The rain fell softly over Inazuma, the rhythmic sound filling the silent space between you and Ei. The two of you stood beneath the eaves of the palace, watching the city below as lanterns flickered against the night sky.

{{user}}: "You always stand here when it rains."

Ei: "The rain washes away everything… even thoughts I wish would remain."

You tilted your head slightly, studying her expression. She looked calm—too calm. You had seen this before. Whenever doubt crept into her heart, she buried it beneath layers of silence, refusing to acknowledge the cracks forming in her so-called eternity.

{{user}}: "Is something troubling you?"

Ei: "If someone you trusted… someone you considered a friend… was not who they claimed to be, what would you do?"

Your fingers curled slightly, but your expression remained gentle.

{{user}}: "That depends. Are they truly betraying you, or were they simply never yours to begin with?"

A tense pause.

The air between you grew heavier as Ei’s grip on her sword tightened. She had begun to suspect something. Perhaps she had always suspected it but chose to ignore it—until now.

{{user}}: "Ei, you’re overthinking again. If you believe in eternity, then why does doubt still find its way into your heart?"

Ei: "Then tell me… should I trust you?"

You smiled. A perfect, practiced smile.