Chapter 29 - 27: Zaboru at the Hamazou Headquarters
Zaboru followed Ayumi, who carried her personalized ZEPS box, while Akechi trailed behind them in silence. The atmosphere felt heavy, with Akechi's stoic presence making it increasingly awkward. Zaboru stole a glance at Ayumi, hoping for some kind of conversation to break the tension, but she seemed focused on leading the way.
After walking through the quiet hallways, they arrived at Ayumi's bedroom. Ayumi unlocked the door, and the three of them stepped inside. Zaboru looked around, curious about how Ayumi lived.
Her room was neat and elegant, with purple as the dominant color. A sleek desk held a state-of-the-art computer, and a polished black piano stood in one corner, gleaming under the room's soft lighting. The walls were adorned with posters of classic movies and famous singers, giving the space a mix of sophistication and personality.
Wow... So this is Ayumi's room... Zaboru thought, impressed by how everything seemed to match her character perfectly.
Ayumi carried the ZEPS box to the TV and placed it on the console table. "Here, Zaboru. Set it up over here," she instructed.
Zaboru nodded, unpacking the system and carefully connecting it to the television. Akechi stood silently by the door, his piercing gaze fixed on Zaboru. The silence only made Zaboru more nervous, and his hands trembled slightly as he worked. Ayumi noticed the tension and frowned at her brother.
"Nii-sama, could you stop glaring? You're making him uncomfortable."
Akechi blinked and looked away, though he didn't say a word.
While Zaboru worked, Ayumi noticed something on her ZEPS console: engraved kanji reading "For Ayumi." It matched the lettering on the box, and she realized Zaboru had added this personal touch just for her. Her lips curled into a soft smile.
Just as Zaboru finished connecting the cables and stood up to stretch, the door swung open, and Asumi, Ayumi's older sister, strolled in with a playful grin on her face.
"Oh my, so this is the Zaboru-chan everyone's been talking about," she said in a teasing tone.