IT BLOSSOMS, hatori sohma [Fruits Basket]

Chapter Fifty Two

When Dragon paid a visit to Shigure's residence, intending to spend time with the others, she found herself in a soured mood upon discovering that everyone had left. "And the mutt stays?" she sneered, glaring at Shigure who sighed and sat before her. "Will you be alright being all alone? Poor doggie left to fend for yourself," she continued with a sardonic tone.

Shigure let out a weary sigh as Dragon sneered at him, her harsh tone making her disdain for his presence clear. He leaned back in his seat, his expression one of resignation.

"Oh, I assure you, I'm quite capable of taking care of myself," he replied with a slight smirk, his voice tinged with a hint of sarcasm.

Dragon's scowl deepened as she shot him a skeptical glare. She took a step closer to him, her gaze fixated on his face.

"Capable, huh? Yet here you are, all alone in this big house. Can't exactly say you're thriving, can you?"

Shigure's expression remained calm, seemingly unfazed by her scathing retort. He leaned back further, his arms crossed leisurely across his chest.

"Oh, but solitude has its charms," he replied, his tone still holding a hint of sarcasm. "Besides, I don't mind having some space to myself from time to time."

Dragon's face twisted with a mixture of derision and annoyance. She crossed her arms as well, mirroring his position.

"Charming, huh? Or just lonely?" she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Space to think about how bored and pitiful you are?"

Shigure let out a fatigued sigh before closing his eyes, then looked at Dragon with a wearied expression. "There's nothing preventing you from leaving if you wish to," he stated tersely.

A flicker of frustration crossed Dragon's face as Shigure responded with a tired sigh. She let out a huff of irritation before speaking again, her tone sharp.

"Oh, I'm well aware I can leave at any time," she retorted. "But someone has to keep you company so you don't wallow in your own self-pity."

Shigure's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression growing more solemn.

"My self-pity?" he echoed, a tinge of defensiveness in his voice. "Is that what you think I'm indulging in, solitude to drown in my own misery?"

Dragon's lips curled into a smirk, her tone still sharp and sardonic. "Isn't it obvious? What else would you be doing, hm? Sitting here in lonely contemplation, feeling sorry for yourself."

Shigure's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing further. He leaned forward, his arms still crossed in front of his chest, but his tone now firm and serious.

"You think you know exactly what goes on in my mind and my heart, don't you, Dragon? You assume that solitude automatically equates to self-pity. How very narrow-minded of you."