Chapter Text
Tsuno was standing in front of the mirror that hung on the wall in her room. She noticed she had eye bags under her eyes, and they were really bad. Of course they were—she hadn’t gotten any sleep in three days. This wasn’t all that surprising when you get nightly visits from “The Phantom Thief of Nagoya”.
Which reminds her, Okazaki probably would be showing up soon. This had become something of a routine for the both of them. Honestly, she just wished she would stop showing up. Then maybe she could actually get sleep for once. Tsuno then lets out a sigh.
But of course, that never happened—Okazaki always did whatever she pleased. Lost in thought, Tsuno heard footsteps on the balcony. The door swung open, and there stood Okazaki in all her glory. Without a word, she strode inside and perched herself on Tsuno’s bed.
Tsuno turned away from the mirror, shooting Okazaki an exasperated glare.
"Why do you look so annoyed, Manami?" Okazaki asked, feigning innocence.
Tsuno crossed her arms. "Oh, I don’t know—maybe because someone keeps me up late every night."
"I don’t keep you up every night, Manami," Okazaki replied.
"Yes, you do, Okazaki. I’ve been up for three nights doing this back and forth with you. Why don’t you do this with anyone else? Why not Watari?"
Okazaki let out a laugh, stood up, and moved closer to Tsuno. Leaning in, she whispered in her ear, “Don’t you dare bring Nishi into this—this is between the two of us.”
Tsuno pushed Okazaki away and glared at her. “What is your problem? Why do you keep doing this? First, you were messing with Wada, and now you’re messing with me. What do you want from me, Okazaki?”
Okazaki looked at her and said, “There’s only one thing I want from you, Manami—I want you to be my nemesis. If you were, I’d be satisfied.”
Tsuno narrowed her eyes. “Why would I do that when you keep doing messed-up things to me—like that spike trap? Now I have scars on my stomach, Okazaki.”
Okazaki shrugged and replied, “Because I did those things for love. I love you, Manami.”
Tsuno scoffed. “You love me? You didn’t have to kill me or Kamimura. You could’ve just confessed, like a sane person. But you killed—because you say it was for love? I think you did it to get back at me for those talks I had with you about how you treated Wada.”
Okazaki burst out laughing. “Oh, Manami, you’re so silly. I did it for love, and for hate—and to purge Nagoya of everything pure and kind. I only said I loved you because I wanted to see your reaction. You getting mad is just hilarious to me.”
Tsuno’s eyes widened in shock as she slowly backed away from Okazaki until her back hit the wall. Okazaki stepped closer, and Tsuno couldn’t help but think that she really wished Okazaki didn’t wear that mask. Even if it looked like a fox, at least foxes were kinder—nothing like Okazaki.
Okazaki continued to move closer; the only thought in her mind was how much Tsuno resembled a frightened bunny, cornered against the wall. The sight filled Okazaki with joy, though her mask concealed her expression—Tsuno probably couldn’t see the smile spreading across her face.
Tsuno’s breath grew quicker until Okazaki stopped right in front of her. “You look so cute when you’re scared, Manami,” Okazaki said, placing a hand on Tsuno’s cheek and gently brushing her thumb back and forth.
Tsuno felt her heart race as she whispered, “Okazaki, please back up.”
“I can’t hear you, Manami. Speak up—are you scared?” Okazaki teased, her voice soft but taunting. “Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. I love you so much. I just want to devour you—just like how a fox eats a bunny.”
Okazaki could tell her words had an effect, because in the next moment, Tsuno shoved her away and snapped, “You’re messed up, Okazaki. Really messed up.”
But all Okazaki could think about was Tsuno screaming her name to the sky as she devoured her very viscera. When it was over, Okazaki imagined kissing her and whispering that everything would be alright. The thought alone made Okazaki feel ravenously hungry.
Okazaki’s breathing grew heavier, which startled Tsuno enough that she bolted for the door. But before she could escape, Okazaki grabbed her arm, spinning her around to face her. “Don’t run, Manami,” Okazaki said, her voice low and eager. “We’re going to have so much fun together—just the two of us.”
Tsuno screamed as loud as she could, the sound startling Okazaki. Taking advantage of the moment, Okazaki backed away, rushed to the balcony door, flung it open, and leapt off. She landed hard on both feet, then took off running into the night.
Tsuno’s screams faded, replaced by a sudden knock at the door. She turned and opened it to find Wada standing there. He looked at her with concern and asked, “Are you okay?”
Tsuno shook her head. “No. I have something to tell you—and I need Watari here too.”