A/N: Answers to reviews:
Response to Hiei's Curry Review: Thank you for your review. Yeah, Kanami's dad is not really likeable. Unfortunately, in real life, sometimes parents don't listen to what their kids want, due to overprotection and love for them. Kanami's dad, at least, has the right intentions of wanting what he thinks is best for his children (love sometimes makes us do stupid stuff), whereas Ritsuko's dad doesn't care about Ritsuko at all. Also, judging by the plotline that I've planned out, I can say that Mai and Sayaka will probably indeed have the least drama.
Response to Guest Review: Thank you for your review. I'm not one to give spoilers, but I'll make an exception this time. Yes, this story will have a happy ending. And even though Kanami and Hiyori running away does seem like the best option, I've already planned out an alternative solution that works just as well for both of them. You'll just have to wait and see. Personally, I love happy endings, but at the same time, I also cringe at them. Yes, we like to cheer on our favourite characters in books and movies, but I find it's a reminder of how in reality, there's no such thing as a happy ending cause life continues with good moments and bad moments. I'm a very cynical person when it comes to romance and happily-ever-afters. The truth is that love is complicated and even twisted sometimes. Everyone has their own definition of love. That's mainly why I write stories—as an escape of some sort, but also to put my own feelings in my writing. But anyway, enough of my blabbering. My point is, yes, Kanami and Hiyori will have a happy ending together.
Chapter 5: Blood Of The Aradama
When Hiyori entered the Special Sword Administration Bureau, still shaken by her conversation with Ritsuko, she found Iroha already waiting, along with Maki and Suzuka. Initially confused by the Elite Guards' presence, Hiyori eventually assumed that they were there to escort them to the Origami Estate once ready. However, this theory was proven incorrect as she followed them down, down, down underneath the bureau to a place she didn't even know existed. They passed through a long tunnel with multiple security doors, thick and impenetrable, before Maki swiped her card key for the last time. The last barrier between them and what lay within swung open to reveal a large vault. Hiyori's mouth literally fell open.
In display cabinets with lights shining above to illuminate their radiance were numerous sets of jewellery. Ropes of pearls and belts embroidered and encrusted with sapphires, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and stones she could not even name. Chains of gold, necklaces of silver, opals with their soft milky light gleaming in green and peach, amber in great chunks of dark orange, rings heavy with precious gems... A single jewel from this vault would have saved her from depending on the Gojous for shelter and security, and the Origamis for the upkeep of her ancestral home.
"Yukari-sama thought it time for you to use what's rightfully yours for dinner tonight. All yours to choose from," Suzuka said, with a smile.
"And all safely guarded and looked after on Yukari-sama's orders," Iroha added.
"Those on the left side, that is," Maki specified. "Right side is solely for the Origamis."
With her usual soft and encouraging smile, Iroha said, "Go on, Hiyori-chan. Take your pick."
Uncertain about being surrounded by a literal treasure trove, the Heijou Toji slowly walked down the long vault. Her eyes lingered on certain pieces of the family jewels she recognized. There was her grandmother's favourite necklace of plaited gold, and over there were her great-aunt's rubies. Hiyori's feet stopped at the display case that showcased jewellery worn by her mother, her pearl earrings and bracelet. She was sick to her stomach. She was the last Hiiragi in the world, yet she could feel the ghosts of her ancestors haunting this very room.
Furrowing her eyebrows, Maki asked, "What's wrong, Juujou?"
"These are the jewels of corpses," was Hiyori's unsteady answer. "They were the favourite treasures of Hiiragis before me. These necklaces have been around the necks of women before me. Some of them have been worn by every single one who has gone before me. These pearls were warmed by their dead skins; the silver tarnished by their old sweat; the gold stained by their blood when a few of them were executed by the sword. Don't you see? They're cursed."
Her dark macabre words gave way to the other three turning as pale as her. At Hiyori's insistence, the vault was relocked and they headed back up. But Hiyori couldn't stop thinking about that secret underground treasury. It served as a horrific reminder of who she was, along with the rest of her family, now cold in their graves. They all had met such tragic ends, their lives cut short. And just like them, her fate was sealed after she banished Tagitsuhime to the netherworld.
A room at the bureau had been set aside for Hiyori and Iroha to get ready. The Origami Family chauffeur brought a large chest from the limousine trunk, allowing both of them to spend a less grim afternoon pulling out kimonos loaned by the Origami sisters, looking them over, and taking their pick as Maki and Suzuka gave advice. The garments were powdered and stored in linen bags, stuffed with lavender to keep away moths. They smelled like wealth: the cool soft fabrics and sleek silk panels had an odour of luxury that Hiyori had never known in her life before. She took her choice from the panoply, examining all the many matching obis, haoris, and underskirts. By the time she made her choice, a light green houmongi kimono, and put her hair up, it was nearly time for them to go. Iroha helped Suzuka pack the spare clothes away, taking them back to the limousine, before Maki closed the door after them, wanting a few words alone with Hiyori.
"Juujou, I have to tell you something important before you meet with the Origami Family," the Elite Guard said.
Hiyori looked at Maki's grave face with a frown of her own. "What is it?"
"I must warn you against antagonizing the Origami Family. What happened in Yukari-sama's office yesterday cannot happen again, especially in the company of her relatives. I've met with them before and I can say, compared to Yukari-sama, they would not be as...lenient, should you cause them offence," Maki said. "I would suggest you keep your emotions under control."
For a brief pause, Hiyori kept her eyes trained on Maki's unflinching ones, before giving a slight nod of her head. But internally, she was seething. Why did she have to pretty herself up and make amiable conversation with the very people she hated? Why did she have to please them for the sake of their own ambition, and like the rest of her family, she'd get nothing in return?
"Listen, Juujou, I know you have no love for the Origami Family. But take my advice: holding onto anger is like taking hold of a red hot coal with the intention of throwing it at someone. You are the one who is going to get burned. Got it?"
"Loud and clear."
Making her way towards the door, Hiyori was brought to a halt by Maki calling, "And Juujou? Smile."
Hiyori did not answer, but she turned and looked at the Elite Guard with the best forced smile she could give.
A malicious and vengeful smile.
In the sixteen years of her life so far, only once had Hiyori ever been inside the Origami Estate's large mansion. And that occasion almost didn't even count since she and her friends were preoccupied with the objective of defeating Yukari, who was possessed by Tagitsuhime at the time. In the darkness of night with adrenaline pumping through her body, Hiyori had been too distracted by her mission to fully appreciate her surroundings.
Now, with the colours of dusk pouring through, she could see that it was a very beautiful residence indeed. It was like entering an unknown realm hidden from the outside world. Apart from the Elite Guards, even Tojis were rarely granted the permission and privilege of being allowed entry into the Origami Family's private home. And those that were could only enter the public areas, which were restricted to the main foyer and adjoining drawing room and dining hall. Moving further towards the innermost apartments solely for the family's private usage, Hiyori started becoming more and more aware of the power she was destined to have like the rest of her Hiiragi predecessors.
Yet, as she looked around, the Heijou Toji couldn't help feeling as though the mansion's glowing and comfortable interior was a façade. Despite its traditional charm, it felt as foreboding and suffocating as a prison. Her Hiiragi relatives had walked through these corridors too; she could almost feel their spirits in the very walls. Combined with her current circumstances, Hiyori found her growing unease refusing to be quelled, no matter how hard she tried forcing herself to do so. Her feet made almost no sound upon the polished wooden floorboards, as she followed the maid who had greeted her and Iroha at the entrance. She felt just as much like a restless ghost as her ancestors, wandering these lonely halls. After what felt like a confusing maze, the maid finally opened a pair of fusuma doors to where Yukari, Akane, a young boy, and three other women were waiting in some sort of drawing room.
"Ah, here they are. Right on time," Akane exclaimed.
"Juujou, Iroha, you are most welcome here," Yukari greeted both of the newcomers in turn with a slight nod of her head. She then gestured with an open palm saying, "It is the honour of Akane and I to present our aunts and younger cousin."
Being well-read in numerous topics including foreign mythology, seeing the Origami sisters' aunts made Hiyori instantly name them "the Moirai" in her head—the three goddesses of fate. Just by those calculating stares fixed upon her, she felt as though they were ready to manipulate her very destiny. Yukari and Akane introduced them each in turn—Hanako, Haruko, and Hideko—the younger triplet sisters of their late mother, Origami Nariko. Despite being middle-aged, the Moirai were very beautiful with short jet-black hair delicately tied into a bun, and vivid red eyes like Yukari's. They were practically identical in appearance, save for Hanako who had a nasty scar over her right eye. The manner in which they received Hiyori and Iroha was respectful, but there was an obvious detachment.
"The three of us decided to wear green and silver, your family's colours, thinking it might please you," Haruko courteously said to Hiyori, as if she expected a divulge of gratitude from the girl.
This act of supposed compliments towards the Hiiragis did not fool Hiyori. However, there was something else...something which Hiyori noted immediately upon entering the room. Save for Akane, all of these women...they had merged with aradama before. Hiyori could sense it, having fused with a great aradama herself. Even though she lost her lightning powers and the future sight of her "dragon eye", she still retained some of her other supernatural abilities—such as a massive boost in her speed and strength. She didn't even need to use a Spectrum Finder anymore as her powers now allowed her to detect other nearby aradama.
But as for these three women...Hiyori observed how proud and unflinching they stood next to Yukari with a determination she knew all too well. From the observation of this short period altogether, she believed the Moirai to be exactly what Maki described.
After examining the aunts, in whose countenance and deportment she soon found some resemblance to Yukari, Hiyori turned her eyes on the one Origami who hadn't yet said a word to her. Yukari and Akane's younger cousin, whose name she learned was Genshi. A fine tall boy with handsome features, who looked to be around the same age as her, perhaps a couple of years older or so. If the Moirai resembled Yukari in personality with their leader-like stiffness, then Genshi resembled Akane, both being more gentle-mannered and humble. There was neither in demeanour nor physical appearance any likeness between him and his mother, Hideko.
"It is a pleasure to meet you," was his warm greeting to Hiyori and Iroha, complete with a bow.
Any other boy would have been too awkward around the stoic Heijou Toji, but Genshi seemed not the least troubled about how reserved she was. If what Ritsuko told her was true, Hiyori did not have to guess why he was here, as he was the only male individual present.
"You will be sitting next to my son, Juujou-san," Hideko informed authoritatively. "We all thought you would prefer making more conversation with someone closer to your age."
'And no doubt had another motive for it as well,' Hiyori thought.
Her eyes flickered towards the Origami sisters, who hadn't noticed as they were exchanging glances at each other. It was as though they were telepathically talking, Akane looking disconcerted whereas Yukari was shooting a warning-like glare at her younger sister. Just the pleading expression on Akane's face made Hiyori wonder if she was concerned for her sake. Her speculation became all the more convincing in her head when Akane then gazed at her with a look of pity.
It wasn't long until the solemn peal of a gong summoned them all to the private dining room for the extravagant multi-course meal. Every bite tasted of luxury, far more than Hiyori could ever become used to. Initially, she had no intention of attempting to talk to anyone, but that proved impossible as Genshi proved excellent at amiable conversation.
"I was quite eager about the opportunity of making your acquaintance, Juujou-san," he said. "I've heard many admirable things about you, especially in consideration of how you and Etou-san saved the world two years ago with the other four heroines. But I was keen to meet you face to face and get to know you as a person, besides listening to stories from the mouths of others."
"Is that so?" Hiyori said.
Being a person who could read other people well, Genshi could sense an invisible wall around the Heijou Toji, one which she put up to protect herself. It was understandable though. The poor girl lost her entire family and sacrificed half of her life as well. Of course, she'd be on guard. And even though he just met Hiyori, Genshi couldn't help feeling sorry for her. She went through far more than a normal sixteen-year-old girl would. It felt like the girl sitting next to him was years older, her childhood innocence lost through pain and suffering. Wanting to put her more at ease, Genshi asked a standard question to avoid sounding too invasive.
"Do you have any particular hobbies, Juujou-san?"
Something that almost looked like a smile formed upon Hiyori's face. "I love to read."
"What a coincidence. So do I. Do you have any favourite books?"
"I prefer the classics. I'm currently reading Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice."
"Ah, I've read a couple of her books myself. When I was in high school, I used to be bullied by the boys in my grade for reading romance, but I actually really enjoy the genre. Yes, some may consider it rather predictable, unrealistic, and overrated...but I find it helps us comprehend the matters of the heart and grow our understanding of other people's emotions."
"Is that your philosophy in life, Genshi-sama? To understand others?"
"Oh please, just call me Genshi. I'm not a stickler for formalities," the boy laughed, before adding, "And to answer your question, yes, it is. I think we as human beings yearn to have at least someone understand our feelings, along with a natural desire to be loved. It may not necessarily mean romantic love; there are many different forms of affection—familial love, friendship, and so on," he said.
"You seem like a person who wishes happiness for everyone," Hiyori said, a cynical edge creeping into her voice.
"I know it is impossible to make the entire world so, but one can at least do one's part." Then, in a sadder tone, he added, "That's what my father always used to say."
"Your father?"
"He used to serve on the frontlines of the Special Ritual Riot Squad, but was killed in action."
For the first time, Hiyori's voice didn't sound reserved or sarcastic. Perhaps because she could empathize more with this boy now.
"My father died fighting in battle too," she whispered.
Their eyes met and a mutual understanding seemed to pass between them. Both knew that they weren't complete friends just yet, but barriers had slowly come down.
This was noticed by almost everyone else at the table.
"How do you feel being made Chief Executive of Defence, Juujou-san?" asked Hideko. "Yukari has just been telling us all about how she recently promoted you."
Maki's warning blaring loud in her head, Hiyori tried to respond as politely as possible. "It seems a huge responsibility, Haruko-sama."
"Indeed. But something tells me you are an intelligent girl—a commendable trait, especially for one of your humble origins."
Genshi slightly ducked his head to hide how red his cheeks were, abashed at his mother's snobbishness. Akane only glared at her soup, wishing she could direct it at her aunt.
Apparently, all three of the Moirai intended to be haughty and condescending because Haruko then said, "I could never make sense of why your mother preferred a country life."
'Because either your family forced her to leave Kamakura to hide the truth of Tagitsuhime, or she was running away from the likes of you,' Hiyori internally growled.
Trying to fan the flames burning inside her, she said, "My mother often said she preferred peace and quiet rather than the busyness of the city."
"Well, she shouldn't have forced her partialities upon you in your childhood. You ought to have been educated in a bigger school with a high reputation."
"I'm afraid I must disagree with you, Haruko-sama. I couldn't have asked for a better childhood. And I certainly wouldn't have wanted to be far from my mother. She needed me," Hiyori almost spit out. "And as for my education now, well, at least President Gojou was gracious enough to accept me in her institution."
Haruko seemed quite astonished at such directness, and Hiyori suspected herself to be the first person who had ever dared to give the woman a strong opinion with such dignified impertinence. From the corner of her eye, she could make out Genshi and Akane looking as though they might laugh any second. She bet neither of them had ever seen Haruko with such an expression. Yukari, on the other hand, appeared plain furious.
Wanting to stand up for the girl she saw as her own daughter, Iroha said, "Hiyori-chan is my best student, not just in swordsmanship but also in academics. So, I can proudly say her mother's efforts certainly shine within her. Especially since like Kagari-chan, Hiyori-chan holds loyalty and duty in high regard."
"Well, we are glad that you are accepting your responsibilities as an honourable Hiiragi should. It shows that you are willing to put the welfare of the world before your own. Such sacrifice is worthy of praise," Hanako said. "Should be expected, of course. After all, your name means 'princess of peace'. Clearly, your parents believed you were destined for something great."
"You too are of the blood of the aradama. Our families were meant to be tied together," Hideko added. "The Origamis and Hiiragis wed each other often throughout history to keep the Fifth Layer Jin'i in our bloodlines. That's why we hope you come to love us as you should, Juujou-san. You are family."
Hiyori knew where this was going and she just wanted it to stop. So, she did not regret retorting, "Maybe it's thanks to all that incestuous inbreeding that our families carry a notorious trait of insane madness."
That shut everyone up. Every Toji knew that many of the Origamis and Hiiragis of the past had mental instability, schizophrenia, and fits of uncontrollable rage and violence. The aradama in their bloodlines was also a significant factor. Due to her naturally aggressive personality, some even whispered that Hiyori herself was exhibiting signs of what was named "the aradama disease". Hiyori flew into a rage when the gossip first reached her ears—unfortunately in her school cafeteria full of other students, which only made the allegations seem more verifiable to them.
"Come, Juujou-san," Hideko said. "There is no need for such bitterness. We humbly plead that you recognize the Origami Family's better qualities—"
"You said that I should come to love you and your family, Hideko-sama. And yet, I can't really recall a moment when your family showed affectionate devotion for mine," Hiyori pointed out. "Is it not strange that my family has used their suicidal jin'i for centuries, yet it is the Origamis who get all the credit for purifying and vanquishing the aradama? The Origamis and the Hiiragis are two sides of the same coin...but the Origamis are seen as blessed, whereas my ancestors and I are seen as cursed.
"Not to mention, the Hiiragis considered 'troublesome and rebellious' by the Origamis were conveniently...disposed of. And it is suspected that one Hiiragi, my great-grandmother, was poisoned. Another innocently put to death, publicly beheaded in this estate's very own courtyard outside on false charges of treason. And my mother, who knew the truth of Tagitsuhime's survival in Yukari-sama, was lost from lack of care on her deathbed—her name wrongfully forgotten and crossed off the Toji roster. Frankly, madams, if I had two heads, then one would be at the service of the Origami Family. Unfortunately, I have only one."
By now, everyone's mouths had fallen open. Pretending not to notice, Hiyori returned to concentrating on her food. She internally apologized to Maki for not keeping her promise, already imagining the Elite Guard's exasperation with her. Aside from her red eyes appearing as though flames were alight in them, Yukari looked as though she wanted the tatami mat to swallow her whole, where her aunts couldn't glare at her for bringing such an insolent girl into their ancestral home. What kind of creature would dare to insult members of a respected household when she was under their roof as a guest?
Hiyori made it loud and clear to the Origami Family—she would never be like her Hiiragi ancestors, submissive in their duties; she was a strong force to be reckoned with.
Peeping through the small gap between the fusuma doors, Akifumi had secretly kept an attentive ear throughout the whole discourse happening inside the private dining room. He actually had to bite his tongue so as not to laugh out loud at Hiyori's quick wit and frank openness to speaking her mind. Never had he known an individual brave enough to speak in such a way to the Origamis. Amusing though it was at first, the secretary also knew that the new hostilities Hiyori had made would only complicate her forthcoming marriage to Genshi. She seemed to get on well enough with the boy, which was reassuring. Yet, ultimately, it was the older Origamis who'd decide whether she was a worthy bride. And so far, Hiyori definitely didn't seem to impress them.
All hopes rested upon his daughter, Ritsuko. It would be impossible for him to sway Hiyori towards this marriage, as they had never even met. For him, an older man with which she had no connections, to suddenly approach her and sing praises of the Origamis to appeal to her heart, would only make the Heijou Toji more than suspicious. And since he was the Origamis sisters' secretary, she'd just think that Yukari sent him to do her dirty work.
'Ritsuko, this is up to you now,' Akifumi thought, knowing he could count on his two-faced daughter.
It was only a matter of time before Ritsuko masterfully severed the ties between Kanami and Hiyori. They may not actually be a couple, but Akifumi couldn't let any sort of obstacle stand in his way of completing Sugiyama Toru's master plan. But until Ritsuko successfully did her part, Kanami posed as a potential threat. Akifumi let a wicked smile cross his face. Soon, Kanami would leave Hiyori of her own volition. Either that or Hiyori would realize her own stupidity and run crying into the waiting arms of the Origamis, and perhaps even be glad of it.
Whichever one it would be, Akifumi was impatient to watch it play out.
Nervously looking about her, Sayaka took a sip of her red fruit punch, taking care to not spill any of it on the expensive outfit Mai bought for her. For tonight, she had chosen to wear a tea-length dress of light blue satin with white kitten heels. With the Yanase heiress's advice, Sayaka's taste in fashion tended towards simplicity rather than flamboyance as befitted her petite figure. The subtlety of a pearl necklace with matching earrings complimented her look. But although she looked the part, Sayaka knew when she first stepped into the hotel ballroom, that this social gathering was not a place where she'd fit in.
This was a place to see and be seen. Everybody knew everybody—everybody that had a name of renown, that is. It took all of Sayaka's nerves to not cling to Mai's sleeve like a frightened child when they entered together. Sure enough, as Mai had told her, there were plenty of Renpu Tojis, some who she recognized and who recognized her. But Sayaka was disturbed when Mai said she could not be with her the entire time.
"Since he expects me to take over his business when I'm old enough, Father will want me to be by his side when talking with certain important figures. But I'll try to be with you as much as possible so that we can still have time together. In the meantime, enjoy yourself and don't be shy to mingle with the others. They won't bite, I promise you. Okay, Sayaka-chan?"
True to the Yanase heiress's words, nobody had bitten Sayaka yet. That in itself was a relief. Most of the adults huddled around together, save for a few who were nice enough to exchange pleasant words with her. But for the majority of the night, Sayaka spent in the company of two Renpu Tojis, Aya and Mio, who waved her over. They praised her outfit, admiring how she looked, but Sayaka was certain that if Mai hadn't helped her, she wouldn't have received such compliments. The topic of discussion then turned to clothes, makeup, and song artists, but it was clear at the beginning that Sayaka was struggling to keep up. Coming to the realization of how dull she was, Aya and Mio mostly talked amongst themselves only asking occasionally Sayaka for an opinion.
It wasn't until the subject turned to crushes that Mio interjected, "So, Itomi-san, do you have a boyfriend?"
"N-No..."
"Anyone that you have a crush on?"
"No."
"Then, what would you say is your ideal type?" Aya asked.
"Ideal type? I-I don't understand."
"What do you see in a person that is attractive?" Aya specified. "Do you like guys with muscles? Sense of humour? Do you prefer Japanese men or foreigners?"
Sayaka thought about it for a moment. She never really considered such things. What did she find attractive? Was she even capable of seeing anyone that way?
"I have a question myself if you don't mind..." she hesitated. "What exactly is love? How do you differentiate it from just simple friendship?"
Mio responded, "Well if you're talking about the romantic kind of love, it is a strong attraction to a person and wanting to have an intimate relationship with them. You feel like you want to be together with them forever. You feel a passion burning in your heart, knowing that they are the one and the only one."
"I-I see. I think I'm beginning to understand now," Sayaka said.
"So then, Itomi-san, who could you see yourself falling in love with?" Mio pressed.
Looking down at her glass of fruit punch, Sayaka took a few seconds to reflect before answering, "It'd be nice if they were good-looking, but I think the inside is what really counts. They should be kind, considerate, and supportive of me. I'd really like it if we could depend on each other...and their hair should be purple."
Wait, what? Sayaka's head shot up and a gulp made its way down her throat once Mai's face floated before her eyes, smiling and holding a bag of cookies. No, there was no way...
"Their hair should be purple, huh?" Aya said. "That's really specific."
"Haha, when you think about it too hard, it almost sounds like she just described Yanase-san," Mio laughed. "But, of course, a relationship like that would be impossible. Girls can't date girls."
Sayaka literally felt her heart stop and plummet into her stomach. "T-They...can't?"
Mio was not laughing now. "No, that would just be...gross."
Her body stiffening, Sayaka muttered, "I'm sorry. I need to go."
"Eh, Itomi-san, what's wrong?"
"I need some fresh air."
Letting out a deep exhale, Mai wiped her brow and grabbed a stemmed glass of punch from a waiter who held out a silver tray of them to her. It took longer than she would have liked to greet all those boring diplomats and CEOs with her father, standing straight by his side, her hands clasped neatly in front with a beaming face. But now she could finally socialize amongst her own age group and, most importantly of all, with Sayaka. Where was she though? Looking about the ballroom for her friend among the crowd, the dreadful thought of Sayaka having left early came to Mai's mind. No, Sayaka wouldn't have done so, right? She'd at least tell her she was leaving if she was uncomfortable. Just as Mai was beginning to think the Renpu Toji had actually slipped away, she caught standing outside on the large stone balcony a familiar head of albino hair.
Running as fast as her heels would allow her, Mai panted, "Sayaka-chan, there you are!"
She knew something was terribly wrong when she received no answer, nor even an acknowledgement of her presence. "Sayaka-chan, is something wrong?"
"No."
"We both know that isn't true. I know when something is bothering you because you stand pigeon-toed when so, and you are doing it now." Sayaka immediately straightened her feet.
A long silence passed between them with no other noise than the hubbub coming from the ballroom and down below, the nightlife of the streets. Leaning her arms against the stone railing of the balcony, Mai looked out towards the city, which looked like a sea of stars. Her long purple hair, which she had left loose for the social gathering, blew gently in the cool air. With the lights reflecting off of Mai's pale skin and dazzling her peridot-green eyes, Sayaka had to tear her gaze away, feeling a heated blush rising up her cheeks. She knew that Mai was beautiful, but why until now did the Yanase heiress seem more so than normal?
"Sayaka-chan."
"Y-Yes?"
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I made you unhappy, coming here tonight. If I made it seem like I was pressuring you out of your comfort zone, I didn't mean to and I apologize for it."
"N-No! You didn't. I...I was just thinking. I needed some time and space to do so."
Turning her head, Mai asked, "What did you need to think about, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Something that a couple of girls and I discussed a few minutes ago. We...um..." Sayaka debated whether it would be wise to make known the topic, before deciding she could tell without giving anything away. "We talked about crushes and who we'd like in a partner. They helped me realize my own feelings."
It was the most unexpected thing Mai thought would ever come out of Sayaka's mouth and for a split second, she thought her ears made a mistake. But it did make her curious. After all, only yesterday she herself had asked the Renpu Toji if there was indeed someone out there who she liked.
"So, do you like someone then?" Mai asked.
Another long pause followed.
"Y-Yes..."
"Who?"
"I'm sorry, Mai, but...I can't tell you."
Mio said that it was gross to even like girls. How could she live with herself if Mai became disgusted with her and left her because of it? This was a secret that she couldn't even tell their friends. They'd all hate her.
"I see. Well, I won't push you if you don't want to tell me. I'll always support you, Sayaka-chan, no matter what."
"Really? Even if my love for that person may be gross?"
"Knowing you, Sayaka-chan, I don't think it could possibly be gross. We can't help who we end up falling in love with. My main concern is...does he treat you kindly as a person?"
No answer. Mai could read nothing from Sayaka's expression. She was oblivious to the mental battle going on in the Renpu Toji's head.
"Sayaka-chan...what is he like?"
"...Very caring towards others...smart...hardworking and brave..."
Mai was slightly relieved. From Sayaka's description, it didn't seem like the guy was a bad person after all and would at least treat her well. Maybe the Renpu Toji even found herself a suitable match.
"And...beautiful..."
"Beautiful?"
Sayaka ducked her head. There. She said it. She couldn't possibly look Mai in the eye now. Yet, the Yanase heiress herself said that her love couldn't possibly be gross. And just hearing those words from Mai's mouth had made Sayaka almost believe it herself to make that leap of courage and come out. Now, in the deafening silence, she instantly regretted it. Fat tears squeezed out of her closed eyes, running down her cheeks and ruining her makeup.
After what felt like forever, she thought Mai had eventually left her, repulsed by her confession. So, she was surprised when she felt a warm palm gently rub her back comfortingly.
"Sayaka-chan, there's nothing wrong with liking a girl."
"Y-You aren't disgusted by me?"
"Of course not, you're my friend. And as I said, I'll support you. I'm confident she'll come to like you—"
"She won't."
"Eh? Why? Does she have a boyfriend?"
"No."
"Then, you still have a chance, right?"
Helplessly, Mai was taken aback when Sayaka pushed past her, heading back into the ballroom. The Renpu Toji turned around only once, the lights coming from inside illuminating her figure. Though her face was in shadow, Mai could clearly see the sad smile on her face and the tears in her eyes. The albino-haired girl looked as if her heart was stabbed multiple times before being ripped from her chest.
Though Sayaka said nothing, through the pain in her eyes, Mai could almost hear them whispering, "You just don't get it...do you?"
A/N: Tomorrow, I start school again, which means updates for this fanfic will be very infrequent. Maybe once every month or two months, since I am also still working on "Bloody Crown".
The deaths of the Hiiragis that Hiyori mentions during the dinner is a slight reference to how Henry VIII's first three wives died. Katherine of Aragon (whom he divorced) was believed to have been poisoned (though modern experts now say she died from cancer). Anne Boleyn was beheaded on false charges of treason, adultery, and incest. And Jane Seymour died in bed after giving birth to her son.
The words that Hiyori said, "Frankly, madams, if I had two heads, then one would be at the service of the Origami Family," is inspired by what Christina of Milan said when King Henry VIII was searching for a fourth wife and considered her as a candidate. Capital punishment is still a thing in Japan. And since in the first episode of the anime, Maki had no qualms about trying to behead Hiyori after she attacked Yukari, I wrote execution by okatana as a thing when it comes to treasonous Tojis. Let me make it clear though, there will be no deaths in this story. Again, this is a different genre from "Bloody Crown" and is not as dark.
