Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Two

"Excellent timing, what time is it?" She folded her hands together in front of her and bowed her head as a greeting. 

Reiji checked with his pocket watch. "It's fifteen to six, why?" 

"Perfect, I wanted to know how long it took to get ready to go to school." She smiled. "That means I will wake up at the same time as you. Consider it an experiment for a normal school night, and based on having time left, I'd say it's a good result." 

"I see. The ride to school takes forty-five minutes." Reiji descended the stairs. "And the first class starts at seven-thirty. You wouldn't be lying to me, would you?" 

"I don't see the point in lying. The truth will always come out." She shook her head, saying no. "I will not lie to anyone, and I can only hope no one will lie to me. I wish you hurt me with the truth rather than a lie for comfort." She walked with him to the living room. "If I may ask how far does my freedom go in and around the house? Can I go to the garden?" 

"You may." He wondered when her kind mask would show some cracks. "But don't go wandering off too far from the manor. The forest is close and home to many animals." 

She wanted to walk away but changed her mind. "I've tried drinking cranberry juice but it's too bitter. I can drink it mixed with apple juice. That's just to inform you, Reiji. When I go to school, I will make the mix in a bottle to take with me." 

"You don't have to keep me informed of everything. Come find me only when you have a question. Most of us like to be alone." He clarified while seeing it as a good sign. 

"I will keep that in mind. Have a nice night, and sleep well, in case I don't see you." She bowed at him and walked away to find the garden. 

Yui heard the conversation and it baffled her when Reiji made no advances toward the girl or to bite her. It bothered her how kind, polite, and respectful the girl was, making her believe the girl was making her look bad. Everything she did always resulted in her getting bitten. Yet, the new girl could do anything and got away with it. She ran upstairs, her footsteps silenced by the carpet, and stayed by the window when she saw the girl in the garden. 

***

Chisana enjoyed some fresh air in the garden. This is nice. She went down and smiled at the sight of roses all around her. Someone takes good care of them. I wonder who maintains the garden. She wandered between the roses and inhaled the scent. I can get used to this. 

"Are you following me?" 

The voice startled her, and she turned to see Subaru. "No, I wanted some fresh air. I didn't know you were outside until you spoke to me." She shook to emphasize her words. "Honestly, I mean it." 

He crashed a rose in his hand. "You're lying, and I don't like liars." 

It feels like I have to choose my words with care. "I hate lying, Subaru. I don't see the point in lying either. I said the same thing to Reiji." 

For some reason, Subaru believed her and the look in her eyes convinced him. "Don't follow me." 

"I won't," she smiled. "Just before coming here, I talked to Reiji about going outside." It's not like I can do whatever I want. This is their house, and I don't know them yet so it's better to be careful. 

He let go of his fists. "You talked to him but he didn't bite you?" He barely felt the presence of his brother on her and couldn't see a bite mark either. 

"No, I'd take it he was busy and wanted no distractions or he had other things on his mind. Either way, he didn't bite me. But since I see you out here, Subaru, do you wish to bite me? Otherwise, I would like to enjoy the garden a little longer before going back inside." She stepped towards him. I don't know whether I'm a fool or just brave. Regardless, they will bite me at some point. So it's better to meet them halfway and maybe it won't be so bad.