I don't go back without you

Aiko stood at the door, thanking Kaito's parents for the delicious dinner. "Thank you so much for having me," she said with a warm smile.

"It was our pleasure, Aiko," Sakura replied. "Come visit us anytime. Your eyes are truly magical, like Kaito said."

Daichi stepped forward, took Aiko's hand, and kissed it gently. "We're looking forward to your next visit, Aiko," he said with a warm smile.

Kaito chimed in, "I'll drive you back to your hotel."

As they walked to the car, Aiko felt a mix of emotions. She was grateful for the kindness she'd experienced but also anxious about what lay ahead.

During the drive, Kaito apologized for the strange incident with Hashi and the artificial skin found in the bushes. "I'm really sorry about that, Aiko. I don't know what got into Hashi."

Aiko tried to brush it off. "It's okay, Kaito. Dogs can be unpredictable."

Kaito glanced at her, concern in his eyes. "My father will eventually reach out to President Hoshino about that incident," he said.

Aiko's heart skipped a beat. "That's my father," she thought to herself, the realization hitting her hard.

Kaito continued, "Both districts are in peace right now, but that could change from one moment to the next."

Aiko nodded, trying to keep her composure. "Let's hope for the best," she said quietly.

When they arrived at the hotel, Kaito thanked Aiko again. "I hope my parents weren't too weird," he said, smiling sheepishly.

"They were wonderful," Aiko replied, stretching and giving him a good night kiss on his right cheek. Kaito turned red as a tomato, utterly blown away.

"I'll text you tomorrow, Banana Boy," Aiko teased, waving goodbye.

As she entered her room, she was surprised to see Tekuno lying on her bed. "Teki, Teki, was it you in the bush..." she started, but stopped short. "Ahhhhh!"

Tekuno woke up, his head turning to reveal his damaged right eye, the artificial skin removed by Hashi. "That stupid dog," he said with a tired voice.

"Oh no, Teki, does it hurt?" Aiko asked, concerned.

"A little," he answered.

"Tomorrow I'll buy you sunglasses or something to cover it up, and then I'll buy you a ticket back to the AI district," Aiko offered.

"Are you kidding me?" Tekuno retorted. "I don't go back without you."

"But I... I don't want to go back!" Aiko exclaimed.

"You would leave your dad, your district, your life, and... and... me for a stranger? For a human? The same race that enslaved us AIs in the past?" Tekuno's voice trembled with emotion.

"Not all humans are like that!" Aiko shouted. "Not even General Tanaka!" The words slipped out before she could stop them.

Tekuno's eyes widened. "How do you know General Tanaka? His ancestors began the war against our people, you should know that from history lessons. Tell me the truth."

"He... he is Kaito's father," Aiko admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tekuno sighed deeply. "Every time when I think it can't get worse, here we are again."

"I don't care what you think, Teki. I'm staying," Aiko snapped, turning her back to him.

Tekuno stood up, shaking his head. "Fine. I'll sleep in the bathtub."

As Tekuno settled into the bathtub, Aiko lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. The tension between them was palpable, and neither of them could find the words to bridge the gap.

In the meantime, the AI army continued its march towards the human district. The soldiers moved with precision and purpose, their determination evident.

"We should arrive by the morning hours," one of the soldiers reported to President Hoshino.

Hoshino nodded, his mind focused on the mission. "I'll save you, Aiko," he thought to himself, his resolve unshaken.

Back in the hotel room, Aiko and Tekuno lay in silence, the weight of their situation heavy in the air.

As the night wore on, Aiko's thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions. She couldn't shake the fear of what would happen next. Tekuno, too, was lost in his own thoughts, his frustration and worry gnawing at him.

Finally, exhaustion took over, and they both drifted into a restless sleep, their minds filled with uncertainty and unresolved tension.