Dazhiki explained why Sairona had invited Nami aboard, and only then did Axia's body gradually relax.
"Dazhiki, you know, I really can't lose Rono again." Axia wiped away her tears, her voice hoarse.
"If you ask me, you're partly to blame too." Dazhiki raised her index finger.
"I-I am?"
"Of course. Just look at how many times you've slept with Rono." Dazhiki spoke with righteous conviction. "And besides, girls sometimes have to take the initiative. With a... creature like Rono, hinting won't work. Tonight, you do this... and then this. Don't worry, that's exactly what I did. Look how good Sairona and I are now."
"Is that really okay? I'm a girl. If I do that, won't Rono think I'm..." Axia's face flushed bright red. After all, that sort of thing was terribly embarrassing.
"Trust me! I'm speaking from experience." Dazhiki patted her chest and guaranteed it with absolute confidence.
"All right, then." Axia bit her lip and forced the words out through clenched teeth.
Rono knocked on the women's dormitory door with Sairona's painstakingly written letter in hand. "Axia, may I come in?"
"Rono's here. Remember what I told you. Good luck!" Dazhiki clenched her fist encouragingly, patted Axia on the shoulder, and opened the door. She winked at Rono and walked out. "I won't disturb you lovebirds."
Rono stared blankly as Dazhiki walked toward Sairona, then bent down and entered the women's dormitory.
"Axia, this is my apology letter. I hope you'll read it." Rono handed the letter to Axia.
Axia took it and quickly read through it. It explained why Nami had come aboard, followed by Rono's inner thoughts and, finally, a series of promises and apologies.
"Sairona wrote this for you, didn't he?" Axia said flatly, though her heart felt warm.
"Hey! How could you