Rika's POV
After what happened in the hallway, I stepped out from where I was hiding and looked toward the direction Clarissa walked off to.
I glanced back at the science club door, took a deep breath, then followed her.
She was alone, walking calmly — like nothing ever happened.
I followed her silently, but suddenly, she stopped.
I immediately stepped into the shadows.
She looked around, crossed her arms… and grinned.
Clarissa:
"Playing hide and seek?"
I didn't respond. I didn't move. I just kept watching.
She sighed and scanned the area again.
Clarissa:
"You know, if you want something, you could just come out and talk."
Still, I stayed quiet.
Then she opened her bag — and what she pulled out made my stomach twist.
Shinji's knife.
She held it like it meant nothing.
My eyes widened.
I finally stepped out of the shadows.
No more hiding.
She saw me and smiled, stepping toward me, casually swinging the knife in the air.
Those eyes of hers locked straight onto mine.
Rika:
"How did you get that?"
She smiled even wider and gently placed the knife in my palm.
Then, like it was a gift, she clapped her hands behind her back and tilted her head — that innocent look again.
Clarissa:
"Your friend really likes you, huh? She told me not to talk to you."
"But how can I do that… when you're so attractive I can't look away?"
My eyes narrowed.
I yanked her close.
One hand on her waist — the other pointing the knife at her stomach.
Rika (low):
"Don't change the subject. How did you get this?"
Her eyes met mine, calm as ever.
Clarissa:
"What are you actually confused about?"
"How I got the knife? Or why I act like this?"
She leaned in, wrapping her arms around my neck.
Her fingers traced my temple as she tiptoed closer.
No fear in her body — not even with the blade inches from her.
I kept my face cold. Emotionless.
Clarissa (soft):
"Hmmm… You really have beautiful eyes."
Rika:
"Thanks. Don't worry. I'll make it quick and easy."
I gripped her waist tighter, ready to strike.
But then—
Clarissa:
"You really like that knife, huh?
From your lost brother… Shinji."
I froze.
The name pierced through everything.
My fingers trembled.
I shoved her back, hard, slamming her against the wall.
She didn't even flinch — just smirked.
Rika:
"Who are you?"
Clarissa:
"Hmmm? Didn't you say you were going to make it quick?"
Rika (sharper):
"I said—who are you? Don't make me repeat myself."
I gripped her harder. Her waist turned red from the pressure.
She winced, but kept smiling.
Then she grabbed my neck — not gently — and pulled me closer.
Clarissa:
"You were ordered to kill me, weren't you?
Go on. I dare you."
My jaw clenched.
I couldn't stop my hand from shaking.
I shoved her away and turned my back.
I bit my lip hard — until I tasted blood.
Trying to steady my breath.
Behind me, I heard her fix her uniform and sigh.
Clarissa (calmly):
"That was intense."
I glared over my shoulder.
Rika (cold):
"Shut up."
She crossed her arms, slowly tracing her pendant with her finger.
Clarissa:
"I'm surprised… you don't know anything about Shinji."
I took a deep breath and turned to face her again.
Her smirk disappeared when she saw my bleeding lip.
Her expression changed instantly. She stepped forward and gently wiped the blood with her thumb.
Our eyes met.
I felt myself freeze — not because of fear. But because of the way she looked at me.
Soft. Focused. Like she genuinely cared.
But I kept my cold gaze.
Clarissa:
"I know you don't understand right now.
And you're welcome to kill me, if that's what you decide."
She looked up, her thumb still brushing my cheek.
Clarissa (soft):
"But if you do… will you ever find out what happened to Shinji?"
I stared into her eyes, trying to read her.
But I couldn't.
For once, I couldn't see anything.
Then—footsteps.
She quickly took the knife and re-sheathed it at my hip, like she was returning something precious.
Clarissa (quiet):
"Your friend's here."
I turned — and saw Mila walking toward us.
She didn't speak at first.
Just reached for my wrist and pulled me away.
Mila (to Clarissa):
"Sorry to interrupt, but we need to go."
She smiled at Clarissa and started walking, dragging me with her.
I didn't resist.
Mila was stiff — tense — but just feeling her warmth…
All that chaos I was holding inside?
Faded.
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