Chapter 67
It's been two years already. Two years since Aiyora left to pursue her degree in law.
The Kuran manor hadn't been the same ever since. It was her presence that kept everything here alive. The fun, fights , arguments, jokes. There was always something going on. With her exit, the atmosphere and the environment has become dull and gloomy. Nothing to enjoy quite as much. Even if it took some time, but the initial days of depression has now blended in as the regular norm for most residents there.
Except for one of course: Kuran Yuuki.
Although at first Yuuki was very much against the idea of Aiyora leaving, but changed her mind soon after she saw all the perks that came with it. Unexpectedly life turned out to be better than what she had anticipated. As if the wheel of fortune had been turned her way. Hanabusa and Ruka are now fully focused on her— training and grooming her into a proper pureblood princess. In her own home she has a position now and is looked at, acknowledged. Above all, her relationship with Kaname is also improving. He spends time home, time with her, help her study. Finally, once again it's starting to feel like they will be like father and mother.
And it was all because of Aiyora's absence! It made that big of a difference!
She looked at Kaname, taking a bite of her toast. The male pureblood was sipping his tea, his attention fully on the file in hand. It was the third time they were having breakfast together this week. Possibly it wouldn't be the last.
Yuuki just couldn't be happier.
"How was your day Kaname onii-sama?" She asked, starting a small talk conversation. It was mostly she who generally initiated a conversation, but didn't mind, understanding he has busy schedule, so his mind is always occupied.
"As usual, it was hectic." He replied, throwing the words that sat ready on his lips while turning a page of the document of the file he was going through.
"I see…" She muttered softly, chewing her lips, hesitating. By now Yuuki has somewhat figured out how to work around her brother. Being familiar with his busy and preoccupied mind, she knows the conversation will die down if she doesn't carry it on. So...
"Um… I was just wondering if you would like to go for a walk. Just the two of us." Enthusiastically she proposed.
Hearing that he looked up, a smile forming on his lips as he declined. "Forgive but that's not possible, Yuuki."
And proceeded to explain as the smile dropped from her face. "Your presence is still unknown to the society. There's always small amount of risk affiliated—"
"Why don't we walk the garden then." She cut him off, suggesting. "It's such a beautiful day. It would be shameful to stay indoors and let it go to waste."
Kaname opened his mouth and from the movement of his facial muscle it was obvious that he was going to disagree. However, a loud excited scream cut him off, distracting both the purebloods.
"I DON'T BELIEVE IT! I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" There was no need to guess who was coming.
"Hanabusa watch out or you'll fall."
"Let him fall Akatsuki, that way at least he'll learn his lesson."
A moment later the two Kuran saw the cousins trio entering the dining hall. Hanabusa in the lead, running with a folded newspaper in hand and Akatsuki and Ruka calmly walking behind him.
"Kaname-sama you have to see this!" The blonde held up the newspaper open.
And there it was! A picture of Aiyora on the corner of a newspaper with an article published about her.
"An article about Aiyora-sama has been published. It says she will be receiving an award for her humanitarian work." Hanabusa gave them the jest of the article.
Kaname froze. His stoic face suddenly reflecting a mixture of many different emotions.
"Does it say for what kind of humanitarian work specifically?" Ruka asked.
"Apparently she gave justice to some woman, who was gang raped by a group of influential men on her honeymoon."
"So brutal." Akatsuki sympathized with the victim before inquiring. "What did Aiyora-sama do to help her?"
His question prompted his cousin to read out certain portions of the article out loud for everyone to hear.
Everyone quietly listened while Aidou read out— how the former model and currently a law student stood by the victim and her family. Supported them financially, financed a team of best lawyers who had expertise in fighting sexual assault cases. Out of five, three accused had been sentenced to jail while the other two died under the circumstances of mysterious animal attack. However, because of the heinous crimes they've committed before, people actually celebrated their death.
A moment of silence passed after Hanabusa finished reading the article. Everyone being acutely aware of what this mysterious animal attack means. Kaname secretly hoped and prayed Aiyora had nothing to do with this. Last thing he needs right now is Hunters going after Aiyora.
Ruka was the first to make any kind of movement. She flickered her eyes over to the male Kuran and found him in deep thought. His previous excitement disappeared. Only concern clearly visible on his frowning face now. He didn't appear too happy about all the revelation. And reasonably so. For starters, Aiyora is far away with no one by her side to guard her aside from the sickly Kurenai Maria. Also, because Kaname had promised her, he's unable to just show up and risk making her upset.
"Why don't we video call Aiyora-sama and congratulate her personally." Suggested Ruka, in order to divert Kaname's mind from his newfound tension.
"Now?!" Exclaimed Yuuki, unsure about the idea.
"I think it's a good idea." Spoke the deep smooth authoritative voice, giving the verdict.
Already excited, Aidou rushed to fetch his laptop and returned in seconds with Aiyora already on the line. He placed the device on the dining table right in front of the male Kuran, while ushering the rest to gather behind the pureblood.
Yuuki took another long sip of her drink, in her mind scolding Aidou while at it, for ruining her morning with Kaname before scooting closer to him in order to participate in the video call.
Seeing Aiyora after so long made Kaname's heart skip a beat. It happened so loudly that nearly everyone around him heard it. But refrained from giving any form of reaction because they understood; they understood how difficult it has been for him since she left. What makes it worse is the fact that out of everyone here, Kaname is the only one who hasn't seen or spoken to her since her departure.
Aidou spoke to her every other day via video call. Ruka and Akatsuki joined from time to time. Once every month Aiyora phoned Yuuki to check up on her. Whereas with Kaname, her method of communication has been through letters only.
"Aiyora…" The male pureblood found himself at loss of words right after uttering her name. It's as if his head blanked out, he forgot everything.
The aristocrats and Yuuki behind him were able to slip out one question after another so easily, while he could only stare. Unsure of what to say. So many things were running through his mind that it overwhelmed him.
She looked thinner than before! Kaname observed and worried. Naturally.
Questions like:
Have you not been eating properly?
Are the pressures of study weighing on your shoulders?
Could you be missing home? Do you want to come back?
Popped up in his mind one after the other. But before he could master up the courage to ask, he was beaten. Aiyora beat him to it.
"Kaname?" She smiled. Oh how long has it since he had last seen those beautiful set of dimples. "Are you just going to stare and not say anything."
"I'm happy to see you're doing well." He said smiling back. With that began their conversation. He inquired about how she was faring, how her studies were coming along, why has she lost so much weight… etc. Eventually he put all his thoughts to words. Asked all questions except for one— about her involvement in the death of those two men. Concern could be heard in his voice and seen on his face. Still, he saved that question for the time when they'd be alone.
To everyone's surprise Aiyora answered each and everyone of his questions respectfully. Continuing their conversation longer than either of them had expected.
However, it wasn't sitting too well with Yuuki. Disappointment displayed on her features. What was supposed to be a maximum ten minute video call to congratulate their little sister, seemed to be dragging on forever. Like everyone has just lost their sense of time. And Kaname, how is he able to carry on such long conversation being a man of few words was beyond her understanding.
At one point during the call Yuuki wrapped her arms around Kaname's torso and rested her head on his shoulder. It was an absolute bold move for a normally timid girl like her. Naturally it caught everyone's attention. Aiyora included who had a clear view from the other side of the screen.
At that Aidou became irritated and Ruka frowned. Even though neither said anything. On the other hand, people reading habits that Akatsuki possessed were developed enough to notice Yuuki's insecurity. To an observer the girl's uneasiness was clear. He could tell that her mind was going everywhere with questions and fears but no answers. She felt desperate and this desperation led her to pull a move so bold.
"You look exhausted Aiyora-chan. I'm sorry if we are tiring you."
"Aiyora-sama don't look exhausted. She glowing like a moon." Aidou interjected.
"As much as I enjoy and appreciate your flattery Aidou-Kun, at the moment Yuuki-nee is correct. I am very tired. I haven't slept an ounce in the past week. I was about to head to bed when you called."
Aidou pouted and Yuuki smiled.
"Anyway I got to go now. Can barely keep my eyes open." Aiyora told them and waved goodbye before disconnecting the line.
Just like that she was gone. Leaving Kaname feeling empty inside.
Soon as the screen turned black Aidou closed the laptop, picked it up and carefully tucked it beneath his arm. Afterwards the aristocrats walked out one by one.
Yuuki returned to her seat. Secretly glad to have their private time back. She raised her glass to take a sip of her fruit juice when the sound of chair dragging on the floor came to her ear. To her utmost surprise Kaname abruptly stood up.
"What happened?"
"Finish your breakfast, Yuuki." He said striding to the door. "I have some urgent business that needs to be taken care off immediately."
And just like that, he was gone!
Leaving her alone, confused and wondering had she done something wrong?
Meanwhile at the Hunters Association:
Yagari rushed into the association president's office with a newspaper in hand and slammed it flat on his desk, almost spilling the man's tea in the process.
Cross Kaien, the current president of the Hunters Association and the Headmaster of Cross Academy, dived down to protect his precious tea. Giving his insolent pupil a light scolding.
"Watch out Yagari! I'm running short on the rose teas which Kaname-kun got me."
"Drink your tea later. First have a look at this!" Yagari retorted, pointing a finger towards the newspaper.
Cross did as he was instructed and found it to be a picture of Aiyora with an article written about her. Quickly picking up the paper he read the article.
It has been two years since the battle at the academy with Kuran Rido and since Kaien had last seen his daughter or any of the Kuran for a fact.
Yuuki currently lives with her own family at her own house but not a single day goes by that Kaien doesn't miss her. He eagerly waits for a phone call or letter from her, but is yet to receive one or the other. Although he does receive Yuuki's updates from Kaname on a quarterly basis. The pureblood has assured him that Yuuki is doing well, despite having some difficulty adapting to the lifestyle of a pureblood princess. Kaname has even extended an invitation to visit her. But Cross couldn't manage time from his schedule. The repercussions of the academy incident has kept him busy. He is taking responsibilities of his own actions while Yagari running the whole show under the radar.
Now reading the newspaper he just learned that Aiyora no longer lives with them. She lives abroad, studying in university.
The news gave Cross three different feelings:
The legendary hunter Cross Kaien couldn't care less about what a pureblood did as long as they weren't causing havoc in the society and to the Humans.
Headmaster Cross is proud of his night class student's outstanding achievement.
And Yuuki's father is relieved. Like every father, Cross was also very protective of his daughter. Personally Cross has nothing against Aiyora. However that doesn't mean he didn't worry. Her bizarre relationship with Kaname was his biggest concern.
Hence why he was so reluctant to let Yuuki go. Regardless of his reluctance, Kaien did not forcefully stop Yuuki when she insisted to go with Kaname. But he did warn Kaname, not to hurt her.
Thing is, Yuuki maybe naive but he isn't. Be it his protective fatherly instincts or just a normal person's perspective, he was able to pick up on the change in Kaname's relation with the daughter of Kuran Rido. And that girl is problematic! Cross had reached that conclusion about the youngest Kuran on the day she came to his office demanding he remove Juuri's name from file as her mother.
"Are you going to stare at her picture all day or are you going to say something." Spat Yagari pulling the blonde male out of his thoughts.
"Oh this is good news!" Kaien cheered, masking whatever it was he was feeling inside. "This will increase the popularity of night class and help them reopen once again."
"Seriously! This is what you picked up." Yagari huffed. Cross often found a way to get into his nerves. This was definitely one of those times.
"It says she is receiving an award for her outstanding contribution to woman's safety and bravery. How is that bad?"
"Have you lost your mind old man!"
Shooting the blonde man a death glare, Yagari took a puff of his cigarette. In hopes that it would calm his rising temper down before he blows off on Cross. Which seemed like a good possibility, given how it was proceeding.
"This award ceremony is being hosted by humans, held inside an auditorium full of human. How do you think it's safe to let a pureblood waltz in on her own... that too the offspring of that rabid-dog!"
He reminded, because it seemed like Cross had forgotten that Kurans are pureblood vampires above all.
"Risk isn't a valid reason to stop her when she has shown no signs of irrationality. That aside, we have no right to snatch away the reward of her success from—"
"I never said we stop her." Yagari cut him off before he could finish. "All I'm saying is that, if she must go, she must go under our supervision. A skilled hunter must remain by her side at all times throughout the ceremony."
"But—"
"No buts! These are uncertain times we can't afford to take any risk. It could cause big number of casualties."
Kaien sighed, slightly exasperated. Unlike Yagari, he knew Aiyora isn't exactly a threat to humans. She hasn't reached that point in her life yet. If anything, at the moment or sooner than one could predict, her existence could become a threat to his daughter. Which is why he prefers Aiyora to prosper in her life by staying further away from Kaname and Yuuki.
"Alright then, find someone and inform them of the assignment." He gave the order, dismissing the Hunter in eye patch.
"I will inform Zero soon as he returns." Yagari said turning around, ready to leave.
"No!" Kaien stated firmly, with all seriousness. "Anyone but Zero."
For a moment there it put Yagari in deep thoughts but then he smirked, recalling who maybe the next best suited candidate for the assignment.
"What does that suppose to mean?!"
Demanded Kuran Kaname, looking the Hunters dead in the eyes. Cross Kaien who was seated on his chair across from him and Yagari Toga, who stood beside Kaien.
"It's exactly as it sounds." Retorted Yagari. "Humans lives can't be put at risk. What guarantee is there, that your girlfriend wouldn't lose control and attack them."
"Yagari!" Cross warned throwing him a hard glare. "Behave yourself."
The mentioned hunter huffed, then smirked noticing how Kaname didn't bother correct his terminology.
"Aiyora wouldn't sink her fangs into just anyone. She's very picky and particular about it." Kaname responded, switching his attention to the man in eyes patch. Breaking the staring contest between the two hunters.
"You seem to know quite a lot about the your own enemy's daughter."
"Kuran Rido wasn't the enemy." The vampire quickly became defensive. His unexpected words earning him both hunters full attention. Especially Kaien's, who's heart stopped for a moment.
"He was an unfortunate individual, a great potential that was wasted rather than utilized."
That statement brought silence into the room. Pin drop silence.
Cross had his eyes widened, Yagari on the flip-side raised a brow. Neither actually expected the current head of the Kuran family to sing the most disgraced Kuran's praise so blatantly.
Kaien took off his glasses and placed them on his desk and looked at the pureblood. Indicating he's not the goofy headmaster at the moment. He was everything those titles suggested— the true form of Cross Kaien. The mercilessly cold-hearted legendary hunter, also known as the vampire without fangs!
Kaname remained unmoving. Except for the smirk that made it's way onto his lips.
Their gaze remained locked. Like the two partook in a competition. The first one to blink would be the loser.
Yagari began dancing his eyes between the two to see who gives up first.
In the end there was only one winner. And it was not the hunter, unfortunately.
As the silence began to weigh heavier, Cross decided to take matters into his hand. Putting his glasses back on and clearing his throat, he began.
"Try and understand Kaname-kun, our purpose it is not just the safety of Humans. The Hunter assigned will also be required to protect her from harms way."
Yagari scoffed loudly at Cross's remark. Irritated by his habit of sucking up to the Kurans.
"What guarantees is there this Hunters wouldn't harm my Aiyora at the first given chance?"
The term 'my Aiyora' stabbed through Kaien's ears. Making his shoulders going stiff. He struggled not to show it, knowing all too well that it wasn't the time or place to confront the man seated across from him.
"I am giving you my word Kaname-kun. I will personally talk to the assigned individual." Kaien assured Kaname. Suddenly feeling not so sure about his daughter's future.
"Well then," Kaname agreed, but reluctantly. "Who is the Hunter we are talking about?"
The two hunters exchanged a glance before returning to back to the pureblood.
"It better not be Kiryu."
"It isn't, its actually..."
They revealed the name and Kaname nodded, accepting the mentioned person. As long as it wasn't that Level-E, he was fine.
Other than that fact that it was the weekend, it was also a dull, grey, gloomy day. The weather being at its absolute worst.
Rain was pouring at full force leaving the streets relatively empty. Only a small number of people under the umbrella running to get to their destination and a vehicle would pass by after every two to three minutes. Due to such condition, Aiyora decided they'd stay home and chill in their own way. Rain may not be a problem for her, but she certainly didn't want to take any chances with Maria's health.
Chilling at home for the girls basically meant their time would be spent in the kitchen cooking or baking together. Or in the living room with television on, Aiyora doing yoga while Maria reading to her books or letter.
Aiyora prefers listening to Maria read than reading it herself, because, as a literature student she possesses different techniques and skills of reading and narrating which makes each word sound poetic, dramatic and romantic.
Yesterday they cooked. So today, it was the latter.
Dressed in her casual home dress Maria laid down on the couch with an envelope in hand, and Aiyora positioned herself on the floor over a black yoga mat placed above the plush white rug. Adorning her body was the tightest possible pair of yoga legging in lavender colour that came with matching fitted bralette.
"You may begin."
At the pureblood's command the aristocrat ripped the envelope, fished out the neatly folded sheet, unfolded it and began to read...
"Aiyora, my heart,
I hope this letter and the pre birthday present I sent along with it, reaches you on time.
I picked it up during my last out of town trip. The moment I laid my eyes on it, I felt it in my bones that it was made for you. I for one cannot picture anyone else but you wearing it.
If possible send me a picture of you wearing it. I'm sure it would far better than what my vivid imagination can form.
The aristocrat suddenly stopped reading and looked at the pureblood, who was now standing on her palms stretching her legs vertically upward.
"What present is he talking about with so much passion?" Maria asked, searching the surrounding to locate any kind of wrapped box. Her brows furrowed, upon finding nothing.
"A rare Sapphire pendant." Replied Aiyora, attempting to balance her weight on one foot while having the other leg and both arms stretched out. "Why do you ask?"
"So you've opened his present."
"Of course I did! It was for me."
"But you didn't bother read his letter...?" It was a question and statement at the same time.
Aiyora smiled mischievously, "I have you for that Maria-chan."
"Aiyora-chan!" The aristocrat exclaimed. Her eyes ready to pop out of their socket, after realizing how messed up that sounded. "What is wrong with you?!"
She never understood why Aiyora made her read Kuran Kaname's letter when they were so personal and intimate. Weirdly enough she never asked her to read what she wrote in reply. Frankly, Maria had no clue when she wrote back to him and when she posted them. But every time his letter came, it was Maria who had to read them.
The scenario was bizarre. Just as her relationship with the man.
The aristocrat studied her friend for sometime and found her to be in a great mood at the moment. Therefore seizing the chance, she put the letter away and began conversationally.
"You know I've noticed,"
"Noticed what?" Aiyora glanced Maria's way briefly before changing her position.
"The face you made, when Yuuki-sama got cozy with Kaname-sama on the video call."
Aiyora froze, like a thief getting caught in action. Immediately stopping her yoga, she sat up in straight posture and looked Maria dead in the eyes.
"That's because I couldn't laugh at her. In fact I was having to struggle in order to hold myself back from something so laughable."
It was hard to tell whether the pureblood was lying or telling the truth. Despite sounding like it was the truth, Maria's gut feeling told her it wasn't. After all, her friend is a damn good liar.
"Then why did you become upset when Aidou-san revealed to you that his father advised Kaname-sama to formally make an announcement of his engagement?"
At this the pureblood rolled her eyes.
"Let me remind you, I was upset even before the call came. My paper didn't go as I have expected. Aidou-kun phoned at the wrong time. Besides I wouldn't have lashed out on him if he wasn't so persistent." The words slipped out of her mouth smoothly.
Maria found no reason to doubt, remembering how riled up Aiyora was that evening after returning from class. Now that she thought about it, it made perfect sense. Perhaps Aiyora losing her temper on Aidou had nothing to do with the information he provided. Her silly brain just went overboard.
If so, then…
"It still doesn't explain why you haven't entered any relationship."
"With whom am I going to enter a relationship?" Aiyora wiggled her eyebrows.
"There are countless men out there ready to die for you. Many of my classmates included."
"Eww! I'm not going to date any human."
"What about Aristocrats?"
"The ones we have here are a bunch of sleaze-balls. Besides, don't tell me you seriously consider our classmates, teachers or anyone we are surrounded by here to be handsome? Or worthy of my attention or yours?"
Maria opened her mouth to counter her statement but Aiyora cut her off before she could even get a word out.
"Well my dear, you may have low standards, I don't. Actually… on second thought you did find your right match. Someone as sickly as you." Aiyora joked, sticking her tongue out. Mean jokes and banters were common between them. They had reach that comfort zone with one another long ago.
Pouting, Maria threw a cushion at Aiyora. Catching that cushion the latter hit the former back. In no time the two girls got caught up into an adorable pillow fight. It lasted for couple minutes until Aiyora caught Maria by the leg and pulled her down to the floor.
Both remained flat on the carpeted floor, staring up at the pristine white ceiling. Each somewhat lost in their own thought. Allowing the silence to fill the space between them.
Maria turned, cautiously observing the pureblood who had all her attention on the ceiling. Inside she had a nagging feeling that Aiyora was in denial. She was lying not just to her, but her own-self as well.
"Are you sure?" Maria broke the silence.
Aiyora turned. "About what?"
They were now facing each other, staring deeply into each other's eyes.
"That you aren't developing any feelings for Kaname-sama. Or deeply missing him for the matter."
Aiyora opened her mouth and right then—
DING DONG!
Out of the blue the door bell rang. Dismissing the growing tension in the room.
As per their custom in the absence of maid-servant an aristocrat is expected to carry out all such task for the pureblood. Following that tradition, Maria quickly sat up and was about to get up to answer the door. But with a simple wave of her hand Aiyora stopped her. Instead she went to answer the door herself. Her sharp vampiric senses picked up a horrible presence outside the door and didn't want to expose her friend to danger.
Opening the door Aiyora was met with a stranger. A tall, lean young man with messy, ash brown hair and hazel eyes. He appeared slightly taller than Kaname but not as tall as Akatsuki. Strangest part, in appearance he was an odd combination of Kaname and Senri.
Surprised and astonished the pureblood blinked several times. Only to recover seconds later, recognizing the repulsive aura radiating off of him.
A hunter. She thought bitterly. Not realizing she was already frowning outside.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Hunter?!" She made the term 'hunter' sound like a slang.
"The name's Takimiya Kaito. Definitely not a pleasure to meet you pureblood." He made the word 'pureblood' sound like it was shameful to be one.
"Oh wait!" Maria rushed to the door and joined them. "He must be the one the Association sent."
Aiyora cocked her head at Maria's direction. Wordlessly demanding an explanation for not sharing such important information sooner.
"He's to stay here till the award ceremony. He has been assigned to watch over the event. Headmaster Cross phoned the two days ago and elaborated the details to me. You weren't home, so I took the call.
"If the call came two days ago, why am I learning about it now?!" Demanded Aiyora, making no attempt to hide her disappointment. This isn't how she was supposed to find out. It's unacceptable!
"Sorry…" The grey haired girl looked down in shame. "I forgot to tell you."
Furious and frustrated, the pureblood flipped her head back to the hunter outside the door. Standing with a smug face. To say she was disappointed about the arrangement would be an understatement. And then, she noticed the large duffle bag he was carrying.
"Why are you here with bag? And not at a hotel!"
The hunter named Kaito was about to give a fitting response but Maria's nervous voice floated from the back and seized his slot.
"Actually… the arrangement was done in such a short time that the association couldn't manage to book any form of accommodation for him. So the headmaster called to ask if he could stay here, and I said 'yes' thinking you have good ties with the man."
Realizing the severity of her mistake Maria apologized repeatedly. But in such situation her apology meant nothing. What's done cannot be undone. Now, for the next few days they will have to share their home with a hunter!
To say Aiyora was upset was a massive understatement. She was livid! The blood in her vein felt like lava that burns everything on its path. Frankly she had every reason to feel that way. Even here, in her personal business the Hunters were pocking their nasty nose.
The tempting idea of kicking the hunter out crossed her mind multiple times. But fearing the association's retaliation, she refrained herself from actually pulling it off. This award is important to her. A recognition that would help her in the future with projects she's planning to work on. She needn't give these hunters further opportunity to ruin it.
"Fine!" Aiyora turned her back on their supposed guest. "Show him to the guest room, Maria-chan."
With that said she marched into her room and slammed the door. Making it crystal clear to Takamiya Kaito that even if she is permitting him to stay, doesn't mean he's welcome at her home.
And he will never be!
A.N: Alright, an update after few months. Hope you all enjoyed. This is basically a filler chapter to show how everyone is doing in their life. Soon we will be entering the manga timeline, so basically it is leading it there.
Reply to guestwithreviews: Kaname will definitely need time to grow up. Naturally he's a selfish man even though he believes others wise and that on its own will need time to be acknowledged. You're right in saying Kaname should take a page out of Senri's example, but would he? Nope, definitely not. Senri is mature, but despite being the older and more experienced one Kaname isn't. Maybe things will change towards the end of the story.
As for Senri, yes Aiyora was pulling herself away from him. Reason being, Senri is her weakness. Just the way Shizuka's lover was for her and Juuri was for Rido. Look where that led them. Aiyora refuses to be in their situation. So she's taking precaution from now. But as you can see she's completely not pulling away, Senri and Midori are her family after all.
Maria is with her. From here onwards we will see more of their friendship and how things mould in the manga timeline.
