Worst Cupid Ever

Haruto's Trial (2)

It was nerve-wracking. Ada had expected to be called to the stand, but she hadn't given it a deep thought. It had flitted through her mind as one of those things she must do for her friend. Now that she was called forward to give her testimony, the shaking began. Teddy smiling at her and giving a thumbs up did little to quench her anxiety.

Ada glanced at the spot where Haruto sat next to Amil. She wished she had spoken to him before the trial to get a feel of his thoughts. Was this all too much? Had she done something unnecessary? At that moment, he looked in her direction, and Ada melted in relief when he smiled her way.

Walking straighter, Ada hurried to the stand. Gosh. It was crazy quiet for such a large hall. And Luke was across from her in a stand since he was the respondent. Formally dressed in a suit and seeming unruffled, his expression had barely changed after Bo read her complaint. His response when asked who would represent him had been a banal, "I will be representing myself." Then silence.

When he was called to the stand, he walked over with the air of someone who was assured of their absolute win. And it was messing with Ada's confidence. Perhaps, this would fail and—

No. The worst that could happen was Haruto remaining a rifter. No way things could get worse. What would be gained if the hearing ended in his favour was worth all the risk in the world.

"State your name, house and give your testimony." The third curly-haired dark-skinned judge looked like he would rather be somewhere else.

"I'm Adarosa, a Rollick of the Southern Division." The goal was to be straight to the point. Using too many words would only give her opponent ammunition. Teddy had put her through this part over and over and played out every response Luke could give. "While in the field, I met a rifter assigned to the love interest of my assignment. He initiated conversation and as we talked, I learned he was previously a cupid who got dropped and had his wings removed. He mentioned that no hearing was conducted. Concerned, I informed the Helmets of my division."

Yep, that's all. Simple. Just as Teddy advised. Ada gave herself a mental pat on the back. When she stole a glance Luke's way, she did a double take. Instead of his self-assured expression, he wore a small smug smile. Did she say something wrong? Perhaps a mistake? But everything she said was the truth.

The judge in the middle shifted her focus to Luke. "Any question for the testifier?"

"I have no questions," Luke said with an easy shrug.

"Thank you for your testimony, Adarosa," the Retired said with a gentle smile. The first positive expression she had shown since the hearing began. "You may leave the stand."

After making her way back to Teddy, Ada sat with a frown. What was this oily feeling in her gut? Something didn't feel right.

"You feel it too, right?" Teddy asked as he watched Luke. "There is something about his confidence... doesn't feel like an act."

"I feel it too." Ada huffed as she leaned into her seat. Was there something Haruto had failed to tell her?

"The respondent may give his testimony." The white-haired retired said.

"My name is Luke. I am the Head Helmet of the Northern Division. First, I would like to apologise to the Helmets of the Southern Division." The tone of Luke's voice softened—a sharp contrast from the arrogant airs he loved to display every time Ada came across him.

Bo chuffed and looked away when Luke sent an apologetic bow the Helmets' way. "I was wrong not to have consulted you when dropping Haruto."

The second judge, an equally curly-haired boy with sharp eyes, stopped typing on his virtual keyboard and canted his head. "This isn't the time or place for an apology. Straight to the testimony please."