Dine With The Vampire

Chapter 1

Prim's POV

After what happened at the park, I willingly went with Gunther to the café he owned.

My jaw dropped when I saw how elegant the building's exterior was. It looked like only wealthy people could afford to eat here!

I suddenly wanted to back out. Sure, I had experience working as a crew member in fast food chains, but being a waitress in a fancy café? I wasn't confident enough. I felt like I was more suited to be a janitor or maybe just a dishwasher.

"Wow," I whispered as I stepped inside. "Is this really a café or a palace?"

Gunther chuckled at my reaction.

But I was serious. The place really looked like a palace. The interior had a red and gold theme, giving off European vibes. Each table had four chairs, a red carpet covered the floor, chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and there were several indoor plants, a mini library, and a collection of wine bottles.

I turned toward the balcony when a man suddenly appeared, leaning on the railing.

"Good evening," he greeted, his gaze sharp.

"Ross, this is Primrose. I hired her as our new staff member," Gunther introduced me.

"Hi..." I waved awkwardly.

Ross smirked. "A new staff member, huh? Is this your new strategy? I didn't know we were short on employees."

I hesitated. From the way he spoke, it sounded like they didn't actually need me.

"I'll find someone else," Trojan interjected. "This is just a misunderstanding. Gunther thought she was my prospect. But since you already have someone in mind, why not let me have her instead?"

I frowned.

"Well, unfortunately, I've already marked her." Gunther took my hand and raised it in the air as if showing proof. "See? I decided to take her in, and she won't be replaced."

Ross chuckled. "That's pretty sudden, don't you think?"

"She's interesting, don't you agree?"

"Not everyone has met her yet," Ross countered. "Let her go."

"When I say something, I mean it," Gunther insisted.

"My handsomeness is suffering because of you two," Ross complained dramatically, placing a hand on his forehead. "When will you ever get along?"

Gunther turned to him. "Are you interested in her?"

Ross stroked his chin as he scanned me. "She's average and innocent. Not bad. At least she won't be a hassle. In a matter of days, she'll probably make her choice."

"Should I be worried about this conversation?" I interrupted.

"For what?" Gunther asked.

"Your invitation seems like such a big deal, and now you're arguing over it. If not everyone agrees, I can leave..." I lowered my head. "Sorry for the trouble. I was just desperate for a place to stay tonight. I don't want to cause any problems."

"You've already entered the café," he said seriously. "Don't even think about leaving."

"Are your standards dropping?" Trojan interjected again. "She can't be the muse."

"Muse?" I mumbled.

"Have you two known each other for a long time?" Ross smirked. "Why are you so concerned?"

"Uhm, no! We just met at the park earlier," I clarified.

Ross nodded. "Then there's no problem. I thought there was something between you two."

"Huh? W-what? No..." My face turned red.

"We don't need a sophisticated and confident muse when we already have Primrose," Gunther said, smiling at me.

Trojan shook his head. "Do whatever you want."

"What does 'muse' even mean?" I asked.

"It means you're a very special guest," the man on the balcony answered. "You should be proud. You've been chosen to be served by handsome butlers like me." He winked.

"Served?" I asked, confused. "But I thought you hired me to work? How-"

"I lied," Gunther admitted. "I just said that so you'd have a reason to stay."

"I tried to warn you. No complaints now," the grumpy one whispered teasingly.

"As I said, just let her be," Gunther insisted.

I nodded hesitantly.

"Mr. Host, take care of her, okay?" Ross told Trojan.

"Tsk," Trojan scoffed.

"Anyway, welcome to the café, Lady Prim," Ross grinned. "Inside this café, you can have anything you desire..."

I felt uneasy.

"Trojan will be in charge of you," Gunther added. "I hope you two get along."

"A-are you sure?"

"He doesn't have a choice," Gunther said, patting my shoulder. "If you ever have a problem with him, don't hesitate to come to me. Feel at home."

Silence filled the room as I was left alone with the grumpy one.

He flopped onto the sofa.

"Welcome to Empire's Café!" he announced sarcastically. "Just think of it as a giant dollhouse, and you're the doll."

"Why do you talk like that?" I asked.

"Because you're dumb! You shouldn't have entered this place."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not allowed to talk about it. You should've listened when I told you not to come. Now you're just another problem for me."

"I don't understand."

He stared at me.

"You're too simple. You might feel intimidated if I give you a big room."

"Is that a joke?" I laughed. "This café is so luxurious! Might as well give me the biggest room! And can I request chocolates and pastries?" I raised a brow. "I'm a special guest, right?"

He froze.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You talk like you have no hesitation."

"Didn't you hear? Gunther said to 'feel at home!'" I grinned. "It would be a waste not to take advantage of it."

He shook his head. "You look simple, but your mind is just like the others."

"The others?"

"The former muses of the café."

"Former muses?"

"Why did I even worry about you? Clearly, you'll be blinded by material things like the rest."

"You're being too harsh..."

"I bet in a few days, you'll start demanding things."

"I'm not that kind of person!"

"Really?"

"You know, I'm willing to work here, and I'd even be fine with just getting an allowance for school and free meals. I'm hardworking, and I can do all sorts of tasks. What's wrong with asking for a big room?"

"Alright," he stood up. "Let's just have Clev and Indigo take care of you."

"W-who?"

"They're also butlers here. Indigo is a chef-he can make the pastries you want," he explained. "And Clev loves chocolates as well. He's a businessman, so if you need money, he's the one-"

"Wait, wait! Are you saying I'm greedy and gluttonous?"

"I didn't say that."

"But that's what you meant."

"Do you have school tomorrow?" he changed the topic.

"I have a part-time job, so I'll be absent."

"Part-time? Why? You're already a guest at the café. You're just wasting your time and energy. It's pointless."

"Do you hate me?"

"What?"

"I just noticed that all you do is insult me." I crossed my arms. "Low standards, dumb, greedy, gluttonous, a waste of time, and pointless?" I listed them one by one.

"Aishhh..." He scratched his head. "I'll take you to your room."

"H-hey, wait! We're still talking!"

"We're done talking."

"Huh?"

"Follow me."

"What about my things?" I called after him as he kept walking.

I followed him anyway. Once I knew where my room was, I could go back for my stuff. It looked like chivalry really was dead in this vampire.

I got dizzy from all the twists and turns in the building. Who would've thought this café was so huge? But I liked how many doors it had. It was like a maze-so cool.

We stopped in front of a golden door.

But my eyes widened even more when he opened it because inside was a fountain of dark chocolate!

"I-is this real?"

"Clev arranged this room. For him, everything can be bought with money. Even you."

"Are you insulting me again?"

"I'm just giving you an idea."

"An idea for what?"

"Nothing."

"How many of you are here?"

"If you want to know more, let's talk about it tomorrow."

"All you ever do is avoid conversations and insult me."

"Just be grateful you're sleeping on a soft and expensive bed."

Then I remembered-he still had wounds. I had been too focused on the things around me that I forgot he was injured.

"Trojan..."

He stopped.

"Your wounds..."

"Go to sleep."

"I just thought maybe you'd want some help treating them?"

He turned to face me.

"What do you even know?"

"I'm just trying to be nice to you, and yet-"

"-Think about yourself instead. I need rest, so enough with the questions."

"Uhm, o-okay. Sorry."

"I'm leaving now."

I was left standing in front of the door, once again taking in the entire room. The bed looked like something fit for a princess. Beige and brass were the dominant colors.

The floor was so polished that I could clearly see my reflection-I was almost afraid to step on it! My gaze shifted to the chocolate fountain, and I bit my lip. Could I eat that?

Near the bed, gold teacups sat on an expensive-looking side table. The thought made me smile.

But when I noticed what I assumed to be a walk-in closet, I suddenly remembered that my belongings were still outside. I quickly turned and ran toward the door-only to slip.

I covered my face, bracing for impact.

But... I never hit the ground.

"You can remove your hands from your face now," a calm voice said.

Slowly, I lowered my hands-only to be met by a smiling angel who had caught me.

"Good thing I arrived just in time," he said.

"T-thank you..." I quickly stepped away as he helped me stand.

"I saw your things outside, so I decided to bring them in for you."

"H-how did you know they were mine?"

"Your scent."

"So, you're a vampire too?"

"Everyone who lives here, including the staff and guests, are vampires."

"Are you a butler as well?"

"At your service, my lady." He bowed.

"I was only supposed to be part of the staff, so-"

I couldn't finish my sentence because I tensed up when he grinned, revealing his fangs.

"I don't bite-yet. So don't be scared of me. They call me Tangent for a reason. You see, I'm Tan and a gentleman."

He knelt before me, taking both of my hands. "And your word is my command."

I gave him an awkward smile.

He chuckled.

"You're different. Didn't that make you feel anything?"

I frowned, watching him as he stood up.

"Are you serious?"

He nodded. "I see now why Gunther brought you here."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2

"I'm so confused..."

"That's just how vampires are-mysterious."

"Yeah, you're right..."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Primrose."

"Just call me Prim."

"If that's what you prefer. I'll be going now." He glanced around before adding, "Take care always." He smiled, then stepped out and closed the door behind him.

Earlier, I was excited. But now, my mind is filled with questions. Why did I even come with them? And with vampires, of all people? Trojan had a point-I was an idiot.

But if I had stayed at the park, my night wouldn't have been easy either. I could have been in danger. Thinking about it, it's the same situation. At least here, I have a room and a bed to sleep in.

Those vampires are wealthy. They can buy blood from the blood market. My blood probably isn't special enough for them to be interested in. Maybe Gunther just felt sorry for me, which is why he let me stay here.

But what confuses me is the way they speak-and especially how against my stay Trojan was. And what Gunther said... that I was the one who should be thanked? Why?

I scratched my head.

How many people even live here?

I've already met Ross-the one who acts like he's in a stage play and is ridiculously full of himself.

Then there's Tangent-compared to Trojan, he's much more of a gentleman. He even went out of his way to bring my things here.

Gunther... I can't quite read him, but he seems like the type with authority.

And then there were the ones Trojan mentioned-the chef and businessman? Indigo and Clev?

And finally, the arrogant one-the one who seems like the biggest troublemaker of them all. Arrogant, full of insults, and an assassin on top of that. Not to mention he's unbelievably grumpy.

Prim's POV

I trailed behind Trojan as we entered the school the next day. His presence immediately grabbed attention-my classmates reacted as if they'd just seen a cockroach, screaming and squealing in excitement.

"Do you really have to follow me all the way here?"

"If I leave you alone, six vampires will hunt me down."

"Gunther and the others?"

"Why do you ask so many questions?"

"Have you ever heard of the word 'curiosity'?"

"Just pretend you don't see me and keep walking. Or do you actually enjoy all this attention?"

"You're a vampire. Of course they're freaking out. Do you even know that in this campus, everyone dreams of having a vampire boyfriend?"

"So?"

"What do you mean 'so'? You're a vampire-of course, you're popular."

"Hi, Prim!" My annoyingly dramatic classmate waved at me. "Introduce us to your friend!"

"Yeah, hello, Mr. Vampire... That coat looks really good on you."

"How did you end up as his assistant?" another one asked, gesturing at me.

"Can't you see that I'm the one assisting her?" Trojan corrected.

Their eyes widened in disbelief as they looked back and forth between us.

"Wait-how did that happen?! Wasn't it just yesterday that you got kicked out of your apartment? The whole campus was talking about it!"

"Yeah! And now you suddenly have an assistant?"

"Mr. Vampire, you're joking, right? How could an upper-class vampire possibly be this loser's assistant?"

Ah, there it is-their true colors. Just a moment ago, they were acting all friendly with their "hi's" as if we were close.

"Can you three just leave me alone? So what if the whole campus knows I got kicked out? Gossiping idiots! Mind your own business!" I snapped.

They burst into laughter.

"Hmm, I smell something fishy..." One of them smirked. "Tell me, how much did you sell yourself to him for?"

I was about to punch her, but Trojan beat me to it. In the blink of an eye, he had her by the throat.

"M-Mr. Vampire, w-what are you doing?!" One of them stammered in fear.

"Hhmmmmp, I-I can't b-breathe... mmp!"

"Prim!" The third one clung to my arm, trembling. "Please stop him!"

"T-Trojan..." I hesitated, still shocked. "Let her go. That's enough!" My voice was unsure, but I whispered, "Someone might report you to the VP..."

Only then did he release her.

She collapsed, coughing, while the other two rushed to her side.

"Let's go." I grabbed his arm, pulling him away.

Once we were far enough, I confronted him.

"Did you forget we're inside a school?! Why did you do that?! Next time, stay out of my business, okay?!"

"Stay out of it?" He stepped closer. "That girl had too much to say. People like her should be silenced permanently."

I felt my blood run cold. I shouldn't even be surprised to hear something like that from an assassin.

"E-even students? You'd go that far?"

"She thought I bought you. That's a huge insult to me."

I blinked in shock.

So... he did that, not to defend me, but because his ego was hurt?

I turned away, feeling embarrassed.

"If I wanted to have you, I would. I wouldn't need money." He leaned in closer.

I swallowed hard as my back hit the wall behind me.

I could only blink in response. Silence stretched between us before he casually flicked his fingers in the air.

"What now?" he asked. "Are you just going to stand there, staring?"

Only then did I remember that my first class was about to start. Without another word, I turned and sprinted up the stairs.

Why did I even expect him to defend me? We only met yesterday. Besides, he's a vampire-it's only natural that he doesn't care about me.

Maybe he's only here because of Gunther.

I heard all sorts of whispers when we arrived at the classroom. People really had nothing better to do with their lives. They buzzed around like bees, gossiping in my ears.

Honestly, it hurt. I had already lost my home, and now they were treating me like this. It was as if they'd be happier seeing me out on the streets.

But I couldn't really blame them for doubting me. I had just been kicked out of my apartment-what else would they think? Of course, they expected me to be homeless by now.

Instead, I walked in with a vampire.

"Are you one of my students?"

The classroom fell silent as our teacher arrived.

"No, but Prim needs me," he replied.

A murmur spread through the room.

"We don't allow outsiders on campus, especially a vampire. The students might panic..."

He laughed.

"Do they look like they're panicking?" Trojan gestured toward my female classmates, who were practically drooling over him, their eyes shining with admiration.

"I still suggest you wait for Miss Prim outside unless you want me to call security."

Trojan casually walked toward the teacher, hands in his pockets, then leaned in and whispered something.

A moment later, the teacher smiled, stepped away, and gave me a knowing wink.

"What was that about?" I whispered.

Trojan took a seat by the window next to me, leaning back comfortably. With just one push, he could fall straight to the ground.

Our classroom was on the fourth floor-if he fell, he'd have quite a drop. But he didn't seem to care.

The teacher never bothered him again, which I found odd. Time passed, and the first period ended. A few students gathered around him, bombarding him with questions.

"What did you do earlier?"

We were at the highest section of the grandstand. Trojan had brought me here after we managed to escape my nosy classmates.

"I just told your teacher I'd pay him twice-maybe even more-than his salary as long as he let me stay with you."

"I thought you hypnotized him."

"I can't do that inside the campus."

"Fair enough." I shrugged. "Anyway, about the café... Why are you so against me staying there?"

"I'm not answering that."

I exhaled in frustration. "If you really don't want me there, don't force yourself. I'm used to being alone."

"Gunther already bit you. I don't have a choice anymore."

"Huh?"

"That was the go signal for the game."

"Game?"

"Let's just say that because of a certain toxin in his fangs, vampires will find you even more irresistible now. Your blood is more fragrant than that of ordinary humans. That's why I have to protect you until the butlers are satisfied."

"Toxin?"

"My job includes keeping secrets. That's all I can tell you-"

He stopped as his phone rang.

"Cut your classes at 3 PM. I'll take you home to the café early." He said after answering the call.

"Why?"

"I have something important to do, and I can't leave you alone on campus. I'll have Ross pick you up."

"I can stay here. Just go do what you need to do. You're taking this whole bodyguard thing way too seriously..." I muttered.

"If only you knew how serious this situation really is."

"How am I supposed to know if you won't tell me?"

"You started without me?" Clev asked.

"You'll meet her soon anyway. And even if you weren't here, you already have an advantage-she chose your room." Gunther smirked.

"I think I'll struggle with her." Ross traced the rim of his wine glass with a finger. "Her fashion sense is absolutely dreadful. It's obvious she has no interest in good clothes or shoes." He took a sip, disappointed.

"You already sound hopeless before we've even begun. This year, I think the results will be unpredictable." Tangent mused.

"I did a background check on her, and according to my research, she's been independent for a long time. She moves from apartment to apartment and takes part-time jobs-anything as long as it fits her schedule."

"What about her parents?" Clev asked.

"She's an orphan. She ran away from an orphanage. The last person who took her in has passed away, so she's been alone ever since."

"I can just use my money to win this," Clev grinned.

"If she grew up independent, bribing her with money won't be easy. Her pride is probably higher than yours," Tangent remarked.

"If money or clothes won't get her attention, then my cooking surely will." Indigo entered the room. "Empire said he'd be late-he has a polo match."

"It's about time you gave up on the café," Tangent said to Gunther.

"It just so happened that the chosen muse this time is different from what we agreed on," Gunther replied. "But I'm confident I'll win again, so I'll let you guys have a chance this time."

"Because of Lady Prim, that arrogant neurologist's son barely escaped death," Ross mentioned, referring to the original muse they had selected.

"There's always next year. For now, let's see how this game plays out." Gunther smirked.

"I've noticed Trojan is oddly sympathetic toward her," Ross commented.

"He doesn't usually interfere with our little games. He only follows orders-that's all," Gunther stated.

"He's always been the one watching over our chosen muses," Tangent added. "It's impossible for him to feel guilty now."

"What if you're wrong?" Ross countered.

"Prim is the youngest muse the café has ever had," Gunther mused. "Maybe that's why Trojan is acting differently."

Clev grinned.

"What is it?" Indigo asked.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

"The younger they are, the easier they are to spoil," Clev answered.

"That still depends on their personality. We can't be sure yet," Gunther said.

"Who do you think will win?" Ross asked.

Gunther thought for a moment. "Either Empire or Tangent."

Tangent stood and gave them a slight bow.

"If not me, then it'll be Indigo," Ross interjected.

"Good luck, everyone," Clev smirked. "She's going to be mine."

"Alright, meeting's over. We have VIP guests booked today. Let's focus on them first." Gunther clapped his hands.

I ended up skipping class that afternoon, just as Trojan had demanded. But the café was busy, so Ross couldn't pick me up.

We had to commute together. He had brought his motorcycle but refused to let me ride it, so he left it at a park center.

He was silent the entire train ride, eyes fixed on his phone, seemingly studying some kind of information. Meanwhile, I felt awkward watching the couple sitting across from us.

"They're really doing that out in public?" I muttered.

"You say something?" Trojan glanced at me.

"Huh? Oh... n-nothing..."

Then, he followed my gaze and smirked.

"First time seeing vampires flirting in public?" he teased.

"Mind your own business," I muttered under my breath.

But the couple noticed we were watching them. My eyes widened when the man smirked at me and slid his hand up his girlfriend's thigh.

Feeling uncomfortable, I stood up and looked away.

"Where are you going?" Trojan grabbed my wrist.

"I-I'm switching seats..." I mumbled, unable to keep watching.

Why were there so few passengers, anyway?

"Hey!"

I turned, thinking he was talking to me.

"You two see a student sitting right in front of you, and you still won't stop messing around?" Trojan scolded them.

"Jealous, huh? What does it matter if she's a student?" the guy scoffed.

Trojan sighed and stood up, clearly irritated.

"Jealous, you say?"

I quickly grabbed his arm, already guessing that he was about to start a fight. Just in time, the train reached a station, and the doors opened. I tugged on his sleeve, urging him to get off. He clicked his tongue and walked out ahead of me, still annoyed.

Sometimes, it's still hard to believe they're just around.

I let my eyes wander as we walk, observing the vampires we pass by. They look almost the same as humans-except for their noticeably paler skin, which makes it easy to tell them apart.

Well, except for the wealthy vampires who find ways to make themselves appear normal using their money.

That's when I realized Trojan and I were holding hands. He was leading me along as we walked.

My face heated up as I stared at his back. I don't know if it was just my imagination, but time seemed to slow around us-like everything was moving in slow motion. What's wrong with me?

I tapped my cheeks to snap myself out of it, only to bump into his back when he suddenly stopped walking.

"Oh?" he reacted.

"S-sorry, you stopped so suddenly..." I muttered, rubbing my nose.

But he still didn't let go of my hand.

He dialed a number on his phone and placed it against his ear.

"Hello, we're at Eastgate now. Just come pick her up... We'll wait for you."

"Who was that?" I asked after he ended the call.

"Ross."

"Are you close with him?"

"No," he denied. "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, noticing how I was staring.

"Your wounds... they've already healed?"

"Yeah, a while ago. You just noticed now?"

"Yeah... That's amazing."

"Tell me, aside from me and the others at the café, have you ever had a close encounter with vampires before?"

"No," I shook my head. "You're the first ones."

"Sorry," he suddenly apologized.

"For what?"

"For dragging you into the mess caused by those spoiled brats," he said seriously.

"I think they're actually nice-especially Gunther."

I felt him squeeze my hand.

"Before this game ends... I'll tell you everything."

"But didn't you say keeping quiet was part of your job?"

He didn't get the chance to answer as a limo pulled up in front of us. The window rolled down, revealing Ross, grinning while wearing shades.

Trojan opened the door for me and helped me inside.

"I'll see you later," he said before finally letting go of my hand.

Ross sat there like he was in the middle of a photoshoot, striking a pose every minute. He looked more like a model than an actual model. And honestly, even though he was flashy and full of himself, he was nice to look at.

If I hadn't sold my phone, I might've secretly taken a picture of him. But the problem was-I got mugged the same day I got kicked out of my apartment. I lost all the money I had saved for rent and a decent new phone.

In just one moment, I lost everything-my money, my home, and my 'dignity.'

That's why I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity Gunther offered. It's not every day something like this happens, and I have no idea how long it will last.

The important thing is, I have a place to stay, even if it means living with vampires. It feels like I hit the jackpot.

Especially now, riding in this luxurious car with a prince sitting right in front of me!

"Are you mesmerized by my handsomeness?"

His voice broke through my thoughts.

I blushed. I had been staring at him.

"Ah, uhm... It's just that you look cool."

"Cool?" He dramatically placed a hand on his forehead. "I'm far too handsome for such a simple word. Being a vampire naturally makes me cool. But that's not the compliment I wanted to hear."

I grimaced. His confidence was overwhelming. But to be fair, he had every right to be. If he ever showed up at my campus, there would probably be a stampede.

"Hmm... Hot?" I accidentally blurted out the opposite.

He smirked. "Anything else?"

"Aesthetic?"

He clapped his hands.

"Very well said, my lady! Forgive me for looking like a work of art. Sometimes, even I get blinded by my own beauty, which is why I often avoid mirrors." He crossed his legs and rested his arms on the seat.

"Yeah, you should be living in a museum," I quipped.

He laughed. "You're right. If I die, I'll donate my body so the world can admire me."

"But you're a vampire. They wouldn't be able to preserve your corpse."

"That's the sad part," he laughed. "Uhm, can you take off my shades?"

"Huh?"

"My position will be ruined if I lift my hands."

If the window were open, I'd probably be drowning in the strong wind from this guy.

"Are you afraid of scratching my handsome face?" he asked when I didn't move right away.

How cocky!

Since the car was moving, I carefully leaned toward him, keeping my head down. I managed to grab his shades, but just as I removed them, the driver suddenly hit the brakes. I fell onto his lap-almost kissing him!

His ashen eyes locked onto mine.

I froze. My body refused to move out of nervousness and awkwardness. And for some reason, he didn't move either. His gaze remained fixed on my face.

Gently, he brushed his fingers against my cheek.

"You're the first person to ever sit there..."

The sound of the door opening snapped me back to reality. Embarrassed, I turned to look at the driver, who was standing outside.

I quickly got out of the car.

Ross followed, his expression neutral. I looked around-were we in the underground lobby of a mall? I thought we were heading back to the café.

We headed straight to the elevator, leaving the driver behind.

We stopped on the 6th floor. As soon as we stepped out, the cool scent of air conditioning greeted me. The place was huge, seemingly dedicated to luxury clothing, bags, shoes, and cosmetics.

The moment the salesladies and staff saw him, they quickly lined up to make way for him. One of them even approached and greeted him.

My eyes wandered to a poster-his face! Then, I started noticing his image everywhere: on LCD screens, stickers, icons, banners, and even a life-size standee?

I stopped at a corner displaying lipsticks. I picked one up and smelled it-it was scented, floral. Most were gradient and glittered.

A hand suddenly snatched it away from me. When I turned around, I saw Ross smelling the lipstick as well.

"Do you want to try it?" he asked with a smile.

Before I knew it, my lips parted on their own.

"Don't move," he said, holding my chin as he leaned down to apply the lipstick.

I knew nothing about makeup, but the way he did it-it was like he was an expert.

"It suits you."

He turned me toward the mirror.

"See?" He kept his hands on my shoulders as we both looked at my reflection.

I only ever used lip balm. This was my first time wearing lipstick, and of all people, a vampire had applied it for me. My classmates would go crazy if they were in my place.

"Your beauty is simple, so it's not easily noticed. But with the right clothes, shoes, and styling, everyone's eyes will be on you..."

My confidence soared at his words.

"A-are you the owner of this shop?" I asked, curious.

"No."

"Then, are you the model for all the brands here?"

"Yup, my face is just that in demand," he said with a wink.

"Sir, the spa is ready, along with the dressing room and the outfits for fitting," a staff member informed him with a polite bow.

"She's the one you'll be making over," Ross said, pointing at me.

"W-wait, Ross-?" I barely had time to protest before the staff whisked me away.

He simply waved at me.

Hair spa, foot spa, massage, mani-pedi, and all sorts of pampering-I experienced everything in just a few hours. I felt amazing. I was literally being treated like a princess, complete with snacks!

Finally, we arrived at the dressing room.

"Please wear this, Lady Prim. Sir Ross designed it specifically for you."

"H-he designed it? You mean he's a designer?" I asked in surprise.

The staff member smiled and nodded.

"A designer, model, cosmetics enthusiast, and the owner of this entire building," she said proudly.

I was shocked. Earlier, when I asked him, he said he wasn't.

"But he doesn't want people to know about that. He prefers to be recognized only as a model. Very few know about his other professions. In the world of fashion design and business, he's anonymous. People only know him as a top model-he's highly sought after for commercials and ads."

"Aren't you worried about getting in trouble for spilling his secrets?" I asked.

She shook her head. "You seem special to him. You wouldn't expose him to others, would you?" Her tone was slightly challenging.

"Of course not. Besides, his life has nothing to do with me," I replied. "I'm just staying at their place temporarily..." I mumbled the last part to myself.

To Be Continued...