Obsession (Ayano x Budo)

Chapter 15

Why didn't he eat it?

Ayano's eyes narrowed onto Budo like a hawks', scrutinizing his facial expressions for any signs that he perhaps didn't like the food.
There was nothing there, except that silly little grin on his lips. She hated that grin so much.

He probably suspected it was poisoned. Naturally he would. He'd used the same technique on Taro, after all.

She hadn't really expected him to fall for it. Actually, she'd somewhat hoped he wouldn't, simply because then it would have been too easy. Where is the fun in an easy kill? Still, she felt the disappointment of a mission failed. It was a contradictory, and frustrating, situation.

Ayano turned back around the corner of the wall, feeling dissatisfied with her work, and exhaled softy. She didn't know what to do.

What am I doing? Why am I wasting my time like this if I already know it won't be a success?

She shook her head sharply and clenched her fists for a second. This is why senpai doesn't want me. I'm a failure. The thoughts stung like a thorn, and she immediately dismissed it. There was no use in hurting herself.

Students walking past her paid her no respect, seeming content to live their own lives. Their happy and excited chatter irritated her, especially when she'd hear the occasional higher-pitched laugh of some girls. Right now, she hated all of them with a passion.

It was Friday. Soon, it would be the end of the day and everyone would go home. Then there would be a solid 2 days of waiting, doing nothing, and being left alone to nothing but her own thoughts. This idea was agonizing. If she didn't act soon, her own self-inflicted cynicism would crumble the foundation keeping her together, which was especially delicate after yesterday-

"She's a little weird for my tastes-"

No no no, ignore it. Ayano shut her eyes and forced herself to breath, her mind to empty. She pictured a pitch of water slowly tipping, spilling all of its contents in a single stream down a drain. However she was extremely aware of what she was trying not to think about. She tried again, trying to clear her thoughts. Whatever she did, she absolutely mustn't think about it.

It was difficult. The only way Ayano had managed from yesterday till now was the thought of Budo taking a bite of his food, and then shortly suffocating to death. It was the reassurance that her revenge would be exacted. But now it hadn't worked, and she felt the after effects of yesterday building ups again. The drive of the near hysteria was itching at her fingers. They wanted to clasp the hilt of the nearest knife and plunge it into Budo. Kill. She wanted to watch that idiotic, stupid smile on his face turn into a scream of agony...

Even though she knew that it was impossible, that she'd never win by sheer combat, Ayano couldn't help the little prick of pleasure she felt then.

Taro, I can't blame you for calling me what you did. I know it isn't true. I know you love me. Don't worry, I will make Budo pay for turning you against me. He will regret it, I promise.

She felt herself smile ever so slightly, and, realizing that it was the same sort of stupid smile Budo was wearing, immediately dropped it.

So, how could she cause Budo to suffer? She wanted to see him cry as he experienced the same agony she had...

Something was triggered in her. A memory launched as she suddenly recalled a part of Budo and her senpai's conversation yesterday:

"You know, Budo, I've been seeing that look on your face for a while now... and I think I know who you like."

Budo likes someone.

Which means that, if he were to see that certain someone get hurt, or even worse, - Ayano's pulse picked up in excitement - then he would be absolutely devastated.

Oh, Budo. I think I know exactly how to get my revenge.