PART 3 — "Ayame's First Signal"
Akari turned this time, fully facing her.
"…Off?"
Ayame nodded faintly.
"…It's not pain."
A pause.
"…And I'm not tired either."
She hesitated.
"…Sometimes… I just can't concentrate properly."
Akari's expression grew more serious.
"…When?"
"…When I try to refine Ryuki… and move into Seiryu."
Another pause.
"…My focus slips."
The room went quiet.
Ayame placed her hand lightly over her chest.
"…It feels warm here sometimes."
"…Not hot. Just… there."
Akari stepped closer.
"…How long has this been happening?"
Ayame thought for a second.
"…It was there before the tournament…"
A small pause.
"…But very little."
Her gaze lowered slightly.
"…Now it's more."
Akari's eyes narrowed just a bit.
"…Your control?"
Ayame answered immediately.
"…It's fine."
A brief pause.
"…I still have control."
Akari studied her for a moment longer.
Then—
"…And your friend… she's fine?"
Ayame's expression softened slightly.
"…She's fine."
A small pause.
"…Nothing's wrong."
Akari gave a faint nod.
Ayame hesitated again.
Then asked quietly—
"…Do you think… it's because of the new training?"
Akari didn't answer immediately.
"…Seiryu… and all that."
A pause.
"…I never used to push like this before."
Silence lingered for a second.
Then—
Akari shook her head.
"…No."
Another small pause.
"…This isn't from training."
The air shifted slightly.
Ayame looked down again.
"…Then what is it…"
Akari didn't respond right away.
Her gaze stayed on Ayame—
observing,
thinking.
Then she exhaled softly.
"…I don't know yet."
A pause.
Then she reached out, placing a hand gently on Ayame's head.
"…But we'll figure it out."
Ayame looked up slightly.
"…Okay."
Another quiet moment passed.
Then Akari's tone firmed just a little.
"…Don't tell the others."
Ayame nodded without hesitation.
"…I won't."
Akari gave a small nod.
"…Good."
She turned back to the sink.
"…Go rest."
Ayame stayed for a second—
then turned and walked out.
Her steps were calm—
but just slightly slower than usual.
Akari watched her leave.
The kitchen felt quieter now.
The water still running.
Her hands stopped again.
Just for a moment.
"…Not training…"
she muttered softly.
Then she turned off the tap.
Silence filled the room.
And whatever this was—
it wasn't something training could explain.