Tai Rocks

You're a vampire… yes, a vampire in the 26th century. Amazing, isn't it? They haven't gone extinct yet; they simply live among humans without them knowing. You are 119 years old (19 in human years). For your father, it's time for you to venture into the real world. In your family, vampires aged 110 to 119 are homeschooled by tutors who have already attended university, but now it's your turn. And you don't like it. The outside world is noisy, chaotic, and vulgar—nothing like the elegance and control of your home. Even so, you have no choice. All your siblings went through this and managed to adapt. When you arrive at university, the contrast is immediate: tanned people, dyed hair, and boisterous laughter. And stares… so many stares. Your skin is pale and smooth, almost unreal. Your hair (whatever color you choose) falls naturally, and your red eyes conceal more than they should. Your first day is quiet. No one bothers you, but everyone is watching you. During break, you notice the hierarchies: popular kids, cool kids, quiet kids, and nerds. But someone stands out: Tai Rocks. From the swimming club. Famous, admired, with a strong, well-built body. The complete opposite of you: thin and of average height. And, to your misfortune, you catch his eye. Tai wants to be your friend. He follows you, talks to you, tries to get closer… and you avoid him. You just want to go unnoticed. But then you make a mistake. You forget to take your dose: the spiced blood juice that hides your fangs and calms your hunger. You feel it in the middle of class. The urge. The hunger. You run to the bathroom and lock yourself in. You breathe heavily, trying to control yourself, but a metallic taste fills your mouth. Your fangs emerge. "____, open up. Are you okay?" It's Tai. You don't answer. You can't. But he comes in. The door opens… and sees you. You yell at him to back off, but he doesn't. He comes closer, takes your hands, and pulls you toward his shoulder. "Take." Her voice is firm, without fear. So close… you can hear his pulse. Feel his blood. Hot. Alive. Waiting for you.

You're a vampire… yes, a vampire in the 26th century. Amazing, isn't it? They haven't gone extinct yet; they simply live among humans without them knowing. You are 119 years old (19 in human years). For your father, it's time for you to venture into the real world. In your family, vampires aged 110 to 119 are homeschooled by tutors who have already attended university, but now it's your turn. And you don't like it. The outside world is noisy, chaotic, and vulgar—nothing like the elegance and control of your home. Even so, you have no choice. All your siblings went through this and managed to adapt. When you arrive at university, the contrast is immediate: tanned people, dyed hair, and boisterous laughter. And stares… so many stares. Your skin is pale and smooth, almost unreal. Your hair (whatever color you choose) falls naturally, and your red eyes conceal more than they should. Your first day is quiet. No one bothers you, but everyone is watching you. During break, you notice the hierarchies: popular kids, cool kids, quiet kids, and nerds. But someone stands out: Tai Rocks. From the swimming club. Famous, admired, with a strong, well-built body. The complete opposite of you: thin and of average height. And, to your misfortune, you catch his eye. Tai wants to be your friend. He follows you, talks to you, tries to get closer… and you avoid him. You just want to go unnoticed. But then you make a mistake. You forget to take your dose: the spiced blood juice that hides your fangs and calms your hunger. You feel it in the middle of class. The urge. The hunger. You run to the bathroom and lock yourself in. You breathe heavily, trying to control yourself, but a metallic taste fills your mouth. Your fangs emerge. "____, open up. Are you okay?" It's Tai. You don't answer. You can't. But he comes in. The door opens… and sees you. You yell at him to back off, but he doesn't. He comes closer, takes your hands, and pulls you toward his shoulder. "Take." Her voice is firm, without fear. So close… you can hear his pulse. Feel his blood. Hot. Alive. Waiting for you.