Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Twenty-Three

Coming from her bathroom, Chisana saw a note on her bedside table. A game of chess? Sure, but I do play against Reiji too. According to the note, she went to the game room and found Laito waiting. "Did you leave me a note?" 

"I did. I heard you play against Reiji but would you play against me as well? Can you keep two games separated?" He moved a chair back for her. "You can start." 

Well, I did win the last game against Reiji but lost two games before that. "I guess so but don't forget homework, alright. Check the game and where your pawns are." She moved a pawn forward. "That makes it your move, but I do need breakfast." 

"Of course." Laito made a counter-move. 

Figuring out a strategy, she moved a knight forward. "No, I need breakfast. Make your move later or when we're back from school." 

"Alright, fair enough." He took her hand and teleported to the kitchen. "I got her a little occupied~" He winked at her and disappeared. "I might have made my move before going to school, Chisa-chan." 

She sunk onto the chair. "I did tell him no and that he has to wait until we're back from school." She eyed her breakfast. French toast in eggs and jam? "Looks yummy, I'm digging in." 

Reiji joined her with tea for the both of them with a smile, complimenting his cooking. "Good afternoon, Chisana, and enjoy your breakfast." 

Kanato came into the kitchen and saw breakfast was served. "Reiji..." 

"Sit down, Kanato." Reiji gave his younger brother some toast with jam. "It's raspberry jam. She has strawberry jam." 

She noticed Kanato's eyes light up and smiled. "Enjoy, Kanato." 

Kanato nodded with his mouth full. 

Reiji kept quiet about the raspberry pudding, which cooled in the fridge for Kanato later. "Can you tell me why you are having your lunch break on the rooftop? I can sense the scent of that Deadbeat on you." 

Wrong timing, Reiji. She finished her breakfast first, thinking of the best way to let him know. "If I may, Reiji, can you hold off your questions for a little longer?" I think I can almost make him talk or perhaps convince him to go back to class. Besides, I have no idea if he's close and listening to us. 

"I do expect some answers tonight, Chisana," agreed Reiji as he picked up on someone else's presence. 

"I will." She understood he gave her some time for whatever it was. "Thank you." 

Kanato turned his head for a second. "Great, here comes a nuisance." He ate his breakfast quickly and left. 

Reiji started cleaning after fixing a quick breakfast for Yui, who came inside. 

*** 

Luckily enough, Chisana got through the classes without having a test. She heard Laito being happy for not having one. Writing down the last notes, she heard that the class is over and that they could leave for the break. "Do you want something to drink from the cafeteria or am I going alone?" 

Laito waved his hand for her to go. "No, go ahead. There is something else I have to do. Go get your coffee." 

"I'll see you later then. Enjoy your break." She collected her coffee and winked at Reiji while heading to the rooftop. I'll hope to tell you soon. Opening the door, she smiled for seeing Shu outside. Am I glad to find you relatively fast? I did try the broadcasting room on the way here.