It was lunchtime, but I felt like I was going straight out of my mind. My head wouldn’t stop spinning! I saw Witt sitting the moment I entered the lunchroom. Cece’s followers were staring at me. They reminded me of a stray dog I used to see as kid lingering around my backyard. They were always trying to butt in where they didn’t belong and trembled in excitement over anything. I walked past their table. Witt was picking on a hot dog; Cece playing with her yoghurt. Everyone’s eyes burned into me, except Witt’s. He didn’t meet my gaze.

Tone took a swig of her Gatorade and bit into her chocolate chip cookie. She pushed a cookie towards me as I sat across from her. I shook my head, feeling disgusted at the sight of the food.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“I’ve major CNN news!” she said, excited.

“What?”

“Last night I was at the mini-mart.” She paused and took another swig of her drink. “I saw the finest guy paying for a pack of smokes and girl, everyone was drooling. Then I saw Uta waiting by the door. Uta walked up to me and we made small talk, then he introduced me to his friend, Yasu.”

If you could see the smile on her face, you would’ve thought Yasu had asked her to be his wife.

My head was hurting like nobody’s business.

“Around what time?” I asked.

“Close to midnight, could’ve been later, I guess.”

“What were you doing at the mini-mart so late?”

“I went to get pills. Mom gets nasty headaches when she’s drunk.”

Tone did her best to hide her pained eyes. It was no use. Detecting someone’s pain was my speciality.

“Back to my story. All I’m saying is damn!”

At least a little enjoyment returned to her eyes. I was glad.

“Tone,” I said. “Stop drooling. He’s not even here.”

“How can I not drool? Have you not seen Yasu? He’s a freaking God!”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “Uh-huh.”

“You said he was gorgeous, that’s an understatement. You didn’t tell me is hotter than the bloody sun.”

“And so? What if he’s good-looking? It gives him no right to be a jerk every time we’re around each other.”

“Seriously, Ji-Hye. He’s like “holy shit-hot!” and oh my, if you weren’t dating Uta, wouldn’t you want to rip his clothes off?”

I was not about to tell her I saw him shirtless. She would just about die.

“If by clothes you mean head, then yes, I think about ripping Yasu’s head and feeding it to Uta’s neighbour dogs.”

“The cashier was all up in Yasu’s face last night like bad acne,” Tone complained.

I laughed at her jealousy and took comfort knowing she and Yasu met on their own time and not mine.

“Can you believe in a couple of days we’re out of this dump? I can hardly wait for sunlight. Summer is the best!”

“To live in a chilly climate for ten months makes does me appreciate this time of the year.”

I’ve zero plans for summer. What are you and Uta's plans?”

“We haven’t talked about it.” I couldn't think about it with everything that was going on.

“Why don’t we leave early today?” Tone suggested.

“You mean cut class? Sounds tempting, but I will pass.” I needed to monitor Witt.

“You’re such a spoilsport. When I’m old and have zero wild stories to tell my grandkids, I will blame you.”

“Could you be any more dramatic?” I laughed.

“Been meaning to ask—why Cece seem so mad at you?”

I blew the air out of my cheek. “Cece is always tripping. She’s a drama queen.”

“Uh-huh.” Tone’s tone betraying more than she wanted to say. She bit her lip, still holding my gaze. “Tell me what was that all about this morning with, Witt.”

“It’s nothing.” I lied.

Tone took another bite of her cookie. I kept looking over my shoulder at Witt. Cece gave me a deadly stare and fear washed over me. I could feel myself losing control. My chest was on fire. If he told, I supposed I could ask for Uta’s help. But I feared what he might do to Witt. My mind drifted to Yasu as my next preference and unexpectedly, my heartbeat increased at the mere thought of his name. What was up with that? I couldn’t ask for help without telling Yasu about my glowing hair. Besides, we had bigger problems. This one I’ll handle on my own. I was getting annoyed with Witt for toying with me and eager to put out that fire of his permanently. I felt a combination of exhilaration and anxiety.

I need to figure something out since this was the first time I faced the real possibility that Witt might talk.

The bell rang, and everyone went to class. For the next three periods, I was unfocused and barely taking notes. I floated through my classes like some freaking genie. I hoped Uta had good news later when I see him because I could sure use some. I felt like the end was coming soon, both for vampires and my secret, and I’d no idea how to stop either. I couldn’t do anything without flipping out over our matter.

The rest of the day sped by, and finally, it was time to escape this shitty place. I hurried to my locker. I did not see Witt for the rest of the day, and I’m glad. I felt a tug on my hair, and I turned.

“You’re in a good mood. What’s up?” I asked Tone.

“Hardly. I’m going bonkers but let me know if you guys are going out later. I have this fly outfit that would make Yasu say ooh laaaah.”

I caught sight of Tone looking over my shoulder. “Expecting someone?”

She popped her gum and snapped her fingers. “You know how I do.”

“You are nuts.”

“You know what they say… there’s a fine line between sanity and insanity.”

I looked at Benjy, waiting for her. He was smart. Very smart and snort slightly whenever he laughed too hard. His beautiful dimples added to his appeal. Overall, he was a good lad.

“I’ll see you later.”

I laughed. “See you,” I said, even though she was out of earshot.