A few days ago, the school festival ended. Thanks to Cold Creek, my stuff sold incredibly well. Cold Creek is a transfer student from China in our class. He’s handsome, has a great personality, and is seriously skilled. So many girls at school admire him. I like him too, but he’s always surrounded by beautiful girls. We’re not that close—I have no reason to cling to him.

Every day after school, I stop by the library on my way home. It’s not that I love reading. I just get to see Cold Creek here. His Japanese isn’t great, so he studies here often. Only then do I get to be alone with him. It’s a little embarrassing to admit.

I took a deep breath. I had to act normal. I walked over smoothly. “Cold Creek, you’re here again today.” He looked up. “Oh, Chiling. We meet here every day.” I smiled slightly and handed him a warm coffee I’d prepared. I’d said it was for my little brother—but I don’t have one. Just an excuse. Cold Creek took it with a smile. “Thanks.”

Just “thanks” made my heart race. Calm down. Don’t embarrass yourself in front of him. Then Cold Creek handed me a novel. “Chiling, what does this sentence mean? The literal translation feels off.” He pointed to a passage. I patiently explained. It had become a habit by now.

Cold Creek checked the time. “Ah, it’s already seven. I should go, Chiling.” He grabbed his bag and dictionary and left. “Bye,” I called, smiling. Once he was gone, I quickly sat in his spot. His warmth still lingered on the seat—like being hugged by him.

My house isn’t close to the library. But for time alone with Cold Creek? This distance meant nothing.

“I’m home,” I said, cheerful as ever. “Welcome back,” Mom replied warmly. “Studying so late every day? Wash up for dinner.” “Okay, okay.” Just thinking of Cold Creek gave me energy for anything.

I touched the glass bead he’d given me. His first handmade gift. The most precious thing I owned. I stared at it every night, dreaming of Cold Creek confessing to me. I’d wake up smiling.

Today was a holiday. No seeing Cold Creek all day. Sigh. I’d check the library anyway. I put on a new teal top and white skirt. Which stockings? He likes black—I’d wear black ones.

Whenever I saw Cold Creek out of uniform, he wore all black. He must really love that color. Dressed and ready, I rushed to the library.

Taking the main road would add half an hour. But I couldn’t wait to see Cold Creek. I’d take the shortcut.

The path cut through a forest. Few people came here—mostly couples sneaking off for privacy. If only I could walk here with Cold Creek… I shook off the thought seconds later.

Ahead, someone’s back looked like Cold Creek’s. I hurried over and tapped their shoulder. “Cold Creek?” The figure turned. A stranger. So awkward. “Sorry, I mistook you for someone else.”

His eyes were terrifying. I backed away fast, speeding up without drawing attention. If he chased me, these heels would slow me down.

He didn’t follow. I sighed in relief and turned into an alley. Just through here, and I’d reach the main street.

But a black-clad figure blocked my path. The same man. He’d taken a shortcut to trap me.

I spun and ran. He chased me. Don’t get caught! Don’t get caught! I remembered recent news. Was he a vampire? Fear spiked. I didn’t care where I ran. Did I lose him?

I relaxed for a second—then heard footsteps again. Dead end. What now? I scanned the area. No trash cans, nothing. Panic hit. My first thought wasn’t to call the police—it was Cold Creek. He’d know what to do. I pulled out my phone. His number was first. Pick up, pick up! Seconds felt like years. Finally: “Hello? Cold Creek?” His familiar voice answered. “It’s me. Chiling, what’s wrong?” Hearing him calmed me. “Cold Creek, a weird guy’s stalking me. Please help. I’m on the abandoned street outside the forest path to the library.” “Hold on. I’m coming.” He hung up.

“Found you.” A raspy voice made my heart lurch. The man wasn’t rushing. He crept closer like a cat playing with prey. I stepped back with each advance. Wall behind me. “Haven’t tasted a maiden’s blood in days. I’m starving. You’re a gift from heaven.” He cackled. I couldn’t just wait.

How to stall? My foot kicked a broken brick. I grabbed it. “Stay back!” He didn’t flinch. “Little mouse, stop struggling. I’ll cherish you.”

As he neared, I hurled the brick with all my strength. It hit his thigh. He winced, dropping to one knee, glaring. “You bitch. I’ll drain you dry.”

I ignored him and bolted past. He chased me. These heels were too slow. I kicked off my new pink heels and ran in thin stockings.

Barefoot hurt, but I was faster.

Something sharp stabbed my right foot. Pain shot through me. I fell. Where was Cold Creek? For the first time, I felt impatient with him. The man caught up. “Such beautiful blood.” He grabbed my ankle. “Let it all flow out.” I felt my blood draining. Was I going to die here? I hadn’t confessed to Cold Creek yet. Tears streamed down.

My phone charm glowed blindingly. I opened my eyes—I was throwing my heel again. What? I’d gone back in time. The man was almost on me. Cold Creek’s glass bead had saved me. I sprinted off.

This time, I watched the ground carefully. It still hurt, but I avoided the sharp object. My strength was fading. Were girls really weaker than boys?

“Little mouse, tired already? Let me cherish you.” His eyes glowed eerie green as he approached.

“Sorry. You won’t get that chance.” Cold Creek’s voice. He smiled at me. “Thanks to you, Chiling, we caught this guy fast.”