CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
With two challenges left and only a week remaining in our six-week program, I suspected the final days would be a flurry of chaos, survival, and consequences.
As for my strategy forward, Jiro and I still hadn’t officially agreed to work together. While I didn’t entirely disagree with his belief that the best path was for everyone to survive, I had my doubts. My issue was Kenji. How did we control him? He hated us.
After dinner, Jiro caught me in the hallway, returning from the bathroom. He had a determined look on his face, making it impossible to say no to whatever he was about to ask me.
“Come to the library with me,” he said.
“What’s this about?” I asked.
“Strategy. We need to talk,” he replied, and I followed him.
As we walked, he glanced over at me. “I know you don’t fully trust me, and honestly, I wouldn’t either. But I’m hoping our past doesn’t dictate our decisions here.”
“What are you getting at, Jiro?”
“We only have two more challenges to get through. They could happen back-to-back, for all we know, and we haven’t discussed a strategy yet.”
“You mean teaming up,” I said.
“It makes the most sense, Akiko. Do you think you have a shot with that nutjob, Kenji? He’s been festering ever since you switched rooms. The guy’s unhinged.”
I didn’t respond, mulling over his words instead.
“Wait, you aren’t seriously thinking of going it alone, are you?” Jiro said, his voice incredulous. “Wow. Talk about a wild card. I never saw that coming.”
I watched as he flailed his arms dramatically. “I haven’t said anything, Jiro.”
“You didn’t have to say anything,” he continued. “Your face gave it away. You get this look when the wheels in your head are spinning. Your lips get all pouty.”
“Pouty?” I feigned innocence.
“Yeah, pouty,” he said, exasperated. “Are you going to repeat everything I say, or are we having a discussion?”
“Discussion?” I echoed, barely keeping a straight face.
Jiro growled, clenching his fists, and I burst into laughter. It had been so long since I’d purposely irritated him like this, and the look on his face was priceless.
“I’m sorry,” I managed between laughs. “I couldn’t resist. I promise I’ll be serious now.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Okay, then.”
“All righty, then.”
“Akiko!” he snapped, but I couldn’t stop laughing even harder.
The laughter felt like a release, weeks of pent-up tension spilling at Jiro’s expense. When I finally calmed down, I grabbed his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you. I needed that.”
“Are you done?” Jiro said, an eyebrow raised.
“Yes,” I said. My top lip quivered as I struggled to contain another outburst.
“No, you’re not.”
