[36]
Mai met with Ayako and Masako in the following weekend. It might have been a blessing in disguise—or maybe not—that they agreed to meet at an izakaya where booze was readily available. An inquisition would surely take place tonight, and she'd have to plead her case with sound arguments and adequate evidence in front of the two most judgmental people in the entirety of Japan. She wasn't sure whether the large mug of beer in her hand would aide her into an adequate defense or just absolute bullshit.
Bringing her sake cup to her lips, Ayako raised an eyebrow as she smirked. "Okay, girl. Spill."
"Um. Uh. Where do I start . . ." Mai brought her mug close to her torso, embracing it almost. "The sky today was absolutely stunning, huh? It's hard to believe that winter's right around the corner and I really think it isn't going to snow soon despite the weather man saying otherwi—"
Masako sighed and raised an eyebrow as well. "It was overcast the entire day. The sun never even had a chance to show itself and you say that the sky was wonderful." Smiling gracefully behind her kimono sleeve, there was a sparkle in her eyes as she spoke, "So. Did you bone him?"
Mai's face immediately burned up. "—mASAKO!" After nearly dropping her mug, she placed it on the table and used both hands to strangle the girl beside her.
Ayako, that witch, cackled so loudly that everyone turned to their table. "Answer the question with as much detail as possible and leave nothing to our imagination."
"Yes, yes. You wouldn't want us imagining, would you, Mai?" Masako grinned.
Mai, cheeks flushing even further, reached for her tall mug and chugged every last drop of beer in it.