VAMPIRE'S FAIRY

UNINVITED GUEST

I hadn't stepped foot in an arcade since high school. It wasn't for lack of love—I adored the neon lights and the digital chaos—but life at home was always too busy for anyone to join me. So, when Adriel invited me out, I was over the moon.

"Which one should we start with?" he asked, scanning the room.

"Dance Revolution," I smirked, pointing to the glowing stage. "I’m going to destroy you."

"We'll see about that."

Predictably, Adriel had two left feet. I won by a landslide, laughing as he stumbled over the arrows. He redeemed his pride at the claw machine, though; while I struggled to snag a single plushie, he cleared the machine like a pro. He handed them all to me with a shrug—he didn't need stuffed bears, but he knew I did.

After hitting almost every cabinet in the building, we ended the afternoon at the cinema.

"That was a bad movie—no, the worst movie," Adriel groaned as we exited, though he was laughing.

"It was your idea!"

"The poster looked cool! I thought the plot would follow suit," he sighed dramatically. "What a waste of perfectly good popcorn."

I was still doubled over laughing when a familiar voice cut through the crowd.

"Hello, Ayl!"

I spun around to see my best friend, Lucas. We charged toward each other like five-year-olds at an amusement park, colliding in a tight hug. He’d been away for an internship in another city, and between our hectic schedules, we’d barely kept in touch.

"Hello, Adriel," Lucas said, waving at my brother. Adriel gave him a polite, measured nod.

"What are you doing here, Oreo?" I asked, using the nickname I’d given him.

"Just finished my internship! I came back for the fair."

"A fair?"

"Yeah. I thought you guys were here for it, too. Want to join me?"

I looked at Adriel. He nodded, and just like that, our duo became a trio. We spent the evening hopping between stalls, sampling every greasy snack available. Adriel played the "responsible older brother," constantly reminding me not to spoil my appetite for dinner, but having Lucas there made the day feel even more special.

As the sun began to set, Adriel called from the car. "Time for dinner, kids!"

"I'm afraid I have to pass, Ayl," Lucas said, looking apologetic. "My mom has prepared a massive 'welcome home' feast. I'd be dead meat if I don't show up."

"Next time, then," Adriel said kindly.

"See you, Ayl!" Lucas waved, disappearing into the evening crowd.

"Let’s go eat, little one," Adriel said, opening the car door for me. But as we arrived at the restaurant, the day took a sharp, unexpected turn. We ran into Lynn.

He wouldn't have noticed us, but Adriel called out to him. Lynn paused. Slowly, he turned around.

"Hello, Mr. Blackwood. Long time no see," Adriel said, offering a handshake. It took Lynn a long, uncomfortable beat to return the gesture. "Are you here for dinner? My sister and I are, too."

I sighed, shaking my head as Adriel kept rambling. Lynn didn't seem interested. Then, Lynn turned his gaze to me. That single look sent a chill straight down my spine.

"Mind if I join you?"

It didn't sound like a question. Adriel leaned toward me, whispering, "Did I just hear that right?" I just shrugged, unsure of what to do.

"Um... are you sure, Mr. Blackwood? My sister—"

"It’s fine. Let's go," Lynn interrupted, stepping into the restaurant.

We followed him, stunned. Inside, Adriel slid the menu toward him. "You first."

Lynn didn't even look at the pages. He rattled off a list of dishes—our favorite dishes—and handed the menu back.

"Wait, Mr. Blackwood, we haven't even—" Adriel started, frowning.

"I know," Lynn said simply.

Adriel was left speechless. Five minutes later, the food arrived. It was exactly what we always ordered. Adriel looked more confused than ever, glancing at me for an explanation. I was just as baffled. I had mentioned my favorites to Lynn once, during a dinner months ago, but I never dreamt he was actually listening. Even more surprising? He remembered Adriel's preferences, too.

Lynn began to eat without a word. The silence was suffocating. Every time Adriel tried to break the ice, I nudged him hard under the table to keep him quiet.

Suddenly, a phone rang. We both checked our pockets until we realized it was Lynn’s.

"Yes..." he answered. A long pause. "Mmm... Okay, I’ll be there."

He stood up, finally breaking the spell. "Excuse me. I have something to do."

"Of course, Mr. Blackwood. See you next time," Adriel said.

Lynn gave a curt nod and vanished. The second he was gone, Adriel and I let out a synchronized sigh of relief and burst into laughter.

"What on earth was that?" Adriel asked.

"I have no idea."

"Note to self," Adriel muttered, "I am never inviting him again."