Amano Hina felt as if she could sense every trace of moisture moving through the air, every strand of sunlight and its warmth.
It was an oddly wonderful feeling—one she didn't want to let go of.
Rei Ao's palm pressed a little harder, and the golden glow grew denser.
"Now try it," he said. "Draw on the power inside you and influence the weather around you."
Hina followed his instructions and tried to stir that strength within her.
She pictured the sunlight outside becoming a little more brilliant.
The very next second, the light beyond the window flared dazzlingly bright—so sharp it was hard to keep her eyes open.
Hina snapped her eyes open in shock.
She stared at the scene outside, hardly believing it.
"I… I did it!" she blurted, thrilled.
Rei Ao withdrew his hand. A hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.
"Not bad. You learn fast."
"This is only basic control. You'll still need a lot of practice."
Hina nodded, joy filling her chest.
She could finally control her ability!
"Thank you, Mr. Rei Ao," she said sincerely.
Rei Ao just smiled without answering.
He walked to the window and looked out, seemingly lost in thought.
Hina watched his back, and a complicated emotion rose in her.
What she felt for Rei Ao had shifted—from fear and shame to gratitude… and curiosity.
What was she to him, really?
Just an interesting collectible from a transaction?
The thought made her mood sink.
As if sensing the change, Rei Ao turned back.
"What's wrong? Feeling down?"
Hina shook her head and forced a small smile.
"No… just thinking."
Rei Ao walked over, crouched down in front of her, and met her gaze at eye level.
"You're wondering if you're nothing more than a 'collectible' from my deal, aren't you?"
Hina looked up in surprise—she hadn't expected him to see straight through her.
She didn't answer. That was answer enough.
Rei Ao let out a soft chuckle and ruffled her hair.
"Then… Hina, are you really ready to pay the price?" he said lazily. "Because next, I'm going to show you exactly how I treat my collectibles."
His tone was relaxed, but the implication underneath was unmistakable.
Hina's cheeks instantly burned red.
Her heart raced so hard it felt like it might burst out of her chest.
Her fingers twisted the hem of her clothes without realizing it, wrinkling the fabric.
She inhaled deeply, as if pulling every last bit of courage into her lungs.
Then she nodded firmly.
"I… I understand."
The words were quiet, but steady.
Rei Ao chuckled again.
It was low, amused—half teasing, half as if he'd known all along.
He stepped closer, unhurried.
Then suddenly bent down.
Hina's vision spun, and her body lifted off the ground.
"Ah!"
She gasped, but her arms instinctively looped around Rei Ao's neck.
The frosted glass door of the bathroom pushed open.
Warm, humid steam rushed over them, blurring her sight.
…
Itomori Town.
Miyamizu Shrine.
At dusk, the setting sun gilded the old wooden buildings with a golden edge.
Mitsuha Miyamizu lay sprawled on the tatami, chin resting on her folded arms.
The glow of her phone lit up her face—focused, intent.
"Miki, I've decided!"
Her fingers flew across the screen, fast as dancing.
"I'm coming to Tokyo!"
She sent the message and held her breath as she waited.
Almost instantly, a reply came back.
Okudera Miki's words carried a warmth that put her at ease.
"Really? That's wonderful. You can stay with me first, and then we'll take our time finding a good place for two."
Mitsuha's eyes lit up like stars.
"Really? I can? I'll come over tomorrow!"
She practically sprang to her feet, her heart already flying beyond the mountains.
She dragged an old suitcase out from the closet.
From the next room, her grandmother seemed to say something—probably reminding her to be careful on the road.
Mitsuha answered in a hurry and started stuffing clothes into her bag.
"Tokyo…"
She murmured, her mouth curving into a bright smile she couldn't suppress.
If she lived with Miki, then when Rei Ao came by, they could host him together.
Just imagining what might happen then made Mitsuha's heart pound and her face flush.
Before, she wouldn't have dared to even think about things like that—but after meeting Rei Ao, a part of her found herself looking forward to the three of them…
…
The Shinkansen shot across emerald fields like a silver arrow.
Mitsuha leaned against the window, staring outside in a daze.
The scenery shifted—from gentle, rolling mountains to dense, angular buildings.
Her heartbeat sped up.
Thump. Thump.
She couldn't tell whether it was nerves, excitement, or both.
Okudera Miki's apartment was in Suginami Ward, in an older building that wasn't new but felt comfortable.
The area was quiet, and the hallway carried a faint, clean scent.
When Mitsuha pressed the doorbell, she felt a light sheen of sweat in her palm.
The door opened.
Miki's gentle smile appeared like a spring breeze.
"Mitsuha! You're so fast!"
"Hehe—packing is my specialty!"
Mitsuha dragged her suitcase inside, eyes darting around curiously.
The room was simple but warm, full of small touches that showed care.
On the balcony, several potted plants stretched their leaves in the afternoon light.
"Right—I'll show you the flyer for that two-person apartment nearby—"
Miki turned to fetch it, but her words cut off abruptly.
Not because she forgot where it was.
But because the air suddenly shivered with something strange.
It was hard to describe—like a pebble dropped into still water, sending out invisible ripples.
"Huh?"
Mitsuha felt it too and turned back, puzzled.
Drip—drip—
A clear sound of water echoed out of nowhere in the quiet living room.
Then something unbelievable happened.
The space near the bathroom seemed to twist, like a soft curtain being tugged by an unseen hand.
A narrow slit glowing faintly tore open in midair.
Two figures emerged—and dropped onto the living room's soft sofa.
It was Rei Ao.
And the adult young woman held tightly in his arms—
Amano Hina.