Friend in a Trap:

Kaoru’s eyes stayed focused on me. “Well, aren’t you going to answer that?”

I wanted to say no, but I had the feeling that he was going to push me to do it. Still, I remained where I sat.

“Could be important,” Kaoru said. I drew my knees to my chest. He rolled back his shoulders.

“I can go look…” he suggested.

“No!” I shouted. “I’ll go.” I pushed myself to my feet and walked over to the door. I could lie and say that we’re closed. My plans changed when I saw who was outside. Chika cupped her hands against the glass, looking in. No… She picked the worst time to show up.

“Who is it?” Kaoru asked behind me. I bit down on my lower lip.

“No one,” I tried to lie. My spine went stiff as I felt his eyes on my back.

“I can tell when you are lying,” he hissed in my ear. I trembled, shaking my head. The pounding on the door made things even worse.

“Oh, you’re friend’s here,” he said. My stomach dropped.

“Please don’t do anything to her!” I pleaded.

“Why would you believe that I would?”

“You already killed two of my friends.” I shut my eyes to tune of the pounding on the glass. Please go away. You don’t want to be here!

“Well, aren’t you going to let her in?” he purred in my ear.

“Setsuna-chan?” Chika asked. “Are you in there? I can see your car in the driveway. Is everything okay in there?”

“She already knows you’re here,” Kaoru pointed out. “You might as well let her in.” I hated to admit, but he had a point. Maybe I could convince that I’m fine and to go home. I walked over to the door and pushed it open a crack.

“I’m sorry about that,” I whispered. “I was in the back.”

“Setsuna-chan?” she asked. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine!” I answered in one breath. “I’m doing fine.”

“How’s your mother?”

“She hasn’t woken up yet.” I dug in my mind to try and think of an excuse to get her to leave. I didn’t want her to end up dead at Kaoru’s hands just like Aki and Kiku did. “Listen, this isn’t a good time.”

“Should I call you later?” Chika asked.

“You do that,” I said. “Goodbye.” I pushed the door closed and waited. I didn’t move until I heard her get into her car and drive away. Only then could I breathe a sigh of relief. I looked up and realized that I was alone. He’s gone… I didn’t know if I should be glad or worried. Either way, I can’t let down my guard. At least I managed to Chika away from him.

I had no idea that Kaoru would take our twisted game to new heights. I wouldn’t catch on until days later in my solitude.