I couldn't stop thinking of that boy, who was you back then. You saved my life, so I do owe you for that. I would come out to the forest and sing that song, hopefully to bring you to me again..

I would never forget the first time I saw your caring green eyes as I lay there on the forest ground helpless. That beautiful shade of red that was your hair was warm, like a fire burning on a fireplace.

That fire set my heart ablaze for you, and I became obsessed with you. I felt somewhere deep inside that I had to be with you. I felt as if I were missing something from my life, something of joy... of light.

Sunlight? No. I would die of that. But, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the sunlight in my world of darkness.

I remember coming to that forest every night to sing that song, and from that day forward you came to me in the night. Even despite the fact I was a vampire, you still came.

We would grow closer. I learned your name, and you learned mine.

"Mao." A beautiful name..
And you also said my name, "Ritsu," was nice as well. I felt so happy to be complimented by you back then.

It was almost like a dream come true, for you to come to play with me in the night. I was so happy. You were my world, my only friend...

But I remembered one night.

We had been meeting each other like this for a while now. I walked out, soon after twilight faded to night. The moon shone at its fullest, illuminating our meeting spot. I was especially excited today, and I stood there. Waiting for you.

You didn't come. At least, not at the usual time. Concerned, I started to sing.

"A [Silent Oath] here in an eternity of purity.." I heard my voice come out.

Nothing. I continued.

"Never being expressed... these words hidden in my heart..."

A response came.

"Together with this sword I have offered to you..."

I saw a figure with red hair come towards me. I joined him in the song.

"This key I have locked myself with..." I ran to him and hugged him.

"...is a proud and painful oath..." I heard your weak voice continue as you were in my arms.
"As time passes, for now..." I finished the chorus, and smiled in relief as you were in my arms. I stroked your hair, not wanting to let go. You were warm...

"Maa-kun... I was worried, but you're okay now--"
"Ritchan, I'm so sorry..."

You cut me off.
"What for?" I didn't recall him doing anything bad...

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
You repeated those words as you cried into my shoulder. Your voice shook even more.
"I... I don't know.. why... but I have... to... Ritchan, I'm so sorry..."

You hugged me tighter, and I was surprised. Concerned. Emotions filled.
"Maa-kun..."

We had collapsed onto the ground, and as I was laying down on the floor of the forest. You were on top of me, crying.
"Maa-kun, wh... why are you apologizing...? It's okay, we're here togethe--"
"RITCHAN, PLEASE!! It's not okay, it's not... okay..."
"But why...?"
"I... I can't.. I don't..."
"Maa-kun.. we're best friends.. you can tell me.."
I didn't know what to do. You were crying on me, so unstable...
"I..."

"This may be the last time we see each other..."

The words hit me so suddenly. Tears fell down my face at once. I didn't know what I would do. A world without you? Mao? That's no world to me.

"Maa-kun! Mao! No.. you can't be serious..."
"I wish it weren't true either."
"But why? Why? Tell me, please!"
"...I'd rather not say..."

"Is it my fault? Is it? Is it?" I was desperate. I couldn't afford to lose you now.
You cleared your tears and smiled. "Let's.. just enjoy one more happy night..."
I looked at you.
"Ritsu, I promise I will be back... let's promise... we'll keep each other safe. A [silent oath.]"
"So please, be happy for now..."
How could I be happy? This was the last day.

The last day in a while.

The last day before it happened.