I don't think I can hold it in much longer.

The temptation almost controlled me, taunting me, mocking me like a troll. I'd rather not bite her, if I can maintain it. I don't think I'm ready for the consequences yet. I'm just going to grab something to drown the hunger.

She was shaken, her eyes glued to me as if she was my prey; anticipating freedom. My arms snake around the bags until they found my ultimate salvation: chocolate milk.

"I'll be taking this, thanks."

"Hey! That's mine!"

I'm long gone before her reaction. I firmly shut the door, turning the lock before she'd barge in. That takes care of that.

"Why did you steal my milk?"

Or not, think again. She's so persistent. Luckily she can't hear me tuck the carton in the fridge so I pretend to drink it loud enough for her to hear.

"It was irresistibly delicious. I'll get you another one. Though I should thank you for letting me have a drink."

"Oh sure, it's one of those cheesy one-liners isn't it?"

"You know me better than that. Besides, shouldn't you be studying?"

"How can I when you locked me out of my own room?"

She can't be able to know that. Maybe I underestimated her, no, are the conditions broken? This feels like a premonition, as if Rima's telling me to stay away from Amu as far as possible.

I unlock the door, grinning as I usher Amu to her room, patting her shoulder.

"Milk's in the fridge, didn't drink any of it."

I feel her eyes staring at me, freezing me in place at my door.

"Hey...you know something I don't right?"

Can't..move. Has her powers gone berserk to bypass even Rima's? This can't be right, it's too early for her to change.

"No."

She doesn't believe me, I can feel the tension in her rise; my body feeling rather numb. She doesn't take no for an answer.

"Why does no-one ever tell me what's going on?"

...Choking. In any case, my neck feels like it's strapped in a tight leash. She needs to calm down, before I suffocate in this body. I can't change form while restrained in ancient magic.

"If you free me I'll gladly tell you."

I manage to trick her as she loosens her grip on me. I quickly turn on her and trap her between my arms against the wall. Her small figure shakes beneath me, so her temporary berserk phase took a little toll. I gently lean forward, our heads bump lightly against each other as I stare down at her. Her eyes tell me everything: she wants answers to so many questions she has. But now is not the time, not yet.

"Should I kiss you as thanks?"

"N-No! Don't do that!"

"Then look at me and don't look away. Good. Now, forget what happened just now. You never bought milk, I never followed you. You were just going to study for your midterm. We never met in the hall, and you'll wake up thinking nothing happened. Got it?"

I made sure the effect of the spell sunk further into her, as she looks pretty stoned. The iris of her eyes were glossy, her pupil hollow; her cheeks flushed. I watch her stagger her way to her door, hearing her mutter a faint okay before locking the door behind her.

"You guys felt it. She's slowly breaking the chain that's weighing her down."

"That's no coincidence. Even with your power, you can't keep her in check."

"So what will you do now? You can't turn her away forever."

"That's the last thing I need to hear from you Utau. I'll take it slow, keep pretending she didn't say anything and deny whatever she asks. You know the usual."

"You'd go that far even though it hurts you to do it?"

"Not much choice now is there?"

"Then if she forgets about you and moves on with her life, what will you do then?"

I don't know. Maybe that's all I can do for her. Ignore her and force her to forget about me. She's a strong woman; she should be able to get through this without me in the way. Soon, the one she will run to won't be me, but Tadase. Just grin and deal with it.