Chapter 31: A Tiring Day

It was supposed to be a bright and pleasant morning. But the rain from outside keeps the sun from shining its light. And here inside the Van Helsing manor, nothing can be heard but the sound of the lad's foot, tapping continuously on the floor.

One moment, he will stand up to get another batch of books and slammed it all on the table. Then, he'll flip the pages as loud as he could as he flicked his tongue a thousand times.

After closing the thick book, he would rise from his seat and take a walk.

Left, right, left, right...

Going around in circles that anyone would feel dizzy but not this lad, who sighed countless times.

"Young master, is there anything you wish to tell?" Asked Primo, who has witnessed these things and is now clearly annoyed by the simple noises he made.

"Oh, sorry if I bothered you, Primo." Rae said and went back to his seat.

And then, he heaved a sigh.

Primo's eye brows twitched, "Aren't you going to tell me something?"

The lad shook his head, "I-it's nothing. Don't worry."

He was not convinced. But if the young master wishes not to convey, he won't force him. He was about to go back reading when Rae suddenly rose from his seat.

"I just don't get it Primo!" He said, "At school, she avoided me several times. It's not a coincident anymore."

He walked from left to right once again, "And then, I saw her talk to someone whom we barely know. It really seems like she's enjoying his company."

There's a tone of irritation in his voice. And this is the first time he has seen him pout.

'What the heck is happening here?' The demon bat thought.

Rae sighed, "She even smiled at him, Primo! Why do you think is that? Did I do something wrong to make her upset like this?"

"Young master, could it be... you're jealous?" He suddenly blurted out.

The lad's eyes widened at what he heard, "Me? Jealous? Pft, why would I?" He laughed a little and crossed his arms to his chest.

Primo sighed and gave him a stern look, "Young master, you can't fool me. I'm the demon of malice. I know if there's negative emotion on a person. And clearly, what you're feeling right now is jealousy."

"I'm... jealous?" Rae blinked several times, like he just realized what he's been feeling these past few days.

He glanced at the demon bat, "T-that's impossible, right? Why... would I be jealous? Those things only happen for lovers." He denied as he remembered what he's been seeing in the movies.

Primo sighed and shrugged, "If it's just a case, but it isn't. There are different kinds of jealousy, young master. And you're the only one who can tell what kind of jealousy are you feeling right now."

His words echoed inside his mind. It doesn't seem like Primo is bluffing, all negative emotions are his specialty after all.

As he marched back to his room, he glanced at the window where Yana's room can be seen. From her window, there she is. But there's something strange about her today. She looked so pale and frail. It doesn't seem like she feels so good. Then, he saw her sneezed few times.

And with that, he suddenly rushed towards the kitchen.

"Ran!" He called, "What's the best to eat when you're sick?"

The maid blinked, "For humans, they say it's porridge since it's easy to swallow."

"Teach me how to make it!"

"Right now?"

The lad nodded, "Yes!"

Seeing the eagerness in his eyes, Ran didn't ask for more. She taught him how to make and cook a porridge. It wasn't that hard, and the young master quickly learned how to do it.

After that, she took a spoonful and tasted the porridge.

"How was it?" He nervously asked.

"It was good for a first-timer." She said with her usual stoic expression.

"Great!" Rae beamed and quickly took some in a small container and placed it in a plastic bag.

"Where are you going, young master?" Asked Ren who noticed his excitement.

"Yana is sick, I'm going to take this to her." He replied before he left.

The triplets gaze at each other.

"Oh my! The young master is going to confess his love now!" Rin squealed.

"Tss! What are you saying? He's just going to give her the food." Ren said and turned in disgust.

"But he made that food! Which means he poured his heart and effort in it! He really loves miss Yana!"

"Ugh! Quit thinking about those creepy things!"

"That's not creepy! It's romantic!"

Ren rolled her eyes, "Whatever!"

Thus, the rest is history of what happened. Rae wasn't really planning to stay. But he can't seem to abandon her after all. And it was worth it. He found the truth, his jealousy subsided, and he has experienced the bliss of feeding and taking care of the girl who's precious in his heart.

"Good morning Yana! I'm so glad you're fine now!" Ella jumped and hugged her friend.

"Yeah, it's good to be back." Yana hugged her back.

After recovering from her fever, she's now back in class. Thanks to Rae, taking care of her last night. What's more, she had a strange dream that someone visited her. She even felt something warm on her forehead that made her at ease and feel better.

'No matter how good it felt, I can't remember that person in my dream.' She sighed.

"Hey, have you heard? Miss President is absent today." Said one of their classmates.

"That's too bad."

"I even heard we have an exchange student today and will be joining us in class." Ella said.

'She eavesdropped again!' Yana thought while looking at her best friend suspiciously.

"I heard he came from the west."

"No way! I'm not that good in English!"

"It would be awkward for us to communicate."

The class had a troubled expression on their faces.

"Cheer up everyone!" Ella said, "Have you forgotten we have two classmates here who have high grades in English?"

Then, everyone's gazes landed on Yana and Rae.

"You've got to be kidding me." The lass frowned.

"Oh c'mon, Yana! You're just going to welcome the exchange student in our stead. It's not something hard."

"Ella, you know that I'm not good in starting a conversation. Let alone to welcome a stranger."

"That's the point. You'll get to know the person, in that way, there will be no more stranger for you. Besides, you and Rae are the only ones who's good in grammar. We don't want to embarrass our class just because we communicate with a wrong grammatical structure." Ella explained.

"Then, why choose me? You could have Rae, he's more outgoing than me, right, Rae?" The lass glanced at the lad beside her.

Rae blinked, "I think they're right, Yana."

"What!?"

"This is your chance to practice your communication skills. We should step out of our comfort zones sometimes." He smiled.

Yana glared at him, "I thought you're on my side."

The lad just gave her an awkward laugh.

Just then, their teacher came and everyone settled down on their seats.

"Everyone, I'll be introducing an exchange student who'll be joining us today. So please be good to him."

Then, from the door, a familiar figure stepped inside. That jet black hair, pale white skin, and most importantly, those sharp amber gold eyes.

"Pleased to meet you, I'm Orpheus Zoren. I came from London, England." He said in a perfect British accent.

All the girls in class were blushing at the handsome being in front of them. While the boys, well, they're sighing in frustration thinking it was a girl.

Unfortunately, they have another rival on the girls' hearts.

Yana's eyes widened, 'It's Oz! What is he doing here!?'

Much as she was surprised, so is Rae.

'So he has come this far to kill me?' He narrowed his eyes at Orpheus as he clenched his fist.

And unknown to all, these two are glaring at each other like they're shooting some lasers from their eyes. But of course, that goes for this lass' imagination as she noticed the way these two looked at each other.

'I have a bad feeling about this.' She gulped.

Few hours have passed until their lunch break came. Everyone was eager to gather around to talk to the exchange student. But not one soul dared to come near him.

Aside for the fact that they're worried about how they speak, the exchange student has this intimidating aura that keeps people away. That's why everyone in the class is afraid to approach him.

"His handsome look is such a waste!"

"He keeps on glaring at everyone." The girls in their class murmured.

"Don't be like that," Rae said, "Maybe it wasn't on purpose. Let's give him time to adapt and adjust."

'As expected, Rae is such an angel sent from heaven!' The girls flushed and squealed.

While on the other hand, Yana is trembling near her seat not because she's afraid as well. But she's way too nervous since she's the bait for communicating with the exchange student!

"C'mon girl, what are you waiting for? Go and talk to him!" Ella pushed her friend.

As clumsy as she can be, Yana was about to hit her face on the desk when Orpheus came and caught her just in time.

'This smell... it's the same as before back at the ball...' She thought.

When she opened her eyes, Orpheus was staring at her.

"How long are you going to lean on me, stupid?" He mumbled.

Yana flushed and quickly moved away, "I-I'm sorry! I-I didn't mean--"

Orpheus sighed, "Whatever. I need a guide in this school, come with me." He held her wrist and was about to pull her away when someone suddenly grabbed Orpheus' wrist.

"Mr. Alucard, it's a bit rude to force a lady to take with you without her consent. That's the first thing you should remember in this country." Rae said and smiled.

But his grip says otherwise. It was way too tight that tells him to let Yana go.

Hearing him say his last name a bit louder, Orpheus' brow twitched.

"Is that so? My apologies." He calmly said and loosen his grip on Yana's wrist. Same goes for Rae.

"But I was informed that one from your class will accompany me in my stay. Isn't that her?"

Yana was about to speak when Rae interrupted.

"That is half correct. Not one, but the two of us will accompany you."

Orpheus narrowed his eyes at him. So did Rae.

'Uh-oh! This isn't good! I've got to do something!' Yana thought and suddenly grabbed both of their hands.

"You know what? I'm famished. Let's go eat to the cafeteria first!" She exclaimed and pulled them out of the classroom.

The whole class was left speechless at what they witnessed earlier. It was like they're watching something from the soap opera.

She brought them on somewhere less crowded.

"What were you thinking, both of you!?" She sighed, then glanced to her left.

"Rae, I thought you told me I should handle this alone?"

"I change my mind. Besides, I can't left you alone with him." The lad replied and glared at Orpheus.

Yana sighed and then glanced at her right side next.

"And Oz, do you really have to go this far? If it's the notebook you need, I'll bring it to you later."

Orpheus crossed his arms to his chest, "Don't get too cocky. I didn't come for you. I've come to kill him." He glared back at Rae.

"This would be the perfect time to settle what we started last time." Orpheus smirked.

"I agree." Rae nodded.

The way how they looked at each other would sent chills on anyone who'll come across them. But not this lass.

"Urgh! I don't care!" She exclaimed and pushed their faces away from each other.

"How dare--! No one has done that to me!"

"So what?! I don't give a damn about who has done you this and that! But I won't let both of you fight and kill each other. Not under my turf, not under my watch!"

Orpheus was surprise at her sudden burst. This is the first time someone shouted at him demandingly. And it was this girl once again who made him feel confused. This left him speechless and stupefied.

Rae was holding his laughter while Yana is scolding him. But then, the lass turned her gaze at him.

"Same goes for you, Rae! Understand?"

The lad flinched and saluted, "Y-yes ma'am!"

"Good! Let's eat now! I'm starving because of you guys!" She sighed and turned around as she walked away.

The boys followed her after.

"D-don't tell me you're just following what that girl tells you to do?" Orpheus whispered.

Rae rubbed his nape and smiled awkwardly, "Y'know what they say, girls are scary."

"But she's just a human girl!"

Rae chuckled, "I know. But admit it, you were also surprised at her earlier, right?"

With that, Orpheus flicked his tongue.

No matter how he denies it, the moment she shouted at him sent some shivers in his spine. She made him remember the feeling of fear he thought he learned to forget.

On the other hand, as for Yana who has done something unexpected, was secretly trembling as she marched towards the cafeteria.

'Shoot! Did I just yell at him!? What if he got mad and drink all of my blood! Argh! What have I done!?' She gulped as she recalled.

'No, what's done is done. Leave no room for regrets! All I have to do is to make sure those two won't kill each other. Yes, that would be better!' She said to herself.

Right after that, when she thought it was over, it wasn't. The cold war doesn't stop there. During their classes, the two boys kept on competing with each other. Be it with their seat works, activities, and class participation. For most of them, it's indeed cool that some exchange student manage to cope with Rae's intelligence. But as for Yana, this is one hell of a tiring day.

How happy she has been when she heard the school bell rings.

'Finally! Class is over!' She stretched out her arms in the air.

Then, Ella came and approached her, "I'll go ahead. Good luck, girl!" She winked at her before she left.

'Good luck?' She wondered.

"Yana, let's go." Rae said and gently patted her shoulder.

That's when she was reminded of the two boys behind her. Rae narrowed his eyes at Orpheus who rose from his seat and took his bag.

"Why are you still here? What do you want?"

"Why don't you ask her. She still has something that's mine."

Rae raised an eye brow and was about to speak when Yana patted his shoulder.

"Rae, it's fine. He can come with us. I need to return his notebook."

"But you can do that tomorrow. Why does he need to come with us?"

"Well, I've been keeping it for a long time. I don't want to make him wait and I don't want to prolong this."

Rae sighed in defeat, "Fine." Then, he unconsciously pouted.

Along the way, there's another awkward silent among them. It was a familiar feeling but this time, it's the three of them. How she wished this would end very quick. But no matter what, she has to say something to kill this silence that's bothering her.

"Ah Rae, how was Cal and the others?" She turned to her right.

"They're fine as always. Cal's as strict as ever, the triplets are more energetic hanging around with Damien, and Primo's still Primo." He beamed a smile.

"That's good to hear." She said and then turned to her left side.

"What about you, Oz? Have you been eating well this past few days?"

He was expecting she would ask him about family. He was ready to turn her down. But good thing, she didn't.

Still, the way she asks for his well-being is kind of weird for him. No one has ever cared for his health for twelve years.

"Why do you even care?" Is what comes out from his mouth.

Rae was about to protest when Yana glanced at him as if telling that she can handle this.

She sighed, "You're right. It's none of my concern. I'm sorry for suddenly asking you like that." She smiled apologetically which annoys him more.

Why does she have to smile when he's clearly at fault? Why does she worry for someone like him? They barely know each other.

Just these thoughts alone made him clench his fist and grit his teeth.

"Oh, we're here. Wait a moment, please." She said and went inside the house from a small blue gate.

The two boys stared at the house as they wait.

"Does she usually has 'other' company like this?" Asked Orpheus.

"So you've noticed." Said Rae.

Unknown to Yana, someone's been following them ever since they left the school premises. And the two boys have realized it but decided not to tell her for now.

"He's behind that post, right?"

Rae nodded, "Yeah."

In a blink of an eye, Orpheus vanished.

The man behind the post was surprised. When he looked around, the lad is now standing behind him.

"Looking for something?"

The man took few steps backwards but his back hit something. When he turned around, it was Rae this time.

"Sir, may we ask who are you?" He seriously said.

"Why bother asking? Clearly, he's a stalker." Orpheus interrupted.

"And clearly, you're scaring him!"

"Do I have to care about what he feels?"

"You have to understand humans too, Alucard."

"Stop calling me that."

Rae saw the disgust in his eyes when he mentioned his last name. He must've hated it. But why?

"E-excuse me," said the man who's trembling earlier, "C-can I go now?"

Before they could answer, Yana came out and saw them talking to someone.

"Hey, what's going on in here?"

"Yana?" The man looked at her with teary eyes.

The lass' eyes widened as she saw the man's face,

"Dad?"