Content Warning
This chapter contains mature themes, harsh language, and emotional tension.
Reader discretion is advised.
The next day began like any other.
Or at least, it tried to.
Everywhere Claut went, people were talking about one thing—
the new officer in town.
"Did you see him? He's young... and kinda cute!"
"Cute? Please. He won't last a week in this city."
"Haha, true! Poor guy probably doesn't even know what's coming."
Their laughter echoed through the halls.
But Claut barely heard a word.
He sat at his desk, head lowered, lost somewhere deep inside his thoughts.
Across the room, Lucy sat in silence.
Neither of them had spoken since yesterday's incident.
Every time she tried to glance his way, she froze halfway—afraid, shy, unsure.
Inside, Lucy wanted to thank him.
She wanted to say something. Anything.
But the words never came.
I should just thank him… that's all.
Come on, Lucy. It's not a big deal. Just... thank him.
Her heart thudded like a trapped drum.
She clenched her fists under the desk.
Ding dong!
The bell rang.
Lucy stood up before her courage faded.
She walked straight toward Claut, pretending to look casual.
"Hey, Claut," she said, forcing a small smile.
"Let's grab something to eat. My treat."
The class went dead silent.
Rick's jaw dropped open. His face twisted in disbelief.
"Wha—What?! When did this happen?!"
Claut blinked once, completely calm.
"Sure," he said. "Can Rick come? He's my friend. I can't leave him alone."
Rick froze. Then his eyes filled dramatically with fake tears.
He raised his arms toward the ceiling.
"Thank you, Kami-sama! For blessing me with this kind of friend!"
Claut sighed. "Actually... you know what? Let's go, just the two of us."
Rick gasped as if struck by lightning. "No way! I'm coming too!"
From nowhere, he pulled out a red rose—no one knew why he even had one—and presented it with a grin.
"Hi, Lucy. A beautiful rose for a beautiful lady!"
Lucy blinked. "…Is he always like this?"
Claut shrugged. "Unfortunately, yes."
Lucy rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself.
"Fine. You can come."
They started walking toward the school gate.
Halfway there, the intercom crackled to life.
"Lucy, please report to the principal's office."
"Ah—! You guys go ahead," she said quickly.
"I'll meet you at the gate."
"Alright," Claut said. "We'll wait."
Lucy hurried off down the hall.
As her footsteps faded, Claut's pace slowed.
His gaze shifted toward the senior block—toward Mia's classroom.
Something inside him twisted.
Without hesitation, he turned and walked straight in.
A few girls looked up, puzzled.
Mia leaned back in her chair, smirking.
"Well, well," she said. "Who the hell are you, little boy? Lost or something?"
Claut said nothing.
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a bundle of cash, and dropped it on her desk.
"Listen," he said flatly.
"I'm asking nicely. Take this money and stop bothering Lucy.
If you ever touch her again... you'll regret it."
The room went still.
Then Mia laughed—high, mocking, cruel.
"Oh, wow. So you are her rich boy. How cute."
Claut's voice dropped lower, cold as a blade.
"I'm not asking twice."
Her grin faltered for a moment before returning.
"Fine, fine. Whatever. We were bored anyway."
Outside, at the school gate, Rick waved.
"Finally! What took you so long?"
"Nothing," Claut said quietly. "Let's go."
Cut To: Kim — Late Evening
Kim sat behind his desk, the blinds half-closed.
The only light came from the glow of his computer screen.
His eyes were empty—
not tired, not calm.
Just hungry.
He had gone too many days without the rush, the taste, the thrill.
The world outside buzzed with crime and panic,
but all he could think about was the scent of blood.
The hunt… it's calling again.
He leaned back, lips curling into a faint smile.
"Soon," he whispered.
End of Chapter 8