Back in the stands after the three-legged race, Riona approached me. Curious-face — and I knew the question.
“Nee-chan — you tripped on purpose.”
“You caught it, Riona.”
“I generally know what Nee-chan is going to do.”
I’d been careful for it to look natural. Riona had seen through me. She is, after all, my twin.
As she said — I had deliberately lost balance during the three-legged. I wanted a cinematic moment before the after-party. And I wanted Ryouya-kun to embrace me in front of everyone.
From the morning conversation I had known Ryouya-kun would catch me if I tripped, so the execution was safe. Everything proceeded as planned — and internally I performed a victory pose.
“Lately, even when we’re with Ryouya-kun in public, everyone is starting to accept the configuration.”
“Years of carefully clearing the perimeter.”
“Yeah, completely different from when we started.”
By now Reona-and-Riona-and-Ryouya-kun is the normal, and his position is established. Even when we make him ours, the social fallout will be manageable.
The foundation work is done. Tonight’s after-party will be the next step. Our final goal — Ryouya-kun for ourselves — takes a major step today.
There are still concerns ahead, but we’ll address them as they come. One thing is certain — tonight the relationship between Nee-chan, me, and Ryouya-kun changes definitively.
“Can’t wait for the after-party — can it just be night already.”
“Yeah, I can’t wait anymore.”
Riona was wearing an expression I could not show another human. I was probably wearing the same one.