Archive of Our Own

"I said, let's go on a date."

The sound of porcelain abruptly settling against the table cuts through the air.

Soyo looks up, staring at the face of Anon; covered in cloudy sunset from the windows all around them. "Excuse me?"

"I was thinking, right?" Anon puts her hands together, idly avoiding eye contact. "I'm settling too much into school; everyone knows me as regular old Anon now. But if I show up with a girlfriend who's from Tsukinomori, that'll really start turning heads."

Soyo has the faint urge to strangle her. "You already have two girlfriends. Isn't that head-turning enough? Just be mushy with them on school grounds."

"I don't mean actual girlfriend. I'm saying we should fake-date~," she responds, waving her hand. "Besides, I don't wanna bother Tomori with this stuff. Don't even start with Ricky; she'd shoot me down immediately."

"And do either of them happen to know about this proposition?"

"Obviously, yeah."

"...You're a poor liar."

But Anon just smirks. "Communication does wonders, y'know."

Is she actually telling the truth? No, that's ridiculous; her response is too succinct. Either she's blindly improvising, or she's hiding something. Soyo can tell. It's as obvious a mask as the makeup on her face. "I can't imagine they're happy with you prancing around using me like a trophy," Soyo scowls. "Are you sure you didn't omit the details when you told them?"

"That's not an answer, Soyo," Anon lazily sings, reclining on the sofa that doesn't belong to her and taking another sip of someone else's tea. "Are we going to date or not?"

"Absolutely not. Get out of my sight," Soyo says. "How many times do I have to say this isn't your home? I'd appreciate it if you dragged your obnoxious carcass away from me when we're not at practice."

"What, and leave you alone in your lofty tower? C'mon, Soyo. Open up a bit. We've got nothing to hide."

…Soyo winces. If there's one person in the band who might be worse than her, it's this beauty of an eyesore. The vanity whose subtle, translucent poison slips out when the two of them are here alone. And she's here often; no matter how many months pass, and no matter how much space everyone else gives Soyo, Anon's always sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. It's driving Soyo mad. At this rate, it feels like violence is the only thing that would genuinely get Anon to leave. Not the threat of it, either; Soyo's already tried that, and the result was mortifying. "If you want me to 'open up', invite me to a diner. I hardly appreciate anyone visiting, let alone you."

"You say that, but Tomori n' Ricky'd come over too if you asked. You just haven't," Anon says, leaning back. "Maybe you should think about it. Wouldn't be that bad. We get along most of the time already."

At this point, Soyo stops humoring her with responses. Instead, she stares out the window and tries to ease her strain, deciding she'd rather not accidentally crush her teacup. It's getting late in the evening now; even later than Anon would normally impose for. Dusk still hasn't come. Sunset light and sapphire clouds have restlessly lingered on the edge of the horizon, and stretched across the sky, for what feels like hours; never actually disappearing. As if a natural cycle has gone off-course. It's uncanny. There's nothing Soyo is more used to than the view of the distant, disconnected city below, in the middle of a summer day or a silent night; but even that consistency is lost to her now.

Anon lies down on the sofa, spinning the same pillow in her hands as usual. "Hmmm. Hey, maybe you'll change your mind if I ask tomorrow. What do you think-"

"Chihaya. I'm not here to humor your whims," Soyo cuts. "I don't see the merit in letting you drag me around. If you want a glutton for punishment, find Taki."

But even that isn't phasing her. "No way I can convince you, huh…"

Anon puts down the pillow. She sits up, curling her knees in and resting her head on her arms. The back of her hair is painted in orange, but every other part of her is swept in shadow. Shrouded grey eyes stare at Soyo Nagasaki.

"…Not even if you get something in return?"

"Like what?"

"Anything."

It's said so casually that Soyo wants to laugh. "That's a bold proposal. Are you certain?"

"I mean, why not? Name your price."

Soyo stares into the void. This is unprecedented leverage; but she doesn't want leverage. She's not trying to tangle herself into Anon's life through pointless games. Taki makes a fool of herself doing that every day. No, what Soyo wants is severance; she wants to undo every knot she's accidentally tied that binds her to this person. She wants to make Anon regret everything. It's not as if Anon'll accept such terms, though; if Soyo laid out her deepest wish, the horizon she's been yearning for ever since this slithering hound first sauntered into her home… then Anon would back down in an instant.

Still, wouldn't hurt to state it. Just to twist the knife. It'd be enjoyable to watch Anon squirm and begrudgingly drop the topic, anyway. Soyo smiles, cups the flippant creature opposite into her gaze and says; "How about MyGO's disbandment, then?"

"Sure."

"…What?"

Anon leans over. Whether her lips are slanted up or down is impossible to discern. "I mean, that'd be easy. If I left, Tomori'd be devastated. She'd leave too. And everyone else would follow from there, wouldn't they?"

"Y-You… I…"

…

…Soyo grins. A cold bead of sweat runs down her face as her brow furrows. "Don't mess with me. I'm not talking hypotheticals. Give me the chance, and I'll end it. I mean it-"

"Then take the deal already. What's stopping you?"

A bullet pierces Soyo's voice, causing her words to choke. She breathes raggedly. Her heart convulses. It's been a year… a year since MyGO got its name. One whole year of everyone pretending they were on the same page. And now, finally, the illusion is unraveling in front of her.

She almost feels like celebrating. She looks up at Anon desperately. "Name your terms."

Anon turns to face her, leaning into her hand and tapping her knee. "How about… we start tomorrow. Dates're every evening; we meet up at Haneoka on school days, and at RiNG otherwise."

"How long for?"

"Two weeks should be plenty. You can handle that, right?"

"And that's it? That'll be all?" Soyo lurches forward, gripping Anon's collar and boring holes into her eyes. "The moment our last night ends…"

Somehow, Anon has the audacity to blush. She plays with her hair; "I'll tell everyone I'm quitting. Simple enough, right?"

…

…

She can't believe it.

She steps back. It was so obvious in retrospect. Why didn't she realize sooner? …Poor Anon~. So seemingly distant and disconnected, but that's as much a lie as any other. She has more of a heart than she lets on. She'll do anything to keep Soyo in the band, won't she? Soyo's felt that, physically, mentally and emotionally, time and time again.

Perfect. Getting attached to Soyo will be the biggest mistake she's ever made. Soyo hums, happily running her hand across the nonchalant imp's face. "Alright. We have a deal. But only on one condition."

Anon blinks. "What is it?"

"Text everyone in the band. Now." Soyo lets her smirk show as she lifts Anon's chin. "Tell them what's going to happen in two weeks."

"Huh. Easy enough, I guess."

…Ha. Hah! God, it's outrageous. Soyo steps back. She's waiting for the guilt to lay itself bare across Anon's face; she half-expected the mask to break the moment she stated that condition. But no, Anon obeys without question. Not even a wince of her eyebrow. Either she's a fantastic actor, or she really is affixed to Soyo; and acting has its limits. For one, it's difficult to mask intent. And she really is utterly intent on keeping Soyo in her life, isn't she? So intent that she would end everything for her sake.

Good. At long last…

…at long last, the sunset can disappear.

---

"Hey, hey, over there! Isn't that a Tsukinomori uniform?"

"Whoa, you're right. Who is she?"

"Isn't she in the same band as Anon? She's so pretty…"

Soyo stands at the gate with a perfect smile on her face, pastel peach decorating the sky. A student from her school, waiting at Haneoka's door… it's practically a goldmine for that miserable blend of admiration and gossip. An undercurrent that plagues anyone with the same uniform as Soyo. If optics were Anon's game here (and they almost always are), she's absolutely succeeded. Soyo is going to play her part, of course; it's what she does best. She was molded for this stage. Be it around strangers, the unassuming peers who believe she's their friend, or the bandmates who cling to her, Soyo is in her element when there's eyes on her. She lightly plays with her hair and adopts a fretful, slightly anxious look, conveying the image of a lovelorn girl diving into the world of romance.

"Soyo~!"

Soyo looks up; reacting warmly when she sees Anon wave. Though there's one, creeping detail that doesn't miss her:

Tomori is there too.

Anon, in her unsurprising eagerness to play her cards, quickly skips over and grabs Soyo's hand; thankfully, Soyo's mentally prepared herself in advance, so the touch doesn't stir her. Instead, she gently reciprocates the affection, letting their arms link and resting against Anon's cheek to smile for the selfie. It's saccharine; eye-catching enough for Anon's friend group to go rabid with chatter. "You showed up," Anon says. "I thought you'd be late."

"Really? Of course I wouldn't be late for our first date, honey," Soyo responds. "Actually… aren't you ten minutes late yourself?"

"C'mon, that's just the fashionable thing to do. I bet you find it charming, right?"

"...Hmm..."

"Riiiiiight~?"

Soyo smiles. "No, not really… moreso just adorable."

"Aw, jeez, Soyo~! You're so mean!"

They share some laughter that makes Soyo want to toss her into a lake. But the irritating realization that Anon'll be like this for two weeks moves to the back of her mind, when she sees Tomori approaching; "Soyo…"

Soyo looks at her calmly. There's a burning, breakneck stare in Tomori's eyes, singling her out and eliciting a number of hushed whispers around them. "Hey, hey… thinking about it, Tomori's always been close with Anon, right?"

"N-No way. Is Anon having an affair…?"

Soyo's smile fades. She wonders if this is part of the setup too; it's certainly brought attention, but it seems a bit too meticulous for Anon's liking. In any case, Soyo doesn't like seeing Tomori scrutinized like this; so she steps forward. "Tomori. Do you want to talk somewhere?"

…After a moment, Tomori nods.

"We should get some food while we're at it. I know a good place," Anon says. "C'mon, let's go."

The three of them head out together, leaving the hordes of gossip behind. If Tomori's stress is worrying Anon, she doesn't show it; in fact, she's brazen enough to hold the hands of both her real and fake girlfriend simultaneously, as if it were the most innocuous action she could take. Where does the audacity come from? Soyo is the root cause of this atmosphere, but even she can't help but feel a bit insulted on Tomori's behalf. So she asks her; "How're your dates going, Tomori? Do you have anything exciting planned?"

Tomori is evidently caught off-guard. "O-Oh. We're… going to the zoo this weekend."

"Fufu. I bet Taki's happy about that."

"...Yeah…"

Tomori's frown lightens; though it returns soon after, twice as smouldering. Soyo winces internally; why did she try to lighten the mood? It'd make sense conversing like usual would upset Tomori, given the situation. And isn't this distance what she wants, anyway? Nobody in MyGO is her friend; especially not the remnants of Crychic. And especially not Tomori. She's just…

…someone whose voice shot through Soyo's soul. That's all.

Her expression goes blank. She and Tomori solemnly enter the diner; Anon, contrastingly, is much more casual. "Table for three, please. And couple's discount too," she says, gesturing to Soyo.

"Oh! Of… of course. Go right ahead."

Soyo rolls her eyes as the waitress takes them to their seats. Cheap as usual. Deciding she'd rather not look at Anon directly for the time being, Soyo takes a seat opposite Tomori; and manages to ignore how soft Anon's hands feel as the latter sits right next to her. Tomori evidently isn't thinking about food right now; so Soyo suggests choices for the both of them. "...Ah, and an extra matcha pudding. In case Raana shows up."

"That's smart, actually. Don't wanna be caught off guard like last time," Anon says, standing up. "Alright, I'll go order. Be right back!"

"...Huh? Wai-"

Ah. Soyo puts two and two together; you order at the counter here. This is the other reason Anon chose this place.

…Well, Soyo figured this'd happen sooner or later. It's time to address the elephant in the room. She looks away towards the window and starts; "How are you feeling, Tomori?"

There's a moment of silence. Soyo's chest tightens; she always keeps up airs when alone with Tomori, but she never quite feels comfortable doing so. Anon and Taki don't have much issue with it, and Raana exploits it for snacks constantly, but it bounces off Tomori like an arrow would a mace… and Tomori's words hit just as hard as the latter. Soyo assumes they won't form at all here, not without Anon's support, but she's soon proven wrong; "Are you really leaving?"

…She lightly grips her arm, despite herself. Tomori's no stranger to this. The two of them are in the same boat. Maybe that's why, despite maintaining her poise, she can't quite bring herself to deflect. "We are. I assume Anon's told you as much."

Tomori's eyes burn. Soyo ends up looking away again; she's seen her miserable plenty of times, but anger is another story. It rarely happens; and when it does, Soyo's always the cause. It's a bullet of fury; a gaze dead-set on keeping the target of its longing within reach. Soyo doesn't know how to deal with it. She never has. "Why?" Tomori asks.

"It would've come to this eventually," Soyo responds. "You know that, don't you?"

"..."

"I never quite understood. Why do you want me?" She asks. "I can understand you being upset if Anon left. But you could keep the band going without me if you really wanted."

Tomori shakes her head. "No. You have to be here."

…Soyo's mask cracks the slightest bit. "I-"

"All of us. Together."

She stops. The words won't come out. Slowly, her own anger starts to rise too; as if Tomori's indignation is seeping into her. She didn't *ask* to be fixated on like this. She didn't ask to be the lynchpin of whether a band lives or dies. And yet, it felt like Tomori would rather die herself than let Soyo stay in the crowd that day. She dragged her so furiously towards the stage that it nearly dislocated Soyo's elbows. Taki's grip is a paper towel by comparison. It's… ridiculous. It's pathetic, even. Self-centered to an unreasonable extent. Why does she care so much? Is she just trying to help herself? Does she think she's going to magically fix Soyo's problems and be friends like they used to, so she doesn't have to let go? Does she even realize how selfish she's being, jeopardizing everyone else by doing this? Soyo wouldn't have forced Anon into quitting if it wasn't for her. Where does she get that self-righteousness from? Does she even realize how… unseemly… she…

…Soyo's heart aches. Despite herself, she can't yell. "Tomori... just take a step back, okay?" She says, subconsciously playing with her fingers. "We should let go. It's unhealthy to cling to the things that hurt you. You have Anon, Taki, Raana. They're all here for you. I think… it'd be healthier if you moved on. Don't you agree?"

"...Not without you."

Soyo frowns. "What are you going to do, then? I can't be the lynchpin. If you insist on that, then the band's ending in two weeks."

"No. It isn't."

…She's… still in denial, isn't she? She doesn't want a repeat. She's not ready to accept the natural outcome.

A part of Soyo understands.

But that's why she can't let herself be fooled. Tomori's words are like honey; they're as sweet as they are dangerous. There's a sting waiting right behind them. Her voice is far more powerful than Soyo can handle; and if she lets herself be caught in its vortex again, her resolve is going to break. She has a role to play here. So she takes a breath, lets the tension fade…

…And lightly pets Tomori on the side of her head. "H-Huh…?"

She smiles. "Don't worry. The end's already happened once, hasn't it? You'll get through a second round."

"…"

She's expecting Tomori to cry. For the heartbreak to flood her face in regrets. That's what Soyo wants; if Tomori deals with this now, then she'll be ready when the time comes.

But bizarrely, Tomori doesn't cry. Instead, she stares up at Soyo with a determined expression. "Yeah. We will."

She stands, quietly lifting Soyo's hand off, and steps out from the table. Before she leaves, she looks back:

"Um… see you tomorrow."

Soyo blinks. She's surprised; but then she smiles. That was more mature than she thought. Has Tomori come to terms with the future? Soyo'd want nothing more. "Right. See you tomorrow, Tomori."

And just like that, one of the myriad knots has been undone. The effect is immediate; Soyo can feel her body go silent again, allowing her to lie back in her seat.

Unfortunately, Anon has returned to ruin that. "Eh? Is Tomori already gone?"

…Under any other circumstance, Soyo would respond politely. But she can't help but slip the venom in; "She is. I'm surprised you're being more cruel to her than I am. Is that how you usually treat your girlfriend-"

-She stops. What's with that huge smirk? There's nothing to be smug ab-

Before Soyo can think any further, she feels a hand against her back, pulling her in. She jumps; "W-What are you doing…?!"

Anon puts a finger on her lips. "We're supposed to be dating, remember? Be a little nicer."

Soyo blushes furiously. In just a few seconds flat, she goes from placid to absolutely enraged, tearing up the seat in her balled fist… and feeling her entire body fuzz from the touch of Anon's fingers. Taking a strong, sharp breath, she uses every single ounce of her willpower to restrain herself and calmly move this miscreant off, giving a picture perfect smile as she does; "Sorry, I guess I was a bit stressed. Where were we, dear~?"

"Dinner, obviously~. Then we're heading to your place. You excited?"

"That sounds delightful! I'm so happy we're spending this time together. It means a lot to me!" …Her voice lowers to a whisper, so she can load as many daggers as she can: "Quit acting so mushy. It's repulsive."

"Deal with it~. You're stuck with me for the next two weeks. And I'm milking this for all it's worth."

She wishes she didn't react from Anon's voice husking. "That should only be as much as it makes you look good."

"...You don't get it, do you? We're a couple now~."

Soyo… pauses. Suddenly, she finds Anon's palm caressing her cheek. Her face is barely a breath away; and Soyo can't stop staring at that hidden fang, glinting on what's otherwise an aggravatingly pretty face. At this point, the color pink could make her see red. "I… m-my, aren't you a romantic," she says, begrudgingly returning the touch to look the part. "I thought you'd be more casual about this. I'm charmed."

"Didn't you realize I'm the clingy type?" Anon says. "You'd better be prepared; I'm not gonna hide my affection. I know you like it, anyway~."

Good lord. She really is an actor; she's playing the part of a lovestruck fool perfectly, knowing how much Soyo despises it. The worst part is, Soyo can't help but smile back as her brow twitches, knowing she'll get her comeuppance in the end. Knowing that the glee in Anon's face is going to shatter like glass. "What do you have planned, honey~?"

"We've got a full schedule~. How do you feel about clothes shopping tomorrow?"

…A full schedule? That sounds strangely intense. Maybe she's just putting a romantic spin on band activities? "Oh, I'd love that!" Soyo replies. "Who else is coming?"

"Just you and me~."

"……Not even Tomori? Or Taki? J-Just us?"

"For the entire next two weeks."

Anon leans in.

"Hope you're ready~."

And that smile. That's when Soyo realizes she's made a mistake.

---

"Pretty~! You're like a model, Soyo!"

Soyo stands outside the fitting room with a frilly navy blouse and a white wrap-skirt, a fancy leather bag resting around her shoulder. With no choice but to play along with Anon's demands, her only recourse from the obnoxious lovey-dovey language is gripping her own arm with building fury. Over the past 24 hours, she has come to a realization: Anon is sporadically inscrutable. The last time they went on a trip like this, it was an irritating and forgettable affair; the Anon she knows is a lazy, self-absorbed window shopper who'd meander through the selections and ask for Soyo's opinion without ever switching roles. Taki testified as much on a similar outing.

So why is this the 8th outfit Soyo's wearing today?

It doesn't make sense. She hasn't even bought anything for herself! Everything Anon's picked has been to dress Soyo up in. Soyo's had to change between half the styles in the shop by now. "A-Anon," she manages nicely, "maybe we should pick something out? I think we have too many choices…"

"Aw, already?" Anon moans. "Fine, fine. One more outfit then!"

She thrusts another set of clothes into Soyo's hands. By now, the assistant who's been helping has left Soyo to fend for herself. Soyo would do the same if she could; but no, she's stuck with this infuriating nuisance. Letting out a sigh, she heads back into the fitting room and looks at the clothes in question; they're…

…god, just what is Anon planning now?

Soyo decides she might as well get it over with, and gets dressed as quickly as possible. "Are you all done?" She hears.

"Yes, dear! Here, tell me how I lo-"

Anon then barges into the fitting room like a whirlwind of strawberry.

…Soyo's jaw drops; she's so furious she forgets to form words for a moment, opting to impale daggers into Anon's eyes as Anon gleefully sizes up the black jacket and jeans she's wearing. "Wh… don't you have the patience to wait?!" She hisses; but this only makes Anon's smile even bigger. "What is going through your head today?!"

"Hey… Soyo, you're kinda handsome in that when you're angry."

Soyo stops. Hang on a moment. Anon looks, genuinely, charmed. She's eating up the outfit like it's a 5-star meal. "Is. Is this why you didn't wait for me to go outside?" Soyo mutters.

"Yeah~, I wanted to see how this'd look with your nasty face on-"

…Something awakens in her.

Slam!

She throws Anon's back against the wall and pins her hand there, looking at her and smiling. Just as she expected, Anon barrels into a blush, completely unable to speak; voice gobbled up mid-sentence.

Soyo knows this is dangerous. She's one breath away from letting a web of velvet curl around her. But she can't stop herself. "Subtlety's not your strong suit, Anon." She cups Anon's chin, savoring the reaction. "You avoid your deepest wants so much that they flow out your back without you even realizing."

"…A…… a…"

"Is this the real reason you asked me out? Seems like more than 'fake-dating' to me." Soyo leans closer, addicted. "If all you wanted was to look good, meeting outside school would've been plenty. Though I guess that wouldn't satiate you. You're greedy. You want to gain absolutely everything from me that you can."

…Anon tries to smirk. "W-Wow, Soyo. I didn't know you liked me that much."

ba-thump

Soyo's mind roars. For a moment, there's a surge of desire to shut Anon up with the most direct method she has.

But she's no fool. Instead, she smirks back and moves her voice next to Anon's ear, intertwining her hand with the one she's pinned against the wall. Anon's bluster dissolves into thin air, and she lets out a high-pitched squeak, red as fire. "You really are vain… are you going to claim I'm projecting onto you?" Her thumb rests against Anon's lip. "Is this what you'd call projecting?"

Anon explodes.

Her ears erupting, she speeds out of Soyo's fitting room like a motorcycle; and ends up stubbing her toe against the wall. It takes all her willpower to not trip over as she stumbles out of sight. Soyo… can't help but laugh. How surprisingly cute~. She didn't realize Anon could look so pathetic. Is this what Tomori gets to see? If only Taki had that spine; then she'd have Anon wrapped around her finger rather than vice versa.

Smiling contentedly, Soyo changes back into her regular clothes and steps politely out of the room, approaching the still-blushing Anon as if none of that happened. "Are you alright, honey? You look like you're hurt~."

"I… I… y-yeah, I'm fine…"

Now *this* is an Anon she likes much more. "Just let me know if it's something I can help with. Oh, and I think the first dress we tried looked best; how about we get that?"

"S… sure! Anything for you. S-Sweetie."

"You'll pay for it, right?"

A critical hit is dealt to Anon's mood. "Yeah. Wh-what else're girlfriends for, right…?"

"I knew you'd say that. You're so nice~."

…That sets her off. There's an absolutely *foul* grin on her face now, her fang gleaming out between her lips. Soyo slyly grins right back, a streak of lightning crackling between the pair. She doesn't have anything to fear; Anon might be the ringleader of this ridiculous deal, but she's the one scheduled for the circus act. That unfounded confidence is going to be her bane. All Soyo has to do is play along… and she'll get to mortify her a million different ways. She heads over to the counter, sneaking her arm beneath Anon's and wondering what's next on the agenda with a smile.

She doesn't even notice the threads around her limbs.

---

"Soyo, say ahhhh~."

"Ahhhh~."

Soyo welcomes the bite of parfait; Anon's spoon blocks the flavor at first, but soon she tastes a burst of sweetness. "Yummy?" Anon asks.

"Very~. I'll admit," she says, "I'm not used to being on the receiving end."

"I get to pamper Soyo for a change. Lucky me."

She rolls her eyes with an 'oh, you' look, her lip twisting upwards just a bit too maliciously to fit with her mask. It's intentional at this point; and Anon clearly picks up on it, because she offers another spoonful. Soyo takes it, trying not to dwell on how strange this feels. Being played with by Anon elicits… certain. Feelings. She doesn't regret it, though; it's been a few days since they struck their deal, and while Soyo's had to bear some embarrassing moments, it's been worth it for the ones where she unravels Anon like a spool. She's actually having fun. She thought adding another farce to her list would be exhausting; but because Anon is already familiar with her true face, she has little reservation finding ways to let it show, as long as no one else sees. Although…

…

…It is strange. To be sitting here, in RiNG's cafe, after band practice. Practice that was focused. Normally, MyGO is a bit scattered, but everyone other than Soyo seemed disturbingly in-sync today; as if nothing's wrong at all. As if MyGO isn't disbanding in just over a week. No objection… they laughed, they argued, they played, as they always do. And now, after that idyllicism, she's sitting here on a mushy date with her plushy pink 'girlfriend.' It's all so eerily rose-tinted. To her chagrin, a part of her is instinctually clinging to this atmosphere, unable not to smother herself in it; but the rest of her mind takes pause. This isn't natural. This isn't Soyo Nagasaki and Anon Chihaya.

"C'mooon, Soyo. Look at me."

"O-oh. Sorry, I was lost in thought," Soyo responds, trying to inspect the root of her troubles face-to-face. Out of everyone, Anon's silence on the elephant is definitely the most confusing; the way she's carefreely set the band to break and abandon her girlfriends is a level of callousness even Soyo doesn't have. But it's a level of callousness Anon shouldn't have either; she's too obviously attached to everyone, even if she plays it down. Something else has to be going on beneath those nonchalant eyes.

And that's what interests Soyo. That's why she'll keep playing along with this fairytale for now. Anon's seen her at her ugliest; it's only fair Soyo gets to do the same.

"Here. Your order."

Without warning, Taki has approached them, silently placing a milkshake with two heart-loop straws onto the table. "Huh? I didn't-" …Anon pauses. "Wait. Soyo? Did you buy this?"

"As our little treat. There's a special menu today," Soyo responds. "Go on. Why don't we take a sip?"

"…Oh, you're really wooing me now, huh."

Anon tries to look unfazed, but Soyo doesn't miss the little blush on her face as they indulge. How adorable. She can dish and dish it out, but never take; just another little annoyance about her that makes her hypnotically obnoxious.

"Soyo."

…She looks up. Taki is still standing between them, in as awkward a fashion as possible. The lovey-dovey aura on this table seems to be strangely ineffective against her, because she isn't even wincing. "What is it, Taki?" Soyo asks. "Are you okay? You look a little stiff."

"We need to talk."

"Now? Aren't you on your shift, though?"

"It's about to end."

Taki then promptly stares at Anon. Anon casually waves her hand; "Fine~."

She steps out from her chair and heads away for a moment, allowing Taki to take her place opposite Soyo. Her face is unreadable, but that only looks bizarre given the milkshake between them. "Did you want to share too?" Soyo says. "This is an amusing way to ask. Though I suppose that directness of yours is charming, in a way."

Taki doesn't respond. She just unblinkingly stares at Soyo head-on.

…Soyo's expression fades. She moves the milkshake aside. "Good. I'd rather we didn't do something that repugnant," she says, letting a more natural smile sneak onto her face. "Are you just going to sit there? I'm fine with that. You make for good eye candy."

"Why are you letting Anon string you along?"

"It's part of the deal. She has her reputation, and I have the chance to sever my ties. I'm just playing along with the dynamic," she responds. "I hardly mind. I'll get what I want in the end. And using her in the meantime is entertaining enough. She's easy to embarass."

Taki's brow relaxes. "Someone's in a good mood."

"…Excuse me?" Soyo can't help but frown in response. "I don't know where you got that impression. Do you think I want to be here any longer than I have to?" She leans forward. "Or do you have a cruel side too, Taki? I thought you and Anon got along, but maybe I'm mistaken. Maybe she's nothing more than a pastime to the both of us."

But every lash of poison seems to merely bounce off the stone. Taki is contemplatively silent; she's never been the type to hold an extended conversation, a point that's only as endearing as it is irritating.

…

…Soyo sits up straight. "It's been bothering me for a while, so I'll just ask. Are you truly okay with what Anon's doing? This might be fake, but she's still calling me her girlfriend. Acting grossly affectionate to me and me alone, even when you're watching. I can't imagine you and Tomori are pleased with that. If I were in your shoes, I'd be upset," she says. "…No, upset is too light. Aren't you furious? I asked her to end the band, and she agreed. Just like that. I'm surprised you can look at her so calmly."

"Do you regret it?"

Soyo's voice skids. She responds, confusedly; "Of course I don't. I've only stayed in this band because you refused to let me go. I wouldn't have taken this drastic a measure if you all weren't so insistent."

"…So, that's how you see it."

At this point, she can feel her patience dwindling. Why does Taki look so tranquil? Soyo's used to her rage. Her toxicity. Only now does she realize how much it's dwindled over the months. Taki doesn't hold a dagger to her throat in private anymore. She almost misses the sensation. "How do you see it?"

"You were hurting. Same as the rest of us. That's why we didn't want to leave you behind."

"And you still feel that now? Even though you hate me?"

"I never did. You told me as much."

"…Is that so," Soyo says, silently cursing herself. "I think Tomori's rubbed off on you. Has it at no point occurred to you you're clinging to the past? You've no obligation to reach out to those who wounded you. Live a little."

"That's my line."

Soyo winces. "What do you mean? If this… if this is about Crychic, I'm under no delusion."

"Could've fooled me."

…

"You remember, right? A few months ago, at the staircase. When I told you I was gonna confess to Tomori," Taki says. "I still remember what you said back then. You said we don't get to decide whether or not we're human. You said I was afraid. You were right. So I'm gonna ask you the same thing now."

"…What?"

"Are *you* afraid of being a person?"

…

…

…Soyo rests her head in her hands. "Taki. If you think I'm bottling anything up like you did, I'm going to have to disappoint you," she says. "I am a person. An ugly, selfish one. I'm not trying to hide it anymore. And I appreciate how we can be honest with each other; I'd rather you didn't ruin that by seeing me as some repressed, doe-eyed little girl who just needs some love to be fixed."

"That so? Good." …Taki raises an eyebrow. "Wait, is that how you see me?"

Soyo smiles very sweetly. "I wouldn't recommend making that joke again!"

It has the intended effect. Taki tuts and timidly looks away; a sight that Soyo enjoys. "...Well, it's been nice. Anon asked me to watch over Tomori, so… I'm gonna keep doing that." She stands up and turns away; though her eyes glance back over her shoulder. "You and Anon can continue that bizarre dating sim you're playing."

.

"…Pfft!" Soyo giggles. "I figured you'd be repulsed."

"I seriously don't know how you two keep it up."

"It's a game, Taki. You play a lot of those, don't you?"

Taki jolts in place and covers her face; a bit too late to hide the blush. "Sh-Shut up!"

"Fufu. I forgot you had a cute side too."

"…I'm getting back to work. If you have anything else to say, text me."

"Good luck~!"

She gives a wave as Taki heads into the room behind the counter. Soyo decides it's about time she left herself; she doesn't want Anon to come back and set the pace. Instead, she heads down to the lobby; deciding it'd be more fun to ambush her with an unexpectedly affectionate surpri-

…

…She lowers her hand.

What on earth is she doing?

---

The days start to blur. Before long, it all feels fake. Soyo slowly finds herself questioning everything; not just Anon's offer, not just the seeming warmth of her hand, but every single interaction she's had over the course of every single day… both since that deal was first struck, and ever since she was forced to face the music again. Ever since Tomori dragged her all the way in. Ever since Anon reached down from the stage…

…gripped her wrist…

…and smugly pulled her up.

Ever since then, Soyo had settled into a facsimile of her old role. More honest, but not necessarily more open; keeping the communication afloat whenever there were gaps, but never baring her own heart. Simply supporting. Helping Taki or Tomori secure spots at RiNG's concerts. Taking Raana or Anon to diners to entertain them when they were bored. Blending in with the rest of the band's activities. She thought little of it; she just needed a part to play. A way to cope with the eyes and expectations placed on her… the weak link. The one most likely to fray the seemingly loose yet stubborn threads connecting them all. It was the best way for her to comfortably contemplate what she wanted now… whether what she wanted had actually *changed.* If it weren't for that mask, she would exist exposed as the boogeyman; the poisonous blot sitting in the corner of a shining star.

But was it just a mask?

When she chuckled, or sighed, or tolerated a request with a smile on her face, was that truly all fake? Was it just her putting up a front? When she performed lives again and again, with Tomori's words resounding through her soul, was that pretending? When she watched Raana step on figurative rakes out of whimsy, and tried to defuse, was that pretending? Was it just pretending when she let herself take a quieter tone, during the moments she bothered bashing something important into Taki?

Anon should be different. Anon has seen more of her true face than anyone else. Anon knows, intimately, what kind of pitiful, wriggling creature exists behind the polite and helpful beauty everyone at school and RiNG alike knows as Soyo Nagasaki. But this accursed 'fake-dating' has flipped that all on its head; because every single interaction is now lingering in her mind. It was not fake when Anon electrified her skin by pulling her upstage. It was not fake when Anon ran a hand through her hair, lightly brushing her cheek and tripping Soyo with her smile.

It was not fake when Anon conveyed she'd lost; and that Soyo was going to lose too.

So. Is it fake, when Anon pulls her close and deliberately irritates her with a line they'd both puke at? Is it fake, when she calls Soyo cute, or beautiful, or pretty, or handsome while eating up the sight of her? Is it fake when she tells Soyo she loves her? And is it fake when Soyo…

…

…Yes, it is. No, it isn't. Anon could just as easily be the former as she could the latter. Anon's emotions are obfuscated, until they abruptly show. Everything is just a game, until she shows too much of her hand. She jovially steps into the swamp and calls Soyo a monster, relaxing into the muck as if labeling herself one too. That's as true as it isn't…

…Soyo bites her lip. Wearing an outfit Anon bought her, she stands outside RiNG, watching the thick clouds bloat a pale, sickly sky. It's horrid weather; horrid enough that the city's lampposts are on at noon. They're as dim as the other lights around her; like that wayward sign, the glow of the reception behind, or the headlights of a car driving by; but no matter where Soyo waits, she's always illuminated, the microscopic ridges across her skin inevitably exposed in some way. She's half-tempted to leave; to drop the entire act before Anon shows up again, and keep herself as far away from these questions as possible. To hide back in her home, dozens of meters above the world.

If only home didn't feel so empty when she returned from a date.

…

…No.

No, this is how it's supposed to be, isn't it? This is how the story ends. She disappears, far away from everyone else, and moves on with her life. Continuing the same routine she has every day at Tsukinomori. It's pointless to dwell on this; Anon called it fake-dating herself. She still calls it that, even though she's obviously more invested, because she should know how this ends too.

So why? Why does Soyo want to stop this farce? Even knowing Anon's end of the bargain, she's getting cold feet. She can't stand this. She's been making merry with everyone in MyGO for the sake of her wish, and… hanging around them has started feeling… dangerous. It's as if they're luring her in. Clinging to her arm like ghosts. Sh-She… she can't be deceived. She can't play along with this.

She has to leave. Gritting her teeth, she walks hastily, wandering astray across the streets-

"Matcha."

Only to be startled. She swiftly turns around. And there, two sharp color-split eyes are curiously peering at her. "O-Oh… I… Raana, good afternoon," she says. "What are you up to?"

Raana tilts her head.

She doesn't like that gaze. In general, she never likes how Raana pops up when she least expects it. Soyo's not a cat person. "Um, Raana? Are you okay?"

"Matcha."

A vein nearly pops on Soyo's head. She sighs, electing to search the area; fortunately, there's a convenience store she recognizes nearby. "Sorry, is this okay? I'm afraid I can't take you to a diner. I'm a little busy."

Raana seems fine with it, given how she ambles towards the entrance. Soyo's just glad to appease her with something low-effort; taking a page from Anon's book, as it were.

Unfortunately, that was a mistake. Because Raana buys the entire stock of the snack she selects. It feels targeted. "Um… is there any reason you're using so much of my money?"

Raana gives a thumbs-up. "Redistribution of wealth."

"O-Oh. I see."

She sighs again. Well, she's used to having her hospitality exploited. Raana at least makes it more jovial; she's barely ever seen Soyo's scowl, but it's not as if Soyo feels obligated to put on airs around her. Her presence is just disarming-

-…Wait. Wasn't Soyo just trying to stop herself from interacting with bandmates? Why on earth is she-

-Footsteps. She looks up; wait, the cat's leaving?! "Raana? Where are you g-"

"Soyo! Where were you~?!"

…And as if she's stepped into a trapdoor, someone else arrives. Her heart quakes; turn around, and sure enough, the devil is there. Just looking at her tightens Soyo's breath enough to constrict her from leaving as intended. And… it doesn't help that Anon is surprisingly eye-catching in that white blouse. "Oh, Anon… I'm sorry, Raana distracted me-"

Her words cut midway when Anon's arm links with hers again; she didn't realize what the shorter sleeves would mean for her heart-rate. "You're the worst~. Leaving me to dry like that… I thought I'd been stood up."

Soyo puts her hand on her forehead, breathing in. Even Anon's *voice* is getting to her now. What's wrong with her?! She needs to leave; she needs the space to try and untangle these emotions.

But of course, Anon is Anon. "Hey, what's up? You have a headache or something?"

"Huh? O-Oh, no, it's fine," she persuades. "I was just excited. I didn't think we'd be having a fancier outing."

"Well, it's nothing that glitzy," Anon responds as they walk. "I chose a pretty small restaurant. Any more, and my allowance'd be dead."

"Oh. I did know of a few places…" Soyo says. "Don't tell anyone, but my allowance is pretty generous."

"Eh? You'd spend that much for me?"

She blinks, realizing… how strange it is. To have something to actually spend that allowance on, other than the likes of contrabass and groceries. "Well… of course. Anything for you, dear."

"Aw, you're sweet," Anon sings, playing with Soyo's hair. "But I figured too cordial would be suffocating, right? I'm a good girlfriend, so I took something cheaper."

Soyo stops.

She's right. Something too cordial *would've* been suffocating for Soyo. But isn't pretense the whole point of the setup they're enacting? They're creating an image. Pretending. Why is Anon being genuinely considerate?

"Soyo~? What's up?"

…No. Get a grip already; Anon's just playing up her low investment. This is nothing unusual-

-Soyo's

pulled in.

By the time she realizes, Anon has taken her hands and moved close, like she's guiding Soyo in a ballroom. She grins; "Getting cold feet~?"

"Wh-What?! You…"

Soyo blushes furiously, barely stopping her scowl from streaking out. But Anon only makes it tougher with every word that walks from her lips; "You're kinda cute when your ears're red, y'know that?"

No, no… enough. This fake mushiness is going to make her puke. She pushes Anon away and glares at her. "I don't have the patience for this today," she spouts, "can we just get this over with? It's been 11 days of non-stop flirting; I've had enough of this charade. I'm sick of you and your faked affection."

She expects Anon to bring up the deal. To remind Soyo of what's awaiting her at the end of this.

…But instead, Anon just smiles and responds:

"Who said I was faking it?"

"What…? You… no, you idiot," Soyo snarls, "don't play dumb. We established from the start this was fake!"

"I mean, yeah. But we've been horsing around with the concept, don't you think?"

"I- name one time. One time I slipped."

"Right now."

…Soyo's words cease. Anon takes her hand again; a beam of light peeks through the clouds.

"Once you know the real someone, acting doesn't hide anything, does it?"

All she can do is bewilderedly absorb it as she's taken along for the ride. And slowly…

…she smiles. "I suppose you're right."

Oh dear. She's been caught up again.

---

Over the next few hours, Soyo's 'mask' changes. The music is muffled. No longer does she swallow her poison; it swings out from her tongue like a threading needle, burning carefree. Anon knows it's there; she has no reason to hold it back. It's far more fun to just let it out in whatever way will get under their skin. As they sit at the table and play out a 'perfect date', each and every mushy comment they make loads a hidden blade, dancing with each other in delirium. And Anon is a disturbingly competent duelist. Their voices slice. They stare each other in the eyes.

And they laugh.

Soyo feels alive.

She doesn't quite know how to respond when Anon isn't saying anything. When only that warm, monochromatic gaze, lit by orange, is staring fondly at her face. Being faced with the reality that it's genuine has a throttle on her heart. It's helping Soyo make deductions towards… the exact nature of Anon's affection for her.

So of course, she tries to ignore it.

When they're done, the curtains drape on them for a bit too long before they exit. Soyo looks away, thoughts buzzing around her head as Anon sleepily lies on her shoulder. "I'm so tired…" she moans. "Food took too long."

"Anon, it's not even the evening yet. Try not to nap," she responds, unable to stop herself from running a hand through Anon's hair. "I know you said we'd be out all day, but I do have to go soon."

"Eh? Wait, why?"

"…You don't remember? My mother'll be home. I'm handling dinner."

"Let me help, then."

Soyo stops cold.

She turns around. "No. I'll see you tomorrow. We're splitting up for now, okay?"

…Anon just kicks her foot against the ground. "Don't wanna."

"Anon. I'm serious. You need to go home."

"But why, though?" Anon asks. "I could at least carry some groceries."

She starts walking away. Anon follows and… grumbles. What's with her? Soyo's never seen her like this. She looks erratic. Soyo tries to ignore it, crossing the ribbon and heading into one of the quieter streets.

Five seconds later, her wrist is grabbed. "Soyooooooo~."

She takes a sharp breath. That voice… no, it can't be Anon. Not with how openly pushy it is. "Leave."

"But I'm bored."

…She could replace any word with a cannon and it wouldn't eject this nuisance. Soyo tries to ignore her, entering a nearby store and trying to disappear around the aisles as she picks up ingredients for dinner.

She fails to consider Anon can just wait at the exit. "Soyo," she says again, giving a light wave. "Soyo, you listening?"

Soyo says nothing. It doesn't work. Great; it's going to be another case of 'follow her all the way home', isn't it? Typical by now; but while Soyo already dislikes this normally, she *especially* doesn't want it to happen today. Taking a drastic measure, she detours into the park and rapidly picks up her pace. Why on earth does Anon do this around her anyway? Normally, half the requests Anon makes are immediately followed by 'never mind, it's fine actually.' What drives her to be so insistent at the most inconsistent times? Why can't she help but accidentally show the heart on her sleeve when she covers it so easily otherwise?! If only she were any more competent, she wouldn't have dug her way into Soyo's heart. It's infuriating… it's…

…Soyo scowls and starts jogging.

Anon starts jogging. "Hey, wait up!"

Soyo starts kiting around a fountain. "Leave already!"

Anon starts kiting around the fountain. "But why~?"

Why does she sound so casual?! She's acting like a deprived puppy and she doesn't even realize it! "You're not going home with me today!"

"C'mon, at least tell me the reason!"

"It's none of your business!"

Anon plays the waiting game… then charges around the fountain with a grin. "You're not getting rid of me that easily!"

This isn't working, is it? Time for whatever comes to mind. Soyo eyes the obvious weapon, and stops, dropping her groceries… letting Anon catch up…

…Before pushing her into the fountain.

"Waurgh!"

Good. Soyo steps back-

-Only to find

a familiar hand on her wrist. "…!"

Splash!

…

…

…

…Anon shoots up, coughing. "Pllfffffeehhh! Water! In my nose! Phlooey!"

Soyo. Can't move.

Her limbs are stuck in place. Right below her, between her arms, Anon is soaked like a sponge, her luscious pink hair turned into a soppy mess as she shakes her head. Drips of water from Soyo's own curls are redundantly dripping onto that white blouse, their light seeping in. Rain has never shone so brilliantly when it's on Anon.

…It makes Soyo absolutely furious.

"Wagh!"

She grips Anon's collar, a sopping mess herself, her outfit ruined. Her ears red, she thinks of any way possible to express her indignation, and…

…and…

…laughs. "Pfft..."

"Pfftthaha…!"

The two of them burst out laughing, stuck in the fountain like the pair of idiots they are. Soyo's heart is sliding down silk. She can't take this seriously, she just… can't. Honestly, this nuisance; Soyo lifts her hand from the water and holds it to Anon's cheek. "You had it coming, you irritating little scamp."

"So mean~."

Unable to stop themselves from smiling, they pull each other out and head off the beaten path, trying to get a bit more privacy. Good grief… at least the groceries were safe. Though Soyo *is* going to have to walk home looking like a mop now, all because of this fool. Hopefully she can get changed and have dinner ready before mum comes back.

She tries to dry her dress by wringing the water out; its culprit makes this much harder, by wrapping her arms around Soyo's waist halfway through. Soyo's blush returns. "Can't I know why?" Anon asks, softly.

Calm down. Don't get lost in that sensation. Soyo takes a deep breath, and sighs; "I… I'm not sure. I just don't want you to meet her."

"Huh. Well, that's fine. We'll call it quits for today then," Anon says, lifting herself up. "You still okay for tomorrow? I had something planned after practice. We've only got 2 days left, after all."

.

…Right. That's true.

Soyo takes Anon's hand and gets up. "That sounds bearable, I suppose. I'll see you then."

"Bye for now!"

Anon has a surprisingly giddy smile on her face as she heads off, causing Soyo to smile fondly too. Though once she's on her own, she ends up needing another sigh. She'd rather she wasn't… so sensitive to Anon's touch.

…Two days. Two more days, until the fantasy ends.

Isn't this what she wanted?

---

Penultimate.

This is Soyo's last rehearsal. Everyone continues to be idyllic; practice is as pulsing as before, and even Soyo finds herself getting swept up in a rhythm she isn't setting. She doesn't know what's uniting them; but she's playing along with it. In a way… it brings back memories. Sometimes, loss is sudden, isn't it? Go from one day to the next, and just like that, what you thought was yours disappears as if it were never there. Everyone is smiling until night rolls over; then, the poison drips through.

That's exactly how it'll play out here too. So Soyo isn't bothered. She takes it for what it is; these next two days are a last hurrah. She lies in the discrepancy that she was made for, and doesn't bat an eye. Not even when Taki books another concert, as if it'll actually happen; nor when she tells Soyo 'in case you cause more trouble and change your mind last-minute.' Not even when she manages to spot Anon giving Tomori a peck on the cheek; nor when Tomori pecks her back.

It's not long after that Soyo finds herself with Anon… in a very familiar karaoke lobby. "Brings back memories," Anon murmurs, swaying Soyo's hand back and forth. "This is where I first took Tomori when we became friends. It was a bit of a mess, but it's still nostalgic."

Soyo's eyes fall on the drink dispenser. "Yes. It is."

"Anon, that you?"

A trio she recognizes as Anon's friend circle clambers over; Anon gives them a wave. "Fancy meeting you here!"

"What a coincidence! Oh, and Nagasaki, right?" One of them says, turning to her. "I thought I recognized you at the gate last week. You're in the same band, right? You're all so amazing!"

"I am, yes. Thank you for coming to watch us. We're giving it our best."

"You're so modest… everyone from Tsukinomori is super polite!" Her gaze falters; "Oh, but Anon, I was curious."

"Hm? What's up?"

"What about Tomori? I mean, I dunno if you were dating or anything, but…"

Anon's about to respond. But Soyo decides to step in, and says; "Tomori is a *very* good friend of ours~."

"...Eh?"
"...Eh?"
"...Eh?"
Anon blinks. "Huh???"

Soyo chuckles lightly. "We all get along well, you see," she says, moving past them. "I hope you have a good day."

"O-Oh, see you! And bye, Anon!"

"Bye-bye!"

She's glad she got that out of the way. "Excuse me," she tells the receptionist, "could we make a booking?"

"Certainly!"

Anon leans in. "No pre-set time limit, either; is that okay?"

"Not a problem."

…She turns to Anon as they head inside. "No limit? Someone's excited."

"I mean, we're nearing the end. It's my best chance to get some affection from you, isn't it?"

It lands like an arrow. She truly does know how to get under Soyo's skin; enough, in this moment, that Soyo can't help but drop her mask entirely, as she shuts the door behind her.

Just the two of them now.

Anon relaxes on the sofa. Soyo ends up slumping onto her lap. "You're quite the troublemaker. Worrying all your friends with rumors like that."

"You cleared it up pretty well, didn't you?"

"I think I've only made them more confused," Soyo sighs, looking up at Anon as she feels her hair being stroked. "I hope they chastise you on occasion. You get away with too much."

"They do, they do. But I dunno; getting to date you for two weeks~?" Anon sneers. "That kinda reward just makes me wanna get away with more."

Soyo sits up, chuckling. She's looking away, but her fingers still drift around Anon's arm. "You wouldn't be satisfied with all the riches in the world, would you? Greedy, greedy Anon~. You've got more girlfriends now than you do hands to hold them with."

"I-I mean… I didn't intend for things to turn out this way. Just kinda happened, you know?"

"Oh, I'm sure," Soyo says, turning back so she can intimidate her with a fond smile. "You just happened to worm your way into their hearts without intending, did you?"

"Jeez, way to pile on the pressure," Anon complains; deciding it's her turn to slump onto Soyo's lap. "I just… like them, y'know? I dunno how it happens. I didn't ask Tomori to open me up. I didn't ask Ricky to be so cute."

"Tomori has that effect, doesn't she? Her words hit you where it hurts most."

"Tell me about it. It's because of her I'm like this, y'know?" Anon looks up at her. "And then me and Ricky… well, that just happened without us even realizing. Not my fault."

"The fact you can say that speaks volumes. She was locked like a cage before you came along," Soyo says. "Though she is very easy to tease, isn't she? Quite the bite, too."

"Too much bite. Still can't go one rehearsal without her nitpicking something. Urgh…"

Soyo giggles. Poor, predictable Anon; the more she spends time with her, the easier she becomes to read.

"…Sheesh. When'd I get so attached?"

Soyo pauses. Without intending, Anon's vocalized her exact thoughts. There's a bit of silence; instead of responding immediately, she elects to watch as Anon ambles over to the floor and lies down. Then, Soyo decides to sit next to her; spinning lights land on her back, while they dance around Anon's front. "Something on your mind?"

"Just doesn't feel real. I wonder what the future's gonna be like." Anon reaches up. "Like, I'm in love with them now. That's obvious. But am I always gonna be like that…?" Her hand falls. "Like, if a few years pass, and I just stop caring... what happens then? I'll have hurt them for nothing."

"I wouldn't be surprised. Relationships end all the time," Soyo responds. "Though I doubt you'd bottle that reservation without Tomori digging it out."

Anon smiles. "That's true. Maybe I'll fall head-over-heels for her again." Her face relaxes into a cloudy gaze. "Again, and again…"

"Don't count on it."

She sits up, looking at Soyo. "Hm?"

"Some things are meant to pass. It won't be any use forcing them to stay the same."

"…Speaking from experience?"

"Not just the past. Present day," she says, frowning. "And the future too. Remember; by the end of tomorrow, we're through."

"…"

Anon smiles wistfully.

"That's no fun. I don't want another fresh start."

"You'd rather keep this going forever, wouldn't you?" Before Soyo realizes it, she's cupping Anon's chin. "For the rest of our lives."

Anon can't help but smirk. "Honestly… this really is all her fault."

"It's yours too. Even a part of me wants to pretend."

"...Does it~?"

Soyo freezes. She only just processes what she said. And before she knows it, Anon has her in her clutches.

"Can't get enough of me, huh?"

A touch.

Soyo shudders. Her body feels electrified. Her chest tightens. All it takes is Anon's hand slipping around her waist; and suddenly, she's melting. When? When did she want this so bad? "What're you so mad for~?" Anon taunts. "You like this, don't you?"

"It… it had to be you, didn't it," Soyo murmurs, covering her face. "You're incorrigible. Letting you follow me to my house was the biggest mistake I've ever made. I don't understand… why? Why me?"

Anon effortlessly moves her hand aside. The second Soyo sees her, she can no longer close her eyes; that soft, cocky smile is the most fatal weakness she has. "That one's your fault, not mine."

"...Then there's nothing I regret more."

The longing throttles her. She can't stop herself anymore. The prospect of the end is shoved to the back of her head, so it aches all the less. She breathes messily, feeling the heat in her heart rush around her face as she frustratedly pulls Anon in.

"Go on. Make me forget everything."

If only that happened. Just like she wanted.

But Anon's lips make every memory stronger.

---

At long last. The final evening. Soyo should be relieved.

Instead, she spends the entire day wracked with tension. When she sees her 'friends' at Tsukinomori, it's almost unbearable; a slow, sanity-draining preview of what's to come, dragging itself out like a block of stone against a pavement. And now, she waits for the elevator to lead her to the final page. Trapped inside, with no escape. She stares at the dim light above, a dull ache in her head.

"Don't worry. The end's already happened once, hasn't it? You'll get through a second round."

"…"

She's expecting Tomori to cry. For the heartbreak to flood her face in regrets. That's what Soyo wants; if Tomori deals with this now, then she'll be ready when the time comes.

But bizarrely,

Tomori doesn't cry.

Instead, she stares up at Soyo with a determined expression. "Yeah. We will."

She stands, quietly lifting Soyo's hand off, and steps out from the table. Before she leaves, she looks back:

"Um… see you tomorrow."

"..."

Everything should feel like it's in place. But nothing does. It's an incongruent mess. What's wrong with her? She's about to get what she wants. The end is within sight. Anon didn't even bother with a fancy date today; she just asked Soyo for the keys, and said she'd be waiting at her place. It's such an effortless proposition that it feels… unreal.

But why? Why does it feel unreal?

She's told herself countless times. This is the natural outcome. She's merely cutting her ties, like she should've done over a year ago. Ending what she started with her own two hands. By the end of the night, she and Anon will have left MyGO, and the band will disappear; never to chase or haunt her again. Never to hound for her return, or cling to her wrist, ever again.

It'll be finished.

…

…The elevator feels slower than usual. Salt in the wound, is it? That's unnecessary. After all, there's no other direction this lifeless machine can go but up. It's fated to take Soyo right where she belongs. "…Is this how you felt?" She asks the fading light. "Was I like a shackle to you? Is that why you looked at me so coldly? Now that I'm in your shoes… I think I understand. This is what I'm supposed to do, isn't it?"

Her eyes dim as well.

"…Isn't it?"

ding!

In response, the doors open. She steps out, turning towards the Nagasaki apartment.

But when she sees the door's ajar, she pauses. Something about the sight feels… disorienting. Maybe it's just her; she expected Anon to be late rather than early. Shrugging it off, Soyo swallows her breath…

…and steps inside.

The view is nearly the same as the day they made their deal; mucky, intense. Unwilling to settle. But it seems like the clouds are parting, and the horizon might finally drown into the depths of night. Soon, the sky will be nothing but an empty canvas. Good. Sighing, she puts her bag down and closes the door behind her, heading into the living room…

…Only to find that Anon isn't there. Is she hiding? Cowering at the last minute; that'd be a rather Anon thing to do, she supposes. After all, the minute they sit down and have their talk, the two of them are officially done. A part of her wishes it hadn't come to this; if only Tomori and Anon weren't so persistent, then the fallout wouldn't be anywhere near as severe. Anon wouldn't have to be collateral. That's her fault for not ending it sooner though, so-

"-...Wait… what's that smell?"

It's not very strong, but it's strangely… pleasant. Soyo's bewildered; an aroma like this should only be here when she's cooking. She's never walked into this place and simply experienced it. Confused, she looks into the kitchen and…

…

"Welcome home~."

Soyo is motionless.

In front of her stands Anon, wearing a messily-tied apron.

"Dinner won't be long. Figured I'd help myself; I was hungry. You can wait at the table if you want."

…

"R-Right. I…" Soyo looks away. "…Sure."

Quietly, she heads back into the living room, light whispering through her eyes. Time feels like it's stopped. She doesn't know how to process this. But she can't even question it; without thinking, she grips it like iron.

Soon, Anon puts a few plates down and sits opposite. "C'mon. Dig in."

"…Thank you for the meal…"

She tastes it. It's…

…painfully mediocre. But Soyo nearly finds herself shedding a tear. It's only through remembering reality that she holds it back. Silently, she lets herself relax into the atmosphere, and eats the rest. Savoring what she has left.

"How was it?"

She looks up. Anon's annoying smirk finally wakes her up; thank god for that. "The sauce tasted like molasses. Other than that… it was fine."

"Works for me. I just didn't wanna sit on an empty stomach while I waited. Food was free, anyway."

"Pfft…" Soyo can't help but smile. "Hahahaha… of course. I should've expected that. You're a cheapskate as always."

"And you love me for it~."

"…Maybe I do."

Anon doesn't miss that. "Huh? Wh-What's up with you?"

Hah. What a fun little fantasy. It's time to dash it against the ground, though. She lowers her head, her empty eyes gazing at Anon and shattering this stupid illusion. "I think it's time we had our talk. I'll get us some tea."

She stands up, making enough for two cups of a flavor they both know well. Then she heads to the exact place they usually talk, in the middle of the room. It's not until she sits down on the edge of the sofa that she hears Anon get up from the table; footsteps stain upon the spotlessly-furnished wood, the tension palpable as they approach her. For a moment… she wonders how Anon's expression is going to look when she turns around. Regretful? Seared with pain? Not quite that intense, she imagines; Anon seems more like the type to suffer internally. She only shows emotions that she can't control. So a quiet pain; that'll probably be it.

Soyo turns. But as the Sun moves, and the light finally starts to reveal Anon's face, she doesn't see a quashed guilt or a bitter emptiness. Instead, there's just that same relaxed stare; seemingly detached and uncaring. "You seem calm," Soyo tells her. "Suppressing your nerves?"

"I figured I'd be a little stressed," Anon replies, "but I actually feel fine. Maybe I just know there's nothing to worry about."

"…Excuse me?" Soyo leans over, trying to find a crack. "You said it yourself, Anon; once you know the real someone, acting doesn't hide anything. Look as callous as you like; I know it's all eating you up inside. Abandoning your girlfriends. Playing around with me. Ripping the band apart."

Silence.

Soyo grimaces. "I held up my end of the deal. Now it's time for you to hold up yours," she says, getting out her phone. "Text everyone. We're quitting."

Anon blinks. "Huh? Oh yeah, that."

…Has she misjudged? Is Anon actually just that cruel? That response was so… carefree. Dissociative. Like she was caught up in the euphoria of dating Soyo and forgot about everything else. Soyo feels sick; "Didn't you hear me…?" She husks. "Open up your phone, and tell MyGO you're done."

"Eh? Why?"

Soyo cracks. "Because it's over now! We've disbanded!" She shouts, her throat breaking. "You told me you'd quit!"

"Isn't it obvious I lied?"

…Soyo's knuckles turn white. "You… what?"

The shadow fully disappears from Anon's face. That's when she finally sees it; the slightest curve upward of her lip. "From the start. When I came up with the fake-dating idea, I figured you'd ask something like this. We all did."

Soyo's eyes narrow. "We?"

"Yeah. Tomori and Ricky knew. Raana, too… maybe? Actually, she left me on read, so I dunno."

Of course. Of course.

Of course, of course, of course.

No wonder it was so idyllic. No wonder it seemed so peaceful! No wonder the sunset still hasn't ended…

…She's been played like a violin. "So, from the start… you never had any intention of quitting? It was only me?" Her voice serrates like a shredder. "I did everything I could to cut our ties. But you… you… you lied. You lied to me that entire time… why?!"

"…" Anon looks away. "…Because I'm in love with you."

…

"I-I. I see."

Soyo lets out a shuddering breath.

And she grits her teeth so hard it feels like they'll break. "C-Congratulations. I bet you're proud of yourself," she says. "You had the perfect plan to get exactly what you wanted."

"I mean, I was kinda winging it. I thought you'd catch on quick. But turns out you're pretty obsessed with me too, huh?"

"Don't make me laugh. You?" Soyo covers her face in shadow. "I despise you. You and everyone else in this band. Making merry with your happily-ever-after; trying to keep everyone together. Trying to keep me involved… trying to keep *me*... even though I never asked you to! No matter how much I want to quit, you just won't let go! You hoard everyone around you like a glutton, all to get what you want. You're selfish, you're repulsive, you're…"

She utters it:

"...unseemly."

…

"Clinging so tightly to all of this is… unseemly," she spews. "You only ever think about yourself, don't you?"

"And?"

𓂃𓂃

She looks up. "So what?" Anon tells her. "I'm not trying to hide it. Besides, that just makes two of us, doesn't it?" There's a faint smile. "I can tell you're happy I asked you out. You wouldn't have played along with me this much if you weren't. You just couldn't admit it. Actually, I bet the whole reason you wanted to disband, was 'cause you couldn't stop thinking about me, right~?"

A hand reaches out to her.

"C'mon, Soyo. Why don't we just admit what we want?"

𓂃୭

Soyo's rage reaches its peak.

There's nothing she's more used to than the view of the distant, disconnected city below, in the middle of a summer day or a silent night. But even that consistency is lost to her now; lost in a maze of ribbons. She's been tangled in velvet, and that fabric is now her new view, replacing what she once saw.

She couldn't bear it anymore.

Furious, she shoots up, pushes the table aside, grabs Anon, throws her to the ground with all her might, collapses onto her, grips her with every single ounce of her rage…

…And quietly falls into her shoulder. Hugging her. "I-I… I…

…I want you," she cries, "I want you here. I want you to stay with me. Even if I'm a mistake, I want you to stay… I don't want it to end, I don't…"

Her tears stain Anon's clothes. Permanently scarring them with sorrow.

And yet,

"Good news then~. It doesn't have to."

Soyo feels those arms wrap around her again… pulling her in.

She breaks into sobbing, feeling the warmth overwhelm her. She wants to blame Anon for everything. In the end though, Anon was right; this is her fault. If it weren't for her ugly, repulsive true self, the band would've never formed, and they'd never be tied together.

Once again, Soyo lost to that self. And once again… she's glad that she did.