Part 21 — Tell Me

"Zap."

"What."

"So you say you hated Je—her, right?"

"What? I didn't say that. I just didn't love her. She was alright, though."

"False. Anyway, you were still her boyfriend. What will you do now?"

"Live the way I have been living..."

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I guess she didn't really impact your life, huh?"

"Not one bit. Excuse me, I'm going to be upstairs. Call me if you need me." Zap walked upstairs. Xin walked to the refrigerator and grabbed a bar of chocolate. I wonder if he's been lying...maybe because he's known me longer than her, so he doesn't want to argue with me about her? Xin took a bite. I think I'll pressure him until everything comes out. Then I can know for sure. Finishing the bar of chocolate, Xin walked upstairs and into Zap's room. She closed the door behind her. Xin held her knife behind her back. "Zap."

"What?"

"Do you love Jessica?"

"No...?"

"Are you lying?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure that you're not lying?"

"Yes."

"Are you being truthful?"

"Xin, why are you asking me all these questions?"

Xin tightened her grip around her knife. "Don't worry about it."

"Ah...yes?"

Xin tightened her grip again. Her hand was reddening. "Last question."

"Huh?"

"Her or me? Choose one."

"Er...in what context?"

"Just choose one."

"Can I skip?"

"No."

"Erm..." Zap pulled up the covers over him. "One question first. Are you properly armed to kill me right now?"

"Not particularly."

"Are you lying?"

Xin narrowed her eyes. "Not particularly. Shut up."

"Okay...um, to be honest, I've known you for longer...and so..."

"Mm?"

"Definitely not you because that would be weird—"

"Hmm?!"

"—anddefinitelynotJessbecauseIneverlovedheranywaypleasedon'tkillme!" Zap grabbed his pillow and shielded himself.

Xin pulled out her knife. "What was all of that you just said? I'd love to hear it again."

Zap widened his eyes. "I chose neither because both situations would be weird and plus Jess is dead so why would I choose her anyway?"

"I don't recall neither being an option."

"Xin...are you okay?"

"Shut up! I'm just worried about Azyra, and you're not helping it!"

"Azyra's coming back, remember? She'll be fine."

"No, shut up!" Xin, knife in hand, dashed for Zap. Zap quickly rolled out of bed and tried to open the door, but Xin had locked it. With time wasted, Xin was able to pull Zap back. She raised her knife.