"S-Sir Dmitri, it is an honor to meet you."
Takashi Shirasawa, father of the missing student Jin, knelt respectfully before the man standing at the center of the principal's office. The air felt tense, as though a storm brewed behind Dmitri's still eyes.
"D-Dmitri? Not Ma—" Angel started, only to be cut off abruptly.
"How dare this boy speak of the chairman of Kosei Bioinnovation with such casual breath?" Ayako Shirasawa, Jin's mother, interjected sharply, her gaze filled with disdain.
"Sir, please," Takashi continued, still bowing low. "Leave this undisciplined child to us. We will correct his insolent ways."
Dmitri didn't respond at first. His pale eyes scanned the room, resting momentarily on Angel. Then, he spoke.
"You say that, but I'm not here as an outsider." His voice was calm, but it held an unmistakable edge. "I'm here as this boy's guardian representative."
Gasps filled the room. Both parents looked up, stunned by the revelation.
"My surface identity is Dmitri Beaumont. But in the world that matters to him… I go by Malachi Moriarty."
His voice echoed in Angel's head, clear as a bell.
"Angel. I'll answer your questions about Jin and Jiro's survival later. For now, let's focus on this."
Angel clutched his temples in quiet shock, the suddenness of Malachi's telepathic voice rattling his nerves.
Malachi turned back to the Shirasawas, eyes now cold and precise. "Sir Shirasawa, before you cast judgment, I suggest you take a look at the evidence."
At that moment, the door opened. A timid voice broke through the tension.
"Me and Jiro went to the forest… but we heard something—like a shriek—and we got scared. We ran, but bumped into a tree and passed out."
It was Jin Shirasawa, his expression pale but composed.
Angel blinked. He... he's covering for me?
"What?" Ayako whispered, her voice quivering. Her eyes turned to Angel, conflicted now—less scorn, more guilt.
"I believe an apology is in order," Malachi said, addressing both parents with unyielding sharpness. "Personalities such as yours, Sir Takashi, are unnecessary within any organization under my influence."
He took a step forward, his presence becoming heavier with each word. "I possess the power to strip you of everything—status, income, influence—the same way you believed you could destroy this child's future. Choose wisely."
The room went silent. The only sound was the distant ticking of the principal's office clock.
But Angel stepped in.
"It's alright," he said quietly. "I don't need an apology. As long as Jin and Jiro are okay, that's enough."
Malachi's gaze softened slightly as he nodded. "Very well. Then I won't pursue this further."
The principal, relieved, began closing the meeting with the police and the Shirasawa family.
"Jin and Jiro, I suggest you both rest for the day," the principal said. "Angel, please remain for a moment."
Malachi turned to leave, casting one final look at Angel. "I'll return shortly. Wait for me. See you later, Angel."
Once Malachi exited, the atmosphere deflated slightly.
"I owe you an apology," the principal said after a pause. "I should have spoken up sooner."
"I already said—it's fine." Angel turned away, eyes distant.
"I mean it. I'll do what I can to make sure this doesn't spread further. You're dismissed."
Angel left the office and made his way back to class. As he opened the door, heads turned. His classmates' eyes were filled with silent questions, but none dared ask them aloud.
The school day dragged on until the final bell rang and the sun began to dip behind the horizon.
As students filed out, Hana approached, twirling a lock of her hair between her fingers.
"Angel, you walking home with me today?"
He gave her a tired but genuine smile. "Sure. Let's go."
They walked through the quiet streets of Kawagoe, the sky slowly fading into a canvas of gold and lilac. Eventually, they stopped at a small yakisoba stall tucked beside a convenience store.
"As expected of gluttonous Hana," Angel teased with a soft sigh.
"Oh hush, it's my treat today anyway!" she replied, puffing her cheeks in mock indignation.
They sat at a small table beside the stall, steam rising from the bowls of freshly served yakisoba.
"Angel," Hana said as she twirled her noodles, "you've been… different lately. Are you okay?"
Angel's eyes drifted downward. "My fears came true. My parents said we're moving back to Italy."
"I-Italy? That's amazing! I've always wanted to visit!"
He chuckled quietly, picking at his noodles. "It's not the place I'm worried about. It's… that I've finally found somewhere I can stay. Somewhere I belong."
As they ate, a familiar heat flared in his chest. Angel's smile dropped. His vision swam. The scent of yakisoba twisted into something else—something darker.
"I—I have to go! Thanks for the meal!" he exclaimed, grabbing the bowl and dashing off.
"Angel? Wait—!"
He didn't hear her. He sprinted through the streets, the edges of his vision darkening. His heartbeat grew erratic, and his footsteps—faster than ever. Crimson bloomed in his pupils.
No, not here... I need to get back... he thought.
Musashino Woods Park loomed ahead, and beyond it, the mansion.
He stumbled up the stone steps and banged furiously on the door.
"Please! Somebody open up!"
The door creaked open, revealing Malachi in a crisp dark coat. His eyes were calm.
"I was expecting your visit," he said. "Come inside."
Angel barely nodded before rushing inside. The grand hall, though dim, felt safe. Familiar.
From another corridor, Butler Augustus emerged with a silver tray. Upon it were finely sliced cubes—deep crimson, glistening slightly.
"The blood fruits are from a fresh harvest," Augustus said stiffly, placing the tray down.
Without hesitation, Angel devoured the fruit, hands trembling, lips red-stained. Hunger overtook shame.
"Let him be, Augustus," Malachi said gently. "He's still adjusting."
The butler gave a reluctant nod and stepped back. Angel slowly stopped, breathing deeply. The crimson hue in his eyes faded, replaced by a tired amber.
He wiped his mouth, settling into one of the nearby chairs.
"I'm sorry," he murmured.
"There's nothing to be sorry for," Malachi replied. "This is part of who you are now."
Angel said nothing. His gaze drifted to the high windows, where only the dying sunlight filtered in through the trees.
And in that quiet moment, he finally allowed himself to accept—if only a little—what he was becoming.