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" Rindo-kun."
" Ah, Jikuin-san."
It's one of those nights where there's a strange lull. The job was done, but not without its troubles. Rindo still has to snip the loose ends clean. Ibuki and Seigen have been thoroughly exhausted by the constant running and needed time to recuperate until their next chore.
He was about to. However.
However.
" I noticed something, Rindo-kun."
Rindo sighed, hardly audible, but loud enough to make Jyobu's grin go wider.
" Not sleepy, Jikuin-san?"
Jyobu snickered. Another episode. Rindo drew in a breath. Play along, as you always do.
It's a dull night anyway.
" Forgive me for intruding at this hour, Rindo-kun. But I do wonder."
" About?"
" I'm quite certain that you are aware."
Jyobu's eyes widened gleefully. Even in the dim light, Rindo could see how the candlelight played shadows and illuminated Jyobu, like he's not human.
" Are you avoiding it, Rindo-kun?"
Rindo looked away. " I have no idea what you're talking about. Get some rest, Jikuin-san."
A knife stabbed right through the table before him. Too close, too swift. Even if he's used to Jyobu's unpredictability, this is quite a rarity.
Jyobu is excited.
" Do you not want to know?"
Rindo kept quiet. Jyobu moved closer, adjusting his grip on the knife.
" Are you not interested?"
Rindo closed his eyes. Jyobu's breath on his cheek as he whispered,
" Do you not want to know who you truly are?"
Rindo's eyes snapped open, wide with a lot of emotions but fear. He's almost furious as he stares into Jyobu's wide-eyed amusement.
" No, Jikuin-san."
His voice steady, cold, in possession of himself once more. " No. Now, if you'll excuse me," he stood up, still staring Jyobu down, moved his laptop and paperwork to the other side of the table " I have work to do."
Jyobu stared still, almost unblinking, staring at him like there's something in there only he could see. His grin unchanging.
His voice sharper still through the smoky, dark night.
" You are truly an awful liar, Rindo-kun."
It was truly a dull night, Rindo thought.