Chapter Text
“Alice,” Jinhyeok started, “I want to talk to you.”
The vampire was sitting on a bench outside the training hall. She narrowed her eyes as he approached, glaring up at him. “So now it’s my turn? What exactly is going on, Jinhyeok.”
“Yuseong and I are dating,” he rushed out.
She stiffened. If he looked closely, Jinhyeok could see her biting her lip.
“…Why?”
Jinhyeok remained silent for a moment. Should he tell the truth? Which truth should he tell?
“Because I love him. Why else?”
Alice lowered her head. “So that’s who it was.” He could practically hear her fists clenching, his well-manicured nails digging into her palms.
“I see.” She stood up, turning on her heel. “Well, you go have fun with your new boyfriend. I’m going shopping.”
Jinhyeok watched her go. For a moment, he considered going after her. It had been a while since he had taken her shopping himself, so maybe his presence might comfort her, somehow.
Does she want me to go after her, or does she want to be alone? Which would help her more?
He sighed. Maybe he could’ve been more gentle with her, instead of springing it on her like that. Maybe he should have. But…
Alice is strong. She doesn’t need me to baby her.
He turned back the way he came, thinking over the events of the day. He was still wearing Yuseong’s coat, its gentle weight pressing on his shoulders. If he closed his eyes, he could almost imagine the man behind him, following close, as always.
He paused, his eyes snapping open. Then, with a sigh and a soft smile, he pivoted back around and ran after Alice.