#guuji

Another weekend has made its round as you slowly get used to everyone being around. Although you still don't enjoy this situation, at least you don't feel scared as much anymore. You feel more like you have 4 obnoxious roommates rather than having 4 women competing for your heart.

"Y/N, can you come here please?" Miko asked as she patted the place right next to her on the couch as soon as you went downstairs. She didn't even look up from her book and she already knew that it was you who's here which is quite impressive. Perhaps it was just luck, or perhaps you were the only one who hasn't left your room yet. Regardless you were curious what could she want from you.

"What is it Miko?" you ask as you approached her, you didn't sit down though as you could only spare a moment for her.

"I was just wondering if you'd like to go out today, I found a nice store for us to go to. It sells quite adorable accessories so I figured it'd be to your liking" she smiled "They certainly piqued my interest, so I wouldn't want you missing out on it" she didn't look like she was teasing you.

"Pardon my intrusion miss Miko, while I do think it's a lovely offer, don't you think that such items aren't suitable for a L/N heir?" before you got a chance to respond, Thoma joined in the conversation. It seems like he knew what store she had in mind. But you aren't really surprised by his reaction, it's not the first time he has controlled your wardrobe. So far his judgment was right, so you never really complained about it. However, Miko had a different opinion on it.

"And Why is that? It's just something she can have in private. I'm not saying that she has to do serious business wearing these accessories" her mood shifted too, her smile changed into a more judgemental look as she spoke to your butler.

"I don't think you understand, being an heir it's something you can take a break from" as true as it was, you honestly just wanted to leave this conversation.

"It's okay Miko. I don't think there's anything I'd like to wear anyways, but thanks for the offer" you decided to cut the argument short. It definitely wasn't going anywhere and frankly you wouldn't want to see it going any further.

It's not like you had the time to go today anyways, because you and Ayaka had plans.

-

When you came back home you went to Miko's room for your usual "fluffy therapy". It was a little different this time, because it was clear that she was still annoyed if not furious.

"Are you still thinking about what happened in the morning..?" you decided to be direct, you saw no point in changing the topic for it to gradually change into what you truly wanted to discuss.

"Not really. It's… something else entirely actually. Although I'd be lying if I said that Thoma didn't upset me" she sighed "But it doesn't matter. After all now I get you all to myself" she winks, her good spirits quickly coming back to her "I actually did get you a little something" she took out a small bird keychain. It was… adorable.

"Thank you but-"

"No need to thank me or refuse the gift. I don't expect you to attach it to anything" she stopped you before you had the chance to bring up what Thoma had said.

"Then why bother giving me this..?" you're happy that you don't need to turn it down but, at the same time what were you supposed to do with it?

"Y/N, not every item is going to serve its destined purpose set by the producer. Besides, I just wanted you to have a little something that would remind you of me. So as long as you don't throw it away, I'm fine with whatever you do with it" she explained, putting her hand on your shoulder.

"Oh… Thank you, I'll be sure to take care of it" you felt a little speechless by what she had said. The first sentence was definitely not just about the keychain, you know it's her way of nudging you in the right direction. But, it's not something you're willing to agree to. You are a responsible young woman, therefore you're not interested in such idealistic talk of a perfect world.

"I believe keeping it out of Thoma's sight is a perfect way to do just that" she laughed "Or not, I think it'd be funny to start hearing how bad of an influence I have on you"

"Those aren't exactly Thoma's ideals you know, he's just following orders for the most part" it's important for you to clear it up before anything. You don't want her to get any weird ideas, after all even if he sometimes acts against you in the end he's your ally. You could always count on him, so you're aware that he does everything in your best interest… but the situation with suitors is that one exception where you're still mad about him keeping it secret.

"If that's what you want to believe, I won't push my opinion on it any further" she was definitely disappointed by your defense "Let's not talk about it, we got a little distracted and now it's time to resume what you came here for originally, okay?" you nod, as you don't want to continue it either. Now it was your time to relax.

Still, there was one feeling of doubt playing around with your heart, and you didn't even know what you were doubting to begin with. In the end you allowed yourself to forget it, but you have the feeling that if you continue your relationship with Miko you will eventually find your answer.

-

You ended up not attaching the keychain to anything, but you do have it with yourself and occasionally glance at it for a moment. You're not even sure why. But it is rather adorable, so it'd be a shame to just let it gather dust in your room.

"Destined purpose huh..?" you mutter to yourself. It was clear that Miko was talking more about you than this little bird… but why do you care? Just because she got some way of getting close to you, it's not like it makes her understand you completely. Her gesture is nice, but in no way she can dictate what to think. You're happy with how things are, sure sometimes you get upset over how things are but you're strong. You're a L/N and you take pride in that.

"Greetings Y/N" Ayaka walked up to you. You almost forgot that you were at school… Regardless she looked at the object of your previous attention "That's quite an adorable keychain, where did you get it?"

"It's a gift" you didn't want to lie. But now you are bound to have a talk about your progress.

"Oh! Is it from one of the suitors? From who exactly?" she smiles "It's very nice of her, don't you agree?"

"It's from Miko. And well, I'm not sure if she did it for me, or if she wanted to upset Thoma instead" honestly you thought about the second opinion just now. It made sense.

"But Thoma isn't the type to get upset so easily. Especially over things like that" you knew she'd bring it up.

"You tell me, it's just that the two had an argument that morning about what I'm allowed to wear. With how Miko is, he probably thought she'd buy me something too cute to tease me" you pause for a moment "Besides, she doesn't know Thoma in a way either of us do. So she probably thought that her ignoring his advice would be her winning"

"So I'm guessing you haven't explained the situation?"

"I did, but just so she doesn't get any weird ideas. It's not my responsibility to make sure the suitors get along with Thoma" if anything it's in their favor to do that on their own.

"I guess you're right" she looked a bit troubled "I'm surprised Thoma even stood up to her. I remember how he talked to me about her when it was all starting" given how easily Thoma gets along with everyone you were quite surprised to hear it. Ayaka had no reason to lie though, so you didn't question her mention.

"Look at me, I was scared of them too but I'm slowly getting used to it"

"That's good to hear, but I still think there might be something more to it…" she trailed off for a second "But uhm… don't mind me! I was just thinking out loud, I wouldn't want you to feel paranoid for no reason"

"You can't just say stuff like that and expect me to not think about it!" you immediately started to think what could she even mean.

"Sorry Y/N but really, it's just a random thought I had. You don't have anything to worry about really!" she looked panicked a little as she realized her poor choice of words.

"You're not making this any better Ayaka…" you sigh. You know she's trying but that seed of doubt made it's way to you, and it won't be something you could get rid of easily. Especially since Ayaka does have her suspicions and she admits to them.

"I know…" she looked down "But it wasn't anything serious. I just wondered why Miko and Thoma have that pointless war going on" she tried to clear it up, but it was too late for you to not overthink it. She must've had something more specific on her mind and shortened it for a reason.

-

Next day, Ayaka's words kept haunting you. Just what did she mean? What did she want to say? Even if it was just her imagination, she should just tell you her "theory" because now you're overthinking it. What could Miko have against Thoma, or the other way around? Why does it matter? What are they hiding from you? These never ending questions are really driving you insane. To get your answers though you can't just be straightforward about it. You need a plan to get just the information you need. Which won't be easy. Miko definitely would know your intentions before you even speak… same with Thoma now that you think about it. You really had no way to go about it.

As you were slowly giving up, you heard Miko's voice. She was talking to someone over the phone and seems to not have noticed you "Oh please, you don't need to go that far now" her voice sounded troubled and it caused you to worry "You'll do what!? I had no idea you'd be this desperate" she sighed as she continued to listen "Alright, I get it. Just give me some time. I promise everything will be done on time" before she hangs up you leave the area. You wouldn't want her to know that you were eavesdropping. Still, her conversation concerned you. What if she was being threatened? It sounded like that. Even if she seemed calm it's still Miko, she probably put on a brave face. You need to help her… but she probably won't be willing to talk.

-

You couldn't get this out of your head so you decided to talk with the rest. Maybe they would be able to help.

"Have you talked to Miko first? Maybe you misunderstood the situation" Ningguang was the first one to point it out.

"I'm not sure if she'd tell me the truth" you answer.

"Makes sense, a lot of people tend to avoid asking for help in situations like these" Yelan nods "But Miko isn't like other people, I'm sure that even if she's being threatened she has some sort of a plan" she adds.

"Yeah I agree, she'll probably end up playing the person who threatened her" Eula said with an annoyed tone.

"I can definitely see it too" Ningguang now seemed less concerned as she laughed lightly "Whoever chose her to pick on is probably regretting it now" with that the atmosphere of the conversation switched… and you didn't like that.

"Do you think she might be acting dumb? Or is she straight up just insufferable?" Yelan asked, clearly holding back a chuckle.

"My bet is that she's a mix of both and acts accordingly to what the other side says" Eula rolled her eyes.

As they continued to talk like that you could feel the anger in you growing…

|"How dare you say things like that!?" (Romance)|

"Just why do you think this is something you can joke about!?" the look on your face was mixed with disappointment and fury "Miko might be in danger and all you can think of is how SHE'S inconvenient to THEM?" the room fell silent "Come on, tell me. Why do you think that this is okay?" you look at them with your arms crossed.

The actual reason for them being quiet though… wasn't your shaming "I see that you're concerned about me. That's really sweet but… why?"

|"That's not the point…" (Reason)|

"Look, I'm pretty sure that she can handle herself. But I still would like us to talk to her about it" you sigh at how they think this is appropriate time to joke "She sounded like she wasn't in the biggest trouble but I'd still prefer to make sure"

"Then why make such a gathering instead of talking to me directly hm..?"

-----

You turn to see Miko smirking "Go on, I'm listening"

As caught off guard as you were, you had to speak the truth "I overheard your conversation on the phone"

"And what about it? I was just speaking to one of the former writers I used to help. I can hardly see how that could be worrisome" she shrugged "Unless you took that completely out of context. Then I must say you have quite the imagination to make it out into something like that"

You were glad that she was alright… but it almost sounded like she was mocking you. It made you regret worrying for her "I see, in that case I apologize for the misunderstanding" you say gracefully but on the inside you felt extremely embarrassed. You turned and left the scene. Nobody followed after you, which you appreciated.

What is it with you making things into such a mess? What's the deal with this constant overthinking? First was that "war" and now this. This whole suitor situation is making you even more paranoid with each day and now you can see it.

"Y/N?" it definitely wasn't Thoma's voice "I know I'm not supposed to be here, but I was worried because of how you left" you could clearly hear Miko from the other side of the doors.

|If you picked romance options the most|

You have no idea what to do. You don't want to let her in, so you just peek your head out "You have nothing to worry about"

"Oh really? Then care to explain why you act like we're back at square one?" she sighed "You still don't understand your own feelings, do you?"

"Because you're the expert, aren't you?" your sarcastic tone was sharp, but she remained unphased.

"I don't claim as such, but it's not hard to tell that you're lost" she didn't attempt to enter your room. But from the look on her face it looked more like she wanted you to come out instead.

She doesn't ask that of you, and yet you still chose to do just that "Listen, I appreciate that you care enough to continue reaching out" you pause for a moment as you want to once again arrange your words in your mind before you speak "But I want to be the one to explain my feelings to me. I don't need any directions, and I most certainly don't want you to treat me like I'm here to amuse you with my somewhat naive behavior"

"I understand, thank you for telling me" her smile was somewhat sinister… "I suppose that means I don't have anything else to say to you. See you later then" she leaves without your answer once again.

|If you picked reason options the most|

You're done with her for today. It's not that you're really mad at her… but more in need of a break. You remain quiet, wanting to see if she'll respect your boundary.

From the other side you couldn't hear any more sounds other than faint footsteps getting quieter with each second. She must've left so now you got to calm down at your own peace. It was nice of her to worry, and even better that she gave you the space you needed.

-----

In the end, whatever you do you can't understand her intentions. She probably thinks of it as a game, and yet you find yourself hoping that you're wrong in thinking so. She managed to get herself close to you, but it doesn't mean that you trust her. As sweet as her gestures are, you could only see it as tricks. Then again, anything your suitors do could be considered as such.

So all you can do now is to keep your eyes open.

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