Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Forty-Six

"What is it that you want? Are you blaming me for something, Katsuyuki?" She was a little surprised  of his attitude. How on Earth can I get myself out of this one? I can not tell him that Seiko and Yoshi are dead. "You know what, I don't want to know. I have cut ties with them, and they are not my responsibility either. I thought that Seiko was sick, but her mother could have taken her away from here and moved elsewhere. Yoshi is my stepmother, but she threw me out of the house when my father died. I thought I told you this so stop coming to me about this. I can't tell you what I don't know." 

"Come on, Chisa-chan." Laito could hear them and how the girl was trying to get away without answering any of the questions. "Can you stop harassing her? She lost the home she was born and raised, her mother at a young age, and two months ago she lost her father. It's because of people like you that she can't process it and move on." 

Katsuyuki's frown turned upside down. "No, it's nothing like that. I just wished there was something I can do because..." 

"Because you feel responsible since Seiko was in your homeroom. Newsflash, Katsuyuki, the moment they step outside of this building, your responsibility stops. So stop annoying other students." Laito interrupted him and guided Chisana straight inside their homeroom. "Are you okay?" 

And I thought it was over. Now, I have Katsuyuki who is annoyingly persistent about Seiko's whereabouts. I can't just tell him that Seiko is dead and dressed up as a doll. "I will be," she answered. "It's just that..." Her voice died out. "How am I supposed to do this?" 

"You'll figure it out. You always have, but remember this, Chisa-chan, you are and never will be responsible for that problem. She got herself involved and had to face the consequences. Consequences that she had been avoiding in her life. That's why she made you do her homework, why she stole your boyfriend back then. It's all about manipulating you so she can have a free and easy life without having to face the consequences." 

I understand that much, but I know have to deal with Katsuyuki. She checked her watch for the time. "Not enough time." 

"For what? Maybe I can help you." Laito leaned closer. "I can pass a message without anyone noticing me. You helped me a few times, let me help you." 

Looking at him, she could see he was telling the truth. "He just needs to see that Seiko was my stepsister. We're not bound by blood and even if I was... How am I responsible for someone else? I don't see it." 

Laito knew what to do. "Don't worry about it but it will have to wait until the lunch break." 

*** 

Keeping his eye on her, Laito waited until it was time for the break. When he heard the bell, he got up. "Leave Katsuyuki to me, Chisa-chan. You go and have your coffee with Reiji before you go to the roof." 

"Thank you." Chisana left the classroom with her bag on her shoulder.  

"Chisana, allow me to apologize..." 

"You're with me, Katsuyuki. We'll have a nice chat about what's appropriate and what not." Laito took the man away while waving at the girl to go. "Don't worry, Chisa-chan, I won't bite." He would be in trouble if he did. Now Seiko was out of the picture, he wanted to keep it that way. "Alright, Katsu," he started and shorted the name down, "they might want to keep it quiet for multiple reasons, but she's in a relationship and he's possessive over her. Before you ask, no, it's not me but one of my brothers. Stay away from her." 

"I'm not even surprised she has a boyfriend... but that's not it. I'm not interested in her that way." Katsuyuki ran a hand through his hair. "I'm seeing someone myself so don't worry about it."