If you're a sousimp like me who also has a history with weird sin shippings then you've come to the right place. Huh? Which Sou, you ask? *sweats furiously*
So funny story how I happened upon YTTD. I was actually trying to spell out Shin Tsukinami from Diabolik Lovers on google search but fucked up and somehow found Shin Tsukimi. I was doomed the moment I looked into this sly fox's azure eyes. I thought, oh hey this boy is so cute! Then I read YTTD and nursed a complicated love affair for this manipulative two-faced beanie bastard. Kanna is such a sweetie pie but also has major flaws such as being secretly selfish. They bring out the worst and best in each other. It's a complicated mind ship but uhh, let's not get started on midori now /shot. Sorry midori fans.
Okay, so. Before you flame me and call the cops I CAN EXPLAIN…!
First off, I had no idea these two were canonically related until the latest release, so. Yeah. I was already obsessed with their dynamic even before I found out, so while it may be too late for me… save yourselves! It doesn't help that these two remind me so much of my favorite other green anime babies…! Honestly, I have way too many green/teal haired baes… maybe I have a type? Lol. Okay so I sound like I'm trying to justify why I ship what I ship but honestly at this point - I've already accepted the fact I'm a twisted, unapologetic sinner so yeah. I shipped them the whole time and then Nankidai just suddenly is like, "eyy they're siblings' ' OUT OF NOWHERE and shit, why do I always end up with the forbidden couples?!
I've been playing YTTD on my own and man everytime I come across "Sou '' HE BE TESTING MY JESUS. Playing the first two chapters, unfortunately, made me want to fork him in his annoyingly cute but smug face. Like, I LOVE YOU BUT I HATE YOU BUT I LOVE YOU HOW DARE YOU SCREW ME OVER WHILE LOOKING INNOCENT…! Later on, however, I grew to love him because of his layers and his final redemption run.
As for Kanna, she's painfully relatable. Buried in violent grief and self-loathing at such a young age, she's unable to be anything but caring and gentle towards others. It's inevitable she would make fatal judgment calls. She makes a lot of mistakes, but she learns and accepts responsibility for her actions - which ironically makes her leagues above both Sous maturity-wise. Watching her grow as a person made me so proud of her like a mama watching her child! She's more than what meets the eye.
Well, I appreciate and love the writing of the entire YTTD cast.
Takes place in an AU universe. Aged up characters and no blood relations between my green baes no matter how cool I think the name greenblings sound.
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Chapter 1
Two-faced Master
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Chamomile: "May all your wishes and dreams be fulfilled."
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The first time they met was outside the clinic she frequented. She nursed a bad habit of walking in a daze when outside in public. She barely registered a flash of aqua in her peripheral vision before colliding against a hard, angular body. She heard a shocked yelp as she hit the ground. Her head was still spinning from the impact, so it took her a moment to gather her wits.
When she looked ahead, she found a young man on his knees with his back facing her. Palms spread out, he was blindly searching for his scattered belongings. He reminded her of a dog pawing in search of a buried bone.
"Tsk. Can't see shit…." His voice was so quiet she could barely hear him. She could tell he was annoyed, however. It was understandable. People didn't enjoy being inconvenienced when they were going about their daily living.
Her fingers hit something, and she picked up the object. Oval in shape, cherry red frames with black dots - it was a pair of glasses. Ladybug glasses. Kanna assumed they were expensive, judging from the designer brand.
"Seriously... a fucking bother. Just… luck. Get laser surgery… damn glasses…" The profane stranger kept mumbling to himself. He turned around, apparently not noticing Kanna as his eyes were squinted and out of focus. He couldn't see her. He was unkempt in appearance. Distraught and out of sorts. Fluffy turquoise hair peeked out from beneath a green beanie, and his dotted pink-orange scarf covered the lower half of his face. Despite the thickness of his purple coat, it was clear he was underweight. The vivacity of his colors reminded her of characters from a popular children's anime she enjoyed watching when she was little.
Shuffling closer to him on her heels, she reached out to tap him gently on the shoulder. He looked up with a startled expression, allowing her to slip his glasses onto the bridge of his nose. It took him a moment to realize the situation as he took her in with a shaky inhale. Azure eyes blinked at her in bewilderment as he stammered out profuse apologies. If she didn't know any better, she would've guessed he was shocked to see her. Feeling self-conscious, Kanna patted her face down in hopes there weren't any food stains or smudged makeup of the like. It would be a very unpleasant wake up call to know she'd been walking around looking like a mess the whole time and nobody bothered to tell her. Thankfully, this wasn't the case.
"A-Are you hurt?! I should've been watching where I was going! Here, let me help you up!" He offered her a hand, and for a moment she just stared at it before taking hold of it. He hoisted her up with a tremulous effort that she needed to get up herself. As she thought, he wasn't at all strong even though he seemed to be a few years older than her. As they both stood at full height, it was clear he was half a head taller than her.
Kanna dropped her gaze to their joined hands. Cold. Strange. The touch of another person was a strange sensation. She didn't know what to make of it. His hand encased hers like a lockbox, fitting all her fingers inside like a lockbox.
"Um… I hope you didn't hit your head. I-I wouldn't forgive myself if I caused harm to a lady." His concerned gaze made her blink as she realized that her silence was unsettling him. She couldn't help that, though. Still, she needed to give him some kind of response.
It shouldn't have made her happy as it did, but being called a lady and not a "girl" acknowledged the fact that she was indeed an adult and not the child that her friends and peers treated her as - much to her exasperation. She was already nineteen, for heaven's sake! She was grateful that people cared for her, but it wasn't as though she was a frail princess that always needed to be protected. Offering a cheery smile to the man, she opted to flex her muscles playfully to indicate that she was stronger than she looked. He blinked at her before breaking into uneasy laughter.
"Hehe, you must be healthy as a horse if you're joking around like that. That's a relief." Pulling his scarf further up to hide his nose, he then scratched the back of his head. Then his gaze dropped to their hands and he quickly let go. "S-Sorry! I held on for too long! Don't mark me off as a creep, please!"
Shaking her head and hands in a pacifying gesture, Kanna emphasized she would never accuse him of such a thing.
"A-Ah, thanks…" A brief silence followed afterwards until realization struck him. "Ugh. I'm already late!" He bent over to pick up her medicine pack before gathering the rest of his groceries and running off, but not before giving a backwards wave. "Anyway, take care!"
Kanna thought that was the end of that. Alas, the future planned something else in store for her.
The second time they met was at a corner convenience store. It was 11pm, Kanna couldn't sleep and found herself craving ice cream. There wasn't any in the fridge, so she pulled on her fluffy pink coat and headed out into the chill of night. She took the ten minute walk from her apartment to a 24 hour convenience store close to the bus station.
When she walked in, it was uncomfortably quiet. There were no customers or anyone manning the front counter. She brought her gloved hands to her mouth and breathed out warm air, trying to ward off the chill from her body. On her way to the frozen section, she saw an employee restocking the snack aisle. He hadn't noticed her as he was jamming out to music with headphones. Relieved that she wasn't alone, tension left her shoulders as she passed him with a sigh.
She wandered over to the freezers, stopping when she found her favorite brand. Her eyes shone when she saw a tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream pushed away at the very back. It was the last one they had. She could practically taste it! Eager to seize her chance, she flung the door open and tried to get it. Alas, it was way out of her reach. She tried standing on her tippy toes and was barely able to brush the bottom of the container. She resorted to hopping as high as she could. It was a good thing no one was here to see her looking so ridiculous.
"Do you need help, miss bunny?"
Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest hearing a velvety voice behind her. She spun around in mortification to find the employer staring at her with a bemused expression. She didn't even sense him coming. How did he manage to sneak up on her? His lack of presence almost made him like an invisible man - a ghost even.
Then it occurred to her that she knew him. Recognition sparked in his eyes as he approached her.
"Oh, it's you. So we meet again."
She wouldn't have recognized him if it weren't for his flashy scarf. He really seemed to treasure it. Perhaps it was the colors - they were unique, after all.
"Never thought I'd ever run into you again. Guess it's a small world, after all..." He pondered aloud, trailing off before noticing her troubled expression. "Right. I'll get that for you. Stand back, please." When he brushed past her, she caught a whiff of him. He smelled earthy and nutty - like roasted coffee. It was like parts of him were bitter. Although she preferred sweets, she didn't dislike the way he smelled. Somehow, it felt familiar. She wasn't sure why, however.
"Ready to check out?" His inquiry made her blink as she looked up at him. "What's wrong? You look like you're in a daze there. Maybe the cold's getting to you." A shadow fell over his eyes as his voice took on a foreboding tone. "You know, it's dangerous walking around by yourself in the middle of the night. Me? I'm fine since there's a security system here, but… someone might try to hurt you. You're small and cute… like a bunny, so who knows. A wolf might be prowling around somewhere… waiting to pounce." The air around them felt colder than ever. The way he said the last part made her flinch. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she instinctively took a step back.
What was this heavy feeling? It was as though he'd become a completely different person. It made her feel uneasy.
"Ahaha. D-Did I scare you?" Once again, he became bashful. "Sorry, the night shift's getting to me! Still, it never hurts to be careful. I heard there's been a string of murders in this area. Oof, it gets me chilly just thinking about it." He tugged his scarf closer to his mouth before handing her the tub of ice cream. "Whenever you're ready to check out, I'll be waiting at the counter. Take your time, dear customer." Then he left her alone with her frazzled thoughts.
Just what was that? The way he was acting… was he just joking around, or…?
Kanna shook her head. No, it was best not to look into these things so much. He was just an odd stranger, so she shouldn't need to worry. With that in mind, she focused on gathering other things she needed at home. Nail polish, muscle rub, and tea packs. Of course, she didn't forget the snacks. Once she found those things, she headed to the counter where he was waiting. She handed him her shopping basket and awkwardly averted her gaze so she wouldn't have to look at him. With each beep of the scanner, she felt more relieved as she wouldn't have to linger here much longer. Despite how kind he acted before, she found herself uncomfortable being around him. He stopped then, having trouble with the barcode.
"Again? This damn thing's so annoying." Glaring at the computer screen, the employee sighed in exasperation as he grumbled under his breath. "Even though he's a nice guy, I can't believe he won't upgrade from this prehistoric monstrocity… tsk. Old fashioned to the end." His expression became apologetic as he flashed Kanna a friendly customer service smile. "Sorry, it'll just take a minute!" He spun away to work at the computer, his eyes were full of concentration and long fingers typing fast and precise. He keyed in the item codes before turning back to her. "Thanks for waiting. Now then…"
She blinked. That was awfully quick. He must be used to working with machines. She briefly wondered if he was a student like her. Perhaps he majored in the electronics department? He looked young and thin, after all. She wouldn't be surprised if he went to school in one of the areas. The city was a big place.
"... So quiet even after all this time. Huh." She heard him mumble to himself. When she looked at him with a raised brow, he held up the tub of ice cream. "I said, so you like the toothpaste-y flavor? You are what you eat from the looks of it. Bet you drink mouthwash with your tea. Let me guess, spearmint, am I right?" He pointedly glanced at her green hair. Kanna puffed her cheeks out, offended that he was teasing her in such a sarcastic manner.
"Ahaha. Pardon me then."
So cheeky! Even when he was feigning politeness, he wasn't taking her seriously at all! She could feel scalding judgment within those aqua pools!
As someone who takes pride in customer service, Knew knew how important it was not to offend your client by judging their tastes! Kanna was fired up about telling him this until she heard him snort. But when she looked back up at him, he was giving her that million-dollar watt customer smile again.
H-Huh. She wasn't hearing things, was she? She could've sworn he was sneering at her. Was it just her imagination? Either way, she sensed that this person wasn't as nice as he seemed. In fact, he was rather rude. Perhaps he wasn't great with people.
"Paper or plastic, miss?" In response, she gave him her tote bag. His smile widened. "The green way to go! Very good, miss." After he bagged her items, he thanked her for her patronage with a bow. As she left, she was certain that she felt his eyes watching her every step of the way. Never in her life did she feel this way - like prey. It made her stomach churn with dread. Despite her mind screaming not to, she glanced over her shoulder and found nobody at the front counter. Confused albeit relieved, she was about to release the breath she'd been holding until she felt it then.
Chilly air whistled against the back of her neck, eliciting a shiver that ran down her spine. Pulling the fluffy hood over her head, she hightailed it out of there without looking back. Though she thought she heard a soft snicker right before the doors shut behind her. Her heart was racing.
Why exactly had she started running?
She didn't exactly see him, per say. It would've been highly unusual for the tall, azure-eyed man to have somehow made it over the counter without a sound to exert pressure over her. Still, Kanna could've sworn she felt his cool breath brushing against her exposed nape… and that was it. Fueled by a burst of paranoid energy, she flailed about but saw nothing other than the curious looks of streetwalkers as she sprinted by. She had no reason to believe the stranger's warning. Still, she couldn't shake off the ominous feeling that she was being watched - suffocating her with the fear that eyes were following her all the way home.
Kanna made sure not to go shopping there at night ever again. Even if it meant wrestling with midnight cravings for pistachio soft serve. Eventually she forgot about him. Classes and work kept her busy, leaving her little time to think of other things. When nothing happened over the course of time, she eventually laughed off the notion that she was being watched. After all, she wasn't an interesting person nor was she a world class beauty that anyone would want.
That was the end of their meetings.
Or so she thought.
It was unprecedented how fate worked against her.
Friday night came in a blink of an eye after she arrived from a long day of school. After a long, hot shower, Kanna changed into fresh pajamas and burrowed under her duvet. She switched off her lights and stared out her window where the city glowed beneath the starless sky. Though she remembered her hair was still damp, she couldn't find the willpower to leave the warmth of her bed and instead hugged one of her animal plushies. Giraffey, a childhood favorite of hers.
Kanna is so exhausted. She confided in Giraffey, snuggling him under her chin. Then she raised him at eye-level to pout at him. Kanna isn't able to work overtime on weekdays because it conflicts with her classes. But she forgets how draining it can be on weekends when it's busiest. Kanna isn't sure she has the energy…
Giraffey's beady eyes stared into hers, and Kanna pretended that he was saying kind and encouraging words like a boyfriend would.
You're right. If Kanna has energy to mope, she has enough to get through another weekend! Alright, Kanna will do her best!
"You got mail~!" Just as she renewed her resolve, her phone went off. It was a message from her manager, Maple. Curious, she opened it.
Kanna-chan~! o You gotta help me! Mai-chan has an important client she's supposed to meet with tonight, but she can't come in because she's sick! Everyone else is booked for tonight, and nobody can help! I know this is last minute, but can you please come in? Pretty please with a cherry on top?
If you really can't, then I understand. But this client is a generous tipper, and I can vouch that he isn't one of those fetish-crazed old men! He's a regular of ours. If you come in, you'll surely earn a lot!
Kanna bit her lower lip, troubled. She could only imagine her sweet superior bawling on the other line trying to keep things together. Kanna was already comfortable and ready to turn in for the night, but she wouldn't be able to sleep knowing Maple and the others would be put in a bind. Just thinking about it made her feel guilty. It was a difficult decision to make. Since she started working with the housekeeping company, everyone treated her with kindness and patience - especially Maple. No matter how many blunders she made at the beginning, Maple was always there for her with a kind word. Kanna didn't grow up with any siblings, but she imagined that Maple was an ideal example of what having a big sister was like.
"MAPLE!" Crimson oak doors slammed open to reveal two maids in a tow. One of them was Hinako in all her bubblegum glory, and the other was Kanna looking green in the gills. Hinako dragged a feeble Kanna by the blouse collar and all but shoved her into a nearby chair. She slammed both palms against the table. "Your new hire just broke an expensive vase at our client's house! He kicked us out and demanded we compensate him immediately! You can't expect me to keep babysitting this mute klutz when all she does is break things and cry! I refuse to keep working with her! Either put us on different schedules or fire her! I can't have her ruining my good name!"
"Now, now. Hina, I see you and Kanna-chan are upset, but this is no way for ladies to discuss such important matters. Let's just sit down and talk about this over tea." Maple soothed, taking the reluctant girl by the shoulders and guiding her to sit down next to Kanna. Chamomile tea seeped from a beehive teapot as Maple poured them bee-patterned cups. "May I offer you some honey?" Hinako accepted two dollops while Kanna asked for five. Despite the tension mounting in the air, each girl took the time to taste and appreciate the tea. Manners were everything in their company, after all.
Kanna looked down at the tea leaves swimming in her cup, wetting her lips as she thought over how to make up for her bumbling mistakes. Again. She was sure they were tired of her incessant apologies. Maybe this was it. Kind as Maple was, there had to be a limit to tolerating a clumsy fool like herself. The knot in her stomach tightened.
"Now then, I spoke to the client over the phone before you two arrived." Maple spoke over the roaring resent in her head. "I managed to smooth things over with him, so there's nothing either of you need to worry about. We both agreed that it was an accident, and I already spoke to Gashu-san about the incident. We will compensate for the fees as well as give him a coupon for five free services of his personal choice." Gauging their surprised reactions, Maple merely smiled. "It's a small price to pay in comparison to losing a wealthy client like him. We will simply need to dazzle him with a top notch performance next time, and bygones will be bygones."
Hearing this allowed Kanna to relax somewhat, but Hinako was anything but appeased.
"I appreciate you covering for what happened, but I stand by what I said. I don't want to look after this girl anymore. It's hard enough that we can't talk to one another, but you know how I feel about working with beginners. They're nothing but a burden. With that said, please excuse me. Thanks for the tea." Hinako said with a bow before taking her leave, leaving Kanna downcast with her shoulders slumped. What Hinako said was true, but it still hurt. Being called a burden to her face was frustrating beyond belief. The fact that she couldn't talk normally as others did made her feel like she wasn't fit for customer service.
Even though… even though..!
Taking care of others was her one and only redeeming quality!
Kanna clenched her skirt tightly, fighting back tears. Insecurities she thought she buried long ago began bubbling back to the surface. Horrid whispers from the past reminded her that she was such a worthless child. Useless at studies, exercise, and speaking. She hasn't changed a bit from back then - still just a destitute, dirty, and dense little girl.
Thorns clambered up her throat when she tried to breathe - to apologize. She was seeing red. She didn't have a protector anymore, so what good was she by herself. She couldn't even do a cleaning job properly.
Maybe it was better to quit, after all. Then she wouldn't have to be a bother to these people anymore.
"What a loathsome face you're making, Kanna-chan." Warm hands held her trembling shoulders as Maple brought her back to reality. "It doesn't take a voice to inflict self-hurt the way you're doing right now." As though to emphasize her point, the brunette gently dabbed her handkerchief against Kanna's lower lip. It throbbed with pain, and that was when she realized she'd been biting the flesh with all her might to repress her frustrated tears. Soft emerald eyes regarded her with compassion as the older woman drew her into a nurturing embrace.
"Everyone here is wonderful. Our company is blessed with invaluable workers. They all take pride in their jobs. Hinako especially. She was our newest recruit before you came along, so she's always been the type of person who wants to prove herself. She's diligent, but she's independent and always looks straight ahead. She's a selfish sort, but don't think ill of her."
"Truly, all of you are wonderful gifts. Kanna, too. Because you were all created for a purpose. To serve with all your hearts and minds..." Kanna didn't understand why she was being held like this. Kanna didn't understand what Maple's words meant. She tried to remember the last time anyone was this kind to her, but such memories didn't surface. She was distracted when Maple combed delicate fingers through her seafoam tresses, pressing her head against her pillowy chest so that she heard her steady heartbeat.
"Don't worry. Right now, you are just a bud trying to survive in a harsh climate. There's thorny flowers around, but they have their beauty. That's why it's our job to provide the best service possible - all so that our masters can smile and be at ease." Maple held her face between her hands, cooing in a hushed voice. "When you reach full bloom, you'll surely be breathtaking. Work harder, devote yourself to believing in your abilities… and you'll know the joy of what it means to be one of Asunaro's prized flowers."
Truth was, Kanna didn't have many talents. She struggled under the weight of being an only child, so moving out was a rough time back then. Months before she started working at Otome Housekeeping, she just started living on her own and learning how to be a self-reliant adult.
Since that embarrassing memory of being coddled like a child by Maple, Kanna worked harder than anyone else to get where she was. Over the next few weeks, she perfected a failsafe cleaning method, impeccable manners, an ironclad persona as a "moe maid", and a keen eye for detail in order to perform her job efficiently. It was bitter work, and she experienced a lot of criticism from clients and coworkers alike. Several times she felt like she would crumble under the pressure or snap from heartache, but each time she refused to give up - she felt herself becoming a little stronger. Of course, she couldn't have gotten there without the help of her seniors, including Maple. Maid etiquette was nothing to sneeze at. Girls needed to possess charm, beauty, and elegance even when performing mundane and dirty tasks. That was what it meant to be a part of Otome's Housekeeping! That was what it meant to hold one of the top five spots on the flower ranking!
...Okay, so she was currently ranked at twentieth. There were a lot of cute girls working there, okay! At least thirty girls besides her! Competition was a rough road to conquer, but Kanna still counted twentieth as a better placing than, say, thirtieth. And also, she wouldn't lose to the others. Even if it caused a little heartache, she would grab the top spot for herself.
That's right, Giraffey. Kanna's goal is to be the most requested maid at Otome Housekeeping. That way, they will recognize Kanna… and grant her wish!
Sitting up, Kanna texted Maple back with fire in her eyes.
Kanna will come in. Please don't cry, Maple.
Not even a minute later, she received a reply from her manager.
Mwah! Mwah 3 You're a lifesaver! I love you, Kanna-chan! I'll text you his name and address, so get ready ASAP. I'll send someone to pick you up! Don't forget to win him over with charm and servitude! Also, this happens to be his hundredth time requesting us, so here's what you need to do…
Curiosity piqued within Kanna as she read the last part. The next message contained the contents of what she was supposed to do. Shock became disbelief and finally mortification. Kanna turned red to the tips of her ears. Her face burst into flames as she frantically fanned herself, rereading the message over until she realized Maple was being serious.
Kanna is supposed to do that?! But it's scandalous…! Embarrassing! Only lovers should do that sort of thing! No way she can do it!
She was about to send a message adamantly refusing to do what was asked of her until another message popped up. Fingers shaking, she opened it.
This is your first real trial when it comes to being one of us. It may be out of your comfort zone, but realize that you still have a say in everything that happens. We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to misusing our staff. Even knowing that, are you still willing to carry out your duties as a maid of Otome?
That's right. No one was forcing her to do these things. She wasn't a child anymore but a woman. Outside cooking and cleaning, she never imagined this would be part of her duties, but… she decided she couldn't be meek forever. As a woman, she still had her pride. As a maid, she still had her honor. And so…
Taking a deep breath, she calmed down and responded with a clear answer.
Yes. Kanna is ready.
It took forty five minutes to get ready. Applying her makeup, ironing her maid outfit, tying up the unbelievable amount of ribbons that accompanied her attire, and applying the "bonus" accessories that came with the hundredth request special. It took her three cups of caffeinated green tea, encouraging words from her animal plush entourage, and repetitions of making cutesy poses in the mirror to adopt the character alias she presented herself at work. By the time the van arrived, she was raring to go.
The van dropped her off at a condominium near a popular market plaza. It was high end with security measures, and she had to punch in a code at the gate before the iron bars allowed her access. She took the elevator to the highest floor - level fifty, to be exact. The entire time she was fidgeting and fussing in front of the mirrors, making certain that no hair was out of place. She held onto an indigo bucket containing rubber gloves, a whiteboard and marker, a bottle of her own cleaning solution, and a tablet.
I-It really doesn't suit Kanna at all. Maybe she applied too much mascara. She shouldn't have curled her hair this time! It looks like Kanna is trying too hard! She pouted at her reflection in the mirror. Self-conscious, she nibbled her lower lip and swung her bucket back and forth. She felt so clownish and gaudy in this outfit that she wanted to run home and burn it and send the remains to whoever came up with these ridiculous ideas.
As if the maid uniform wasn't enough of a sideshow for her to wear. Now a parlor costume? Wearing this was a stark contrast to her usual green maid dress. She could scarcely breathe in the chocolate corset ribboned over her modest chest. Chocomint layers of her skirt were puffed out to resemble soft serve ice cream. Her legs, netted with white cone stockings, shimmered every time she moved. On her head she wore a fancy ornament that resembled mint leaves and wild berries.
Kanna knew the other girls were used to going out in flamboyant fashion. Upper management members like Maple and Sue Miley dressed to impress. Even Tia Safalin, bashful as she was, often fashioned melon soda dresses to wear at work. Kanna, on the other hand, felt she could never get used to doing this.
The more she looked at herself wearing this, the sillier she felt. She looked skimpy as her outfit revealed more skin than she liked. Shyly, she crossed her legs and tried to bend over - only to regret it afterwards. Her panties were on view for all to see! Magma rushed to her face as she immediately stood upright.
Urk! Nope! Kanna violently shook her head, already regretting her decision to come here. One dip, and there's little left to the imagination! Kanna would be giving her customer a free show if she so much as tries to pick up trash! After tonight, K-Kanna is never going to wear something like this again no matter how much Maple-san cries!
The bell dinged, and the elevator doors opened.
Squeezing her whiteboard against her chest, she forced herself to calm down as she took deep, shuddering breaths. She couldn't let her nerves get the better of her. Not now. She could handle this. She could get through the night. There wasn't anything to be scared of. She passed under a security camera that followed her motion. Clasping her beating heart, she made her way down the carpeted hall until she arrived at the right door.
Her hand hovered for a moment, hesitating. Then she knocked. She waited in awkward silence until she heard a clicking noise.
"Come on in. It's open." Muffled through the door, a masculine voice called out to her from the other side. She blinked, surprised at the owner's lax nature. He must be familiar with Otome Housekeeping to the point of leaving the door unlocked after calling them in. He wasn't at the door when she opened it.
Thank goodness. Kanna sighed with relief, attempting to pull down the length of her skirt as much as she could as it barely covered her thighs. A-At least he won't see Kanna in this embarrassing outfit! She still needs time to mentally prepare herself...
Before entering, she made sure to wipe her shoes on the rug. The first thing she noticed was that everything was dark save for a room at the end of the hallway. She couldn't see very well but sensed that there was clutter around her feet. She nearly tripped several times trying to find the light switch. When she succeeded, she was horrified to find that the entire unit was a complete disaster. There were empty bottles, takeout boxes, and dirty laundry strewn everywhere. She couldn't even see the furniture or floor. Manga and programming books compiled the floor in chaotic messes. The television and soundbars were coated in a thin layer of dust, suggesting no one used it in some time. It was as though the true owner of the place were dust bunnies and not, in fact, a human.
The trash compactor was overstuffed, bulging out of the cabinet. Dirty dishes piled high in the sink. Not to mention, there was a horrid smell coming from the pantry…!
Eek! Kanna paled, nearly jumping out of her skin when she saw a family of mice running across the floor. It would've been almost cute if not for the filthy surroundings. If this is how the kitchen looks, Kanna doesn't even want to peer into the bathroom. Whoever lives here… just when was the last time they used our service?! Shaking her head, Kanna went on to berate herself. N-No. Kanna shouldn't be judging someone's lifestyle. After all, this is what Kanna is being paid to do. R-Right then! Time to work!
Acting out of impulse, Kanna wasted no time finding cleaning supplies and went right to work. It would have been proper to find the resident and greet him, but Kanna surmised pleasantries would have to wait when the unit itself was a hazardous environment. She wasn't being paid to idle about, after all.
Kanna dreaded starting in the bathroom but knew better than anyone that it was best to clean wet rooms first if she wanted to make good use of her time. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself before opening the door and turning on the light. Immediately, she covered her nose. Amid dirty laundry littering the floor and disorganized toiletries crowding the sink, the washing hamper was well over capacity - bulging slightly under its tremendous weight. Dirty clothes spilled out everywhere from the top. The smell was not pleasant. The bathroom would have been quite spacious if not for the messy maze to navigate through. Shame, seeing as it was the size of her modest bedroom.
With that in mind...
Kanna's mind underwent a dramatic transformation she liked to call hyper efficient deep clean mode. If she considered her mind to be a cake, then her body would have to be a giant oven that blazed with a fiery passion for homemaking. Target: this entire unit. Objective: to make this living space a warm and happy home. Current task: scrub the hell out of this bathroom until it sparkled and reflected one's own reflection! Her enemies were the germs and clutter that got in her way, and her weapons were her cleaning tools!
This too, is a trial for Kanna. Kanna won't lose!
Dusting was important to do first because dirt and residue would fall. If done last, Kanna would have to reclean the surfaces all over again. She put on protective goggles and a mask as she dusted away from top to bottom. After that she took out the trash and dirty laundry. Chamomile and lemon soap bubbles mixed with water overflowed onto the floor each time Kanna dipped her sponge in the bucket. Her trusty bucket was filled with her very own homemade solution to disinfect and sanitize the surfaces. She only used it for special emergencies. There was no better time to apply her knowledge than now. She scrubbed away at grime on the panels, bathtub, sink, and toilet. Then it was time to sweep, disinfect, and finally - polish. It took a good hour until everything was sparkling clean.
Phew. There, all done. Kanna stretched her limbs as she dragged out the heavy hamper to the washing machine. Time to wash the first load before Kanna forgets. She unloaded the dirty clothes and made sure to pour the right amount of detergent and softener before pressing start. There! Kanna will check on this later. Next task: detoxify the kitchen!
Upon arriving in the tiled kitchen, Kanna cleared away the litter that cluttered the counters and table. She found so many empty soup containers and energy drinks. There were a lot of cute, cartoony brands that consisted of popular shounen characters and… robots? She found herself giggling in amusement.
The person living here has cute tastes. Also, he drinks like a fish. Unquenchable. Maybe he's a mermaid. A mermaid boy who likes cute things… heehee. Peeking into the trash bag she was holding, she blinked at her findings. Corn potage, tonjiru, miso, udon, cream stew, ramen, oden… he must really like soup.
It took several heavy duty trash bags to get the junk underway, and she compiled the crushed trash near the entrance to take them outside later on. She moved on to dusting and sweeping. She was amazed to have collected a mountain of dust balls and crumbs.
Kanna calls it… Mt. Grubby! She mused as she collected "Mt. Grubby" for an inevitable avalanche into the trash compactor.
When mopping, one must start on the outer perimeter and work her way to the middle of the room. Kanna moved towards the center of the room in a spiral, twirling with the mop from time to time as though it were her dance partner. She hummed a song from her childhood as she swayed when an icy sensation prickled down her spine. Alarmed, she stopped and looked around.
Just now… Kanna felt like someone was watching her? But there was nobody around. Tugging at her collar, she cleared her throat. I-It's just my imagination.
Even so, she hurried to finish and dumped the contents of the mop bucket before returning. Kanna wrinkled her nose when she saw the food stained table and counters.
It's painfully clear that nothing has been wiped down for some time…
Once again, she reapplied her homemade solution to tackling bacterial odors and persistent stains. Her next task was cleaning the appliances, counters, and sink. Kanna proceeded to tackle the mountain of dirty dishes in the sink. She loaded as much as she possibly could into the dishwasher before switching to multitask mode. Wash, dry, put away. Repeat. Eventually, the smell of cheap takeout and garbage began to recede - leaving behind an aromatic chamomile fragrance.
After drying off the last set of plates, Kanna took a seat to take a breather. She opened the checklist on her tablet to see what else the client wanted her to do. She checked off the rooms she cleaned and found there were two remaining: the living room and bedroom.
No chores or cooking tonight? Alright then. Kanna is halfway done!
Fueled by a second wind, she made several trips outside to dispose of the garbage collection by the entrance. Weeks of heavy lifting and chore running on the job made her core strong and improved her coordination, so she wasn't as tired or clumsy as she used to be. It filled her with a sense of pride. After washing her hands, Kanna patted herself on the back for finishing the last dumpster trip.
There was so much trash Kanna thought she would never see the bottom!
She smiled, satisfied to see the unit looking much more spacious and tidy. Dabbing the sweat from her brow, she decided to check on the washing machine before anything else. As she went down the hall, she noticed that one of the doors was open. Curious, she went for a closer look.
Neon light peered from the crack of the door, and she heard noises coming from the other side. She knocked but heard no answer. She peered in and saw a man's shadowy figure hunched at a desk where multiple monitors appeared. It must've been the customer who invited her in. Before she could decide what to do next, he sensed her presence and turned around in his swivel chair.
"Hm. Is it that time already?" It was too dark to see as the only light in the room came from the computer screens. The man leaned back against his chair as he took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He clapped his hands, and the lights came on. It was at that moment - Kanna felt her heart stop.
Cyan eyes peered at her through ladybug glasses. His turquoise hair was unkempt and spiked up in several places as though he rolled out of bed. His loungewear consisted of a dark tee and sweatpants that accentuated his slender build. His neck and collarbone were on full display as was his face. Without his scarf and beanie, it was the first time Kanna really got a good look at him.
He was attractive in an androgynous sort of way. His features were delicate enough that he could be easily mistaken for a girl if not for his impenetrable gaze and sharp jawline. Kanna noticed the strange key he wore around his neck. It was a pretty, gold color - and it left Kanna wondering what it could unlock.
"Wha…" For a moment, he gawked at her in open astonishment. He was so caught off guard that his glasses slid off his nose. Quickly, he readjusted them before they dropped. Rather than bumbling around like Kanna expected him to, he merely smirked. It was jarring to see him suddenly acting so cool-headed compared to how bashful he acted when they first met. But then, this wasn't the first time he acted in a contradictory manner...
"Well, don't you look sweet. Looks like I've been sent a treat even though it's not my birthday yet." He chuckled, cocking his head. "When they said they'd send someone to fill in for Mai, I definitely didn't expect them to send you… looking like that. I mean, that's one way to turn a guy's head." The teasing glint in his eyes made Kanna remember. Her outfit. It was. He could see… there was little to the imagination… and she was showing him. Of all people.
At that point, Kanna's brain stopped working. From then on, it was flight or fight mode.
AHHHH!
Her skin flushed in hot shame as his cyan eyes lazily ran up the length of her legs all the way to her burning face. Unable to withstand this searing pressure of a man openly checking her out, she reverted to a childhood habit of hers - shoving her bucket over her head and curling into a ball on the floor in vain attempt to hide herself from view. Regret never felt so despairing to Kanna as it did in this very moment.
Waaah! This was a mistake! What to do?! What now?! Now Kanna can never leave this place alive! Buckets of sweat (no pun intended) poured down Kanna's face as she began to hyperventilate. It was hard to breathe. She could feel her soul vaporizing.
Mother… father… Kanna is sorry for failing to live up to the perfect woman you've always wanted her to be. To die in this strange man's apartment in a lewd outfit… Kanna imagines you'd be wracked with grief. Kanna is a failure as a daughter, let alone a human being...
"So. I hate to interrupt your theatrical meltdown." Hearing his smug tone, Kanna knew he definitely wasn't sorry at all. "But you're still on the clock. I'd say proper introductions are in order. Don't you maids like performing a professional pitch or something? I mean, if you don't feel up to it, it's fine. I don't care either way, but gotta say… this silence is kind of off-putting, if you know what I mean." She could practically feel him sneering down on her.
Mnngh! An irate Kanna clenched her teeth. He's enjoying Kanna's woe! Getting a rise out of Kanna like she's a toy… how dare he! He's so snide and unpleasant - to think Kanna thought he was a nice guy before! Two-faced! Deceptive! Kanna doesn't like this person at all! If she weren't on her shift right now, she would surely… um. Her mind blanked for a moment as she wasn't one who usually resorted to retaliation. K-Kanna isn't sure what she'd do, but i-it would be something he wouldn't like at all! L-Like… giving him bitter vegetables! Y-Yes! No one in their right mind likes those things!
However, Kanna had a feeling that if she were to rise to his provocations - he would surely play her for a fool. Yes, she was a woman now. She could handle one difficult man. He might be a little older than her, but that didn't mean she would lick his boots.
Taking a deep breath, she took off her bucket and stood tall. With a dazzling curtsy, she took out her whiteboard. It was showtime!
"Pyon!" Imitating a bunny hop, Kanna pawed at him before giving him her sweetest, most disarming smile in a desperate bid to hide her inner contempt. She did her best to stop her fingers from shaking as she wrote a message for him. "Wonderful to meet you, Master! As this is your hundredth time using our service, Kanna-chan will refresh your tired heart with energy~!" Her whiteboard read. "Pyon! I'm Kanna-chan, and I have the pleasure of serving you tonight! We're going to get along so well! If you have any requests, please let Kanna know - she'll do her utmost to serve you!" Acting as though she were delighted, her smile broadened. "Would you like a massage? A snack? Tea?"
"Thanks, but I don't need anything right now. Though… Kanna. I do have a personal question. I've been wondering this whole time since we met but didn't think to bring it up until now." Opening an eye, he went on to ask. "Are you not able to speak?"
Though her smile was still in place, Kanna faltered. Her hands dropped to her skirt as she looked everywhere but him. A heavy lump formed her throat as she licked her lips. She could feel him watching her. Her marker hovered over the board for a second as she hesitated. Silence filled the room until Kanna finally penned down words to reply.
"That's right. For as long as Kanna can remember, she doesn't have a voice. Not the way everyone else does." His eyes narrowed. He didn't say anything, so she hastened to add. "Rest assured! This doesn't obstruct Kanna from performing her duties! Even though this is a temporary switch from your usual maid, Kanna will make sure all Master's needs are met! Until you dismiss Kanna… she'll satisfy your every desire~! Pyon!" According to Maple, this was the script she was supposed to follow. It wasn't her usual way of acting, but she already agreed to see it through!
Kanna posed in a coy, flirtatious manner as she winked at him. Inside she felt like bathing in acid after seeing his stony reaction. He didn't look at all impressed with her performance. It was such an underwhelming response that she couldn't decide whether to be offended or relieved.
Uff. I-It's not as though Kanna wants him to make a move on her, but… does Kanna really not have any sex appeal at all? At least blush a little… K-Kanna tried for weeks in the mirror to meet the seductive standards! But maybe that's more of Mai-san's thing…
"I see." The man sighed, rolling his shoulders with a yawn. "Then I guess I don't need to worry. Having said that, it doesn't mean that being silent is such a bad thing. People call it a disability, but loudmouths could learn a thing or two from such a thing. Therefore, I don't consider yours to be an affliction… hm, yes. Actually, now that I think about it… you'll do nicely." A strange gleam appeared in his calculating gaze. "I was going to go with Mai, but I think I can work this change to my advantage." He trailed off thoughtfully before his face grew into an unsettling grin.
"Master…?" Wary of his suspicious behavior, Kanna displayed her board. "If that will be all, I just get back to work now. The laundry is waiting for me."
"Sit down, Kanna." He commanded her in that low, silky voice. Simple words but there was a magnetic power behind them. She found herself doing as she was told. "Why are you so far away? Come closer." Her tongue felt heavy in her throat as she awkwardly scooted beside him until he finally nodded in satisfaction. He turned away from her and clicked away at his keyboard. It was then the screens showed security footage in his apartment, and she saw herself cleaning the rooms from earlier. The only place he didn't show was the bathroom.
"Not bad." He appraised as he watched her handiwork, taking a sip from a canned energy drink. "You're efficient, focused, and you were able to do most of what I asked in less than two hours. I assume your stats are fit to carry out what I want from you." Turning to her, he smirked. "It's settled then. I'll pick you."
Pick me for what? Kanna was so confused.
"You're not aware of your housekeeping's secret service? Hmph. I'm not surprised. How like them… to keep these matters in the dark. Even though their merchandise is advanced enough to recreate emotions and personalities… in the end, all of you really are just a means to an end."
What is he saying? Kanna doesn't understand. Merchandise? Recreate emotions and personalities? Is he talking about Kanna and the other girls? Kanna couldn't stop her hands from trembling even as she fisted her apron. His words left her head reeling in fear and bewilderment. No. Kanna shouldn't believe anything he's saying. He doesn't even know Kanna! She should laugh this off and leave. So why. Why is his words stirring something painful inside me?
"Ah, look. You're sweating. You're trembling. Amazing. If I didn't know any better, I would've been completely fooled into thinking you really were real." The young man leaned in, antagonizing her with a sordid smirk that made her skin crawl. "It makes me wonder what else those guys are capable of… if they can create such lifelike dolls." He snickered. Her heart froze hearing such a cold revelation.
Not real? No, Kanna is human. Kanna isn't fake!
Her head hurt all of a sudden. Memories that she thought were just bad nightmares resurfaced, flickering in and out of reality. A beeping collar. An agonizing pain of something growing inside her. Blood. Thorns covering her body. Unfamiliar people that were crying and screaming her name. They were helpless to watch her suffer, and some even turned away. At the front there was an older girl with braided hair holding a switch. A shadow fell over her face as she watched to the end.
Can't breathe can't breathe can't breathe…! STOP! Don't remember!
Gripping at her throat, she experienced a sharp pain that threatened to burst out of her flesh. The reason why she couldn't speak. The reason why her parents weren't answering her calls. The reason why she was unable to remember anything besides her job and these past few months.
"H-Hey…" She was dimly aware of the young man calling out to her in an unsure voice. She heard him shift out of his chair to approach her. He was close enough for her to look up, but her mind was eclipsed with horrendous images.
What are these memories?! These aren't mine! Stop! No, I'm Kanna! I'm Kanna! I'm alive! I'm here, and I exist! I…!
Red flooded her vision as the pain became too much to bear. Her mind shut down, and she felt the sensation of falling. Someone was shouting at her to get a hold of herself, to wake up. Strangely enough, her body never hit the ground. Someone was holding her. But who?
Ah, it's warm… this feels familiar. This warmth… It feels gentle.
Blearily, she gazed up. Her vision was fuzzy but she could make out a worried voice calling out to her. It was a young boy. Green eyes, green hair. He was smiling at her with that handwoven scarf she made. He was…
Onii-chan...?
Then she blacked out.
.
.
.
The smell of roses permeated the air, followed by a horrific memory of thorns tunneling through her insides. Brambles clawed up her throat and scraped her flesh from inside out - destroying her vocal cords and bursting through her throat. It was unimaginable torture. She wanted it all to end.
Anchored in place by man eating vines, she was forced to endure an agonizing, unusual fate as other people she didn't recognize watched her with mixed expressions of terror, grief, and anger. They kept crying out to her.
"Kanna!" A fit teenager was trying to get to her, only to be held in place by an older and muscular man. He fought against him like a wildcat, screaming and kicking. "L-Let me go! I need to save her!"
"It's too late! You'll just get yourself killed!"
"Shut up! KANNA!" He screamed through agonized tears, reaching out to her with a futile hand. Behind them there was another boy around the same age. He was silent and calm. She couldn't see his face or eyes, but she knew him somehow. And watching her just stand there and watch… she remembered how cold it made her feel.
She couldn't think, she couldn't breathe. It was unbearable to even move. Flowers kept bursting out of her eyes and ears, making it impossible for her to hear or see.
With trembling hands, she grasped at her neck only to find a nest of briars where her throat should've been. Painfully, she tried to pull apart the thorns in a desperate attempt to open up her airway but to no avail.
She couldn't even scream.
And then her heart burst with blooming, crimson petals. She expired.
Kanna stared at her own mangled body hanging from thick branches. She was only a child then, and she met with a horrid fate. Her original's dead eyes saw right through her as though accusing her of stealing a life that should've been hers. Blood rained down onto her face. She couldn't move. She wanted to look away, to run - but the strength left her body as she collapsed in a shaking mess. She heaved at the smell of roses and blood.
This couldn't be real. No. This was just another nightmare. She had to wake up!
"Ahh. What a waste." Footsteps sounded behind her as someone let sweet, sickly giggle. It was a boy wearing orange clothes. Snickering behind a mask, he poked her dead body with a long stick. "This one couldn't even die with any last words, huh. How pathetic. Ah, well. Time to put this one into storage… hm. Wait." He picked up the bucket she once wore as a hat before putting it on his head. "Heh. There we go. Now everything's ready."
.
.
.
When Kanna finally came to, she found herself staring at a shelf collection of robot models and anime figurines. She was lying on a futon sofa with a blanket draped over her. Laundry was knocked to the floor to make room for her. Her bucket and whiteboard were on the ground beside her. She was in the living room, and she heard noises coming from the kitchen. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes with a weary sigh.
That man… he must have carried me over here. She touched the blanket before hanging her head. That nightmare… it was actually a memory. I thought it was just a bad dream but it kept replaying over and over. In a never ending loop. I just wasn't able to remember it until now. Kanna… no, I… how could I forget?
Now, she was forced to face the truth.
She couldn't escape the fact that she - Kanna - was already dead. But how? Why couldn't she remember anything else? What were the circumstances leading up to her death? Kanna tried to remember, but the throbbing headache returned when she tried to dig up the recesses within her mind. It was as though she were being blocked.
For the first time in her life, Kanna began to doubt who - what - she really was.
Most of all, what was she even doing here when she should already be dead?
"Finally awake?" She flinched hearing his voice as she turned to find him leaning against the doorframe. He sauntered over to her with an Ipad, pulling up a chair in front of her. "You've got some nerve, fainting and making your master carry you all the way out here. Ha, well, I probably shouldn't have teased you so much. Looks like what I said made your system overheat." He let out a dry laugh, resting his chin in an open palm. "My bad. I'm not great with girls - or people in general. I forget sometimes I'm supposed to be 'gentle' with the frail-minded. But then, you're not exactly a person anymore… are you, Kanna?"
His cold smile echoed a memory of the past.
A shadow of a boy replaced the man before her, leaving her entranced. It filled her with such sadness because this stranger reminded her of someone important. Someone she was supposed to treasure and protect. But if she felt that way about this missing person, why couldn't she remember who he was?
Painstakingly, she forced her hands to move. She wrote out.
"Who are you? Does Kanna know you from somewhere?"
Those words seemed to pierce through his being. For a moment, he was genuinely taken aback.
The more she gazed at him with a heart wrenching expression, the more he faltered. He seemed really uncomfortable when she stared deep into the depth of his soul - searching desperately for answers. But when she blinked, it was gone.
"Of course not. Don't be ridiculous." Tugging a strand of hair over his eyes, he muttered softly. "So stop looking at me like that already." He then handed her the Ipad. There was a contract on the Otome Housekeeping website. She had never seen this before. It looked legitimate enough, but she never saw anything like this during orientation. Confused, Kanna leaned in to read it over.
On behalf of ASUNARO, we humbly thank you for being a lifelong patron of our services. As such, we are honored to offer you a contract with a doll of your personal choice who will cater to your needs and comfort.
1.1 Declaration of consensus
This contract is provided as an agreement which defines the relationship and interaction between master and doll. Both parties state explicitly to enter this agreement of their own free will. This agreement is being entered voluntarily, but cannot be broken except under the conditions stated herein, after which certain precautions shall be taken to protect those involved.
Kanna read that there were several things that would lead to immediate termination of the contract. There was a zero tolerance policy for using dolls to carry out illicit activities and redistribution of their services to another party for profit. Her head spun as the words became muddled. It was getting hard to read. All she could see were the words doll and master. She was being treated like an object instead of a human being. A machine that catered to someone else's needs rather than her own.
2.0 The Doll's Role and the Master's Responsibilities
The doll will obey the master at all times and wholeheartedly seek their master's comfort, safety, well-being, above all other considerations the doll may have. In exchange, the master is responsible for their doll's maintenance and well-being for as long as they own their doll.
The list went on and on. Kanna's stomach sank when she reached the last page.
7.2 Termination of Contract
This contract may be terminated at any time by the Master, but never by the
doll, except under special conditions explained within this contract. Upon
termination, all physical evidence of ownership, including this contract, will be
destroyed, and all materials and belongings shall belong to the Master, to be
shared or kept as they see fit.
Below was the signature and date for her to sign electronically. It seemed the man already signed his name for the role of a master.
Sou Hiyori.
That name… it stirred unrest in her chest for an unfathomable reason. Her breathing became erratic, and her eyes dilated as forgotten images from her childhood flashed before her eyes.
N-No… Kanna feels cold. Stop it. Stop...
"You said you wouldn't leave until you satisfied my every desire, right? Well. Here it is." Using the armrest as leverage, Sou leaned over her like a shadow. He was close enough that his warm breath fanned over her face, carrying the smell of coffee again. "Become mine, Kanna."
Kanna was more unsettled by the document in her hand than their close proximity. His soft spoken demand should've unnerved her more than it did. After all, she was never meant to belong to anyone but herself. Any other day, she would've laughed off such arrogant words, but the look in his eyes told her he meant what he said. During the short time they've known each other, this was the most serious he's ever been with her.
"I realize it's been a long night for you. You must be very confused." He said. "I'm sure you want answers. As it so happens, your goal isn't so different from mine. But you're not going to find anything out by playing maid for the rest of your life. Your colleagues? They're probably just as oblivious as you are - or maybe they were aware this whole time and chose to keep silent." Despite his show of supposed concern, there was a devilish glint in his eyes that hinted towards an ulterior motive to get under her skin. "Your superiors? If they kept this secret from you for so long, who knows what else they're hiding." He sensed her rising in anger and merely snickered. "Even if you tell anyone about this, I doubt they'll believe you." He paused, gauging her reaction. "I mean… you're still having a hard time accepting your true being. Or am I wrong?"
My true being…?
"For the past few years, I've shadowed the dark web for information about shady practices like your housekeeping service. Any company that's sponsored by ASUNARO almost always has dirty secrets they desperately want to hide. They only show their true merchandise to bad people like me." Sou told her in a solemn voice. "You're part of that merchandise, Kanna. You're from an expensive collection of dolls meant to serve whoever they're sold to. Otome Housekeeping is a legitimate maid business, but it's also one of the ways ASUNARO connects with rich clients who are willing to keep quiet about all this."
That word again. Doll.
"You're not a human, Kanna - but a doll." That heartless declaration was the final nail in the coffin for her. It made her blood run freeze in her veins. "If you want proof, I can pull up your product page."
Hearing all this made her want to throw up. Kanna's chest heaved with tremendous effort to keep herself together, but her head was spinning. She couldn't think straight. Seeing this, his stoic demeanor melted away as his mouth curved into a vicious grin.
"You're merely a husk - a jeweled cocoon in which the butterfly has departed from. Impressive. ASUNARO's technology has already exceeded simple imitations. Dolls can behave just like humans - imitating emotions and behaviors from their past self." He sounded impressed. "But in the end, a copy is just a copy. It's your origins, Kanna. Think about how you've really been brought up. That is, if you're brave enough to confront the truth."
Happy memories, sad memories, memories of growing up within a loving household and going to school, memories of having friends and sharing heartbreak before coming here.
Her vision went black.
Is he saying it's just all a lie?
That same nightmare that showed her last moments dying in torment plagued her again. That was when Kanna snapped.
Fury washed over Kanna as she threw the Ipad on the ground. A soundless scream left her lips. If it weren't for the pile of laundry below, the device would have shattered. She sensed him staggering back in shock but didn't care.
"Don't be so conceited!" Mouthing this seething statement, she stood up and pushed him away with enough force to nearly knock him down. Although she was slightly astonished by this show of abnormal strength, she was so angry that she didn't dwell on it for long. Tears threatened to erupt and her knees were trembling. He stared at her in astonishment. He averted his eyes for a moment, hesitating. He opened his mouth to say something, but Kanna beat him to it.
"Become yours? What do you take Kanna for?!" She breathed out these soundless words of resentment. "Assuming these things about me and everyone from Otome… who do you think you are? Kanna knows herself better than anyone else! She won't sign this! Never!"
She stormed past him and hurried down the hall. Choking back sobs, she gathered her things in a rush. Her eyes stung and became blurry as she fumbled for the doorknob. Just as she was about to turn the handle-
"Taking the easy way out?" Kanna froze when she heard his inquiry. He was standing several feet away from her, watching for her next reaction. "I respected your abilities enough to show you the truth of your company's exploitation. Guess I misjudged you. Here I thought you were above living a lie while turning the other way. You're such a coward… it's almost endearing." His icy words pierced through her heart like an arrow. "You can pretend all you like when you go back to your old routine, but you're only delaying the inevitable. And you know it." He slithered around her then, coiling her doubts and fear in the palm of his hand. "One way or another, eventually, you will be sold to someone else. Most dolls' memories are recalibrated before being shown this contract. They become conditioned to accept having a master. This document is just for show, honestly. Whoever came up with this wanted to save face out of misguided pity. Whatever compassion they might feel for you pales in comparison for their greed for profit… and they'll tell themselves that they just can't help it. Forcing you to work for scraps from people who couldn't care less about who you are..." He scoffed. "How patronizing."
Then… Kanna will quit! Such an idea put her in a frenzy. She was torn between betraying her resolve to Otome Housekeeping and preserving her own survival. But… what about everyone else? Hinako, Maple, Mai… if Sou is telling the truth, then what will Kanna do? It's like he said - they wouldn't believe the word of a newbie over the higher ups. Kanna doesn't have a scrap of evidence. On the other hand, If they already know, then there's no way Kanna can convince them! She clenched her jaw. But Kanna can't just abandon them! But… I… I…!
Reliving the last moments of her death, a phantom pain grew throughout her body once more. She grasped at her throat as she felt as though she were being ripped apart again even though her body was still intact.
"So honest. You're making such a troubled expression. I see there'll never be a dull moment with you… which makes me want you all the more." Sou let out a harsh laugh. This provoked Kanna into finally turning the knob to escape, but Sou was faster. In a blink of an eye, he slammed the door shut all the while entrapping her with both arms next to either side of her head. Closing her eyes, she turned away from him. He reacted by grabbing her jaw and forcing her to look at him. "Don't look away from the choice you need to make. Between faceless capitalists and myself, which master is the lesser evil to serve?" He broke into a wild grin, his eyes burning a fiery blue seeing her challenge him with such defiance. "Why struggle under a business that's rigged against you, when you could align yourself with me and get back at the people who desecrated your remains and sold you for a cheap price? Starting with the one who betrayed you..."
Eyes widening at this hinted revelation, Kanna grasped at his arms to ask him.
"You know who's responsible for making Kanna… the way she is?"
"I have an inkling as to who it might be." Sou answered with a predatory smile that wasn't entirely unkind. "Everything you're doing - everything you're doubting about yourself is only because you're the property of an organization that sells ownership of slaves. All because someone sold you out. All the answers you're looking for will come to light.. If," He paused before offering the contract to her once more. "You agree to work on my terms."
The intensity of his gaze seared her flesh - it was like blue fire, threatening to burn her if she came too close. It didn't stop Kanna from discerning his true reasons as to why he would pick her - of all people. She raised her chin to meet him head-on.
"And what will you get in return?"
"So nitpicky." Sou complained before answering her question. "Exactly what it entails in the contract: a reliable partner, a convenient housekeeper, and… protection. We share powerful enemy, so it would be suicide for me to take them on by myself." He said, stepping away from her. She was able to breathe properly again. He rolled his head back with a long suffering sigh. "Tick tock. Time's running out. If you walk away now, I'll just find someone else more suitable for the task. Now, make your choice."
It was a devil's deal. In exchange for a wish, she would have to give him her body and soul. If she walked away, she wouldn't be able to find out what he could offer her. She wouldn't know what the ugly truth was.
Who was it who killed her?
She had to know. There wasn't any other choice but to find out. She couldn't live like this with this question prodding at the back of her mind. So, with shaking hands, she accepted the contract and signed. Her neat signature accompanied his, solidifying their disingenuous alliance.
"Good girl." He purred, slamming the Ipad shut. Her mysterious master's eyes went so still and bottomless that gazing into them left Kanna hypnotized. It was as though his eyes could tell her stories for days and nights on end, and she wouldn't even realize the passage of time that would've passed. He was insufferably pleased with himself as he sent the form through, and he showed her the confirmation page with a wide smirk. "You're my exclusive maid now, and you will serve no one but me."
Egotistical, sardonic, and two-faced - this person was unapologetically full of himself.
"Finish up and then go home." Turning his back on her, he gave her a backwards wave. She stood there, watching him go. Biting her lower lip, she felt a twinge of regret.
Was this the right thing to do…?
"Heads up." Kanna reacted quickly as she managed to catch a wad of bills he tossed to her. "Here's a token of my appreciation for tonight. I'll let your superiors know that I was very satisfied with your service. No, really, I've been sated." He laughed at her appalled expression. "I'll be in your care from now on, Kanna-chan~. I look forward to working with you." His laughter echoed throughout the dark unit as he rounded a corner, leaving Kanna to stew in her doubts and sick unease.
Their third meeting was the worst. There was one thing made clear to Kanna.
Sou Hiyori has the worst personality ever. And is an even worse master, to boot.