CHAPTER 17: Condition

**ALICIA**

“Ya! Alicia! Why are you in a hurry?” My brother said from the kitchen while I was putting on my shoes. “Aren’t you going to eat breakfast with us? It’s your birthday!”

“Your brother is right, Alicia.” Mom said while she was preparing the food. “I prepared your favorite soup. You should eat now…and open your gifts from us.”

I turned to them after finishing my shoe lace. “I already received the hairpin from Dad. Thank you for giving me life. However, I have some important things to do right now.” I walked towards the kitchen where they were all waiting for me.

There’s a chocolate cake with twenty small candles that my mom had baked for me. They also prepared my favorite soup, some cookies, and pasta. My brother also fried some barbeque. It’s too early for birthday celebration. However, it’s usual for my family to do this.

“What’s more important than your birthday?” My Dad said as I sipped the tea. It’s only seven in the morning. Did you sleep well?” He checked my face and I just smiled at them, fully drinking my tea.

“I’m sorry for ruining my own birthday party, but Ross is sick and he needs me right now.” I bowed my head as an apology.

“Ross is sick? What happened to him?” My brother asked me. “I just saw him yesterday and he seemed fine.”

“I promise to come home early and cook something nice for all of you.” I kissed each one of them before running towards the door.

“But…Alicia!” My brother protested, but I ran fast to the garage and drove to the university as fast as I can.

When I didn’t see Akihiro and his group at the entrance of Woods of Dracula, I called him.

“If this is your number, then why aren’t you picking my call last night?” I asked as soon as he answered the call.

“You were calling me last night?” He seems so shocked.

“Didn’t you hear me say it?” I scoffed. “Now, tell me…where is Ross?” I gritted my teeth. “I am in front of the Woods of Dracula. Let me see Ross now!”

“Oh, don’t be impatient, love. We’ll get there…and you don’t have to worry about him. He’s in a good place as of the moment.” He answered. “Now, all you have to do is to cross the Woods of Dracula.”

I raised my brow. “Are you planning on killing me?”

He chuckled a bit. “We’ll get there soon, love. Don’t be so excited to die. Now, follow the trail or else you won’t be able to see Ross.”

I scoffed when he turned off the call. I cursed. Okay, patience, Alicia. You need him to save Ross.

I entered the Woods of Dracula. The birds are chirping as I followed the trail. The trees are also swaying against the wind. I could hear my heartbeat and maybe Akihiro could hear it, either. I don’t know what’s running inside my mind. However, I don’t feel any danger at all, it’s just excitement and nervousness.

When I turned to the corner, I stopped when the trail changes. There’s lantern on the side, it’s light weren’t bright. The trail started to have a roses petal scattered around…and as I went further the woods, I smelled freshly-baked bread and brewed coffee.

What…the hell?

Is there some kind of party in here?

As I turned to the left, I saw a table with various foods. When I turned around, Akihiro handed me a bouquet of blue roses.

I raised my brow. “You’re the one sending me blue roses since?” I snorted. I didn’t expect him to be that. “I mean, are you my secret admirer or you just send blue roses before killing your prey? Come to think of it, for almost 5 years, you’ve been sending me these blue roses every occassion.”

“Oh, Alicia…” He shook his head and didn’t continue what he was about to say.

“Where is Ross?”

“Can you stop saying his name for a minute, Alicia? I am in front of you now, so why are you looking for him!” He sounded so mad as he turned his back on me.

“Are you jealous?” I faked a laugh. “I cannot believe you are that good in acting. Oh, right, you are the president of our club, so what else can I say?”

“Alicia…” I paused when he called me. Akihiro’s face softened as he gazed at me. “Can you stop talking and just accept the flowers so we can eat? At least, do that because we’ve been bickering with each other for the last five years.”

“Oh, and you think it’s my fault when you are the one who started it? Come on, Akihiro. You were the one who treated me coldly during our first meeting so I am just returning the favor!” I reasoned out. He’s still the same Akihiro and I guess that will never change.

“I see, then, if I start treating you with care, would you do the same to me?” He fired back, making me speechless.

“Akihiro, I am not here to play with you. Tell me where is Ross. Is he okay? Please…” I pleaded with tears. “He’s my best friend and I don’t know what will happen if—”

“Do you love him?” Akihiro creased his brows.

“Of course, what kind of questions is that?”

“Not as a friend. Do you love with him enough to be my rival before if you say yes, then I don’t think I can save him.”

“What?” I scoffed. “So, you do know how to save him yet for your own selfish reasons…you don’t want to save him? I expected a lot from you, Akihiro. But, you are truly a monster.”

“Do you really not have any idea why I am doing this or you just don’t want to think about it?” He is now standing in front of me, with his eyes melting me.

I gulped the lump in my throat. No, Alicia. You need to be strong. You cannot fear him.

“Is this one of your tricks so you can control me? Fine!” I sighed. “If this will make you save Ross, I am willing to do everything you want to do.”

Akihiro smirked…with a winning smile he grabbed me by my waist as I felt his fangs on my neck.