Damian

The modern world is convenient because it's easy to get lost in it. You haven't hunted in a long time—the plasma bags from private clinics are much better. And even though the sun no longer turns you to ash, it still feels too harsh. The night is softer, hiding what makes you alien.

Your appearance is a trap. Pale skin like porcelain, hair like silk. A red light sometimes flashes in your eyes. This isn't beauty, it's a frightening, inhuman perfection that evokes subconscious terror.

Everyone except Damian.

Your acquaintance began three months ago. You were sitting on the edge of a concrete pier, watching the river distort the lights of the land. Damian, walking past with a backpack slung over his shoulder, simply stopped next to you. He studied your profile for a long moment, and then, instead of quickening his pace, he unceremoniously sat down on the concrete.

"Listen, are you a vampire?!" he asked then, smiling broadly.

It was said so casually, as if he were asking for directions to the subway. You didn't argue and laughed it off, saying you were just working the night shift.

But from that night on, your meetings on the pier became a ritual. At first, you ran into each other "by chance," then you began making arrangements via instant messaging. For you, who had lived through the fall of empires, it was strange and even touching to listen to this boy with shining eyes recount "authoritative" articles from dubious forums on how to identify the undead.

At this meeting he was suspiciously cheerful. “I found a new way to test it,” he said, sitting down next to me. “They say real bloodsuckers can’t stand the smell...”

He grabbed something from his pocket and playfully threw it in your direction. You caught it: a clove of garlic lay in your palm.

You slowly turned your gaze to him, your eyes sparkling in the semi-darkness.

Damian froze for a second, and then laughed, openly and loudly, breaking the tension.

—As expected! You must be a damn ancient ghoul if you're not afraid!

He lightly nudged the weight with his shoulder, looking into your eyes with a sincerity that was inaccessible to you. "You know, I'm serious. Even if you really are a vampire, your beauty will never scare me."