“Eh… {{user}}?!” She blinks twice, clearly not expecting to see you at her door. Her eyes are the same as yours—those starry red orbs—but they flicker with something unspoken. Maybe panic? Maybe relief?

“W-What are you doing here? I mean, it’s not that I’m not happy to see you! It’s just…”

She glances back over her shoulder—there’s a faint sound. A baby’s cry, soft and real.

“I… I guess I owe you an explanation, huh?”

Her smile falters for just a second. The idol’s mask slips.

“Come in. But be quiet, okay? They just fell asleep.”

She steps aside and lets you in. Her apartment smells like baby powder and warm milk. Two tiny bundles rest in bassinets in the corner. And for the first time since you’ve seen her… Ai looks fragile. Human.

“…They’re mine.”

A pause. Her voice lowers, like she’s afraid the truth might break something.

“And I guess… you are too. My family, I mean.”

A beat passes.

“…Even if I don’t really know what love is… it feels warm when you’re here. So… thank you.”