Hourglass [Quintessential Quintuplets]

Chapter 16 - Echoes of Betrayal

''All the time we spent together... Asuka! There's something I need to tell you! I lo-''

''No.''

- - -

The quake of disbelief in her widened eyes — pupils shrinking, lashes already wet before any tear has had the courtesy to fall. I know exactly what she's feeling. Her entire world is folding in on itself because of one sentence and I'm the one who lit the match.  ''...W-What...''

My own chest feels hollow as if something inside me got yanked out. My mind keeps running the same chant on a loop (this is for the better outcome, this is for the better outcome) but the chant doesn't dull a single edge of what's happening in front of me. ''Listen, you're going to regret what you're about to do.''

I want to answer Itsuki's feelings. I do. But not now and... definitely not like this. Midterms are around the corner, and if we cross that line tonight every thing she's been building goes straight down the drain. Worse yet, we probably risk being kicked out of the house if her sisters finds out. So no, this isn't just my mess to swallow. 

Trembling hands, clenched teeth. Denial and sadness.
I am used to seeing these. I know I shouldn't be.
But today, it just cuts deeper. I have no choice... just one more week.

She's already drifting backward, half a step at a time, just out of arm's reach. Her shoulder grazes the wall without her registering it. "N-No... This c-cannot be..."

The only feeling I felt was the sadness of hurting someone else, which I'm starting to get used to back in the days. It's different this time. I want to cry. I want to shout. I even want to throw myself out of the window. But no. Not this time. Itsuki always believes she's being helped, though the truth is, she probably helps... me more than she ever realize.

I have to explain.
Just one more week and I'll set this right.
''Itsuki listen t— ''

𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗣!

''How could you say that! I gave you my all... I trusted you. I OPENED MY HEART TO YOU!''

Hurt. Itsuki's palm collides with my cheek before I can even draw breath to speak.  The sting blooms across my cheekbone in waves, expanding outward through my jaw, my temple, somewhere behind my eye. Does it hurt physically or emotionally? Can't tell anymore. 

No one can hear us in the dead of night right now — but this doesn't comfort me, not even a single fucking bit. Pressed against the cold window, I gaze at Itsuki's tear-streaked face. The despair and anger swirling in her eyes strike me like ton of bricks. She's throwing a... tantrum because of me.