บท 153: A Path Best Taken Alone

"You really care about your older brother, don't you?"

Patting his hand against her surprisingly well-kempt hair in this environment, a tint of scarlet came over the girl's cheeks. 

"Of course I do!"

Aiko placed her hands over her flustered cheeks in an attempt to hide her blush--to no avail as the crimson spread its way to her ears. 

"Still though...Akitein sounds pretty amazing. You'll have to show me around once we're out of this place, Aiko."

"Promise it."

It was said so quietly and suddenly that Ren felt that he might have mistaken his ears, looking over at the girl as her blush remained as potent as ever. 

"Huh?"

"Promise me that you'll come with me to Akitein once this is all over!"

"Ah--alright then!"

Ren smiled, extending his pinky towards the girl as she gave him a confused look, switching her violet gaze between his hand and his eyes.