The 50th chapter woo-hoo~
Is it hard to pretend that you don't know where most major shops are? Yes. At the very least Thoma doesn't interpret your behavior that way. He is more focused on figuring out your preferences in case that he ever ends up needing that knowledge. You still avoid buying anything because you would feel bad for using Thoma's money.
Now you three sit next to a pond, surrounded by a whole bunch of pets. It is not that anybody called them - they came by themselves when they saw Thoma. Your personal space might be invaded but it must look adorable from an outside perspective.
The Pyro Vision Holder scratches the head of a fluffy cat. "I hope you don't have any allergies."
You shake your head. "If I had any I would be dying right now." ((Even if you do, I hereby declare you cured.))
"That Seelie you have seems to get along with animals perfectly fine too.", he looks at Rosa who has become one with the flock. "...I know this is off-topic but could I maybe ask how come that you and Aether travel together? Your attitudes are so different..."
"Well, I simply decided to tag along. He was more chill back then but I don't think that that small change is a serious problem for our friendship.", you shrug.
"...I guess you're right. I wonder how Ae-"
Kujou Sara passes by, ignoring both you, Thoma, Rosa and the masses of animals, and appears to be slightly annoyed by something.
"Maybe we should get back."
"Yes, I think so too."
Back at the teahouse there are indeed both Ayaka and Aether waiting for your return.
"And? How did it go?", you ask.
"We got him out of there. We did run into Kujou Sara but she surprisingly let us go.
Smiling brightly, you pat Aether on his upper back. "See? I told you everything is going to be fine!"
"You can never know beforehand." Aether yawns after finishing his sentence.
"It is getting late and the day was exhausting. If you want you can stay here for the night.", Ayaka proposes.
"Yes, that would be kind of you."
Thoma moves away and signals you to follow him. "Then let me show you your room." Besides leading you to the room, Thoma also provides you two futons and two sets of nightwear. Shortly after that he leaves again.
You and Aether lay down on your futons and fall into a slumber an hour later. Meanwhile Paimon has made herself comfortable in a pile of towels and Rosa, who was already asleep when you arrived at the teahouse, is in its pouch.
Unfortunately, the night itself isn't as pleasant as you would like it to be. One nightmare is followed by another. They are either about you spending time with people, well aware that they are ticking time bombs, or about Aether making all the wrong choices leading to the destruction of the world.
As a result, you wake up several hours earlier than you usually do and sigh. "Aether please stay reasonable and nice no matter what..." Since you don't feel like sleeping anymore you decide to change your clothes and go outside.
It is still pitch-black outside but at least the air is fresh. You take a few breaths until you hear footsteps behind you.
"Are you unable to sleep?" That voice belongs to Ayaka. Turning around you see her beautiful figure that looks like she just woke up. Her hair isn't tied up to a ponytail and her usual outfit is absent too. The only thing she took with her is her sword.
"Yes... I had a few weird and concerning dreams and couldn't go back to sleep. Why are you here though? You don't look like you had a restless night."
"When I heard your footsteps, I got worried that someone might have broken in so I went to check. Luckily it is only you."
"And I tried to be as quiet as possible... Oh well, sorry about that. Will you go back inside after confirming that I am not some random assassin?"
"Actually, I would like to stay with you for a while, as long as you don't mind that is."
"Sure, no problem. Let's... sit down over there.", you point towards the fence that faces the sea. "I mean we can also sit down next to those tables but the view isn't as nice as on the fence."
Ayaka nods and sits down on the fence you recommended.
Before doing the same, you take a moment to admire the picture in front of you: The sky, free of any clouds, is illuminated by only the moon and the thousands of stars that accompany it. Their gentle light falls onto Ayaka's light hair making it look like she too is a celestial body. "I am sure that people have told you that before but you look especially stunning under the moonlight." You sit down next to her.
A faint blush appears on her cheeks. "Not exactly in connection with the moonlight, no... B-but I can only return that compliment. I... It is so strange... We know each other for only a day and yet I feel at ease when I am around you - like I don't need to worry about anything..."
"Maybe that's the feeling of finally having found a friend. I can imagine how lonely you must feel during your daily life. There are barely any humans who are content with such a distance to those around them. I am happy to hear that you feel comfortable around me nevertheless."
You two fall quiet again and focus your attention back on the moon. The atmosphere isn't awkward but pleasant and relaxed. Not speaking any more words, you stay like that until the sun starts to rise and only then you go back into the teahouse.
I hope you enjoyed reading and stay healthy!