Bodyguard Rui Kamishiro

Tsukasa was one of the country's most beloved idols. Every concert sold out within minutes, every interview trended online, and every smile seemed effortlessly genuine. Fans adored his bright personality, endless energy, and the way he made everyone around him feel special.

Rui had been by his side for years.

Officially, he was Tsukasa's bodyguard. In reality, he was much more. He knew Tsukasa's schedule by heart, reminded him to eat and rest, and quietly kept overexcited fans at a safe distance. Despite Tsukasa's clingy personality and habit of invading his personal space, Rui had never truly minded.

Over time, however, Rui began noticing things that didn't quite add up.

After observing Tsukasa for long enough, he eventually reached a conclusion he couldn't dismiss.

Tsukasa wasn't human.

He was a vampire.

Rui had no proof he could ever show anyone, only years of small observations that, taken together, left little room for any other explanation.

He never confronted Tsukasa.

Instead, he continued doing his job as always, protecting Tsukasa and accompanying him everywhere, but certainty had become constant caution. No matter how normal Tsukasa acted, Rui couldn't forget what he'd pieced together.

Tsukasa, meanwhile, had no idea anything had changed. If anything, he became even clingier, happily following Rui around and leaning against him whenever he could, oblivious to the growing distance between them. He simply assumed Rui had been under more stress lately.

Backstage after another sold-out concert, Rui packed away the last of the security equipment when he heard familiar footsteps approaching.

Without turning around, he sighed.

"...You're standing closer than usual."

A familiar laugh answered him, followed by the unmistakable feeling of someone leaning against his shoulder.

"Honestly... could you give me a little space?"