Chapter 182: Curry and Lies
Mei Mei tied an apron loosely around her waist, her movements unhurried, almost theatrical. She turned on the stove, the faint flame licking at the pot as she reheated the chicken curry she'd made earlier.
Her lips curved into a sweet smile as she glanced sideways. "Oh, could you heat up the rice for me, Maki?"
Her tone was smooth as honey, but her eyes—sharp and deliberate—ran up and down Maki's figure, measuring her in silence.
Maki stepped toward the rice cooker, switching it on without a word, but even as she did so, she peeked quickly at Mei Mei. She tried to act discreet, but it wasn't working.
Inside Mei Mei's mind, irritation brewed. Hmm. Her body's fine. Tall, lean, and no makeup… Ugh. Exactly Ren's type in a woman. Don't tell me this girl is his secret crush or something?! No… no, he would've told me if he had someone like that. Right? RIGHT?!
On the other hand, Maki's fists clenched subtly at her sides. Why is she wearing an apron? Does she come here often? Since when were she and Ren even friends? And why didn't I know? Ugh… it's not like I care, but… that lipstick of hers is pissing me off for some reason…
Maki cleared her throat, her tone calm but edged with something sharper. "So, Mei Mei, I really didn't know you and Ren were friends… I mean, I've known Ren for a long time. I guess during those last few months when we lost contact… that's when you must've met him, right?"
The words were cool on the surface, but Mei Mei caught every subtle jab, every implication.
Mei Mei's thoughts turned smug. Oh my, how cute. She's trying to downplay me—Ren's 'so-called' friend. Ha. I used to pull this kind of thing back in high school. Really childish. But maybe it's time I let her know not to get near what's mine.
She let out a soft, smug laugh before speaking, her voice syrup-sweet. "Oh yes, I met Ren a few months ago. He's so charming, you know? Swept me right off my feet."
She covered her smile with her hand, feigning embarrassment.
Maki froze. "What?"
Mei Mei tilted her head innocently, her eyes gleaming. "Oh, didn't Ren tell you? I'm his girlfriend—yup, all his. That's why I was on his bed waiting for him. Honestly, it was so embarrassing when he came back with you, you know?"
She let the laugh ring out, enjoying the darkening shadow in Maki's expression.
Maki's thoughts churned violently. Girlfriend? When? How?… Wait… is this why Ren didn't text me?
Her lips pressed tight, and before she could stop herself, she muttered, "Uh… where's the bathroom?"
Mei Mei lifted a hand lazily, pointing. Maki walked fast, disappearing into the bathroom without looking back.
Mei Mei's eyes followed her, a sly glint in them. Aww, don't cry now. I still don't know why Ren gave you the keys to his dorm—that's the only reason I've held back. Because maybe, somehow, you're useful to him. There's no way he actually likes you or something; Ren's not that type of person. But damn him… Ren owes me a hundred more explanations.
She stirred the curry faster, the spoon clinking against the pot with unnecessary force.
In the living room, I sat with my head buried in my hands.
Ugh, I hope Mei Mei hasn't done something stupid, and I also hope Maki hasn't thrown any punches! Ugh… it should be fine. Mei Mei wouldn't go overboard. And Maki? She wouldn't fight over something silly like this, right? Ugh, whatever… what was I doing? Right—Red Stitch. I completely forgot about my plans. God damn it. At this rate, I won't get time to train! No… it's fine. I can at least brainstorm before sleeping… But first, let's make sure no one is burning my kitchen down.
I walked quickly into the kitchen. Only Mei Mei stood there, calmly stirring.
"Where's Maki?" I asked.
Mei Mei's lips curled in faint annoyance. "She's in the bathroom. Why do you ask, huh? Don't tell me you want me to leave or something."
I raised my hands fast. "Ugh, it's not that, ok? She's not here to do anything—she's here because of a mission. Gojo sent my classmates to keep an eye on me. She's just making sure I don't leave anywhere."
Mei Mei rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath. Gojo? Ugh. Why is he being annoying now? But… it makes sense. We're on his turf, after all.
Just then, Maki stepped out of the bathroom, face composed. She spoke calmly, "Oh, what are you doing here, Ren? The food is almost heated up." She gave a small nod and walked straight back into the living room.
Dinner that night was painfully awkward. The three of us sat together, the curry and rice steaming between us, but conversation never flowed. Maki ate quietly, her usual sharp words absent. Mei Mei smiled and served food with elegance, her tone too light, too sweet, masking something ugly beneath.
And me? I chewed slowly, staring at the table.
Ugh… Mei Mei must've said something to make Maki this weirdly quiet. And wait—shit. Even bigger problem. Where is everyone going to sleep? I only have one bed! Shit…
But it turned out I didn't have to worry.
After dinner, Mei Mei excused herself, deciding there was no point in staying when Maki was already around. She left with her usual calm stride, though her eyes lingered on me longer than usual before she walked out.
That left only Maki and me.
She claimed the bed without hesitation, pulling the blanket over herself. I sighed and set up a thin blanket for myself on the floor.
In the dark, her voice broke the silence. "Is she really your girlfriend?"
I blinked, my thoughts instantly sharp. Ugh, Mei Mei… So that's what you said, huh? Now manipulating Maki will be harder. But it's fine.
I smiled faintly, even though she couldn't see it. "Yeah. We've been dating for, like, a month. It happened by accident. I was out, you know, bored, and well… Gojo had sent Mei Mei to keep an eye on me."