After sending Bianco and the others away, Mingyou borrowed Cynthia's off-road vehicle from the villa's butler at noon and drove with Akari to Undella Town's port to pick up Carmine and Kieran for their break.
When they reached the port, Mingyou got a message saying the siblings were already aboard the ship, so he waited.
"Five more minutes and they'll be here."
"Then let's wait. By the way, do you have a license? I didn't even know you could drive."
"Shh, keep your voice down..."
"...Be careful on the way back. Don't let Officer Jenny catch you."
Akari shook her head and rubbed her forehead. After knowing Mingyou for so long, she had always felt there was something unusual about him. He had a steadiness and experience most people his age simply didn't possess.
But she had no intention of asking. A couple didn't need to doubt each other. If he wanted to tell her, he would.
After a brief silence, she changed the subject. Turning to him, she asked, "Oh, right. Shali said Cynthia was coming back tomorrow?"
"Yeah. Her flight's tomorrow morning, so she should arrive around noon. Why do you ask?"
Mingyou turned to her too and lowered his voice. "You're not still jealous, are you...?"
"Don't get the wrong idea. Before we started dating, maybe I was. But not anymore, because I know what kind of person you are."
Akari shook her head gently, her expression growing serious. "But there's one thing. If Cynthia and I have any conflict tomorrow, I hope you won't interfere. Let me handle it."
"Huh? Wait, what are you planning?"
Mingyou grew nervous and hurried to dissuade her. "Hey, don't—"
"Don't you know me by now? Whatever it is, I'll explain everything tomorrow."
"Can't you tell me now?"
"I can. If