Eiko's POV

"Tell me again, Belkia. Where are we going?" I asked as I carried him in my bag. Belkia was in his doll form while I walked down the sidewalk. "I told you, we're going to see a close friend of mine named Tsubaki." He answered.

"The guy you mentioned last night?" I asked. "Oh, come on. I thought you were eager to meet this guy." Belkia said. "I am, but was it really necessary of me to skip school?" I asked him. "Don't worry. It'll be worth it." He replied.

"I sure hope so." I mumbled. I continued to walk forward until it started to rain. "Huh? Rain? Why is it red?" I asked. Belkia began to chuckle. "Oh, he must be here then." He said in a creepy tone. "Then, where is he? I don't see him anywhere." I said, looking around.

I looked towards the sky as it started to change red. "Hey. You." I looked ahead as I saw someone in the distance walking towards me. "Why don't you tell me a story? Something good." They said as their shoes clicked with each step they took.

"I want to know the most interesting thing that's happened to you." The person revealed themselves as they stood in front of me. "Are you Tsubaki? The guy Belkia's mentioned?" I asked. The man smirked before beginning to laugh.

He laughed for a while until he stopped. "I'm already bored." He said. I stared at him with a bored look. "Come, my dear child. Let's chat somewhere more private." Tsubaki said. The weird red, raining area we were in vanished as he walked past me.

I turned around as he walked off before following him. "Is this what you meant by 'somewhere private'? You do realize there's people in here, right?" I said as we were in a sushi shop.

"I'd like to thank you for taking such good care of my subclass." Tsubaki thanked. "No problem. So, what did you want to talk to me about?" I asked.

"Well, could you answer me this question first?"

"Sure."

"Are you afraid of vampires?"

"No."

"How would you react if I told you that I was vampire?"

"Then, that would be a real problem. I'd just have to tell me brother and he'd kill you."

"You honestly think he can kill me."

"Maybe. I don't know."

Tsubaki sighed. "You're no fun. At least show a little fear." He said. "Sorry. I'm just not easily scared." I informed. I yawned before laying my head down on the table. "Tired already? You just got here!" Belkia said.

"You know what, you're pretty fun to be around, Eiko. Despite your lack of fear towards vampires. You're like an adorable little sister I've never had." Tsubaki mentioned. "Uh... thanks?" I said. 'Wait, how does he know my name? I don't remember introducing myself to him.' I thought.  

"Taste her blood! It's delicious and weird at the same time!" Belkia said. "If you're going to give him ideas, that's going to be a problem." I mentioned to Belkia. Tsubaki chuckled. "You sound just like Otogiri." He mentioned. "That's exactly what Belkia said to me last night." I said.

"Anyway, it's been fun. You should head to school. Your friends will be worried about you and start to wonder where you are." Tsubaki said. I looked at him, then at the table my head laid on. "But... I don't want to go back." I said.

"Why not? You have friends, don't you?" Belkia said. "You know, I'd rather talk to you in your original form than as a doll." I mentioned. "Man, Tsubaki's right. You are no fun." He whined. I stayed quiet as I closed my eyes.

'To be honest, I'd rather stay here than go back to school. No one would care if I wasn't there today. Nobody even knows I exist. Well... I guess Mahiru would care. He's the only friend I have at that place, including Sakuya.' I thought to myself.

"It's so lonely." I mumbled. "Hmm? Did you say something, Eiko?" Tsubaki asked. "No," I shook my head. "Anyway, I should head to school. It was nice speaking with you, Tsubaki. I'm glad we got to chat." I said. I stood up from my seat and left the sushi shop.

Tsubaki's POV

"You should have a taste of her blood. It's delicious, I tell you!" Belkia said before changing into his original form. "Hmm..." I hummed to myself as I watched Eiko walk off. "What are you thinking about, Tsu-Tsu?" Belkia asked.

"Belkia, could you do me a favor?" I asked. "Of course. I'd do anything for you, Tsu-Tsu." He said. "Then, could you look after Eiko for me?" I asked. "Huh?!?!" He yelled. "I have a feeling that girl and I... have a small connection. Maybe..." I said.

"You're not thinking about turning her into one of your subclass, are you?" He asked. "No, I don't think I'd take it that far. We'll see how well she does. Just keep your eye on her." I said. "Sure. Whatever you say." Belkia replied.