It was late. The city was quiet. Niki and Mona were heading back from a convenience store, each with a can of iced coffee.
Mona slowed her steps, staring at the pavement.
"Niki," she said suddenly, "where's your shadow?"
He looked at her, confused. "What?"
She pointed. "You're under the streetlight. I can see mine. Yours isn't there."
He chuckled, brushing it off. "Must be the angle or something."
Mona didn't laugh. "Be serious."
"Okay, okay," he said, still smiling. "Just because our idol concept is vampire-themed doesn't mean we're actual monsters."
"Then why is your body temperature cold at night but normal in the day?"
Niki blinked. "…That's how it is for everyone."
"No, it's not. I Googled it," Mona replied, folding her arms. "Niki… are you guys really human?"
His smile faded.
He didn't answer.
"I'm not trying to be rude," she said, softer now. "But I feel like I'm going crazy sometimes. The way you guys move. The way you look in low light. The chills I get when I'm around you."
Niki stopped walking.
"Stop it," he said sharply.
Mona froze.
His eyes—normally warm and brown—turned blood red.
His teeth lengthened.
His jaw clenched, fighting back whatever beast clawed inside.
"…You are a monster," she whispered, heart racing. But not from fear.
From recognition.