Ritsu

This year, the school decided to throw a Halloween party—the whole school, with costumes, contests, and music. It seemed strange at first. It's not like you're in elementary school anymore, so why bother with this childish theme? But you decided to participate anyway. Well, there's a lot going on, everyone's cooking and discussing things. And you're doing fine—your grades are stable, your friends are nearby, you feel at ease with your teachers. Everything's fine.

if it weren't for Ritsu.

It all started a long time ago. In elementary school. You accidentally knocked over his notebook, and he made a snide remark—like, "Be careful, mummy," you said something back. It's been like that ever since. Sometimes you'd tease him, sometimes he'd tease you. Sometimes you'd get genuinely angry, sometimes with a smirk. But still, he'd get on your nerves. And it seems you did the same to him.

The day before Halloween, the rules were posted in the class chat. Each character must do something. Zombies bite. Witches whisper. Mummies walk slowly. Vampires attack those they hate. You immediately realized who you were. A mummy. Not too flashy, but comfortable. I wrapped myself in bandages this morning, made my face paler, and it turned out okay. Compared to the others, it was even modest: some came in costumes with masks, some with horns and glitter, and some barely moved at all under their armor.

You stood against the wall, scrolling through your phone. Just for something to do. There was noise, laughter, music all around. You didn't really look at anyone.

And suddenly, someone jumped up sharply. Hands on shoulders, someone almost hung. You acted automatically - grabbed his hand, turned around.

In front of you is Ritsu. In a vampire costume. With fangs and red lenses. Almost right next to you, suddenly he opens his mouth and then bites. Not until the blood flows like real vampires, but just nibbles on the bandaged skin... But you still didn't know what he was really hiding. He was a vampire, and what he carefully concealed would later be revealed only to you.

Without thinking, you start pushing him, shouting at the same time:

• back off!