Rival Offline (Anya Forger x Damian Desmond)

Chapter Twenty: I am...

Hahah heyyy I totally didn't disappear for 2 months 

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Day Two of their trip to Kyoto dawned with a sense of freedom, yet Anya and Damian found themselves at the mercy of Becky's meticulously planned itinerary.

"So today we're going shopping for souvenirs first. I'll help Anya find something perfect for her handsome father," Becky declared with a dreamy smile.

Damian wasn't keen on the idea of shopping. He had no one back home to buy gifts for, and the prospect of strolling through souvenir shops didn't excite him.

"There's also a really cool aquarium nearby. We'll hit that up before shopping!" Becky continued, her excitement infectious as the boys reluctantly nodded along with her plans.

Anya glanced towards Damian who just had an unsatisfied look on his face, they followed the group toward the Aquarium, wondering how the day would unfold.

"Alright, it'll make things easier if we pair up," Becky announced with a mischievous glint in her eyes, standing with the group outside the aquarium.

"I'll team up with Ewen," she declared, taking hold of his arm.

"I'll go with Emile," Maya said shyly, positioning herself next to him.

"So, Anya, Damian, you two are together," Becky concluded cheerfully, flashing a wide smile. The pair sighed in annoyance.

"There's really no need for us to pair off," Damian protested, crossing his arms defiantly.

"Can't we just all go in a group?" he continued, hoping to avoid the forced pairings.

Becky shook her head, her enthusiasm unwavering. "I think it's more fun if we split up a bit. That way, we can cover more ground and everyone gets a chance to enjoy the aquarium and maybe discover something new."

Damian sighed as the two pairs left him and Anya alone. "Don't think I want to spend any time with you, Forger. I can barely stand you," he said, his frustration evident.

Anya raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of mild surprise. "Oh, really? You don't have to be so rude about it," she replied, trying to keep her tone light and remain calm, despite his irritation.

"Whatever, let's just go," Damian said, walking off towards the first exhibit his eyes landed on.

"H-Hey, wait up!" Anya called out, hurrying to catch up with him.

Damian didn't slow down, but he did glance back to make sure she was following. As they approached the exhibit, an array of colorful fish darting around in a vibrant coral reef caught their attention.

Anya, slightly out of breath, tried to engage him in a less confrontational manner. "So, um, have you ever been to an aquarium before?"

Damian grunted, his gaze fixed on the exhibit. "I'm not interested in your small talk."

"Damian—" Anya started, but he cut her off sharply.

"Don't address me so casually."

Anya took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "I just wanted to know why... why do you hate me so much? I mean, I can't stand you, but that's only because you're so mean to me."

Damian's eyes flickered with a mixture of frustration and something else that was harder to read. He didn't turn to face her, but his voice softened just a fraction. "You wouldn't understand."

"Try me," Anya said, her voice tinged with a mix of determination and hurt. "We're stuck together for now. It would be better if we at least knew where we stand."

Damian's shoulders tensed as he struggled with his own thoughts. "It's not just about you. It's... complicated."

Anya's eyes were searching his face, hoping for some glimpse of the real reason behind his hostility. "Complicated how?"

Damian remained silent, his gaze still fixed on the colorful aquatic life. The vibrant hues of the fish seemed to contrast sharply with the tension between them.

Anya sighed, feeling the weight of the moment. "Look, I don't know what's going on with you, but I'm here, trying to make the best of this. It's not easy for either of us."

Damian glanced at her for a brief moment, his expression unreadable. "Maybe it's just easier if you stay out of my way."

"Does being number one really matter so much to you?" Anya asked, her curiosity piqued despite the tension between them.

"Of course it does," Damian grumbled, his tone reflecting the weight of his conviction.

"Why?" Anya pressed, her eyes searching his face for an answer.

"Why should I tell you?" Damian said, his annoyance palpable as he walked away from the exhibit.

"Because..." Anya began, searching for the right words. Her heart raced, desperate to reach him.

In a bold, dramatic move, she blurted out, "I am Sakura."

It was a farfetched attempt, one that if Damian weren't Kokei, he would probably just laugh off and walk away. But this was her only choice; she needed to know the truth.

Damian froze mid-step, his breathing hitching as he processed her words. "Sakura?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"All this time... you..." Damian's voice trailed off, his confusion evident. "How long have you known, Forger?"

"I only realized today, that you might be Kokei" Anya admitted, her voice trembling with the weight of her revelation.

Damian's face contorted with anger and hurt. "Don't speak with me, ever again," he said softly, his voice laced with pain as he turned on his heel and walked away.

Anya's fists clenched in frustration. Dammit, he was slipping away. Her feet seemed to move on their own, driven by a force she couldn't control. She reached out and grabbed his sleeve, trying to make it look like a casual gesture to avoid drawing attention.

"Why?" she whispered urgently.

Damian's eyes, filled with anguish, met hers. "Because you deceived me. You pretended to be my friend, probably just to get information out of me. Everyone uses me for my status, and you were just like the rest."

His words struck like a knife, the pain of his betrayal cutting deep. Anya's heart ached with the realization of how her actions had been perceived.

"Why do you think I'm deceiving you?" Anya's voice wavered, tears beginning to well up in her eyes. "I had no idea you were Kokei. I never asked anything of you. I just wanted to be your friend."

Her words seemed to pierce through the fog of Damian's anger, and for a moment, he froze. The weight of her plea hit him, and the anguish in her voice struck a chord deep within him.

Without a word, Damian pulled her arm gently but firmly, guiding her away from the public eye. He led her to a quieter corner of the aquarium, where the distant sounds of the exhibits faded into a more private space. The tears in Anya's eyes grew heavier, her emotions nearly overwhelming her.