Chapter 23
An uncomfortable silence. Normally I would find them to be rather amusing surely anyone who would allow themselves to feel uncomfortable from silence must be a fool, and fools make for a good source of entertainment. So why is it that here I’m sitting in our car feeling uncomfortable? Who is too blame for this situation I have found myself? Is it Sayaka for meeting with Terano, Runa for telling me about, Midari for making jokes, or Ririka for not talking even though it is clear she has something to say? No that’s not quite right. No one is to blame but me. I have allowed myself to feel uncomfortable, and I’m not sure why. Perhaps it is because I can’t seem to stop thinking about Terano and Sayaka. It sickens me. Is this how Sayaka feels in those moments of furious researching? Is there some downsides to not knowing something? How could that be when surprises are just so much fun?
Besides me, Ririka clicks her tongue as she removes her masks, I glance over to her. Such a soft expression on her face. She’s too good for this family.
“Is that what you wanted to talk about?” Her tone is gentle. She raises her hand up; her eyebrows draw together, and she places it back on her own lap. I wonder what did she plan to do with that hand. Slap me perhaps? How delightfully amusing that would be.
It’s true that I wanted to discuss Sayaka’s involvement with Terano with her, but now it is different. These are not my terms, and I starting to think I may have overreacted. It really shouldn’t matter at all to me. It’s just another amusing event. Nothing more. And that’s why I’m still thinking about it. Deflection is the answer I suppose.
“What ever could you be talking about my sister?” I bring my hand to my chin in an over-exaggerated manner. Her face doesn’t change.
“Sayaka meeting with Terano, does it worry you?” She’s looking me in the eye. Perhaps my plan with Mary was a mistake. I chuckle at her question. There’s a slight twitch in her expression. Wonderful.
“Why would I? It’s a rather interesting development. I love it when my fish do something unexpected. It makes for such a fun show.” Her soft expression is gone now. Good. I wouldn’t want for her to see as anything but cruel. It is what I am. Surely this will take care of issue of her being concerned for me.
“Do you really find the thought of Sayaka “throwing”Totobami around intriguing?” I smirk to hide my shock. An attempt at mirroring me in order to draw out answers. If that is how she wishes to play so be it.
“Such vulgar words. Have you perhaps been spending a bit too much time with Mary? I wonder do you do those sort of things?” She’s blushing now, and she looks down at her lap. My victory as expected. What a lovely little game. I look out the window.
“Kirari.” The tone is sad. I look back at her. She’s frowning and she only seems to be more concerned. Clearly she can’t take a hint. It would funny if it wasn’t such a nuisance. “Please just be honest.” I upset her again I wonder will there be a single day where I won’t hurt one of them? Of course not. I’m a sick girl after all. What does it matter if I hurt them.
I look back out the window. My jaw tightens. “I suppose I’m a bit curious.” There’s a pause. My heart is clenching. I don’t like this.
“You should ask her then.” If only it were that simple.
“It’s not my place.” Ririka groans at that. It’s unlike her, but I don’t look back at her.
“That’s never stopped you before.” It’s true. Boundaries mean nothing to me, but something tells me perhaps this is one I shouldn’t cross. It’s interesting. I have never felt this way before.
“True, but interfering could take away my chance of seeing something entertaining. And that would be unfortunate.”
“If that’s what you want.” It’s not. I want to know. I want to put these fears to rest. Fears. No. I don’t have those, and a simple question will prove that.
“I suppose you’re right.” I look back at her now. She’s giving me a soft smile. It’s a strange expression, pride perhaps. Is she happy over her victory? How cruel. This game was far more challenging than I thought... I would never have guess that Ririka would play to my weaknesses.
“Just be careful. Don’t push too hard.” She doubts my
charms. I would never have to push with Sayaka. Such arrogance sickens me, yet still I’m the one who though it.
“Oh don’t worry about me.” I smirk at her.
“Okay, Kirari.” The doubt stings a bit.