Trigger Warning:
- crude language
- disability discrimination
- drugging
- mention of rape
Selene and I are having a great time splashing water and conversing about random things when Hanada-shi calls.
The easy mood falls immediately.
Reluctantly, Selene answers the phone.
Although, she does not put it on speaker, I'm sitting so close to her that I can eavesdrop.
"Where the hell are you?" Hanada-shi hisses. "This event is supposed to be an opportunity where you become chummy with your peers and secure potential alliances. But you dare to shove all the work onto me. Get back here right now. It's time for the announcement." That's rich coming from you. I recall Selene telling my dad that you were busy getting intoxicated.
Very placidly, she replies, "Fine." With that, she presses the 'end call' button.
Equally despondent, I get up from my place at the bathtub rim and hold out my hand to assist Selene out of the water. While she dries her feet on the mat, I ask her, "Are you feeling any better? Like, is the flare over?"
She nods. "It's tolerable now. I think I can manage for a few hours."
Selene reaches for her cane. Given how much weight she shifts toward it, it is obvious that there is still plenty of lingering pain. You deserve more time to rest. I promise to myself that when all this is over, I will provide every chance for ample relaxation to her. Until then … Selene takes a step and begins teetering over. I grasp her free arm, steadying her. "How about this? Until we reconvene with everyone at the party, rely on me for support." To prove my seriousness, I snake one arm around her waist, moving most of her weight on me.
"All right."
And she summons her light and shadow powers, merging us with the surroundings once more.
Slowly, we traipse out of the bathroom and bedroom. On route, I can feel Selene's anxiety increase with every step we take. By the time we are standing just outside the door of the dining area, palpable tremors race up and down her spine. Her hold on the enchantment slips completely.
"Hey, listen to me," I say as I physically rotate her to face me. "Tonight I came here with the plan to rescue you for good. And I mean to follow through with that. Hanada-shi won't hit you. Neither will Miyamoto – that unrecyclable piece of shit – get into a ten-meter radius of you. You're scared, and that's okay. Just hold on a for a little longer. Please?"
Selene nods vigorously. "Pretend to be brave. I can do that. I will do that."
"You got this," I encourage her.
"I got this," she parrots back, trying to summon resolve as I do.
After summoning a weak smile, she pushes the door open. We release each other the way two magnets with the same poles repel each other. How appalling considering the way we were stuck to one another the entire way here. Still, appearances must be maintained. For now.
We part ways. Selene leaves the dining area to search for Hanada-shi; I stroll over to the buffet section. If someone told me that I would get the chance to eat an absolutely scrumptious dinner at a villain's home, my response would have been along the lines of, "How dare you suggest sharing a meal with my mortal enemy!" But there were three factors I failed to consider then that are manifesting now: 1) I am a teenager who loves food, like any sane teenager; 2) it's party food, which means the stuff is free; 3) my stomach is growling because of that jog. Oh, there's a fourth motive! My reason for existence. Cold soba.
I am just about to reach for a plate and chopsticks when one of the servants enters the chamber and ushers us into the main hall for the formal announcement. Which means that positively delicious cold soba that is just waiting to be devoured whole will have to wait. Etiquette deems that it is rude to eat in the middle of an important declaration, but bringing a drink with you so you can make a toast is proper. Funny how society works. Either way, I should just go along. I can endure all of this for Selene's sake.
Quickly, I fill a clear plastic cup with orange juice. Amongst all the adults who hold champagne flutes and wine glasses, mine looks disdainfully cheap. Then again, Hanada-shi was the organizer of this event, and the adults are drinking exactly the sort of stuff in that glassware that minors are not permitted to drink, so no one has the right to judge me.
I follow the other adolescents into the congregation, standing far away not to be in people's direct line of view but also close enough that I have a good vantage of the scene in front of me. Douchebag Miyamoto and his gang of equally worthless lackeys are nowhere to be seen. I cannot decide if that's a good thing or bad thing. Though I spot my father, I am in no hurry to join his side. Where three elaborate altars had been arranged many months back now holds a simple, short table with two champagne flutes. Selene and Hanada-shi stand behind each glass.
"I welcome you all tonight," Hanada-shi begins. He draws a semicircle with his arms toward the audience to make his greeting more emphatic. "For the debut of my sole daughter and heiress. As you may recall, my eldest son was going to inherit the title of chairman, while my younger sons were going to become CEO and CFO. In fact, my eldest was engaged to my dear friend's daughter," he points to a politician I recognize from the news but whose name I do not care to learn, "And the wedding was planned to happen this summer. Unfortunately, the New Year marked tragedy for my family. They were brutally murdered by the scoundrels who call themselves the League of Villains. My daughter was also a victim, but miraculously, she survived." He pauses, waiting for a reaction. Indeed, most of the attendees offer consolations and condolences. A few of them express their gratitude to the heavens for saving at least one of the Hanada children. But they are meaningless words. Those dull eyes, exasperated sighs, impatient foot tapping … It makes my stomach churn. Suddenly, that tray of cold soba is not so appetizing anymore.
Fools, the lot of you. Some of you are jealous that the Hanada Group of Companies will continue to run. Some of you simply could not care less. The rest of you are just looking how you can manipulate the tides in your favor. I recall similar patterns of behavior occurring immediately after the attack Hanada-shi is describing now. Back then, nobody cared that an innocent girl had been nearly killed. Even now, everyone seems to lack a gram of humanity. The world of the elite is hollow. No one is a friend here, everyone is an enemy. I hate it almost as much as I used to resent Dad. Listening to the utter bullshit coming from Hanada-shi's mouth and everyone else's, I make a promise to myself. When I become a Pro-Hero, introducing a bit of compassion into these idiots' minds will be my priority. And I am going to begin by getting them to properly respect Selene.
The group of women Selene had been laughing with when I arrived at the party have completely shifted gears. Having lost interest in Hanada-shi's stupid speech, they instead mock Selene beneath their breaths. I listen to them mutter about her cane, outfit, and flowers. They find issues with the littlest and most mundane of details. It's infuriating. I know that youths are taught to respect adults at all times, but when elders exploit that social norm, it makes me want to call them out on their assholery.
One woman annoyingly grumbles, "It's a pity how God can send humans with missing senses. Deafness, blindness, muteness … they're curses. This girl, too. Cursed to live with a limp forever. Death would be a kinder fate."
"Look at it this way. Disability is a punishment," another woman replies. "She must have done some horrible things in her past life, which is why God decided to cripple her in this one. Don't feel too bad."
Ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!
I cannot hold my tongue back anymore. Slowly sidling up to them, I whisper, "True, it's a shame that God burdens the planet with garbage bags who have no other purpose besides spreading toxicity. I wonder what kind of punishment you guys will get in your next life for spouting crap and dissing people. I hope you guys get turned into cockroaches, so I can slap you to death with a slipper." And just to rub more salt in the wound, I stomp on both women's feet, eliciting the funniest shrieks from their mouths. For a few crucial seconds, everyone's attention is on the two cockroaches in human disguise. I use it to flee the scene and stand next to Dad.
Hanada-shi coughs in irritation before resuming the speech. For someone who was torturing his liver with alcohol not long ago, he is excellent at acting sober. Dad gives me the side-eye, silently asking what was that little scuffle back there. Of course, he knows I was the one who did it. I mouth, Later. He accepts the excuse.
"With the blossoming of the cherry blossoms this year, I formally declare my daughter, Hanada Selene, as scion and future chairwoman of the Hanada Group of Companies," Hanada-shi finishes.
A moment of silence ensues. I am the first person to break it.
Raising my plastic glass of orange juice, I say, "To Hanada Selene! The flower who will bring in prosperity against all odds!"
My statement becomes a trendsetter. Everyone is compelled to cheer Selene's name and make a toast to her. She scans the crowd for me. When our eyes meet, she grins and mimes a thank you. I meant it, I tell her through my gaze. Not a single part of me doubts that you will dominate the business world. That's how freaking amazing you are.
Hanada-shi reaches for the flute on the table, which contains a golden liquid I presume is alcohol because he seems like the type to drink it even when he is thirsty. Selene's drink is the same color, but I suspect it must be apple juice because she is underage like me. Not surprisingly, Hanada-shi downs the contents in one go, which only confirms my suspicions. Selene, however, is reluctant. As she swirls the liquid in the glass, she subtly inhales a whiff. Her nose wrinkles just slightly and eyebrows furrow. No one else might notice, but I have studied her expressions long enough to notice the nuances.
There is something off about the drink.
But Selene does not have the option of avoiding drinking. Not with so many eyes on her. Hesitantly, she takes a small sip and sets the glass down. Having completed the obligation, she smiles politely at the guests.
"Now then!" Hanada-shi exclaims, also seemingly satisfied with Selene's compliance. "The orchestra is brimming with anticipation to color this night with music and dance. The floor is ready for anyone who wishes to revel. Selene?"
Of course, she is also obligated to share at least one dance with someone. Only then can everyone else pair up. Although, I remember that she was not averse to the idea. After all, she had already decided her dance partner for the evening. A simple, humble, down-to-earth guy who loves three things most in the world: getting on his dad's nerves, cold soba, and his darling moon.
Indeed, she steps around the table to maneuver her way into the horde. The attendees are cruel people, but they have enough decency to give her space to move around freely. Finally, she stands in front of me and extends her gloved hand toward me. A bright gleam twinkles in her eyes. "May I have the honor of having the first dance with you?"
All my dances are yours.
"It would be my delight," I reply.
With proper protocol achieved, many men and women of all ages search off partners. Boyfriends and girlfriends. Fiancés and fiancées. Husbands and wives. Though, a substantial number of men return to the bar and women form cliques again.
Selene passes her cane to the head butler and guides me toward the center of the floor just as the musicians begin their first piece of the evening. A slow waltz. The type where dancers do not have to switch partners in the middle of the song. I love it. Just for a few moments, I can have her all to myself, in front of everyone, without the veils of secrecy. Truth is, I cherish the moments where we are alone in our own little universe. Where there is no one to disturb us and reality decides to grant a brief mercy. However, I long to love Selene in public, too. While I am not ashamed of her or her past, she does not feel the same. I restrain myself for her sake.
So when crumbs like these come my way, I leap at the opportunity and my desperation grows.
Selene will be free from Hanada-shi's clutches tonight. Then the court trial in a few weeks will kick him out of her life for good. Perhaps the time has finally come to confess to her. Invite to her a date, set up a nice outdoor dinner at the gazebo, make her feel like the happiest girl in the world. Then tell her exactly what she means to me. I should begin by admitting I know about the rapes and that I understand her pain. She will over-apologize for something that was not her fault, as is her tendency. In turn, I will convince her that her trauma is not a deterrent for the affections I harbor toward her.
She links her fingers with mine and rests her free hand on my shoulder. I respond by wrapping my arm around her midriff, pulling her close to me. My left foot moves forward. Her right foot moves back. Our bodies move in synchrony, having understood the other's motions before performing them.
Maybe it's just me, but everything comes to a standstill. The music slows to quarter speed. The people around us move through honey. All colors cease to exist in solid forms besides the green of Selene's dress, the white of her hair, and the silver of her eyes.
I ask, "Have I told you how radiant you look tonight?"
A small laugh escapes her lips. My gaze drops to it. "No. I don't think you have."
"Really? That's a problem." I tug her a bit nearer to me. She gasps so quietly that only I notice it. "Because I have not been able to stop admiring you since I got here. You reminded me of the meaning behind your name: moonflower. Whose beauty goes unappreciated because it does not blossom during the day, yet whose potential glimmers in a moonlit night. Hanada-shi's announcement made me roll my eyes so many times that I lost count, but I am happy for you."
Tinges of pink bloom on her soft cheeks. "Do you think I am capable of managing a business empire?"
"I know so," I answer confidently. "Just reminisce on all the efforts you've put in so far. Writing-drawing competition. Collecting evidence. Making contacts. Persuading people. You're amazing, Selene. No matter what anyone else says," I add, remembering the nasty comments of those two-faced women.
She smiles, "Keep going. I like hearing my praise coming from your mouth."
"Oh?" I match hers with a teasing grin of my own. "What happened to that shy girl who avoided crowds and trembled at sudden touches?"
Her voice drops to a seductive whisper. "I seem to recall a boy who enjoyed hearing a litany of compliments from a girl he had pulled into his lap. He removed her choker single-handedly. Then for every praise he received, he pressed his lips against the girl's neck. The boy gained such immense pleasure from teasing the girl, that the girl decided she would reciprocate the gesture one day."
Good point. But I choose to focus on one part of that memory that creates the perfect comeback. "Does that mean you'll lavish me with kisses?"
Blood rushes up her face. Pink burns to red. But as always, Selene defies my expectations. "Perhaps," she responds in the same salacious tone as before. "Depends on the kind of flattery you shower upon me."
I bring my left foot next to my right. She mimics the gesture with her right. I am suddenly overcome with the urge to scoop her into my arms and carry her out of this party in front of everyone. It takes everything inside me to suppress that urge. Instead, I rise up to the challenge and close the gap between us. "Keep dancing, Selene," I murmur. "Wouldn't want to give the ladies something else to gossip about."
She dared me to shower her with praises glimmering like jewels. With each step of the waltz, I whisper compliments into her ear. They are nothing but the truth, so as I give them substance, I find myself admitting secrets I was unaware of myself. You believe that you are not a brave person, but in more than ways than one, you are more courageous than me. Twice I felt like dying; twice you saved me. Countless times you sought to end your life, but you're pulling through just for my sake. Any amount of respect for that would not be enough. Your faith makes me want to surpass your expectations. I want to become someone worthy of you. Strength is not defined by having a healthy body or being unafraid in the face of danger. It means acknowledging your fears and moving forward in spite of them. You have the ability to do that, Selene. I don't. You're strong. Awesome. Incredible. Flawed, yes, but that's what makes you so commendable.
When the song finishes, so does my monologue.
I pull back just enough to see tears glistening in the corners of her eyes. "No one has ever validated me the way you have. That warrants a lifetime worth of adorations and affections," she chokes out. "Thank you, Shouto."
With the first piece over, everyone is expected to change partners for the next dance. Indeed, a teenage guy behind her coughs into his hand to get her attention. She does not turn around. I, too, am transfixed by the depths of her eyes. "Selene?" I speak, loud enough so everyone in the chamber can hear. "May I have the next dance with you? And the one after that? And every dance you participate in this evening?"
"You may," she replies equally assertively.
This is our third time dancing together, and the past two times we were each other's one and only. It's a tradition now, which I have no intention of breaking.
The boy gets the cue and leaves, muttering something unintelligible under his breath. Meanwhile, I follow through with my proclamation. We dance to the second piece together. Then the third, fourth, fifth. I am ready to stop whenever she is. Or when it seems that the arthritic pain has increased. But she radiates joy in my presence. Whenever I break the dance pattern to give her a spin or a dip, she sighs in content. Somehow, amongst the hundreds of people here, we created our private world.
However, the magic breaks.
After dance number I-lost-count-after-five, Selene staggers on her feet. She almost tips backward, and it is my quick reflexes that prevent her from hitting her head against the ground. Even so, when she steadies herself, her eyes are unfocused and breaths are quick. I assist her off the dance floor to the nearest bench, which happens to conveniently be in the empty guest reception area.
Once she takes a seat, I crouch in front of her, hands cupping her face to get her to look at me. "Hey! Are you feeling okay? Did something happen?" What am I even asking? Of course, something happened. Sweat beads accumulate on her brow. Keeping upright is proving to be a difficult task. Drowsy posture, sluggish movements, slow speech … my mind flashes immediately to that apple juice-looking liquid she had earlier. The one she hesitated to drink.
I had thought that there must have been something wrong with it because of the way her nose slightly crinkled as she sniffed it. Now I know.
The drink was tampered with.
Selene was drugged.
And there is only one person possibly responsible.
No sooner than his wretched name waits to be released from my lips does said bastard approach us.
"What are you two doing here?" Hanada-shi says.