"Ah. It's nothing vastly important. Our parents just want him to call to make sure he's okay," she admitted. "He hasn't come back home yet so I guess they're worried about everything going on."
"Right," I whispered and bowed my head slightly. "Sorry."
"Why are you apologizing?" she inquired with an arched eyebrow.
"Kaito didn't want me to be alone yesterday," I admitted. "The day before he spent with Brianne while we remained at the dorms, but since they announced they were doing a full investigation, he offered to stay with me since Jax is staying with Connor at his mom's hotel. I could have gone along, but I guess..." I trailed off to try to find a legitimate excuse for my absence.
"Didn't want to be a third wheel?" she concluded and I gave her a sheepish grin. "Ya. Brianne spent yesterday at Mia's and Miya's place. It's been a while since she's gotten to hang with them and I didn't want to interfere with that. Kaito was going to visit home before we accepted this trip deal to Switzerland, but I guess he knew I'd be a bit lonely."
I shrugged just slightly but didn't hide the sadness in my eyes as I was reminded that I was alone in this world. With Christmas approaching, those haunting memories were beginning to creep in. Years had gone by since my mom's passing, and it was officially a year since my dad's murder.
The mere thought made my throat feel tight, but I tried to think of better things. At least they were at peace and not in any sort of pain, together in a place of paradise where no one could hurt them for the sake of getting to me.
It didn't exempt me from feeling lonely, but that was what made Kaito's offer to stay behind yesterday to keep me company more touching.
Katsume stared at me for a long moment before she slowly nodded and closed her eyes. "I'll let my parents know he had business to take care of and will visit after the new year," she determined and opened her eyes to acknowledge my shocked expression.
She winked before moving off the door frame and noticing the one large bed.
"So," she began as a sly smirk formed on her soft pink lips. "Sharing a bed?"
That made me blush before I grumbled, "None of the rooms have two beds."
She laughed then and patted her chest. "That was technically my bad," she admitted. "I said three-bedroom but didn't specify how many beds in each room, so they probably assumed it was for three people and opted for the king-size beds."
"It's fine," I admitted. "It's not like we needed all those beds."
"Of course not." She grinned and watched my cheeks begin to blush. "Maybe y'all will finally stick to one bed. More than enough room."
"One bed?" I questioned. "For five people? We wouldn't..." I trailed off as her eyes glimmered with mischief. I groaned and ruffled my hair. "Never mind!"
"Mwahaha. I'm going to make it a new mission to try to get you five locked in a bedroom. Then the real shenanigans will begin!"
"I can't believe you," I whined. "No wonder Kaito tries to avoid ya."
"Kaito knows if it was my choice, he would have been cuddling in between you and Brianne ages ago."
That had me coughing on my own saliva and trying not to die.
"Awww. You guys are still so youthful," Katsume sang. "Maybe you guys will get all freaky in an orgy by the end of the school year."
"O-Orgy?!" I gasped, which had her laughing while I coughed.
"Oh, this is going to be fun! I'm going to egg on Brianne without her realizing it!"
"Don't," I groaned and noticed the vibration in my pocket. I pulled my phone out and quickly picked up at the sight of my agent's name.
"Hello?"
"Finnick! How's everything going?"
"Good, sir. I'm just in Switzerland right now on a trip with my friends," I replied.
"Friends," Katsume quietly sang as I gave her a look.
"That sounds lovely. You deserve it. I heard about the crazy murder investigation going on at Witchling. Such a tragedy for sure. A break would do all you students some justice. Did you guys need help covering the expenses? I'd be happy to contribute if it ensures you’re well-rested?"
"Thank you for the generous offer, sir. It was covered by the school. You know my girlfriend is a part of the council."
"Yes, yes! Brianne Harlow. Gifted woman. You should paint more pictures of her. She simply catches attention. Has to be something to do with that fierceness in her eyes," he complimented. "I simply called to make sure you were okay and confirm you still wanted to be a part of the festival in the spring. Even with the incident, the art council has concluded the festival will remain on Witchling property, seeing as it’s a big enough space. We're hoping to get special security involved at the event to ensure everything is peaceful, but we've been asked to confirm with all potential artists."
"Yes, sir. I'll still be participating in the festival," I assured him. "Thank you for checking in. I may need assistance with some painting materials upon the new year. I have a pretty solid idea for what I want to do, but I'm going to need a big studio space or warehouse to complete it, as well as transportation to bring the masterpiece to the festival."
He laughed with joy as he replied, "Anything you need, Finnick my boy. You say the word and you shall have it," he assured me. He quieted down and continued, "I know things have been rough, Finnick, but please don't hesitate to rely on me if you need any assistance. You're also always welcome back to Dubai to visit and if you're ever lonely, say the word and I'll fly over. I know we met randomly, but I couldn't be more thankful for your aid in protecting my granddaughter and would happily take you under my wing if you need anything of the sort."
"Your words are greatly appreciated," I admitted while I tried not to get teary-eyed. It amazed me how we could meet certain individuals in our lives at the most random times and have it to lead to such supportive connections. "Thank you for supporting me in all things, sir."
"Anytime, Finnick. Let me not hold you up! You have to get all lovey with that beautiful queen of yours." That made me blush as he laughed again. "Have an amazing holiday, Finnick. Make sure to update me in the new year on what you need! The moment February hits, things are going to sell out in prep for the festival."
"Yes, I'll inform you as soon as I get back after the holidays," I assured him.
"Bye!"
"Bye," I replied, and he hung up first.
"You have an idea for that spring art festival?" Katsume inquired.
"Yes," I replied and slipped my phone back into my pocket. "I'm just having a bit of a problem with it."
"You haven't started yet, though?"
"I have the draft sketched out, but it's getting it on the canvas properly that may be an issue," I confessed. "It's a work of art that will shift based on the flowing stream of magic around us. It's something never really done before, so I'm not sure how I'll trigger the shifts. I was going to use the weather as an influence, but that's tricky because if it rains, the image would be just sad, or if it's sunny, the image would be just happy."