Chapter Text
SEARINA had been woken up from her nap to the sound of knocking at her door once again, although this time much quieter and calmer. She opened the door and saw who else but ILLI, hanging her head, eyes red and puffy from crying. Before SEARINA could say anything, ILLI had already fallen towards her, her arms wrapped around the ever-smiling demon, trapping her in a hug that ILLI didn't want to break away from.
"... Just do this for her," SEARINA told herself as she returned the gesture. Not wanting to stand in front of the door anymore, SEARINA closed it, walked ILLI to her couch and sat her down.
"I'll get you some water," she said, turning toward the kitchen. She paused and turned back when she heard ILLI shuffling and getting off the couch. When SEARINA walked into the kitchen, ILLI followed. She grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, twisted the cap off and handed it to ILLI. Before she drank, ILLI spoke up.
"... I'm sorry. I just-" she hesitated.
"I didn't want to see you leave."
That confirmed it for SEARINA. She can't be alone right now. "Don't worry about it," SEARINA told her. "Saves me a trip back to the couch," she jested. ILLI didn't laugh, of course, but maybe it had put her at ease, at least a little bit. Despite her joke, the two made their way back to the sofa. ILLI coughed a bit from the dryness in her throat, taking a sip of her water to counteract that. She grimaced a bit when she realized SEARINA buys water with minerals added "for taste".
"How do you drink this stuff?" she questioned, placing the bottle down on the coffee table.
"With my mouth! How else?"
"You know that's not what I meant."
SEARINA smiled at her. Even though she knew it was fake, ILLI couldn't help but smile back, shuffling closer to the other. Before she realized it, ILLI's hands were on SEARINA, and she was leaning over her, faces nearly touching. She puckered her lips for a kiss, but stopped herself.
"... No, I can't. I-I'm sorry, it's not fair," she choked out, before pulling herself away and excusing herself, closing the door behind her quickly.
SEARINA was left sitting on the couch, unable to say a word. One question lingered in her mind.
"What are you apologizing for?"