"Here, take it. My treat." Akutagawa Shang waved the can in front of her again.
This time, Mai Zenin did not refuse. She reached out for the drink, pulled the tab, and took a gulp.
"Thanks-" she said faintly, her voice a little hoarse.
After she accepted the drink, Akutagawa Shang did not leave. Instead, he plopped down on the steps beside her.
"Didn't you guys from Tokyo Jujutsu High win? Weren't you going to a celebration dinner-why are you here?" Mai asked softly, looking down and clutching the can.
"I was just thirsty and came to buy some water. Who knew I'd happen to find someone sitting here bawling all by herself?" he said casually, gazing up at the horizon.
"What about you? Why aren't you with your classmates from Kyoto Jujutsu High? Surely you're not crying here all alone because you lost the competition. You're not that fragile." He chuckled, teasing her.
"That's not it, you idiot. You don't know anything," Mai Zenin murmured, her head lowered.
"How do you know I don't? Let me guess. Are you-angry with your sister?" Akutagawa Shang spoke lightly.
But Mai Zenin bristled on the spot, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"How did you know-!!! Heh, I almost forgot. Maki must have told you."
After that brief burst of agitation, her shoulders slumped dejectedly, and she wilted again.
"Mm-she told me a little, but not much. But from what she said, it sounds like you two used to get along pretty well. I'm curious. What exactly happened to make you hate her so much?" He did not look at Mai Zenin, merely staring quietly and blankly at the ground as she did.
"Tch, I can't believe you're curious about this stuff. But I suppose I can tell you.