Kuri finished setting the table, her hands trembling slightly as she placed the last dish down. Reiko adjusted her kimono with a practiced hand, her fiery hair tucked neatly behind her ear. She caught Kuri's eye and gave a soft smile meant to reassure her twin, though they both knew the stakes of this meeting.
The Sohmas arrived, led by Akito. His sharp, disdainful gaze swept over the room like a cold wind as he claimed the seat of honor. His presence was suffocating, a tangible weight that seemed to press down on everyone in the room.
Mana moved forward with graceful composure, bowing deeply as she greeted Akito and the others. "It is an honor to host the Sohma family," she said, her voice steady despite the tension.
Yuki took the seat closest to Akito, his calm demeanor concealing the unease flickering in his violet eyes. Across the room, Kyo stood near the wall, arms crossed, his irritation barely contained. Haru entered last, his dark and light hair catching the light as he scanned the room. His gaze lingered briefly on Mana, then moved to Kuri, who was standing at the edge of the gathering.
Kuri hesitated, unsure where to sit, when Haru approached her. His expression was calm, his dark eyes soft as they met hers. "Do you mind if I sit here?" he asked, gesturing to the seat beside her.
Surprised, Kuri nodded, lowering herself into her seat. Haru sat next to her, his quiet presence grounding her. He noticed the scars on her hands, the tension in her shoulders, and the way she kept her gaze low, as if avoiding everyone around her. It reminded him of Yuki when he had gone silent in his younger years, withdrawing from the world.
"You don't have to say anything," Haru said softly, leaning slightly toward her. "I get it."
Kuri's eyes darted to his, startled. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. Instead, she nodded again, the faintest flicker of gratitude crossing her face.
Reiko, meanwhile, took a seat closer to Kyo, her fiery presence drawing his attention immediately. Kyo glanced at her, his irritation melting into curiosity. "You're not like the others," he muttered.
Reiko arched a brow. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
Kyo flushed slightly, looking away. "Maybe."
Reiko smirked, leaning closer. "Well, you're not exactly subtle either. But I like that."
Across the room, Mana remained locked in conversation with Akito. Her voice was calm, yet there was a sharp edge to her tone. "You insult my family by refusing to speak to me directly," she said.
Akito's smile was cold. "I speak to those who hold power. Prove you're worth my time."
Mana's expression didn't falter, but her gaze flicked briefly to Yuki. Her eyes met his for a split second, an unspoken plea for assistance hidden behind her composed mask. Yuki frowned but didn't interrupt, his gaze remaining fixed on Akito.
The tension in the room only thickened as the meal began. Conversations were sparse, and though food was served, few seemed to have an appetite. The Hikawa clan's youngest members, Ninako and Shimano, were brought in by Yuzuru. The sight of the blue-haired girl with her vacant expression made Kuri's hands clench beneath the table.
Haru noticed her reaction and leaned closer. "You care about her a lot," he said, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
Kuri nodded, her throat tight. Haru didn't press her, simply letting his presence reassure her. "You don't have to say it," he continued. "I can see it. And if you're angry, that's okay too."
Her lips trembled, and for a moment, Kuri felt as though she might cry. But Haru's steady gaze kept her grounded, and she managed a small, almost imperceptible nod.
The tension came to a head when Mana finally addressed the purpose of the meeting. "So, down to business," she began.
"No," Akito snapped, his tone cutting through the air. "I came to speak with the head of your family, not a stand-in. You insult me."
"My father has no power," Mana said sharply, showing no fear. "I am the only one who can grant your wish. Let me guess: you want your curse made eternal, don't you?"
The room fell silent, her words echoing like a thunderclap. The Zodiac members exchanged uneasy glances, but no one spoke against Akito.
Akito's lips curled into a sinister smile, his silence confirming her accusation. Mana's sharp gaze didn't waver. "Then come with me, Akito," she said smoothly. "We'll make your deal."
As they left the room, Kuri glanced at Haru, worry flickering in her blue eyes. He gave her a reassuring nod. "She's stronger than she looks," he said softly. "Like you."
When Mana and Akito returned, Akito's expression was uncharacteristically pleased. Mana, too, seemed composed, but there was a glimmer in her eyes that Yuki recognized as mischief. Kuri slipped a note to Haru, written hastily in English:
"Don't worry. Mana is playing both sides. She might have appeared to solidify Akito's curse, but she likely made a deal to trade our curse for yours. She'll break both if it suits her."
Haru read the note and glanced at her, his expression unreadable. Then, to her surprise, he smiled faintly. "You're stronger than you think," he said, his voice quiet. "And smarter too."
Kuri's cheeks flushed, and for the first time in years, she felt a flicker of hope. As the Sohmas prepared to leave, she looked at Haru one last time. He lingered, his gaze steady and calm. "If you need someone to listen, you know where to find me."
Kuri didn't trust herself to speak, but she nodded. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way out of the darkness after all.