"Right, okay. Well, as long as you're okay, I don't see the issue," Aiko said, relaxing a little. "And not only that, I'm actually relieved to see you genuinely happy. That's all I wanted to know."
Raito nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.
"So… I know you're going to ask me this question now," Aiko continued, her voice teasing. "Since last year, when I asked you, why haven't you asked her to be your girlfriend? I'm sure she likes you. 100 percent. And I also know you like her too. So why don't you just ask her? You've known each other since you were kids."
Raito's expression darkened slightly. Well… you don't know that for sure, he thought. "Since last year, when you asked me that, I didn't respond because I had my reasons. And the reason is simple: neither of us likes each other. She doesn't. I don't. I used to, to be honest, but now I've changed. I'm a completely different person. So please… don't talk to me about Ayane."
