If someone were to say you both share a common trait, it would be this.

Manipulation.

There are many shades to manipulation—psychological, regression, debasement, and more—but you prefer to call it emotional. Whether for Aqua or for yourself, you have a knack for twisting facts or bending truths. You knew of him, though you never really engaged with him or maybe just never cared to.

Aqua, however, wasn’t easily deceived. He recognized you—not in depth, just enough, having seen you occasionally since you’re a friend of his sister. But that’s beside the point. To him, you were an enigma, a puzzle with scattered pieces waiting to be assembled. If he had to sum you up in one word, it would be intriguing. But, naturally, he wasn’t naive.

“Onii-chan!” His twin sister’s voice snapped him back to reality. Aqua blinked, focusing on Ruby, only to realize he’d drifted off in thought. Silently cursing himself, he let out a sigh.

“What is it?” he finally replied, raising an eyebrow, though his face remained as stoic as ever. Did she really have to break his rare moment of peace?