Chapter 33: The party of Death 1
Yuto rushed over and hooked his arm around Minato’s neck, ruffling his hair playfully, as the bottle of alcohol spilled out. "Yah! The man of the hour finally shows up!" he shouted, laughing.
"Bro...cut it out," Minato protested, trying to pull himself free.
While the two were messing around, Yuto’s grin faded the moment his eyes landed on Amelia. Her facial expression was cold, and her red iris glowed under the amplification of the night’s darkness, instantly making him straighten his posture.
"Ehm..." he cleared his throat, walking toward her with an awkward smile. "You must be Minato’s... girlfriend, right? I’m Yuto."
He extended his hand politely for a handshake, but Amelia only glanced at it, her expression blank, before folding her arms instead.
The rejection froze him mid-motion. Yuto let out a short, uneasy laugh, scratching the back of his head. "Right... okay then."
Minato sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Don’t take it personally. She’s... not really a social type."
"Yeah, no worries," Yuto said quickly, waving it off even though his grin was stiff. "Anyway, come on, you two... everyone’s inside already! The party’s just getting started!"
He shouted, gesturing toward the brightly lit university compound, where music was playing in the distance. Minato chuckled and nodded, while Amelia followed behind them, glancing at the glowing portal in the distance with suspicion and an unreadable expression.
As they all walked through the university gates, Yuto was talking nonstop beside Minato, excitedly catching him up on everything he’d missed. But halfway through a sentence, Minato noticed something... almost every guy they passed turned to look at Amelia.
Whispers spread quickly through the small crowd of people.
"Who’s that girl with Minato?"
"Damn... is she a model?"
"Bro, look at her eyes..."
A few of them even nudged each other, grinning pervertedly and blushing, their eyes were locked on Amelia as she walked calmly beside him, completely unaware... or perhaps just ignoring them.
Minato’s jaw tightened briefly. He glanced around, his eyes narrowing slightly at the murmuring group of guys. Then, without saying a word, he slowed his steps and slid his arm around Amelia’s waist, pulling her a little closer as they walked side by side.
Amelia blinked, tilting her head toward him. "What are you doing?" she asked softly, her voice cracking a little bit, as her cheeks turned pink.
"Nothing," Minato exclaimed quietly, his tone edged with annoyance and a hint of protectiveness. "I just hate sharing."
Amelia looked ahead, her red eyes glowing each time they walked past a dark area with no light bulb. A playful smirk was on her lips as she leaned in closer, her breath brushing softly against his ear.
"Oh? Are you jealous... that other human eyes are on me, huh? And that I’m going to leave you all alone?" Amelia said, her voice was low and teasing. She leaned in closer as they walked together, her tone casual but her eyes fixated on him, watching his every reaction.
Minato froze for a moment, his steps unbalanced. "Wha... no, that’s not what I meant," he said quickly, his voice slightly shaky. His ears turned red as he looked away, pretending to focus on the path ahead.
Amelia chuckled softly and covered her mouth with her right hand, hiding her smirk. "Relax, Minato. I thought you liked this kind of humor," she said, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.
Before Minato could answer, Yuto, who was walking ahead of them, slowed down and turned around. "Hey, Minato," he called out, grabbing Minato by the shoulder. "Come here, man. Gotta tell you something."
Minato sighed and followed, adjusting his hoodie as Yuto started talking.
Amelia stopped a few steps behind them. Her red iris moved between the two men, watching how naturally they talked and laughed. She crossed her arms and looked down for a second, her expression softening.
"There’s no way I would leave the man I love," she said quietly to herself. The words came out calm and steady, almost as if she was confirming it to herself rather than saying it for anyone else to hear.
Then she started walking again, catching up with them as the music and voices from the party grew louder near the university building.
Upon arriving at the main university building, they entered. Yuto waved at a few people who called out his name, clearly enjoying the attention. "See, Minato? I told you this party was gonna be good! Everyone’s here tonight!"
Minato gave a small fake smile, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Yeah... lt’s definitely crowded," he said quietly, more focused on making sure Amelia stayed close than on the party itself.
"Minato-kun!"
The voice came from behind him... soft, cheerful, and unmistakably familiar.
Minato turned, blinking in surprise. Walking toward him with a bright smile was Himari, her long hair swaying gently as she waved. "Minato-kun, how have you been?"
For a second, he froze. In the past, that voice would’ve made his heart race, his thoughts scatter... but now... nothing. It was strange. Calm. He just smiled faintly. "Hey, Himari. It’s been a while."
Her smile widened, but then her gaze shifted... landing on the girl standing beside him. Her eyes widened immediately. "Oh my god... she’s gorgeous!"
Amelia tilted her head slightly, not entirely sure how to respond to that sudden burst of enthusiasm.
Himari stepped closer, her excitement overflowing. "Minato, is she your girlfriend?"
Minato glanced at Amelia, then nodded simply. "Yeah... she is."
"Wow, congratulations!" Himari grinned, gently touching Amelia’s arm. "She’s seriously stunning. Can I borrow her for a second? I’d love to introduce her to the others... they have to see her."
Minato paused, eyes narrowing slightly in thought. After a brief moment, he sighed and smiled. "Alright... Amelia, go with her. Have fun." He gave her a small thumbs-up.
Amelia hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, I’ll be back soon."
Just as she turned to follow Himari, Minato suddenly reached out, grabbing her wrist gently. She looked back, confused... then froze as he pulled her slightly closer and kissed her softly on the lips.
The atmosphere went still for a moment.
Yuto’s eyes widened, and he covered his mouth, whispering, "Bro just did that here?"
Himari stood frozen, covering her mouth in surprise, her cheeks faintly red.
When Minato finally pulled away, Amelia’s face was completely flushed, her pink ears twitching slightly as she stared at him. Without saying a word, she turned and began walking beside Himari, trying to hide her expression.