𝐌𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧

13 - Pick a Side, Boy

It has been quite some time. One morning came.

Nene would like to sleep some more, but duty called. It was part of her job to prepare the dining area where the members were going to have breakfast. And so, she hopped from bed and dragged herself there.

Much to her surprise, somebody was already there, occupying a chair on the very end of the dining table.

"Mitsuba? It's unlike you to be here this early," Nene smiled, lazily snatching a surface cleaner and cloth.

"Hm. Not that it's your business," he scoffed.

Right.

As Nene started wiping the table, she couldn't help but notice a pair of eyes following her.

"Say, radish legs. Aren't you a writer?" he suddenly asked.

"Hnn, yes." She grumbled at the comment about her legs.

"What do you think....about a protagonist befriending the antagonist?"

This was new. Mitsuba never usually talk about anything at all with her. Well, except for the occasional thick ankles slander.

"Well, that's possible. Many books used that for character development, or even finding the resolution."

"Hm. But what if them being close affects their other friends? Like, it can put them in danger?"

Where is this going?

"That sounds complicated. I think the solution depends on each writer, since they have different experiences in relationships."

It was silent for a moment. Dissatisfaction could be seen on Mitsuba's face. He only muttered 'thanks' and walked away from the room. Nene wasn't sure if he could hear her, but she took the chance to add something.

"Mitsuba! You come up with your own solution and do what you think is right. You don't have to prioritise a friend over the other. Remember to do things for your sake, too! What do you want to do the most?"

There wasn't a reply. But she sure hoped he listened, because she wasn't just saying nonsense.

She had to admit, she learned those words from Aoi, who used to be a huge people pleaser. Aoi never seemed selfish, but she always blurted complains about how everyone at work was so needy of her and wanted a break. She never got any, though.

She still put up with that burden, but it wasn't as bad. Still, Nene thought it was best for her to leave Minamoto Corp.

"Morning," Tsuchigomori greeted her. He was usually up first out of everyone else and finished his breakfast as the others started theirs.

Right, she still got work to do.

----------

"Great work, everybody. Thanks for today," Amane clapped his hands together. And with that, everybody was dismissed.

Mei did a little stretch, letting out a small yawn. She rose from her seat and tiredly walked into her room. Nene was on cleaning duty and will be back later.

Great! Mei had some time all by herself. Just as she was about to leap in the air and land on her squishy bed, a knock arrived at the door. She slumped her back, sighing.

"Who's that?" she called out.

"It's me."

"Hngh...come in."

The door swung open, revealing the same pink haired man she has worked alongside for years. His hair fell on his shoulders, wavy from the bun he wore everyday.

"So, how is it?" Mei yawned.

"Huh...you're right. She did give a good advice," he sat on the bed.

"See! I told you, so. I couldn't help you because I'm so clueless to these things," she suddenly bursted with energy, sitting beside him. "Do you know what you want to do with that younger Minamoto boy?"

A moment.

"I thought about it. Real hard, this time. I won't tell Kou about our plan. Afterall, I joined A. S. S. in honor of Tsukasa.

"He was the only one who supported me and became my friend in school, despite being...a little eccentric. So, I'll finish what I started." He faintly smiled. The guilt came rushing up his back.

"Oh, man. I really have betrayed the whole team. I betrayed him. God, I feel...so awful. What's wrong with me?"

His little smile dropped.

"Well, that's what happens when you're in love, I suppose," Mei tapped his back. "At least, you've finally come to your senses. I'm glad you're stopping your double-spy agenda. It's getting boring and pathetic to see our spaceship failing everytime."

"Heh. I guess it's time for my confession. To No. 7, though," he played with his fingers.

Mei smiled and nodded.

Mitsuba then frowned. "Say, No. 5, why haven't you snitched on me to No. 7? You know, when you caught me meddling with the system."

She giggled.

"Faith, I guess? Yeah, you mess up our spaceship, but you've never told those Minamotos our location and stuff. Something tells me a part of you still wants to help out A. S. S."

The two said their goodnights, and Mitsuba left the room, feeling a little bit more relieved.