Evening of first bonds

The dining hall of the Akarihoshi palace glowed with a gentle, warm light, soft enough to make the vast space feel intimate. Long table of polished dark wood stretched down the hall, adorned with delicate place settings that seemed ceremonial yet approachable. Floating lanterns hovered gently above, casting pools of golden illumination that danced across the walls. The aroma of steaming dishes—savory, sweet, and faintly floral—mingled with the cool evening air drifting from the palace gardens outside. Aiko took a slow breath, letting herself be enveloped in the quiet warmth.

At the head of the table, Akihiko and Naoru were already seated, both slightly flushed from their earlier training. Akihiko’s expression was calm, the faintest smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he observed Aiko and her companions.

Ren shot ahead with the energy of a small comet, practically bouncing with excitement.

“I brought Aiko! I didn’t miss anything, right?” His voice rang cheerful and uncontainable.

Akihiko’s faint smile deepened, just enough to be noticed. “This time, you did well.”

Naoru inclined his head politely toward Aiko, while Mika gestured toward a seat beside her.

“Here, Aiko. Sit here—it’ll be easier since you don’t know everyone yet,” Mika said warmly, her calm presence a subtle reassurance.

As Aiko slid into the seat, the court staff began bringing dishes: bowls of fragrant soups, glowing fruits that shimmered in ethereal blues and violets, and plates of intricately arranged Akarihoshi specialties. Each dish was a small marvel, not flashy but undeniably beautiful, as though it had been prepared with care and subtle magic. Aiko’s eyes widened, taking in the soft luminescence and the gentle aroma of spices that seemed almost alive.

Everything seemed so orderly. Almost ceremonial, yet intimate. She had never experienced anything like this back on Earth. Dinner here felt… grounding, yet magical. She pressed her palms lightly to the table, letting the warmth of the wood and the subtle vibration of life around her settle her nerves.

Ren, of course, couldn’t wait a second longer. He leaned across the table, grinning with mischievous pride, and offered her some of the glowing fruit from his bowl.

“These are selari,” he said proudly. “If you eat them at night, you’ll have beautiful dreams.”

Aiko’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Really? We don’t have anything like that on Earth.”

“Well, then you absolutely must try it!” Ren insisted, nudging the fruit closer.

She hesitated a heartbeat, then carefully took a bite. A soft, sweet glow seemed to linger on her tongue, and her eyes widened in delighted surprise.

“This… this is wonderful,” she whispered, cheeks warming in genuine happiness.

Across the table, Akihiko and Naoru exchanged an almost imperceptible glance. Aiko was settling in, slowly letting the tension of the day drift away.

The conversation flowed naturally, like a calm river threading through the hall. Ren peppered her with questions about Earth: its cities, its food, the night sky, and—most amusingly—whether Earth had anything resembling glowing fruits. Aiko laughed freely, the sound light and airy, drifting through the hall like soft music.

“And tell me,” Ren asked earnestly, leaning forward with wide eyes, “do you have lumifins on Earth?”

Aiko shook her head, smiling. “No… we don’t. But I think we should. It would be nicer.”

The hall echoed with soft laughter, warm and genuine. At that moment Aiko felt like she belonged—even if only for a bit.

Hanae, seated near the head of the table, offered a quiet, reassuring smile. Her voice was soft but clear, imbued with authority and warmth:

“So, Aiko… welcome. We’ll make sure you feel at home here on Akarihoshi.”

Aiko bowed slightly, her hands folded neatly. “Thank you.”

Later, after the meal, Akihiko returned to his private chamber, sitting near a tall window that overlooked the palace gardens. He stared into the night sky, the stars above mirrored faintly by the luminescent flowers below. His thoughts were quiet, almost meditative.

The teleportation system will be repaired soon. Then Aiko can return to Earth. Everything will be as it was…

Yet even as he reminded himself of this, there was an unfamiliar weight settling in his chest.

Meanwhile, Aiko lay in her room, the soft glow of the palace filtering through semi-transparent curtains. Sleep claimed her slowly, wrapping her in gentle shadows.

Her dream began in darkness, a vast void like the endless night sky. Then, distant but unmistakable, a pair of piercing blue eyes appeared, glowing with intensity that made her heart leap. Their gaze pierced past her, as though it could see every thought and emotion within.

The figure moved closer, the breeze stirring his medium-brown hair. Aiko froze, caught in the silent gravity of his presence. No words were spoken, yet the air vibrated with unspoken promise, warmth, and strength. It was as if the dream itself was alive, breathing around her, guiding her, protecting her.

When she woke, her heart raced uncontrollably. Her hands clutched the blanket, chest tight with lingering warmth.

“Just a dream,” she whispered, pressing her palms to her cheeks, though she knew the sensation was far too vivid to dismiss so easily.

At breakfast the next morning, the palace hall was alive with gentle chatter and laughter. Aiko joined the table, though her mind often drifted back to the dream—the intensity of those eyes, the quiet promise lingering in her chest.

Ren, ever perceptive, leaned forward with a playful tilt of his head. “Aiko, you seem a little distant. Did you have nice dreams?”

“Y-yes…” she whispered, bowing her head slightly over her plate, cheeks burning. Her hands trembled subtly as she held her fork. Her pulse raced, inexplicably quickened by the memory of the dream.

Why do I feel so strange? Aiko thought. It was just a dream… but my chest still feels warm, my thoughts… unsettled. His gaze… it’s like he sees everything. I have to ignore this.

Naoru’s laughter cut through her thoughts. “Oh-ho, you’re hiding something! Tell me, who appeared in your dreams?”

Aiko’s blush deepened instantly. Mika elbowed him sharply. “Naoru, stop it!”

Ren, oblivious to the teasing, offered her another piece of selari. “This will make your dreams even sweeter.”

Aiko declined gently, hands tightening slightly. “Thank you, Ren… but I’ll skip it for today.”

Unfazed, Naoru leaned closer with a mischievous grin. “What? Then your dreams weren’t that nice, were they?”

Aiko sighed quietly, thoughts swirling. Were they… nice? They were only dreams, yet her heart still beat faster as though he were there beside her.

From across the table, Akihiko’s gaze landed on them. Calm. Protective. Piercing. Naoru froze, sensing the silent warning in his eyes.

“Naoru… please. Don’t embarrass Aiko,” Akihiko said softly, yet with quiet authority.

The hall fell momentarily silent. Mika’s triumphant smile betrayed her amusement. Aiko’s palms were damp, heart racing, yet a deep, comforting warmth spread through her chest. At that moment, she felt a presence beside her—silent, steady, and watchful. For the first time since arriving, she felt truly protected.