It was already fifteen minutes past ten, and Lin still hadn't bought a gift. Xai and Yada had taken an eternity to get ready. He had considered leaving them behind several times, but every time he moved toward the door, he felt his mother's "death stare" burning into the back of his head.
Finally, they made it out. As they walked toward Lay-mart, Lin told Xai and Yada that he was going to stop at the store to get a gift, they both decided to get gifts as well. Lin had something bothering him till he couldn't hold it in anymore. "Xai, you ever feel like you just can't escape a situation? Like the universe is trapping you?"
Xai shrugged, checking her reflection in a store window. "I just avoid anything that puts me in that spot to begin with."
Easy for you to say, I'm sure you've not dealt with anything like mine. He thought to himself.
He didn't bother saying anything. He was too busy praying he wouldn't run into the worker again. As they entered the store, they were hit by a wall of bright fluorescent lights and loud Christmas carols. The place was packed; people were in every nook and cranny, scrambling for last-minute deals.
"How far is this party?" Xai asked, her hands on her waist as she surveyed the crowd.
"Just a few blocks down," Lin said, checking his watch. "We have ten minutes. Pick a gift and meet at the registers. Go!"
They dispersed. To be safe, Lin pulled his masquerade mask out of his pocket and put it on right there in the store. He wasn't taking any chances.
Xai moved like someone on a mission. She didn't have time for sentiment. She ignored the" Sale" signs and went straight for the premium imports. She grabbed a high-end, overpriced bottle of vintage sparkling cider and a box of gold-leaf chocolates. It was the perfect "I have taste" gift.
Yada wandered into the home section. She picked out a sleek, minimalist scented candle set that smelled like sandalwood and Lemon air. "This is the perfect gift," she said staring with excitement.
Lin, desperate and hiding behind his mask, sprinted to the tech aisle. He grabbed a pair of high-quality noise-canceling headphones. It was a safe bet everyone loves music. He kept his head down, scanning the aisles for a frame with long hair, when he saw a flash of long hair at the end of the aisle. His heart stopped. He ducked behind a display of blenders, his breath ragged. He waited, peering through the gap between two boxes. It was just a tall woman in a fur coat. He exhaled, I have to start shopping at a different store. This isn't good for my health. He thought. He grabbed a gift bag, shoved the headphones inside, and sprinted for the check out.
They met at the checkout, paid quickly, and hurried back into the cold night air. They reached the apartment complex a few minutes later. The sound of muffled bass vibrated through the hallway. Lin rang the bell, and Chen Hao opened the door, wearing a sharp tuxedo and a silver mask.
"Lin! You made it!" Chen laughed, taking their gifts. Then he leaned in, his voice loud enough for Xai and Yada to hear. "I was just telling everyone that you're still a virgin and tonight might be your last chance to change that!"
Xai and Yada both let out a chorus of giggles. Lin felt his face heat up. "Shut up, Chen," he muttered, pushing past him.
Inside, the party was cozy. Lin headed straight for the bar and downed a stiff drink to calm his nerves. Shortly after, the DJ dimmed the lights. "Alright everyone, time for a slow dance! Keep those masks on and find a partner!"
A slender lady with long, beautiful hair and a graceful walk approached Lin. She didn't say a word, just took his hand. They swayed to the music for several minutes. Lin felt a bit of confidence returning she had a nice body and moved perfectly with him.
"Alright! Masks off!" the DJ shouted.
Lin smiled and pulled his mask away, expecting a beauty. Instead, he found himself staring into the face of the man from Lay-mart. The man's eyes widened, his jaw dropped, and he began making over-exaggerated, offended gestures, pointing at Lin as if he'd been violated. Lin clapped back making gestures showing he was uncomfortable and confused.
Lin's stomach did a somersault. The combination of the shock, the perfume, and the memory of the store made him feel like he was going to throw up. He shoved his way through the crowd to Chen. "Where's... where's the bathroom?"
Chen pointed toward the back hallway, howling with laughter. Xai nudged Chen to stop, but the damage was done.
Lin barely made it. He threw up into the toilet, his body shaking. He washed his face, but as soon as he pictured himself slow-dancing with the "lady-man," he gagged and threw up again. He felt weak, his knees trembling. As he stepped out of the bathroom, a lady in a stunning red dress was standing there. One sleeve had fallen off her shoulder, and she looked completely drunk.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice sweet. "I came in to... ease myself... and heard you vomiting in there."
"I'm fine," Lin wheezed.
Suddenly, she tripped. Lin caught her, but her weight pushed them both back. Her breasts pressed firmly against his chest, and he could tell instantly she wasn't wearing a bra.
"I need the toilet," she whispered, refusing to lie down. "Help me... I can't stand."
Lin, being a gentleman despite the awkwardness, helped her. He stayed to make sure she didn't fall off the seat. She sat there, sliding her panties to the floor and peeing right in front of him. Lin looked at the ceiling, his heart hammering against his ribs. He tried to leave, but she wobbled, nearly falling, so he had to hold her steady.
When she was done, he helped her up. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm horny," she whispered into his ear. "I get so horny when I'm drunk."
Lin's heart beat so fast he thought it would explode. His body reacted instantly; he was hard, and his breath was shallow. She was beautiful, and she was choosing him. She leaned in and kissed him deeply, pushing him against the cold tile wall. He slowly slid up his hands to her back. Her lips moved down his neck.
Then, the pleasure turned into a scream-inducing agony.
Lin's eyes went wide. He felt sharp, needle-like teeth sink deep into his neck. He tried to breathe, but his lungs felt like they were collapsing. The lady sucked his blood with a terrifying hunger.
She pulled back, her fangs retracting. Lin clutched his neck, blood spurting between his fingers as he collapsed to the floor. The lady sat him up, a cute, innocent smile on her face while blood dripped down her chin.
"You're a nice man," she purred, kissing his forehead." The first one who didn't try to take advantage of me tonight. I'm actually sad I have to kill you."
She stood up, stepped over his bleeding body, and walked toward the door. Lin reached out a trembling hand, trying to crawl, trying to reach the door. She stopped, looked back, and gently stepped on his hand with her heel. She blew him a kiss and closed the door, locking it from the outside.
Lin's vision blurred. The cold floor felt like it was pulling him under. I'm dying a virgin, he thought with a surge of pure rage. I should have talked to more girls... I should have done so much more.
As his eyes flickered shut and the world faded to black, a glowing yellow screen appeared in the darkness of his mind:
[GAME OVER]
Character: Lin Jay
Hidden Condition Met: "Dying with Regret"
Cause of Death: Vampire Feeding
Do you want to revive the character?
[YES] / [NO]
Lin's consciousness flickered. With his final ounce of will, he selected YES.
The world went dark.