Camila drinks Yohan’s words until she’s in his car, and he’s driving in the direction of his house. He’s buzzing beside her while her heart jumps at a violent pace.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you that day.” She says briefly looking at him before turning her attention to the road, “I was just…surprised.”

“You have an issue with human blood?”

“I avoid it and stick animals.

“Why?”

Camila is silent, feeling his eyes scanning her face for a second, “A human diet is…invasive. You are feeding off someone’s pain and using them as food. I’m not sure anyone would agree to a blood bag for someone like me.”

“I would.” Yohan’s response is fast and there’s no skip in his heart. Camila turns to look at him, but he’s staring at the road with his hands firm on the wheel. Despite being unable to fully see his face, Camila can tell he’s telling the truth.

Camila stays quiet, unsure of what to say to sound as dedicated as Yohan does. Her lips quiver softly, and Yohan breaks the silence. “When did you become…what you are?”

“A day after my graduation.” Camila’s memories race, flashes of scenes from that night circling her brain. Inside the car, she could almost smell the rocky soil of the earth she had woken up on, and the tangy metallic taste of the rabbit her tongue tasted.

Yohan hums, turning into the neighborhood. “Does Marie know?”

“Of course, she does. She my sister.” Her voice lowers to a whisper, “It’s part of the reason I moved out.”

The car comes to a halt at the familiar white house. Camila steps out, walking behind Yohan as he opens the door.

He walks into the kitchen, “That was the difference in opinion between both of you”, disbelief drips down his voice.

Camila laughs, “Not everyone is okay with the abnormal…like you.”

“Thank you.” Yohan places two small glasses on the small coffee table, along with a bottle of soju. They sit on the black couch each on the end of the couch. Even through the distance, Camila can feel him, like she’s close enough to touch his neck and kneecap.

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“I’d never try to kill you.” Camila's words are barely above a whisper, and though she fears that Yohan didn’t hear her, he hums.

His throat bobs and he moves closer to her, laying his elbow on the couch, and letting his head rest on his palm. “But you have thought about it.”

Camila doesn’t deny the statement. She’s sure that her previous carnal confession is fresh in Yohan’s mind.

He laughs, throwing his head back, “I don’t blame you,” He says, “I think I’d taste delicious.”

Camila laughs, covering her mouth as she throws her head back. Her body shakes and Yohan smiles at that. She lets out a content sigh just as Yohan stands up and reaches for the small table next to the TV.

“You think so? Are you a heavy drinker or smoker and does your diet consist of takeout?”.

“Occasional drinker. I quit smoking and take out is a once-a-month or year threat.” He responds above the slow jazz music.

There’s a calm energy that fills the room, elevating the yellow light that shines over them. Camila feels relaxed and good. Being with Yohan lights a spark in her belly that goes beyond blood lust. It’s a humane feeling, like seeing a painting one likes and wanting to see every day or the feeling of an unbroken routine that’s been perfected to enjoy every minute of the day. With Yohan, Camila feels human, warm, and good.

“By the way, I’m twenty-three.”

Yohan raises his eyebrow, “Twenty-three and how many centuries?”

Camila rolls her eyes, “Very funny. Sun is outside.”

Yohan pauses, “What?”

He stands up just as the bell rings. Sun pauses when he passes the entrance. He holds a white bag that holds four bottles of soju and a pack of gum. “Camila.”

He pushes past Yohan, running directly to Camila’s arms. Camila can see Yohan’s face shift red with a tight jaw.

“Hi, Sunny.”

Sun sits next to Camila, placing the white bag on the table. “It’s a surprise seeing you here.” He sends Yohan a quick look. “Did he call you over? He’s very needy.”

Camila nods with a smile, “He is.” She whispers in a playful tone.

Sun turns to Yohan, “So, is your camera working again? I brought a change of battery.”

There’s a sudden shift in Yohan’s when Sun's words enter the atmosphere. “They only had one pack for the one in your room.”

Yohan’s jaw is slack, while Camila stares at him with wide eyes. Sun pays no mind to them and rummages through the bag, taking out the soju and pack of batteries. Yohan strides towards him grabbing his shoulder and pulling him towards the door.

“Ya,” Sun yelps, pulling away but ultimately giving up and letting Yohan pull him outside of the house.

He saw. He saw her in his room that day, and he has a recording of her sniffing his clothing like some cat in heat. Humiliation settles in the pit of Camila’s stomach, and her hands shake. A violent shudder passes her body and the door creaks open. They stare at each other, unmoving.

Outside, the sound of a car engine echoes in the night, clear in Camila’s ears. Cicada’s scream over the silence that protrudes Camila’s body. Yohan’s hands shake, while her body is stiff, buzzing with anxiety.

“The camera in my room…”

“Was it recording the day you invited us over?” She interrupts him. “Did…did you see me?”

Silence, and then his throat bobs, and she can almost see them begin to turn red as if she’s watching herself. Her lips quiver, and she quickly moves from the couch. “Oh god.”