"I still don't know their intentions but I'm pretty sure they have an ally who's also invited to that gathering since it's not surprising that they immediately manipulated the security," one of the security informed the young master. "Their target is probably the next heir and heiress of each clan."
"I see... No wonder why," Ayato replied thriftly. "My thanks. You may go now."
While looking out the window, you suddenly miss the feeling you had with your memories with your sister, Yoimiya. It's been a long time since you last visited your sister so you thought maybe it's time to visit your family for at least two days.
"You've finally decided to visit your family after a long time without them seeing," Thoma said after reading your letter. "Well, then you may take your rest day tomorrow, I'll inform the young master regarding this matter."
"Thank you," you replied before taking your leave.
Of course, after Thoma approved your letter, you immediately packed your things and went back to sleep early for tomorrow.
The sunrise woke you up early along with the tweeting of the bird outside. Because of excitement, you quickly took a bath and prepared yourself. You took one last glance in the mirror and carried your belongings. "Hi. Good morning," greeted Koharu as soon as you opened the door. "Sorry for bothering you early this morning. I just want to give you something."
It was a necklace with a mini jar as its pendant. "Are these flowers inside the jar?" you asked while scrutinizing it. "It's cute. Thank you. I really appreciate it."
After you gave her your appreciation, she smiled back and marched lively. You examined the pendant and wore it as its color suits your outfit today. After locking the door of your room, you turned your back and unexpectedly saw Ayato standing in front of you, carrying a bouquet of flowers he probably made and collected from the garden yesterday. "Good morning, Lovely. You look blooming today," he greeted.
"As always," you joked and bowed.
"What a marvelous morning. These lavender flowers are for you."
"Oh, you don't have to do this. Thank you..."
"Have Mr. Thoma already informed you that I'm taking my leave today for two days?" you asked him while walking down the hallway.
"Well, certainly," he replied.
"Seems like you look well dressed today as well. Would you mind if I ask where you're heading?"
Ayato fixed his slicked back hair. "Somewhere... work related."
"Hmm... okay, guess we'll part ways now. See you!"
"Very well, keep safe! Love you!"
You flinched and turned back quickly. "You can't say that," you whispered.
"Why can't I?" Ayato whispered back.
"Because I said so."
"Alright then, where's my goodbye kiss?" He pouted.
"No!"
"Stop acting like you didn't like my kisses that night."
"I- It's-" You sighed and placed your palm on your face to hide your flustered face as the scene flashbacked in your memories.
He removed your hand from your face and planted a soft kiss on your forehead instead which made your face look even flustered. "I'll miss you," he geuinely whispered.
"It's just two days."
"Still."
The trip was long and quite exhausting but you arrived in Hinamizaka anyway. Your homeland. Walking on the streets was quite nostalgic. You saw a new generation of kids playing and running around. Life is so simple and peaceful for them. "Yoimiya?" you went closer to assure that it was her. "You've grown taller and look mature now!"
"It's been a long time! I've missed you!" Yoimiya hugged you tightly and started to talk about how her life went for the past few months. Yoimiya didn't change at all. She's still as talkative as before. "What's that your holding? Who gave these lavender flowers to you? Maybe one of your suitors, huh?!" She looked at the flowers you were holding interestingly.
While the both of you walked away from the busy street to go back home, you saw someone's familiar silhouette from afar.
"Mr. Kamisato?" you started. He was carrying a lot of baggages as he gave something to your father, Mr. Ryuunosuke.
"Why hello there! What a coincidence," Ayato greeted you back. He then faced your younger sister. "Oh, are you her younger sister, Yoimiya? You somewhat have resemblance to your older sister. It really runs in your blood, huh?" He greeted Yoimiya and also gave bouquet of flowers.
"Doesn't seem like a coincidence," you said while looking at him, preparing tea on the table with Mr. Ryuunosuke. "What is your purpose here, Mr. Kamisato?"
"Well, it's been a tiring week for me. I also deserve some rest, don't I?" replied Ayato while pouring the tea on the cup. "Oh! And also, I brought Ayaka with me. Yoimiya and Ayaka would get along for sure. Though, Ayaka might be somewhere near the Komore Teahouse to visit her little friend, Taroumaru."
"A new friend?! How exciting! I'll be back in an hour!" Yoimiya, then, dashed to Komore Teahouse to meet Ayaka.
"So, as I was saying, Mr. Ryuunosuke, it's been quite a long time..." Ayato's voice faded as you looked at him, endearingly talking business with your father. He looks mature, holding that tea and sipping it with his soft lips. Ayato licked his lower lip which made you choke. And so, you coughed and looked for a glass of water. "Goodness, are you alright? What happened?" he asked with full of concern as he gave you a cup of water while caressing your back.
You nodded and pretended that nothing happened. Ayato went back to his seat and talked with your dad again as soon after taking care of you. He was so interested and excited enough to talk about everything but your father couldn't reply and just kept smiling. Due to Mr. Ryuunosuke's work with fireworks and explosions, he developed having a hard time hearing. Apparently, he couldn't understand what Ayato was saying at all but you were too kind not to burst Ayato's bubble so you just let him talk with your father.
"It's getting late. I'll cook dinner for us," you said as you stood up.
"Oh, don't mind! I can cook!" Ayato insisted. Remembering the last time he cooked soup for you, it was unforgettable so you immediately disagreed. "Are you not confident with my cooking skills?"
"No," you replied straightly.
"Fine then, let's just go out. My treat, of course."
"Seems like you've been spoiling my family a lot. What got into you?"
"Sweetheart, it's the bare minimum," he said and looked at you. "Now, which restaurant shall we try? Uyuu Restaurant or Kiminami Restaurant?"
***
After devouring a meal, Ayato paid all the expenses and the three of you went back home. "Are you not going back home with Ayaka in the estate?" you asked him. Mr. Ryuunosuke is currently having a deep slumber while you and Ayato are still in front of the house, sitting while looking at the stars and appreciating how peaceful the night is.
"Hmm... we'll probably go back to the estate tomorrow morning," he replied.
"Are you not yet sleepy?"
"Not yet."
You stood up and stretched, then offered your hand to him. "Wanna go to Amakane Island and watch fireworks there?" you asked. Ayato accepted your offer and took your hand but unfortunately, he has greater weight than you so you stumbled and fell in front of him. "Ayat- Mr. Kamisato! You did that on purpose, didn't you?!"
Ayato laughed because of his foolish actions. "My apologies." He stood up and offered his hand which you took anyway.
Amakane has a busy street. There are still a lot of bright lights open and a lot of vendors here and there. While you were looking for something interesting, Ayato called you and asked if you could accompany him the the edge of the cliff.
"You're not going to push me down the cliff, are you?" you joked as you looked down at the dizzying height of the cliff.
"It's a sea anyway. I'm pretty sure you can swim," he responded and sat at the edge of the clip with cowardness as if he had nine lives.
"So, you're planning to push me?"
It was quite lonely and peaceful at the edge of the cliff. After a minute of silence, the sound of the fireworks awakened your senses. Your frightness turned into joy when you finally saw different colors of glittering fireworks along with the luminous full moon, accompanied with dazzling stars.
"Such an ethereal moment I've ever seen in my life," mumbled Ayato. You looked at him, expecting that he was looking at the fireworks above but he was actually looking straight at you. Without breaking eye contact with you, he reached for your cheek and leaned closer. "Mind if I?" he asked before once again the collision of stars and sun collided. The sparks of your heart and the fireworks suddenly beat as one.
You leaned back and smiled, hoping he wouldn't notice your reddish face. "You've stolen a lot of kisses from me already," you whispered.
"Yet you kissed me back. Give and take, right?" Ayato replied and leaned for another soft and passionate kiss again.