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Ron acted as if he didn't notice Elena's expression.
As he walked forward, he continued speaking.
"They had just adopted me."
"Then they got into a car accident. Died on the spot."
"Their biological son—my brother—was the one who raised me."
"I never called them Mom or Dad. Never spoke a word to them."
"I only saw them in photos."
With each sentence Ron spoke, Elena's heart tightened.
His calm tone carried an unbearable sadness.
Hearing Ron's tragic past, she felt a deep sense of regret.
Why had she been angry at him just moments ago?
She had been so unreasonable!
She had even blamed Ron for not comforting her.
For keeping a straight face.
For speaking in such an emotionless voice.
But this was just his way of dealing with grief.
His expression may be indifferent on the surface, but inside, he was probably drowning in sorrow.
At this moment, she felt nothing but guilt.
She wanted to wrap Ron in her arms, cradle him, and sing lullabies to comfort him.
She wanted him to cry it all out in her embrace.
Turning around, she threw her arms around him.
"I'm sorry, Ron!"
"I..."
Ron raised an eyebrow and gently patted her back.
"I just wanted to tell you—"
"Sadness shouldn't be the main theme of life."
"They're gone, which means you should live every day even happier."
"That's the only way they can truly rest in peace."
Hearing Ron's words, Elena hugged him even tighter.
Her arms wrapped firmly around his waist, as if trying to melt herself into him completely.
She could hear his heartbeat—strong and steady.
She pressed her own heart against his, as if by doing so, their broken hearts could somehow merge into one.
By healing Ron, she was also healing herself.
Like two wounded cats licking each other's wounds.
She wasn't sure how much time had passed.
Resting against Ron's chest, she suddenly became aware of his strong, well-built frame.
Then he spoke.
"We should head to the cemetery now. If we don't hurry, we'll be late."
"Huh?"
Elena quickly stepped back from his embrace and looked at the setting sun.
"Oh no, it's this late already?!"
"Ron, we need to hurry!"
"If we get back too late, my aunt's going to lecture us."
She grabbed Ron's hand and started running, pulling him along.
At the cemetery, in front of her parents' graves, Elena gently brushed away the dried leaves on the tombstones.
Mom, Dad, I'm really happy today, truly happy.
I met someone interesting. His name is Ron Stark—a rare surname.
His past is tragic...
But from now on, I'll live well. I'll move past the sadness.
Please bless me, Jeremy... and Ron too.
Ron stood beside her, watching as she lost herself in thought.
His gaze shifted slightly—spotting a creeping mist swirling around their feet.
"Ron, we can go now."
Elena instinctively reached for his hand, smiling happily.
But Ron shook his head.
"Elena, we can't leave just yet."
"Someone—or rather, something—doesn't want us to."
"What?"
"Vampires."
Elena stared at Ron in shock, then followed his gaze.
"Huh? When did it get so foggy?"
She finally noticed the thick mist rising around them.
A dense, white fog had silently crept up to their ankles.
And it was still rising.
Almost at knee level now.
Ron pulled Elena closer to him, scanning the surroundings with a calm smile.
"Don't run off. Stay by my side."
"There are two little bats nearby. And they've got their eyes on you."
Something about Ron's demeanor felt unfamiliar to her.
She had always known he was hiding secrets, but now wasn't the time to ask.
So she obediently stood behind him, gripping his shirt tightly, eyes darting around in nervous anticipation.
"Still not coming out?"
Ron's eyes scanned the area carefully.
Without using his Sharingan, it was difficult to detect the vampires lurking in the mist.
Their concealment ability alone was impressive.
"Who are you?"
A voice suddenly cut through the silence.
Stefan emerged, standing a short distance in front of them, staring intently at Ron.
"Wait... You're the new student from yesterday?!"
Elena gasped.
She recognized him now—her new classmate.
The guy she had bumped into near the restroom.
So Ron hadn't been joking.
Vampires were real?!
Stefan briefly glanced at Elena.
The girl who looked exactly like Katherine—it was impossible for him to ignore.
But Ron didn't bother answering Stefan's question.
"Where's the other one? Why hasn't he shown himself?"
"Could it be..."
Thud!
Before he could finish, Ron spun around and grabbed Damon by the throat in one swift motion.
Lifting him effortlessly off the ground, like he was holding a helpless rabbit.
"Planning a sneak attack?"
"....."