The Loveliest of Lies (Oumota)

You're not worth poisoning

The next morning, Kaito woke up early. Very, very, early.

Eyes fluttering open, he groaned and checked his alarm clock.

It was a quarter past six.

Sighing, he lay there for a few minutes and then got up. There was no point in wasting time in bed.

He had a long shower, got dressed, and went outside.

The cafeteria wasn't open. So, he decided to wander around the school and search for clues.

He started in the basement and worked upwards, eventually ending up at the computer lab on the fourth floor.

Is Miu in there? He listened at the door. I can hear someone crying.

He grabbed the doorknob, but didn't turn it.

What if she yells at me again? He thought, remembering what had happened the day before. No. I can't hesitate. Not when lives are at stake.

He entered the room.

Miu was sitting in a chair, hugging her knees and crying into them. Papers littered the floor around her.

She raised her head when he entered, making him recoil.

She looked terrible; her hair was all matted and she had very dark circles under her eyes.

"M-momota? What the fuck are you doing here?"

"I couldn't sleep." He gazed softly at her." "And you? Are you okay? Did you get any sleep last night?"

"No. I- go away." She snapped.

"Hey. It's okay. I understand." He stepped closer.

She shook her head and hugged her knees again.

"Can I sit with you?" He ventured.

She bit her lip, then nodded.

He sat down next to her.

A few uncomfortable moments passed.

"Do you want to eat breakfast together? I could bring some food here, when the cafeteria opens?" He offered.

"I'm not hungry."

"Okay. Just tell me if there's anything I can do to help."

Miu didn't say anything. She had stopped crying.

Kaito took a deep breath. "I'm worried about you. I even miss your crass jokes."

Miu grimaced, still not speaking.

He sighed. I'm just making her more miserable. She isn't going to open up to me.

"I'll leave Iruma. I'm sorry for intruding." He said, standing up.

Miu winced. "No. Stay."

"Okay. Okay. I'm staying." He sat back down, raising his arms in a pacifying gesture.

"I- do you consider me a friend Momota?" She asked, almost pleading with him.

"Yes."

"Why?"

He bit his cheek, thinking furiously. He had to choose his next words very carefully.

"Lemme see ...well, I think you're interesting. I like your awesome intellect. I like spending time with you. You can be very feisty and very driven. But sometimes you can be a bit much. I am awed by some of your inventions...and disgusted by others."