"Good… morning…" yawned Aya as she plopped on the couch near Fay, who was watching television. "What are you watching?"

"I am watching 'A Walk to Remember'." Fay sighed and hugged her legs.

"Why are you watching that at 9 o'clock in the morning? It's depressing!" Aya rolled her eyes. She snatched the remote from Fay and turned it to an anime channel "Now that's better!" she piped up happily.

"I am depressed!" Fay exclaimed and leaned back on the couch. She sighed heavily and looked at the ceiling. I can't believe what happened last night, she groaned inwardly, trying to forget the incident.

"What is wrong, Fay?"

"Nothing. I am just depressed." She looked sideways at Aya who was looking worriedly at her. I don't even know how to tell Aya!

"Umm… Are you sure? It's Christmas Eve today and you should be happy, not depressed." Aya hugged her.

Since when was I ever happy on Christmas, she thought wryly. Finally, she looked up and decided to tell Aya. It was a spur of the moment decision, which she thought she should take to help her mind a bit. "Niou," Fay said annoyed. "That man. He drives me crazy."

"Oh!" Aya got up to look at her. "It seems your date didn't go very well huh?" she pulled her tongue out. "What did he do?"

"Oh! Nothing much… he took me to his house afterwards, but I never said no and we almost slept with each other, but I stopped him…" she smiled at Aya's shocked expression, "twice," she said meekly.

"What?" Aya gasped. "You never cut anyone off. Well… almost anyone…" She laughed sheepishly.

"Somehow that sounds like I'm a slut," Fay muttered annoyed, smacking her forehead. "I don't know what happened, but I hate the way he treated me at the end," she hissed angrily, remembering how angry he had been. I don't know what was more horrifying, me cutting Niou off or Sanada knowing what happened?! I'm sure he figured it out by now.

"Are you imitating my mood swings?" Aya teased and Fay slapped her playfully on her arm.

"Good morning to both of you."

"Good morning Arisa." Aya was trying to pinch Fay.

"Morning Arisa, please take this menace away from me." Fay laughed.

Arisa sat down between the two girls. "Ok ladies, now feed me the gossip." She grinned mischievously. "Who will go first?"

"Umm… I had a really nice time with Sanada. He took me to this beautiful small restaurant near the beach and then we walked on the beach," she said happily.

"That's great Aya-chan. Now, get to the juicy part, did you two make out? Is he a good kisser?" Arisa piped, winking devilishly.

Aya blushed at that and looked away. "I don't think he likes me," she said softly.

Both Arisa and Fay looked at Aya shocked with her statement.

"What are you talking about?" Fay asked puzzled.

"We didn't make out and he didn't kiss me." Aya sighed, leaning backwards on the couch. "We have been out together 3 times. He never kissed me once. Not even touched my lips."

What the hell is he doing; Fay thought, looking at Aya, what are you doing Sanada?

Arisa hugged Aya. "Maybe he is shy or too much of a gentleman. Give him time."

"Shy? I don't think he is shy. He is a gentleman though, but still… if you like someone you would kiss them by now," Aya complained. "I mean Haru already kissed Fay."

"Do not compare them." Fay retorted rather sharply, both girls looked at her curiously. Fay blushed and looked away "Arisa. Can I talk to Aya alone for a moment?" she pleaded.

Arisa was taken aback by that. "Umm… okay. I'll go wake Yuushi up." She smiled and got up, leaving the two girls in the living room alone.

"Aya."

Aya looked up at Fay, puzzled. Fay watched her; she smiled uncomfortably, playing with the small couch pillow. She hated herself for doing this, but she wanted to clear her conscious and let Aya know. "This is important… I need you to listen."

Aya looked straight in Fay's eyes when she noticed the seriousness in her voice. "What is it?"

"It's about my date with Sanada."

Aya frowned a bit and looked at her.

"It went well," she admitted. "And we talked a lot about you… I don't know, he was a gentleman and I admired that in him," she said softly. "He reminded me of how horrible Niwa was, so I was happy to be with someone that was so caring."

"He is very caring."

"Aya, I need you to know that…" Fay didn't know why she was struggling with words. "It was unexpected, but we kissed."

"Under the mistletoe?"

Fay nodded.

"I think that's fine, even Haru-san kissed me on the forehead, so…"

"No. Not the forehead."

Aya stopped and blinked.

"It was unexpected Aya, I think the mood was weird or something."

"Was it long or short?"

"Eh?"

"Long or short, Fay?"

Fay looked at her until she comprehended her question. "Oh, it was a light touch. It barely even touched mine."

"Then why are you telling me this."

Fay looked down. "Because Niou has it in his mind that I like Sanada… I needed to tell you about the kiss. It meant nothing."

Aya hugged Fay and patted her back. "Silly girl, were you worried?"

Oh! Aya, if only I could confess my feelings to you.

Aya grinned at Fay and got up to bring some juice and milk. "So what are we doing tonight, Fay?" she called from the kitchen.

Fay didn't answer, but grinned to herself.

Aya came back into the living room with the beverages. "Here you go, juice for you, and milk for me," she said and sat down on the couch again. "You don't need to worry about that kiss Fay. I just hope he kisses me soon. I need to know if he likes me."

"He likes you Aya. He told me so," Fay said absentmindedly. Sanada, you idiot! What are you doing? Aya is a wonderful girl! You should show her that you like her.

Aya looked at Fay and poked her forehead playfully. "So, what do you want to do today? I could call Haru over to watch a movie."

"Niou and I are not on our best of terms. Besides, we both have to go to an engagement party." She rolled her eyes at Aya's ignorance. "I told you already that we are going to a Christmas Eve party with Yuushi and Arisa."

Sanada was watching the news on TV when Niou strolled out of his room. He made his way to the kitchen and walked back to the living room. He sat down on the couch and looked at the TV silently, sipping his coffee.

"What happened?" Sanada asked, not looking at Niou.

"Nothing," he answered uncaringly.

"Even you should know better than to bring a woman back to your room on the first date," Sanada said bluntly.

"Do you seriously think she's a saint?!" snapped Niou, irritated.

Sanada switched off the TV and looked at him seriously. "You made a woman cry, Niou." He sighed.

"What is it to you Sanada?" Niou retorted, glaring at him, "For your information, I didn't pressure her. She came here knowing why the hell I brought her here for. I even told her we were coming here. She never said no," he hissed "I wouldn't have taken her home if she didn't want to come. I repeat; she is not a saint!"

"You shouldn't have suggested it in the first place." Sanada leaned back in his armchair, still keeping eye contact with Niou. "We don't treat women that way," He said dryly.

"Oh! What do you know about women," Niou said sarcastically.

"Do NOT talk about her that way." Sanada said, his voice sounding very low and dangerous.

"What is it to you Sanada? She is dating me, not you. Besides, I didn't want to make love to her. I just wanted to make out." He sighed, annoyed about the whole situation. "Let's not talk anymore about this matter." I need to figure out what to do, he thought "You are coming to Hiroshi's tonight, right?" he said, changing the subject.

"Yes, of course I am coming," Sanada said, getting up, "Everybody will be there." He walked to the kitchen, washed his cup, and walked back to the living room. He looked at Niou, "I'm going to nap a bit."

"Yeah. You do that," Niou said flipping the channels on the television. "Genichirou…" he said, turning his head backwards on the couch's top to look at Sanada, "Thank you for driving Fay home. I appreciate it," he said and looked away.

Sanada looked at him, faintly shocked by the sincerity in Nious's words. "You're welcome," He said, walking to his room.

Christmas Eve at night

"Excuse me, but why am I being dragged here? And in a dress?!" Aya demanded, trying to walk properly.

Fay rolled her eyes, holding Aya's wrist gently. "Aya, you need to stop being a drama queen over a dress. You and I have this argument every week." she pulled Aya with her into Atobe's huge mansion.

Aya pouted.

Fay glanced at her and pinched her nose. "You're here giving me moral support. Atobe asked me to be at this party."

"Asked or ordered?" Aya asked, crinkling her nose.

Fay didn't answer. The truth was that she had been ordered because he told her that everyone representing the company will be there. Therefore, since she reports to him, she had to show her face and mingle with the crowd before her official announcement.

"You haven't even started!' Aya muttered. "How can he force you to go somewhere you don't want to on Christmas Eve?" she complained, tugging at Fay's shawl. "We could've been with Gen and Haru."

Yes, Aya. The first place I want to be at is with Niou, she thought sarcastically. The truth was that she had still not spoken to or seen Niou. Not since the disastrous date they had and she was starting to feel guilty about that.

"Have you seen Haru, Fay?"

Fay wanted to answer, but got interrupted.

"You're late."

Fay and Aya looked up to see a very handsome man in a suit approaching them. The minute Fay recognized him, she crossed her arms. "Look, you either get me here looking beautiful and late or you don't get me at all."

Atobe raised an eyebrow, but there was an obvious smirk on his face. "Merry Christmas, Mishima," he said politely, looking at her. In a second, his eyes moved to where Aya stood. "And who's your friend?"

"This is Sawada Aya, my one and only."

Aya smiled at him as he extended his hand. She took it, but to her surprise, he turned it and kissed it gently. "Pleasure."

Aya blushed at the gesture and smiled at him. "It's always weird for a stranger to kiss my hand."

Atobe smirked and bowed politely. "I am Atobe Keigo," he said formally. "Thank you for offering me your great presence at my party tonight."

Aya blushed even more, making Fay roll her eyes.

Fay crossed her arms annoyed, but she thought about it for a second and grinned to herself. "You two will have to excuse me," she said, turning around. "Aya, I'll catch you later."

Aya looked startled for a second. Did she… did she just leave me alone with him? She thought, going into a panic mode. Aya was struggling now between ideas to torture Fay and how to act in front of the man who is standing next to her.

"What do you do, Sawada-sama?" Atobe asked casually, studying her.

Aya thought for a minute and smiled. "I am a journalist."

"Impressive," he said, with a nod. "I had the distinct feeling that you looked familiar, now this confirms where I had seen your beauty before."

"Oh," she said and placed her hand over her mouth to hide her laughter. "I think you have mistaken me for someone else. I am just an editor helper."

"Arn, it was merely a compliment," he said with a playful tone in his voice. This girl is cute.

"Oh."

He caught her blushed look again and smiled. "You are very beautiful, Sawada-sama, so please don't be embarrassed by my words, for I only speak the truth."

Aya felt her heartbeat quicken. Why do words like these making me feel all giddy? She thought, trying not to feel like she was still a young girl being fed sweet talks. "Thank you," she said kindly. "You have good taste then," she answered, making him look surprised.

Atobe chuckled at her response and took her hand again, kissing it gently. "And you have a good sense of humour. Again, it was a pleasure to meet you, Sawada-sama," he said, turning around and leaving her.

"Well, hello beautiful."

Fay rolled her eyes. "If your one and only hears you call another woman beautiful, I am sure she will pull your eyes out," she giggled.

"I am sure she will," Oshitari chuckled, "Did you find the place easily?"

"Yeah. I have been through this area before," she said as she took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. I hate to drink, but I think this will make me feel better tonight, she thought, sipping it. "I wouldn't mind living in a mansion like this."

"Well, you could always go back to your parent's house." Oshitari joked.

"Not in a million years," Fay said, rolling her eyes "Hey, Arisa. Where were you?" she smiled cheerfully.

"Just looking around. This place is awesome." She piped up happily. "You should see the gardens." She winked at Fay.

"Fay." Oshitari rubbed his chin. "I don't see Aya. Didn't she come?" he asked, looking around.

'Yeah. I left her with Atobe." She sipped from her champagne. "He actually flirted with her," she said in an unpleasant voice.

"He what?" both Oshitari and Arisa asked, shocked. "What on earth is he thinking?" Oshitari muttered.

"Why?" Fay looked puzzled.

"Atobe is a renowned heartbreaker. He dates a woman for a couple of nights and then he changes," Arisa said, looking around, trying to locate Aya or Atobe.

"So he likes to sleep around," Fay muttered thoughtfully. "Well, I think Aya can handle him quite well," she laughed.

"He is a charmer. I would be careful if I was her," Arisa said, still looking around. "Oh! I found her. How did you ever make her wear a dress?" She giggled, "Did you blackmail her or something?"

"I will see you ladies." Oshitari bowed and left the girls, walking towards a group of men.

Aya approached the girls. "This place is fantastic. Did you see the garden?" she asked cheerfully.

"Oh! He took you to the garden already? Talk about a fast mover," Arisa giggled; Fay laughed at the comment as well.

Aya just looked at her friends, confused.

"We are just teasing you," Fay said, hugging her arm. "I think his highness likes you."

Aya looked at her as if she was stupid. "Oh please! You can't say that! I only stood next to him for a few minutes."

Fay kissed Aya's cheek, making some people stare at her. "Call it my women's intuition."

Later

"Aren't you enjoying yourself Sawada-san?" Atobe strolled on the balcony to where Aya was standing.

"I am having a great time Atobe-san," she said sweetly.

"Then why are you here alone, arn?" he asked her while sipping his champagne.

Aya looked at him and laughed out nervously. "I am uncomfortable in this dress," she admitted.

He looked at her and smirked. "It suits your beauty well." he moved closer to her.

Aya frowned a little and took a step sideways to put some distance between them. She watched him and then said briskly. "Me? Elegant? No chance in that. Fay is the elegant one and with an air of a lady."

"I see," he muttered. "Would you like a drink?"

"Umm... Yes, please." She tilted her head, smiling at him.

She is sweet; he thought, walking back inside to the ballroom.

Finally he left, Aya thought, I am going to kill Fay for making me wear this dress, she whined inwardly, I can't breathe.

"I thought it was you, Aya." A briskly voice said behind her.

She turned around and froze when her eyes met the eyes of the person that spoke to her. "You?" she said breathlessly.

"Yeah me. I didn't know you rolled in this high status of society?" He chuckled and moved closer to her.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was invited. Atobe has invited all the high class society to his party." He looked at her, surprised at her ignorance.

"Niwa Tetsuya! You should leave! Immediately!" Aya glared at him. "I am not supposed to talk to you, especially after what you did." She turned her back at him.

He chuckled. "Well, that was an unfortunate incident," he said, standing next to her. "How is she?" he asked softly, looking towards the gardens.

"I am not telling you anything that concerns her," she retorted stubbornly. "You broke her heart. She changed into a different person because of what you did. Me and Arisa were the ones who picked up the pieces when she was in that state." She continued sadly.

"I am sorry, Aya," he sighed "I wish I could take everything back, but I can't."

"Why didn't you look for her?" Aya inquired.

"It's complicated." He ran his hand through his hair. "You wouldn't understand."

"Try me." She crossed her hands and looked at him curiously.

"Arn, Niwa," Atobe said, frowning. He handed Aya her drink. "Here you go Sawada-san." He bowed politely. "What are you doing here?" he directed his attention to Niwa.

"You invited me Atobe, remember?" he answered sarcastically. "I didn't know you knew Atobe Keigo personally, Aya." He looked at her, amused.

"Umm… Well, Fay will start working for Atobe-san. Why do you care, anyway?" Aya asked, exasperated. She was feeling awkward with both men there.

"Well, I will see you later my dearest Aya." He kissed her cheek and winked at Atobe, before he walked away.

Fay was dancing with Oshitari when someone asked if he could have a dance with her. She nodded and went with him. When she looked up at the man's face, she froze instantly.

"What... what are you... doing here?" she asked disbelievingly.

"I am dancing with you." The man smiled sweetly, and pulled her closer to him as he started dancing again.

Fay didn't talk to him and she didn't even look at him while they were dancing. When the music stopped, she pulled away from him; she looked at him again, not believing that it was him. Niwa Tetsuya, there in front of her eyes. She walked away as tears weld up in her eyes.

Why is HE here? She screamed inwardly as she walked to the balcony, but someone caught her wrist. She turned and was shocked to see that it was him again.

"I need to talk to you. Please, let me explain," he said sadly. He touched her cheek with the tips of his fingers and dried Fay's tears. "I am so sorry I broke your heart."

"Are you?" she hissed, pulling her hand out of his. "If you were sorry Tetsuya, where the hell where you all this time, huh?" she snapped. "You are a liar and a jerk. I don't even want to look at you." She walked away from him, but stopped as she felt her anger rising. She turned back and glared at him. "How could you? Tell me? Explain!" she spat out angrily, her hands on her hips.

"I am sorry. It was a moment of weakness. We were lovers before I even met you," he answered, frowning deeply.

"That's your explanation?" she said, exasperated. "You really are a jerk. Not only have you cheated on me, but you cheat on me with another man!" she hit him on the shoulder out of sheer anger. "I cannot believe that you even thought of talking to me again." She glared at him, fuming and walked away, but stopped mid way.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, oh! That was fast, he thought, looking at Fay coming back to him.

"Why did you talk to me today? Why did cross your paths with me again?" she hissed, glaring at him dangerously.

"I want you to forgive me and give me one more chance. I love you Fay," he said, smiling lightly.

Fay was shocked at his confession; all her anger melted away with that simple phrase "You love me?" she whispered in disbelief, she looked at him. "You love me?" She asked him and moved closer to him.

He nodded, smiling gently.

SLAP!

"You JERK!" She yelled at him. "You love me? Are you joking! What a nice way of showing your love Mr. Two-timing..." she said sarcastically, "Oh! How much I hate you at this moment," she hissed. "Do not come near me ag..."

Niwa pulled her in his arms and kissed her passionately. Fay was too shocked to even move when she felt his lips on hers so unexpectedly. Her eyes were wide, looking at his face. He bit her lower lip lightly and Fay opened her mouth lightly to protest, but he plunged his tongue into her mouth and gently caressed her hot cavern battling with her tongue. She closed her eyes and snaked her hands around his neck, playing with his hair while pulling him closer to her.

After a few moments into their passionate kiss that seemed like eternity, they pulled away to allow themselves to breathe.

SLAP!

"What was that for?" Niwa hissed, shocked. "I thought you liked it."

"You assume too much, Niwa." She looked away. "That was only something to REMIND YOU of what you lost the day you cheated on me." She glared at him. "Do NOT even think of talking to me again," she said quietly, then she turned and walked away, smiling to herself for getting her little revenge.

"Nice," Aya said, smiling cheerfully as Fay passed by her beside the balcony door. "Two very fashionable slaps, a very passionate kiss, and a pleased smile. Not bad," she laughed.

I wasn't aware that she was here, Fay looked at her "Well, I LOVED the first slap, thrilled that I got to slap him again. Enjoyed the kiss though, damn he is a good kisser." She pouted mockingly.

"Hehe... Well at least you got your revenge. I doubt that he will stop there though. He looked sincere when he said he loved you," Aya said, matter-of-factly.

"Yeah right. He loves none other than that ex-boyfriend of his that he cheated on me with." Fay took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. "Atobe really knows how to throw a party."

Aya looked at her as she remembered something. "This reminds me; please allow me to kill you when we get home." Hmm… That's the third glass of champagne that Fay is having. I know she doesn't like to drink, then why is she drowning herself like crazy?

"Why?" Fay asked with a mock hurt look on her face. "You aren't going to complain about the dress again, are you?" She rolled her eyes at the look Aya gave her.

"Don't roll your eyes. I can't breathe." She whined.

"Here you go Aya." Arisa handed a glass of fruit-punch to Aya. "Oh! Looks like the drama ended. How sad. What did I miss?" She grinned, looking from one to the other.

Did everyone witness what happened? Or are these two girls just nosey? "Nothing much, it was just two slaps and one kiss," Fay answered unsympathetically.

"Really? Aya, next time, you go get your own drink." whined Arisa playfully.

"I would if I could." She glared at Fay with a smile.

Fay laughed at Aya's antics and looked at her drink. "What's that? Fruit-punch? Are you in High School or something? Big girls drink champagne." She grinned. "Give me that." She took Aya's drink, gave it to a passing waiter, and asked him to bring her a glass of champagne.

"You know I don't like drinking much," Aya complained to Fay before she stopped her childish antics, looking at the men that approached them.

"I don't either," Fay muttered, gulping down her whole glass of champagne.

"Hello ladies," said Oshitari, smirking. "Having a good time?" he asked, kissing Arisa on the cheek.

"Yeah," All three answered at the same time and they all laughed.

"Aya, aren't you going to dance?" Oshitari asked with a devilish smirk.

She eyed him carefully. "You know I don't like dancing very much," she answered indifferently.

"Here. Drink this." Fay offered Aya another glass of champagne.

"I don't like..."

"You whine too much." Fay rolled her eyes.

"Arn, you shouldn't force her to drink if she doesn't want too," Atobe said, walking out to where they stood. "Give me that." He took the champagne glass from Aya.

"You guys, I am thirsty and you are playing with my drin..." she whined until she froze when she felt two hands circle her waist and pull her to the dance-floor.

"Dance with me," Niwa said firmly.

"Why me?" Aya cried, out in shock. "Fay, come here," she pleaded before she was pulled between the crowds.

Fay and Oshitari looked shocked, Arisa was giggling and Atobe watched the scene with a frown adorned his face.

Aya was dancing with Niwa on the other side of the dance floor. "Why me? You know I don't enjoy dancing. Besides I am feeling uncomfortable in this dress," she complained, frowning. Also, you're not exactly on my top list of favorite people.

"First, don't frown. Second, you look very beautiful. Third, I need your help," Niwa said half laughing at Aya. He had always liked her; she was always a good friend to him.

"And what makes you think I will help you?" she asked, eyeing him. "Fay has already found someone, you know."

"It doesn't matter. Fay and I are meant to be together," he smiled, "So, can I count on your help?"

Aya looked at him wearily and thought for a second. She finally looked up at him and gave him a sweet smile. "No. I can't help you, Niwa," she said.

"Fine," he said firmly. "I will do what I have to do, alone."

"I will not be a part of this Niwa. What happened to your boyfriend?"

"I said it's fine, Aya. As for him, he is fine too." He smiled.

"You are hopeless," Aya sighed. "Anyway, I have to go," she said, leaving him standing in the middle of the dance floor.

Aya returned to where her group of friends were. "Sorry," she said sheepishly.

Fay grinned and hugged her. "It's alright, babe," she said swiftly, and held herself up a bit. "Uh-oh… the floor's moving," she said, giggling.

Atobe caught her waist and helped her stand up. "I think… I think someone had a bit too much to drink."

"Hmm…" she murmured, putting her head on his shoulder. "You are so right," she agreed, closing her eyes.

Atobe rolled his eyes and looked at Aya. "Sawada-san, she's all yours." He moved Fay gently into Aya's hold. "Make sure she goes straight home and that she doesn't overdo it. I would offer you a ride, but I will not be able to do so until the night ends."

Aya nodded, that's very sweet of him, she thought.

"Fay doesn't drink," Oshitari said, watching Fay. "Did she know she was drinking champagne?"

"Yes," Aya answered. "I just don't think she realized how many she had."

Atobe smiled and bowed. "It was a pleasure to have you attend my party Sawada-san." He kissed her hand, looked at Fay with a frown, and walked away.

"Yuushi, I will go get our coats, could you drop us home?" Aya pleaded, holding Fay lightly.

"I would have loved to take you, but I have to stay. Besides, we will be spending the night at my parents' house." He apologized.

"That's alright! I will drive you home Aya." The same voice she had heard earlier spoke.

"No. Anyone, but you," Aya said exasperated, looking away.

"Oh, come on. Don't be such a baby." Niwa put his arm around Fay and dragged her towards the entrance of the manor to collect her coat. "You know you need me more than you want to admit. Plus, who's going to take care of my angel when she's like this," he said, holding Fay tightly.

Aya rolled her eyes and looked at Arisa, obviously bothered.

"This should be fun." Arisa hugged Aya. "Call me in the morning for details." She winked.

Aya frowned. "Yeah. Loads of fun!" she muttered sarcastically, walking away.

The trip home was rather quiet. Aya didn't say anything as she held Fay who was sleeping on her shoulder. She glanced at Niwa and was wondering what he was thinking. "You're regretting it, aren't you?"

Niwa looked at her sudden question and smiled sadly. "Perhaps," he said softly, continuing to drive.

Aya didn't like his answer. It sounded sincere, and she didn't want to believe that Niwa Tetsuya had at least one degree of sincerity in him. She hated him and disliked him greatly for putting Fay through that emotional turmoil.

Finally, they reached their destination and Niwa carried the sleeping Fay while Aya led the way. "Is she eating properly?" Niwa asked, feeling how light Fay was.

"She pigs as she pleases," Aya confirmed, taking out her keys and unlocking the door.

Niwa let out a sigh and carried Fay inside. He put her down on her bed and took a minute to study her. Without thinking, he moved her hair off her face and kissed her forehead lightly.

Aya noticed the gesture and almost felt sorry for him, but she remembered how he had betrayed her. She remembered how upset Fay had been and how it had taken a dramatic effect on her character. Aya straightened her shoulder and spoke. "Niwa, you can leave now."

Niwa moved a hand through his hair wearily and looked at her. "Umm… Do you mind if I crash here tonight? I kind of live far away and have no energy to drive back home."

I don't think so! Aya thought to herself, but let out an unwinding sigh when she saw his puppy eyes look. I hope he behaves…