The side of my neck was stinging like crazy.
Alison: 'Ow ow ow... I'd forgotten how much that goddamn tattoo hurts...'
I looked up at Kiji who's expression was serious. Well, having June as my supervisor for the past three years, it didn't surprise me much. Still, there was something off.
Kiji: "I need to talk to you alone."
He took me to his office and sat me down opposite him.
Kiji: "Let's start with proper introductions. I am Supervisor Mitsuba, I'll be in charge of you from now on. But you can call me Kiji."
Rylan: "Pleasure."
Kiji: "You seem awfully calm for someone who was just arrested."
Rylan: "What can I say? I'm a calm kinda guy."
Alison: 'Oh god no! Is he getting suspicious?!'
Kiji: "Hm... now would be your chance to tell me your name, Rylan... your real name."
Alison: 'SHIT!!'
Rylan: "P-pardon?"
Kiji: "I know you're not who you say you are. Or who you appear to be."
Alison: 'I'M SCREWED! I'M SO SCREWED!!'
Rylan: "What makes you say that... sir?"
Kiji: "I have a special eye for picking out people like you. I know you're not really a young man."
Alison: 'What do I do? What do I do?!'
Rylan: "Uh-"
Kiji: "You don't have to be afraid. I only wish to talk to you about it."
Alison: '... Guess there's no other option.'
Alison: "*sigh*... You're right..."
I took my beanie and wig off.
Kiji: "Who are you really, dear?"
Alison: "My name is Alison. I was known as inmate number 12 at the women's prison I just came from."
I lifted up my shirt to show him the number 12 tattoo on my stomach.
Kiji: "So that's why you were so calm about your situation. You've been an inmate... for how long?"
Alison: "Three years, sir."
Kiji: "On what charge?"
Alison: "Arson... I burned down a school, and a couple churches."
Kiji: "Hm, I might have guessed you were already an inmate. But here's the big question... Why are you here?"
Alison: "I came here... because... mm..."
My cheeks went bright pink.
Alison: "Because I wanted to be with Honey..."
Kiji: "......... I see what's happened. You must have met number 82 when he broke into your prison."
Alison: "Yes, sir..."
Kiji: "And you've fallen in love."
I nodded.
Kiji: "So you posed as a boy to get sent here."
Alison: "Mhm..."
Tears filled my eyes as I realised what has to happen now.
Kiji: "Why are you crying?"
Alison: "Because I know you're going to send me back."
He sat in thought for a while.
Kiji: "I'm not going to send you back. Even though I very much should."
Alison: "R-really? Why?"
Kiji: "Because I believe young love is a beautiful thing. And because you've taken so much effort to come here. I feel it would be cruel to send you back. So I won't."
I smiled gratefully.
Alison: "You know, Kiji, you're a lot nicer than my previous supervisor."
Kiji: "I care for my inmates, dear. Just be sure not to test me. You do not what to see me angry."
Alison: "Yes, sir."
I put all my hair back under the wig and beanie.
Kiji: "Now, listen closely, number 41. You will remain here as one of my inmates. Your secret is safe with me but remember this is an all guy prison. I fear to know what would happen if everyone was to find out you're really a beautiful young woman."
Alison: "I understand."
He lead me out of his office.
Alison: "Hey, Kiji... where is Honey?"
He smiled.
Kiji: "He and number 3 are in cell 6."
I froze.
Alison: "R-right n-"
Kiji: "Right next door. Come along."
He lead me to my new cell.
Kiji: "This will be your new home from now on."
Alison: "Tha- ahem"
Rylan: "Thanks, Kiji."
He took my handcuffs off and locked me in my cell. He whispered to me before leaving.
Kiji: "Listen, dear, if you should ever want to return, I will allow that."
I had no desire for that, but I nodded to say I understood.