Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Thirty-Eight

Shu showed up. "Let's get this over with." 

"Thank you, Reiji-san." Yui got a cup of tea and joined Chisana. "Why don't you ask the bank to hold on to it longer so you can save more money for later? You have to finish school just like me, and, after it, we have to find a job. It gives you more time to think." 

Chisana thought about the same thing. "For the time being that is my best option." It's not like I need it, right now. Even if I want to do something back for them for taking me in, I am not obligated to pay for anything. This mansion belongs to their father and is basically paid off. The only bills are for electricity, water, and gas. "I'm going outside for some fresh air." 

*** 

On her way to her room, Chisana heard some painful sounds. 

"Reiji-san, please. It hurts." 

Chisana recognized Yui's voice and otherwise by the usage of their names. Only she adds suffixes behind their names. Before she knew it, she knocked on his door. What is going on in there? 

Reiji stopped even if he only whipped the girl twice. "Well, then don't let your grades drop. I warned you." Reluctant, he opened the door for sensing Chisana. "Is there anything you want, Chisana? A few questions perhaps? Or is it to make a move on the chess board?" 

Wanting to react, Chisana saw Yui holding her arm. Did he use the whip on her? Then she noticed the whip in his other hand. Will he ever do that to me if my grades drop? "How do you expect me to ignore what I hear? I heard her voice through the door loud and clear, Reiji." She went inside and noticed the two whip marks on her arm with some blood. "Help me understand how whipping will help her to get her grades up? Whipping is more for punishment." Turning to the girl, she checked the book. And math of all classes? "Yui, is there a reason that a few grades dropped?" 

Yui nodded. "Yes, the Mukami's. They don't drink just enough, they take a lot more. I don't like it either but it's the reason I have trouble focusing." She wrapped an arm around Chisana and thanked her in silence. 

"Reiji, please, punish the Mukami's but not her. It's not like she can do much against them." Chisana moved to shield Yui from him. 

"It's her grades that have dropped." Reiji pointed at the girl behind her using the whip. "Move aside, Chisana. It's her punishment for her dropping a few grades." He teleported to the other side. "I told her I whip her three times. Her grades dropped for three classes." 

Turning around, Chisana caught the whip before it could make contact with Yui's skin. "I don't see this as valuable help for her to get better grades, Reiji." What the hell am I doing? I could get punished for this, but I can't back down now. "Tutor or mentor her to get better grades but not this." What would I do if I get punished with his whip? "Whipping could also have the opposite effect on anyone on a physical and mental level. Please, Reiji?" 

Pulling the whip free from her hand, Reiji felt the whip ending up on his chest. Along with the sound from hitting his chest. 

Chisana clasped her hands over her mouth. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean it for that to happen." That's it, he's going to whip me and over what? For trying to teach him something about us women? She heared her voice dial down to a whisper. I've done it now. I'm sorry, Yui. "I'm sorry, Reiji. It won't happen again." Aware of being helpless against him, she headed for the door to leave but was stopped. 

Reiji acted fast to heal the wounds on Yui's arm and stopping Chisana. "Not so fast, Chisana." He opened the door. "I need to talk to her, Yui." 

Yui took her leave but not before wishing her good luck silently by putting her hand on her shoulder. Also as a thank you because it meant a lot to her.