The moment the doors of the main hall opened, everyone stepped out into the long stone corridor. Conversations were low at first, tired whispers from people exhausted after the chaotic meeting. But the moment their eyes shifted to the center of the hallway, silence washed over them like cold water.
There, in full view, Rin and Selene were kissing.
Some people stopped walking. Their breaths caught for a moment, as if unsure whether they were allowed to witness such a sight. A few others quickly looked away and continued on, pretending they saw nothing. No one wanted to interfere with Selene's affairs. She was the Ice Queen after all. Even the boldest knew better than to involve themselves in her personal matters.
Master Hoshino stepped out last. His expression held a mixture of disbelief and resignation. He paused only long enough to give the pair one tired look before shaking his head. Everyone knew he had witnessed many ridiculous things over the years, but this one seemed to weigh on him differently. He finally understood why his niece had been chosen by Selene, yet he wanted no trouble from it. Not after what he witnessed in his hall.
Shion stood beside Akari. She had just regained enough strength to walk, but the moment she saw the kiss, all color drained from her face. Her fingers gripped Akari's sleeve tightly. Her heart slammed painfully against her ribs as if it wanted to leap out and pull Rin away.
The girl she wanted. The girl she believed belonged to her. The girl she had dreamed of kissing… was kissing someone else. And not just anyone. Selene.
Shion's breath shook as her lips parted wordlessly.
Akari sensed the tremble in her sister's hand and glanced at her. She said nothing at first. She simply stepped forward and gently guided Shion away from the scene. She did not want her sister to break down in the hallway where everyone could see her.
Meanwhile Rin finally noticed the group watching.
Her body went stiff. Her eyes widened. She separated from Selene at once, her face flooding with embarrassment. She looked like she had been caught doing something forbidden. She lowered her head, unable to meet anyone's gaze.
Selene remained calm. Her expression was soft, almost pleased. She did not appear embarrassed in the slightest. It was as if the eyes of the entire hall meant nothing to her. To Rin, this made the situation even worse.
Akari continued leading Shion away. Shion's steps were unsteady, almost dragging. The shock weighed on her like a heavy cloak. She stayed silent until they reached the corridor that led to her room.
When they arrived at her door, Shion finally spoke. Her voice was small and unsteady. "Thank you for standing by me, Sister."
Akari's back remained turned. "I did not do it for you. Remember that."
Shion's throat tightened. "I know who you are doing it for. But I swear, I did not do it. Do you believe me."
Akari paused. Her fingers rested lightly against the door frame. She did not open the door and she did not face her sister. "Right now I do not know what to believe. Or what to say to you." Her voice softened slightly. "All I am doing is protecting my mother's first fruit."
She left after that, quickly, as if staying longer would hurt them both.
The door closed, leaving Shion alone.
Quiet filled the room. The air felt heavy and cold. Shion moved slowly toward the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her, pale and shaken. The butterfly on her shoulder glowed faintly, as if amused by her pain.
"Why did you do it," Shion whispered. Her eyes stung. "I only asked you to help me win. But you killed everyone. You killed them all."
A soft, playful voice echoed inside her mind, like a whisper curling around her thoughts.
"Ah, but I spared the lovers," the butterfly said. Its tone was light and teasing. "Is this how you thank me for being merciful. I triumphed, did I not. Yet the reward you wanted so dearly, your father's approval and perhaps even the girl, both seem ready to slip through your fingers."
"Stop talking," Shion said. Her hands trembled. She gripped the edge of the table for support.
"I will not," the butterfly replied. Its form appeared on her other shoulder in the mirror, wings shimmering like fragments of moonlight. "I speak when I please. And last night…" It let out a soft laugh. "We both saw how tightly the girl clung to Selene. If I had known she was the one you wanted, I might have played along. Something about her is interesting. I want to learn more."
It stretched its wings lazily and tilted its head. "Shall we switch."
"No," Shion said at once. "Never. I will never let you hurt anyone else again. You were supposed to help me win Rin's heart, not kill people."
Her voice cracked. She lowered her head. "Rin is meant to be mine. Not hers."
The image of Rin and Selene kissing flashed again in her mind. It felt like someone reached inside her chest and squeezed. Her breath came out shaky. She pressed a hand over her heart as if she could stop the pain.
"I am the one she is meant to be kissing," she whispered.
The butterfly fluttered closer to her ear. "If you want my honest counsel, I see no future where you and the girl become lovers. And Selene… she does not lose. When she decides she wants someone, she keeps them."
Its tone grew sharper, almost playful again. "Forget the girl, Shion. There are more interesting games we can play."
"No," Shion said firmly. Her fists tightened. "I want Rin. She was mine first. She will be mine."
The butterfly let out a soft, amused laugh. It sounded almost delighted.
"Very well then," it said in a lazy voice. "Let us play your game. I will help you with everything. But if, by the end, that girl does not fall in love with you, then I win and you lose. And my reward is simple. I take everything. Your body, your mind, your soul. All of it becomes mine."
Shion stiffened. Fear crawled up her spine. "What does that even mean."
"Simple," the butterfly purred. "I will be you and you will be the butterfly."
Shion swallowed. Her throat felt dry. "And if I win."
"You get your girl," the butterfly replied, stretching her wings as if this whole deal amused her. "And I remain a side character. A quiet little voice in the corner. Happily ever after for you."
Shion breathed slowly. Her eyes hardened with determination. "Very well then. Deal. Let us play this game."
The butterfly grinned. Its smile was sharp and bright, almost too bright.
"One thing, Shiro. I never lose when it comes to playing games."