A game of love behind the cards

XXV. Burned

The three of them sat around the table, enjoying their meal together. The room was filled with the aroma of freshly prepared food, creating a cosy atmosphere. Suddenly, Y/n's phone rang. His face lit up with excitement as he quickly reached for his phone. However, when he read the message, his expression changed to one of disappointment.

Kirari: Is everything all right, darling?

Y/n looked up from his phone and offered a reassuring smile.

Y/n: Yes, everything is fine.

Kirari raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued by Y/n's sudden change of behaviour.

Kirari: You don't seem well. What was that message about?

Y/n: It's just... I was waiting for a message, but it seems it wasn't who I was expecting.

The conversation continued as they ate, the only sounds in the room being the clinking of cutlery against plates and the chewing of mouths.

Ririka: I hope everything is all right, Y/n.

Her voice was soft and tentative, as usual. Y/n nodded and gave her a reassuring smile before turning his attention to his food. Kirari, on the other hand, watched him intently.

Kirari: Who could be so interesting that you're expecting their message while you are with us, darling?

Y/n: It's really nothing important, just a message.

Kirari's eyes narrowed slightly, her curiosity not satisfied by his vague answer.

Kirari: Then, who could be so important to send you a message while you're here?

Y/n: I'm just waiting for a message.

Ririka, interjected quietly once again, her gaze shifting between Y/n and Kirari.

Ririka: Kirari, maybe it's best not to pry too much. We should respect Y/n's privacy.

Kirari's expression softened, but there was an underlying tension in her words as she spoke.

Kirari: I just don't like it when others try to take Y/n's attention away from me. He's here with us now. And besides, we agreed that he would be mine for the weekend.

Y/n: And we didn't say I couldn't look at my phone. Kirari just let it go, it's a simple message.

The tension at the table eased somewhat as they continued to eat. Y/n tried to concentrate on his food, but Kirari's curiosity was not yet satisfied, so she decided to insist on the topic once more.

Kirari: Darling, were you waiting for a message from Yumeko?

As he took another bite, Kirari's question surprised him and made him stop in the middle of chewing. He looked up at her, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he quickly composed himself.

Y/n: Yumeko? No, it wasn't from her.

He hoped his answer sounded convincing, but Kirari's penetrating gaze made him feel exposed, as if she could see through his facade. Sensing the tension, Ririka looked nervously between Y/n and Kirari, her fingers fidgeting with her utensils.

Ririka: Um, maybe we should drop the subject, Kirari. It seems that Y/n doesn't want to talk about it.

Kirari's gaze shifted to Ririka, her expression softening slightly at her sister's intervention. But she remained insistent, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Kirari: I just find it strange, that's all. You're usually quite open, darling. Is that why you're being evasive?

Y/n's mind raced, searching for a plausible explanation that wouldn't arouse further suspicion. He forced a casual smile, trying to deflect Kirari's probing questions, because if she found out that he really was waiting for an answer from Yumeko, he couldn't imagine what she would do.