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AKEMI'S POV (+ SKYE AND TATSUYA)
"...well?" Tatsuya briefly smiled towards me, which made me give a little chuckle back. I very rarely ever saw his teeth while smiling, but he was so excited that they were. I still couldn't believe what he asked. He wanted to take me back to his place. We hadn't even talked for a couple of hours yet, and was already introducing me to his home.
At first, I thought this was a bad idea. I couldn't imagine the things he could do, even if I could defend myself. I had seen his killings up close and personal, and he wasn't playing around. I knew that. I also knew that this could all be a trap. His personality was definitely quite charming, which probably lured in his victims to begin with.
However…this would be a good chance for me to get closer to him. I couldn't say no. I had to risk it. There was something different about him anyways, something appealing. Something that didn't lead up to all the rumors that the gang had previously said. There had to be something more, beneath the surface.
"...I mean…sure! Of course, I would love to-"
I didn't need to say more. Despite how much I was planning on begging for him to actually go through with it, I didn't have to. He was already nodding.
"Sure." His answer was plain and straight to the point, which was typical for him. It seemed his whole personality was that way. He didn't beat around the bush about things, he was honest and open about his thoughts. It just added to his mysterious personality, somehow.
He wrapped a hand around my back and shoulder, like we had been best friends for years. Although it creeped me out at first, I shaked it off. He was probably just being friendly…right?
I didn't say another word about it. I just let it happen. He was leading me to his, and I couldn't throw away this chance and run now. It was far too late. He seemed like one of those people who wouldn't give up easily…one who would go to extreme points to get what they wanted.
I was almost scared by that thought. I started to wonder if I would ever leave his house once I entered. Eventually, his warm embrace replaced all those thoughts with pleasant ones instead. It seemed like a feeling that wouldn't be going away anytime soon. Whether that was a good thing or not…I didn't know yet.
I closed my eyes and soaked it in for a moment, and as a result, leaned my head on his shoulder. It was nice to be receiving any sort of comfort. It had been so long. Since…I felt that.
I just let my feet walk on their own, letting Tatsuya guide me to wherever he was taking me. For some strange reason, I found myself trusting him. Although this was technically our first time meeting, something about him calmed me down.
…Although, I also knew he lived in the dorms. He didn't know I knew that, because he didn't know I knew anything about him. But I knew this meant one thing…he had a roommate. I was sort of nervous to meet them. What if they were a worse person than him, or a partner in crime?
"Akemi." I felt him let go and tap on the top of my head.
I looked up, pretty lost in thought, "...Hm?" I questioned, only looking at his face for guidance.
"We're here."
I looked straight forward to see a familiar building looming in front of me. It didn't change much. It looked the exact same since I was here with Kiyo and Nikko. I hoped that this wouldn't be a similar situation…that's all I could hope.
We entered and he seemed to distance himself from me immediately, which wasn't the best sign. I just kept hoping. Hoping that I would even make it out alive…but…I was probably just overthinking things. He seemed normal enough. Maybe more normal than myself…
After what seemed to be minutes straight of silence, he stopped in front of a dorm and jiggled a key in the lock. The door creaked open, a sign that this was one of the older dorms, the unrenovated ones.
Inside, the lights were already on and there was a smaller boy sitting criss-crossed on the couch, munching on popcorn. I could already tell he was nothing like Tatsuya. He had a baby face with scattered freckles and white fluffy hair. He seemed gentle and loving. I could just tell it by looking at him.
"Tatsuya! You're home early!" The boy sat the popcorn down next to him and rushed off the couch, running up to him. He then placed a gentle kiss on Tatsuya's lips.
My heart just dropped. I found myself praying again. Maybe…it was a misunderstanding? I hoped so.
Tatsuya could feel the stare and decided to explain to his roommate who this stranger, myself, was, "...Ah, Skye…this is Akemi." He gestured towards me to which I gave a little wave and slight nod.
"Akemi, this is Skye…my boyfriend." I tried to pretend like that meant nothing to me, but I could see in his face and eyes that Tatsuya didn't say it much…if at all. Even Skye himself perked up when he said that and his cheeks flushed.
Skye looked at me with a curious look. He seemed to be scanning me, even…"Oh! I wasn't expecting guests…sorry…heh…" He wiped his mouth that was stained with popcorn butter. I could already sense he was insecure. His words trailed off and he tried to better himself, wiping crumbs off his oversized sweater. It almost screamed insecurity, just everything he did.
I realized I was staring too hard. "Nice to meet you…Skye." I reached my hand out and offered it for a hand shake. I hoped it wasn't too formal. I wanted to be nice though. Part of me debated even coming now. I didn't want to be stuck in the middle of another relationship, especially with how it ended up last time.
Skye shook my hand with a nervous giggle. I could feel my face blush a little. He seemed pretty cute…but…what was I thinking?
Tatsuya seemed to notice. I could feel him glaring at me. "Well, let's get eating! The house won't feed itself!" He seemed to be covering up something. The way he laughed didn't seem legit. He seemed almost…nervous?
Either way, I paddled into the house further and trailed after him. "Yep!" I added, trying to stay enthusiastic about this whole situation.
Tatsuya began scavenging through the fridge. It seemed pretty empty. Maybe…they hadn't been shopping in a while? I ignored it. I was just happy to be alive right now.
He pulled something out. "Hmm…haven't been shopping in a while, but I can cook up some soup, is that okay?"
I was right after all. "Sure!" I smiled. Honestly, I couldn't care less what he cooked for me. I was happy to be here, and be alive, and part of me…part of me just wanted to get this night over with.
I looked around and decided to take a seat on one of their bar stools. I watched Skye, who also seemed nervous about something. Like something Tatsuya said had triggered him. He seemed almost…scared? Was that the right word…?
I decided to mind my own business and looked forwards towards the kitchen. On the fridge, pictures of them. The cabinets were hand painted. They had obviously been staying there for a while. It seemed more like a home than a dorm.
Tatsuya was a good cook too. He knew what he was doing.
"So…" I tried to break the silence, "What are you guys going to college for?"
Tatsuya spoke first, "Mechanical engineering." He seemed to regret it. I wondered if he was even interested in it…but I didn't question it.
Skye followed him with a small shrug, "Photography."
"Oh, wow. So…you're like opposites?" I joked a little. They didn't really laugh back. Tough crowd…
Skye just smiled a little and nodded, and Tatsuya was too busy cooking but gave a little smirk.
"I guess so," he remarked back.
Things went quiet again. It was sort of awkward. I started to wonder…was it always like this? Was this normal? Of course, this was only really the second encounter with a relationship for longer than a few minutes. And…the first wasn't the best example.
Soon, which wasn't really soon, and was actually a painfully awkward long time, dinner was served. I was way too interested in the drama tv show Skye was watching. I was actually invested in the plot, even though I knew Skye was only watching it to pass time. He hasn't even touched his popcorn since I got here.
I didn't even notice that Tatsuya placed a bowl in front of my face. It smelled really good. I gave a little gasp in awe when I finally noticed it. "Wow, are you a chef?!" I seemed pretty amazed, mostly because I was.
He only gave a chuckle and rubbed the back of his neck. He didn't seem to get compliments often. "Hehe…chef's secret…" he joked back and gestured that I could dig in.
I didn't even pause for a second. I immediately took a sip. It was sooo good. It was probably the best thing I had in a while! I didn't even have to look, I could feel my eyes sparkling.
"Wowww, you should've taken culinary!" I kept complimenting him, but I had to describe just how good it was. Because it was amazing after all.
He just chuckled again and sat across from me. He was giving that smile again. Where he bore his teeth.
Skye took a seat next to me. He seemed to be playing with his food instead of eating it. I could also feel…a type of emotion flowing off him. Not a good one. It just floated through the air. It made me go silent. Did I say something wrong?
I continued to eat it up, quite quickly. Both of them looked at me like I was starving…and honestly…maybe I was. But it was just that good! I couldn't help it!
Both of them were slow eaters…if Skye was even eating it. He didn't touch it. I decided to finally say something, "What's wrong? It's really good!" I smiled over at him.
He didn't respond. He seemed to be frowning while he swirled his spoon around in the bowl. He didn't touch it at all. "Too hot." He muttered. There was a look on Tatsuya's face that told me he was lying.
Tatsuya was frowning…like he wanted to say something too. But, he kept his mouth shut. Maybe it was a personal thing…so I kept my mouth shut too.
Soon, the entire bowl was gone. I ate all of it. Tatsuya had made it about half way and Skye still didn't touch his, instead playing with his fingernails, which seemed manicured. I was the first to finish. I felt a little guilty, but the amused look on Tatsuya's face changed that.
"Do you want more?" He asked with a smirk. I knew he was mocking me in a joking way.
I giggled a little and shook my head, "Thanks but…I'm so full!" I groaned which only made him more amused.
"You're a good cook." I added.
He gave an appreciative nod and continued eating. I could feel Skye's glare again. Seriously…what was his problem? I was just being nice.
Skye got up not soon later, leaving his bowl on the table. Full. Not touched. He walked towards the bathroom. It really wasn't any of my business…even when I heard him throw up.
Tatsuya's face turned concerned, but he didn't get up. He picked up Skye's bowl and dumped it into the garbage before placing it in the sink. They were definitely hiding something. It seemed…just…weird. To say the least.
He began to make him a salad. It was kind of thoughtful at least. Since, Skye should eat something if he wasn't going to eat the soup.
"Hey…I can do the dishes if you want?"
Tatsuya seemed a little surprised by it. "Huh? Oh…no…it's okay, I got it." He tried to decline my offer.
"I'm a guest, it's an honor."
He didn't seem in the mood to turn me down. He gave a little nod, "Alright." It was only 3 bowls after all.
I walked up next to him and grabbed his bowl too, "Oh…are you done?" I suppose I didn't even ask. I just assumed. He gave a nod, which filled me with relief. I poured the rest in the garbage like he did previously with Skye's and turned on the faucet.
I tied back my hair in a little ponytail and rolled up my sleeves before putting the drain in and filling up the sink with hot water and dish soap. After, I began to wash up the bowls, and placed them on the drying rack.
"All done." I smiled over at him. He had just finished making Skye's salad too. He flicked soap suds onto my nose and I giggled at him while I pulled the drain. Soon, I did the same.
Skye walked out to us flicking soap suds at each other. I could feel it…again. That same, familiar, lingering emotion. Jealousy. I stopped and looked over at him, wiping the soap off me and pulling down my sleeves again.
I went silent and started washing the excess soap out of the bottom of the sink. From the corner of my eye, I could see Tatsuya hand Skye the salad. He seemed thankful.
"Thank you…" Skye whispered and Tatsuya kissed him on the cheek. I stopped looking. I didn't want to see anymore. I felt the same emotion rise in me…this wasn't good.
Once everything was clean, I tried to get my escape.
"Well…" I turned around to see the couple curled up on the couch together. The feeling got stronger. "I should probably get going now…thank you for the food and company though." I tried to stay calm. I didn't even know Tatsuya anyways.
"So soon?" Tatsuya frowned…"Do you want to watch this with us?"
They had put on a movie. Skye didn't seem happy with that idea. I could tell by the look in his eyes…
"No…sorry…I should really-"
"C'mon! Just one movie?" Tatsuya seemed to be begging at this point.
I sighed. "Alright. One movie."
Tatsuya seemed overjoyed. I smiled at his excitement. I sat down on the couch, on the opposite side of Tatsuya.
…
It was about a half an hour in, when I felt a hand run across my chest. My heart froze. It was Tatsuya's hand.
"What are you doing?" I whispered to him. Skye was already fast asleep. He fell asleep not even 10 minutes in. He seemed exhausted. I didn't want to wake him.
"Shh…watch the movie." Tatsuya whispered back. I felt a little uncomfortable…but…I let it happen. The selfish side of me wanted this to happen.
"...Fine." My voice was so silent, Tatsuya didn't even hear me.
…
10 minutes later, he pulls me closer. I can feel my heart race. I don't say anything.
…
Another 5, and he's kissing my cheek. I can feel my cheeks blush. Why was I enjoying this?
…
Before the movie was done, I fell asleep on his neck and shoulder…just like Skye did.