity, calm. But her mind was still swirling with images, memories of the day, of him...

All of a sudden, Atsushi tensed, a cold prickling sensation running down her spine. She suddenly felt exposed, vulnerable. She tried to shake the feeling, telling herself it was just her imagination. But the feeling persisted, like an icy, invisible stare burning into her. She slowly turned her head, her eyes scanning the bathroom, searching for the source of the sensation.

The room was empty, but the feeling of being watched only grew stronger. She swallowed, her heart hammering in her chest. She tried to remain calm, to tell herself it was just her mind playing tricks on her. But the longer she stood there, the more real the feeling became. It was as if she could feel eyes on her, watching her every move, studying her bare skin with a possessiveness that made her stomach churn.

She couldn't deny it any longer, she was being watched. But by who? And how long had they been there? The thought of someone seeing her, invading her privacy like this, sent a wave of both fear and anger through her. She wanted to retreat, to cover herself, but the feeling of being observed made her immobile, frozen in place like a hunted animal.

Sudden burst of paranoia flooded her mind - what if someone had broken into her apartment, what if they were hidden in a corner, watching her with a twisted, predatory gaze? The thought was terrifying, and yet she couldn't bring herself to move. She just stood there, the cold water still running over her skin, the feeling of being watched becoming more intense by the second.

So acting on instincts, Atsushi quickly wrapped the towel around her body, her hands shaking slightly as she clutched the edges together. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, and quickly dialed Dazai's number. The phone rang once, twice, before Dazai's cheerful voice answered on the other end.

"Dazai-san" Atsushi said, her voice wavering slightly,

"I need you to come over. Something...something weird is happening"

There was a moment of silence on the other end, and then Dazai's voice, still cheerful but tinged with concern,

"What kind of weird, Atsushi-kun? Are you okay?"

"I...I'm not sure" she replied, her voice still shaky,

"I'm at home and I feel like I'm being watched. Like there's someone here, watching me. But I can't see anyone" 

There was another pause, and then Dazai spoke again, her voice serious now, "Okay, listen to me, Atsushi-kun. I'm on my way. Stay on the line with me until I get there, okay?"

"Okay" Atsushi said, clutching the phone tighter. Her heart was still racing, the feeling of being watched still as intense as ever. But having Dazai on the line made her feel a little less alone, a little safer, "Please...please hurry" 

Dazai's voice was reassuring, calm and steady, "I'm on my way, Atsushi-kun. Just hold on a bit longer, okay? I'll be there soon"

She could hear the sound of traffic in the background as Dazai began to walk towards her apartment. Atsushi repeated an 'Okay', her voice barely a whisper. Her eyes darted around the bathroom, still searching for any sign of an intruder, but the room remained empty, the feeling of being watched as strong as ever.

Subsequently Atsushi felt her blood run cold, a shiver of terror racing down her spine. There was someone behind her, close enough to feel their breath on her neck. She froze, her entire body tensing. She tried to speak, to call out, but her voice was lost in her throat.

She started to turn, to face whoever it was, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her. It was large and cold, and it had a possessive grip on her, keeping her in place. She tried to struggle, to pull away, but the hand on her shoulder was like a vise. She was trapped, exposed in nothing but a towel with someone right behind her, close enough to...close enough to...

Panic flooded her mind, but she struggled to remain calm, to think clearly. She knew she needed to fight, to defend herself, but the feeling of being completely vulnerable, with nothing between her and whoever was behind her...it was terrifying.

"W-who's there?" she finally managed to force out, her voice a shaky whisper.

There was a low, sinister chuckle from behind her, the sound sending a cold shiver down her spine. The hand on her shoulder squeezed, almost possessively. She felt someone lean in, their body pressed against hers from behind, their chin on her shoulder, their breath stirring the wet strands of her hair.

She wanted to scream, to fight, but she was frozen, caught between panic and terror. She could feel the press of their body against her back, the heat of their breath on her skin. Whoever was there was strong, powerful, and they seemed to be relishing her fear, enjoying her helplessness.

Then in a blink of realization, Atsushi's eyes widened as she recognised the voice, a wave of disbelief mixed with fear washed over her. It couldn't be...it couldn't be him. But deep down, she knew it was. The low, sinister chuckle, the possessive grip on her shoulder...it was definitely him.

She tried to pull away, but his grip was tight, his body pressed against hers from behind, keeping her in place. She could feel the heat radiating off of him, the power and strength of his body as it pressed against her nearly naked form. 

She wanted to speak, to yell at him, to demand that he let her go. But her voice was stuck in her throat, trapped in a mix of fear, disbelief, and something else...something she refused to acknowledge. She was trembling now, her body reacting in ways she didn't want to think about.

He chuckled again, his voice a low, mocking whisper against her ear. His hand moving to caress her exposed collarbone before pulling away. Atsushi gasped, the sudden absence of his body against hers jarring her out of her swirling thoughts. She turned quickly, the towel still clutched around her body, her eyes searching the bathroom for any sign of him.

That's when Dazai burst into the bathroom, a mix of concern and determination on her face. Her eyes quickly scanned the room, taking in the scene – Atsushi, standing there clutching the towel, the shower still running, water pouring over her trembling form.

"Atsushi-kun" Dazai said, her voice calm yet urgent,

"Are you okay?" She approached her slowly, her eyes taking in the situation, the way the towel wasn't wrapped around her properly, the flush on her cheeks, and the look of dazed confusion in her eyes.

Atsushi was still reeling from the sudden turn of events, her heart racing, her mind in turmoil. She wanted to tell Dazai what had happened, that Akutagawa had been there, invading her privacy, touching her, but the words stuck in her throat, shame mingling with confusion and something else...

Dazai drew closer, her eyes flickering over Atsushi's form, taking in the details, the way the towel clung to her body, revealing more than it covered. She raised an eyebrow, a silent query, and Atsushi could see the questions in her eyes, the silent demand for an explanation.

Atsushi swallowed, glancing down at herself, suddenly feeling painfully exposed. The towel was doing a poor job of covering her, and she could feel Dazai's perceptive gaze burning into her, picking up on every detail, every hint of something that she didn't want to acknowledge.

Dazai reached out, gently pulling the towel more securely around her, a concerned frown on her face. But there was something else in her eyes, a look that made Atsushi's heart skip a beat, a look that said she had already figured out something, knew something that she wasn't letting on.

While adjusting the towel, Dazai widened up her eyes as she saw the symbol forming on Atsushi's neck, the ominous mark standing out against her pale skin. She recognized it immediately, knowing exactly what it meant.

"Atsushi-kun....show me your back" 

Atsushi flinched, a feeling of dread coursing through her. She knew what Dazai was asking for, knew what she would find. But still, she slowly turned around, baring her back to Dazai. Her heart was racing, her breath coming in short, shaky gasps.

Dazai stepped closer, her eyes locking on to Atsushi's back, a mix of shock and disbelief on her face. The mark was there, as she suspected, a deep, dark red against her pale skin. Dazai knew what it meant, knew that it was a sign of an unmistakeable bond, a connection that should not exist.

She reached out, her fingers tracing the edges of the symbol lightly, the touch sending a shiver down Atsushi's spine. Dazai's face was a mask of quiet contemplation, her mind working through the implications of what this mark meant, what it signified.

Atsushi felt a mixture of fear and mortification under Dazai's gaze. She didn't dare turn to look at her face, but she could feel Dazai's eyes on her, taking in every detail, every implication of the mark on her skin. And yet, there was something else beneath the fear, a strange sense of connection....

Dazai withdrew her hand, letting it fall to her side. Her expression was thoughtful, her eyes fixed on the mark on Atsushi's back, as if trying to decipher some secret message that it held. Then, she spoke, her voice unusually serious, "Atsushi-kun"

Dazai said, her voice measured, "This mark...it means a bond. A bond with another individual a-and....."

Atsushi closed her eyes, her chest tightening as Dazai's words registered. She had already guessed as much, but hearing it confirmed, hearing the seriousness in Dazai's voice, sent a wave of unease through her. But before she could respond, Dazai's next words made her blood run cold.

Dazai had a panicked look in her eyes as she looked into Atsushi's eyes apologetically,  "I-I'm Sorry Atsushi-kun but you are...."

Atsushi felt her heart skip a beat, a cold dread gripping her. Dazai's eyes were wide, panicked, her expression apologetic. It was as if she was hesitant to say the words, as if the next words out of her mouth would change everything. Atsushi braced herself, her mind racing with a thousand different scenarios, each more terrifying than the last.

"I'm what?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dazai took a deep breath, a mix of guilt and fear in her eyes. She hesitated, as if she was mentally preparing herself to say the words that she didn't want to utter, that would change the world as Atsushi knew it.

Dazai closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her courage. When she spoke, her voice was steady, but filled with a deep, sorrowful regret,

"You are...you're bonded...to the prince of vampires" 

TO BE CONTINUE.....

Chapter Text

"What the hell is going on?" 

Atsushi stumbled into her small, cramped apartment, closing the door behind her with a shaky sigh. She leaned against it, her legs feeling like jelly, her mind in turmoil. The events of the interview were still on replay in her mind, Akutagawa's words, his touch... it was like a bad dream that she couldn't wake up from.

She stumbled over to the couch, dropping down onto it with a weary thud. The silence of her apartment was oppressive, making her thoughts louder and more chaotic.

She leaned her head back, closing her eyes. She tried to calm her breathing, but her heart was still racing, her body still humming with conflicting emotions. The thought of going to work tomorrow, of seeing him again, filled her with a mix of dread and... anticipation? She shouldn't feel that way, she shouldn't. He was terrifying, monstrous, a danger to her in every way. But... there was a part of her that was drawn to him, that wanted to know more, to feel more...

She groaned, running a hand over her face. This was crazy. She was losing her mind. Yes, he was handsome, in a dangerous, sinister sort of way. Yes, he had a certain magnetism, a power that drew her towards him like a moth to a flame. But that didn't change the fact that he was a monster, a force of darkness that could consume her whole if she wasn't careful.

She opened her eyes, staring up at the ceiling. The silence in her apartment seemed to grow heavier, more oppressing. She felt alone, vulnerable. And she hated it. Suddenly, the thought of going to bed, being alone with her thoughts, felt unbearable. She needed... distraction, something to take her mind off the chaos inside her head.

She sat up suddenly, a thought occurring to her. Maybe a cold shower would help. Maybe the shock of the water would jolt her back to reality, shake away the cobwebs in her brain. She pushed herself up off the couch, the effort sending a wave of dizziness through her. The events of the day had left her weak, exhausted. But she needed to get it together, and getting cleaned up seemed like a good start.

She made her way into the bathroom, flicking on the light. The harsh, artificial light stung her eyes, making her wince. She undressed numbly, discarding her clothes on the floor. The chill of the air against her bare skin sent a shiver through her, but it also felt good, grounding her in reality.

She stepped into the shower, shivering as the cold water hit her skin. The water was like needles, prickling and biting against her flesh. She leaned her head against the cool tiles, letting the water wash over her, hoping it would bring clarity, calm. But her mind was still swirling with images, memories of the day, of him...

All of a sudden, Atsushi tensed, a cold prickling sensation running down her spine. She suddenly felt exposed, vulnerable. She tried to shake the feeling, telling herself it was just her imagination. But the feeling persisted, like an icy, invisible stare burning into her. She slowly turned her head, her eyes scanning the bathroom, searching for the source of the sensation.

The room was empty, but the feeling of being watched only grew stronger. She swallowed, her heart hammering in her chest. She tried to remain calm, to tell herself it was just her mind playing tricks on her. But the longer she stood there, the more real the feeling became. It was as if she could feel eyes on her, watching her every move, studying her bare skin with a possessiveness that made her stomach churn.

She couldn't deny it any longer, she was being watched. But by who? And how long had they been there? The thought of someone seeing her, invading her privacy like this, sent a wave of both fear and anger through her. She wanted to retreat, to cover herself, but the feeling of being observed made her immobile, frozen in place like a hunted animal.

Sudden burst of paranoia flooded her mind - what if someone had broken into her apartment, what if they were hidden in a corner, watching her with a twisted, predatory gaze? The thought was terrifying, and yet she couldn't bring herself to move. She just stood there, the cold water still running over her skin, the feeling of being watched becoming more intense by the second.

So acting on instincts, Atsushi quickly wrapped the towel around her body, her hands shaking slightly as she clutched the edges together. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, and quickly dialed Dazai's number. The phone rang once, twice, before Dazai's cheerful voice answered on the other end.

"Dazai-san" Atsushi said, her voice wavering slightly,

"I need you to come over. Something...something weird is happening"

There was a moment of silence on the other end, and then Dazai's voice, still cheerful but tinged with concern,

"What kind of weird, Atsushi-kun? Are you okay?"

"I...I'm not sure" she replied, her voice still shaky,

"I'm at home and I feel like I'm being watched. Like there's someone here, watching me. But I can't see anyone" 

There was another pause, and then Dazai spoke again, her voice serious now, "Okay, listen to me, Atsushi-kun. I'm on my way. Stay on the line with me until I get there, okay?"

"Okay" Atsushi said, clutching the phone tighter. Her heart was still racing, the feeling of being watched still as intense as ever. But having Dazai on the line made her feel a little less alone, a little safer, "Please...please hurry" 

Dazai's voice was reassuring, calm and steady, "I'm on my way, Atsushi-kun. Just hold on a bit longer, okay? I'll be there soon"

She could hear the sound of traffic in the background as Dazai began to walk towards her apartment. Atsushi repeated an 'Okay', her voice barely a whisper. Her eyes darted around the bathroom, still searching for any sign of an intruder, but the room remained empty, the feeling of being watched as strong as ever.

Atsushi's breath caught in her throat as she felt hot breaths against her nape. She was paralyzed by fear, her heart pounding in her chest. In a panic, she quickly turned around to face the source of the sensation, only to find... nothing. There was no one there. She was alone. But the feeling of being watched was stronger than ever.

Atsushi's ears picked up on the deep chuckle close to her ear, and she froze in terror. A hand then caressed her shoulder, sending chills down her spine. She slowly turned her head to face the source of the touch, her eyes wide with fear and disbelief. 

Standing behind her was Akutagawa, his eyes gleaming wickedly in the semi-darkness. A sinister smile played on his lips as he continued to run his hand over her shoulder, his touch almost possessive. 

Atsushi swore she saw Akutagawa whispering something like "You are the one..." But with the next blink, he was gone, like he was there at first place even. 

Atsushi stood there, stunned and terrified, still feeling the lingering sensation of Akutagawa's touch on her shoulder. She blinked, hoping it was just her imagination, but he was gone. The room was empty and silent. She shook her head, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Had it been a nightmare? A hallucination?

Suddenly Dazai barged inside, her face wretched with worry as she stepped near the almost naked Atsushi covered by a towel. Meanwhile Atsushi was startled by the sudden intrusion and jumped back, clutching the towel tighter around her body. But relaxed when she saw it was her friend. 

Dazai, noticing Atsushi's panicked state and the towel wrapped around her body, tried to calm her down. She could see the fear in her friend's eyes and knew something was wrong. 

Dazai took a step closer, her  gentle and concerned, "Atsushi, what happened? You look terrified. are you okay? Was someone here?" 

Atsushi looked at Dazai with a mix of relief and fear in her eyes. She didn't know where to begin, unsure if what she had experienced was real or imaginary. However, the comfort of her trusted friend was overwhelming, and she found herself trembling as she tried to find the words to explain what had happened.

She swallowed hard, her voice shaky as she spoke, "D-Dazai... I don't know h-how to explain it. I..I think I saw—no, felt something. Someone was watching me, but there was no one there. And then I felt... a touch on my shoulder, and when I turned around, I saw..."

Her voice trailed off, her mind racing with fear and disbelief, "I saw Akutagawa, standing behind me. And I heard him, whispering something. But then, in a blink, he was gone. I don't know if I'm going crazy. It all feels so unreal" 

Dazai's eyes widened in surprise and concern as she listened to Atsushi's story, "As in Ryuunosuke Akutagawa? Here? Are you sure, Atsushi? Could it have been a nightmare, or a hallucination?"

Atsushi shook her head vehemently, her eyes now filled with tears, "No, no, I swear it happened. It felt so real. The touch on my shoulder, the whisper in my ear. It all seemed so vivid. I didn't imagine it. I'm sure of it" 

Dazai sighed, her gaze becoming a bit stern as she thought about the CEO, "I- Atsushi-chan... What's that mark on your neck?" 

Dazai stepped closer to observe the dark heart shaped scar on her back of shoulder, her heart racing as she thought about the conclusion that might happen.

Atsushi's eyes widened in shock as Dazai mentioned the mark on her neck. She hadn't even been aware of it before. She frantically reached up to touch it, her fingers tracing the raised edges of the mark,

"I-I don't know...I didn't even notice this before. What... What does it mean, Dazai?"

Dazai frowned, her eyes reflecting disbelief,

"What do you mean? You didn't had it before- 

She cut off herself as she instantly traced the edge of the scar, murmuring something as the mark glowed red making Dazai breath get hitched,

"It's bad..."

Atsushi's own heartbeat quickened as Dazai's tone shifted from disbelief to concern. She could see the worry in her friend's eyes, "What is it, Dazai? What did you mean by 'it's bad'? What does this mark mean?"

Dazai sighed frustratingly and spoke, "The mark means..... being the mate of the vampire prince, being the chosen bride of vampire prince" 

Atsushi's heart sank as Dazai explained the meaning of the mark on her neck. Being the mate of a vampire... the bride of a vampire prince. It sounded like something out of a nightmare.

She stumbled backward, her mind racing with fear and disbelief, "This can't be... I didn't ask for this. Why me? Why this mark? It's not fair, Dazai. I don't want—

She suddenly paused, realization and fear dawning on her,  "Wait... You said 'the vampire prince'. Are you saying Akutagawa is a vampire prince? and how do you know about this?" 

Dazai averted her gaze away warily, "Your guess is right... and... even I am one myself" 

Atsushi then looked at Dazai's fangs as they grew, her mind going back to the mark on her own neck. The pieces were slowly falling into place, creating a horrifying picture. She stumbled back further, her whole body trembling now.

"Does...Does that mean that mark on my neck...It means that Akutagawa... He intends to make me his...m-mate, his bride?"

Dazai stepped closer to Atsushi, her expression empathetic yet firm, "I understand your fear, trust me. But you need to calm down now. Freaking out won't help" 

Tears welled up in Atsushi's eyes, her voice shaking as she struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the situation, "I don't want this, Dazai. I never asked for this. I can't... I can't be the mate of...of a vampire prince" 

Dazai placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and continued, her voice firm but tender,

"First of all, you need to understand that there's nothing you can do to change this. The mark on your neck will forever link you to Akutagawa, mark you as his. You are his mate, his bride. And he'll do everything to keep you by his side" 

Atsushi's heart sank further upon hearing Dazai's words, the reality of her situation sinking in. Her shoulders slumped as if the weight of the world was suddenly on her,

"So... I have no choice. I'm... I'm his. No matter what I say or do?"

Dazai's grip on her shoulder tightened slightly, her eyes filled with compassion, "I'm afraid so, Atsushi-chan. And you should know...he'll stop at nothing to get you. You're his chosen mate, which means you're his possession, his property" 

Rage flared up inside Atsushi at Dazai's words. She pulled away from her friend's touch, her hands clenching into fists,

"I'm not his property! I'm not something to be owned or possessed. I'm a human being, not some..some thing for him to claim and do whatever he wants with!"

Dazai groaned annoyingly, looking away briefly as she looked back at Atsushi, expanding her eyes in shock when She saw Atsushi blacking out. Atsushi's outburst drained her, leaving her weak and dizzy. Her vision blurred, and the room started to spin. She stumbled, trying to steady herself, but it was too late. She could feel her legs giving way, her body falling towards the floor. And then... Everything went black.

Atsushi heard the last words before fainting which sounded like were from Akutagawa,

"Dazai... Bring her in Palace.... Right now"

TO BE CONTINUE 

Chapter Text

"Well...." 

Atsushi's mind was foggy as she slowly regained consciousness. She found herself lying on a soft, comfortable bed, the room surrounding her a stark contrast to her normal, simple furnishings.

She sat up slowly, taking in her surroundings. The room was elegant and lavish, with a predominantly black color palette. It was definitely not her own room.

Fear and confusion surged through her veins as she realized she was in a strange place, one she didn't recognize. Fear gave way to anger, and she clenched her fists, her voice a mixture of anger and trepidation.

"Where am I? This isn't...where am I?" She yelled at the top of her lungs, hoping for a response, for anything to help make sense of her situation but recieved none. 

So, She shot up from bed as Atsushi quickly rushed towards the window, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. She needed to see where she was, needed to know if there was a chance of escape. She pulled back the thick velvet curtains, revealing the view outside.

As the scene set in, Atsushi's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. The sky was a beautiful, surreal blend of pink and white, and the trees... they had crystalline formations dangling from their branches. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before.

Her heart raced as realization dawned on her, "This..this is not the world I know.."

Atsushi couldn't believe her eyes, she wanted to take her eyes out of socket, if possible to check if they were working fine because her mind wasn't, anymore. She thought how unreal it was as she observed the scene outside. She watched in shock- almost awe as a majestic pegasus soared through the air, chased by two tiny but determined fairies. The sight of the half-city, half-forest landscape was surreal and otherworldly, like something out of a fairy tale.

Panic began to set in, her hands trembling as she backed away from the window, "This can't be real... this can't be happening.."

Atsushi drew a sharp breath as her hand made contact with her cheek, the sting confirming that this was indeed reality. She wasn't dreaming. The surreal landscape outside her window was real. She sank to her knees by the bed, feeling a wave of despair wash over her,

"This can't be happening" She whispered to herself, her voice barely a whisper. 

Suddenly the door was opened and there stood a blonde man with glasses on, his expression were handsome but stern as his eyes widened up, just a bit on sight of Atsushi being wide-awake as he called out firmly, "Dazai-san, she's awake...." 

Atsushi's eyes snapped to the door as it opened, her body tensing as she prepared for the unknown. She was immediately met with the sight of a blonde man wearing glasses, his stern expression making her wary.

Dazai's cheerful voice chimed from the hall, "Really Kunikida-chan!?"

Dazai rushed towards the door side, shoving the strict-looking man, seemingly named as 'Kunikida' in process who frowned in dismay but was ignored as well, "Oh my god- Atsushi-chan are you alright? Any dizziness from passing out?"

Dazai asked worriedly as she dashed towards her side. Meanwhile. Atsushi felt a wave of relief wash over her upon hearing Dazai's familiar voice. Her best friend's presence immediately made her feel a bit safer in this unfamiliar place. She managed a small smile at Dazai's concern and shook her head, replying,

"No, I'm alright, Dazai. I don't have any dizziness. I'm fine, really" 

Dazai smiled back, her eyes warm as she hugged Atsushi and kissed her top of head, "I'm glad..."

Atsushi returned Dazai's hug, her fear momentarily disappearing in the familiar embrace of her best friend.

While Kunikida watched the heartwarming interaction with a blank look, his eyes tinging with something which he didn't wanted to admit but was possessiveness as he grumbled, "You're being too close to her, Dazai-san... Akutagawa-sama might not like it" 

Kunikida's grumbled remark broke the moment, and Atsushi's eyes flickered with curiosity and nervousness. She broke away from Dazai's hug and looked at Kunikida, her expression a mix of confusion and wariness,

"Akutagawa? What does he have to do with anything?"

Kunikida raised his eyebrows nonchalantly, "I'm pretty sure you know what's your connection with our prince, Human.....  and I should let you know that vampires are very territorial of their possessions and..."

He trailed off as he glanced at Dazai who rolled her eyes, "And their mates...." 

Atsushi's eyes widened as Kunikida mentioned the word 'mate.' Her mind immediately went back to the mark on her neck, the one Dazai had mentioned earlier. She subconsciously touched her neck, her fingers gently tracing over the spot where the mark was.

Fear and disbelief mixed together in a tangle of emotions within her. She looked at Dazai, then at Kunikida, her voice trembling as she asked, "Is it true? Am I...am I really his mate?"

Kunikida nodded, a look of sympathy crossing his eyes despite his neutral expression "it's true, lady..." 

Atsushi's heart felt like it was being gripped by a fist, squeezed hard. The realization that she was indeed Akutagawa's mate was a heavy burden, one she didn't know if she could bear.

She took a shaky breath, trying to process the information, her hands clenching into fists. She looked at Kunikida, her eyes pleading for something, anything, to change this nightmare.

"Is there...is there no way to undo this? No way to break this...bond?"

Kunikida face hardened as he murmured bluntly, "I apologise but there is no certain way to break the bond... And I request you to compile along, I won't bear any 'uncooperative behaviour' which can harm my lord's reputation..."

With that he turned away to leave, ordering before marching away, "and make sure to bring her in dining hall, Dazai-san...." 

Atsushi's heart sank as Kunikida firmly stated that there was no way to break the bond. Despair washed over her, a feeling of being trapped in a nightmare she couldn't wake up from.

Her eyes followed Kunikida as he left, her mind racing with questions and fear, 'What does he mean by 'not being cooperative'?' she thought.

She turned to Dazai, her voice full of trepidation, "Dazai... what is going to happen now?"

Dazai shrugged off carelessly, "I don't know? I mean I am not always told about everything..." 

She made a look of distaste as she pouted, "Moreover that Kunikida always hide everything from me, who can guess that asshole is my mate?" 

Atsushi's eyes widened in disbelief as Dazai mentioned Kunikida being her mate. She hadn't seen that coming, "You...you and Kunikida? I never guessed..."

She paused for a moment, then decided to ask something that had been on her mind since Dazai mentioned Akutagawa,

"Speaking of mates... Dazai, why did you never tell me about...about vampires? About all this...supernatural stuff before this 'mate mark' incident?"

Dazai gave her an unserious look, "That's because we, mythical beings, are not allowed to share our identity out in human world... moreover I knew you weren't going to believe me in least..." 

Atsushi furrowed her eyebrows. She knew Dazai had a point. If someone had told her a few hours ago that vampires and other mythical creatures were real, she would have thought they were crazy. But now, faced with the reality of her situation, she had no choice but to accept it,

She nodded in understanding, her voice a bit resigned, "You're right. I probably wouldn't have believed you" 

Atsushi remembered how she didn't reacted much on Dazai revealing that she was a vampire but on how she was now bonded to Akutagawa. She sighed, 'yeah... it pretty much slipped out of my mind' 

Dazai smiled out of nowhere as she scooted near Atsushi and whispered excitedly, "So, What do you think about Kunikida? Do him and I would look good together?" 

Atsushi was momentarily surprised by Dazai's excited question. Her mind was still in a whirl, trying to process everything that was happening, but she found herself smiling a small smile at her friend's enthusiasm.

She looked at Dazai, considering the question for a moment. Then, she chuckled softly and said, "Well, I suppose you two could make a rather... interesting couple" 

Dazai Blushed as she tucked her brown strand of hair behind her ear rather bashfully, unlike her usual behaviour, "Aww thanks Atsushi... But unfortunately that grumps is not ready to mate me"

Dazai decided to talk like this to lighten up the mood since she knew Atsushi must be stressing out over all this. Moreover she couldn't hold back her gossiping side... 

Atsushi chuckled softly, appreciating Dazai's attempt to lighten the mood. She could tell that Dazai was trying to distract her from her worries, and she was grateful for that.

She raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile on her lips, "Why isn't he ready to mate you? Is he too grumpy to commit?"

Dazai sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes, "He's always so serious. All he can think about are rules, and plans, and work..."

She let out a huff, pouting slightly, "It's like he's allergic to having any fun. And don't get me started on his constant lectures and criticisms... he never appreciates my antics" 

Atsushi couldn't help but let out a small laugh. She could almost picture Kunikida's scowling face in her mind, serious and stern as Dazai described him. It was hard to imagine someone as chaotic and lively as Dazai with someone so...rigid and strict.

But then again, opposites often attract.

Dazai added, "And and, Good thing is that we both are vampires... now I don't have to worry that our offsprings would be hybrid or not~"

Atsushi's eyes widened at Dazai's statement about children and hybrids,

"Children? Wait, so... vampires can have children?" She asked, somewhat dumbfounded. 

Dazai let out a hearty laugh at Atsushi's dumbfounded expression. She patted her head in a teasing manner,

"Of course we can. And the children are very much full vampire, they share the blood and traits of both the parents"

Atsushi blinked, trying to wrap her mind around this new information, "But... but how does it work? I mean... do vampires get pregnant like humans? Or is it... different?"

Dazai smiled at the question, slightly amused at Atsushi's baffled look. But she decided to take mercy on her and explain, "We don't get pregnant, per say. When a male vampire and female vampire mate, the male transfers a part of his essence to the female... which in time, turns into a child"

Atsushi furrowed her eyebrows, trying to understand the concept. Her knowledge of both reproductive biology and supernatural creatures was severely lacking.

"So... you don't need physical...uh..."

She felt her cheeks flush, a little embarrassed, "physical contact to... make a child?"

Dazai suppressed a cheeky laugh as she saw the blush on her friend's face. Deciding to have a little fun, she replied, "Oh, we do need physicality. It's just a bit more... 'internal', shall we say"

Atsushi's blush deepened, her embarrassment increasing at Dazai's cheeky answer. She knew Dazai well enough to tell that her best friend was enjoying this teasing, and that only made her flustered even more.

She fidgeted with the edge of the bedsheet, avoiding eye contact with Dazai as she mumbled  "Internal... right" 

Honestly Atsushi hated how her mind drifted to Akutagawa during this conversation.... 

Dazai observed her with a smirk as she drawled out, "Well.... I think we must be being waited for on dining table, let's get you dressed up first and then we shall join them" 

TO BE CONTINUE....