Velvet Lies and British Sighs

The vampire mansion was dimly lit, the flickering candles casting long, shifting shadows along the black marble walls. The air was thick with the scent of sandalwood, old books, and something uniquely Haruna.

Kikidori sat on the couch, his long legs stretched out, fingers lazily tapping against the armrest. His dark eyes flicked to Haruna, who was currently pacing the room in dramatic fashion.

He sighed. Loudly. "Haruna, love, I know you're up to something."

Haruna froze, her back still turned to him. "I—what? Me?" She let out a soft gasp—fake as hell—before pressing a delicate hand to her chest. "How could you ever doubt me?"

Kikidori stared at her, unimpressed. "Because I live with you."

Haruna spun on her heel, her black lace skirt twirling slightly. "Okay, first of all, rude. Second of all, I have no idea what you're talking about."

Kikidori tilted his head slightly, his faint British accent slipping through. "Haruna."

She smiled sweetly. "Kiki."

Kikidori exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Don't do that."

Haruna blinked innocently. "Do what?"

Kikidori dropped his hand and gave her a flat look. "That thing where you pretend to be cute to distract me from whatever devious plan you've just committed."

Haruna gasped again. "I do no such thing!"

Kikidori leaned back, crossing his arms. "Right. So you didn't, for example, steal my coat again?"

Haruna immediately looked away. "Nope."

Kikidori arched a brow. "Haruna."

Haruna fidgeted. "It was cold."

Kikidori sighed. "You are a literal vampire. You don't get cold."

Haruna clutched her chest dramatically. "Emotionally, Kiki. Emotionally."

Kikidori groaned, rubbing his face. "Bloody hell."

Haruna grinned, bouncing toward him before dropping onto his lap again. "You love me."

Kikidori grumbled something under his breath, his hands automatically settling on her waist.

Haruna tilted her head, tapping her finger against his cheek. "Say it."

Kikidori exhaled sharply, his jaw clenching slightly. "You are the most insufferable, ridiculous, and absolutely impossible person I have ever met."

Haruna beamed. "Aww, love you too."

Kikidori groaned again, but his grip on her tightened.

Haruna knew. She always knew.

He hated her cute little lies and distractions.

But deep down?

He absolutely loved every single one.

The End of Chapter 19.