It was cute, Soushi realized, the way she'd push a few errant strands of hair behind her left ear, eyes raking meticulously over each cover, through the thick, magnifying lenses perched at the tip of her eflin nose. Though she was most likely searching for a prespecified volume containing some kind of hidden message, it struck him as odd how engrossed she became, seeming completely unaware of her surroundings. Was her attention truly so distracted, or was it merely a guise, causing her to appear innocuous?

She purchased several volumes, each an obscure title he'd never heard of. Most, he suspected, were a cover for her real objective, but he had no way of knowing which it was. Though it was possible, he doubted the owner was involved, and did not wish to linger in order to question him, when she was so close. Soushi had to admit he'd grown careless, becoming much too involved; the risk of exposure a certainty now. Still, the compulsion was unignorable, the bundle in her arms almost comically large.

"Can I offer my assistance?" he inquired, heart thundering wildly in his chest.

He held his breath a moment, anticipating the curt reply.

"I am perfectly capable, thank y-... y-you!"

Her eyes went wide, mouth dropping open slightly, as she appeared to recognize him. He fought a chuckle, keeping his smile polite as he dropped into a formal bow.

"I'm pleased you remember me." That was true, though he already knew she would.

"Uh, I…" she flushed, turning her head away. "I suppose I should thank you, uhnnn, so, thanks."

He brought a hand to his mouth, muffling the small laugh he couldn't stop from escaping, finding her rudeness somehow delightful. At this point, he no longer cared if her manner was genuine or not, so long as he got to see more of it.

"You are most welcome. Would you do me the honor of being of service once again?"

"Are you some kind of perverted stalker?" she deadpanned, looking straight into his eyes.

"Would you believe me if I said no?" he countered, his smile widening fractionally.

"Tch, fair point," she huffed. "Fine, I'll permit you to help, this once. Just be careful, those books are precious."

"I will protect them with my life," he promised, amused at her scoff, and meaning every word. "My name is Soushi Miketsukami, by the way."

"Hmph. Ririchiyo Shirakiin," she muttered, walking off ahead.

The journey was companionably silent, unfamiliar territory for both of them, he suspected. It was odd that he should feel so at ease in her presence, knowing that she was most likely his enemy. If she tried to kill him, would he stop her; would he want to? A rush of wind from an incoming train carried her scent through the air, and he closed his eyes, inhaling the distinct aroma of coffee and old books, with an undercurrent of something else he couldn't recognize. Odd that it should feel so familiar to him, the prospect impossible, but it plagued his mind nonetheless.


Ririchiyo knew, in the abstract, that this was incredibly stupid of her, but she felt unerringly calm. Was it only the lack of sleep that inspired such irresponsible behavior, or was it something darker, a hidden desire lurking somewhere deep in her heart? She dared not examine the thoughts too closely, terrified of what answers she might find, and instead focused intently on the sounds of her own body - heart beating, breath escaping; bringing her back to the moment.

Whether she found his silence comforting or disconcerting, she didn't know exactly, some indeterminable mix of emotion gnawing absently at her mind. It was too much just then, and so she pushed it all down, refusing to acknowledge and unable to accept the truths staring her in the face. They would be back at her apartment soon, and if he did not kill her, then she could bury herself in work, the methodical conservation process absorbing all her focus.

"Th-thank you," she stammered, once they reached the door to her building. "I can take it from here."


"It's no trouble," he assured, fishing the key out of his pocket. "It's only a small detour."

She stared up at him, eyes filled with accusation, and he waited anxiously for what she'd say in response to this revelation.

"I see," she offered simply, clearing her throat, "I suppose it's alright then."

She turned from him, leading the way up the stairs, and he smiled to himself, indulging in his own amusement. Had she known already, or was it truly a surprise? Her reaction was subdued but startled, though he didn't know if this was because she'd actually been unaware, or if she merely wanted him to think so. It was astonishing that even this small exchange was thrilling, fun, if he was forced to define it, and he was eager for more.

"How convenient," he mused, once the reached the fourth floor, "I'm just across the hall."

"Yes, well, I doubt we'll see each other often regardless."

"That would be a shame, I think I'd enjoy your company."

She looked away, her face flushing a most becoming shade of scarlet. Was this part of an elaborate act, or a natural response? Was it possible to fake such a reaction? The truth didn't matter, so long as he was able to make her blush like that again.

"You wouldn't," she warned, "people who get close to me end up hurt. If you're smart, you'll stay away."

Was this her way of warning him off, telling him that following this path would lead to danger? He didn't care, nothing could compel him to walk away now.

"What if I'm willing to take that risk?"

"Tch. You'll regret it."

"Why don't we find out?"

"Just stop," she ordered, voice sharp. "It's getting late and I have things to do."

"Oh course," he bowed, "I hope you have a pleasant evening."

"Yeah, you too, I'm sure," she returned dismissively, causing him to stifle a laugh.

"Miss Shirakiin," he called, as she was closing the door to her apartment.

"Yes?" she responded, impatient.

"I'm a knock away, should you change your mind."

"Not very likely."

"Even so, the offer is there."


She collapsed on her bed, heart furiously palpitating; wondering at the strange sensation he evoked in her. He shouldn't make her feel this way, thinking of his face, and especially those remarkable eyes. What kind of secrets were hiding in their depths, and why was she so interested in knowing? It was insufferably convenient that he was just steps from her front door, not to mention incredibly suspicious. Did his presence have something to do with her family? Is that why he saved her, and why he said her thanks would be wasted on him?

It was so peculiar that she wanted to trust him; to believe he was sincere, but it didn't really matter either way. Still, for some reason it was comforting to think this was all an elaborate trap, to keep her under the family's thumb, rather than a bizarre set of coincidences. That it was also probably the truth was secondary, what were the chances of being rescued from certain death by a beautiful stranger who also just happened to live across the hall? Though she might've been naive about the world from growing up so sheltered, she certainly wasn't stupid.

Let them play their games then, it made no difference to her if they wanted to waste resources on a power play. Even now she did as she was told, the perfect daughter of a powerful house, obedient to a fault. She'd long ago learned her lesson; realized the futility of fighting against her bonds, her simple act of youthful rebellion nothing more than a grand manipulation. What heart was left in her to be broken now, when her hands were already stained with blood? No, she wouldn't risk their ire again, not after everything it cost her.

The tears began to fall, no matter how hard she fought them; how peculiar that she was still able to cry. It had been a long time, and she supposed she was overdue a bit of melodrama. It would be so easy to walk the short distance from her door to his, wrapping gently on the wooden frame; waiting for him to answer. What would he say, and what would she? Could she come up with a reasonable excuse for why she wanted to see him? She sighed, pressing a pillow into her face to push away the frivolous thoughts. Her books awaited, and unlike him, they were real.


It was foolish and imprudent, but approaching her felt so right to him. Having any personal inclination of the sort was laughable, and acting on it was even stranger still, but it had felt surprisingly pleasant. Why she inspired these feelings in him, he wanted to know, but even moreso, he wanted to find out what else there was to experience. The characters in books he'd read had never moved him before, their motivations unrelatable, but suddenly, an entirely new world seemed open to Soushi, one that he was no longer too alien to explore.

What would tomorrow bring, and next week? He wanted to be there; to see it; to see her. Even if he'd probably skipped a few stages in their game, he was eagerly looking forward to her next move, and finding out how it would all end. It didn't even matter if he survived past that, because nothing else seemed important, not now that he acted with purpose; had somewhere to direct his focus beyond his master's control. Whether it counted as living or not he didn't know, but it was the first time in his life that he really felt alive.

How pathetic a thing he was, and no doubt she would think so too. The thought depressed him, the idea of disappointing her, not that she expected anything from him. He couldn't be the sort of person she would find interesting, he knew, but as long as he got to interact with her; to live in the shadow of her light, it would be enough for him. It was baffling that he thought to imagine more - a dream for which he dared not even hope, but a fantasy that would sustain him, the idea that he she could see him for himself and would not turn away in disgust.

That she was not like other people was plain to see, but he could tell they were not the same. Her eyes were bright and sparkled with the fire of life - containing a passion that he had never before felt himself. Despite what he'd managed to glimpse, he truly knew precious little about her, and he didn't know how to obtain more information on his own. Would she move first, now that he'd shown some of his hand, or would she choose instead to wait, observing him?

He smiled at his own foolishness, pushing aside the hair that had fallen into his eyes, as he gently shook the idea from his head. It was a train of thought too dangerous to pursue; best that it be derailed now, before it had a chance to take root, if it had not already done so. Regardless of anything else, Soushi must always remember his position, his place in this world; he knew that well. There was nothing he could offer her, excepting perhaps his own life, and that would likely be of little value to her.

He laid on the bed, listening to the whirring of the fan blades, and let his eyes fall closed, her image clear in his mind. Violet eyes looked up at him intensely, her snappish tone warning him away as he expressed interest in seeing her more. Whether she wished that he not get hurt for his own sake, or because it would be an inconvenience to her, he didn't care. The existence of the feeling alone was enough, and he intended to hold on for dear life.