●・○・●・○・●
CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT,
proof of commitment

-

༇ KAEDE sits by the hospital bed, his bottom lip quivering uncontrollably even though he's ran out of by now. His father is pale, almost grey, with his eyes closed.

"Kaede," Chishiya says. "I'm not going to ask you again. Get out of the room. Right now."

"And what're you gonna do if I don't?" He spits back, even though a sob breaks his sentence.

"Get out of the room, Kaede," Suzume urges firmly. "We need to operate on him. He has broken bones and brain swelling. The internal bleeding was just one thing to fix."

"What does me being here have to do with whether or not you can operate on him?" He cries out. "I just want to be there. Just in case... I don't know! In case he wakes up or something goes wrong."

"We'll let you come in if that happens, okay? Right now, we just need to focus. We don't need you sobbing in the background."

Kaede's eyes sharpen at Chishiya, specifically at his hand. "Let me help perform the surgery—"

With surprising strength, Suzume hauls him off the chair and pushes him out of the room, locking the door before Kaede gets the chance to realize what just happened. Once he does, he kicks against the door. "Let me in! Let me in! I swear—"

"Hey, hey." Shirabi's hands grip Kaede's shoulders. "Calm down, dude. It's not the end of the world. Your dad will be fine. He survived the fall. Man's got a crazy will to live because he survived that."

"Crazy will to live?" Kaede repeats, scoffing. "He jumped, Shirabi. Sakiko told us so."

"And so what? Maybe he didn't want to die. He probably went crazy enough to think it would bring him back to the real world. Back to his wife. Maybe... because of her, he has a strong will to live, and that's why he survived the jump," Shirabi explains carefully, tender for once. "Makes sense, right?"

Kaede glances back at the locked door. "Nobody said anything about him surviving. They can't even perform surgery properly. We lost Shush's skills. And apparently, we're never getting them back."

"Then it's about time we study." He playfully pushes Kaede's shoulder. "Hey, tell me, what's with this car accident? It's about the one LC was in, right?" Shirabi tilts his head. A frown etches onto his face when he mentions Sakiko. "Tell me what's up with it, Kaede."

"I'm not supposed to tell you—"

"Ah, come on. You're my best friend. I told you about that hair in my hole—"

"—but fine," Kaede continues, leaning closer. "Come sit down."

The two of them sit down at a couch, where Kaede continues whispering lowly. "Any injury that happens in real life, happens in the Borderlands, and any injury that happens in the Borderlands, happens in real life. If you'd carve something on your wrist, it becomes visible in real life. Kaoru used that method to let people in the real world know about Halo."

"Right." Shirabi nods. "Although that makes no sense at all. How will doctors explain random words showing up on someone's body?"

"That's the magic of it. I think it just... happens. I'm not quite sure."

"How'd we even end up here?"

"Kuina and Ann gave me more details. Half of Tokyo got infected by a deadly virus. Causes people to fall into comas and get insane injuries. Remember how I got stabbed in the back?"

"Yeah?"

"They said my mom got an urgent call. Saying my conditioned had worsened and affected muscles in my back. I was lucky that the virus didn't get to my lungs."

"So... most injuries that we get here, are shown internally in real life?"

"Yes. Exactly."

"So the virus is what's causing your dad to also have brain swelling in real life?"

"About that..." Kaede looks down.

"What about it?!"

"He, Baya, Aguni, and Koko got in a car accident. According to Shush, my dad got multiple broken bones and brain swelling. It was only a matter of time before he also got brain swelling in the Borderlands."

"Their fate has been decided already?"

"Yes."

Shirabi straightens, his composure gone. "What about Sakiko?"

Kaede looks anywhere but at Shirabi. He clears his throat, but it doesn't help. "Um..."

"Kaede?!" He's visibly panicking. "Tell me now. What are her injuries?!"

Kaede murmurs something below his breath.

"Kaede!" 

"Two collapsed lungs and a fractured spine," he says, louder now.

The color drains from Shirabi's face. "What...?"

"She'll survive," Kaede adds quickly. "Kaoru and I are both informed. We've been studying how to treat the injuries. And Shush is always there to give instructions just in case."

"Then... then why the hell aren't you constantly checking up on her? Two collapsed lungs? How many lungs do we even have, because I'm pretty sure it's two! A fractured spine?"

"Because it won't just happen out of nowhere. Either in a game or Hotoke pulls something. And the more we worry, the more suspicious Koko will get. We can't tell any of them, okay?"

"What are the other injuries?"

"Baya severe trauma to the abdomen, but that already happened when Shush stabbed her in the stomach. Aguni broken ribs and a skull fracture."

"So... only LC and Aguni are left to get injured?"

Kaede nods slowly. "Yes."

"Shit, man." Frustrated, Shirabi runs two hands down his face. "I'm never leaving her out of my sight again. Let's go—"

"It's okay. She's with her mother. Let her rest. She needs to process what she saw my dad do." A lump forms in Kaede's throat.

Shirabi leans his elbows on his knees, sighing. Rubbing his hands down his face once again. "How about we sacrifice Reo? Not like a goat, but like... that one rotten banana in a bunch."

"How would that help Koko and Aguni?"

"Well, if we force him to play more games, then we'll get out of here faster, and we don't have to worry about LC and Aguni for the next months."

"That's actually smart," Kaede mutters. "But we're not sacrificing Reo."

"Why the hell not? Fuck that guy, seriously. I hate him so much. Oh, there he comes." Shirabi's eyes shoot daggers at Reo. "Kaede, kiss me. Convince him to give up on trying to seduce me. Please. I beg you. Kiss me."

"I am not kissing you—"

"Please. We've compared sizes."

"I have a girlfriend. In fact, we're fiancés—"

"I've admitted what categories I watch! And you rated them! You have to kiss me!"

"I would love to help you out in any other way. I might've helped you out if I didn't have Hana, okay?"

"Hana would've done the same for Nozomi!" Shirabi whisper-yells. "She'd do it for any girl! Trust me! She won't hate you for this. Please, please, please. I've worn your underwear. We've walked around naked at sleepovers. I have grabbed your crotch. Just kiss me. This once. I need Reo to be convinced I'm dating you or I'm in love with you and he'll never try to seduce me again!"

Reo's steps echo closer down the hall. Shirabi's eyes widen. "Kaede, I swear on my life—" he hisses, then suddenly lunges.

Before Kaede can shove him off, Shirabi's hands are on his cheeks, dragging him in for a kiss. He tilts Kaede's head and tangles a hand in his hair. His leg hikes up onto his lap.

"Shira—!" Kaede muffles against his mouth.

But Shirabi moans deliberately loud. Reo rounds the corner. His face goes still.

Shirabi pulls back just long enough to gasp theatrically. "Oh Kaede—" he moans before diving back in, sucking Kaede's lip, then breaking away to lick his own lips. He glances over Kaede's shoulder directly at Reo.

Reo's nostrils flare. His eyes flick between them, before he pivots sharply on his heel, walking away without a word.

The second his footsteps fade, Kaede shoves Shirabi so hard he almost topples off the bench. "What the hell was that?!"

Shirabi wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, looking disgustingly pleased with himself. "That, my sweet fiancé, was a victory."

"You shoved your tongue down my throat!"

"You loved it."

"I did not!"

"You moaned."

"I could not breathe!"

"That's just a fancy moan. Anyway, problem solved. Reo won't touch me now."

Kaede yanks his shirt from Shirabi's grasp. He paces a few steps. "Do you even understand how... how... how disgusting that was?!"

"It was art. Pure art. Masterful improvisation. You should be thanking me."

"Thanking you?! For sucking my face off in front of Reo?! That was... gross, disgusting, humiliating... I mean... ugh, my lips are still sticky and I— ugh!" He groans.

Shirabi snorts. "Proof of commitment."

"I need water. Water, Shirabi."

"Take your time. Hydrate. Reflect. Reassess your feelings for me while you're at it."

"Kaede," Kaede gulps. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. Hana, Hana, Hana—"

He sprints into her room. The door bangs against the wall, startling Hana where she sits on the bed, braiding a section of her hair. "Kaede? What happened?"

Kaede drops to his knees right in front of her, palms pressed together. "Hana, please forgive me. I swear it's not what it looked like!"

Hana blinks in confusion. "Slow down. What are you talking about?"

Kaede shakes his head so hard his hair falls into his eyes. He slaps his hands down on her knees. "He kissed me! I swear I didn't want it, Hana! Shirabi just... he lunged, and I couldn't stop him. I swear on my life, I swear on everything, I didn't kiss him back. Please, please don't hate me."

"Shirabi... kissed you?"

"Yes!" Kaede cries. His knees shuffle closer, almost climbing onto her feet. His forehead drops against her thighs. "It was gross, disgusting, humiliating, and I hated it. Hana, I hated it. But Reo was coming, and Shirabi said he had to convince him that we were together, and he didn't give me time to think, and then suddenly his tongue was—" Kaede breaks off, gagging at the memory. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, please don't think I wanted it. Please don't leave me over this."

She reaches down, curling her fingers through his hair, forcing him to lift his head. "I'm not mad at you."

"Yes, you are! You have to be! I let it happen! I didn't stop him fast enough, and he did it right in front of Reo, and now everyone thinks... oh gosh, Hana, you're my fiancée, what if you don't trust me anymore?"

Her hands slide to his cheeks. "I trust you. I believe you. I know you didn't want it."

"Really?"

"I believe you," Hana repeats. "You're too terrible a liar to make this up anyway. And even if you weren't... your face right now? Kaede, you look like the world is ending. Do you really think I'd throw us away over something he did to you?"

He collapses forward again, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I don't deserve you," he whispers into her stomach. "I don't deserve you, Hana, you're too good to me."

"You're dramatic," Hana says, stroking the back of his head, "but you're mine and I'm yours. Even if Shirabi kissed you a thousand times, it wouldn't change that."

Kaede tilts his face up. "Don't joke about that. I think I'd actually die."

She smiles. "Then it's a good thing I'm not joking. I love you. We're alright. Okay?"

Kaede nods desperately. "Okay. Okay. I love you too. So much. I swear, Hana, I swear it'll never happen again. I'll stay away from him—"

Hana doesn't give Kaede time to keep spiraling. The second he finishes, she kisses his forehead, mutters, "Stay here," and storms out of the room.

She walks until she finds Shirabi slouched on the couch. "Shirabi."

"Sorry about what happened, Mrs. Arisu-to-be."

Hana plants herself in front of him, hands on her hips. "You're going to apologize to him. Right now."

He swallows, nods once, and follows her back to the room, probably understanding her seriousness.

Kaede is sitting on the edge of the bed now. Shirabi stops a few feet away.

"Hey," he starts. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't think. I panicked about Reo and made you the shield, and that was wrong. I crossed a line. I shouldn't have touched you like that. I shouldn't have made you feel like you had to defend yourself to Hana. That's on me. I'm sorry."

"Don't do it again," he mutters.

"I won't," Shirabi says quickly. "Promise. Also, I spent like... three seconds thinking about my masterplan, and I've decided to take it upon myself."

"What?" Kaede groans.

"My masterplan! I'll play as many games as I can! Every night! So LC can be safe," he says, determined. "Anyone who wants to join is welcome."

"Me," Kaede says immediately. "I'll join."

Hana scoffs. "Oh, hell no. You're not joining." She turns to Shirabi. "I'll join."

"Let's all three go," he decides. "If I'm honest, it would be better to split up. Three games in one night is better and maybe safer in case we have to sacrifice people. But... you'll never agree on that."

"Indeed," Kaede insists. "Glad you got that insight."

Hana raises an eyebrow, readjusting the collar of her shirt. It's an oversized one, just like many of her clothes. Even though they're in a survival world, she doesn't prioritizes comfort over practicality and always wears long shirts, and loose shorts that come to her knees. "Actually, I agree. It would be much better to split up. And we should ask Daishin and Reo if they want to join. They're very good at games. In fact, Reo loves them."

Shirabi nods. "Don't tell anyone else. They're too caring."

"Too late. You already told the most caring of them all," Hana murmurs, motioning at Kaede.

"No way," Kaede protests. "Hana, please don't join any games unless necessary—"

"Are you saying I'm not strong enough?"

"No, no, of course not, but—"

"Is it because I'm a woman?"

"No!" He yelps. "It's just because I love you and I don't want to lose you—"

"Ah, so you think you're the dominant one in the relationship?" She goes on, knowing exactly how to tip him over the edge.

"Okay, okay, fine! Fine, we'll split up and play games. If Reo and Daishin join, we'll be able to win five games per night. We'll be out of here in no time."

●・○・●・○・●

And so they do. All five of them plan carefully, gathering as much information about game arenas as they can, and ensuring they play games that they specialize in.

They feel unstoppable. With strong will power, they survive each injury. They clear thirty-five games by the end of the week, with Kaede clearing the last number card that was left: Seven of Spades.

Hana searches desperately to find the last Grey Joker games left, but they seem impossible to locate, and so she mostly joins teamwork games.

Daishin joins anything he needs to use his brain for, and Shirabi prioritizes physical games. Reo goes for the psychological ones, just because it's the only option left.

Daishin, Reo, and Shirabi don't have to worry about anyone noticing their absence. Sakiko is still too upset about seeing Arisu jump, so her main priority is not checking up on Shirabi.

Hana and Kaede, however, do have people looking out for them twenty-four-seven.

And so, to ensure nobody notices their absence, Shirabi softly plays a very specific type of videotape in their room every night, and locks the door from outside using a butter knife. It's enough to keep people away from their room until they return from their game.

On the tenth day since Hotoke sent her note, nothing happens. They don't get attacked and nobody gets murdered. Chishiya spends his time keeping Arisu stable. Suzume and Kaoru study how to perform various surgeries and practice with whatever they find in the hospital. Sakiko slowly gains some life again, but mostly spends time with her parents, because she has finally learned to admit how scary she actually thinks the Borderlands are.

On the thirtieth day since Hotoke sent her note, Hana, Kaede, Shirabi, Daishin, and Reo have played one hundred forty games. Now and then, they take a break, which is why they aren't always able to play as many games as they desire.

And finally, after nearly two months, Baya wakes Kaede up in the middle of the night to announce his father woke up.

Kaede can't even recall going to that room, only that he's currently there, squeezing his father tighter than ever, silent tears streaming down his face. "I missed you," he chokes out. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you, too," Arisu whispers hoarsely. Kaede's shoulders get wet by his tears. "I'm sorry, Kaede."

"It's okay. It's okay," he assures. "I'm just glad you're awake now."

"I didn't want to die," Arisu goes on, still whispering. "I just wanted to... to see—"

Kaede squeezes his eyes shut. "I know," he interrupts. "I know, Dad. And I promise you, you'll see them again soon. I'll make sure of it. We'll go back."

Arisu pulls back to wipe his tears, then wipes Kaede's. "I do feel better somehow."

His son chuckles lightly. "Do you even remember what you were like before? You just went... insane."

"I remember a lot of blurry images," Arisu murmurs. "Everything's been blurry since the moment I got here. In what room was I sleeping back at the house?"

"Mostly in Shush and Sushi's bed."

"Ah." He scratches his head. "I don't remember that. Are you honest? You're not joking around, are you?"

"I swear on my life."

"Right, right... was I at a pool once?"

"Yes. When you played the game with Kaoru, Shirabi, and me. Remember?"

Arisu's eyebrows furrow. He taps his chin. "No," he says eventually. "I don't think I remember at all. Who's the guy with the blonde hair again?"

"Reo?"

"Ah, yes. Yes. And the other one? With the glasses?"

"Daishin?"

"Mhmm." Arisu still looks confused. "Who's the girl Kaoru's with?"

"Suzume?" Kaede asks slowly.

"Ah, yes! Her. I know her. I think..." he frowns again.

"Dad—" Kaede stops out of a sudden. His eyes wide. He jumps from his chair. "Chishiya!" He yells a little too loudly, storming out of the room. "Chishiya, Chishiya!"

"What is it?" Chishiya walks towards the door. "Is everything okay?"

"No— well, yes— I mean," Kaede stammers. "I think it has... it has reversed!"

"Reversed?" The man repeats. "What has?"

"The coma," Kaede whispers. "It was reversed. I swear it was. It makes so much sense! I wasn't actually in a coma when you injected me, right?"

"Medically speaking, yes."

"But Dad was, right?"

"Yes. Your father was actually in a coma."

"So it's reversed!" Kaede slaps a hand to his mouth, trying to keep his excitement in: for the first time, he has realized something smart. "Oh my God!"

"Kaede, explain."

"When you woke up from your coma for the first time, you couldn't remember anything. But that was in the real world. Now my dad fell into a coma in the Borderlands, and now that he has woken up, he can't recall anything that has happened since he came here. He only knew he attempted suicide because you told him that! So it's reversed!"

Kaede waits for Chishiya to respond, bouncing on his feet. Chishiya himself looks thoughtful. A hum leaves his mouth now and then. "I guess that makes sense," he says eventually. "And maybe that's for the best. He shouldn't remember what happened."

"Yeah," Kaede mutters in agreement. "Shush?"

"Mm."

"What if we lose our memory when we wake up again?"

"That'd be fortunate for Kiyoshi and Sakiko," he says calmly. "Unfortunate for the rest of us."

"What if I don't remember that Hana and I... what if she doesn't remember? What if she doesn't want me in real life? What if she only likes me here because at least here, I can actively protect her?"

Chishiya stares at him, a small smirk playing on his lips.

Kaede blushes. "What?"

"We have more in common than I thought we did."

"Oh!" He gasps. "But Baya likes you in real life, too. So it will be okay in the end, right? Hana will like me in real life. Except... she spent twenty-three years not liking me. And then she did, in the Borderlands."

"Whatever happens, Kaede, don't waste your time worrying about it."

"You're just saying that because you don't want me and my dad to be related to you," he mumbles.

"We've had a forced proximity since the day you were born, family or not. Yuzuki likes you and your dad too much. I can't escape this."

Kaede smiles faintly. "I guess you can't."

Then, at the exact same time, Hana and Baya leave their bedrooms, yawning in sync. They even walk in sync.

"What're you doing up, Shuntarō?"
"What're you doing up, Kaede?"

"My dad woke up."
"Arisu woke up."

"Oh!" Baya gasps. Three seconds later, she has vanished into Arisu's room. Hana quickly follows.

"Wow."
"Wow."

Slowly, Chishiya and Kaede turn their heads to look at each other.

"Stop repeating me," Chishiya threatens.

"I'm not repeating you. You're repeating me."

Chishiya waves him off.

Next, Shirabi leaves his room. Sakiko, who probably woke up when Baya left the room, also appears.

"What're all of you yelling about?" Kuina's eyes are still half-covered by a sleeping mask as she walks into the waiting room. Aguni and Ann show up behind her.

"Oh, great, we're having a meeting now," Chishiya murmurs, and he sighs even louder when Mikasa's baby begins screaming, causing everyone to appear.

Even Arisu comes walking out of his room. Baya supports him even though it's not necessary after two months of healing. Hana hops towards Kaede.

"What's happening?" She pecks his cheek. "Why is everyone here?"

"Everyone woke up," he murmurs.

"Maybe it's the perfect time to discuss something."

"Discuss what—"

Hana claps her hands before Kaede can finish. "Since everyone is up, let's have a talk about how we figure out who the linchpin is!" She walks towards their whiteboard and writes down each of their names. "I'm assuming it's one of us. Otherwise, Hotoke wouldn't focus on us so much."

"But she hasn't done anything in two months."

"That's why I said assuming," Hana responds. "Does anyone have any theories?"

"Stripe Kaede and Yuzuki off the list," Chishiya says. "Hotoke didn't seem to care about whether or not Yuzuki would live after the heart transplant. She also doesn't interfere with Kaede at all, unless he's the one who confronts her."

Hana nods. "That makes sense. Who else?"

"I also don't think it's Daishin, Reo, Aguni, Ann, Mikasa, or Kuina," he adds. "She's not focused on any of them at all."

"I think it's Kiyoshi," Shirabi suddenly announces. "She wanted him on her team and when he didn't agree, she also tried to persuade him with the mechanical heart."

"Very much possible," Hana agrees. "I personally think it's Suzume, though. Something about Hotoke taking Kaoru away over and over again feels weird. Maybe convincing Kaoru to stay here would also lead to Suzume staying. She knows she won't be able to convince Suzume without using Kaoru."

"But she has been focused on Kaoru since the beginning. Before he even talked to me," Suzume interjects. "I don't think it's me. I feel like I would've noticed if Hotoke was trying anything on me."

"Maybe it's Papa again," Sakiko says. "Hotoke has been sending you to games that got you hurt very badly. Now you can't even perform surgeries anymore. Maybe you wouldn't go back because of that."

"And she alarmed the people about—" Kaoru cuts himself off. He shoots his father a look. "You know what. You're one hundred percent better off if you stay here."

"No. If she would've wanted me to stay here, she would've killed Yuzuki," Chishiya says before anyone can ask what Kaoru means. "Stripe me off the list, Hana."

Hana does as he says. "Maybe Elikai? Nanaka, Renji, and Shoma are dead, and Hotoke keeps taking Kaoru away."

"But Elikai and Hotoke have never had a direct encounter."

"Maybe that's her method." Hana shrugs. "Just a theory."

"So Kiyoshi and Elikai are our number one suspects," Ann says. "What about Shirabi, Hana, and Arisu?"

"She's not all too focused on them," Kaoru murmurs. "She didn't care if Shirabi died back in the ring at Halo. She doesn't interfere with Arisu. Maybe Hana, though... but she admitted she wants to kill Hana."

"What happens if the linchpin dies?"

"I think the role is passed on somebody else," Ann explains. "We might've already had twenty different linchpins. Any player could be it."

"Kiyoshi and Elikai still make the most sense to me," Shirabi murmurs. Nobody really protests, which shows a mutual agreement.

"Then that's that. Just remember, whatever happens, do never choose to stay here. It's always better in the real world," Hana says. "Now go back to bed. It's late."

Everyone begins to drape off. Shirabi glances at Reo from the corner of his eye and sees him come closer. Without hesitation, Shirabi darts towards his room, somewhat sprinting.

Right as he's about to slam the door closed, Reo's foot blocks it. Visibly pain flashes across his face when the door hits it, but he doesn't back up.

"Can we talk?"

"No," Shirabi says stiffly.

"Please?"

His jaw clenches. "Stay three feet away from me. I will rip your teeth out if you bite your lip. Look at my lips and I'll rip yours off."

Reo nods quickly, showing uncharacteristic obedience. "I promise."

Shirabi lets him in and closes the door behind them. "What is it?" He grumbles.

"You haven't spoken a word to me in two months and it's killing me." Reo sits down carefully at the edge of Shirabi's bed.

"Take a hint," Shirabi snarls.

"I know it was fake between you and Kaede. That was obvious. Not only was he pulling away, but he also in love with Hana. I decided to give you some space. And now it's been two months and..." Reo sighs.

"And?" Shirabi presses. "We haven't talked in two months. What about it? Have you been jerking it alone?"

Reo's eyes narrow. "There's no need to be so rude about it when I'm trying to have a serious conversation."

"Take the fucking hint," Shirabi spits out. "I don't want anything to do with you. Do you hear me? Nothing."

"I still like you," Reo bluntly admits. "And we might've not talked for a while, but I can see you looking. Is it... is it still the things you believe in that make you reject me?"

Shirabi stares at him.

"Because if it is," he continues, "I don't mind waiting. I don't mind, like, helping you. I'm sorry if I've been too touchy in the past. I'm not the best at noticing when I cross a line." A pause. "So could I help you in any way?"

"You can help me by leaving me alone."

"Look, I know about the things you believe in, and I can respect how you grew up. But again, I want to help—"

"It's not about my beliefs."

Reo stops. He looks up at Shirabi, eyes slightly wider. "Then what is it? Have I been pressuring you too much? Is it the fact we're in a fucked up world?"

"It's you."

He blinks. "Huh?"

"It's you," Shirabi repeats coldly. "I don't like you. Is that so hard to understand? I don't like you as a person. It has nothing to do with my beliefs or the Borderlands."

Reo sits frozen. For the first time since Shirabi's ever known him, Reo doesn't have something clever or suggestive on his tongue.

"Did you hear me, or do you need me to spell it out? I don't like you. Not as a friend, not as a partner, not as whatever fantasy you've been jerking off to in your head. You're nothing to me, Reo."

Reo's throat bobs as he swallows. "You don't have to be cruel."

"I do, actually. Because you don't get it any other way. You don't listen when I say no. You don't stop when I shove you off. The only way to get it through your skull is to carve it in."

His hands rub together nervously, like he's trying to warm himself. "I thought maybe it was because you were scared. Or because you didn't want anyone to think badly of you. I thought if I gave you space, you'd come around."

"You thought wrong," Shirabi snaps. He pushes off the wall, stalking closer, looming over Reo until the other boy finally looks up. Their eyes lock.

"There's nothing for you here. You disgust me, Reo. I don't want you. I will never want you."

"You don't have to..." He swallows again. "You don't have to say it like that. I could've taken a normal rejection."

"I've given you normal rejections. Over and over and over. You ignored them. So now you get this."

Reo pushes himself up from the bed. His eyes shine. "You hate me that much?"

"Yes," Shirabi says without hesitation. "I hate you that much."

They stare at each other for a long time, until Reo sighs. "Okay," he murmurs. "I get it."

"Do you? Because if you so much as look at me the wrong way again, I won't just slam a door on your foot. I'll break it. Do you understand me, Reo?"

Reo nods once, jerky, then steps past Shirabi toward the door. His hand lingers on the knob for just a second longer than it should, but then he twists it and slips out.

Shirabi exhales only when he's gone. He paces once across the room and kicks the leg of his bed hard enough to make it jolt. "Fucking idiot," he mutters, though it's unclear whether he means Reo or himself.

●・○・●・○・●

The next day, as they have breakfast, Shirabi does sneakily look for Reo. Not because he likes him, because he genuinely doesn't, but because he's afraid he might've been a little too harsh after all.

However, he's unable to find him, and so he goes back to eating. Sakiko sits across from him, more lively now.

"Can you read to me?" She asks. "Mama does want to read to me, but she can't read very well, so it's too slow. Dad reads too... robotically. Daishin does read to me, but I think you'd be good at it, too."

"Depends on what I have to read to you."

"Whatever you want." Sakiko shrugs. "Though I'm guessing that's a weird magazine."

"I don't read magazines." Shirabi chuckles. "I don't read at all, actually."

"But you can read though, right?"

"Obviously. You've heard me read."

Sakiko frowns. "I don't think I have."

"I read to you a while ago."

"No, you didn't."

"Yes, I did. Why are you denying? I went to school, LC. I can read. I just have other things on my mind right now."

She wiggles her eyebrows. "Reo?"

"Oh, shut up. You know I don't like him."

"I do!" She giggles. "That's why it's funny to tease you."

"Subject change. Let's see... hm, tell me how Arisu is doing and how sad your dad is about his hand."

"Arisu's doing better than before. He doesn't remember anything. I think he already forget he attempted... you know. And Papa doesn't show how he feels about not being able to operate anymore. He seems fine with it because Mama is alive. But I think it still hurts him. A lot."

"Sounds like your old man's just good at faking. He doesn't strike me as the type to show weakness."

"Maybe. But Mama always says sometimes hiding things is what makes them heavier."

He arches an eyebrow. "Right."

They finish up breakfast, and Sakiko hops off her chair, brushing crumbs from her lap. "So? Will you read to me?"

"Yeah, fine." He gets up. "Pick something, but don't make it boring."

Sakiko scampers off and comes back with a thick book, its spine taped together in three places. "This one!"

Shirabi takes it. He flips it open to a random page. "Once upon a time," he begins, confident. "There was this princess, right? But she wasn't just any princess. She was super cool. Like, she had a sword, and—"

"That's not what it says."

"Sure it does." He clears his throat and keeps going. "She lived in a giant castle thing. Big one. Bigger than any other castle. And one day, she went out to fight a dragon. Huge dragon. With, like... a thousand teeth."

She points directly at the little letters. "It doesn't say dragon. It says dog."

He waves her hand away. "Same thing."

"No it isn't! Look, D-O-G. Dog. You didn't even try to sound it out!"

"Dogs, dragons, what's the difference? Both bark, both bite."

"You're not reading it. You're making it up."

Shirabi scoffs. "So what if I am? My version's better."

"Shirabi," she repeats, "you're not reading."

"Yes, I am." His tone sharpens, defensive.

"No, you're not. You're making things up." She jabs her finger at the book again. "You keep saying stuff that isn't here. Look, look, this word. What's this one?"

"Bird."

"No, it isn't. It's bridge."

He snaps the book shut and tosses it onto the ground with more force than necessary. "Happy now?" he mutters.

"You can't read."

"I can read. Just not... good."

"Did you... not learn?"

A long pause.

"Didn't finish school."

"Oh. In what grade did you leave?"

"Second."

"Second of high school? But then you must be able to read. You might have dyslexia like—"

"No. Second grade, LC. Second."

Sakiko's eyes widen. "Of elementary? Why?"

"Had to work. My mom was sick and poor. I made more money than I ever would wasting time in class. Reading books didn't put food on the table."

Sakiko sits very still. "So... you just... never learned."

"I learned some. Enough to scrape by. So, yeah. Surprise. I can't read."

"That's really sad."

"Don't pity me, LC."

"I'm not pitying," she insists. "I'm just... sad for you. You're smart. You're funny. You shouldn't have had to quit school."

"You get what you get, and you make it work. That's it."

"Then... I'll teach you."

"What?"

"I'll teach you to read." She shrugs. "You said life doesn't care. But I care. So I'll help."

Her grin is so earnest that Shirabi can't even muster a comeback. He just groans and slumps further down into the couch, muttering, "This is humiliating," as she taps the first word for him to try.

●・○・●・○・●

Hana walks by Mikasa's side, on their way to play a game. It's the second game Mikasa will play ever since she gave birth to her baby, and Hana is just as nervous as the first time. In every movie or series she has seen, something bad happens to the young mother, and right now, their lives sound accurate enough to those movies.

"Have you seen Reo?" Mikasa asks, breaking the silence. "I haven't seen him since the meeting last night."

"I haven't. Did you check his room? He's probably there."

"I haven't yet. I just assumed he'd come out of it eventually," Mikasa murmurs. "It's probably because something happened between him and Shirabi. He told me he was planning on talking to him after giving him space for a while."

"So... Reo does genuinely like Shirabi," Hana realizes.

"Yeah. He does."

"Sometimes, it's hard to tell the difference between love and lust," she murmurs to herself. "Shirabi doesn't like him, though. Kaede told me that. Shirabi tells Kaede, like, everything. And I mean... everything."

Mikasa laughs at that. "I noticed that. But in that case, if Shirabi rejected Reo for good, he'll probably back away for a bit. Reo's not the best at dealing with vulnerable things."

"I was already surprised to see how careful he is with your baby," Hana says. "He didn't seem like the type to do that."

"I know, right? But ever since I met him, he's been super careful. He always helped me out and he takes care of my baby."

"Daishin came along later on, right?"

"Yes. I met Reo first, then the two of us met Daishin in a game." Mikasa nods. "We went looking for Kiyoshi and found your group eventually. Reo and Daishin were lucky to meet you and Kaede in that game."

"Yeah. I haven't regretted bringing the three of you with us."

"Because of my baby?" Mikasa teases.

"Shh." Hana grins widely. "Oh, she's so cute. I can't live with it, Mikasa. She's the most adorable human I've ever seen!"

"You are the most adorable when you're taking care of her. The same goes for Kaede. Once we get out of here, I'm immediately forcing you to be her babysitter. You'd—"

Bang.

The two women freeze at the sound of the gunshot. It sounds far away and yet close.

Hana's breaths heave. "That must've come from a game arena, but we should still be careful. If we hear more, we should— Mikasa?"

Mikasa's body slumps to the ground, completely limp. In no time, a pool of blood is surrounding here.

Tears spring into Hana's eyes before she can even register it. She kneels down, shaking the woman's body. "Mikasa? Did you... did you get hit? Well, I mean, obviously— b-but where?"

She spins her body around, and that's when she sees it: the blood is pouring from Mikasa's forehead, on which a deep hole is buried.

"Oh, no," Hana's voice breaks. "No, no— Mikasa." She looks around, frightened, searching for the shooter. "No!" She screams. A sob leaves her, followed by a loud wail. "Mikasa!"

"Oh, quit the act," comes a voice from behind, strange yet familiar. Two hands drag Hana away from Mikasa's body and plant her back on two feet.

Hana spins around even as her knees buckle. "Reo?" She whispers.

He holds the gun to Hana's chin. A tear hits it. "A pregnant woman is always easy to hide behind. Be good with kids and they'll accept you in no time."

"What... what are you talking about?"

Another figure approaches, one that Hana knows all too well. "Reo's been spying for me since the beginning," Hotoke says, smiling wider than ever. "And every single one of you believed him. He also mentioned that you talked about the linchpin. Cute, how you're all so incredibly wrong about who it is."

Hana staggers back. The tears just keep streaming down her face. "Why? Why Mikasa?" She sobs. "Why'd you spend so much time with Shirabi? Do you even like him? What about Daishin?"

"Mikasa was just a pawn. It will be easier to kill her before the baby. At least then she won't have to watch. Shirabi... fun guy, and if he had trusted me, I surely would've brought him to Halo and fucked him, but that didn't happen. Daishin's as useless as Mikasa."

"So you're alone in this. You spent so many weeks getting allies and taking care of a baby only to... to what? To shoot her? What's the point of this betrayal?" Hana cries out.

"Pawns don't matter. Pawns exist to be pushed off the board." He steps closer, forcing her to tilt her head back. "You? You're a knight. And with a knight, you control the board in ways no pawn could ever dream of."

Tears streak her cheeks. "I- I don't—"

He chuckle. "Let me put it this way. Kaede is the king piece. Without him, your group collapses. He's strong. But a king always moves when the knight pushes him into the right corner. And you, Hana, are the knight. As long as we have you, Kaede will move however we want."

Hotoke laughs behind him. "Poetic, isn't it? You were worried about being 'useful' to the group. Turns out, you're more useful than anyone else ever imagined."

Hana's stomach twists. She tries to step back, but Reo's hand darts out, clutching her wrist so tightly she gasps. His grin widens at the sound.

"Now," he says softly, "we can't just tell Kaede we have you. That won't be enough. No. We need to show him. Give him a little... taste."

Before she can react, he slams the butt of the gun into her stomach. Air rushes out of her lungs. She folds forward, gagging, but he yanks her upright by the hair. He presses the gun's barrel against Hana's lips. "Open."

She shakes her head frantically, eyes wide.

"Open," he repeats.

When she doesn't obey, he drives his knee into her side. A cry rips from her throat, and her mouth opens involuntarily. He slips the gun inside, resting the cold metal against her tongue.

"Perfect," he whispers. "Now Kaede will see what happens. Every time he looks at you, he'll remember this."

He pulls the gun out and wipes her saliva off on her cheek. Hotoke steps in too. "That's enough, Reo."

Reo shrugs but obeys, releasing Hana. She crumples to the ground, choking on sobs.

Hotoke crouches down. "You're coming with us."

Hana is unable to form words, but she nods.

"Good girl," Hotoke coos, then straightens, snapping her fingers at Reo.

Reo grabs Hana by the arm and hauls her up. Together, they drag her away from Mikasa's body, leaving her sprawled in the dirt. Hana's gaze locks on her friend one last time.

Then Reo and Hotoke march her toward the hospital.

Hotoke snatches a walkie talkie from Hana's pocket and talks sweetly into it, "Hello, there! I caught someone! If you want her to survive, better make sure you come outside."

"Kaede, don't do it—" Hana tries to say, but Reo cuts her off by gripping her hair even harder.

Not long after, not only Kaede shows up, but the entire group does. Hana even sees Sakiko peeking from behind Shirabi, who's staring at Reo with eyes so wide that it looks like they're about to pop out.

Reo doesn't spare him a glance and looks at Kaede instead. Smiling wickedly, he pulls Hana's hair until pieces of it come out, and keeps the gun near her head. "Not a step closer," he warns.

"Let's make a deal," Hotoke says cheerfully. "I've been keeping my promises so far, though I might have to break one in order to let this one work." She pauses. "I'm getting kind of sick of our war. We keep fighting each other but nothing actually happens. That's why I'm proposing one last battle."

She pauses for even more effect, then continues. "If you manage to kill me, you win, and my guards will all leave you alone for the rest of your life. But if my guards manage to kill Kaede," she points at the man, "then I win, and you're all obliged to listen to me. It's fair, isn't it? If anything, Kaede is stronger than me."

"How many of your guards are we talking about?" Shirabi snaps.

"That brings me to my next deal: either we bring no weapons and the same amount of people, or I bring more people than you, but my people aren't allowed to use weapons, while you can use anything but guns."

"Except you've picked out the strongest people, while we have exactly four people who can properly fight," Shirabi responds. "It would still be unfair."

Hotoke scoffs. "Pff. Even she," she motions at Sakiko, "will be able to knock out one of my men if she's allowed to use any weapon but a gun. It really isn't that hard."

"If you break the deal, then we will be bringing guns," Kaede says.

Hana's eyes wide. "Don't agree—"

Reo kicks her shin. "Shut up."

"We have a deal," Kaede says before anyone else can. "Either you get killed or I get killed, and my entire group gets freedom if you get killed. That also includes all our loved ones."

"And if you get killed, then the rest of you will do anything I say," Hotoke goes on.

"We want to be able to use weapons. So bring as many guards as you want."

"Just like I had expected," she says, satisfied. "I'm giving you five minutes to prepare."

Reo shoves Hana to the group. Kaede immediately catches her in his arms. "Are you okay?" He asks, worried.

She nods. "Yes, b-but Mikasa—"

"We have a deal," Hotoke interrupts. "I'll see you outside in five minutes."

Chishiya gives Kaede a death stare. "That's the dumbest deal you could've made."

"It's a pretty good deal," Kuina argues.

"What if we just use guns anyway?" Kiyoshi asks as the group walks back into the hospital.

"No. Hotoke will do what the deal desires, but the second one of us crosses a line, she'll also cross it," Kaede murmurs. "Everyone, gather every weapon you can find and bring them to the waiting room. I'll assign tasks."