[8.2] This Group is 'kinda' Crowded: Kate and Riko

"So, here it is. Riko's house", Kate was in awe seeing Riko's house.
"Huh. I thought for sure, Riko has a better house than this", Adit said it without filtering his words.

In an instant, Kate karate chopped Adit's head.

"Aww! That's hurt. How are your hands feeling like a brick?"
"You'd better not be an embarrassment to the Davison family! You understand?!"

Adit looked at Kate, perplexed by her statement, "You're not even Davison. Why are you so concerned about them?"
"We are here to have a chat, not messing around."

Adit was surprised at Kate's serious tone. She looked more mature and contained than usual. It was almost like looking at a different person. Adit took a deep breath and was ready beside Kate.

"Okay, I understand. Sorry for that earlier comment. I was just surprised that Riko's house wasn't big."
"What could possibly make you think she has a big house?"
"... She looked rich."
"... Seriously?"

...

"So, this is why my daughter was sulking in her bed. A girl who can't understand human morals, and a boy who can't read the atmosphere", that went well.

"Sir, how could you lead to that conclusion. We haven't even said anything yet", Kate said, confused.

"That's true. We were just stepping on your yard, and you are already giving us the look", Adit added to Kate's statement.

"I already know you from your look. I won't let you..." before he could say more, Riko pushed him inside.

Riko said, "Okay, that's enough for today! We don't need more drama for today, okay. It was bad enough that you got fired from your 3rd job."
"But darling. You..."
"I can handle this. Don't be such a drama queen. Learn how to talk normally with people. I'll be out for a minute."

Riko closed the door on her father's face. After that, she faced Kate and Adit and approached them.

"What do you want? I'm busy."

Adit was stunned, while Kate said, "He still likes that, huh? Seriously, girl, you have to do something about him. It's already bad that he talks like that in public. Even at home? Oh, dear."

"Shut it. It's my family. My problem."

Adit quickly asked, "May we... come inside?"

Riko sassily said, "You? No. Kate? Maybe. And how do you know my house anyway? I never told anyone other than the teacher and Astrid."

Kate and Adit looked at each other. Riko immediately knew the answer, "... Of course."

Kate opened up a conversation, "May I know why you didn't go to school for four days?" Adit stayed behind and watched as the girls on it.

"I'm busy. I've just said that."
"Of what?"
"Nothing you have to worry about."
"What...? Why are you so distant all of a sudden?"
"..."
"Is it because you're scared of boys, because that seems like it."
"If I'm scared of boys, I would never have done what Astrid asked me to do, back then."
"Then what?"

Adit tried to leave the scene; he could feel the intensity and felt the need to give them some space.

But...

"No! You stay!" Riko said.

"I just want you two to have your moment. Wouldn't want a three-wheel, no?"
"No. I want it. Become our witness. I want a third party to hear what we are saying, right now."

Adit decided to follow Riko's words. He stayed for the rest of the conversation.

Kate continued, "So, tell me straight. What was that five days ago? If you don't want to tell me what happened in the last four days, then tell me what happened that day!"

"..."
"Riko."
"You know me the most, Kate. I hate changes. Sure, that one time Astrid asked us to join was because you invited me."
"I invited you out, too..."
"But it was Astrid, we were talking about. Thank goodness that, that boy changed her to be a love slave, but the pain is still there. I don't like this new... group. Too crowded. Too cramped. And too much for me to follow."

Adit joined the talk, "Do you perhaps want to spend time alone?"

Kate and Riko faced Adit. He looked serious when they stared at him.

Adit continued, "It sounds like you are the type of person who wants to walk at your own pace. I heard Astrid gave you a comfortable place to start, but the Astrid you know was gone; now you're confused where else to go."

Riko responded with a suspicious look at Adit, "What do you know about us?"

"You're in a popular group, Riko. People are always gossiping about you guys. Kate was the climbing stone, Astrid was the foundation, and the group was the scaffolding. You are at the top and steadily moving upward. Am I correct?"

She looked away. Adit continued while also walking towards her, "A fresh start is always scary, but it would be even more scary if you stayed behind." He stopped exactly one meter from Riko, "I can help you. I promised there won't be any jokes with Kate about girlfriend-boyfriend anymore. I was too in the mood because she's really easy to talk to, so I thought you all would be alright when we are joking around."

Riko slowly turned her head toward Adit. Adit offered his hand, "Would you accept my apologies?"

She didn't accept it willingly; instead, she wrapped her arm, faced away, and said, "I want action, not just an empty word."
Adit put away his hand and said, "Sure. I'll try my best."

By then, the mood was already good. Kate wanted to join the talk, but she couldn't. "Damn you, Adit! Why are you so cool like James? Is this one of those trick that James teach you?"

Adit looked at Kate and smiled at her. Kate felt the genuine smile that Adit gave to her. She felt calm knowing Riko was fine. Adit stepped away, and Kate stepped in.

Kate, "So... are we good?"
Riko, "I don't know yet."
"No! I mean, are you going to school tomorrow? I heard him. You two are going to talk over it."
"That's not..."
Adit, "Kate, I'm only helping. You are still the first and foremost for Riko."
Kate, "Right. You're right."

"GOD, WHY ARE YOU SHINING SO BRIGHT?"

Riko, "Could you... not shining so bright? It irks me."
Adit, "I couldn't. It's only in your eyes. Or rather, the sun is behind me."
Riko and Kate, "Could you not?"
Adit, "Whaaat? I'm just trying to light up the mood. We need jokes here and there, time to time."

<Chapter 8 FIN>
<Chapter 9 Started>