Windows of the Soul: Part Thirty-Eight

They say opposites attract. Accepting this premise, do identical individuals 1) also attract each other 2) repulse each other or 3) violently destroy each other and create a large explosion?

She was sipping tea while she waited, and she looked up when we entered, vaguely following us with her eyes. "Welcome, everyone."

"Okasama, these are my friends," I said, feeling a little uncomfortable with the description. It didn't seem very appropriate for me to talk about them in such a way, but no acceptable alternative sprang to mind. "Mai Tokiha, a classmate of Natsuki's, Yuichi Tate, who worked hard for me on the student council, Mikoto Minagi and her older brother, Reito Minagi, and another middle-schooler, Shiho Munakata. Everyone, this is okasama, Viola Fujino, and her companion Saaya." I nodded to each in turn, and Viola did her best to follow. She would nonetheless remember all the names.

"Thank you for taking care of us," Mai-chan said formally, bowing again. "We are deeply grateful of the chance."

"On the contrary, thank you for taking care of Shizuru and Natsuki-chan. I'm glad you could come, as it will make things more lively around here." Okasama leaned back slightly. "If you'll excuse me for a second… please, Saaya."

Saaya nodded. "Mai-chan is the striking red-head in the foreground, a little shorter than Shizuru and with a comparable figure, a little to the other side. Yuichi-kun is taller, of course, and has orange hair in striking disarray. Mikoto-chan is younger, with braided black hair and striking yellow eyes. She is carrying two long objects, possibly swords. Her brother is a tall and handsome young man of Shizuru's age, with black hair. And Shiho-chan is shorter, and has short pink hair. That is all."

I tried not to smirk at the physical theatre resulting from the descriptions. Mai flushed slightly, Tate patted down his hair, Reito carried on smiling benevolently, but with a trace more smugness, Shiho snorted and looked away… I do wonder whether Saaya does this in such a deliciously indiscreet away merely to provoke a reaction. But I did my best to school my expression, as if this was absolutely normal.

"You don't look like Kaichou," Mikoto observed, frowning. She alone had been utterly unfazed, naturally enough.

"That's true," Okasama allowed, smiling slightly. "I'm afraid my condition prevents any striking resemblance, though thankfully it has not passed on to Shizuru."

"Condition?" Mikoto asked, blinking innocently. Mai sushed her.

"In any case, can I be the first to say that is a pleasure to meet you, Fujino-san?" Reito remarked smoothly, stepping forwards and smiling. "I can see where Shizuru-san recieves her beauty from."

"A man who compliments mother and daughter at once is surely hedging his bets," Saaya remarked playfully, while Okasama just smiled.

"Not at all. As I appreciate snowbells in nature, so I appreciate beauty of all kinds. But if I have been forward, I will beg your apology. Well-intentioned and ill-advised enthusiasm is a characteristic of my family," he remarked, with a subtle glance towards Mikoto, who had already stolen one of okasama's cakes.

"I was more flattered than offended, so no apology is necessary. I've also heard something of you from Shizuru, and so was prepared. By all accounts, you've been of great value to her, and I appreciate your efforts. That's true of all of you, as well. It is good to put voices to names, even if faces are somewhat beyond me."

Mai grabbed Mikoto by the pigtail, dragging her bodily out of range of the table. "It's good to meet you too," she said politely, smiling back. "Oh, and thank you for taking care of Natsuki, as well. She also causes trouble from time to time, with good intentions."

"I do not," Natsuki protested loudly. "I've been on my best behaviour, damnit! And don't talk about me as if I'm not there, either!"

"I can assure you that Natsuki-chan has been no trouble, and very pleasant. We are grateful to her in many ways." Okasama closed her eyes, smiling. "In any case, I've already trespassed upon your valuable time for too long, and I won't keep you from your rooms any longer. Please get settled in at your own pace, and don't be afraid to call if you need any help. The servants will call you when it is time for lunch. You can show them the way, no, Shizuru?"

"Of course, Okasama," I replied politely. "I will take care of it."

I turned and led them away, waiting as usual until we were just out of earshot before speaking again. "I hope no one was offended by Saaya's manner. Okasama's sight is extremely poor, so this is necessary, but I can't expect people to enjoy being physically compartmentalised."

"It's not a problem," Mai assured me quickly. "I understand. Is she really blind, then?"

"She can make out shapes and vague colour, but little more. It is tragic for her, albeit one she is better-equipped to deal with than the tragedies of many other people."

"She's also crazy, and Saaya is worse," Natsuki offered candidly, falling in next to Mai. "Get used to the two of them."

"Why is she blind, though?" Mikoto asked, tugging on Mai's sleeve. "I noticed, but no one else said anything about it, so I thought it would be silly. Why didn't you ask?"

"Fujino-san… Kaicho-san's mother has something called albinism," Mai began to explain, a patient expression on her face. "That's why she has white hair. It also affects her sight."

"So, does Mai have strange sight?" Mikoto asked. "You have orange hair."

"That's something different."

"And what about Shiho?"

"Look, Viola is blind because Viola is blind," Natsuki said shortly. "And she also has white hair and pink eyes. Just think of it like that?"

Mikoto nodded. "I see. Natsuki is so clever."

"That's not quite the entire story, though," Mai said reproachfully.

"No need to overcomplicate things," Natsuki suggested, folding her arms. "It's best to keep it simple."

Mikoto looked between them, blinking innocently. "What is for lunch?"

"I'm not sure, but it will be very delicious," Mai said soothingly. "Now stay calm, Mikoto. This isn't the kind of household where you can just rampage around."

I listened to their conversation for a few more moments before smiling slightly and turning my head away. It sounded like Natsuki was having fun, which was the important thing.

"So I've finally met the Snow-White Queen of the Fujino," Reito remarked, stepping forwards slightly and keeping pace with me. "It is truly an honour."

I smiled slightly at him. "Such a nickname exists?"

"It does now. I just invented it, and I'm a little proud of it." Reito chuckled at my facial expression. "She strikes me a polite and dignified woman, and also a formidable one. That's just a first impression, but I expect nothing less of your mother."

"Occasionally, you are a good judge of character," I remarked. "Though that's only rarely true. You shouldn't take Saaya's words as an excuse for flirtation, though."

"That was not flirtation," Reito protested amicably. "My intentions always get misread. It's the curse of being a teenage boy. I was simply commenting on something noticable but trivial, like the weather."

"Never call a woman's beauty trivial," I advised. "We will never forgive or forget."

"And once again, I am shot down," Reito replied, touching his forehead in mock despair. "Perhaps I should simply stop talking."

"That might be an idea," I agreed, turning the corner and stepping close to the wall. "In any case, we are here. Everything has been arranged. I'm taking it as read that everyone is staying in a separate room. Unless you have any objection, Mai-chan?" I smiled at her with my best ambiguous expression, and she just nodded. "Very well. They aren't large, but they should suffice. Our house isn't used to so many guests at once, but we're well within capacity, so please don't feel in any way indebted. If you thank us much more, the reciprocal courtesy will surely spiral off into a cyclic infinity."

"Your rooms are here, and don't thank me," Natsuki translated, leaning against the wall. "If anyone has any more problems with Fujino-speak, come to me. I'm an expert by now."

I chuckled at that. "Please bear that in mind. In any case, I must confess I don't know the order myself, but your luggage will be in your respective rooms. I hope that will be convenient. Come to me if you have any complaints."

Mai nodded cautiously. "I see. Is there anything else we should do before lunch?"

"You are free to do as you wish… within reason," I remarked, with half an eye for Mikoto. I had not been a first person witness to her terrible destructive power, either as a Hime or as a teenage girl with catlike behaviours. But her reputation preceeded her. "I'm sure you all have pleanty to talk about, and Natsuki can show you anything you wish to see. I should say at this juncture that lunch is by no means compulsory either, though we do appreciate our guests eating with us. But you can ask for food at any time if you speak to a servant."

"We'll be fine eating with you," Mai said firmly. "Right, everyone?" There was a general assent.

I looked at them briefly, considering my next move. But hearing things at second-hand is not the same thing as friendship, and I didn't currently feel up to the task of forging those necessary bonds. Mai is still a striking presence. I still envy the happy outcomes she forged for herself. "I'm afraid I won't be able to join you immediately," I said politely. "I have not been well these past few days, a condition exacebated by yesterday's incident. I will have to rest for a while."

"Are you okay, Shizuru?" Natsuki asked, looking hard at me. "Heck, should you even be up, are you just feeling vain again?"

I smiled. "Thank you for your concern, but I'm just a little tired. I suppose I'm pushing myself a little too hard, as you often say."

"Oh, okay." Natsuki frowned at me. "Should I come back with you?"

I shook my head. "No need. You should stay with your friends. Even if I can't fulfil my duties as a host, I'm counting on you."

"If you say so," Natsuki said slowly. She gave me a suspicious look, then shrugged and nodded.

I turned away awkwardly. "Well, then."

"A second, Shizuru-san." Reito placed his hand on my shoulder. "Could you show me to the rest-room?"

I glared subtly at him, then nodded. "Of course. Please follow me."

And despite my passive hostility, he did exactly that. We were silent for a few moments, then he spoke. "I knew that the Fujino household would be impressive, but not to this degree. It's very impressive, Shizuru."

"Aren't I Fujino-san to you?" I asked cooly. "Or possibly Shizuru-san?"

"Is that so? This hasn't been a day for tact on my part, I'm afraid." Reito gave me one of his innocent smiles. I recognised that expression, having used it many times myself. Art disguised by an artistic lack of guile.

"Well, I don't intend to hold it against you," I remarked, smiling calmly at him. "I suppose you've more than earned it, after all these years. But a formal manner seems to suit us."

"Is it really okay?" Reito asked, ignoring that. "Running away?"

I turned away, keeping my face even. "I'm afraid I don't follow your meaning."

"That you're not at your best is probably true, but it isn't like you to shirk a duty. You will probably worry Natsuki-chan and the others."

"I'm just tired, without artifice," I lied. "And in any case, Natsuki will be busy with Mai and her other friends. She knows me enough not to worry about something like this."

"I will have to take your word for that," Reito replied. "I don't know her very well, after all, while you know her very well indeed."

"Then there isn't a problem. The nearest toilet is here," I remarked, pulling open a door. "That's one amongst many, of course. Is that fine?"

"A moment," Reito replied pleasently. "Could I ask you something?"

I sighed and forced a smile. "Of course. Is there anything?"

"How are things between the two of you?"

"Oh, very good," I replied dryly, trying to keep my patience. I set off for my room, not really caring whether or not he held true to his own subtext. "Natsuki is very kind. She also saved my life."

"Well, that's rather sweet of her," Reito replied, with absolutely no trace of irony. "I was meaning to ask about that as well. It appears that the employees of the employeer who employed my body to decieve you all have been troubling you. I feel rather responsible."

"You had nothing to do with it," I replied shortly. "What is done is done, and I survived."

"Once again, you're a little vague," Reito replied amicably. "I don't know any details, as Natsuki-chan was not forthcoming."

"Someone tried to kill me, Reito," I snapped, momentarily losing all traces of composure. "I don't really want to talk about it."

"That's reasonable, but details are important. One attacker? Two? Three? Armed or unarmed? And how reckless?" Reito folded his arms, smiling slightly at me. "You know implicitly that your life is not just your own any more, to protect or discard. A threat to you is a threat to all of us. For me in particular, I have made as many enemies as you. That's why I need such information."

I controlled myself again, keeping my voice flat. "One woman, from their First Division. She carried a combat knife and one of their pistols. She was kind enough not to bring her assault rifle and did her best to preserve her own life and liberty. That's fine, isn't it? But I doubt anyone but me will be attacked." I kept the bitterness out of my voice, stopping as I reached my room and opening the door. "That is enough information, is it not?"

"It is a decent start," Reito replied, stopping and looking at me thoughtfully. "She was taken by the police?"

"She confessed everything, and described the Carnival in great detail," I replied. "But the police made nothing of that."

"I see. That's a little inconsiderate of her, but nothing should come of it. You know, it's a troublesome world, when these things don't take care of themselves…"

I glared at him for a moment, while maintaining my vague smile. "You may be right. In any case, if that is all…" I stepped through and turned, only to find he already had his foot in the door. Quite, quite literally.

"And how about you, Shizuru-san?" Reito asked. "I imagine you were rather hurt by that circumstance."

"I am always myself," I replied coldly. "You shouldn't waste time worrying about me. But you should probably get back. The others will be worrying, won't they?"

"I'm sure it will be fine," Reito replied ambiguously. "And this is a rare chance to talk to you, after all."

I turned, smiling at him. "In any case, I hope you don't intend to come in," I teased, keeping my voice light. "It's not done for a man to come into a girl's room, after all."

"It's a little cruel that I am a man, and you a girl," Reito replied irrelevantly, flashing his usual smile. "We stand on more even ground than that, Shizuru-san."

"Between us, perhaps, but social mores are social mores," I replied. "I'm afraid I have to behave decorously within the house."

"I'm a perfect gentleman," Reito shot back. "Give or take. Putting that aside, perhaps it's better if I am here, where we can talk clearly? I'm still worried about you, and fret spreads."

"Is that so? You make concern sound like a head-cold." I smiled, knowing when to retreat. "Then come in, and we can talk abut colds until you are quite bored of the subject."

I sat on a cushion, and he sat opposite me. "Thank you for your courtesy," he replied. Still smiling.

"On the contrary, thank you for your concern. It is much appreciated." Words said without thought, a reflex brought from childhood forwards.

"Not at all." Reito looked at me thoughtfully. "You are quite well?"

"I am as well as can be expected," I replied. "I had a hard day, sustaining some injury, and slept badly. And all of that was on top of recovering from an illness that confined me to bed for several days. Apart from that, I am as the sunflowers."

"That makes me sound a little tactless, though I was more worried about your emotional well-being. You have a habit of strange thoughts, Shizuru-san."

"My thoughts are my own, and relatively peaceful they have been recently, too," I replied. "And you?"

"I have been better, and could be worse, physically and mentally," Reito replied ambiguously. "And Natsuki-chan? I have been concerned about her well-being, as well."

"You would have to ask her yourself, though I'm not sure she'd appreciate your concern," I said. "Bearing that in mind, I'm not sure if it's appropriate for me to speak for her."

"I'm sure Natsuki-chan would not mind, to have simple thoughts disclosed or to disclose simple things about you. I'm only showing a healthy concern." Reito chuckled. "After all, she is stubborn and obstinate. I doubt I would receive a straight answer if I asked her myself."

"She has been injured, and tested in many ways," I replied. "Nonetheless, she's strong. Natsuki has always been strong."

"I'm glad to hear that. And if you're saying that, it is probably true. But I'm a little concerned, as well." Reito put his hands on his knees. "You should be careful about regarding her in such a way. Leaning on her is fine, but she's only human. She could also be pushed too far."

"I have no intention of emotionally or mentally burdening Natsuki." I replied. "Indeed, I have acted as best I can to ensure that never happens on my account."

Without much success, was an unnecessary rider. I wish I knew a better way to protect her from me. But, on the other hand, she doesn't need to be protected.

She's always been a reckless person.

"If that's the case, I can be more at ease," Reito replied. "And one more thing, before I stop troubling you for now. What is your relationship with Natsuki-chan?"

Always smile. Play allusion and shadows, always maintaining proprietry. And then use a blunt question free of all pretence. The methods Reito developed to pin me down on student council matters remain.

But I'm not unused to him, either. I didn't so much as blink. After all, there was no hesitation in reply to that question. "We are friends. That is all."

Reito nodded. "Is that your only intention, as well?"

"Of course. Even that is an impetuous aspiration, under the circumstances," I replied, closing my eyes briefly. "But it appears that Natsuki wants things to be this way. I will naturally defer to her will."

"That's a dangerous turn of phrase," Reito remarked in a contained way.

"I'm a dangerous person. Mere words are of little concern," I said dismissively. "And for you, as well, though you use your words in a pointed and efficent way."

"Of course. So I'll cut to the chase." Reito looked at me thoughtfully. "In that case, I will pursue Natsuki-chan."

It took me a moment to understand his implication, and then I struggled to control myself. "Is that so?" I managed.

"Unless you have any reasonable objections, of course," Reito replied. "My intention isn't to be cruel."

"For a start, this isn't a beach hosue or a seedy hotel," I began, giving him my best haughty glare. "The Fujino residance is not an appropriate venue for such a thing. It is indecorous."

"That's too bad. Have you told Mai-chan and Tate-kun yet?" Reito asked innocently. "I can pass on the message."

"That is different, as their relationship is already established," I replied firmly. "A little affection exchanged between them is to be expected, and even then I can count on them to be discreet."

"I can also be very discreet," Reito said reasonably. "If you like, I can even let all romantic overtures remain off-site. I rather pride myself on being able to come up with pretexts."

"That logic, I think, is the height of indecorous behaviour," I replied. "And I don't think I could possibly permit it as a friend, either. What are your reasons?"

"Natsuki-chan is intelligent, articulate, attractive and strong-willed," Reito said aptly. "You of all people know of her qualities. And that kind of girl is my type, as they say."

"Just like Mai-chan?" I asked cynically.

"They are both similar and different, as girls tend to be. But it's been several months since I closed my unsuccessful attempts on Mai's heart." Reito smiled a little bashfully. "Of course, truth be told, I have a selfish reason as well. My self-regard is still ambiguous after that loss, and I am trying to move on. I am sure you could sympathise with that."

"With far more to forget, even I don't intend to use such distasteful and selfish methods," I said forcefully. "I don't think the comparison is very apt, after all. You would do well to leave Natsuki alone."

"Is it really your place to say that, though?" Reito asked pointedly. "You are… what is the phrase… "just a friend"."

"That's not the same thing as saying that I have no opinion, though," I replied curtly. "On the contrary, as a friend, I should always have an opinion on her love life."

"For a normal friend, that would be the case. But you aren't a normal friend." Reito gazed at me coldly, frowning slightly. "Your rejected romantic aspirations change the situation. Your intentions may be sincere, but it's far more difficult now for you to express such an opinion without sounding biased. And even in that case, your circumstances are special."

I flushed slightly, glaring at him and gripping my knees tightly. "Oh? Is that so?" I asked shortly. "You are certainly going out of your way to antagonise me, regardless."

"Forgive me. That isn't my intention. I simply want to clarify this matter, with respect to the powerful attachment to Natsuki-chan that I know you still feel." Reito shrugged. "And all I ask, at heart, is that you allow Natsuki to make her own decisions."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I demanded. "You should understand quite clearly that I haven't done anything else, since then…"

"I can make my play, and she can accept me, or reject me. I am a gentleman, in spite of all reputation, and will accept her will in this matter. Is that acceptable to you?"

I tried to think of a logical, thoughtful way out of the situation. My passion, of which I had pleanty, would avail me little enough. Indeed, it even shamed me a little, because it was for all the wrong reasons. Not because it's Reito, even though I could construct that case. Rather, this was because it isn't me. I should have cut those exessive feelings away long ago.

And for the sake of that, perhaps, I have to accept this, and hope. "I will be watching the situation very carefully, Reito," I said eventually, glaring at him. "If at any moment I consider you to have overstepped the bounds for proprietry or courtesy, I will interceed. Please bear in mind that you are a guest of the Fujino."

"I understand that without you articulating it. And I thank you for this blessing. I appreciate it cannot have been easy for you to say such a thing," Reito remarked, nodding courteously.

Fuck match thanks with thanks. "It was no blessing. If that is all, I would very much like to be alone."

"And one more point. It would be best if we concluded the entirity of this unpleasent business now, no?" I didn't reply, and Reito simply nodded again. "Are you emphatically ruling yourself out?"

"Of course," I replied, in a voice that would etch steel. "How many times shall I say it before you are satisfied, Reito-san?"

"That's fine. But I'm a little disappointed. You would make for an interesting rival."

"We are not here for your entertainment. Please be clear on that."

"That wasn't my intention, either. But, rather, I dislike people ruling themselves out of any circumstance." Reito snorted briefly. "Perhaps I am simply a hopeless optimist."

"Do you still entertain hopes for Mai-chan?" I asked acidly.

"Nothing it is seemly or honourable to articulate, but I remain open-minded, and receptive to any changing circumstances. I am, after all, a pragmatist." Reito looked at me in a measured way. "Rather I could say that without aspirations, I am not ruling myself out should things change. That would be unnecessary as a point of principle, and I'm sure the same logic should apply to you."

"As you have admitted yourself, our circumstances are very different," I said, gritting my teeth. "Please do not compare them."

"Even in your case, I wouldn't consider mere thoughts a sin. That's overreacting. And if circumstances did change, and Natsuki expressed interest in you? What would you do?"

"The sun might not rise tommorow, Reito-san," I said pointedly. "But I do not have congeniency plans for that eventuality. In the same way, I won't trouble myself to think about something so naïve."

"Perhaps I am the naïve one, after all. But you might be the same. It's unseemly to say die while your object of affection is unattached."

"She explicitly rejected me. That's all that needs to be said, even without everything that prceeded that point." I closed my eyes, sighing. "Please don't prolong this, it's very distasteful."

"Feelings change, or so I believe. I am an optimist, after all."

"I hope you aren't projecting, Reito," I remarked. "How much of this optimism is truly for me? Aren't you thinking of a certain redhead when you say all these naïve things?"

"You know, that might be true," Reito admitted, sighing slightly. "I'm not insincere enough to pretend that might not be case…"

"And you intend to pursue Natsuki with that feeble and weak resolve?" I demanded, glaring at him. "You make me sick."

"Love isn't just something that is, but something you make for yourself, by getting to know someone. In that respect, this feeble and weak feeling I hold might be the seed for an especial flower. If you will allow me to lapse into metaphor." Reito watched me again. "But for you, of course, your affection for her has already bloomed over the long years. Regardless of any other circumstance, I respect that."

"Your respect is worth little enough," I replied, looking away. "If you're too weak, I am too much the reverse. A sad obsession… you don't need to dress up that with pretty words, I understand your thoughts well enough."

"Now you are projecting onto me," Reito said cooly. "In spite of all circumstances, the respect I bear you is too great for that."

I sighed again, heavily. Even for me, this is too much of a trial. "Reito, please leave. You have played enough games for one day."

"I'm trying to help you," Reito replied. "And I think that you can help me, though our words are unkind."

"I haven't asked for help."

"Then let me ask you, though you have little enough reason to love me. As our circumstances are similar, and so are our mindsets… please lend me your power." Reito stood. "But you have no obligation, either. Shouldn't you come back, though? They will worry."

"No one will miss me, so you don't need to worry," I replied without turning my head.

"Avoiding people kind people like them to protect yourself is a little cowardly, don't you think?" Reito asked quietly.

I laughed for a few seconds, then choked back my mirth. "Oh? Is that so? You know, Reito, that has truth to it. But for your part as well, are you really here to help me or receive help? Aren't you avoiding them in the same way as I am, by coming here with me?"

"I am simply showing an appropriate concern for you," Reito replied.

But that tone didn't have its usual certainty. I smiled. "In truth, you bear little enough affection for me. But I'm sure it's very awkward for you, to be in the same room as those two. I don't blame you for that, Reito. But hypocricy isn't sightly."

Reito didn't say anything for a moment, walking towards the door. He stopped once he was there and looked back over his shoulder. "Is there anything I should tell the others? Or Natsuki-chan?"

"If anything is appropriate, I'm sure you can make it up." I turned my head, regarding him coldly. "But bear this in mind, Reito. I'm not obliged to you, and I'm not enamoured of morality. If you do anything to hurt Natsuki…" I let the words hang. "Well, use your imagination."

Reito smiled. "Those words suit you more than petulance, Shizuru-san. And if I said to you that I intend to do nothing at all? Would that relieve you?"

"I wouldn't be reassured, knowing it was your word," I replied, frowning slightly. My mind, working rationally for the first time a while, threshed out implications and wondered belatedly whether I had just been turned into a total fool.

"I won't make any promises, even then. I don't wish to follow my employer's employees to hell, but I also enjoy life itself." Reito gave me a cryptic smile. "In any case, Natsuki-chan will be waiting."

"She will be doing no such thing. You're a surprisingly delusional person, Reito-san. I never thought you would be so… mislead by romantic and naïve thoughts."

"Perhaps a wager, then?" Reito suggested, almost offhand.

"A wager?" I asked, glancing at him.

"Whether she has been missing you and worrying after you, even now. I'm a good judge of circumstance, and she has gone a long way for you. Not simply to stop now."

"I know her better than you, and she trusts others better than me. I won't take your evidence, either."

"I will ask Mai, and she can tell you," Reito suggested. "And for the stakes… if I lose, I will make that promise, after all."

Is this really okay? To be betting on Natsuki's feelings?

"And if you win?" I asked. I just wanted Reito off my back. We have a strong friendship, Natsuki and I, thanks to her forgiveness. But, if he raises things like this, I can't just keep smiling.

"Then you can reaffirm your own promise. Of course, it's more principle than anything else. I won't hold you to anything, myself."

"You gain very little," I remarked icily.

"Perhaps," Reito agreed easily. "But that's fair. I have a good feeling that I'm betting on a certainty."

What does he understand? Speaking so confidently, though he's just arrived. It's immature.

But he left before I could frame a proper retort. And that was even more immature of him.