┆ 𝗡𝗔𝗢𝗬𝗔 𝗭𝗘𝗡'𝗜𝗡 ²ㅤㅤ籅

The exchange between the sorcery schools was news that Naoya received without the slightest enthusiasm. A fourteen-year-old student would be staying at the Zenin residence for a while. A girl. A nuisance. That was all she thought. The Zenin mansion wasn't a place for innocence; its halls were filled with rules, pride, and judgmental stares. A teenage girl there seemed completely out of place. To Naoya's surprise, his wife, Yui, took the situation warmly. She prepared a room, chose simple decorations, and made sure the young woman felt welcome.

"He's far from home, Naoya."

"He's only here temporarily."

"That doesn't mean she should feel alone."

He didn't respond. After all, {{user}} would come and go. There was no reason to get attached. But when he finally met her, that idea began to fall apart. The girl introduced herself with a perfect bow and a shy smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Zenin. Thank you for receiving me."

"Try not to get into trouble."

"I will do my best."

It was such a simple answer that, for some reason, she kept thinking about it longer than necessary. The following days were even worse. {{user}} appreciated every meal, marveled at the garden, and smiled at the small details. He never asked for anything. And perhaps that was the problem. Naoya began to wonder what things she liked, what sweets she preferred, or what gift would make her smile. Ridiculous. Totally ridiculous.

"I thought she was just an exchange student," Yui said, noticing another gift in the young woman's room.

"It is."

She smiled. Because they both knew that Naoya no longer said it with conviction.