WHISPERS OF A BUTTERFLY • Kamisato Ayato

four. 四

To your dismay, Ayato still remembered who you were, that he didn't ignore you, and that, therefore, you couldn't allow yourself the luxury of passing him on your way to the garden and pretending to be unaware of him. He was a busy man, yet somehow had the hours of the day to dedicate them into pretending to put thought into you. You suspected that Ayaka was the one pushing him.

For two days your true conversations came to a halt. The most you'd speak was to pass plates at dinner. In the corridors of the estate, total avoidance: good morning, nice weather, shallow chitchat.

From the outside, you must look like any ordinary couple speaking in hushed tones, but you both knew that there was a spiteful war stirring in your guts. You knew that Ayato just wanted to get over this awkward silence, have you sign a contract declaring your marriage, and retreat back to his quarters to wallow in misery. Perhaps he'd spend a few hours reading books he'd never had the time to, or continue with his duties, maybe summon a friend to play beetles with.

"Why are you here, Ayato?" you asked when you heard footsteps from behind, as you leaned on the garden railings to gaze out at the sea.

"It's my responsibility to ensure that my fiancé is alright."

It was a vain excuse at conversation, and you both knew it.

"Free time?" you said. "From what I hear, you ought to be out in the forest playing beetles with that Oni friend of yours."

Ayato laughed. "Ah, so you know Itto? The guy gives Kujou Sara a run for her money."

"Never heard of him," you said. Then after a moment's hesitation you added, "Well, if he gives that Tengu woman a hard time..."

"Still hold a grudge against the Tenryou Commission?" he asked. "Heh, well, I can't blame you. I'd be upset if they arrested my uncle too."

"It's because of them that we have to partake in this ridiculous marriage," you muttered.

Ayato raised an eyebrow. "Granted, your uncle was found guilty. If anything, you should place the blame on him, not Madam Kujou."

"Chisato did say that people should pay for their wrongdoings. Though I'm afraid that I feel this is rather unfair."

"Unfair? Is the design of Kamisato Estate not to your liking? If you're so adamant, I think I could arrange Thoma to redecorate the place. Plus you won't have to work that much and you'll be set for life—"

"Do you really think I'm that conceited?" you snarled. "Archons, how typical. Take a look at yourself!"

"Well," said Ayato, "you are kind of conceited."

"Don't make me laugh," you said. "Everything I've done was discussed over salami. I bet my mother is discussing which shop tailors my wedding clothes over a glass of wine right now."

"I thought you loved your mother," he said.

"I do! But sometimes I just wish that—"

"Things were different?" he finished. 

You raised an eyebrow. "Uh, yes. How'd you know? Stalker, much?"

Ayato shrugged. "That's not important. But you do understand that this is all duty, right? Ever since we were kids. This is what we were born for. If it bothers you so much, we can discuss it."

"There is nothing to discuss," you protested. "I don't want to talk about anything. Or to you. As far as I'm concerned, we never really knew each other."

You then began to leave, preparing to make your escape from the conversation, but then he reached out, and grabbed hold of your arm, spinning you back in towards him until you were pressed against his chest, and suddenly for the first time in a year, he was holding you. In private.