”She took her glasses off—her yellow eyes mesmerized me. She bent down, hovering just above me. “Mr. Carter, I think you’re running a fever.”

  Christine squeezed harder than before as Ms. Kamizawa pressed her hand against my forehead.

  “You should watch your health, Mr. Carter.“

  I sat up in the bed, bringing my face closer to her chin as she looked down on me. I’ve never seen a woman with eyes as empty as mine. “They’re beautiful,” I said, devoured by her eyes.

  She wasn’t fazed—she’d probably been told that by many guys.

  “Mr. Carter, what are you talking about?”

  Christine stood up and wrapped her arms around my head, to hurt me, protect me, or stop me from making any mistakes. “He’s been out for almost two periods—he isn’t well.”

  I touched the arm she wrapped around my head, and I knew I was in no position to talk. I stared at the beast beside me. I wanted her to say something—to do something.

  “Now that you’re calm, what did you mean you knew who I was going to hurt? Be mindful of your words, Mr. Carter.”

  ”Fine, but stop calling me ‘Mr. Carter.” In a second, we are going to know each other very well.”

  ”Okay, Antwon,” she cooed as if speaking to a long-term friend. “But you have to call me Hina.”

  “Okay, Hina, I think it’s time for Christine to leave, right?”

  She glared at Christine and gestured toward the door.

  Her arms tightened, making breathing harder, but I welcomed her touch because it might be my last.

  “Christine, please collect yourself and exit the room,” Hina said.

  The softness in her voice was telling. She couldn’t talk to Christine in just any way.

  Her arms loosened, and the realization of the situation weighed my eyes down. I kissed her hand as it passed my lips—my goodbye if this doesn’t work. Her hesitation told me she felt my warmth.

  Once I was free, she started toward the door, looking back with every other step.

  I watched as she whispered something to Mr. Junpei.

  I watched with sad eyes and an empty heart as she was forced out by me.

  Now we were alone—the three of us.

  “Well, Antwon, we’re alone,” she said with a slightly victorious tone. “You know, you're cute for a gaijin—I can see why Christine wanted you.”

  What did she call me?

  Genie: Gaijin means outside person, meaning anyone from another country.

  Thanks, genie.

  “Aww, do you know what that means?” she said, her voice showing pity in light of my ignorance.

  “No—I got it.”

  She pulled up a chair and sat next to me. “You’re a strange one—I don’t know who you are, but—.”

  I sat up, removing the sheets, and revealed my white shirt.

  ”Where is your coat?”

  ”Oh, Christine must have walked out with it.”

  She looked over her shoulder at Mr. Junpei. “Grab his garment from Christine, would you?”

  As he was walking, she leaned in and took a whiff of me. Why?!

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  “Excuse me? Why did you sniff me?” I roared.

  Mr. Junpei stopped in mid-march.

  “I wanted to smell your brand of fear,” she said. Junpei continued his advance.

  “I’ve never had a conversation with a dead man—you are my first.”

  “So, you’re going to kill me?”

  “No, Antwon. I’ll explain in due time.”

  “Well, at least you’ll have your first in this world.” I looked to the side, letting her drink my innocence in.

  “What do you mean, Antwon?”

  I pushed my index fingers together the way Antwon did in my dream. “Christine was going to be…my first.”

  I reached up and took Hina’s hand in mine, and she allowed me—she was conditioned not to hurt men.

  “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “Tell me, what was the deciding factor—what made my death mandatory?”

  I held her stare, reciprocating malice while showing softness.

  “Why aren’t you scared—most young boys would be begging for a second chance, but not you.”

  ”You’re not the one who scares me.” I turned my attention to Junpei, who was standing there with my uniform jacket, with a smile.

  “Isn’t it eerie how he can wear a smile through this whole situation?”

  She looked at him.

  ”He doesn’t say much, but is always present. He locked the door without being asked. You’re not going to hurt me—you wouldn’t hesitate.”

  ”Antwon, tell me about the fight.” She rested my hand in hers. “I’ve gotten confirmation from multiple sources that you started it.”

  “Look,” I said, regretting nothing. “I don’t remember, but if I had started the fight, there wouldn’t be much to talk about.”

  “Excuse me,” Junpei said, holding my jacket. I had not noticed him.

  Junpei helped me put my jacket on, proving to be the room’s shadow.

  “Regardless of your memory, you struck first. Do you possess any details about the incident that could clear up any misinformation?”

  I wouldn’t answer a question I’ve already addressed.

  “Okay, can you tell me how the fight ended, Antwon?”

  “With him winning, which is why I’m here,” I said with my back still throbbing in pain.

  “Interesting. Do you care about Christine?”

  The question came out of the blue. I unintentionally squeezed her hand.

  “I thought so. When I said one less mess, it was because Christine committed a major felony to stop you from hurting Ryo by…assaulting you.”

  What is she talking about? Genie!

  Genie: During what could only be concluded as a psychological break, you engaged in hand-to-hand combat with Ryo Aizawa. Quite skilled for an antique merchant. The match concluded when Miss. Nakamura neutralized you.

  What does that have to do with Christine?

  Genie: During the bout, Christine showcased immense strength and restraint by suplexing you.

  “S-she only did it to stop me; I’m sure of it. How is that a felony?”

  “As you know, Antwon, there is an enormous difference in strength between boys and girls. The Kokiri government has stipulations in place to dissuade incidents like that from happening.”

  “How bad are we talking—death?”

  “Not for this situation. However, death may be more desirable. She will have to serve thirty-five consecutive years while undergoing aggression rehabilitation.”

  “No way.” By the time she got out, she wouldn’t be able to have kids—no more lineage.

  “I’m dead anyway, so—” I swallowed guilt, shame, and pride.

  “You don’t have to worry.”

  “Well, since you don’t remember anything, Christine’s family has nothing to worry about.”

  “Wait, Christine’s family. I thought Ryo’s family would—”

  “Mr. Aizawa has contacted his family and explained his transgression towards you, requesting forgiveness.”

  The world began to blur. “So, what do I do?”

  “Stay silent; it’s what most men excel at. Oh, one last thing. Ryo Aizawa did not win that fight,” she said, putting her glasses back on. “If he were a woman, and that were the case, this conversation would be different.”

  She stood up and nodded to Junpei, who walked toward the door.

  “Also, I heard that you fought exceptionally well. If you were a woman, and the loser was some random student, our conversation would also vary.”

  She walked to the door and opened it.

  “Oh, Ms. Tsukikage, I thought you went to your last class.”

  Christine was waiting at the door. She whispered something to Hina, who smiled, nodded, and made her way.

  She walked to my bed—slowly, deliberately.

  She didn’t sit down—not right away.

  I moved the sheets to stand; pain be damned. I made a promise.

  “Antwon, you shouldn’t—”

  “If your family wants me dead, you do it.

  And when you’re done, you’ll have beautiful eyes, too.”