Limitless

Chapter 24: Ready

First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAKI 🎂

Second of all, thank you for the 900+ reads.

Finally, anything in italics is something written as a letter.

Enjoy the next four chapters today 😁

Well, it was Tuesday. The day has finally come.

Maki pinned the note to her bedroom door. She knew that Kaito was doing something in his room, but she wasn't quite sure what it is. It was almost 3pm. Kaede said that she and the others will have reached their decision whether or not to help her. If they had decided not to, Maki had just planned to wear black jeans and a black coat with a red shirt underneath and black boots. Not great for wearing on a birthday, but Maki didn't care. She didn't know if she would have fun for an hour anyway, and Kaito did say that they could come back early if she wasn't comfortable outside.

Maki quickly reread the note that was pinned to the door. She just wanted to let Kaito know that she was upstairs and if she wasn't down by 6pm, he can come up to get her when he was ready. Taking a deep breath, Maki made her way upstairs to the girls' apartment. She didn't understand why she was anxious. Maybe she just hoped that the girls didn't turn down her offer to help. She wouldn't be angry if they did. If anything she'd be understanding. At least they let her speak her intentions towards them, instead of treating her as a threat.

"Akamatsu? I'm here." Maki spoke up as she knocked on the door. She heard something being moved and a couple of the girls saying something, but she couldn't make it out. There were fast footsteps approaching the door, causing Maki to take a step back. Kaede opened the door, causing a slight aroma reach Maki's sense of smell. Was that...lavender?

"Maki! Glad that you came. Come on in." Kaede smiled brightly, stepping aside to let Maki in. Maki slowly stepped inside, suddenly realising at the room was a little dimmer than it was before. She had a better look around, seeing that the girls had suddenly changed it into some kind of make shift spa. All the furniture has been moved around, the sofa and coffee table have been moved to the side. A soft looking chair that seems to recline was placed in the centre of the room. The kitchen countertop and coffee table had candles set on them, all of them lit. That's where the scent of lavender came from. It was quite strong, but not too overpowering. There were also bottles and small tubs full of what Maki assumed to be some kind of creams and moisturisers. A bowl full of warm water that had rose petals on the surface was placed in front of the chair, presumably for Maki to dip her feet in. Different articles of clothing were on the far side of the apartment, most likely for Maki to try on. Did the girls really do all of this for her?

"Um...what's all this?" Maki asked, looking around the apartment. How did all the girls set this up in just three days?

"We've decided to help you. Atua told me that you were honest with us." Angie grinned. Maki felt relieved. For once, she was glad that Angie had telepathy.

"Now, all you have to do, is relax." Kaede smiled, gently slipping Maki's black hoodie off of her shoulders.

"Relax? I'm not sure-" Maki was ready to say something.

"Trust us. Now, get into this." Tsumugi smiled, holding up a pure white robe for Maki. Maki looked a bit unsure as she eyed at the item of clothing. "What? It'll be worth it in the end, I promise." Maki gently took the item of clothing and was taken to the bathroom. Once she was in completely privacy, she started changing. As she took her clothes off however, she couldn't help but notice her scars. She had lost count of how many she got all too long ago. She wasn't that person anymore that killed people for money. She knows that. However, the scars cruelly reminded her of who she was. What she was. How can someone like Kaito see through them when she can't? He clearly sees something that Maki can't. He told her that she wasn't a monster, and he worked as hard as he could to remind her of that.