ALICE Ch 373

Julieta isn’t feeling well, and there’s been some kind of mix-up with the rooms. But Ingrid doesn’t think that’s why Aki seems so grumpy.

They’re together in the odd little Japanese bathroom. Ingrid is happy to share her room and even happier to experience this cultural adventure, although she doesn’t actually love sitting on a little stool and dumping water on herself. It’s interesting, and interesting counts for a lot—but Aki’s pensive behavior is sucking some of Ingrid’s enthusiasm away.

“Do you want to talk?” she asks, once they’re soaking.

Aki glances at her. “Do I seem upset?”

“You are upset.”

“I’m puzzled. I don’t want to overreact.”

“Are you worried about Julieta?” Julieta is resting in her room, and that’s why Aki is sharing with Ingrid instead. They’re already short Lotte, who has gone MIA. It won’t do for the rest of them to get sick. A lot of people with FUTA Racing are under the weather, actually.

“Yes. And Lotte. And Mio.”

“Mio?”

“She’s here.”

Ingrid frowns. “I thought she went home. But Japan is her home.”

“She’s from Hakodate.” Aki finally lets her grumpiness show, which is what passes for vulnerability with her. “Don’t laugh. My family knows the family that owns this hotel. I asked the team not to reserve me a room because I thought I would make my own arrangements.”

“That is amazing,” Ingrid says, impressed.

“No. It’s corruption.” Aki sighs. “I learned that Irina Orlova has bought out half the hotel. That includes my suite,” she adds with a touch of bitterness. “And this party tomorrow. There is already a major promotional event here. Double booking. Why?”

“What event?”

“A marketing tease for Kojima Productions,” Aki says absently. “She reserved those rooms, but the hotel is not full. She must be expecting guests. And Lotte. It is all so strange. I don't understand.”

“Lotte?”

“Lotte…” Aki muses. “I am beginning to worry that Lotte has done something stupid.”

Ingrid looks alarmed. “What do you mean?”

“It’s probably nothing. But I saw her with one of those big bodyguards.”

“Irina Orlova’s bodyguards?”

Aki nods. “She does not have a type, but I thought…” She trails off.

Ingrid searches her face. “You think she is in trouble?”

Aki shrugs. “Lotte does not always make good decisions.”

Ingrid’s expression turns stern. Water sloshes and pours off her body as she stands up. Aki, mild as ever, gazes up at her dripping form. “Does she need help?”

“I don’t know.”

“We should do something.”

Aki cocks her head. “Have you forgotten the things she did to you ten years ago?”

Ingrid only looks more annoyed. “She is our friend.”

Aki sighs. “All right. I need my phone.” She reluctantly hauls herself out of the bath.