Chapter 59. Getting started
"Alright... you can stand up now!" Yuki grumbled under her breath.
Ayaka opened her eyes, blinked at the light, and then looked up at Asher with a beaming smile.
"Onii-chan!" she squealed, running to hug his legs. "I missed you!"
Shin chuckled, gently ruffling her hair. "I missed you too, kiddo."
"Okay, enough with the mushy crap, Aya!" Yuki barked from behind, crossing her arms. "Remember what we talked about."
Ayaka quickly composed herself, straightening up and forcing her face into a serious expression—tight lips, furrowed brow, shoulders squared. But it just made her look like a pouty little actress, trying too hard to play soldier. Shin couldn’t help but chuckle again. She looked ridiculous and the freckles on her nose just made her look adorable.
He glanced at Yuki with a wink.
"I’ll be back soon," he said, giving her a quick nod before walking Ayaka out to Lilian and Sylvia in the next room. After they took her, he gave them clear instructions before going away. "Lock this behind me. If anything happens—anything at all—scream. I’ll hear you."
They nodded, and Shin returned to Yuki’s room.