A play away from freedom

Part 5 - The masked knight

The rain in Hotarubi perfectly matched your mood as you entered the teahouse and removed your shoes. Accompanied by Ritsu, you sat down opposite Subaru and Haku, who had already prepared tea and, as usual, fancy snacks for you both.

Although your reason for visiting wasn't exactly pleasant, Subaru greeted you with a warm smile. "I apologize for not having enough time to prepare for your visit. Here, have some Ohagi. Please enjoy and relax a bit. It seems your day has already been stressful enough." Subaru glanced at Ritsu's briefcase, which he had placed beside him. "There is no need to rush."

You both savored the sweets and flavorful tea Subaru offered. As always, the combination of tea and sweets was absolutely perfect. You admired the thought Subaru put into every detail, even his graceful movements. You couldn't resist secretly watching him when you thought no one was looking. His elegance captivated you.

Haku seemed a bit restless at the table. After a while of sitting properly, he couldn't sit still any longer and made himself more comfortable. "It's nice being here with you and enjoying some tea, but there's no need to be so formal, don't you think?"

Subaru smiled sheepishly in his direction. "Of course. Please, make yourself comfortable."

When Ritsu finished his sweets, he opened his briefcase and took out the contracts. "Thank you very much for the tea. It was delicious. I wish every meeting with a client could be like this, but..."

"Client?" Haku asked quietly, but Ritsu ignored him and continued. "As you have heard, all Ghouls are now detained until we prove that we can work together as a team. Apparently, there have been incidents that made the academy think the Ghouls would start fighting again. But there is a way out."

With a movement that was both elegant and swift, Ritsu slid two contracts over to Subaru and Haku. Subaru looked at the contract without changing his expression. "They want us to participate in a school play?" Haku asked, confused. "That's a strange way to prove we're peaceful. But sure, if you need me, I'm in. I'm not very good at acting, though, so it would be nice if I had a role with only a few lines."

"We haven't assigned the roles yet," you began hesitantly. "But I must admit, I have a special favor to ask." When Subaru looked up at you, you blushed slightly and instinctively looked down at your knees. "As you have read, they want me to be in charge of the whole play. I really do like acting and have some experience, but with only two weeks left and so much to do, I really could use some help. I'm sorry to bother you, but I wouldn't ask if it weren't..."

"You don't have to ask," Subaru interrupted with a warm yet serious voice. "After everything that happened at the festival, the least I can do is help you with a school play. I have some experience with plays, though of a slightly different kind. But I will do my best to help you. Just tell me what to do."

You thought he wouldn't turn you down, but you didn't expect him to be so charming about it. The concern in his voice took your breath away for a moment. Maybe you seemed more desperate than you realized. Or maybe, just maybe...

"Thank you for your cooperation. You would be a great help to the whole endeavor. That makes things much easier for us, especially if you take the leading role," Ritsu interrupted your thoughts, handing Haku and Subaru a pen. "Please sign the contract then."

"Is this really necessary?" Haku asked skeptically.

"Of course it is. We guarantee you your freedom with your cooperation, and we hand the headmaster all the contracts after we have every single signature to show them the will of every ghoul on campus to cooperate. Promises are good, but they never stand a chance against a signed contract in court."

Haku opened his mouth to reply but seemingly lost his will and simply signed the paper. Subaru did the same and handed over the contract. He looked you straight in the eye, which made you more than nervous. His usual reserve gave way to serious determination. But there was something else in his expression that you couldn't quite place.

"I hope you know I would have helped you even without signing something." Somehow, his words made you feel guilty.

"I know... thank you. Really." You took the contract and held it tightly to your chest without thinking. You only let go when Ritsu impatiently pulled it to put it in his briefcase.

"Just call me as soon as you have everything you need. I will do my best to help out," Subaru stated as Ritsu and you stood up, ready to leave.

"Thank you, we definitely will. And thank you again for your hospitality," Ritsu said. After you put on your shoes and bowed farewell, you left Hotarubi with a warm feeling in your chest.