Words: 200
"Aoshi-sama… I love you."
It had taken so much courage, so much strength to say it. She was putting all her cards on the table, betting her heart, hoping it would not be broken – dreading the answer but so desperately needing it. Once and for all, she needed to know. It would give her a sense of purpose, wouldn't it? To finally be free of any clinging hopes.
"…I am sorry."
It had taken just those two words, a sympathetic glance from two icy blue eyes to break it. She had bet too much too soon and lost it all – an unexperienced gambler paying the price. If she had said nothing, he wouldn't have to do this to her. He didn't want to do it. But he had to, didn't he? He was not right for her, he knew.
"I see…"
It was a broken sigh of defeat.
"…"
He said nothing.
Clink.
That was the sound of the teacup and teapot made as she set them down onto the tray with trembling hands – exiting the room.
Crack.
That was the sound the brush between Aoshi's tightening fingers made as it broke, splattering the white page with merciless black ink.