BLOOD OATHS:THE BOND FAR FROM BLOOD AND SOUL

Location: College Campus, Evening

The evening breeze was gentle, carrying with it the scent of blooming jasmine and the distant hum of campus life. Neel stood anxiously in front of the mirror, adjusting his shirt for what felt like the hundredth time. Tonight was the night—his first date with Anna. His heart was racing, his mind full of what-ifs. Would he mess up? Would she enjoy herself? His nerves buzzed like a live wire.

Calm down, Neel. It's just a date, he told himself, trying to breathe steadily.

Just as he was about to leave his dorm, there was a knock on the door. It was DNS, casually leaning against the frame, a lit cigarette in hand as usual. He took a long drag, the faint orange glow illuminating his calm face.

"Ready for the big night?" DNS asked, exhaling smoke as he raised an eyebrow.

Neel nodded, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. "I think so. I mean… it's just a date, right?"

DNS smirked, flicking some ash from the cigarette. "Yeah, just a date. But if you need backup, I'll be around." He winked, making Neel chuckle slightly.

"Please don't follow me, man. I'll be fine," Neel replied, knowing DNS would likely show up anyway.

The campus park was bathed in the warm glow of streetlights, casting soft shadows as Neel made his way toward the meeting spot. His heart jumped when he spotted Anna waiting by a bench, her long dark hair flowing in the soft wind, a smile lighting up her face when she saw him.

"Hey!" Anna called out, waving.

"Hey," Neel replied, trying to hide the nervous flutter in his chest. She looked even more beautiful tonight, her presence both calming and terrifying at the same time.

They walked side by side, making small talk as they wandered through the park, laughing and getting to know each other better. The night seemed perfect, and Neel felt himself relax for the first time.

But something strange happened as they strolled deeper into the park. Anna suddenly paused, a confused look crossing her face.

"Neel, do you feel that?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Neel turned to her, a slight frown forming. "Feel what?"

Anna placed a hand over her heart, her eyes wide. "There's this strange vibration… it's like my whole body is tingling. It's faint but… strong."

Neel froze for a moment, realizing what it was. He glanced over his shoulder, scanning the trees and shadows. Sure enough, in the distance, barely visible in the dim light, DNS and Lily were following them—trying to stay hidden but failing miserably.

"Uh… yeah. That's probably DNS," Neel admitted, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

Anna's eyes widened with excitement, and she turned, scanning the darkness. "Wait, DNS? The DNS? Like… the Vajra? He's here?!"

Neel nodded sheepishly. "He's… kind of my partner. He likes to keep an eye on me."

Anna's jaw dropped, her heart racing now, not from Neel, but from the presence she sensed looming behind them. "Are you serious?" she whispered, clearly starstruck.

As they moved closer to where DNS and Lily were casually strolling behind, the intensity of the vibrations grew. Anna felt an icy shiver run down her spine, her legs wobbling slightly as the power of DNS's weapon, Vajra, pulsed in the air. It was subtle, but overwhelming—a pressure that seemed to crush the air around them.

By the time they reached DNS, Anna's hands were trembling, and her excitement had been replaced with an eerie discomfort. The moment her eyes met DNS's cold, calculating gaze, she felt a chill run down her spine, like a predator had just spotted her. There was something about him—his silent strength, his unyielding presence—that made her feel small and powerless.

DNS took a slow drag from his cigarette, watching Anna carefully. His expression was unreadable, but the weight of his presence was undeniable. Anna's breath caught in her throat as her body reacted instinctively to the immense energy emanating from him.

And then, it happened.

With a soft gasp, Anna's knees buckled, and she fainted right in front of Neel.

"Anna?!" Neel shouted, catching her just in time before she hit the ground.

Lily rushed over, her face full of concern. "Oh no! She must have felt the vibrations of Vajra. It can be a bit overwhelming at first."

DNS, still calm, exhaled smoke through his nose. "Told you I'd be around," he muttered, stubbing out the cigarette.

Location: DNS's Dorm, Later that Night

Anna slowly opened her eyes, blinking as she adjusted to her surroundings. She was lying on a comfortable couch, a blanket draped over her. Neel was sitting beside her, his face full of worry.

"Hey," Neel said softly. "You're okay. We're at DNS's dorm."

Anna sat up, still feeling the remnants of the strange vibrations coursing through her body. She glanced around, her heart pounding as the reality of what happened sank in.

DNS, standing by the window, lit another cigarette, the soft glow illuminating his sharp features. He said nothing, simply watching the scene unfold with his usual calm demeanor.

"I… I didn't mean to faint," Anna whispered, feeling embarrassed.

Neel smiled, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "It's okay. Vajra has that effect on people sometimes."

Anna's eyes darted toward DNS again, her awe and fear battling inside her. She had heard stories of him, of his strength, his unbreakable will, and now here he was, just casually smoking in the corner of the room. It was surreal.

DNS took another drag, glancing at Neel. "She'll be fine. Just needed some time to adjust."

Anna shivered again, but this time it wasn't from fear. There was something about this night—about Neel, about DNS—that made her feel like she was part of something bigger, something dangerous yet exciting.

As the night wore on, Neel and Anna finally found themselves alone. Neel, still nervous, took a deep breath, knowing what he had to do next.

"Anna," he began, his voice soft but steady, "there's something I need to tell you."

Anna looked up at him, her eyes wide and full of curiosity.

Neel hesitated for a moment, but then he gathered his courage. "I'm not just some regular guy. I'm part of something… bigger. DNS and I, we're partners. We fight together, protect each other, and sometimes, it gets dangerous. I wanted you to know that before things go any further."

Anna listened intently, her heart pounding as she took in his words. She had always known there was something different about Neel, but now, hearing it from him directly, it felt real.

"And…" Neel continued, his voice softening, "I've liked you for a long time, Anna. I've been too scared to say it before, but… I want you to be my girlfriend."

There was a moment of silence. Neel's heart raced as he waited for her response, his palms sweating again.

But then, slowly, a smile spread across Anna's face, and she reached out, taking his hand in hers.

"I'd like that, Neel," she whispered, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. "I'd like that a lot."

Neel felt a wave of relief wash over him, his heart soaring as Anna leaned closer, resting her head on his shoulder.

In the background, DNS quietly exhaled a cloud of smoke, a small smirk tugging at his lips as he watched the scene unfold.

End of Episode 13