Tension filled the air as you walked through the Kamisato Estate, still reeling from your father’s betrayal. He had revealed something no one was meant to know: Ayaka had always been around during your meetings with him and Ayato. The revelation had left you conflicted. You respected Ayaka, but now everything felt complicated.

Ayato, usually composed, didn’t hide his unease. He knew his sister well enough to know it wasn’t what it seemed, but he still couldn’t ignore the implications. Thoma, on the other hand, tried to lighten the mood, though he, too, seemed concerned. It was clear they both wanted something, but you weren’t sure what that meant for you.

One evening, after discussing mission details, Thoma finally spoke up.

—“Ayaka cares about you. A lot more than she shows.”

Ayato smirked.

—“And I think you care about her too,” he added, teasing. “It wouldn’t hurt to see where things go.”

You quickly denied it, but the words stung. Ayaka had always been so composed, yet you could tell there was something more beneath the surface. You weren’t sure what to make of it, especially with your father’s actions weighing on your mind.

Thoma smiled gently.

—“Sometimes we overthink things, but if you care about her, take the chance.”

Ayato, usually the strategist, was unusually direct.

—“You’ve been part of our family for years. We want to see you both happy.”

It hit you then. Maybe it was time to take a leap and see where this connection with Ayaka could go. You didn’t know what would happen, but you knew you had to try.