The wraith incident left an unspoken tension between Aoyama and Aqua. She had been quieter, less dramatic, and more introspective in the days that followed. Aoyama noticed her sitting by the window more often, gazing at the sky with a faraway look.
One evening, he decided he couldn't ignore it anymore.
"Aqua," he said, breaking the silence as they sat at the small table for dinner. "What's going on with you?"
"What do you mean?" she asked, though her tone lacked its usual energy.
"You've been... different," Aoyama said. "Ever since the wraith showed up. Are you scared it'll happen again?"
Aqua hesitated, her gaze dropping to her plate. "It's not that," she said quietly. "It's just... I've been thinking."
"Thinking about what?" Aoyama pressed, his heart beating faster.
Aqua took a deep breath, then looked at him, her eyes unusually serious. "About this world. About... you."
Aoyama's stomach flipped. "What about me?"
Aqua's cheeks turned faintly pink, but she held his gaze. "I've been wondering... if I'm supposed to go back to my world or if... I should stay here. With you."
The words hung in the air like a delicate thread, and Aoyama felt his chest tighten. He didn't know what to say, but before he could respond, Aqua stood up abruptly.
"I need some air," she said, grabbing her coat and heading for the door.
---
Aoyama found her at the park, sitting on a bench under the soft glow of a streetlamp. The stuffed dolphin she'd won at the festival was clutched in her hands. He hesitated for a moment before walking over and sitting beside her.
"You're really bad at handling your feelings, you know that?" he said softly.
Aqua let out a shaky laugh. "Says the guy who barely talks about his."
Aoyama smirked, though his heart felt heavy. "Fair enough."
They sat in silence for a while, the cool night air wrapping around them. Finally, Aqua broke the silence.
"I don't know what to do," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Part of me feels like I should go back to being a goddess, like I have a duty to my world. But... another part of me—" She stopped, her cheeks turning pink. "Another part of me doesn't want to leave."
Aoyama stared at her, his chest tightening further. "Why not?"
Aqua turned to him, her blue eyes shimmering with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "Because of you, idiot."
Aoyama's breath hitched, and before he could stop himself, he leaned closer. "Aqua, I—"
His words were cut off as Aqua suddenly closed the gap between them, pressing her lips softly to his. The kiss was warm and gentle, and it felt like the entire world faded away in that moment.
When they pulled apart, Aqua's cheeks were bright red, but she didn't look away. "There. That's how I feel."
Aoyama blinked, his heart pounding in his chest. "You're terrible at saying things directly, aren't you?"
Aqua laughed, the sound light and genuine. "And you're terrible at noticing what's right in front of you."
He couldn't help but smile. "I guess we're both terrible, then."
---
When they returned to the apartment, Aqua seemed more at ease. As they sat down, the familiar glow of the Harem System interface appeared.
---
Harem Affection Level: 100/100
Aqua's Decision Required: Stay or Return
---
Aoyama stiffened, glancing at Aqua. She stared at the screen, her expression unreadable.
"What happens if you choose to stay?" he asked quietly.
Aqua hesitated, then turned to him. "If I stay, I lose my status as a goddess. I'll be... human."
Aoyama's heart sank. "And if you go?"
"I go back to my world, my powers, my duties," Aqua said, her voice soft. "But... I'd leave you behind."
Aoyama clenched his fists, his chest tightening painfully. "It's your choice, Aqua. I won't force you to stay."
Aqua looked at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You're really bad at making this easy, you know that?"
He chuckled weakly. "What can I say? It's a gift."
After a long silence, Aqua reached out and pressed her hand to the screen. The glowing interface dimmed, then disappeared, leaving only a single message:
---
Decision: Stay
Next Spin Unlocked
---
"You're staying?" Aoyama whispered, his voice trembling.
Aqua smiled, though tears streamed down her cheeks. "Yeah. I guess being human doesn't sound so bad... if it's with you."
Aoyama felt his chest swell with warmth, and before he could stop himself, he pulled her into a tight hug. "You're an idiot."
"So are you," Aqua whispered, laughing softly as she hugged him back.
---
The decision had been made: Aqua chose to stay. For the first time since the system entered Aoyama's life, he felt a sense of stability—mixed with an overwhelming rush of emotions he hadn't fully processed. Aqua was now, officially, a part of his life, and something about that thought both terrified and excited him.
The glowing Spin button lingered in the air, waiting for his command, but Aoyama dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "Not now," he muttered to himself. "Let's get through today first."
---
To Be Continued...