Threat Game -- 脅迫かいてんゲーム [Kyouhaku Kaiten Phase 1]

Kyouhaku Kaiten Phase 1

Volume １ 　第一章

Scene １　一場面

"Would you like me to solve your problems?"

Cars, people, storefronts.

"Excuse me- what did you say?"

The stranger's hand pulls some crumpled piece of paper from a hooded cloak.

"You have a thirst for something that isn't like the others."

A passing face overhears some of it and cranes its head as is goes by.

Like some creep wearing an overcoat in seventy-degree weather would know.

"I'm giving you this chance. Give me their names."

Without even realizing it, the empty sheet already made it into her hands.

Is this a survey? Is he going to mug me? What names- I don't believe it. Did he mean those names?

"I have just one question."

"Just one? You don't need a pen."

That's what he thinks I'm going to ask?

Not like the others?

"What are you going to do to them?"

"Something fun. What do you say?"

A number of notions fly through her head, blurring out any rational response.

"Sure, do it. Solve it."

Her hand feels a strange shaking, a vibration to the core that leaves the outside untouched. The names appear one by one on the page.

"I'll stop by later to get started," says the man, shifting back into the crowd and taking the paper with him.

Her mind just swims in the confusing heat and the sound all around.

What- just. Happened?

"Hey, Clara! Clara-Fae!" cries a familiar voice.

She turns to see the oversized, horn-rimmed smile.

"Yuki? What are you doing out here?"

Weaving her short stature through passing bodies, Yuki hops up, "You doing some shopping?"

"Yeah," Clara pauses, "I think boss once mentioned her birthday was today."

Yuki shakes a little bag in her hand, "Oh, no way! I was just out for this cute little blouse, but then I remembered about boss, and then I saw you! Can you believe it? 40% discount and running into you around here? That's gotta be fate, right?"

Clara eases into a smile, "Yeah, funny, that. You wanna try to find something together? It'd be cheaper if we gave one from the both of us anyway."

"Oh my god, that'd be super! You sure you don't want anything cute for you, though?"

"Nah, I haven't really been feeling too 'cute' lately."

"Oh no, is it a guyfriend? A boyfriend-," she pauses to gasp loudly, "a girlfriend?"

"Not particularly. If anything it's more of the opposite."

"Oh c'mon, tell me. You're always so reserved~"

"Okay fine, but let's get going."

"Oh wow, yeah- also we should totally get something to eat on the way back too."

"Sure, so how much was that blouse..."

Scene ２　二場面

With a full stomach and feeling at least a little bit better, Clara sits on the edge of her double bed. While she doesn't quite feel "cute" just yet, it always feels good just to let yourself buy something that you like. Of course, that blouse is just gonna be hanging right there on the closet door. Not like there's someone to wear it for.