BAREFACED

Chapter 4

You, Aimi, and Hana walk down the sidewalk looking around at the shops. 

"OOOO... LETS GO THERE NEXT..." Hana bubbles, jumping up and down, pointing at a bakery. Aimi sighs, and you furrow your eyebrows. "Can we, can we..."

"Hana... we had sweets at Yuki's grandmother's bakery, and we got candy from the convenience store... and you want more?" Aimi asks.

"I know... but still... It looks so yummy..." Hana pouts. You turn around to look at Eli, who's looking at the bakery behind you. 

"You oppose this whole thing yet... you're still here with us." Aimi says to Eli. Eli looks at Aimi and sighs. Hana looks closer in the window. People start to stare at her from the inside. "Hana... let's go... you're creeping people out..." Aimi grabs Hana's arm and pulls her away. You follow behind them. Eli walks beside you.

"You should give up on this idea, Yuki..." Eli sighs. "You are putting yourself and them in danger by doing this." He points at Aimi and Hana as he says that. 

"I'll protect them..." You reply.

"You think you can protect them at all times?" Eli asks. You look down when he asks that. "See... you should give up on this idea." You shake your head.

"Eli... there's more of a reason why I want to do this..." Eli looks at you in curiosity. 

"And what's the other reason?" Eli asks.

"I need an answer to my question... consisting of Toman." You quietly say.

"And what exactly is that question?" He asks. 

"Whether Toman is the same or not." Eli lifts an eyebrow. 

"What do you mean by that?" Eli questions.

"YUKI!!!" Hana yells out. You look up to see Hana and Aimi further into the distance. You slowly approach them.

"Yeah?" 

"Let's go to the mall... they will have more stuff there." Aimi suggests. You nod to the idea.

Not long after you guys arrive at the mall. You and Aimi are looking through clothes. Hana is snacking on a churro as she lies on a small bench in the store. You are examining a very ruffly white shirt. Aimi looks at it too.

"That would look really cute on you, Yuki." Aimi cooed, holding up the shirt towards you.

"It's best to wear black if you're going to spy on someone." A voice says. You and Aimi look at Eli, who's sitting beside Hana, eating a churro. 

"Was that you who said that, Eli?" Aimi asks. Eli relaxes his eyes and looks behind you and Aimi. Someone puts their hands on you and Aimi's shoulder. You both look behind you to see Ren.

"Ren... what are you doing here?" Aimi asks.

"Eli spam-texted me, telling me the three of you were making a mistake." Ren replies, smiling.

"Yeah... and now there are 4 idiots..." Eli huffs. Ren chuckles. 

"Actually, I think the plan is pretty decent... but that's only if you're spying... I don't think it's a good idea to approach them and interrogate them." Ren comments.

"Aw... but that's the fun part..." Hana whines. Aimi walks to the next aisle, looking through the clothes.

"When do you guys plan on going to spy on them...?"  Ren asks.

"Today." Hana replies, hanging off the bench. Eli scoffs and looks at Hana.

"Do you even know where they will be?" Eli asks. Hana goes quiet, zoning out.