Dealing with Devils Pt. 5

It took a while, but Alice and I finally met up with Chloe and Lana. It didn't seem like they even knew that we were gone because they were leisurely window shopping when we met them. Now, we're just sitting on a bench in the middle of the mall to take a break. It wasn't so much that they needed a break since they're goddesses. It was more so for me. These mortal legs aren't built for this.

"Are you feeling unwell, Aikami?" Chloe asked.

"Nah, I'm fine," I replied. "Just a bit fatigued is all. This is my first time going out in a very long time, so my body is having a hard time adjusting."

"Sheesh, I knew that mortals were weak-kneed but not to this extent," Lana whistled. "Maybe you're just a special case, Aikami, being a hermit and all."

"Maybe."

"But there's nothing wrong with that," Chloe smiled. "I do that more often than not. While Lana and Alice enjoy shopping, I prefer to stay at home and watch an anime or drama. How about you, Aikami? Any interest in shows?"

"Not really. My attention span is too small. Twenty-minute to hour-long episodes tend to make me lose interest pretty quickly. I prefer reading."

"Oh? What a surprise," Alice said. "Do you have a favorite series?"

"More like a trilogy. 'The Ring Lords.' I reread them at least once a year."

"Ah, I know that one. I wouldn't say it's my absolute favorite, but it's certainly in my top five. I take it that you're into fantasies rather than sci-fi or drama?"

"For the most part."

"The Ring Lords..." Lana said. "Hey, Chloe. We needa read that when we can."

"But... I don't like reading..." she mumbled.

"Eh?! Then why are you trying to blend in as a freaking college student? Most, if not all, of the curriculum involves reading in some way. You're gonna fail with that attitude."

"I mean, it's not like I'm trying to pass. I'm not even a real student. Hey, wait! You're not either, so why are you even trying so hard?"

"It's called 'roleplaying,' Chloe. We're roleplaying as humans, so we should look the part AND do the part."

"I don't wanna... School sucks..."

I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Well, if you don't like reading, then you can just watch the series, Chloe."

"Oh! There's a show on it?"

"Not a show, but a movie. Three of them, actually... and they're each four hours long."

"I don't mine. Not too long ago, I spent a whole day binging a couple of shows. And by a whole day, I meant the whole twenty-four hours. A measly twelve hours total is nothing to me."

"I-is that so...?"

What a weird situation this is. Here we are, four people just sitting down and talking. No objectives, no group project, just doing absolutely nothing for the sake of doing nothing. I wonder... If I had friends, is this the type of thing we'd be doing?

I looked over at Chloe when I noticed her staring into my eyes. For a moment, I could've sworn they were glowing, and if I'm right...

"Chloe..."

"I-I'm sorry!" she quickly apologized. "I didn't mean to. It's just... I guess I was curious since you looked like you were thinking pretty hard there."

"Huh? What happened?" Lana asked. "You read his mind or something?"

"Y-yeah."

"It's fine," I sighed. "It's not like I was thinking about anything that important anyway."

"But, Aikami..." Chloe said.

"Yeah? What's up?"

"I don't mean to pry, but... Those girls from before, when you were with Lana... I know the thread failed, and maybe that played a role in it, but it ultimately came down to your decision. You always seem to be wondering what it's like to have friends, so how come you didn't accept their request?"

That question caught me off guard. I guess I never really thought about it as much as I should've.

Friends, huh? Do I even want friends? It makes sense for me to say yes, right? After all, I'm still in school, and the social aspect is what makes up the bulk of the experience. That's what my mind is telling me. That's what I think is logical but for some reason...

"I don't know," I answered. "Maybe I just don't want friends."

"Hmm? And why is that?" Alice asked.

"I'm not really sure. When I think back to all the times I had someone remotely close to being called a 'friend,' they weren't friends at all. They would greet me one day and forget my name the next. I don't know if I can necessarily blame it on being 'fateless,' but that's basically how it always goes. At some point, I gave up. Honestly, I do think about it from time to time, but I've already gotten used to being lonely. It's not that big of a deal."

At least, that's what I thought. However, Chloe, Lana, and even Alice—all three of them were looking at me, brows furrowed and eyes narrowed. It was clear to me that they didn't like what I had just said.

"Aikami..." Chloe mumbled.

"What? Why does everyone seem so down?" I asked. "I didn't say all of that to gain some sympathy points."

"But..."

"Just don't worry about it. My life has nothing to do with you. Besides, it's not like it's your fault, so there's no need to feel bad."

"In a way, though... It kind of is our fault," Lana muttered.

"What?"

"Fate is a such funny thing," Alice said. "It bends and twists, attaching itself to another, creating an entire web that scatters across lives. When we spin the threads of fate, a person is bound to get involved with another. They meet, they share moments, and they will either continue to do so or fall apart. That is what we call 'intertwined fate.' However, because you don't have a thread, there isn't a single person in this world who shares their fate with you. Until we can figure it out, I'm afraid that will continue to be the case."

For once, I kind of understand the meaning behind her words. Being a fateless means that I'm not involved in someone else's fate. It's not like I care, but they continue wearing those expressions as if it's their fault.

Even though I'm not blaming them, why are they feeling bad for me? I don't even feel bad for myself.

I couldn't bring myself to look at them for a second longer, not because of anything bad. It's just that making people worry... feels kind of bad.

"Whatever the case, it's not your fault," I said. "That's what I'm telling you now, so quit thinking otherwise. And it's not like I'm super bothered anyway. Eventually, we'll figure out what's wrong with me, so for now, let's just keep doing our own thing."

Despite the ongoing traffic of a hundred people passing us by, chattering to no end, there was a moment of silence that encircled us. Lana was the first the break it, as she perked up from her seat with a smile.

"Yeah, well... What Aikami said. Sitting around and feeling bad for him ain't gonna solve anything. But..." She skipped over and threw her arm around my neck. "For what's it worth, we see you. We know your name. If nothing else, then at least your fate is intertwined with us, eh? Aikami Enzou?"

There was something about the way they were now looking at me, mellow eyes and gentle smiles, that made me... I don't know. I genuinely don't know what this feeling is, but it's a feeling that involves me smiling.

"I guess so," I scoffed. "Although, having my nonexistent fate tied to the Goddesses of Fate... I'm not too sure if that's supposed to be a good or bad thing."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!" Lana chided.

"Haha! I'm kidding, I'm kidding."

Something feels off about me. Am I... laughing? Why am I laughing? People only laugh if they're feeling joy or happiness. Am I happy right now?

Hmm... I'm not entirely sure.

Although they're goddesses, these girls seem more humanlike than most people I've met. Given my track record, that isn't really saying much, but the point still stands. Today was strange, to say the least. It was different, stressful, and even a little bit fun.

Seriously, I'm starting to think... Yeah. This might not be so bad after all.