Fragile Mask

"Kagari! You awake? I brought you some stuff!"

The kid never sleeps at this hour.

She hangs her coat, then steps toward the living room. The house is so quiet. Hope I didn't wake him up.

Her hand is aiming toward the light switch. Click. The room lights up. 

What the...

She sees Kagari curled up on the couch, and...

"Kagari, who's this girl? And why is she on my floor?"

Kagari sighs. "I don't know what it looks like, but it's not that. It's worse."

His mom raises an eyebrow. "Worse?"

The girl sits up. "I slipped and fell on my head. He came to help, I think."

Kagari gives her a nasty look. I don't know why she's lying, but it's best to run with it.

"That's right, mom. She's a bit of a klutz. Let's hope the impact gave her a factory reset."

The girl returns the look. She goes along, half-heartedly. "I'm sorry for being a bother."

The mom laughs. "You're not a bother, sweetie. You're a great surprise. This kid of mine doesn't speak to anyone, much less a pretty girl such as yourself."

She stands up chuckling, while Kagari frowns. "It's not like I can't. I just choose not to."

She sits down next to him and gives him an elbow. "So that's where his edge comes from."

Who does she think she is? When did we get so friendly?

"What's your name, sweetie?"

She takes a moment to answer. "Sakura Sato."

Why did she hesitate like that?

"I'm Emika Kurosawa."

Sakura gives a polite nod. "Nice to meet you."

Emika smiles. "Likewise, dear."

She lifts the small bag in her hand. "I brought chocolates. Limited edition. Thought this kid would appreciate them."

Kagari shrugs. "I do."

She places the bag on the table. Sakura glances at it, then at Emika. "If you don't mind me asking… why are you home so late?"

Emika doesn’t seem bothered. "Work ran long. I’m a night-shift nurse. Hospitals don’t exactly sleep."

Sakura nods. "That sounds exhausting."

"It is. But you get used to it."

She opens the box and holds it out. "Go on, try one."

Sakura takes a piece and tastes it. Her eyes light up. "These are really good."

Kagari takes one too. "Not bad."

Sakura glances at him. "You like them."

"They're fine."

Emika watches them quietly, then asks out of nowhere, "So, Sakura, are you in love with my boy?"

Sakura freezes. A bit of color rises to her cheeks.

"Mom, why'd you ask something like that?"

"She's at your house in the middle of the night. You're not kids. Should I assume this is a friendly sleepover?"

Sakura grins. "He doesn't want a serious relationship. He's been dodging the convo for a while."

Is she stupid?

Kagari sighs. "I won't partake in this circus. Here's what actually happened."

Sakura gives him a look that shows what she's thinking. Don't do it.

"I found her at a bus station, all drenched and cold. She begged me to let her in. Against my better judgment, I did."

Stop.

"I offered her a shower and expected her to leave soon after. But then, her stomach growled. A timing so perfect you'd think it was planned. Had to give her some food."

STOP.

"Of course she fell asleep on the couch. I went to sleep too. Then, in the middle of the night, I hear something..."

KAGARI.

"A loud thump. I come in here right as you did and find this idiot plastered on the ground. That's the full story."

Sakura exhales. Deeply. 

Emika seems sadder.

"What's with the face?"

"I really thought you made a friend. I got excited for a second."

Sakura lights up. "Don't worry. I don't know if he wants it, but I want to be his friend!"

They both look to Kagari in anticipation. His eyes dart between the two.

He lets out a sigh while stretching. "I'm tired. I'm going to sleep."

They pout together. 

Kagari leans toward Sakura and whispers in her ear. "You're good at playing dumb, but that's another reason why I can't trust you. Make up an excuse. I want you out of my house. Now."

She felt his cold breath in her bones. 

He gives her a kiss on the cheek to avoid suspicion.

His mom takes notice. "Aren't you moving a little too fast?"

Kagari looks at Sakura, expecting a reply. She forces some words out. "I-It's fine. I like him a lot. I told him that after he fed me. He's very kind."

Emika chuckles. "Well, you're both adults and it's none of my business."

She then looks to Kagari, who made his way to his room. "Here, I do have to intrude. I raised you to be a gentleman. Are you letting the poor girl take the couch?"

Sakura wastes no time. "No, really, it's fine! I charged my phone here and called my dad. He's about to pick me up. Thank you for your hospitality!" She bows.

"You're welcome to stay, but I won't insist. Should he walk you down?"

She sits up. "I'll be okay, but..."

"What's wrong?"

"It's really cold outside."

A jacket suddenly lands on her head. She looks back. It was Kagari.

"I don't want you catching a cold. It's an old jacket of mine. Keep it or throw it, I don't care. I don't need it back."

She thanks him. She picks up a bag Kagari prepared earlier that night and puts her wet clothes inside. Emika sees her to the door.

"Sakura."

"Yes?"

"I know my son can seem cold at times, but he's got a good soul."

Sakura smiles. "I know. I like him for a reason."

Emika smiles back. "Take care. You're welcome here any time."

"Thank you. I'll be back."