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Chapter 7 - Hello, He's Leviathan.

Sion Kaidan

[ Pink hair, round jaw, fox eyes ]

[ 176 cm ]

[ jealous envy ]

[ Character : Leviathan]

[ 24'06'03 ]

°°°

Adiwangsa High School was buzzing with excitement today. The school's anniversary was being celebrated by nearly every student, with red rose petals scattered everywhere, leaving the whole building smelling sweet and festive. Stickers of the school logo were plastered all over the students' uniforms—like badges of pride, like trophies for those who had a lot of friends or admirers.

But what about Jessica?

She only had five stickers. One from Winter, one from Karina—whom she'd accidentally bumped into earlier—and the other three were from her classmates. That was it.

From afar, Jessica could see Joan handing Karina a bouquet of flowers in front of everyone. Jessica hated it.

She was jealous—and the worst part was, no one noticed. That made her even more annoyed.

She wished she were in Karina's place—Joan's girlfriend, the center of attention.

"Jessica!"

Winter called, tapping her on the shoulder. Jessica blinked, snapping out of her thoughts, and turned to her.

"Why aren't you wearing a scarf? It's freezing today," Winter said, handing her a bottle of strawberry milk—one of two she had.

"Drink this!"

"Thanks, Winter," Jessica replied, accepting the milk. "I kinda prefer the cold anyway."

"You're gonna get sick though."

"I'll be fine."

"You're weird," Winter rolled her eyes. "Anyway, let's go to the cafeteria! I'm starving!"

Before Jessica could even reply, Winter was already dragging her along.

"Wait—slow down, I'm gonna—"

BUMP!

Jessica crashed into someone's chest. A tall guy. Glasses. Kind of nerdy-looking—but cool?

"Oh—sorry," Jessica said quickly, face burning as she dared a glance at him.

"It's okay," the guy said simply.

"Jess, come on!" Winter didn't bother with an apology and kept pulling her away.

Jessica followed, sneaking one last look over her shoulder.

The guy was watching her walk away, the corners of his lips lifting into a faint smirk—just enough to reveal a sharp canine tooth.

***

"Good morning, class!"

A teacher walked in with a bright smile—and someone new trailing behind her.

"Good morning, Ma'am!" the class greeted in unison.

Jessica, who'd just raised her head, blinked in surprise. The new student was none other than the guy she'd bumped into earlier.

"Alright, enough celebrating the school birthday," the teacher said. "Time to get back to lessons. But first, we have a new student joining us today. Please introduce yourself!"

The guy nodded and stepped forward.

"Hi, nice to meet you all," he said coolly. "I'm Sion Kaidan."

A soft murmur rippled through the class. People were already whispering about how good-looking he was.

And honestly? The rumors were true. Sion might've looked a little like a bookworm, but a handsome face? That was universal.

"Um—excuse me?" A voice piped up from the front row. Jessica recognized her—Giselle.

"Yes?" Sion looked at her with a smile.

"Can I … give you this sticker?" she asked, holding up a heart-shaped one.

Sion glanced at it, still smiling. "Sure."

Blushing, Giselle stuck it on his uniform. "Good luck!" she said quickly, before rushing back to her seat.

***

During lunch break, Jessica was finally able to enjoy a peaceful moment at the school cafeteria—free from bullies, now that Serena was gone. Winter was sitting with her, chatting like usual.

"Hey, mind if I sit here?"

Both girls looked up—and there he was. Sion Kaidan.

"Uhh, sure!" Winter answered quickly, caught off guard.

"I was actually asking Jessica," Sion added, eyes on her.

"O-oh, yeah! Go ahead," Jessica stammered, while Winter pouted.

Just then, Giselle happened to pass by, tray full of food in hand. She beamed when she saw where Sion was sitting and walked over.

"Hey guys, can I join too?" she asked sweetly, her eyes glued to Sion.

"Yeah, sure," Winter replied.

Giselle slid into the seat next to Winter. Sion sat next to Jessica. They all started eating.

"So, where'd you transfer from?" Giselle asked, trying to start a convo.

"Somewhere far," Sion replied without looking at her.

"Where's 'far'?" Jessica joined in.

Sion finally turned to her with that same soft smile. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't know it, pretty girl."

Jessica froze. Okay—what?

"What do you like, Sion?" Giselle tried again, clearly trying to get his attention back.

Sion chewed his food slowly, resting his chin on one hand—his eyes never leaving Jessica.

"Hmm … let me think .…"

He suddenly reached out and tucked Jessica's hair behind her ear. Jessica stiffened like a statue.

"I like Jessica."

Dead silence.

Every single one of them went speechless in an instant.

***

After school, Winter was strolling down the hallway alone. She crept up to Jessica's locker, making sure the coast was clear—literally silent in the corridor—before popping it open.

"What are you doing?"

Thump! Winter jumped at the voice behind her and spun around to find Sion Kaidan standing there, flashing that sweet smile.

"Y-you're still here?" Winter stammered.

Sion took a step closer. "I actually made it to the school gate, but I had to come back because I forgot to say .…" He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "You look so beautiful today."

Winter shoved him hard. "What the heck, man? Weren't you just saying this afternoon you liked Jessica?"

Even pushed over, Sion didn't flinch. He stepped forward again and gently brushed Winter's cheek. "Jessica's your friend, right? From the moment I met her I thought she liked me—and I wouldn't want to hurt your friend's feelings."

Winter was hypnotized by his angelic eyes. His grin was impossible to resist. In that moment, she felt it—love at first sight.

Smack! Sion planted a quick kiss on Winter's lips. She closed her eyes, wanting more—but he pulled away.

"Tomorrow at 8 PM, Scop Coffee." He winked with one eye and strolled off, leaving Winter trembling with her heartbeat racing.

***

Later that afternoon, Sintria stood alone in the eerie silence. Nobody walked near that part of the estate—it was miles from any hustle and bustle. Even the crows were cawing extra loud.

Sion pushed open the door and took one step inside—then collapsed and started coughing. His chest felt like it was being squeezed.

"Ugh, damn it! Just stepping out of this hotel feels like I'm gonna die!" he gasped.

"What's wrong with you?" someone asked, appearing out of nowhere.

Sion looked up to see Lach Helly offering a hand. "Can you still see me?" he wheezed.

Lach waved Sion's hand away with a disgusted look. "You think I'm blind?"

Relief washed over Sion. "Oh thank goodness. I thought I was dead."

"Are you alive, though?" Lach snapped.

Sion had no answer. He sank to the floor and exhaled heavily. "This was all Ian's idea. He said if I charm that girl Jessica, I'll get stronger."

"Seriously? And you believed him? Didn't you know Ian's brain is pure evil?" Lach asked.

"No, I thought he was honest." Sion's fox-like eyes glinted at Lach. "I felt her energy. She even sensed us sneaking around this hotel."

"Really?"

"Where've you been looking your eyes all this time?" Sion bristled, standing and planting his hands on his hips. "Hey, we're demons, not vampires. Our job is to trick humans, not kill them. Sure, we could eat them, but that just fattens us up—it doesn't give us more power."

"We need their energy. The stronger we get, the freer we are from this hotel. Don't you want to hang out with pretty girls?"

Sion's words silenced Lach.

"You sure you can seduce her?" Lach probed.

Sion smirked, staring at the sunlight streaming through the doorway. "I'm a child of Leviathan. I can make anyone green with envy."

"Alright, good luck." Lach warned. "Remember: you can't come and go from this hotel whenever you want. If you don't return within 12 hours, you'll die." With that, Lach left Sion alone.

***

Sunday morning, Jessica paced nervously in the kitchen corner. She really wanted to ask Jenaya something—but her throat had gone dry. Jenaya was washing dishes, and Jessica just stood there, awkward as ever. After meeting Ian… she needed answers, and Jenaya was her best source. But how to even ask?

"Hey, kiddo. Why are you just standing there?" Jenaya looked up.

"Um, I … I want to ask you something."

Jenaya frowned. "Ask what?"

"Tell me the truth—what lives in this house?"

Jenaya hesitated. "You mean us, your family, me, Halton …?"

"No, I mean things you can't see. This hotel's gotta be haunted, right? What kinds of ghosts are here?"

"You think I can see ghosts? No, sweetie. But don't worry—they won't bother you."

"LIES!" Jessica shouted, making Jenaya jump. "I know you're hiding something."

"GOOD MORNING, MADAM!"

Their conversation was cut off by a cheerful voice. Looking up, both Jessica and Jenaya froze.

There, striding into the room, was Sion.

"Is this how you greet guests? Just standing there like deer in headlights?" Sion's voice shattered the silence.

"Y-you?! How are you here?" Jessica cried, eyes wide. The new boy from school was casually walking into the hotel restaurant, making a scene—and he somehow knew Jessica's name without her ever telling him.

"I know you through Halton. Of course I'm his friend." Sion's lie was so smooth Jessica's suspicion evaporated.

"Y-you know him?" Jenaya asked Jessica.

"Yeah. He's the new student in my class. His name's Sion."

Jenaya accepted that explanation—unaware Sion was a demon. Meanwhile, Sion took a seat and flashed that signature smirk.

"Jessica, could you fetch the dirty dishes from your brother's room? I need to wash them." Jenaya asked, glancing nervously at Sion.

"Sure thing." Jessica darted off, leaving just Jenaya and Sion alone in the room.

Once Jessica was gone, Jenaya glared at Sion. "What's your game here? Where did you get those clothes? Are you insane? You can't just show your true form to her! If you touch her again—"

"Are you threatening me?" Sion asked, unfazed. He cornered Jenaya against the table, who trembled in fear.

Sion gently stroked Jenaya's cheek. "I won't touch her as long as… you let me peel the skin off your face. Sound good?"

Jenaya's face went deathly pale. She knew that smile was a lie—and that Sion was deadly serious.

"So … can you be a good hostess and welcome your guest, Aunt Jenaya?"

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