CHAPTER 27: Usual

**ALICIA**

“Hey, why the hell are you burning papers?” Ross yelled as soon as he got out of the backyard to check what I was doing. “Isn’t it bad to burn and…why are you burning those papers? Isn’t that your script for the film?”

“Yes, but it is just a draft.” I replied to him. “Akihiro was the one who wrote this and it's trash so I am putting it in a trash can and burning it.” I simply said, but the truth is I am erasing all the proof that will prove that Akihiro saved me from his grandfather.

“Wow, you really hate him, don’t you?” Ross grinned.

“Of course, I hate him!” I rolled my eyes.

I hid the smile that formed in my lips. A part of me still hates him, yet there’s a part of me that is thankful because if it weren’t for his message using the script, then I would really die…and perhaps my whole family would be buried right now.

Although, it’s a bit complicated right now as I am pretending not to know anything about vampires…and acting like I can be compelled. I’m not sure when this will last…but I will try my best if this would mean a normal life.

I still cannot figure out why I cannot be compelled by anyone…not even the most powerful vampires on earth. What is wrong with me?

“Oh, you haven’t told me what happened with the Governor?” Ross remembered again since he saw me talking to the governor last night. He was actually my savior because if not, I would have peed in my pants because of nervousness.

“Ah, right. He is just checking the night class, especially Akihiro. He happened to pass by and asked me about what happened to my parents.” I said. I did not exactly lie because after him compelling me…he asked me about it.

“I see. It was a shock to see him in our university.” He replied. “Wait, don’t tell me…you are going to burn all of this?” Ross said, helping me with the papers as we watched them burn.

“Yes.” I replied. “If you don’t want to help me, then go back inside.” I said.

“Why are you being grumpy again?” He scoffed. “You should be thankful that I am here for you. What if something happens again?”

“It’s not like you can save me or what…” I rolled my eyes. “How about you buy me some food because I am really hungry.” I said to him, finally all the papers turned into ash now.

I put water on the tank where I burned the paper and went back inside, following Ross who was saying something that I cannot even understand because I am busy thinking of what I should do with Akihiro.

He hasn’t said anything about what happened which means we are being watched by someone. I cannot risk my life, either, so I have to continue acting.

“Your father said we can go back to your house by Friday." Ross said. "There's no food so how about we eat in the cafeteria after you take a shower because you stink now. We have our practical exams, too."

"Yes, yes. I know." I sighed. "I also need to do the second part of the audition today. Gosh! The first group was useless!"

"Maybe I can try."

I rolled my eyes. "You can die trying."

"What? Are you mocking me now? Hah! I will show you that I am good at acting! I am going to be part of your film.”

I don’t think so and surely Akihiro will not approve of it. I am not sure of this, but I am aware that he doesn’t like it when I am near Ross. Wait, did he really fall for me or was it just part of his plan?

“Why is Ross doing the audition?” He scoffed, without even watching, he put an X mark on Ross’ paper.

“I am starting to think you have feelings for me, Akihiro.” It was supposed to be a joke, however, he is serious.

“I am starting to think you are not just numb but stupid.” He glared at me. “Do you really not know, right?”

“I know, but I don’t want to believe in it.” I rolled my eyes. “It’s not like it’s going to work knowing you have a fiance and you are not—”

He cut me off before I can say that he is a vampire. “If I cut off my engagement, do you think it will work?”

I sighed. “I don’t like you, Akihiro. So, no.”

I gulped the lump in my throat. Why am I feeling uneasy?

Cut it! Alicia, you don’t care about him! He is a vampire!

“Really?” He scowled, like he doesn’t believe in me. “What part of me don't you like when every human likes me?”

“That part!” I circled his face using my pointy finger. “You are cold, arrogant, heartless…and what else? You might get hurt if I started to enumerate it.” I eyed him. I actually like the fact that I don’t have to think he is a vampire at this moment, it helps me go back to my real self when I am with him.

My hands were no longer shaking when I was with him…and I hope this will continue until I gather enough evidence to fight against them. I know, time will come, his grandfather will know that I am faking it.

“You are going to like me soon.”

I covered my mouth, acting like I am going to vomit. “I cannot believe you have this confidence. Unfortunately, I am not going to fall for you. Will you stop flirting with me? Your fiancee might pull my hair.”

“Oh, I think I need to go ask that question again after breaking off my engagement.” He grinned.

I paused, looking at the surroundings while we were inside the technical booth. He cannot see us here because of the mirror and it is also soundproof. We usually do this so that those who want to audition will not get nervous after seeing us. Ross is still standing as some of the members are asking him.

“What? It’s creepy when you are quiet.” Akihiro creased his brow.

“WIll you please shut up? I am watching Ross.” I returned to him the paper he put X on it while also showing the message I typed in my phone saying, Can I freely talk here?

Akihiro smiled a bit. My eyes widened when he pulled me closer, hugging me as whispered, “We can also hug each other.”