☀️ Arselia and Akonia

At that very moment, when the interlocutor would interrupt his autistic mental monologue and turn his gaze back to the speaker, he could see that Aiyano was looking at him without blinking.

- Okay... Fine... - She accepts the cat. - You know, I gave your drawing the highest score in the competition, and the photos in "Ideal" too, so... If you try to make your inner world match your outward appearance, I think... there might still be hope...

Having given the cat and exhaling with some relief, she winces at his words:
- ...I didn't even think that... Well... thank you. I guess I was more wrong about you than I thought... Although I can't draw and I'm not worth a dime compared to some of the people who left their drawings in the art studio. As for "Ideal"... - she shook her head. - Almost all my photos are like that, but... I would have at least smiled if I had known it would be used in a competition. Knowing that you're definitely not a brown-noser... at least I won't doubt your assessment, - she blushed for a few seconds, then exhaled again, raising her gaze to the sky. - You know... Sonata and I met in this store when we were both in Margel. It was a very strange twist of fate, so strange that I can't explain all the details to you right now. Maybe I'll tell you someday, or she will. Either way, what if it wasn't just a coincidence, but this place really does have some kind of power? I'll just say that if it weren't for Bors-san and Kayasa-kocho, you would never have met her. Appreciate this acquaintance; these people are truly great. As for me... When I first arrived in Margel, I didn't understand how it happened and what the purpose of this event was. One day, I managed to figure it out, and this store helped me with that. Even if you didn't understand and forgive me now, I would reject all these factors and finish what I started, because in the next few minutes, the purpose of my existence in this city will come to a logical conclusion. But you did, so... arigato, Anpan-kun. ....yes, so you understand. When I called you "An-chan," it wasn't because I forgot your name. On the contrary, it was a certain cultural adaptation on my part... a gesture showing that I chose a culturally close nickname for you, meaning a good person, a "friend"... At that moment, I wanted to establish contact with you. Of course, you didn't understand that, and that's my fault. I shouldn't have thoughtlessly forced even positive aspects of another culture on you; they won't be understood... Well, at least I can say that now. And what did you mean when you asked if I was afraid that something unpleasant would happen to me in the coven, and that you would "protect me"?.. Was that really what you meant, or was it some kind of joke? Even if it wasn't - just tell me honestly, I won't be offended. Please. We're all adults here.