It's been ten minutes since Clarissa left.
Yet I stayed there, leaning against the railing, replaying every word she said about Shinji.
I stared into the distance, asking myself why I never knew something like that about him.
All I ever knew was that he was the most amazing assassin I had ever met—
someone I admired. Someone I respected.
But after hearing Clarissa's words, I couldn't stop wondering what was true… and what was a lie.
I couldn't bring myself to trust her.
Yet somehow, everything she said made sense—especially my parents' behavior… and why Shinji suddenly disappeared.
"Shinji…"
I muttered his name, groaning as a dull ache throbbed in my head.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down.
"Just a little more… and I'll know what really happened.
Why it feels like I was involved in this too."
Pulling myself together, I headed straight to the cafeteria.
That's where I saw Mila and Brian, talking about the upcoming exam.
I smiled and waved at them.
"Hey… where's my sandwich, huh?"
I said it playfully.
When they looked up, Brian froze for a second, then smirked awkwardly.
"U-Um… R-Rika? Did you forget something?"
He shot me a warning glance.
I tilted my head and crossed my arms, confused.
"Forget?"
Brian sighed dramatically—then startled when Mila stood up without a word.
I watched her walk straight toward me.
She gently wiped my lips with a handkerchief.
"Looks like… you were having fun, Rika."
Her voice was calm—but it made my skin crawl.
She handed me the handkerchief.
A lipstick stain marked the fabric.
The same shade Clarissa was wearing.
I swallowed and forced a smile.
"U-Um… I guess so?"
Mila stayed silent, but her eyes told me everything.
She was already near her limit.
Suddenly, Clarissa wrapped her arms around mine, smiling innocently at Mila.
"Oh—my bad. I didn't notice. I made such a mess on Rika. I'll be more careful next time. Thank you."
Mila shifted her gaze from Clarissa… then back to me.
She smiled and gently tapped my cheek.
"It's fine. I'm already used to it.
Besides, taking care of her makes me happy."
Her tone was soft as she returned to her seat.
"Rika, your sandwich is waiting."
I nodded at her.
But I could feel Clarissa's irritation—sharp and quiet—at Mila's calmness.
"It's unusual seeing you lose control, huh?"
I whispered to Clarissa before sitting beside Mila.
Brian ate silently, though his grin was obvious.
"Rika really is something, huh."
Clarissa returned to her friends.
Mila glanced at me.
"Rika… are you seriously dating that girl?"
Brian nearly choked on his food, laughing.
"I'm not. I'm just… playing around. That's all."
I answered.
But something in Mila had shifted.
I could feel it—
Even if I couldn't yet tell what it was.
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