Even someone as gentle-natured as Aoi could not help feeling a little angry when she recalled the unpleasant lunch they had just parted from on bad terms.
Aoi's scolding made Kariya lower his head in shame. He regretted only that he had made Aoi angry, not his previous actions.
If he had to do it again, Kariya would still make the same choice.
—Tohsaka Tokiomi, what right did you have to set your sights on Aoi?
"Kariya, you should go home first..."
Tokiomi's proposal today had truly caught Aoi off guard. She needed some time to sort through it all.
"Aoi, are you thinking of accepting that Tohsaka guy's proposal?"
Seeing Aoi's conflicted expression, Kariya found it hard to believe.
"I... don't know."
Aoi sighed and honestly voiced what was in her heart:
"What happened today was just too sudden. I'm not ready yet..."
"No, you can't accept!"
His words came faster than his reason. Kariya's outburst stunned both of them. Under Aoi's gaze, Kariya suddenly found himself at a loss for words.
"Kariya, go out first. I want some time alone."
As she watched Kariya stammer helplessly, a trace of disappointment flickered deep in Aoi's eyes—one she did not even notice herself.
Faced with Aoi's dismissal, Kariya raised his head and stammered, yet had no idea what to say. After trying for quite a while without success, he could only leave the room dejectedly.
Though he had tried to move quietly, the sound of Kariya closing the door still reached Aoi's ears clearly.
"...Sigh."
After Kariya left, a soft sigh echoed through the room.
Kariya did not leave after walking out of the house. He leaned against the wall, staring at the ceiling of the hallway, his emotions in complete turmoil. It was as though another voice had arisen