Heart-Less

Chapter 14

Ada looked terrible. Her face was pale, and not in an attractive way. Her hair wasn't even combed. In fact, she looked as though she just stumbled out of bed. In fact, she seemed ready to fall asleep.

"Ada, what do you have to say?" Hiroto asked her. Ada shot up, as if trying to figure out what was said. Amiko heard a purr of satisfaction, but decided not to smile.

"What am I supposed to say?" she asked. Replying a question with a question was a safe bet, and a clear indicator that Ada hadn't be listening. That was just like her.

Across her, Kai sighed. "Are you saying that you have absolutely no regret about what you did? You went behind our backs to release information early."

Mimicking him, Ada sighed in return. "And why am I supposed to feel guilt?"

By the looks on everyone's faces, they were feeling tense. Only Ada looked too tired to notice anything. The silly girl.

Amiko raised a hand. "I'm sorry, I know this is highly irregular, but could we take a short break? I'm afraid that I need to leave the room for a while," she said. She stood up and left the room, tapping on Ada's shoulder as she passed by. At least Ada understood what that meant, and left the room with her.

Together, the two girls made their way to the washroom, and as soon as they entered, Amiko pulled out a small comb from one of the shelves.

"The school does offer the basic amenities," she said as she brushed Ada's hair for her. "At least learn to use them."

Ada kept quiet as Amiko made her look presentable. She really did wish that Ada would say something, but that girl just kept quiet. This was not good. Amiko tried to think of something appropriate to say.

"Thank you, Amiko," Ada said softly as Amiko took a step back.

"I'm not done yet," Amiko said curtly. "We've only fixed your hair. I want you to wash your face. You look terrible."

Ada's face fell a little. She seemed open to correction. It was now or never. "Ada, they were asking you why you told your friend Nic about the news. We calculated it, for her to be able to release the news on her weekly show, she had to have heard it before us." She did her best to sound hurt. "We're supposed to be a team. And more importantly, how did you even find out about the news?"

Ada shrugged. "I happened to be there when Pendragon told Hiroto the news. We've been using Nic to leak the unexpected information anyway, I don't see how this hurts us."

What. Ada knew ahead of everyone? Ada knew, and she didn't tell her. The loose-lipped foreigner didn't tell her?

"Ada," Amiko said, trying to sound kind and hurt at the same time, "I wish you'd talk to me like you used to. I could have helped."

"Why? So you can manipulate me again?" Ada laughed bitterly after she said it.

Amiko did not need the flashing lights to tell her that she was stunned. When did Ada realise that? She wasn't that observant.

"I'm sorry," Ada suddenly apologised. "It's just that I've had a stressful night and I'm so tired. I know you're not trying to manipulate me."

"Of course not," Amiko said. "It hurts me that you would think that way. Next time, I want you to tell me if you have any problems. It's my duty to help you."

Ada nodded meekly. "Of course, thank you."

Good, at least she could still control Ada. And the boys were worried that she would not be able to contribute.