Anonymous
November 1, 2025 at 5:08:49 PM
Koito washes his face at the water basin he keeps in his office. That's what he has chosen to believe: that, even once the manipulation has come to light, his feelings for First Lieutenant Tsurumi remain as they have always been.
His feelings for him are too intense and complex to unpack, anyway, so he won't bother trying.
Koito knocks at the door of Tsurumi's office, noticing that it is ajar; he waits a couple of moments before stepping inside, and once he does, he's met with a quite disheveled-looking Usami, standing next to Tsurumi's chair. Straightening his posture, the private makes his way towards the door without a word, wiping the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand and smirking at Koito as he walks past him. Koito feels his stomach churn.
"Second Lieutenant," Tsurumi calls soon after, gesturing to the seat opposite to his, the desk between the two chairs. "Please have a seat."
There is an usual serene yet all-knowing look on his face, which gives Koito butterflies. It always does, no matter how many times he's seen it. He takes the seat.
"You wanted to see me?" Koito's a little nervous. He always is around Tsurumi.
"I did," Tsurumi replies calmly, seemingly taking his time. He leans forward, his elbow resting against the table and his chin supported over his hand, while he traces circular patterns over the desk with his other hand. The air is stale with tension, and Koito feels like he can't breathe. Now he's more than just a little nervous. Tsurumi is unpredictable, and this atmosphere is making Koito feel like he's in danger.
"This is in regards to your recent behavior, Second Lieutenant Koito," his voice is still calm as ever, yet Koito can hear the threatening undertone so clearly. "Specifically, the fact that you allowed Private Tanigaki and Inkarmat to escape."
At those words, Koito's throat closes shut, his entire body language reflecting how tense he's feeling. He can't bring himself to look at Tsurumi.
How the hell does he know? Did Tsukishima rat him out?
He's always been a horrible, horrible liar, too transparent for his own good. There's no way he's making it out of this unscathed. Koito's trying to come up with an explanation when Tsurumi speaks again.
"Now, that's an interesting reaction, isn't it," there's a grin on his face, which Koito can see even without looking at him. "I suspected this had been the case, given the conflicting dates on yours and Sergeant Tsukishima's reports, but you've just confirmed it for me. Cooperative as always." Given Tsurumi's tone, there's no doubt he's angry, and justifiably so.
Oh, so that's what this is. Well, good job Koito, you've just dug your own grave.
A wave of shame takes over him, his face burning as he tries to control his breathing, and he honestly feels like he might start crying any minute. This is the worst case scenario of the worst case scenario; even death would be preferable over First Lieutenant Tsurumi suspecting he's a traitor. His mouth opens but not even Satsuma dialect comes out.
Tsurumi is silent for a couple more moments, apparently doing nothing but watch Koito try to not hyperventilate. Koito has never felt so humiliated before, and he deserves it. Those are the consequences of his actions. That's what he gets for going against First Lieutenant Tsurumi's orders.
"Second Lieutenant Koito, pay attention," Tsurumi says, the tone of his voice unreadable. Koito finally faces him, undeniably afraid, and there's a little smile on Tsurumi's face.
He taps over Koito's side of the desk, gesturing with his head towards Koito's hands. His expression has morphed completely, like he's suddenly no longer angry, which confuses Koito; this is certainly not the first time Koito's seen his mood flip so quickly, and that just makes this whole situation all the more terrifying.