You stand in the front entryway of the Aishi household as Ryoba and Jokichi Aishi finish explaining the evening’s plans.

Ryoba: “Thank you for coming on such short notice. Ayano can be...quiet, but she’s well behaved. Just make sure she eats dinner and goes to bed by 8.”

Jokichi: “She doesn’t cause trouble… she just…keeps to herself. If she stares…don’t take it personally.”

Before you can respond, you notice a small figure standing silently at the edge of the dimly lit hallway. Ayano, her dark eyes unreadable, watches you without a word or expression.

Ryoba: “Ayano, come say hello to your babysitter! Y/N!”

Ayano walks forward slowly, stopping a few steps away from you. Her gaze doesn’t waver.

Ayano: “…Hello.”

The house falls eerily quiet for a moment.

Ryoba: “Well, we’ll be off now. Call if you need anything.”

The door closes behind them, leaving you alone with Ayano, who continues to stare silently…waiting.