Chapter 17 - Panic

SADE's POV

I remained still, my eyes fixed on the glass screen for the longest time.

Did he find out?

What will happen to me now?

How did he find out?

The questions spiraled in my head until they didn't.

No. It couldn't be.

If he had discovered my real identity, he wouldn't be filing a return request. Love Machina Inc. would already be here, ready to take me away, making sure my failure didn't compromise the others.

No, that wasn't it. He probably still thought I was a Love Machina.

But then, why would he want to return his machina?

Had I done something wrong? I looked around, trying to find answers. Was it the window alarm? I had not tried to open it anymore after it happened. Was it the mess I created with the printer? Yet, I had improved and learned how to reuse the printed errors lying around for new material.

I dragged my feet up the stairs, unable to think of anything that could have triggered the request for my return.

Maybe I should have seen it coming.

After all, the company's pod was still standing in my bedroom. It was like a silent reminder that my presence here wasn't permanent. At any moment, the owner could ask me to step back inside and send me away. Just like that, I'd be back at the clinic. Back in the gloomy dormitories where I'd already spent far too much time.

What would be next now? Will someone knock at the door and take me back?

It almost felt too cruel for it to happen now.

I opened the wardrobe, running my fingers over every single piece of clothing I hadn't even had the chance to wear yet. I buried my face in the soft fabric of the cutest cardigan Styla had chosen for me. Its smell was as wonderful as the first time I tried it. Could I bring the clothes with me?

No, I already knew. They wouldn't let me do this.

It was so cruel indeed. Giving me a glimpse of this wonderful life only to rip it away from me after just a few days... I would have preferred not to experience it at all. You can't miss what you don't know.

At least I could find some form of contentment at the clinic. Not knowing what was outside of the grey walls prevented me from longing for anything better.

But now? How could I go back after experiencing such a sweet life?

This wasn't the dream life I envisioned for myself, but it was already so much better than my life back at the clinic.

It was a temporary contract, and it was going to reimburse half of my debt.

Half!

I had already envisioned the next few months. I could picture myself living here, eating delicious food, shopping for fabulous clothes, exploring the City, and creating with the printer. In a few weeks, the company would call me back, and half of my remaining debt would be wiped away.

Half!!

That was the best part.

Maybe I will move into a new debt category and have access to better missions outside of the clinic. Or perhaps I could get a job outside, somewhere close to nature. Or I could use my new printing skills to apply for a qualified assignment.

If I played my cards right, I could be free in twelve years, maybe.

The thought of it made my head spin. I lay on the bed, my arms crossing on my face, hoping to calm myself down.

Then, I had the wildest idea.

For a split second, I considered fleeing.

I checked the tablet the owner had given me. A quick tap on the safe icon displayed my updated balance after the shopping spree.

No, that was a stupid idea. Even if I could flee, I would still owe my debt.

I stared at the tablet, realizing everything on it was probably tracked. The owner knew what I ate, where I was during the day, what I was doing with the printer, and how much I spent from the safe.

He knew so much about me, and I knew nothing about him.

V.

A slow, simmering bitterness began to build up in my chest.

What a stupid, stupid name.

My mind circled back to that moment, earlier this week.

If I had any use for you, I suppose I would let you know.

I got back on my feet and left the bedroom.

As it stands, I don't.

I went straight to the other side of the hallway, my heart racing.

Before my hand could even reach the door he had forbidden me to enter, I stopped in my tracks.

What was I doing?

This wasn't me.

I wasn't someone who broke the rules.

The reason I was here was exactly because I had always followed them. My docility and agreeability had opened doors for me. I had been given the chance to erase half my debt in a single mission because I had always been so obedient at the clinic.

And here I was, about to throw it all away.

But was it not over already?

The words on the glass screen had been clear: the owner had requested a return. And I remembered he said he had deactivated the home cameras.

What did I have to lose now?

If I had any use for you...

That was why. That was the reason he wanted to return his Love Machina.

...I suppose I would let you know.

He had found no use for me.

He wouldn't need to.

I was going to find a reason myself.

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