Kaoru entered the training room to find Kirara slightly flustered, though she masked her embarrassment with a confident expression. Her demeanor soon turned sour, arms crossed over her chest, as irritation flickered in her eyes.
"If you're just here to mock me, you can leave," she said curtly. "I still have more training to do."
Her frosty tone caught Kaoru off guard. He didn't recall saying anything that might offend her. Tilting his head with a calm curiosity, he asked, "Hey, wait. I didn't mean to mock you. Is this about something else?"
Kirara refused to answer, averting her gaze with a visible scowl.
Kaoru, ever the one to dig deeper, spoke without hesitation. "Is this about Shinmara?"
The mention of that name sent tension crackling through the air. A spear of ice materialized in Kirara's hand, flying with lightning speed to impale the wall beside Kaoru. The frost shimmered coldly as thin cracks radiated through the metal surface.
"Don't say that name in front of me!" she snapped, her voice sharp with anger. Her eyes gleamed like a blade of frozen steel, ready to strike.
Kaoru glanced at the ice spear impaled in the wall, one eyebrow raised. He then shifted his gaze back to Kirara, trying to gauge the source of her anger. "Alright, alright," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I didn't realize you hated your own queen so much. No need to throw spears over it."
Kirara gritted her teeth, clenching the hand that had summoned the spear. "She's nothing to me," she said bitterly, lowering her head slightly as if struggling to control her emotions. "And she's none of your concern."
Kaoru narrowed his eyes but didn't push further. Still, he knew there was more beneath Kirara's fury. Shinmara, as the queen of the Kijin, held a significant place among their kind. Kirara's reaction hinted at something deeper than simple political disagreement.
"Fair enough," Kaoru said softly, his tone gentler now. "I won't bring her up again if it upsets you. But Kirara, holding onto feelings like this won't help you. You don't have to explain it to me if you don't want to, but at least think about how you can deal with it."
Kirara remained silent, though her clenched hand gradually relaxed. She looked at Kaoru with eyes still brimming with anger, but beneath that, there was a glimmer of something else—confusion, perhaps even a hint of guilt.
"Why do you care?" Kirara finally asked, her tone quieter but still firm.
Kaoru leaned back against the wall, his gaze steady. "Because I know what it's like to carry a burden you won't share with anyone. It's not easy. And honestly, Kirara, you're better than letting your anger control you."
Kirara lowered her head again, not responding immediately. Kaoru's words struck a chord she didn't want to admit existed. After a moment of silence, she let out a long breath.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you."
Kaoru gave a faint smile. "No harm done. I'm still standing, so that means you didn't completely lose control."
Kirara let out a small, reluctant laugh, though her expression remained serious. "I just… I have issues with her. But it's my problem, not yours."
Kaoru nodded slowly. "True. But if you ever need someone to listen, I don't mind. Sometimes talking about it helps."
Kirara studied Kaoru for a moment, trying to discern the sincerity behind his offer. Finally, she gave him a small nod. "Thanks, Kaoru-san. But for now, I just need more training."
"Fair enough," Kaoru replied, standing up straight. "I'll leave you to it. But remember—don't push yourself too hard. You don't need to freeze the entire room to prove a point."
A faint smile crossed Kirara's face as she resumed her combat stance. As Kaoru turned to leave, she glanced at him with a quiet sense of gratitude. She wasn't ready to open up completely, but something about Kaoru's presence made her feel a little less alone.
---
Kaoru stepped into his penthouse, greeted by the warm interior that contrasted with the chill of Sapporo's night air. The enticing aroma of cooking wafted through the air, immediately capturing his attention. As he moved further in, he spotted Reika standing near the kitchen, impeccably dressed in her butler uniform. Her serene demeanor was complemented by a gentle smile as she greeted him.
"Welcome home, Master," she said softly, bowing slightly in her usual graceful manner.
Kaoru, who always adopted a more relaxed demeanor at home, removed his jacket and hung it by the door. His eyes fell on a pair of unfamiliar shoes neatly placed on the rack.
"Reika," he asked, pointing toward the shoes. "Do we have a guest?"
Reika nodded politely. "Yes, Master. Miss Asuka arrived a few hours ago. She's in the kitchen now."
Kaoru smirked lightly, immediately piecing the situation together. The tantalizing aroma from earlier had Asuka's signature all over it. Letting out a small sigh, he walked toward the kitchen. "Of course," he murmured. "That smell makes perfect sense now."
Reika followed behind him, her tone amused yet respectful. "Miss Asuka mentioned she wanted to surprise you with a special dinner tonight."
Kaoru paused at the kitchen doorway, leaning casually against the frame. Inside, Asuka was busy at the counter, wearing a pastel apron that clashed charmingly with her usual tomboyish image. Her hair was tied back neatly, though a few strands had escaped during her work. Her face was focused, but her eyes held a sparkle of excitement.
"Asuka," Kaoru called, his voice soft but clear enough to catch her attention.
Asuka turned, her face lighting up the moment she saw him. "You're back! Perfect timing! I just finished cooking."
Kaoru stepped inside, his hands in his pockets as his gaze wandered over the neatly arranged table. "What's all this?" he asked, though he already knew the answer. "A special occasion?"
Asuka raised an eyebrow, a playful grin spreading across her face. "Nope, I just felt like cooking for you. I figured you'd be tired after a long day."
Reika, standing quietly nearby, added with a small smile, "Miss Asuka has been working diligently in the kitchen all evening. She was very committed to preparing this meal."
"And the result?" Kaoru asked, glancing at Reika with a teasing look.
Reika suppressed a laugh, her tone light. "I'm certain Master will be thoroughly impressed."
Asuka huffed, feigning indifference. "Hey, don't underestimate my cooking. You're about to see how good I am."
Kaoru chuckled, taking a seat at the table. "Alright, let's see. I am starving."
With a proud smile, Asuka brought over steaming dishes, setting them on the table with care. Despite her confidence, there was a flicker of nervousness in her eyes. Kaoru noticed but said nothing, picking up his chopsticks and tasting the first dish.
The room went silent for a moment.
"Hmm," Kaoru murmured, nodding slowly. "This is… excellent."
Asuka's face lit up with relief and pride. "Of course it is! I wouldn't serve you anything less than my best."
Reika, standing at Kaoru's side, offered a warm smile. "Miss Asuka's cooking truly rivals that of high-end restaurants. The aroma alone is remarkable."
Kaoru's gaze lingered on Asuka, his expression genuinely appreciative. "Thank you, Asuka. You really know how to make someone feel cared for."
Asuka blushed faintly, turning her face away. "Don't overdo it. I just wanted to make sure you're eating well."
Reika, observing the exchange, spoke up. "I'll prepare some drinks to accompany your meal."
Kaoru nodded. "Please do. Thanks, Reika."
As the meal unfolded, the penthouse filled with a warm, tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by the comforting presence of Asuka and Reika, Kaoru felt a rare sense of peace. As laughter mingled with the clinking of dishes, he realized that, perhaps, he was beginning to find something that resembled home in this chaotic world.