♧Inner Demon♧

Dear Mama,

Is it a lie if I've never told my bestfriend or my friends that I've been involved with vampires ever since I was two?

Yours,

M. A.

♧Inner Demon♧

"Shirota Mahiru, you oaf, if you're here to fuck around. Then go home. " Misono said while seating on his chair.

"Shut up! Isn't there some kind of trick into using it?! " Mahiru shouted, still trying to 'awaken' his 'true strength'.

"How about you think of something very specific? " Mitsuki suggested, brandishing her nails while Kitty Kuro lazed around her lap.

"What do you mean? "The brunette asked.

"What the young miss meant is that you should think of something specific to use your power for! "Lily explained behind Misono and his chair.

The gang is currently at the Alicein Mansion, trying to train Mahiru into using his lead while also trying to convince Mitsuki to allow some tests regarding her blood. To Mahiru's surprise, Mitsuki actually agreed to come for once.

"It's called a 'Lead', right? So you use it to control your Servamp and all that jazz? Try asking Kuro. " Mitsuki told him.

".... Don't look at me. It's not really my fault that you can't summon your lead. Call me if you manage it though." Kuro said without a care. "I'm in the middle of a game. "

"But I don't get it!" Mahiru exclaimed. "Are servamps only use for fighting? "

"Obviously not. "Mitsuki answered.

"Then what for? "She smiled at him in an innocent manner. "I don't know."

"Grr..! Then don't answer if you can't back that up! "

"Hehe.. "

"Well, a servamp mainly exist to fight.. And if you can't control your lead then you have no control over your Servamp. "Misono stated. "Right now, your Servamp doesn't feel like it because your will is weak. "He gestured to Kuro's current state.

"Eh...So Lily strips because Chibi-chan wants to be free of something? " Mitsuki asked curiously.

"What?! No! He's just a pervert and it's got nothing to do with me! " Misono replied, blushing furiously as he tried to defend his dignity.

"And this isn't about me! "

"What to use my power for? "Mahiru asked himself while looking at his wristband.

"Sakuya got that for you, right? " Mahiru looked up.

"Huh? Oh yeah. And this power, I want to protect those around me. My friends whom I've known like a family since I don't really have any parents. "

Mitsuki smiled softly at that. "Then use that. It can be your purpose for using your power for. But what about the others?"

"Huh? "

"Nothing. "She immediately smiled while Kuro stared at her.

"But I guess I'll start with that. Protecting my friends!" Mahiru said aloud.

"I'll introduce you to them next time!Ryuusei and Kouyuki! But first Sakuya! He's the one who gave me this wristband, my childhood friend!" Mahiru said proudly, obviously caring a lot about his friends by the proud tone of his voice.

"Heh. Sakuya always jokes around like me but I guess he's a good guy. " Mitsuki remarked, scratching her cheek with one finger.

"Even if he seems off, he's a friend."

Mahiru was taken aback by her admittance.

"Stop it!" Misono suddenly said.

"If you talked to them about vampires, they'll get involved and be a target."

"But it's simple isn't it? They'll just think that a friend of a friend is my friend too!"

"I..." Misono said, looking unsure. Mitsuki giggled childishly at his expression.

"Mikkun, you don't have to worry. I'll protect you from Sakuya!"

"Huh?! Sakuya isn't dangerous, Mitsuki!" Mahiru scolded her. "You're making him sound bad!"

Mitsuki continued laughing as she placed a hand over her mouth.

"It's just Mikkun looks worried and nervous, I wanted to cheer him up!"

"T-There was no need for that! I'm not worried at all!" Misono defended, a blush on his face before coughing. "By the way, you!" Misono pointed. "How long do you plan to stall? We need those tests! "

Mitsuki's eyes widened before she stood up. "I'll agree if you give me free hugs. "She said in the most serious tone ever.

Misono blustered, crimson staining his whole face. "What are you saying? I won't do something so scandalous! "

"But hugs are really good. They make you feel better and warm inside. "

"I don't need one! "

"You'll probably need one later! "

"Why are you so persistent about this? Your name is Mitsuki, right? I had DouDou look into your file but for some reason, he can't seem to find any useful information except your first name, age and blood type! You don't even have a family name! That's highly suspicious! "

"Wha---? DouDoubird did what? " She asked, tilting her head. But as Mitsuki thought about it, DouDou probably lied.

"Eh... Wait.. "Mahiru said, placing a hand on his chin. "Mitsuki's last name. I remember what it is. " He said, gaining the Eve of Lust's attention.

"So you know? Then spill it so we could look thoroughly on her medical history."

Mitsuki remained quiet, gazing intently at the brunette with a look that he couldn't quite understand.

It was making Mahiru uncomfortable and he couldn't think properly because of her stare.

"H-Hey! Stop staring at me like that, Mitsuki! You're distracting me from my thoughts! " Mahiru said.

"....."

"I said stop staring! "

"......"She narrowed her eyes and it caused a shiver to run through his spine.

"Uwaa!! I can't do this! "He yelled in frustration."Mitsuki, just tell him about your name already! "

Mitsuki grinned mischievously at him. "You won't believe me. "

Lily laughed. "I'm sure we would understand. " Mitsuki moved away from him and went closer to Mahiru, Lily smiled sadly at her action.

"What is it? We don't have all day. Just say it out loud."Misono said impatiently.

She frowned at them before speaking softly. "Alicein. "

"Hm? " Mahiru strained to hear what she said but it was too low for him to hear.

"Speak louder! We can't hear you! " Misono requested, raising his hand to point at her.

Kuro yawned. "She said 'Alicein'."

Misono narrowed his eyes while Lily looked genuinely relieved, the action not going unnoticed by Mahiru.

"Oh yeah! That's right! Mitsuki Alicein! That's your full name. " Mahiru finally remembered before realization dawned on him. "Wait.. Alicein? Isn't Misono's name...? "

"Don't make me laugh! I know all the people under the Alicein name! Someone like you couldn't possibly be--"

"My name is Alicein Mitsuki. I'm currently 15 years old. I was born on the 30th night of December to a single mother. I live with an older brother, his partner and colleague from work. I attend the same school as Shirota Mahiru. I have a medical history of being anemic and a case of albinism. When I was eight years old, the doctors told me that I won't live pass the age of 12 because of my weak body and immune system. Through an operation, half of my health problems have been resolved. I don't want anyone drawing my blood because it brings back memories I don't want to relive again." She said blankly, without even pausing as if she has been saying all of it countless of times before.

If Mahiru was being honest, Mahiru didn't know that Mitsuki's health problems were so bad that even the doctors said she didn't have much time to live long.

Mahiru never knew this and he realized that he doesn't know a lot of things about Mitsuki except for the general bits. He did know her favorite color and her favorite food. But he never did know much of her family background.

He did not know that at some point, he would have never met Mitsuki if it weren't for the operation.

"Young miss.." Lily said worriedly.

Mitsuki's eyes turned to the servamp. "I did tell you that my name is Mitsuki, right?" She said firmly.

"Y-young miss, errm..M-Mitsuki. "Lily stuttered as he took a step forward her.

"There's no need for you to come closer, Lily." She told him. "I can hear you just fine over here."

"What is going on? Lily, tell me what's happening!" Misono demanded, not liking what he was hearing and seeing right now. It was impossible for her to share their last name. All the members of the Alicein, Misono knows all of their name so it was impossible unless--

"Is it him?" He demanded, eyes flaring as he turned to her.

"Misono, please calm down-"

"Don't tell me to calm down, Lily! This is serious here! She's connected to that person!" He said angrily, pointing at Mitsuki. "And you! I want an answer right now!"

Mahiru looked on nervously as he pulled Mitsuki behind him. "Misono, isn't that a bit too much? Ive known Mitsuki for a long time, she doesn't like to talk about her family except her brother so I don't think it's a good idea to press her for information. She already told you her name. "Mahiru said stifly, Mitsuki sent him a look of gratitude.

"I'd tell you but I really don't want to. I hate my family. "She confessed while smiling. "Lily of all people knows this. Why don't you ask her, Misono?"

Misono went still, this was the first time she called his name without using any of her ridiculous nicknames. So many things doesn't make sense and Lily won't tell him anything!

Misono moved his gaze to his servamp and was to about to question him when he paused at what he saw. Lily's expression was filled with what you would call 'regret'. The servamp's angelic expression was vacant and replaced by a sad look as he stared at the heterochromatic girl.

"Lily..?" Misono asked but the servamp didn't seem to hear him as he continued to gaze ahead with that sad look on her face.

[" ....Mama... I just want Mama."]

"Lily!" He called much louder and this time, the servamp finally turned to him as if regaining his senses.

[ "Mama..? Lily, where's Mama? "]

"S-Sorry, Misono!" Lily laughed. "Since everyone doesn't seem to be in the mood for training now why don't we continue this tomorrow instead? "He suggested, back to his merry expression.

No one answered which made the whole situation much more awkward than before.

Then Misono sighed.

"Fine. I'll overlook this, just this once." He told them. "But I still expect some answers soon!"

Mitsuki smiled slightly at that.

"Okay, Misono. When I'm ready, I'll tell you about everything and you can ask all the questions you want. I'll do my best to answer them. "Mitsuki answered calmly, clasping her hands together. "Not now but maybe someday."

Misono looked away. "F-Fine! I suppose that is acceptable!"

Mahiru sighed in relief but not before noticing the sad look on Mitsuki's eyes as she turned away.

♧Inner Demon♧

"Glasses-kun! Glasses-kun! " I immediately barged inside the revolving door where the lab is.

"Hmm? What is it? It's not like you to come willingly to this place. " He said, not averting his eyes from his research.

"Do you have Tsurugi-senpai's number? Or maybe Roki-senpai's? Iduna's would do but I prefer if it's Tsurugi-senpai's number. "I said with urgency, wiping the sweat on my forehead.

"Hmm.. MikuMiku won't be happy but I have nothing to lose. " He grabbed a paper and wrote the number. He handed it to me as I quickly dialed it, shifting uncomfortably in my position.

"By the way, when was the last time you've drank? "He asked, I gave him a sideway glance. I was about to answer but the phone started ringing and someone finally picked it up.

"Hello! Kamiya Tsurugi at your service! What can I do for whoever this is? "

I sighed in relief. "Senpai.. "

There was a gasp from the other end of the line.

"Miki-chan! It's been a while! I thought you've forgotten me since the last time we saw each other was three months ago! "

"Senpai, I miss you too. But can you do me a favor? "

He chuckled softly at my request. "Of course! Anything for Miki-chan! But you know, it would cost you~"

"I'm willing to pay any amount. "

"Hohoho! You've gotten bolder! I like that! Yumi must've rubbed off on you!"

I cringed at the mention of that name.

"You were just thinking something nasty about Yumi-chan, aren't you? "

I ignored his teasing.

"About the favor, I want a file of information about me. Every available one you can get. "

"Boo~ Don't dodge the question, Miki-chan ~ But why would you want a file about yourself? Is it because of that incident..? "

"Please don't be stupid. "

"Ouch! Did you got that sass from Kuni-chan? "

"Onii-sama absolutely hates that name. "

"I know! That's why it's fun to use it! So about the file.. "

"I expect to see a folder this Saturday. Thanks a bunch, Tsurugi-senpai. Let's catch up another time."

"Wait, Miki-chan--! "

I hung up.

"MikuMiku would kill you for calling that person. "Glasses laughed as he watched me from his seat.

"About your question... I think it's exactly three months since I've --"

"MIKI-CHAN! " I was interrupted by Nii-sama's loud voice from the shop. Sighing, I sent Glasses-kun an apologetic look before heading out.

I heard slithering sounds and immediately looked down to see Jeje snaking towards my right arm.

"Nii-sama..." I said, calling for the blonde's attention. He nearly flipped when he saw me standing behind him. I smirked at his reaction but my smirk fell as soon as he latched himself on me.

"I thought you were a goner! You were visiting Misono without telling me! What if he founds out about your predicament! Then everyone would start--"He stopped because he must've noticed how uncomfortable and uneasy I look right now.

He took a deep breath. "I'm not forbidding you from seeing him but you should know that if Father happened to be there then... " He trailed off, I nodded because I got the message.

"It won't happen. " I assured him. Nii-sama seemed to accept my words because he cheered up instantly.

"So does Miki-chan still want to write that letter? "

I shook my head. "It's useless.. "

Nii-sama's eyes widened. "Mitsuki, you've never missed writing a letter to Misono before. What's going o --"

"He doesn't remember me. " He fell silent while I shook him away and quietly made my way to my room.

I locked the door while Jeje rested comfortably around my neck.

"Onii-sama is pretty dense. " I blurted. "Why did no one ever told me?"

I moved towards my drawer and opened it. Feeling the soft fabric beneath my hands, I pulled the object and lifted it.

"What was the point then.. "

I gritted my teeth and shoved the ragged doll back inside.

'And I thought he was different.. '

♦️♠️♣️♥️

Lily stared at the diary grimly. From what could be seen, the diary looked really worn out and old but due to extra care, it remained in a good state.

He then opened the box near it, pulling one of the letters inside.

It wasn't addressed to him but he felt guilty and he couldn't help himself. Taking the stationary, he was greeted by an elegant handwriting.

It was obvious that the letter was written very seriously and the contents were very important to the person who wrote it.

| Dear Misono,

February 14. Happy Birthday and Happy Valentine's Day. You just turned ten today. I'm glad. You were able to grow up properly even without me. Mama is probably smiling from above, but I'm not sure what she would say. It's probably something on the lines of 'I'm proud of you'.

Mama is kind like that. Sorry, Mama was kind like that. Even after so many years, I still miss her and no matter how many times I try to forget, I couldn't. Someday, you will learn the truth. I don't know when or how but hopefully, you would understand.

I hope to see your smile again. I miss you.

-M. A. |

Lily wiped the stray ear from his face and neatly but gently folded the paper back. He placed the letter inside and took another one.

| Dear Misono,

March 14. White Day. Did you received my gifts? I knitted the scarf myself because during winter, I remember that you have a weak constitution. I don't want you to get a cold. I picked purple because I just knew that it would suit you. It's also your favorite, right?

I hope you like it. I would be really happy if you did.

Also, Lily's birthday is today. It doesn't mean anything but I would also like to wish him a happy birthday.

I'm happy that he's there to protect you because I couldn't. I owe him a lot.
Does he make you happy? I hope he does.

- M. A.  |

Lily continued to stare at the last two lines. His chest tightened and he doesn't have a choice but to place the letter back.

[ "•••••, you absolutely have no right to say my name." ]

He left the building as fast as his feet could carry him.

[ Does he make you happy? I hope he does?  ]

Once he was back inside the mansion, DouDou was the first to see his distraught appearance.

[ I hate my family. ]

"Huh? What happened? You look horrible." He said but the Servamp of Lust merely smiled.

[ You won't believe me. ]

"It's nothing. "

[ "I'd tell you but I really don't want to." ]

DouDou stared at him for a few moments before sighing.

"It's Mitsuki, isn't it? "

"What about me? " The two jumped when they saw Mikado Alicein's secretary.

DouDou rubbed the back of his neck.

"It's nothing. "

Lily agreed. "Fufu, nothing to concern yourself. "

She stared at them for quite some time before crossing her arms.

"It's Miki, isn't it? "

The two slumped at her words, a depressed aura surrounding them.

"I knew it. "She said. "Men are really idiots, you know. Stop letting your pride get the better of you. Dammit. I miss that girl. "

The three shared a look as they both sighed together.

[ "I hope to see your smile again." ]

"Yes.. Miki is.... greatly missed. " Mitsuki whispered.

[ "I miss you. " ]

"What's going on in here? Lily, why do you look depressed? "They immediately stiffened at the sound of Misono's voice.

"It's.. nothing. "

The Eve of Lust narrowed his eyes suspiciously at the three.

"Misono! Misono! " Two voice called as they watched the twins run towards him.

"Yuri? Mari? " He asked.

The two tugged at his hands from either side, a hopeful look on their faces.

"We heard from the others that Miki-nee-chan was here! What did you guys do?! Did you play?! Was it fun?! Was nee-chan happy?! "The twins said in unison.

"Huh? Who's Miki? "

The three adults in the room immediately tensed up, they shared a meaningful look with each other while Misono was distracted by the twins.

Yuri frowned and turned to Mari, her twin frowning back at her before they looked towards Misono.

"Isn't Miki-nee-chan our nee-chan? "

"Nee-chan? I don't know what this is about.. Are you talking about that weird girl from earlier? "

"Ah. Ahaha! " Mitsuki, Mikado's secretary laughed. "It's almost dinner time! Why don't we head to the dining room? I'm sure everyone's hungry now. "

Lily nodded. "Of course! Let's talk about troublesome things later. We musn't let the food get cold. "

DouDou, who honestly doesn't know what to say, merely bobbed his head in agreement.

Misono stared at his servamp for a few seconds. "Fine.. "