Airi let herself into Andro's room after knocking once. She was happy to notice the way her friend's lips were curved in a soft smile. Airi knew the cause behind it.
'Thanks for letting me stay here tonight,' Airi said. 'And thanks for coming with me. I... probably wouldn't have made it back without you.'
Now that she was clean, Airi was starting to feel better, safe, with her best friend. She took a deep breath. Airi realized that the game had affected her so much because of the very real possibility of losing someone that was very dear to her. Being the only survivor in a game, she could take; being the only survivor in a game with Andi (or Cass, or Hércules), would kill her too.
Andro patted the bed, bringing Airi back from her grim reverie.
'We're both here, that's what matters,' the dark-haired woman said.
Airi ruffled Andro's hair gingerly but affectionately. 'I thought Aguni would stay the night with us, too. You know, for added protection,' she teased, sort of grateful for the blisters on their hands because otherwise Andro would have hit her with a pillow by now.
When they stopped giggling, Airi asked: 'so what's your read on the big scary man? Really scary or actual giant teddy bear in disguise?'
Airi took a seat in front of Aguni and Andro, and accepted the glass Takeru offered her. She didn't drank from it immediately, though. She was wary of him, not afraid, but guarded.
She looked at her friend talking animatedly with the militant. Airi smiled, it was like seeing Andro be herself again, carefree and playful, it was good to see that this place hadn't taken that from her.
'So, Airi,' Takeru said, swirling the contents of his glass. 'Are you enjoying The Beach?'
Airi would have very much liked to say that she didn't. But the truth was that it was not a bad arrangement, all things considered, to have a place to return to after a game. She shrugged. 'It could be worse.'
Takeru leaned forward. 'But it could be better? Tell me what you'd like. Maybe we can reach an agreement.'
'I doubt it.' Airi finally took a sip of his drink.
'How had I not seen you before?'
'Too much alcohol? Or perhaps it's those sunglasses,' Airi sassed him.
Takeru removed the sunglasses and stared at her. 'Well, I am looking now.' Airi held his gaze, and saw something behind his eyes. Yes, the man in front of her was high on power, apparently trying to seduce her, but there was a spark of fear. He was playing a role even now. She wondered just how many things at The Beach were just a facade.
He put the sunglasses back on. 'I see now. Hearts games. You're good at reading people. Were you reading me just now?'
'Well you make it too easy.' Airi drank deeply from her glass.
'Why don't we send our friends away and you can spend the night reading me?'
It was Airi's turn to laugh. 'Do you truly think you're that hard to read, or that interesting?'
Someone opened the door to the suite. Two girls in tiny golden bikinis stumbled in and made to rush toward Takeru but froze when they saw the other three people in the room.
'Ah, but it looks like you already have willing readers.' Airi stood up, downing the rest of her drink. 'Andro, I'll wait for you by the pool.'
Airi walked out of the room, not entirely sure why her heart was racing.