Chapter Text
Kirari placidly walked the same halls as she did previously after her seemingly enthralling conversation she had with the ill-tempered golden blonde. The conversation still faintly lingered in her thoughts, amusing, sharp, mildly irritating. Kirari smirked to herself. The mask had found its natural habitat back onto her face, her identity now concealed and unrecognizable. At least as Kirari.
Her steps slowed in front of the grand oak doors, the polished student council emblem catching her eyes. For a moment, she saw her reflection in the warped gold, black holes staring back at her.
Her manicured, smooth hand reached out to the doorknob, turning it slowly. Kirari expected no one to be in the council room as it was class time for the majority of the students. Kirari never bothered to attend class. When she was growing up she was accustomed to the best tutors money could buy, who already taught her everything she needed to know. Attending class was another boring and predictable thing she dreaded, hearing the teacher ramble on about the most logical things. Of course, on the rare occasion something interesting was happening, she would grace the class with her presence, often scaring off the other students.
She walked quietly through the council room, the air was cold and dry, as if it was abandoned. It seemed as if she was right, there was no one else there. Kirari smirked to herself, she would be able to relax in her private office, enjoying a warm cup of tea as she waited for a familiar face to greet her later on. Her feet tapped against the dark wood floors as she walked towards the office.
As she stood in front of the door, just about to open it, the door had swung open with so much force, Kirari had to suppress a jump. In front of the platinum haired girl stood Sayaka whose eyes widened at the sight of her. The surprise was quickly overshadowed by the sheer amount of irritation that coated her face.
“…President?” Sayaka hesitated, her voice quivering slightly as her eyes bore into the dark holes of the mask.
Subtle surprise washed over Kirari’s face under the mask, her lips curled upwards as her hand slowly removed the mask from her face. Brilliant blue eyes watched as Sayaka’s eyebrows knitted together, her ears turning a subtle shade of pink.
“I knew you would know it was me,” Kirari smiled softly, entering the room as Sayaka moved aside, “I’m assuming you spoke to Ririka, then?” It wasn’t meant to be a question, Kirari knew the answer already. Ririka and her didn’t blend enough, of course Sayaka would know the difference.
“I wonder…” Kirari’s voice faded, she approached the plush loveseats, sitting down and smoothing out her skirt before piping up again, “What gave it away?” That wasn’t a question either, it had already been previously answered. Ririka was no longer Kirari, they could look the same, but everything else was different. No matter how hard and long Ririka studied Kirari’s mannerisms, her voice, her actions, there was no doubt there was a clear soul distinction.
Sayaka didn’t answer for a moment, her eyes were locked onto Kirari’s pale face, devoid of any makeup. The natural element making the fair haired girl look younger, softer, more human. Sayaka’s eyes gazed back into mirthful blue ones, yes, that was the difference. The raw, telling emotion and sincerity in Ririka’s eyes that Kirari’s lacked. Kirari’s eyes would be soft with Sayaka, as well, but there was always an obvious amusing glint in them.
Sayaka would never admit that, though.
“It just felt different,” Sayaka answered quietly, “I’ve grown accustomed to your presence, I suppose,” She finished with a small raise of her shoulders, Kirari’s rosy lips stretched into a smile.
Silence filled the room once again, it was growing increasingly awkward until Kirari broke the void, “Why are you so far away, Sayaka?” Kirari spoke, her voice laced with honey as she lingered on each syllable of Sayaka’s name, “Sit with me, please,” Her voice was airy as she patted a spot next to her on the velvet couch.
Sayaka always did as she was told to by the President, whether it was ridiculous, absurd, or completely reasonable. It was her way of showing devotion and loyalty to the girl, she would do anything.
Kirari knew that, of course.
A small space was left between their thighs intentionally, Sayaka was always conscious of how close they were. When they were too close, she couldn’t help but look. She shamelessly watched the motion of Kirari crossing her legs that were clad in sheer tights, how pristine hands laid comfortably atop the short, patterned skirt that revealed almost too much. Sayaka felt heat rise up her neck as her eyes only ventured up the girl’s torso greedily, the ruby red standard jacket hugging Kirari’s waist effortlessly, her perfectly straight posture. The way platinum hair ran down the girl’s body like a cascading waterfall. The heat was far past her neck now, her face a burning red as she looked away from the girl beside her. Sayaka’s hands balled up her skirt in fists, her knuckles turning white in the process.
“My, you’re awfully red, are you feeling alright?” Kirari feigned concern, her smirk giving it away as she reached behind Sayaka to run her fingers through her dark ponytail, “You’re so quiet today, too….” She whispered.
Kirari’s alluring eyes filled with amusement as they latched onto dark black holes, “Or is it that you are upset at me?” She wondered out loud, relishing in the way Sayaka’s eyebrows creased together, her lips forming a small line.
Sayaka had every intention of talking to Kirari about what had happened the previous afternoon, how she was feeling, and what Kirari had felt. The words didn’t want to leave her mouth, it felt…wrong, like her only duty was to just serve as her secretary. Nothing more. She was growing more confused by the second, it was eating her alive. Kirari was never one to have her emotions on display, Sayaka accepted that. Deep down, however, she wanted to feel and experience every single one of Kirari’s emotions, diving into them together. This was a gamble of how long Sayaka could let these thoughts cloud her mind before breaking.
Sayaka’s mouth opened. Nothing came out.
Kirari hummed, breaking the silence as she ran her hands through her own silky tresses, “I spoke with Mary today,” She announced, her eyes still keen on Sayaka’s face, watching her expression morph into unfiltered jealousy, “She said she considered my sister a friend, but she was able to see right through me. I must admit, it’s uncomfortable.” Kirari looked as if she were perplexed, the smirk never left her face.
Sayaka’s teeth sunk down into her bottom lip, a heavy sigh left her lips, “Why did you switch?” She began, she could feel the frustration bubbling up inside her, “Was it a…joke? A test?” Sayaka’s heart skipped as her thoughts were on full display, “…A gamble?”
Kirari’s eyes flashed as the word gamble lingered in the air for far too long; she hadn’t thought of it as that, but in some twisted way, it was.
Blue eyes drowned in hilarity as fingertips rested under her chin, “I was curious,” Kirari replied airily, smoothing invisible wrinkles on her skirt, “Is that such a crime?” She playfully bantered, it clearly wasn’t the time for jokes, Kirari could never stop herself.
Sayaka’s hands tightened further, her skirt was bunched up and wrinkled, “You knew I would notice…” There was glee written all over Kirari’s face versus utter annoyance that washed onto Sayaka’s.
“Of course,” Kirari replied without hesitation, it was quick, almost too quick, “You always notice,” This was true, Sayaka had a talent for noticing the differences between the two girls right off the bat. From the moment she first spoke to what seemed to be Kirari, Sayaka quickly gathered the distinctions between the two girls. They were small, at least at first, but grew larger as time progressed and Sayaka grew closer to the girl. Just the sheer presence of the girls led Sayaka to make her conclusions.
Sayaka swallowed a lump that began to form in her throat, “And Saotome?” The words flew out of her, she was unable to stop herself, “Why go to her like that?” Sayaka desperately wanted to say “what about me?” How had Mary captivated the President’s attention like that?
Kirari’s eyebrows rose slightly, her lips curving faintly, this was unexpected and new, “She’s interesting, ambitious, albeit petulant and brash,” Her shoulders raised as she shrugged lazily, “Predictable in her unpredictability,”
“And me?” Sayaka blurted out, her ears were as crimson as her blazer, her eyes widening in surprise as her heart had betrayed her brain.
The room went still.
Kirari chuckled softly, her eyes lowered as her fingertips ghosting over Sayaka’s stiff, white knuckles, feeling them immediately relax, “You…” Kirari murmured lowly, her eyes dazzling with excitement as they locked back into Sayaka’s, “Are far more fascinating,”
Sayaka’s breath hitched from the praise, they were closer now. Sayaka could smell Kirari’s perfume— light jasmine and vanilla, with a faint dusting of spring florals. It filled her nose and intoxicated her lungs as her breathing quickened. Sayaka’s face softened as she gazed into hypnotizing eyes, there was something alluring between them, it drew them together.
A small giggle left Kirari’s lips, “You look at me as if I'm something fragile,” Kirari continued softly, her warm breath ghosting over Sayaka’s lips, “As though I might shatter.”
Sayaka felt Kirari’s grip around her knuckle tighten, her heartbeat skipped, “I don’t…” She whispered instinctively. Kirari drew away slightly, a farther distance separating them once more. The distance that Sayaka wished she had crossed, distance she desperately couldn’t stand anymore.
“Don’t you?” Kirari tilted her head slightly, her velvety voice dipping lower, “You worry. You question,” She listed, her other hand reaching across to caress Sayaka’s cheek.
Sayaka let out a heavy breath, her cheeks burning with every touch, “Yes, I do,” She admitted, her voice was trembling now.
Kirari’s eyes sharpened slightly, amusement. There was something else that flickered in them, too. Something gentle.
“You risked your life for me,” Kirari continued, grinning as Sayaka perked up at the mention of the tower, “You stay by my side without hesitation…” Kirari’s eyebrows creased slightly as she spoke, “Yet you act as if I've wronged you?” Confusion dripped from every word. Sayaka removed Kirari’s hand from her cheek, pulling away slightly.
Sayaka's chest rose and fell faster now, her breathing quickening with every word, “Because you did,” Sayaka retorted, the words flying out much quicker than she had wanted.
They landed heavy, Sayaka could tell. Kirari only blinked, evidently surprised for a split second. Sayaka fully turned towards her on the couch, their hands breaking apart in the process. Her knees touching against black tights sending a small jolt, Kirari slightly jerking. Was she uncomfortable now?
Sayaka’s heartbeat thundered as she continued, “I..You disappeared and tested me. You swapped places with your sister just because you were…curious?” Her voice grew tighter with each word, the lump in her throat returning, “Then you sit there and smile…as if it was just a game to you,” Sayaka’s lips quivered, her hands trembling in her lap.
Much to Sayaka’s displeasure, Kirari was still smiling. It was different, however, it wasn’t calculated or sharp, it tapered off at the edges.
“Everything is a game, Sayaka,” Kirari replied softly, languidly drawing out Sayaka’s name, it always made her heart flutter.
Sayaka sighed deeply, the silence that followed suffocated her. Her eyes glistened faintly, though she refused to let the tears fall, giving away her hand.
Her hands gripped her blazer, “You can't expect me to not feel anything…” Sayaka’s eyes pleaded at Kirari, her head pounding and overwhelmed from a million unspoken words between them.
Kirari studied her carefully, she didn’t chuckle, smirk, her face was painfully blank, not a single emotion washing over her porcelain face. Sayaka let her words flow, no loyal obedience influencing her. Just raw, trembling honesty. Sayaka found it refreshing…even freeing.
Kirari’s eyebrows raised, her hand brushing the white hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. It was a stalling moment, Sayaka noted. Kirari was uncomfortable, she hadn’t prepared for this conversation and it wasn’t going how she predicted it would.
“And what is it that you feel, Sayaka?” Kirari faintly spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. Softness seeped through her words in an uncharacteristic way, her eyes glistened with a serene gentleness that took Sayaka by surprise.
Sayaka’s heart pounded so loudly she could hear it in her ears. This was it, the moment she had been waiting for, where all her thoughts and feelings flooded out in a single sentence.
“I feel—…” Sayaka began to say, her voice catching in her throat. She hated how vulnerable she sounded, “I feel like I don't know where I stand with you…” Her voice faded out, the words coming out choppy and sloppy as she spoke through the lump in her throat.
Kirari’s expression shifted slightly, her face no longer blank. The room felt smaller and the air heavier, tension radiated off of both their bodies.
“You stand where you have always stood,” Kirari replied calmly, her legs uncrossing and crossing as she spoke.
Sayaka huffed once more, frustration spilling over, “And where is that?” She demanded, her hands raising and slapping back onto her lap.
“By my side,” Kirari responded swiftly, her voice had more of an edge to it, not aggressive, not sharp, longing.
Sayaka’s breath stuttered, “And that’s it?” She whispered, her eyes scanned Kirari’s face, it was dazed, as if everything that was being said was a foreign concept to her.
The platinum haired girl didn’t answer immediately, and that alone was an answer to Sayaka. Snowy eyebrows wrinkled under bangs, icy eyes softened, pale pink lips pulling into a tight line in front of her.
Something inside Sayaka snapped, not in anger and fury, but in desperation. The fear of losing someone and something she had already given too much of herself to.
Before Sayaka could process her actions and think better of them, she leaned forward. Her hand lifted, fingers trembling as they latched onto the back of Kirari’s neck. Her skin was warm, soft and smooth. The other hand landed atop of Kirari’s thigh, her pinky finger tracing the edge of the skirt as she gripped the skin to steady herself.
Kirari’s eyes widened, just a fraction. Sayaka admired the bemusement that flushed on the girl’s face.
“Sayaka—..”
The name barely left her lips before Sayaka closed the distance.
The kiss wasn’t polished or gentle, nothing like Kirari had imagined her first kiss being like. It was hungry, full of longing desire as Sayaka’s hand became tangled in long platinum tresses, her other hand moved slightly above, landing on the girl’s hip. Kirari was seemingly frozen, until her hands slowly reached Sayaka’s shoulders, gripping the fabric tightly.
It was warm, messy, aching….things Kirari never allowed herself to be. Her heart blossomed as her cheeks flushed, Sayaka’s touches burned her, an inferno ignited in her body.
Sayaka’s lips pressed against hers with restrained desperation, as if she were trying to prove something. To herself, Kirari, and the space they previously found comfort in.
Sayaka pulled back, much to Kirari’s disappointment, the warmth leaving her body just as quickly as it came. Her breathing was unsteady as her chest rose and fell unevenly.
“I’m not part of your game…” Sayaka whispered, “I’m someone that loves you,” She murmured, watching Kirari’s cheeks flush uncharacteristically, the naturality of her face making it far more obvious,
The words hung in the air as Kirari’s eyes searched Sayaka’s face carefully, as if she were encountering something entirely new.
A small smile dusted on her face, “You’re trembling,” Kirari pointed out, murmuring quietly as she intertwined Sayaka’s hands with her own.
“So are you,” Sayaka replied.
A chill ran down Kirari’s spine.
———
The Momobami Manor was quieter than the academy ever was, the sound of harsh wind rattled against the windows, moonlight fracturing onto polished marble floors. The manor was a deliberate contrast to the traditional Momobami estate. There was no carved wood, no golden emblems and ruby lacquer. Ancestral paintings did not fill the walls, instead it was white, clean lines, modern architecture. It felt cold, almost intentional.
Ririka stood alone in front of the large window in the lounge room, the mask resting over her collarbone rather than her face. A small frown formed on her pale face, it was another night of Kirari arriving well past their curfew.
Ririka was drawn out of her thoughts as the door quietly opened, Ririka’s eyebrows downturned, was she really trying to sneak back into the house now? Ririka observed quietly, the soft shuffle of shoes being slipped off in a hurry, the subtle brush of fabric against the wall. She tip-toed slowly throughout the corridor, attempting discretion. Ririka scoffed to herself, it was one in the morning, did she truly believe she wouldn’t be noticed?
Ririka approached from behind, years of being invisible that even Kirari’s heightened awareness didn’t register her presence, “You’re late,” She whispered faintly, careful not to let it carry toward their father’s wing of the house.
Kirari paused mid-step, turning around slowly, she had been caught, of course. She figured she would have been anyways, Ririka always kept a close eye on her after all.
Kirari brought her finger up to her chin, feigning theatrical innocence, “Am I really?” Her lips curled upward, “It’s nice to see you too, dear sister.”
Ririka paused, her eyes studying Kirari’s face. Her hair, normally immaculate, was let down. Loose and tangled strands clinging slightly to her rosy, flushed cheeks. Her skin glistened faintly beneath the moonlight filtering through the hall windows, as though she had been somewhere far too warm for far too long.
Kirari’s blazer was missing. Her white dress shirt was untucked, clearly wrinkled, and two buttons lower than usual revealing sharp collarbones. The fabric creased along her waist as if she had been lying down.
Ririka’s eyes narrowed, yes, this was most unusual. This was not the aftermath of some late night gambling. This was…different, concerning.
Without another word, Ririka seized Kirari’s wrist, dragging her up the grand staircase into Kirari’s room; she didn’t speak until the doors closed with a muted click.
“Where were you?” She demanded quietly, her normally soft and placid tone edged with something sharper. Pacific eyes bore into icy ones.
Kirari wandered past her without urgency, crossing the room and dropping onto the edge of her bed as if this were the least interesting interrogation she’d ever endured. She stretched languidly, arms lifting above her head, exposing the faint line of her collarbone.
“At Sayaka’s dorm,” She replied casually, a yawn slipping between the words as she spoke, “Did you know her roommate is Midari? I almost pity the girl…” She trailed off with a soft hum.
Ririka’s thoughts moved quickly, Sayaka’s dorm, late, disheveled, flushed…her jaw tightened as her eyes shut tightly.
“Oh— God…Okay, so you two are dating then?” Ririka breathed, processing. She did not want details, she did not want imagery. Ririka wanted clarity.
Kirari looked at her in utter confusion, her eyebrows furrowing and her mouth frowning as her eyes squinted, “When did I ever say that?” Kirari sighed lightly, “No, we are not dating,” She explained as if Ririka was stupid to even think that. The answer was immediate, no hesitation.
“Then what were you doing there?” Ririka interrogated, her eyebrow raised in the process as her arms crossed over her stomach.
Kirari smiled, amused by the rare persistence, “So inquisitive tonight. Is it a crime that I happened to visit my dear secretary?” Kirari joked, a grin stretching across her face.
“I took a nap,” She admitted, shifting further back onto the mattress, propping herself up on her elbows, “She fell asleep as well, I suppose we both lost track of time,” There was no deceit in her tone, Kirari would be stupid to lie to Ririka.
So that explains the messy, disheveled appearance.
“The dorm air conditioning is atrocious,” Kirari added with mild irritation, “It was unbearably hot. Midari practically set something ablaze, I’m sure of it,” Kirari’s eyes closed, a deep sigh leaving her lips.
“That explains the sweat…” Ririka muttered.
Kirari’s lips twitched, “Now, why are you interrogating me?” Blue eyes glimmered faintly in the dim room.
“You’ve been late twice now,” Ririka exasperated, her annoyance clearly had no effect on Kirari as she just smiled and fell back onto the bed.
“Noted,” She said lightly, Ririka knew that meant nothing.
A sighed escaped Ririka’s lips, “She’s distracting you,”
Kirari’s eyes flicked towards her, something thoughtful crossed her face for a brief moment, “Do you think so?” Kirari muttered slowly, Ririka knew better than to answer, her eyes spoke enough.
“Whatever you say, dear sister,” Kirari’s hand lifted lazily, waving towards the door in dismissals. Her words were playful, yet soft. Like something had shifted in her overnight.
She was certain it was Sayaka Igarashi.
Ririka faintly smiled to herself, looking at Kirari one last time before closing the door and drifting towards her own room.
Her sister meant more to her than she would ever articulate aloud.
———