Miko paused, then said carefully:

  – { Well… start with friendship. But They're 25. First, remove the ‘strangers’ label between you and them. You feel familiar toward them, sure—but they don’t feel the same. So, you have to move first. }

  Inori blinked several times in disbelief, then whined silently. – Huh?! How, Senpai?! I only talked to them once—and that was because they accidentally entered my room! I just invited them to dinner! They didn’t speak that casually either—It was always me pushing the conversation forward…!

  Miko leaned back, arms folded, a teasing flick in her brow. – { You’re saying this and that, then it’s not possible. Just ask them directly how they feel about you?)

  Inori sighed, shoulders slumping. Her eyes darted away in a panic before she nodded with desperation. – Okay, I’ll try. Just… give me one brilliant idea—how can I even befriend them and ask my doubts?

  Miko’s eyes twinkled with amusement, her thoughts coming with a chuckle. – { Oh? So you want to directly ask them about the forbidden art now? ‘Are you Ren and Kazuma?’ You really don’t give up, do you? I’ve been telling you all this time… Then If they are Ren and Kazuma, even if you form a friendship, they won’t tell you, Right? And if they’re different, it’s still up to you. Assume what you want—it’s your choice.

  A sharp light flickered in Inori’s eyes as her gaze narrowed. – Wait, Senpai… if they are Ren and Kazuma, and if I can confirm it even slightly—then I can beat them and force the truth out, right?

  Miko held back another chuckle, her expression calm but clearly entertained.

  ‘If she finds out they’re actually Ren and Kazuma, she’ll kill them out of sheer anger…’

  ‘Well..she’s thinking exactly like I once did… But—’

  – { But how do you plan to confirm that even slightly? }

  Inori pressed both palms against her temples, frustrated. – That’s what I’m asking you Senpai! You knew them too—don’t you feel anything? Damn it, your eyes don't see them as Ren and Kazuma because you registered them. Just give me one idea, anything, to confirm it!

  Miko closed her eyes for a moment, her arms tightening. – { Inori… don’t do anything. You can’t be sure, right? What if they just behave naturally like that? Others might act the same too. Can you guarantee it’s not just coincidence? Don’t assume things just because a few traits match. }

  Inori folded her arms – Hmm… Sujin also said something similar. But Senpai…

  Before she could finish the thought, Miko turned slightly, her gaze sharp. – { I said stop, didn’t I? }

  Inori lowered her eyes, shoulders drooping. – Well… Senpai, just one last question.

  Miko sighed, her arms loosely crossed as her head tilted slightly in frustration. – { Why are you so insistent? }

  Inori’s expression softened, eyes dim with lingering hurt. – Senpai… maybe you didn’t feel it because you’re not the same age as them. But… we grew up together. Their family thinks more of them, but… I am also their friend.

  Miko paused, saying nothing.

  Inori straightened slightly, fists clenched. – Okay then, Senpai. My question is—

  – { I know. }

  Inori’s eyes widened. – Huh?!

  Miko closed her eyes, breathing deeply as she looked up toward the sky. – { If they are Ren and Kazuma… ‘Why did they use it?’—that’s what you want to ask, right? I don’t know the answer, Inori. If they are really them… they must have had their reasons. Don’t dig too deep. Just… leave it. }

  Inori’s head lowered, her expression clouded. – You’re right, Senpai… but still… I want to know. Honestly… if they are really Kazuma and Ren, I’ll slap them first. They don’t know anything…

  Miko’s eyes narrowed as she glanced at Inori. – { Then think the opposite, Inori. You don’t know anything either, right? }

  Inori’s frustration flashed, lips quivering slightly. – But… there’s a peace agreement, isn’t there?

  Miko leaned back slightly, her expression unreadable. – { Maybe… that’s exactly why. }

  Inori blinked, confused. – Huh? I don’t get it, Senpai. What are you saying?

  Miko let out a deep mental breath, gaze softening. – { Just leave it, Inori… And seriously—if they really did come back after all these years, like you believe… then respect their reasons. If you still feel something, then like I said—become friends with them. But not as Ren and Kazuma… as Ken and Azuma. They’re people too, just like us, Inori. }

  A small smirk curled in Miko’s thoughts. – {And well, with your childish nature, you’ll make friends with them easily. Don’t worry. }

  Inori’s fingers fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve, her eyes shifting away awkwardly. – I only… act this way with people I feel close to…

  A soft, hesitant smile tugged at her lips as she She leaned in, gently hugging Miko—light, hesitant, but warm.

  – It’s embarrassing but… I’ll try Senpai. Thanks Senpai. I feel a little lighter now.

  She brushed her hair behind her ear, cheeks flushed just slightly—not from shyness, but from relief.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Miko gently patted Inori’s head, a soft warmth in her smile. – { Poor Inori… }

  Inori yawned, covering her mouth with the back of her hand, her posture slouching slightly with sleepy eyes.

  Esha peeked in, tilting her head curiously. “Neesan, what were you two talking about for so long?”

  Inori gave a sleepy smile, brushing off her hair. “Nothing… just normal talk.”

  *******

  *Around 8 PM – Nightfall*

  The large viewing screens outside had been turned off, and the once-buzzing grounds were now quiet. People had returned to their homes before nightfall, only a few instructors remained, casually stationed nearby to keep watch.

  Far from the empty field, deep in the forest, a quiet conversation continued…

  Yui stretched, lying back lazily. “I’ll sleep, R–Ken…”

  Ren chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Don’t worry. No ghost moths here. But don’t call me that—you’re getting used to it, right?”

  Yui turned her face. “Huh? I just barely called your name. I mostly called you as ‘idiot’. I’ll sleep. I’m tired. Once food’s ready, wake me up, okay? Someone here knows how to cook… right?”

  Ren blinked, hand halfway raised. “Wait, I... ugh, fine.”

  A short silence passed.

  Sakura stepped closer, folding her arms. “Ken, can you and Master go get food? I’ll stay here.”

  Kazuma nodded. “I’ll go.”

  Ren quickly stood. “Oi, idiot, stop. Why are you going? I already have food, right?”

  Kazuma gave him a flat stare. “Still, I’ll go. I’ll also look around—check if it’s safe to sleep out here.”

  He turned slightly. “You can talk with Sakura.”

  Ren hesitated. “Umm... Can I also come—?”

  Kazuma looked at Sakura, then back at Ren, a voice firm. “No. I’ll go.”

  Kazuma walked off.

  Sakura turned to Ren, eyebrows raised. “Ken... you have food? Where?”

  Ren smiled softly, patting her head. Then, gently moved her head to lean on his shoulder.

  “Sakura... until now you didn’t know I had dimension opening power, Right? That’s why I always carry my katana, just like Hisagi asked.”

  Sakura tilted her head in confusion. “I asked about food, not about your katana?”

  Ren chuckled and, from behind, lightly held her chin with his fingers—just enough to make her look up a little.

  “My dear bujji Sakura... I haven’t told you a lot of things. But I’ll share one now. Umm... how can I say this?”

  He opened a small shimmering crack mid-air and slipped his hand in.

  “Maybe you’re hungry. I’ll show you this way….. give rice ball please”

  He pulled out a rice ball.

  “Here. Take this.”

  Sakura’s eyes widened as she accepted it. “Huh!? How...?”

  Ren looked toward the crack as he spoke, not to Sakura.

  “Sakura... actually, I have two sisters. They live inside that vast space.”

  Sakura paused mid-bite, stunned. “Huh!?”

  Ren placed the katana gently beside him, eyes narrowing.

  “I know you're listening. I’ve never forced you until now. But she’s my daughter. If you won’t talk to her, I’ll stop using this katana. I won’t even speak with you again.”

  Silence.

  Sakura, confused, looked at him while chewing. “Ken... who are you talking to?”

  No reply came.

  Ren sighed. “Well… okay then. I’m closing it—”

  Suddenly, a voice echoed faintly from that crack

  with a sulky tone > “Shit! Idiot! Why are you blackmailing us like that!?”

  Sakura jumped in surprise, coughing on the rice ball.

  > ‘Hmm... well, since it’s your daughter... for Sakura, we’ll talk.’ Saku said calmly.

  Ren exhaled deeply. “Finally. Only when I said ‘daughter’, huh... Talk with others too sometime.”

  Saku went silent again.

  Sakura, still stunned “Ken... what’s happening here? These voices... are they your sister's voices you told before?”

  "Hey… why are you two silent again?" Ren tilted his head, glancing at the crack. "You already teased Reha too, didn’t you?"

  Sakura hesitated, fingers awkwardly tapping together. “Umm… Dad… I mean, now I can freely call you, right?” She peeked at his reaction.

  Ren smiled, “Of course.”

  She took a nervous breath and reached toward the crack. “Can I also place my hand and… ask something? Is that okay?”

  Ren faintly smiled. “Why ask for permission? If they don’t give it to you, I’ll stop talking to them too.”

  > “Idiot Niichan. Stop blackmailing. We already talked, right?”

  Sakura gently placed her hand in the Crack Hole, her eyes curious. “Chicken”

  Ren brought his palm to his forehead with a light slap. “Really, Sakura…”

  > “Hey! You think anyone just pops out when you call? He has to store it, dummy!”. Amaya said with an annoyed tone.

  Startled, Sakura immediately drew her hand back, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. “S-Sorry!”

  Ren reached out and patted her head. “Don’t be scared. She’s just like that… I’ll store one next time. For now, no chicken.”

  A gentler voice spoke > ‘Yeah… she’s always like that. Don’t mind her.

  By the way, Sakura… do you know? Your dad named me after you. My name—Saku.’

  Sakura blinked, taken aback. “Eh? Dad!”

  Before Ren could answer, Amaya cut in with a huff.

  > “Hmph. He gave her a nice name—‘blossom’, warm, spring, daylight.

  What about me? Rainy night, gloomy, cold, lonely, darkness, … dumb Nii-Chan…”

  Ren scratched the back of his head, slightly guilty. “Umm… I didn’t mean it like that, Amaya. When I first saw you, you glared at me like you wanted to slap me—and then you actually did. You also cried more than Saku. I had already named her ‘Saku,’ which means ‘bloom in spring’… so I thought of the opposite—night. That’s how I named you.”

  Amaya's tone didn’t ease.

  > “Why would you say I cried more? I think she cried more!”

  Sakura laughed. “Dad, are they always like this?” Then she faintly smiled. “Well… I like Amaya.”

  A pause.

  ‘Huh!?’ Amaya's voice cracked a little.

  Sakura nodded, brushing her hair behind her ear. “I mean… you scold my Dad, but deep down… you care about him, right?”

  > “Hey, dumb… Don’t praise me. I won’t fall for you… ugh… but… well… It feels nice to hear. Saku, I’m superior now, buu.”

  > ‘Huh!?’ Saku sounded offended. > ‘Sakura, I scold Nii-chan too! Don’t you like me?’

  Ren sighed “Stop it, both of you. Sakura, they’re always like this.”

  Sakura giggled. “Saku, I’ll like you too—but on one condition.”

  > ‘Name it. Do I need to scold Niichan more?’

  She waved her finger. “Nope. I noticed something from Dad’s words… you two don’t talk to others, right? So if you start talking with others like you talk to me, I’ll like you..”

  Silence.

  Ren sighed “And now they go silent again…”

  Sakura leaned closer. “Why? …. Is it hard to talk with others?”

  Ren looked toward the Crack thoughtfully. “Sakura, I’ve tried many times. They’re shy… They don’t even talk to Kazuma.”

  Sakura gasped. “Shy!? Saku, are you afraid to talk to others? Amaya, you too?”

  There was hesitation… then a quiet thought.

  > ‘What if they judge us…?’

  > “If I talk carelessly, they’ll definitely think bad of me. People think differently. Nii-chan is different—he raised us, talked to us….”

  Sakura nodded slowly. “But I could’ve misunderstood you too, right? I’m also one of those ‘different people’.”

  Saku with a panicking tone > ‘Th-that’s because you’re Nii-chan’s daughter! He forced us to speak in front of you… you saw, right!?’

  Sakura smiled warmly. “I understand. So don’t force yourselves. Just reply when someone talks to you—that’s enough. Slowly, if you start liking them, even if they don’t start the conversation… but you feel like starting it, just try—like you do with Dad.”

  She stepped back and looked up at her father. “And if it doesn’t work out, Dad’s always here for you, right?”

  Amaya’s voice burst out, half annoyed, half flustered. > “Umm… I mock, tease, and even hit Nii-chan, but others aren’t like him. I’m happy your dad was the one who touched us. Suppose, if it had been Kazuma instead… it would’ve felt boring. He thinks differently. He’s not like Nii-chan.”

  Ren blinked, then narrowed his eyes. “Hey! If you don’t want to talk, don’t talk. But don’t say unnecessary things about him. And then why did you tease Reha?

  Saku—you asked me why I brought her. But you also just met her, right?”

  Both go silent

  Ren sighs, leans back slightly. “Hey, talk. I know—she’s just like you. That’s why you tried, didn’t you?

  …You want to talk to her?”

  Sakura, tapping her fingers, asked… “Dad… You told me she was in a hurry to find the antidote, so you doubted her—that’s why you asked Master to take us back, right?

  Was that girl also… like them?”

  With a light gasp, realization. “Now I understand… You took her to that place—where you store things, then they teased her right?... But how?”

  Saku with a quick tone, defending > ‘I didn’t tease her! Amaya made those food items and kept arguing with me, saying, ‘Stop, you idiot, I’m teasing! What’s your problem?’ she even smirked when she said ‘She thought it was real! I want to play with her more.’ She looked so smug while saying that, like she was really enjoying it. ‘

  Amaya’s sharp voice echoed from the shimmering crack in the air.

  > “Hey! Why are you saying that, idiot!?”

  Sakura stifled a small giggle, a faint smile playing at her lips. Her tone was gentle, teasing.

  “Amaya… then can you talk with others now? Like my master?”

  At that very moment, soft footsteps approached the clearing.

  Ren turned his head.

  Kazuma emerged from the shadows, arms crossed. “…What’s going on here?”

  As if sensing his presence, the voices inside fell completely silent.

  Sakura blinked, then turned to Kazuma. “Master… Do you know what’s inside Dad’s vast space?”

  Kazuma casually crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “Yeah, I know.”

  Her eyes lit up in surprise. “Huh!? You know?”

  Kazuma shrugged, glancing toward the still-open crack. “I know he has a storage room. He’s opened it before—and you’re eating food pulled from there.”

  Sakura huffed, shaking her head. “No, not that, Master. They’re not ‘things’. They’re someone! Hey, … talk to him please.”

  Author's Note:

  Thanks for reading—more coming soon!