Johnna was the first to approach Aaron after the incident, choosing a quiet moment when they were both alone in the club room, sorting out books. She hesitated for a moment, fidgeting with a loose thread on her sweater, before speaking up.
"Hey, Aaron," Johnna began, her usually confident voice slightly shaky. "About that day... I know it was an accident, and while it was quite the surprise, I hope you understand why I reacted the way I did. My writing... it's a way for me to process things, even if it means creating exaggerated versions of reality."
Johnna took a deep breath, avoiding Aaron's gaze. Her face reddened, and she began in a slightly shaky voice, "You know, Aaron, about that day... I've always been curious about... um, how boys think. And maybe girls too, like me." She fidgeted with her notepad, seemingly lost in thought.
Aaron shifted uncomfortably, feeling his cheeks warm up. "Uh, I mean, it wasn't... I didn't plan it. It's just... sometimes curiosity gets the better of us?"
She hesitated before murmuring, "I've read about it in novels and mangas. How boys sometimes have strong... desires. It's kind of... fascinating? But I never thought I'd... you know, get a firsthand experience." She played with a strand of her hair, looking anywhere but at him.
Swallowing hard, Aaron replied, "Yeah, it's... overwhelming at times. But I guess everyone feels that way at some point?" He looked at her, hoping she'd understand.
She nodded slowly, her cheeks still flushed. "It's a part of growing up, I guess. Learning about oneself and others. It's... complicated." She glanced up at him briefly, her eyes reflecting a mix of embarrassment and curiosity.
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm sorry for that day. I should have been more careful."
Johnna finally met his eyes, offering a small smile. "It's okay. We all have our moments. Just... maybe knock next time?" She teased, trying to lighten the mood.Rei's demeanor was a stark contrast to Johnna's. The air around her was always cold, her gaze penetrating, almost as if she was assessing everything and everyone as potential threats. Yet, deep down, there was a hint of vulnerability — perhaps a testament to her dual nature of an assassin with a soft side.
When Aaron approached her, she didn't greet him with words but instead with a deep, assessing look that made him feel like she was seeing right through him.
"You're brave to approach me after what you did," she remarked, her voice devoid of any warmth.
Aaron gulped, trying to find the right words. "Rei, I... I didn't intend for that to happen. It was a genuine mistake."
She stepped closer, decreasing the space between them, her stare never wavering. "Mistakes can be deadly in my line of work. It's all about intentions and consequences."
He nodded, swallowing hard. "I realize that. And I can't say sorry enough. But, believe me, it wasn't intentional."
Rei paused, her stern face softening slightly. "I know. Johnna spoke to me about it. But it doesn't change the fact that you saw something you shouldn't have."
Aaron took a deep breath. "I understand, and I'll accept any repercussions. All I ask is for your understanding."
She smirked, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You already faced my 'repercussions' that day. Just be more careful in the future. And maybe, for once, use that brain of yours before acting."
With that, she walked away, leaving Aaron both relieved and a bit more wary.
Next on Aaron's list was Ayumi, the quintessential yamato nadeshiko — the very epitome of traditional Japanese femininity. Her demeanor was always calm and composed, carrying herself with an elegance that seemed otherworldly. However, beneath that gentle exterior lay a strict moral code and an ability to command respect with her mere presence.
As Aaron approached Ayumi, she was seated in a traditional seiza position, engaging in a serene tea ceremony. Her movements were graceful, deliberate, and practiced — every motion reflecting centuries of tradition. She noticed Aaron and gestured for him to sit opposite her without breaking her focus on the tea.
"Good afternoon, Aaron," she greeted softly, her voice like a gentle stream flowing over pebbles.
"Good afternoon, Ayumi," he replied, a bit nervously, unsure of how this conversation would go.
She poured tea into a cup and handed it to him. "Tea helps calm the nerves and clear the mind. Drink."
Aaron took a sip, the warm liquid soothing his insides. "Ayumi, about the other day..."
She held up a hand, signaling him to wait. "I heard about your encounters with the others. Rei's threat, Johnna's... insight. But you see, Aaron, our culture places great emphasis on respect and understanding boundaries."
Ayumi's voice dripped with honeyed politeness, "Ah, Aaron-san, it's always a pleasure. I've often thought about the nature of men, especially after the recent... mishap. It's fascinating, really, how many men seem to be guided by instincts rather than conscious choices."
Aaron shifted on the spot, feeling her words though they were wrapped in a veneer of sweetness. "Ayumi, it truly was an accident."
She continued, unfazed, "Of course, I understand. And I've come to notice that men, in their natural state, seem predisposed to being... distracted by the female form. It's biology, I presume. Men are often more in tune with their primal side."
"Ayumi," Aaron interjected, "are you implying that all men are just instinct-driven creatures?"
She blinked innocently, "Oh no, not at all. Merely stating a pattern I've observed. It's neither good nor bad, just human nature. Though," she paused, offering a small smile, "you did end up in a rather compromising situation, didn't you?"
Ayumi tilted her head thoughtfully, "It's quite interesting, Aaron-san. For centuries, society has allowed men certain... leeways, shall we say? It's as if society recognizes the base nature of men and accommodates for it. You know, like how a toddler might drop a cup but we don't scold them too harshly because they're still learning."
Aaron's eyebrows knitted in confusion, "Are you comparing men to toddlers?"
Ayumi waved a dismissive hand, her face still wearing that gentle smile, "Oh no, just drawing a parallel. Men, especially in their youth, are often driven by hormones. It's biology, really. A powerful urge that might sometimes overshadow reason. And society, in its infinite wisdom, has often turned a blind eye to these... urges."
"But Ayumi," Aaron tried to counter, "that's a vast generalization. Not all men act on base instincts."
Ayumi continued, her tone never wavering from its polite cadence, "Many cultural tales, myths, and legends revolve around the uncontrollable desires of men. Look at the great epics or tragic romances of our time. More often than not, they're tales of men who couldn't control their desires, leading to downfall or great challenges."
Aaron crossed his arms, feeling defensive yet intrigued. "So you're saying all men are slaves to their desires?"
She shook her head, her hair flowing softly around her face. "Not slaves, Aaron-san. Simply influenced. There's a difference. You see, society tends to offer explanations, sometimes excuses, for certain behaviors, attributing them to 'natural instincts.' Men are often said to be visual creatures, easily enticed by what they see. It's why many societies controlled what women wore, how they acted, or where they went."
"But isn't that unfair to women?" Aaron interjected.
Ayumi smiled slightly, "Exactly. The idea that men can't control themselves is as much an insult to men as it is a restriction on women. Both genders get trapped in these stereotypes. However, these explanations persist because, to some extent, they simplify complex behaviors."
Aaron pondered her words, "So, you're saying it's all a societal construct?"
She leaned in closer, "Not entirely. Biology plays a role, but society magnifies it, gives it rules and narratives. Your... accident in the changing room, for instance, can be seen through so many lenses. A simple accident, a manifestation of male curiosity, a breach of trust, or perhaps a mix of all."
He sighed, "I never meant any harm."
Ayumi nodded, "I believe you. But intention and perception are two different things. It's always wise to understand how one's actions might be perceived, especially when treading on delicate grounds."
Ayumi took a step closer, her tone never losing its softness, "You know, I've counted the number of times you've gazed at me. Do you want to know the number?"
Aaron blinked, surprised. "Uh, sure."
"327 times," Ayumi stated matter-of-factly. "Every gaze, every lingering look. I don't miss much. But what's more interesting is not the number, but the intent behind them."
He felt his cheeks heat up. "I didn't mean to—"
She raised a hand, silencing him. "I understand that sometimes it's just... instinctual. A part of human nature. But it's also a sign of how one perceives boundaries, respect, and self-control."
"I'm sorry, Ayumi. It wasn't intentional. Most of the time, I didn't even realize I was doing it," Aaron apologized sincerely.
She offered him a small smile. "I believe you. And you know what? I forgive you." Though her words were of forgiveness, there was a shadow in her eyes that hinted at withheld judgment, a reservation that she wasn't sharing with him. But for now, she was letting it go, or at least letting him believe she had.
As Aaron approached the next member, Mina, she immediately shot him a quizzical look. "You visited Ayumi before coming here?"
He was taken aback. "Yes. How did you—"
Mina sighed, her athletic posture relaxing slightly. "She has a way of affecting people. A way of making them ponder deeply. She makes them introspective, and right now, your eyes have that distant, reflective look."
Aaron shrugged, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "She had some... unique perspectives. But I'm here now. What did you want to talk about?"
Mina took a deep breath, then smiled. "You know, for a guy who accidentally walked into a changing room, you sure are bold. But I respect that. It's rare to find someone who can confront their mistakes and face those they've wronged."
Aaron chuckled, "Well, it's the least I can do. Besides, I think I've received my fair share of reprimands and lectures today."
Mina grinned, "Oh, don't worry. I won't give you any lectures. Just a friendly piece of advice: next time, maybe double-check the room signs."
Mina tilted her head, considering Aaron for a moment before continuing, "You know, in the world of survival of the fittest, it's all about who's the strongest. So, from a Darwinian perspective, if you're stronger than me or can outwit me, then maybe I can forgive your... transgressions."
Aaron blinked, surprised by the abrupt shift in conversation. "Wait, are you saying that if I prove myself strong or smart enough, you'll be okay with what happened?"
Mina smirked, her competitive edge shining through. "In a way, yes. I believe in the survival of the fittest, and that might means right. I respect strength, both mental and physical. If you show me that, then maybe I can see past a silly mistake."
Aaron hesitated, processing her words. "So, it's not really about the changing room incident, is it? It's about proving oneself."
Mina nodded, her gaze sharp. "Exactly. Prove to me you're more than just a clumsy guy who walks into the wrong rooms, and we're good."
He smiled wryly, "Well, I'll do my best. But remember, strength isn't just about physical might or intelligence. Sometimes it's about acknowledging our mistakes and facing them head-on."
Mina chuckled, "Well said. Maybe you've got more depth than I gave you credit for."