A Star's Embrace

The Star is curious

This scene reminds me of an anime Illya forced me to watch one time if I remember correctly. I also recall how cliché it was since it was the typical trope in the romance genre that the two love interests would admire each other the first time they meet. Truly something that you can only see in fiction.

Well, that was my original thought until today that is.

I can't help but be incredulous at the predicament I'm in, after all, who the hell would say "stars" at someone you just barely met?! It's a miracle she didn't make a disgusted look when she heard me, and not only that, the silence was palpable since she hadn't said anything in the past three minutes!

Yep, this is definitely the most embarrassing moment in my life thus far.

"Um, you okay?"

Great Shirou, just great. Not only did you do that, but you just now made things even more awkward by how worried she looks right now. "A-Ah no! I'm okay miss, just a bit surprised that's all."

Despite how obvious my lie was, she didn't comment on it as she let out a relieved breath. "Thank goodness. I thought that I gave you a heart attack."

(Now that's something you don't say to a hospital patient.)

I managed to form a small smile, even though it was shaky at best. "Don't worry about it, I'm alright."

However, it still didn't diminish her guilt since she bowed her head a little. "Still though, sorry for scaring you there."

Seeing her do that didn't sit well with me at all, and it isn't because she was with child. It was simply because I don't like people asking me to forgive them for something so trivial. "Like I said, I'm fine. So there's no need for forgiveness."

I know that many people don't like that, and seeing the look she had for a split second confirmed my thoughts. "Well, if you say so." As she said that, her face then became surprised while looking at the clock. "Oh shoot! I need to find Sensei!"

Her words reminded me of what she had done earlier, and a sense of foreboding overcame me as I could imagine what she might do in her search.

So, to my better judgment, I spoke out before thinking about it. "If you want, I can call my doctor to help you."

My suggestion was met with a look that surprised me because it had a mix of wariness and intrigue at my words. It was something I had only seen in people like Caren, which made this even more worrying. 

But it was for a split second before she had a cutesy smile. "Why?"

The way how she said that had an underlying tone to it, which made me more inclined to be cautious with my next words. "Were you planning on visiting every room in this block?

Surprisingly though, she shook her head while giving me a confused glance. "No. I was about to go to the receptionist to ask about him."

Despite that rational reply, again, that feeling of wrongness became even more present with every word she spoke. It was as if I was talking to a mask. "Even more reason to call my doctor since he just left my room, thus, with his help you won't need to waste time going back to the first floor."

Most people would agree with my words since almost no one likes to waste time, yet I can tell that this normal girl isn't like most I've met due to the subtle shift in her eyes.

I mentioned this because that was my only sliver of indication of her true personality underneath her mask. An incredible one that could even make those in the Clock Tower nod in acknowledgment, albeit not perfect.