Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

  A week had passed since their fateful evening at the glistening tower, and Sayaka was beginning to go crazy. It seemed like it never even happened for Kirari, that it was just another regular evening for her. Sayaka cursed herself for ever feeling like something would change between them, her feelings were getting ridiculous and in the way of her duties as secretary. 

Ever since Kirari had “rehired” her, she had been messing up even the smallest things. First, Sayaka forgot to start Kirari’s morning tea, she could pass that off as a simple mistake. But forgetting the morning reports, and now, forgetting to restock Kirari’s favorite sky blue nail polish? She was beginning to wonder if Kirari’s tongue had the magic to erase brain cells.

Sayaka always arrived early to the council room, way before anyone else would get there. She always made an effort to go over the schedule at least 10 times before the first member arrived. Today, the first thing to do was discuss the election standings. Sayaka snickered to herself, of course the president would reign superior. Sayaka had absolutely no doubts that Kirari would be the president again, as she should be. 

Sayaka walked over to Kirari’s chair and ran her finger against the arms, the chair somehow never got dirty. Just like Kirari, everything about her was polished, pristine, and perfect. There was never a move out of place for Kirari, never a crack in the armor she wore. She blushed at the thought of Kirari, she pinched her arm to snap her out of her thoughts. 

Sayaka looked at the clock, 7:40, and the council members were going to start coming in. Kirari was never exactly “on time,” she exclaimed that she liked to be fashionably late and to have an entrance, so Sayaka didn’t start her tea just yet. 

The first one to arrive was Midari, surprisingly, the one-eyed girl normally didn’t even show up. Sayaka could infer that she was in the bathrooms with all the complaints she had received from the house-pet janitors about her.

“Yo, Sayaka!” Midari said, “I’m here, did ya miss me?” She lazily sat down and placed her feet on the table Sayaka had just cleaned.

“Goodmorning, Midari,” Sayaka said through gritted teeth, her patience was already being severely tested, “I don’t know if ‘miss’ is the right word,” Sayaka mumbled, “Feet off, now,” She said sternly, grabbing a cloth to wipe the mess that was created on the table by Midari’s grubby shoes. 

“You’re no fun, Sayaka,” Midari drawled out, “Any luck with the Prez yet?” She fidgeted with her gun, Sayaka didn’t bother to ask if it was real or fake. 

“You ask me that everytime you see me,” Sayaka sighed, “The answer is the same as it always is, no,” Sayaka walked over to the tea kettle and began prepping Kirari’s morning tea, earl grey. Midari had known Sayaka since middle school, and with both of them being on the student council, they quickly formed a friendship. Midari knew about Sayaka’s crush on Kirari far before Sayaka even knew. 

“When are you just going to take her by the hips and kiss her?” Midari groaned, “I’m sick of seeing you guys give googly eyes to each other during meetings, it’s gross,” Midari made a gagging sound, sticking her pierced tongue out. 

“You know I can’t do that, enough talk about this, the other members will be here soon,” Sayaka let a small smile form on her face, her ears a bright pink. 

But why can’t I do that? 

——

     As expected, Kirari made her entrance by being 30 minutes late to the meeting. Although it was completely illogical and ruined Sayaka’s meeting plans, it made Sayaka even more entranced. 

“Goodmorning, Sayaka,” Kirari breathlessly said, placing her hand on Sayaka’s shoulder as she walked over to her seat at the head of the table, “Now, what’s on the schedule for today?” Kirari smirked, looking up at Sayaka who would read off the schedule.

“First, a scheduled gamble with the computer club, then a meeting with the Math society club…” Sayaka said before she was cut off by a loud sigh of Kirari’s, this was a usual occurrence. 

“That’s boring, cancel it all,” Kirari said, propping her head up with her hand, “If that is all, you all are free to go,” She said with a wave of her hand, all the members except Sayaka took this as a chance to escape from Kirari’s mischievousness. 

Sayaka watched Kirari closely from behind, the president picked up her teacup and carefully sipped the tea. Sayaka noticed that today, however, Kirari did not drink all of her tea. She quickly began to panic, the worst case scenario flooded her mind, was it too sweet? Not sweet enough? Diluted? Too strong? She began sweating and didn’t even realize Kirari was calling her name until Kirari pulled on her blazer. 

“Sayaka, are you feeling alright?” She asked, a small smirk on her face as she watched Sayaka’s face turn blood red. 

“Yes, I’m just fine, is the tea to your liking?” Sayaka looked down at the sitting girl, and her mind swirled, Kirari looked radiant. 

“Of course it is Sayaka, you always make it delightful,” Kirari smirked up at the flushing girl, she ran her manicured nails over her braid, feeling it become frayed, “Sayaka, dear, come redo my braids for me,” Kirari said softly, placing her hands in her lap elegantly. 

“Yes, president,” Sayaka nodded her head calmly, secretly, this was Sayaka’s favorite thing to do. Kirari’s platinum blonde hair was nothing short of soft, shiny, and long. Her hair smelt of lavender shampoo, and there wasn’t a split end in sight, (probably because of Sayaka’s diligent work of learning to trim hair, just for the president.) 

Sayaka stood next to Kirari, undoing the black ribbon holding her braid intact. She grabbed a soft-bristle brush that she had in her skirt’s pocket, Sayaka made an effort to always come prepared for the president. She brushed and untangled Kirari’s now crimped hair, the hair was incredibly long and healthy, Sayaka made a mental note to inquire about the President’s hair care routine. 

As Sayaka was almost done braiding the second one, she began to get lost in her thoughts. Her mind always brought her back to a particular moment, the moment where Sayaka had completely outed her love for Kirari, and the moment where Kirari had reciprocated, (or she thought she reciprocated.) It was stressing her out, never knowing what Kirari truly wanted, did she want her? Her intertwined fingers started to become more aggressive and harsh the more she continued to think about the President. 

Sayaka continued pulling until she saw Kirari wince and let out a tiny gasp, “President! I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize…” Sayaka explained, her voice got caught in her throat, she didn’t mean to hurt the president. Her president. Sayaka quickly finished plaiting the platinum hair, tying the braid in place with a black satin bow.

“It’s quite alright, Sayaka,” Kirari said, but the usual teasing tone was replaced by something else that Sayaka couldn’t quite put her finger on. She watched as Kirari ran her hands delicately over the plaits, “A fantastic job as usual, Sayaka,” Kirari turned her head and smirked at her. 

Sayaka’s whole day was quickly made at any praise the President gave her, her strive for perfection was appreciated! Sayaka flushed and quickly bowed her head in thanks, she heard Kirari let out a quiet chuckle under her breath. 

———

    “You know, I’m starting to think this partnership is a bad idea if all you’re gonna do is follow me around like some creep,” Mary harshly said, turning to face the masked girl in a lonely corridor, “And you don’t have to wear that stupid and ugly thing around me, too,” She added. Mary hated it whenever Ririka wore her mask around her. How were they supposed to build trust if Ririka couldn’t even show her her own face? 

“Mary..we’re going to have to gamble for some more chips,” Ririka said timidly, Mary was brash, independent, and brave. Ririka had been ordered around and made to feel like she didn’t matter. 

“Yeah, yeah, we will,” Mary rolled her eyes, crossing her arms, “Seriously though, you don’t have to follow me everywhere, I already agreed to this damn partnership and being your friend,” Mary explained, she was truly tired of feeling stalked in the one place she should not be getting stalked at. The creepy mask brought shivers down her spine, and people didn’t like being around her because of the ‘parasite’ always following her. 

“Okay, I’ll take that into consideration,” Ririka said quietly, quickly becoming slightly embarrassed that her stalking skills weren’t all that unnoticeable, she lowered her head in shame.

“Take throwing away that god-awful mask into consideration, as well,” Mary spat, she looked at Ririka and felt an odd sense of determination. Ririka had all the same features of Kirari, but Mary saw on Ririka’s face a softness that Kirari lacked. Ririka just looked more human, and Kirari creeped her out even more. 

“You know I can’t,” Ririka explained with a certain bite to her voice, her hands clenched the mask tighter, it was useless to explain why she couldn’t. At least right now it was. 

So she does have some boldness..she’s not a total wimp… Mary thought, she eyed Ririka down, “Whatever, just leave me out of your conjuration,” She said, as she started walking away from the platinum haired girl. 

This partnership is going to be the death of me.. Mary sighed deeply. She was incredibly annoyed with the outcome, and of course, her partner had to be some timid and shy girl who does nothing but listen to everyone else around her. 

——

     At the Momobami Manor, Ririka barely even spoke, unless it was to her sister Kirari. She could hear her father talking about investments, stocks, politics to his business partner none of that concerned her. She looked over to her right, Kirari didn’t seem all that engaged either, she was poking and prodding at her food with her fork, something that annoyed their father the most. 

“Kirari, you know better, stop playing with your food. Eat.” He sternly said, before going back to ignoring the two siblings and bragging about his accomplishments. Kirari sighed loud enough to grab the attention of everyone at the table, she dropped her fork causing it to clank against the fine China they used. Kirari quickly stood up and left the table, without another word, Ririka didn’t miss the way she ran her hand over her braids, however. 

Her father chuckled awkwardly, trying to ease the tension and embarrassment for his business partner, “Teenage girls, am I right?” The partner chuckled awkwardly, “Ririka, go see what’s wrong with your sister,” Her father said, only Ririka could decipher the threat hidden in the demand. She nodded her head, the mask digging into her cheeks in the process.

 Ririka walked up the large spiral staircase to Kirari’s room, it was the last room at the hall, completely opposite from Ririka’s. They both liked to be kept separate from each other, along with everyone else. Ririka didn’t bother knocking, she walked into Kirari’s room, it was incredibly messy, which was unlike Kirari. When Kirari was a little kid she had insisted on having sky blue walls, no one dared to question her, she never repainted it since. 

Kirari was sitting on the edge of her bed staring at her aquarium, probably lost in thought, “Normally you knock,” Kirari said, her eyes still fixated on her fish. 

“Normally you engage in conversation at dinner,” Ririka countered, she walked over and sat down next to her twin and removed her mask. One thing that Kirari and Mary shared was the disapproval of the plastic hardware against Ririka’s face. 

Kirari’s lips twitched up into a smirk, “It’s boring if it’s the same conversation every time,” Kirari ran her hand across her neck, an unusual movement for her, something Ririka noted. 

“Mary Saotome….how is she?” Kirari said, her eyes hadn’t left the fish tank once, “Is your partnership going well?” She questioned, interested in hearing her sister’s response. 

Ririka fidgeted with her hands a bit, a small blush painting her cheeks, it was somewhat uncomfortable for her talking to her sister, they weren’t necessarily ‘close’, “It’s going well, I believe. Mary is brave, independent, and determined, she has a unique way of warming up to people,” Ririka smiled to herself at the thought of Mary, she could feel her heartbeat quicken, “She’s going to change things..” She added, her fidgeting coming to a stop.

Kirari’s eyes quickly flickered to Ririka, what once was devoid of any emotion was replaced with amusement, “Interesting,” Is all Kirari said, her cerulean eyes scanned over Ririka’s features. Ririka was right, Mary is going to change things, and she already has. 

When Kirari looked at Ririka, instead of looking back at her own face, she saw something different. She saw the real Ririka instead of the fake Kirari. 

———

Chapter Text

Sayaka liked to stay consistent, her days were always strictly on schedule and that’s how she wanted it. On time, on schedule, and on task, every day. Routine was her sanctuary. But when Sayaka walked into the council room the very next day, at the same time she always does, she was shocked to see the president on the balcony overlooking the courtyard. The bright sun of summer illuminated the room, the rays danced off of Kirari’s platinum hair making her look like some divine, mythical being descended from the heavens. The light haloed her figure perfectly, painting her in an almost surreal glow. Sayaka lightly slapped her cheek to take her out of her trance, luckily, Kirari’s back was facing her. She was sure that the president hadn’t even noticed that she was there. 

Still, Sayaka’s eyes were fixated on her, unable to look away for a few more moments. There was something about Kirari’s presence, it was a gravitational pull, you just couldn’t exit from it. 

Sayaka didn’t let herself get distracted, she quickly got started on the preparations for the daily meetings like she normally would do. She moved mechanically, preparing for council meetings was practically muscle memory. For some strange reason, Sayaka could feel her heart beating out of her chest, it happened whenever the platinum haired girl was near. 

Sayaka loudly sucked in a deep breath to calm her down. The room felt too warm, her blouse collar too tight, and her thoughts relentless. Frankly, she had no idea what was happening to her. Obsession? Admiration? Desire? Desperation? She constantly wondered if there was a simpler word that combined all of those feelings into one. If there was, it wasn’t a part of her maximal vocabulary. Whatever the word was, it haunted her, it sank deep into her skin and clung to her, suffocating her in the process like an overbearing perfume, it stayed and would not let her forget that she was simply, helplessly captivated. 

The loud breath Sayaka drew in caught the attention of a certain blue eyed figure, causing the girl to turn around slowly and face Sayaka. The two girls locked eyes for a split second, no words exchanged, just unspoken declarations exchanged in silence. The air thickened. Kirari began walking towards the girl, her steps precise and deliberate. Sayaka, whose hands were moving in routine moments before slowly halted. 

The sun was blocked by Kirari’s figure, causing the remaining rays to dance and spread around her silhouette. At that moment, Sayaka wondered if she had died and ascended. In Sayaka’s eyes, the president wasn’t just a girl, and she wasn’t just the president either, she was a celestial being, carved like sculpture. 

“Lovely day, isn’t it?” Kirari asked, her voice as smooth as glass, a slight smirk playing on her blue lips. She raised her hand on her chin, her signature gesture that was the epitome of elegance.

 “Do you normally get here so early?” The question rolled off her tongue, her eyebrows raised curiously in the process. 

“Yes, I do, and you don’t, President,” Sayaka quickly sputtered out, instantly, her stomach sank. “Sorry, that came out wrong…” Sayaka winced at her own voice, “I mean, why are you here so early?” She watched as Kirari’s eyes glimmered with intrigue, her expression changing ever so subtly.

“My, Sayaka, I would have thought you’d be glad to see me,” Kirari chuckled, Sayaka noticed the president nail polish was chipping as Kirari ran her hands over the recently polished table, “I know I’m glad to see you,” Kirari smirked widely as Sayaka’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, her ears betraying her by turning a subtle pink in the process.

Sayaka didn’t know what to say, normally, she’d be stumbling over her syllables by now, unable to form a coherent sentence. Normally, she’d completely falter and fold, today, however, she did not. Instead, she met Kirari’s consistent teasing with a small smirk of her own, the odd wave of confidence rushed over her like the breeze she felt while falling from five stories. 

Sayaka quickly changed the topic, (maybe her confidence was feigned after all), “Your nail polish is chipped, would you like me to redo it for you before the members get here?” Sayaka asked, her eyes locked in place with Kirari’s oceanic features. 

Kirari flicked her eyes down to her nails, the sky blue nail polish was in the process of decline, “That would be appreciated,” She said softer than usual, the braided girl walked over to the plush loveseat in front of the balcony. Kirari crossed her knees clad in tights, delicately folding her porcelain hands atop her knee.

Sayaka followed shortly behind her, she pulled out the sky blue nail polish that Kirari had once casually mentioned she used while they were discussing the election. Sayaka kneeled down and reached out to grab the president’s hands. They were soft but firm and strangely cold. She quickly began on the president’s nails, discarding the old and chipped polish before going into long and confident strokes of color on Kirari’s slender nail beds. Sayaka could feel the president’s eyes dissecting her every motion. The tension between them was inevitable, but today it felt different.

Sayaka’s fingers began to slightly tremble, the flexible brush wavering mid-stroke. Sayaka’s eyebrows furrowed and she looked up at Kirari whose face was contorted into something akin to concern, perhaps curiosity disguised as amusement. The president’s expressions were a puzzle that was never designed to be solved. 

“President, I..” Sayaka began, her voice was a quiet whisper. Before Sayaka could say what had been on her mind since the Tower of Doors, a loud high-pitch, obnoxious laugh rang throughout the room.

Runa.

“Ooooh, getting your nails done by Sayaka!” Runa cackled, chewing loudly on her lollipop, “Aren’t you lucky, hmmm, Prez?” Runa’s expression said it all, it was laced with mischief. She was clearly messing with them. 

Sayaka didn’t acknowledge the girl, but she didn’t need to. She felt the faintest twitch of Kirari’s pinky finger, something that was so small that could mean plenty of things. Only Sayaka noticed how the president’s posture stiffened ever so slightly, and how her lips were tightly pulled into a small smile. Not a friendly one, a smile that masked the annoyance and frustration. 

“Why, Runa, you’ve come at the perfect time..” Kirari spoke slowly, her voice as sweet and melodic as it could be. The sarcasm intertwined in the phrase was unmistakable to anyone that had been paying attention. 

And Sayaka always paid attention. 

———-

The so-called ‘partnership’ Mary and the vice president had was starting to become more of a curse than a blessing. Mary pinched herself for ever agreeing to the ridiculous proposal. They weren’t gaining any chips and they sure as hell were nowhere near the president’s amount. Mary sulked at her lunch table that consisted of Yumeko and Ryota. Yumeko was busy blabbering about how much she wanted to gamble with the president, a devilish red hue appeared in her eyes. Mary wasn’t necessarily paying attention, she was focused on how she would come out on top and win the election, if it meant having to step on people, she gladly would do it.  

Mary slightly envied Yumeko; wrong, not slightly, she did envy Yumeko. She envied the fact Yumeko could destroy her opponents so easily and win heaps of money without even trying; wrong again, Yumeko did try. Yumeko tried a lot but concealed it with wit and experience. She mentally destroyed her opponents and outted them for their stupidity, it was relentless, ruthless, maybe even evil. 

A compulsive gambler , she thought. She recalled the exact moment Yumeko made Mary rethink her life decisions, the moment Yumeko outsmarted her and put her ten million yen in debt in a single gamble. Not only was she out of money, all the people she once talked to quickly turned on her, making her realize that no one was truly ever her friend. They were just scared of her. Mary grimaced, her lips twisting into disgust, she quickly fidgeted with her long pigtail, twirling it around her finger. 

Yumeko looked behind Mary, her eyes glistened with curiosity, “Mary, why is the Vice President always creeping behind you?” She said, clasping her hands together in excitement, “Oh, I know! There’s going to be a gamble!” She smiled brightly, the glow of her eyes was unrecognizable. 

Mary quickly whipped her head around and rolled her eyes at the sight of the masked figure, “What have I said? Don’t you have other people to creep out?” She sighed, rubbing her forehead in frustration, “What is it now?” She quietly said, her amber eyes bore into the mask’s soulless expression. 

“Mary Saotome, the president would like to see you,” The distorted voice spoke, it hid any emotion that would be revealed in a normal voice. Mary balled her fists up, her eyes squinting in the process. Mary didn’t like a lot of people, especially after she became a house pet, but Mary never thought about hating someone. Until she received that treacherous life plan that dictated how she would live her life if she couldn’t pay off her debts. It radicalized her on realizing the social hierarchy the school demonstrated. And the one that would pay for her emotional distress was none other than Kirari Momobami, the student council president. 

Mary stood up quickly, shaking the lunch table in the process, “Whatever,” Is all Mary said before she began to march toward the council room, the Vice President following behind her in close steps. 

When they were far enough from people in an empty corridor, Mary abruptly stopped and lunged for Ririka’s mask, catching her off guard in the process. Her hands instinctively caressed her face, the wind intertwining in her platinum hair. 

“What does she want?“ Mary angrily said, her hands were gripping the plastic mask, unable to let go. Ririka’s cerulean eyes refused to meet with Mary’s amber, her cheeks were dusted a pale pink. 

“I don’t know, okay?” Ririka finally said, her eyes finally locking with Mary’s. The pigtailed girl was unsure if she should believe her or not, she let out a deep breath and shoved the mask back into Ririka’s arms. 

“Fine, but I don’t trust being alone with Kirari, not now, and not ever,” Mary huffed, before receiving a nod from Ririka. She held her balled fist in front of the door for a moment before knocking. Mary would never admit it, but her nightmares consisted of the student council room, specifically the President. 

Sayaka opened the door, greeting Mary with a tight smile, “Mary Saotome, come in,” She monotoned, Mary noticed the sky blue nail polish tucked away in her pocket. 

Mary walked into the council room, her heeled loafers clicking against the marble swirled floors in rhythmic patterns, “‘Kay, what do you want?” Mary sighed, Kirari was facing her aquarium, her recently polished hand grazing it.

 Kirari faced Mary, her eyebrows cocked in the process, smirking at Mary’s annoyance, “Good to see you too, Mary. It’s been a while,” She welcomed delicately, she glanced her curious eyes over to Ririka, who had put her mask back on before she entered the room, “I believe this is a meeting between Mary and I,” Kirari thought out loud, she put her finger up to her mouth like she was pondering.

“You’re right, it was, but not anymore. I need someone to witness your bullshit.” Mary barked out, she was growing more frustrated by the second. Kirari smirked wider, she walked effortlessly toward the council’s seating area, her hand caressing the oak table in the process. 

“Why don’t you have a seat?” Kirari went on, gesturing toward the plush couch. Mary felt like she didn’t have much of a choice, she ventured towards the couch, sitting down in front of Kirari. 

“Are you going to tell me what I’m doing here?” She exasperated, Mary glanced toward Ririka who subtlety shrugged her shoulders, clearly, I’m not the only one confused.. Mary thought. 

“Mary Saotome, your gambling efforts have really skyrocketed..” Kirari began, ignoring Mary’s confusion. She rested her hand under her chin before continuing, “Especially ever since that fateful gamble between you and Yumeko Jabami, do refresh my memory, you lost and received a debt of-“ 

“Shut up,” Mary spat with more venom than intended, her eyebrows furrowed violently under her sunny blonde bangs. 

“My, how bold of you to interrupt me,” Kirari’s eyes widened slightly in amusement, her smirk growing wider. Mary instantly felt the air stiffen and grow dense, her body shuddered involuntarily. 

“I’m not playing one of your little games, Kirari.” She fumed before proudly standing up and facing Kirari, “You can’t walk over me, and you won’t,” Mary held Kirari’s piercing gaze, she didn’t falter. Mary desperately wanted to wipe that stupid smirk off of Kirari’s pristine face, she felt like she was being torn to pieces just by an expression. 

Kirari only hummed in response, Mary huffed and stomped over towards Ririka, “Let’s go,” She mumbled before Kirari’s smooth voice irritated her ears once more. 

“Ririka…” Kirari spoke, her eyes flickering over to the masked girl who stood tense, “Did you inform her, yet?” The room immediately darkened, Kirari smirked at Mary who stopped in her tracks, before she turned around slowly. 

“Stay out of my life, Momobami,” Mary warned, her eyes filled with disgust as she looked at Ririka, shoulder checking her in the process of leaving the council room, Mary could hear Kirari’s egotistical chuckle ringing throughout her head. She hated it. She hated her. And she hated Ririka. 

“Mary, wait!” Ririka sputtered, they were slightly down the hall and no one was around them, Ririka quickly grabbed Mary’s wrist. 

“Inform me about what, Ririka?” Mary spat, her face was stained red, and her cheeks were puffed out. She was more embarrassed that she had been made a fool in front of Kirari, again, rather than the blatant secrets Ririka kept from her. 

“Now is not the time, I’m sorry..” Ririka quietly said, lowering her head shamefully. She struggled to make eye contact with the fuming blonde.

“Now’s not the time?” Mary repeated, she chuckled lightly before crossing her arms, “I thought I made it specifically clear that if we were to do this ‘partnership’ we would be honest to each other,” She scowled looking at Ririka who had met her intimidating gaze. 

“Mary..” Ririka began before stopping herself mid sentence, she clutched her mask over her chest, guarding herself from who knows what.

“No, you know what,” Mary scoffed, “This partnership was a dumb idea, anyways,” She rolled her eyes, walking away and leaving Ririka standing alone.

Ririka balled her fists up, slamming the damned mask back onto her face, concealing how she truly felt. She marched her way back to the student council room, standing in front of the elitist oak doors. 

Kirari.

——

Chapter Text

Kirari predicted many things not out of conceit, but out of a cold, practiced understanding of human nature. She predicted that Sayaka would pick door number 5, guided by her need for logic even in a game devoid of it. She predicted that Mary would inevitably lash out and stomp away like a toddler being told no, her pride clouded her understanding. And she predicted with a little bit of a push, a small voice of instigation, Ririka would eventually snap. It was all a matter of elite, precise, cautious timing. So it was no surprise to Kirari that there was a consistent rhythmic banging on the council doors, Kirari didn’t even flinch, her smirk grew wider as the banging grew more desperate. She merely paused, lingering for a moment in front of the heavy double doors for a second longer than necessary. A deliberate delay, much like how she liked to be fashionably late, she liked to make people wait for her divine presence. She knew this would annoy Ririka, who always preferred to be on time and always had a strong sense of urgency. She knew it was Ririka.

The braided girl hummed softly, just like a looming predator over its prey. The air filled with dramatized nonchalance, Kirari turned the door knob aggravatingly slow, it creaked in the process. A small crescent shaped smirk formed all over her face, it was unmistakable that she found the situation amusing. Her cold, ice blue eyes burned like fiery red flames with amusement as she was met with the expressionless hard stare of the plastic mask. Her gaze drifted downward slightly, she noticed the way her sister's hands were clenched into tiny fists, trembling slightly, her nails digging into her skin. Kirari could feel the concealed fury radiating off the girl, she remained quiet, her eyebrow piqued in interest. Kirari didn’t say anything to the girl in front of her, what was there to say to someone who never existed outside of her shadow? What was there to say to someone who never was truly someone? 

“Kirari,” Ririka said, the distorted voice made her voice feign confidence, it drowned her wavering speech and cloaked her in the confidence she never had. Kirari was always able to hear it anyways, sometimes, Ririka wondered if Kirari possessed abilities that were far from normal. Ririka couldn’t decipher her emotions, her mind raced and tangled, her lips quivered underneath the mask. All Kirari could do was laugh, as if sensing her oncoming panic attack, as if she sensed her hesitation and her uncertainty, as if she sensed her identity crisis. It was beautiful, melodic, and airy, but sharp and full of poison like the baby’s breath that lay in the singular flower vase on the council table. Her cerulean eyes crinkled slightly, her arm over her stomach as she leaned in slightly, she was amused beyond comprehension. Kirari’s laugh reminded Ririka of the clear differences they had, it broke the air barrier between them and with it, the illusion that Ririka had any power in the moment. 

“My, I can only predict… ” Kirari began, her voice that was laced in honey was dripping in pools of amusement, “that under that egregious mask of yours..you are truly in shambles, aren’t you?” She tilted her head to the right, giggling lightly, her hand coming up to rest under her chin, “Do come in, dear sister,” She chirped as she elegantly strutted away from the masked figure. Kirari’s strides whispered with elegance, her uniform always crisp, her hair never had a strand out of place, she was calculated to draw attention and admiration. She never displayed any errors, not like a normal human being. Then again, Kirari detested normal, anything normal.

Ririka walked in, her steps were heavy but just as perfect as Kirari’s. Why would they not be? Ririka was made to be Kirari, her mirror, her voice, her silence, and her poise. Ririka was never made to be Ririka , she was designed to be Kirari , a machine in the works.

Ririka followed her sister to the same seating area they were at previously, everything lined up in the same exact way. But Ririka couldn’t help but see the residue of tension still hanging in the air. This was the same place where her silence had betrayed Mary. She swallowed hard, her silence had caused Mary to distrust her, it’s not what Ririka wanted. Did she even know what she wanted? Her nails continued to form crescents on her palms, the pain shadowing over the regret she felt. 

Ririka watched quietly as Sayaka approached Kirari with her tea in a delicate teacup, lilies engraved in the porcelain. As their hands brushed against each other subtlety, something unspoken hung in the air like a thick fog. Many would not have noticed the way Kirari slightly shifted her posture, her shoulders relaxing. Ririka saw the barely visible flash of Kirari’s pearly teeth as her lip curled inward, gently sinking her teeth into the glossy skin of her lower lip. Ririka didn’t understand her sister's strange fixation with the council's secretary, Sayaka. The obedient, diligent, intelligent Sayaka. To Ririka, she was just plain ordinary, nothing ‘fascinating’ about her. Just simply, plain. She didn’t look extraordinary, her gambling was a bust, she had no poker face, everything about her was logical and predictable, something Kirari wasn’t. Sayaka was just another distraction, she pulled Kirari’s attention from important matters, such as the current growing tensions in the Momobami clan that Kirari seemed to not even think about.

“You ruined the partnership with Mary,” Ririka quietly informed as she removed her mask from her face exposing the mirror image of Kirari, “I thought this was what you wanted..” She added, her eyes were glued onto Kirari’s piercing gaze, Ririka could tell she wasn’t taking this seriously. Her gaze glided to Sayaka, she was standing behind the velvet loveseat Kirari was sitting on much like a bodyguard instead of a secretary. Ririka scanned over Sayaka’s expression, she wasn’t as shocked as Ririka thought she would be, considering Sayaka already had figured out there was another ‘Kirari’ in the shadows.

“I ruined the partnership with Mary?” Kirari echoed with a slow, amused lilt, her grin widening as she lifted the delicate porcelain cup to her lips. Her dainty pinky finger arched outward, dangling in the air as if she were sipping from a fine glass in Versailles.

 “Dear sister, I do believe this was your partnership to begin with,” She tapped a slender, manicured finger against her temple with exaggerated thoughtfulness, “Oh my, was I not supposed to say anything at all?” Her tone suddenly shifted to mockingly apologetic, “ Silly me,” Kirari stifled her giggle, her laugh begged to escape from her blue lips. It wasn’t real happiness, it was something far more sinister, it was pure amusement at Ririka’s frustration. Her hand pranced to her mouth, barely covering the growing smirk of lips that were the color of a frozen ocean. 

Ririka was growing quickly more frustrated with her sister, “You’re not taking this seriously,” She tightly said, her voice was laced with frustration and annoyance, it was extremely blatant. Her heavy breathing was controlled, the kind of control that came from years of exclusion and torment. Her voice that was once soft and timid quickly held the heat of a match, it wasn’t just regular annoyance. It was frustration coaxed with something deeper, something personal, something raw .

Kirari tilted her head again, a habit she had grown accustomed to, she masked her amusement with her feigned innocence, “Not taking it seriously?” She repeated, she drew out each word like she was tasting the phrase on her tongue, “Oh, but, Ririka…I find this all very entertaining. Don’t you?” She grinned widely before the air immediately tensed, the tensions between them were rising like a tsunami waiting to crash.

Kirari’s eyes gleamed like glaciers, her voice turning as cold as ice, “You’re acting like this partnership was some sacred bond, some friendship,” she smirked darkly, “Please, as if Mary wasn’t going to betray you the moment it benefited her. That's what people do, Ririka. That’s what you refuse to admit.” Kirari was relentless, her eyes swirled with mirth, “And that, Ririka… is why you’re always the one left behind.”

The air around them was tense, the silence, suffocating, Ririka’s lips formed a straight line as if she was holding something back. Her eyes flickered to Sayaka who was still standing behind Kirari, but this time, her expression was more complex, almost as if she was stunned at what Kirari had said. Ririka paid no mind to it, Sayaka was never going to grow a backbone to Kirari. She was always going to stand blindly next to Kirari’s side and ignore everything that happened around her.

Ririka flicked her eyes back to Kirari who seemed very pleased with herself, “You didn’t have to interfere with Mary and I,” She sternly continued, “You toy with people like they aren’t human, you completely disregard their feelings. You overlooked Mary, she isn’t just another piece on your chess board.”

Kirari’s smile grew more predatory, the room instantly darkened and her eyes seemed to glow a bright blue, “Ririka..dear sister..” she mused, her hands ran over her braids again, an unusual movement indeed, “You still don’t understand, do you? Everyone is a piece.”

Kirari paused for a moment, her eyes scanning the room decked in aquariums before leaning back in the plush seat, “Even you.” 

—-

Ririka’s shoulders sank in defeat, her footsteps echoed down the quiet hallway as she exited the council room, each step slower than the last, as though her body struggled to carry the burden of her silence. She slipped her mask fluidly over her face, restoring her anonymity like how she was used to. The mask wasn’t just a symbol, no.. it was Ririka. It was all she ever knew. Forced into last place by a single roll of the dice, by a single gamble. But deep beneath the mask, a simple longing, a yearning and a desire to be seen not as Kirari, not as her mirror but as Ririka. To have a separate identity from her sister’s, to be her own person and make her own decisions.

She approached the courtyard, the soft click of her heeled loafers, the wind rustling through the garden trees Kirari insisted on planting. The sunlight escaped through the gaps of the branches casting long shadows across the stone path, Ririka wondered if she blended in these shadows as well. That’s when she saw her, the familiar sunny blonde decked in her long, flowy pigtails. It was Mary. Mary was the sun to this cold and calculated the school, she was the warmth it desired. She was laughing carelessly, her legs crossed toward Yumeko, they were sitting too close, Ririka noted. Ririka’s heart twinged, an ache suddenly bloomed throughout her body, hollow like phantom pain. She felt her heart thud against her ribcage rapidly, this was different than any emotion she was familiar with. Her feet moved without reason as she quickly approached Mary. Her breathing staggered as Mary’s warmth immediately dimmed like everything else in the school, it was replaced with coldness.

Mary eyed her up and down, eyebrows drawing together into subtle creases that were mostly hidden beneath her tousled bangs, “Vice President,” the title came out disconnected, far away as if she never even knew her to begin with. Her voice dropped an octave, the disgust wasn’t hidden well, “What is it that you want?”  Mary’s eyes glared into Ririka’s mask, an unidentified void she had grown accustomed to. The mask continuously always managed to annoy Mary, the fake distorted voice, the obscurity, the refusal to be seen. But now, at this very moment, after everything , it infuriated her.

Ririka cleared her throat under the mask quietly, “We need to have a chat, Mary Saotome,” The sentence came out heavier than she intended, distorted by the modulation that masked her real tone. Instead of calm or neutral, it sounded commanding, threatening even. Ririka clenched her jaw in frustration, everything was going wrong today. Mary’s eyes sharpened, her pink lips forming a deep frown. The silence between them thickened, heavy with unspoken lies and freshly drawn lines. After several seconds, Mary rose from her seat next to Yumeko, she gave Ririka an unmistakable, small, almost imperceptible nod. It wasn’t an acceptance, and it wasn’t a sign of weakness. It was Mary’s own form of command, a quiet signal. 

Ririka led Mary to a quiet area in the council’s private garden, a secluded destination behind the windows of the council room. It was a place where time itself seemed to defy the laws and slow down. It was where Kirari always happened to reside when she was notably skipping her classes, relishing in her amusement alone. But today, a caress of luck granted Ririka as the twin was nowhere to be found, Ririka could finally have a discussion with Mary without her sister's intrusive echo and insufferable commentary. The garden was lush and full of beautiful ivory lilies, they bloomed against the emerald leaves. A garden of Eden, Kirari would call it, though Ririka always thought the comparison felt too innocent for Kirari’s twisted imagination of paradise. The extravagant willow tree they stood under danced with the wind, the setting almost seemed too intimate for the occasion. Although the garden was full of beauty, the air around them was stale and suffocating. The girls stood face to face, a thousand words wanted to flow out of Ririka’s mouth, but no words came out.

Mary sighed, her time was being wasted, “You brought me here, but you won’t speak?” She huffed, her honey eyes traveled down to the masked girl's hands, the crescent marks embedded into the irritated skin of her palms, “That just means there's nothing to say,” Mary hissed while crossing her arms over each other. Mary was closed off, disappointed, unsure, and Ririka couldn’t stand it.

“Mary, I’m..” Ririka began to say, she could hear the choked up distortion of her voice, even though she grew up with it, it still sounded foreign to her ears. Mary’s eyes burned holes through the shiny plastic, it felt like Ririka was on fire, and Mary was the flame. She was the spark, the heat, the danger, she was everything Ririka wanted to be. What she needed to be. 

In a fit of closeted frustration, Ririka ripped the darkness off her face, the gust of wind caressed her cheek as if mother nature was comforting her, telling her everything was going to be okay, “I’m sorry,” The girl finally said, specks of water collected in her eyes begging to be released, “I never meant to keep things from you, I value our partnership…” Ririka clutched the mask over her heart, a large gust of wind blew the weeping willow, it’s leaves swirling in the wind around them, “And most importantly, our friendship,” 

Ririka’s heart was racing at this point, her cheeks were dusted a powder pink, for once, in this very moment, she felt the weight of the Momobami Clan, the weight of being Kirari’s “mirror” disappear, “I want…I want to be my own person!” She exclaimed, the tears that once prickled her eyes cascaded down her cheeks in synchronization.

Mary’s eyes were blown wide, she felt as if her breathing momentarily stopped. Everything she once disliked about Ririka, the mask, the silence, the eerie resemblance to Kirari, in fact, even being related to Kirari was suddenly overshadowed by the unfamiliar and unusual thumping that was present in her chest. It was strange, it was distracting, it was clouding her thoughts and disintegrating her rationale.

It was because of her.  

 “Oh, stop crying!” Mary muttered, her voice a mixture of irritation and panic. Her eyes darted down to the floor, they flickered with uncertainty. Strangely, Mary couldn’t bring herself to look at the girl in front of her, whose tears were silent but spoke measures that were unheard. She didn’t want to see Ririka like this, trembling, confused, and hurt. She couldn’t fathom why she was empathizing, but it didn’t matter why. Mary was sure, almost positive she never wanted to see Ririka cry again. 

 “I don’t like watching people cry, so cut it out,” She sighed heavily, though her tone lacked its usual bite. Mary placed her hands on her hips, it was a way for her to regain her confidence, her composure. “Besides. There’s nothing for you to even be crying about,” She confessed, her tone retreating back into its cockiness. 

Mary’s amber gaze lingered on Ririka’s face, now streaked with glistening tears. A long silence filled the distance between them, it was so quiet the girls were sure they could hear each other’s quickened heart beats. It was the kind of silence that felt meaningful, more sacred than any words exchanged between them. Mary saw a small smile forming on Ririka’s salty face, it bloomed into something more sincere, it was genuine. It was unmistakably a thank you without a voice, it was a fragile expression filled with relief and gratitude. The mask was insignificant now, it was just a piece of plastic that had once separated Ririka from society, from herself. Even with the mask on, Mary had managed to see Ririka. Mary gave her the courage to free herself from the weight of the mask. Mary helped Ririka, become Ririka . 

Mary rolled her eyes as her cheeks flushed, “Whatever,” she mumbled, her voice rougher than intended, “You know, no need to thank me or anything..” Her arms crossed over her chest to shield the awkward warmth blossoming in her chest, but her gaze lingered, she was unable to look away from Ririka’s face. 

Mary’s eyes locked into the blue hues of Ririka’s, they were the same pair of eyes Kirari had, yet so different, so foreign, they were almost vulnerable. The twins may have shared the same body, the same voice, and even the same footsteps, but they could never share the same mind.

Mary broke the silence once again, her words escaping without a reason, “Let’s win this election, Ririka..” She firmly exclaimed, she watched as Ririka’s eyes began to light up with determination, “Together… as partners,” Mary emphasized while extending a slender hand towards Ririka, an act of friendship.

There was a stillness between them for a moment, a silent gravity that dragged Mary in deeper. Mary had finally managed to see Ririka as her own self. Not hidden behind a mask, not as a shadow, not as Kirari’s mirror, but as Ririka.

“Partners,” Ririka smiled lightly, shaking Mary’s hand delicately in the process. Determination washed over the pair like nothing ever could get in between them.

The truth for Mary was undeniable, she cared about Ririka, more than she thought she would. And that scared her more than any gamble ever had. 

—--

Chapter Text

   Kirari stood powerfully in front of the large framed window in the council room, her slim figure bathed in the soft glow of the sun as it filtered through the glass. Her hand rested under her chin with casual elegance, her other arm draped loosely across her waist. To Sayaka, who would occasionally glance over at the girl from the oak table, Kirari appeared confused and immersed in thought. Though, Sayaka was never one to read Kirari’s expressions, for she could never decipher between when the performance ended and when it began. 

Sayaka was busy working on student council papers which Kirari always procrastinated on. She didn’t mind, in fact, it was calming being able to always have something to work on, (it also gave her a reason to stay close to Kirari at all times). 

 The silence of the room wasn’t uncomfortable, it was soothing. It was filled with the ambient hum and soft bubbles of the fish tanks that created an aquatic lullaby. The smooth scrape of Sayaka’s pen glided across the paperwork in a controlled manner, after every signature, after every sentence she’d subtly flicker her eyes to the platinum haired girl. Sayaka watched as the president’s shoulders stiffened slightly, her feet awkwardly switching places with one another. Every movement, every gesture, every look always had a meaning for Kirari. Sayaka had only figured out two; amused and bored. This one, though, this one wasn’t like any of the ones she ever saw. Sayaka watched with narrowing eyes as the girl’s polished hand swiped through her platinum bangs quickly. What in the world was happening? This surely was not Ririka, Sayaka would immediately know. She could always tell, and it’s not like Kirari and Ririka were a set of triplets, no, they were just twins. 

It was odd. Unusual. Strange. 

“President?” Sayaka quietly said, her voice dripping with genuine concern, she had never seen the president so..confused before, “Is everything okay?” The girl asked, causing Kirari to turn her head over her shoulder, her platinum braids swishing in the process. 

“Yes,” The girl confirmed, it was short and quick to the point..which happened to be completely the opposite of Kirari. It made Sayaka wonder whether it was just another cover up, a lie for something the president could not confide in her with. 

“Sayaka?” Kirari’s gentle voice roamed the room, her hand pressed flat against the window as her eyes locked into something in the distance, “Would you join me over here?” She asked, her voice was dripping with amusement completely altering Sayaka’s inference of her mood earlier. 

Sayaka complied and quickly joined the president in front of the big window, she immediately understood what Kirari was gazing at. 

“President, is that…” Sayaka began, her eyebrows rose as if she was shocked. The sight was interesting and unbecoming, she scooted a bit closer to Kirari, their shoulders brushing against each other lightly, the fabrics of their uniforms rustling in the process. 

“Yes, my sister and Mary,” Kirari smirked as her hand dusted over her frosted lips, “It seems they have made up,” Her smirk expanded into a cocky smile, and then bloomed into an angelic laugh. A laugh only Sayaka was allowed to hear. 

Sayaka’s ears rang and she felt all the blood rush to her cheeks, the sight was heavenly. Sayaka’s eyes scanned over Kirari’s face as she continued to laugh, the crinkle of her eyes, the fluttering of her bangs, her teeth that blinded her eyes. 

“You’re perfect,” Sayaka’s words quietly flew out her mouth without her brain's consent. She immediately froze in horror, she couldn’t believe what she had just said. She watched as Kirari’s laughter subsided and her oceanic eyes met Sayaka’s. Sayaka was almost positive the girl didn’t hear her, or maybe it was her subconscious trying to convince herself that Kirari didn’t hear her so she didn’t pass out from embarrassment. 

“Hm? What was that?” The platinum haired girl questioned quietly with a subtle perplexity, “I didn’t quite hear you,” Kirari tilted her head to the side slightly as her eyes danced over Sayaka’s flushed face. 

“Oh!” Sayaka gasped, her ears were brighter than the red uniform Kirari modeled, “It was..it was nothing,” She couldn’t see the president's eyes, as she was far too embarrassed. 

Kirari let out a quiet hum as she looked back at the sight of Mary and her sister, “Jealousy is an emotion I’m unfamiliar with, something that’s never crossed my mind..” She began to speak, “However, at this very moment, I can’t help but feel a bit jealous of Saotome..” Kirari delicately sighed, her mouth forming a small smile. 

“I’ve always wanted Ririka to be herself, to be Ririka,” She placed her hand under her chin, “Clearly, I was right for asking Ririka to be partners with Mary,” She grinned, her hand grazed the large window as she turned away from the forgiving girls. Kirari hummed lightly as her strides halted in front of the grand aquarium, a feature she insisted be put in place. 

“I wonder….” She trailed off as her eyes followed a small fish being devoured by a larger one, “Which one will be devoured first?” 

——-

The sun was setting over Hyakkou academy, the rays illuminated the council room in a golden hue. Sayaka praised herself for always doing her secretary duties, which consisted of cleaning the council room in the afternoon. She wiped down the oak table swiftly, however, her eyes were fixated on a single piece of furniture. 

The president’s chair. 

It was constructed like a throne, a throne that would only allow Kirari to sit on. The plush blue cushions looked clean, precise, much like the girl who sat atop them. Sayaka slowly walked to the chair, her hands traced over the arm rests as she slowly rested her head on the seat. Her nose picked up a sweet scent; peaches, vanilla, possibly even some floral arrangement. The chair smelt exactly like Kirari, her cheeks flushed as she let out a deep sigh. 

Her trance was quickly over as she heard a pair of obnoxious laughter and snickering. Sayaka’s body bolted up from the floor, her face turning stark red in the process. She coughed lightly as the laughter continued, clearly embarrassed.

“Oh my! Sayaka! No way…” Runa shrieked as she doubled down in her cackles, tears pricked her eyes as she held into her stomach. 

“How’s the chair smell for y’a?” Midari wheezed, the scene was hysterical. Sayaka had been caught red-handed looming over the president’s chair.

“I wasn’t sniffing the chair! I was…checking for dust,” Sayaka lied, “Yes! Dust…” Her cheeks were as red as the blood in her veins, she was practically shaking from embarrassment. 

Sayaka was a horrible liar, she had been one since the moment she knocked over an expensive vase when she was a child. Her parents had scolded her causing her to sob for the rest of the week. Sayaka quickly realized she had a distaste for disappointing anyone. She realized she could never gamble willingly, for if she were to lose she’d disappoint herself, the council, and most importantly, the President. She realized her sole purpose on the council was to be Kirari’s number one, do an outstanding job as the secretary, and never disappoint. 

“Y’a, for sure. I’m not gonna judge y’a, Saya!” Midari snickered, her tongue swiped over her lips quickly, “I’d sniff Yumeko’s chair if I had the chance, too!” The disturbed girl let out another cackle before scratching her head and wobbling to the council bathroom. 

Sayaka watched with utter disgust as she knew Midari would only defile the pristine bathroom, again. It was a common occurrence causing Sayaka to wonder what was going through the president’s head when she offered Midari a position on the council. 

“Yeah, so…I’m not gonna clean that,” Runa said slowly, plopping another lollipop in her mouth, “Have fun with that, Sayaka!” The short framed girl quickly stuffed a bunch of sweets in her hoodie’s pockets before skipping away like a kid on Halloween. 

Sayaka’s eyes twitched with annoyance, another thing she constantly wondered was how Runa wasn’t obese yet with all the candy the girl would eat. Sayaka sucked in a breath, a method she would constantly use whenever her patience was running thin. She closed her eyes and imagined she was standing with the president, her eyes locked onto Kirari’s aquamarine’s. Her perfectly arched brows hidden beneath her blunt bangs, the way her lipgloss would leave a small print on a delicate tea cup, or the way her pure feminine hips swayed with each step she took. Sayaka felt her ears burn with the thoughts that raced through her head, she swiftly slapped her cheeks with sudden force, the thoughts stopped. 

A familiar melodic giggle echoed throughout the council room.

Sayaka’s eyes shot open, the same aquamarine eyes she had been daydreaming about were staring right back at her. In front of her. Only her. Kirari’s laughter slowly halted, a small smirk danced across her face as she brought her hand up in a pensive stance.

“My, did I disturb you?” Her voice was light and airy as she watched Sayaka’s flustered face with amusement, “I was only stopping by to pick up my briefcase,” the girl claimed, her hand gesturing toward the black leather on the table.

“No! You didn’t, uhm..” Sayaka coughed, her thoughts sprinted back to her, “Disturb me..” she quietly continued, her eyes struggling to stay connected with Kirari’s. The way Kirari’s eyes bore into her soul made her itch in her skin, it made her nervous, uncomfortable even, because Sayaka knew that Kirari could read her like an open book. 

“Mmm..” Kirari hummed, her eyes dropped down to the table as she circled around Sayaka, her hand grazing the table lightly, “You seem rather distracted lately,” She smirked, her eyes met Sayaka’s once more.

Sayaka looked away, her teeth poking out to nibble her bottom lip slightly, “Am I…disappointing you?” She watched as Kirari’s eyes flashed with mirth, this was amusing her. 

Kirari halted in front of her, she tilted Sayaka’s chin up slightly with her polished pointer finger, they were close, too close. 

“You could never disappoint me,” Kirari quietly said. Sayaka watched as an unfamiliar expression danced over Kirari’s face, she was certain she could even see a light rose blush appear on Kirari’s cheek bones. Maybe it was a trick of the light. 

“President…” Sayaka began to speak before Kirari backed up away from her. Kirari’s attention was focused on her briefcase once more. Sayaka quietly cursed that briefcase for stealing her President away from her. 

“Go home at a reasonable time,” Kirari spoke elegantly, she once more locked her eyes onto Sayaka, “Please,” Kirari smirked gently as she watched Sayaka camouflage with her blazer jacket. 

“Yes, President!”