Aoko's expression turned serious as she stopped her roommate from continuing.
That might have been acceptable during the first few days after Shirou moved in.
But now, Shirou had been living there for almost a week.
While Aoko and Arisu struggled every day to deal with Touko Aozaki and her Doll Legion, Shirou had silently supported them from behind.
Arisu also happily ate the meals Shirou prepared every day.
The mansion's garden had been neatly and beautifully trimmed by Shirou.
The broken appliances had been brought back to life thanks to Shirou.
Aoko and Arisu had seen all of Shirou's efforts.
If they truly could not trust him at all, to the point that they could not even feel at ease leaving him to watch the house, then they should have decided long ago to use their authority as its masters and make Shirou leave.
Aoko really could not understand why Arisu would say something so harsh.
The black-haired girl fell silent.
A hint of regret welled up in her trembling dark eyes.
Trying to smooth things over, Aoko said, "Come on, Shirou only meant well.
"I can understand how you feel, unable to trust Shirou from the bottom of your heart, but at times like this, shouldn't we rely on each other?"
That's not it...
Arisu pressed her lips together. "It's not that I can't trust him.
"It's just, just..."
The girl regretted her impulsive slip of the tongue and raised her head helplessly.
She glanced at Shirou with a somewhat pitiful look.
"..."
However, whether intentionally or not, Shirou happened to turn his gaze toward Aoko at that moment.
Arisu suddenly felt as though a huge piece was missing from her chest.
Aoko sat down on the sofa and thought for a moment before saying, "All right. It