---
Miki opened her front door to the sound of footsteps just outside.
It was early morning, too early for visitors. She tightened the tie on her robe and peeked through the peephole.
A woman was crouched in the hallway, casually unpacking a cardboard box beside the door of the vacant unit next to hers — the one that had stayed empty for months. She looked like she didn't belong in this part of the city. Leather boots, fitted cargo pants, and a hoodie that didn't hide the slight glint of steel tucked at her waist.
Definitely not a student.
Definitely not a typical tenant.
Miki hesitated, then opened the door a crack.
The woman looked up.
"Oh, hey," she said, like they were already old friends. "Didn't mean to be loud. Moved in late last night. Name's Ren."
Miki didn't reply at first.
Ren stood and offered a hand. "You're Miki, right?"
Miki's brows knitted. "How do you know that?"
Ren smirked. "Your name's on the mailbox. Relax."
Right. The mailbox.
Still... something about her was off. She had the kind of aura that told you she was either military, a mercenary, or someone used to being dangerous without trying.
Ren seemed to sense her unease.
"I'm not gonna ask for sugar or anything," she said with a grin. "Just thought I'd say hi. Neighbor stuff."
Miki blinked, still unsure how to respond.
"You're a student?" Ren asked.
Miki gave a short nod.
"Celeste said you were smart," Ren added casually.
That made Miki narrow her eyes.
"You know Celeste?"
"Yeah. Old friend." Ren stretched lazily. "She asked me to keep an eye out. You know — in case your creepy stalker ex tries anything."
"She told you about that?"
"Not everything. Just that some ancient bastard has a grudge and you might be in danger." Ren tilted her head. "She didn't tell you she called backup?"
Miki's throat felt dry.
"No," she said softly. "She didn't."
Ren's smirk softened into something more sincere. "Look — I'm not here to spy. Think of me more like… a watchdog. With snacks."
Miki stared.
Ren held up a bag of croissants.
"Want one?"
Despite herself, Miki gave a small huff of laughter.
She took one, still guarded. "If you're lying and you're actually another vampire trying to kill me, I swear I'll pour salt in your shampoo."
Ren chuckled. "Fair enough."
As Miki turned to go back inside, Ren called out, "Hey. You're stronger than you look, you know."
Miki glanced back, puzzled.
"She's not protecting you because she thinks you're weak," Ren said, more serious now. "She's doing it because she's scared of losing something real."
Miki didn't reply.
But when she closed the door behind her, her heart was thudding.
Not from fear.
But from something warmer.
---
Later, that evening…
Ren stood out on the shared balcony, leaning on the railing. She lit a cigarette she didn't smoke, just to give her hands something to do.
The glass door slid open.
Miki stepped out, now dressed for bed in an oversized shirt, arms crossed against the wind.
"Just out here to watch the sunset?" she asked.
Ren shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm making sure no one's hiding in the alley down there."
Miki exhaled. "Thanks… I think."
They stood in silence for a moment, side by side but distant.
Then Miki said, "So… how long have you known her?"
Ren looked up at the sky. "Centuries."
Miki's eyes widened slightly.
"She was different back then," Ren said. "Wilder. Hungrier. She's never followed anyone around like this. Not once."
Miki hesitated. "I don't know what we are."
Ren turned to her, voice quieter. "Then take your time figuring it out. Just… stay alive while you do."
---