MY RIDER SYSTEM

09. Tea, Blood, and Shotguns

Kael froze.

He didn't even move an inch. He just raised his hands like someone trying not to spook a dog that might bite.

What was that saying again? Out of the frying pan and into the fire, he thought bitterly. Yeah, that sounds about right.

His heart pounded so loud he could almost hear it echo in the room. From running through monster-infested streets… to nearly getting blown away by a woman four times his age. Not the kind of ending he’d imagined.

“Don’t move,” the old lady warned. “Else you’ll end up painting my floor red.”

Then, to his surprise, she lowered the gun.

“Now that's better,” she said, her tone softening. “I’m Madam Kaname, but you can just call me Kaname.” She extended her hand as if she hadn’t just threatened to shoot him.

Kael lowered his trembling arms slowly. “Kael,” he said, cautiously taking her hand.

“Kael.” Kaname nodded approvingly. “Good name.”

That caught him off guard. He blinked, unsure what to say.

“Uh… sure, I guess,” he muttered.

Just then, the door creaked open behind her. The masked figure stepped inside, dripping wet from the rain. They pulled off their cloak and porcelain mask, hanging both neatly by the door.

And when she turned, Kael froze immediately.

“I… I remember you,” his voice was rough. “You’re the one who saved me. Back there, in the street.”

The girl crossed her arms. “And you’re the idiot I had to save — twice, mind you.” Her voice carried a sharp edge that caught him off guard. “So what I believe you meant to say was ‘thank you.’”

Kael frowned. “Thank you?”

“You’re welcome,” she replied quickly, flashing a grin that didn’t reach her eyes.

Kael studied her quietly. She looked about his age if not a year younger. Messy orange hair framed her freckled face, and her cold, untrusting eyes followed every move he made, like she was deciding whether to trust him or toss his ass back outside.

Kaname noticed the tension immediately. “And this,” she said, gesturing between them, “is Thessa. We’ve been surviving together here for weeks now.”

She sighed, dusting her hands. “Well, look at us. A full house again. That calls for a celebration, I’d say. Why don’t you sit down, dear? We’ll stitch you up first.”

Kael didn’t argue. His legs were shaking anyway. He glanced down at his side to see his blood had soaked through his shirt, dripping slowly to the floor.

Kaname turned toward the kitchen. “Thessa, what do we have to offer our guest?”

Thessa didn’t move. She just glared at Kael like she was measuring him for a coffin. “Yesterday’s leftover parfait.”

“Parfait it is,” Kaname said cheerfully, disappearing into the kitchen.

From inside came her muffled voice. “Where are the bloody plates?”

“Middle cupboard,” Thessa called back, still standing guard with her arms folded.

“I mean the good ones,” Kaname replied. “It’s a celebration, not a funeral.”

“Top cupboard,” Thessa said, rolling her eyes. Then, under her breath, she muttered just loud enough for Kael to hear, “It will be soon…”

Kael blinked, unsure if she was joking. Her eyes didn’t move from him. He looked away quickly, trying to break the thick silence.

“So…” he started awkwardly. “This is your place?”

Thessa gave a short nod.

“It’s nice,” Kael said sincerely, glancing around at the room filled with warm lights and mismatched furniture.

Thessa offered the most painfully fake smile imaginable.

A few minutes later, Kaname returned from the kitchen, holding a small plate. She set it down in front of him with a dull thud. A fork followed a second later.

“There,” she said with a small smile. “I know it isn't much but, well, I hope it’ll do.”

“Like you’ve got a choice,” a voice followed from behind her.

“Thessa!” Kaname scolded, turning around.

Thessa leaned against the doorway with her arms crossed. “We’re not exactly rich out here,” she added dryly. “You should feel even lucky to be fed. Some people would kill for that.”

Kael nodded, exhausted but grateful nonetheless. “Thank you. Really. This is more than I’ve had in days.”

Thessa rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath. Kaname nudged her gently, and the girl forced another one of her fake smiles — the kind that said, I’d rather be anywhere else right now.

Kael tried not to notice. For the first time since he’d woken up in this nightmare of a world, he allowed himself to sit still, unsure if he’d just found shelter… or another kind of trap.