A/N : I wrote this because Aka sunk my ship :( I'm planning for this to be around 2 or 3 chaps! Reviews welcome!

Starting when they're both 7, Un'yo-sama often takes Kaguya-sama with him to gatherings and banquets.

That means Ai also has to come along, even if she has a important workload on her shoulders. No, there's nothing more important.

You exist here to serve Kaguya, after all, always stand behind her, if she may need something, but try to not attract much attention.

There's many kids in the gatherings, Kaguya-sama only throws a sharp and quite timid gaze. Ai had been called to the kitchen, to help out with drinks and whatnot, Kaguya-sama stays to sit in a safe place.

Such a busy day is not suited for a child at all, and everyone messes up every once in a while. Ai trips on a bent carpet edge, luckily, a young boy with brown hair and sharp purple eyes, who could be no older than herself, helps her get up and pick up the shattered glass. If this happened in the main house, she would get whipped on her fingers, but today is a lucky day. When he's done helping her, he bids her goodbye with a charming smile, like a prince. By his mannerisms Ai assumes that he might also be from a prestigious family, like Kaguya-sama. Something blooms inside her, following in response a small smile tugs on Ai's lips, and she wonders if she'll see him again anytime soon.

When all of her duties are finished for this time, Ai returns to the same place where Kaguya-sama was left.

When Ai spots the two small figures, she quickly hides behind wall, snooping is a no no, but curiosity is overwhelming her.

The young gentleman is trying to make a small talk with Kaguya, while she just bashfully smiles.

"..Princess, long time no see! Are you doing well?"

"As if I could be spotted talking with a Shijo!"

Princess. I wish I could be a princess, like Kaguya-sama, like the girls Kaguya-sama meets for tea parties. I wish I could be something people cared for, just for one day. Even on Ai's birthday, Nao just leaves a note, once again, apologizing how she couldn't make it to celebrate, just the two of them. But maybe next year-

While zoned out of reality and composing her thoughts, the conversation is still happening.

Hayasaka is quite surprised when Kaguya-sama gives the boy an unusually bright smile, he blushes pretty visibly, Ai connects the dots easily.

Something tugs on Ai's heart, turning her eyes into a more watery blue colour, even if she's just eight years old. Crying won't make anything better, emotions are weakness, remember what you were taught.

And so Hayasaka fixes up her ponytail, and returns to her duties. She doesn't have the time to focus on nonsensical thoughts right now.