Tatara had just finished taking a shower before his doorbell rang.

Isa waited on the other side, tightly gripping onto the little bag with his present, feeling anxious. She never felt this way when she gave surprises to Ina, however with Tatara, it just had to be a bit different.

The door swung open, and a shirtless Tatara stood in front of her, one hand holding the doorknob while the other was holding a small towel against his head. Isa-completely stunned by his abruptness and apparel, looked at him speechlessly, hoping in the back of her mind that she wasn't blushing.

Tatara stared at her for a long moment before taking a step back. "You may come in," he said nonchalantly. He silently walked away back to his room, leaving her alone.

Isa suddenly felt cold from all the shivers and shocks that attacked her. She stepped inside and closed the door, and then leaned against a wall.

He really shouldn't have been dressed that wa-... But he's a guy, so it's okay-no, arrrrg. She buried her face in her hands and told herself to cool down. Her mind was a mess, like a tangle. Her face felt so hot, and upon noticing that, her whole body felt hot.

"Are you okay?" Tatara asked.

Isa swiftly stood up straight. "Yeah, I'm okay." She bit her tongue, hoping that Tatara didn't notice her feeling...a bit off from what happened. But of course, she knew he was a lot smarter than that-and that he was also ignoring it. At least he didn't make her feel more embarrassed than she already was.

Tatara was now wearing a shirt and sitting on his bed in the living room. He looked up at her and gestured with his hand to sit beside him.

"I hope you were doing well the past several days," she said while walking to him.

"I was fine. Sorry for not contacting you in any way. It was just that my phone broke."

"Oh, about that," she said, sitting on the mattress. "This is for you," she said, handing the small bag to him.

He started to unwrap the multicoloured tissue paper slowly.

"I didn't really know what you would like, so it was kinda hard to choose, but I hope you like it either way," Isa said, smiling sheepishly. Seeing him unwrap the gift was making her feel nervous and embarrassed, but happy. It made her remember of how she absolutely loved opening gifts when she was a child, and remembering her parents smile as she opened it.

The box was now visible, and Tatara removed the remaining bits of tissue paper that clung onto the box. He examined it briefly, making it seem like he didn't know what it was. He set the box on his lap and turned his gaze at Isa.

"Thank you," he said, his voice more apathetic than usual.

Isa smiled. She knew that he must have felt a bit embarrassed, making him sound indifferent.

"Aren't these...the expensive kinds?" He asked.

Isa nodded. "They're one of the new ones that came out recently. I made sure to get a good quality one-and I did some research too."

"How did you know to get me a phone?"

"I-well. I kinda had a chat with Takatsuki, and she told me that you had a phone, and it was in bad condition."

Tatara nodded. "I see." He set the box on a small table by the bed and lied down, staring at the ceiling. "Sorry for not telling you about it. I just barely use it, so…"

"Then when do you use it?" Isa asked, lying down next to him.

"In emergencies."

"Such as?"

He looked over at her into her doe eyes that bored into his with curiosity. "Like the time when I called you," he replied.

"So the time when you couldn't find my house, so you decided to call me," she joked.

"Something...like that." He closed his eyes and rolled over facing opposite of Isa. Isa laughed and hugged him from behind, burying her face on his back. Isa enjoyed his natural scent mixed with the smell of his fresh laundry. They stayed like that for a long time, and soon, Isa fell asleep.

Tatara turned around when he knew for sure she was asleep, and looked at her closely. Looking at her made his heart ache. It was constantly reminding him about the operation.

But she looked so peaceful.

If it weren't for Eto, then he wouldn't have to approve of the operation, much less just cancel it.

He twirled a lock of her soft hair around his finger. It felt like silk. He ran his fingers through her hair a couple times, dumbfounded in how smooth it was. Then he came into realization of what he was doing and stopped. He took another good look at her again, sighing.

It can't be undone. Why did I even possibly even think of trying to end this? Have I forgotten my goals? I cannot become blinded again. I won't let myself be.

Everything...for the future of Aogiri.

Nearing the end!

Thank you all for your kind words! ^^