"So, everything you said..."
She tightened her grip on his fingers. Her voice came out almost unintentionally, like something she'd been holding back for days.
"About wanting to learn consecration..."
...
"About wanting to see me..."
...
"About being a Herald..." Her throat closed up. "...was it a lie?"
Haru opened his mouth.
But she continued, not aggressive, not angry, just hurt and tired of being hurt.
"You just wanted to use me to get into the Cathedral that day? To get what you wanted? Whatever it was?"
Finally, she looked at him.
Her eyes were moist, not from crying. From something before crying. Confusion, hurt, and something she didn't yet know the name of.
"...and now that I know what you are..."
Her voice trailed off. "Gamers are evil, Haru." She looked away.
"They bring calamities, death, ruin."
...
"I know what the Church says about you."
Wind rustled through the trees. A leaf fell between them.
