Unlimited Chances

|7| To Survive

{} Aria's POV {}

        Everyone soon dispersed to go do their own things. Some of them still have distressed looks on their faces because of the motive. I would be lying if I said I still didn't want to see mine, despite how everyone reacted to theirs. Too bad I can't really ask anyone what they saw at the moment. I think they're still too upset.

        I spotted Chihiro as she left, tears in her eyes as she is comforted by Hina. Sakura follows close behind them. I decided I would tag along since I don't really have anything to do.

        "Hey, you all alright?" I asked as I came up behind them. They all turned their head to see me approach. Now that I'm close, I can see that Hina also has tears in her blue eyes as well. It appears she holding them back and focusing more on comforting Chihiro.

        "We'll be alright." Hina's voice sounded a bit hollow. I frown and put a hand on her shoulder, stopping the Ultimate Swimmer Pro as I look at her in concern. Chihiro looks up at me from on the other side of Hina, seeing what I'll do. Since I'm not that close to Hina, I'm not going to prod. That just seems insensitive.

        "How about we take a distraction from the motive." I brought up, smiling patiently at her. Hina looked surprised that I hadn't bugged her on what she saw. "Since I have amnesia, I have some trouble cooking for myself. Do you all mind teaching me how to cook?" I suggested, asking the three girls. I actually know some basic foods like eggs and onigiri. But I'm not going to tell them that.

        "Sure, sounds like fun." Hina's voice regained some of its life. "Chihiro, Sakura. Is that fine with you?" She turned her head to look at both individuals.

        "A distraction would be nice." Sakura agreed with a nod, giving me a grateful smile. One which I returned, "And you Chihiro?" I turned to the visibly uncomfortable blonde.

        "I'm s-sorry, but... I would like some time alone." Chihiro played with her fingers in nervous habit, detaching herself from Hina.

        "You sure?" Hina asked the programmer with a worried look. Chihiro nodded and hide her eyes from us using her short blonde hair. She wiped a tear from her eye.

        I looked down at her in concern, I was hoping to help cheer her up with this, but I guess not. "Oh.. well that's okay, I don't want to force you to do something you don't want to."

        Chihiro gave me a weak nod in response before turning and leaving. I watched her petite figure disappear before I let out an inaudible sigh. I then felt a hand be placed on my shoulder. I looked behind me to see Hina giving me a reassuring smile.

        "I'm sure she'll come around," Hina gave me a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Reminding me that Chihiro wasn't the only one upset by their motive. "Come on! I'm going to show you the best things to eat!" With that, Hina took the lead to the kitchen. When I mean took the lead, I mean sprinting off like a bullet. I just stared at the place she once stood in shock at how fast she ran off.

        A low chuckle came from Sakura, who's behind me, at my reaction to Hina. She silently went after the swimmer, breaking me from my stupor so I can follow.

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        "Hey! What took you so long?!" Huffed Hina, hands on her hips as she looked, mainly at me, in disappointment.

        "I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been able to run here like you did." I pointed out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

        Without warning, I felt someone poke me in the leg. I flinched away and yelp from the unexpected jab. Seeing the culprit is Sakura when she pokes me few more times in the arm.