8:
(Now then, how do I get away with this?)
I'm in a bind right now. I've been dawdling in here for more than 30 minutes. The ice has long since melted, blending in the drink. It will taste bland for sure.
I leaned on the countertop and sighed in misery.
(Haa. . .Why did I have to open my fuckin' mouth?)
It was supposed to be a touching story, about finding one's purpose in life, yet somehow, one way or another, I inserted myself in the story.
(She must've realized it along the way. What should I do if she asks me about it? Should I just laugh it off and change the subject?)
I immediately thought of the countless possibilities and routes in which the conversation would go.
(Alright! If she asks, I'm just gonna pretend that I feel sleepy and rest on the couch. If she doesn't, then all's good.)
It was the easiest escape route that I could think of. A pretty good one if I say so myself. I was actually starting to feel sleepy, so that was probably for the best.
"Yeah, let's go with that."
Just then, I heard a clanking sound from her room.
(Did her books fall out the shelves again?)
Knowing that it'll be a huge mess, I made my way to her room. Of course, I didn't forget the plan I set for myself.
(Just stick with it and improvise if necessary.)
• _______________________________________________________ •
"Hey, you good?"
I made sure to sound as if nothing happened half an hour ago. I scanned over the room, but nothing seemed out of place.
". . .What?"
"Ah, I heard something just now. Are you alright?"
". . . . ."
"Hmm?"
"Haa. . . someone just came to visit."
She sounded so done. It was as if she worked for 8 hours straight with no breaks. But more importantly, she mentioned a visitor.
"Huh?! A guest? Just now?"
". . .Hm."
(Did they even talk? I didn't hear a thing.)
"Haa. . .what a pity. I missed them."
". . .She'll be back soon enough."
"Oh? So, out of the ones you mentioned, which one is-?"
". . .Haa. . .the perceptive one."
I couldn't help but notice how drained her tone and expression were.
"Do you not get along well with her?"
". . . It's not that. It's just that. . .she talks too much. It's quite tiring."
"Hmm. . ."
It took me a moment to realize it.
(Wait a moment, they were talking? For how long? Once again, how come I didn't hear a thing?)
"You guys were having a chat? I didn't hear anything though?"
". . .Well, you were in another room."
"Still, I should be able to hear you guys. I was still close by."
". . .I wonder."
"Hmm. . .well, forget it. I'm feeling tired too, so do you mind if I borrow the couch?"
It wasn't the first time she deflected a question so I just let it be. There's no point in forcing her to answer me anyway. I will gain her trust bit by bit and eventually, she'll open up to me.
". . .Why not sleep on the bed?"
"Hm? Nah, I'd rather use the couch."
She suddenly stood up, taking her goat plushie with her, and sat on the couch. An indication that she wants me to take the bed.
". . . Alright, I'll take your offer. Thanks."
The bed was unbelievably soft and comfy. I immediately felt at ease.
"Wow, I feel like melting. It's so warm too. Goodnight~"
". . . . ."
She didn't even bother responding. But I didn't mind, my head was already drifting its way off to sleep.
(I wonder if I sleep here, will I wake up?)
My last thoughts were quite fleeting, easily overcome by the drowsiness, and finally, disappeared into the wind like a wisp of smoke.
• _______________________________________________________ •
In the dimly lit room, a lone figure could be seen reading a book. Her solemn expression showed immense focus.
Nothing could be compared to the comfort of a tranquil room. There was only the sound of flipping pages of the book. It took a moment to break the silence with a sigh.
"Haa. . ."
She leaned her back on the couch and closed her eyes. She seemed to be pondering about something.
With a voice as soft as a drop making rippling waves in the water, she spoke-
"If worse comes to worst, I can just give up."
Afterward, she finally opened her eyes, which appeared to be moist. Her expression filled with sorrow as if she was holding back an intense amount of pain.
". . .Who was it that said such a thing?"
She looked at the girl peacefully sleeping on the bed and showed a depreciating smile on her face.
"Was it you or. . .?"
After a short while, she glanced at the wall, it seemed to move slightly, revealing itself as a black curtain. It blended so well with the wall that it looked like a part of it.
The girl sighed and closed the book in her hands.
". . .Now then, it's about time for the prelude."
• _______________________________________________________ •