A Little Twist

Thirty-Two

'Where are you going?' She catches the look in his eyes. 'In case one of your brothers asks?'

He nods. 'Last supplies for the next semester. I always get those myself.' Honesty and open communication. That's the only way to get her to cooperate with me.

'Thank you, I'll do my best. Better get your last supplies then and fingers crossed.' She smiles at him.

He disappears.

Alright, now you and then downstairs. She sits up and pulls her pillow closer.

***

Just how big is this mansion? Why haven't I seen Risa? Is she unconscious because one of them drank too much? Wondering, Moriko wanders through the corridors. Hoping to find Risa's room. When she opens a door carefully, she finds herself in a room with a lot of teddy bears. Wait, this must be Kanato's bedroom. Her eyes land on a bigger teddy bear with an eye patch. You hardly put that thing down. He can't be far... Wait, I can use this. I have been punished enough and it's Risa's fault. Framing me for what she did wrong. Like the kitchen. She destroyed Reiji's tea set. Without thinking, she grabs the teddy bear when she hears the shower. I need to be fast. She leaves Kanato's bedroom. If only I could put this in Risa's room but I haven't found her bedroom. Plus, I'm limited in time. Soon Kanato will find out that his beloved Teddy isn't there.

'Where are you going?' Risa finds the girl too suspicious since she tries not to make a sound. She checks the monitor under her shirt. Out of sight. Good. 'There is nothing for you here. Either go back to your room and count your blessings that none of them bit you yet, or you go to the living room.'

'Actually, I was looking for you.' Moriko turns at the girl.

That's Kanato's bear. He will kill you for this! 'Do you have a death wish?' Risa doesn't hesitate and grabs the bear. 'Do you always steal things that aren't yours? Kanato will kill you for it.' There is no way I can put this back in Kanato's room. He would think I took it away.

'Laito!' Kanato's voice sounds through the mansion.

There it is. Risa closes her eyes for a moment and makes up her mind. 'It's not him, Kanato. Get to the hall, please.'

Kanato appears fast while buttoning the buttons from his shirt. 'Risa, you?'

'No, Moriko did. I just made sure she can't do anything to him. Here.' Risa hands the bear back to Kanato. 'You should know that I don't lie for anyone. Not even myself, Moriko.'

Moriko clenches her fists. 'You mean you would betray me. You did that in the kitchen. I didn't break any tea set. You did and framed me for it! You are just as bad as them.'

Risa shakes her head. 'Why would I do that? I would compromise everything. At least I don't go bothering them, do things without their permission, or use the kitchen without Reiji knowing it. I earned that privilege...' A cry stops her from talking. Just great. I didn't want her to know that I have Daiki.

Kanato wanted to say something but the doorbell sounded. 'Where is Reiji?'

'Currently not here. He's getting the last few supplies for the semester. Can someone open the door? That's Moriko's school uniform,' explains Risa. 'Punish Moriko if you want. Drink until she's unconscious and get her back downstairs. Don't kill her and Reiji will consider it a good night. He'll be back soon.'

Moriko recognizes the cry. That's a baby?! What is a baby doing in a place like this? 'Is that... Do you have a baby here? That's reckless and risky because they could bite the baby...' She's grabbed by her neck and lifted.