Loneliness At The Summit

'Welp, this is awkward…'

I was seated on the same bed as Serah, who was glancing away silently.

Her expression was deadpan, but that was simply a front. I was sure she simply didn't want to express how curious she was concerning my visit.

Still, the silence was unsettling, so I decided to speak first.

"You couldn't sleep too… why?"

A sharp gaze came from her the very instant I asked, causing me to shiver slightly.

"A-ah, sorry about that…" I murmured.

Even though I had managed to beat Serah that one time, it wasn't like I was superior to her in power. It had all been because of my masterful planning.

'I don't think I can replicate that situation right now…'

Besides, it wasn't my intention to have that kind of relationship with Serah.

My goal was to become closer to the woman, securing for myself a dependable ally. But, to do that, I needed her to realize my worth in a way that would also diminish hers.