Every single word Selene said wasn't entering Rin's mind at all. She was lost in thought, trying to figure out why Selene was avoiding her kisses on purpose.
Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her bowl. Her eyes stayed down, pretending to look at the soba, but her mind was far away. It was like her heart refused to calm down.
Selene noticed how quiet Rin had become.
"Kisaragi," she called softly, her voice carrying a little concern, but Rin didn't answer.
"Kisaragi. Kisaragi. Kisaragi. Kisaragi. Kisaragi… Kisaragi!"
The last call echoed through the shop, so sharp and loud that everyone turned to stare. The place went silent for a second. Even the wind seemed to pause.
Rin blinked and looked up. "What?" she said, as if nothing strange had happened.
Selene sighed. "What happened to you? You haven't said a word since. Why?" Her tone dropped into something gentle and warm. Her eyes softened, her lips curling into an adorable pout. "You're making me sad," she said, tilting her head like a child asking for candy.
Rin just stared at her. She didn't even blink. Her heart squeezed a little at how cute Selene looked, but she couldn't ignore the question bouncing around in her mind. The more she tried to hold it in, the heavier it felt inside her chest.
"Why won't you kiss me?" Rin finally said in a small voice.
Selene froze for a moment. "What?" she said, blinking in surprise, though her tone sounded a little too innocent.
Rin leaned forward, frowning slightly. "Stop acting all cute like you don't know. I tried to kiss you earlier, you dodged it, and then you ruined every kiss attempt on purpose." Her voice wavered as she spoke. "Selene Kurosuki, did you find more fiancees while you were away? I thought I was your only fiance."
Her hands moved restlessly, like her emotions were leaking out through her fingers. When she realized what she had just said, her face turned pink and her mouth fell open.
Selene smiled quietly. Instead of speaking, she stood and moved closer. The chair creaked softly as she sat beside Rin. Without warning, she reached out and cupped Rin's face in her hands.
Rin froze. Her breath caught. Her cheeks flushed red, her eyes darting to the side.
"What are you doing?" Rin stammered, voice trembling like her heart.
Selene's smile stayed soft, her thumb brushing Rin's cheek. "There's no one I'd ever want to kiss in this world other than you, my love," she said in a voice so calm it melted the air around them. "But I took a vow, and I want to keep it."
Rin's hands shook. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, almost whispering.
"I'm dying to kiss you so badly," Selene whispered back, her eyes lowering to Rin's lips for a second before lifting again. "But I have to keep my vow. It means a lot to me. If I keep it, I'll get something in return."
"What is it?" Rin asked. Her voice was small, curious, and scared all at once.
Selene leaned in close, close enough that Rin could feel her breath on her ear. Rin's whole body tensed. Her heartbeat thumped so fast that even she could hear it.
"It's a secret," Selene whispered. Her voice was teasing, low, and sweet enough to make Rin's knees weak.
Rin jumped up so quickly that her chair scraped against the floor. "I—I have to go find Rei and Akari now!" she said, almost tripping over her words. Her face was burning, her chest tight. She couldn't stay there any longer.
Before she could take a single step, Selene caught her hand.
Her smile was so gentle it made Rin's heart spin even faster.
"You look beautiful today, Kisaragi," Selene said, her tone playful yet sincere. "I can't wait for our third date tomorrow."
Rin's breath hitched. She blinked a few times, her words lost.
Then she turned away and stumbled out of the food vendor's shop, her face still red and her thoughts a complete mess.
Outside, the sunlight hit her eyes. She covered her face with her hands, her heart still pounding. "Why does she do this to me…" she muttered under her breath before walking off.
Selene watched her go. Her eyes followed Rin's every movement until she disappeared into the crowd. The faint smile on Selene's lips slowly faded. Silence settled around her like mist.
For a while, she just sat there, looking at the soba in front of her. The steam had started to fade away. She stirred the noodles once, then sighed quietly.
With a small flick of her fingers, the air around her shimmered.
A faint light appeared beside her, and Ice materialized, seating still and quiet. He was holding a book, completely absorbed in it, his silver hair falling slightly over his eyes.
Selene didn't say anything at first. She simply watched him, one elbow resting on the table, waiting.
It took a full minute before Ice finally sensed her presence. His nose twitched, and he lifted his head slowly. When his eyes met hers, his body stiffened. He quickly lowered his book, his face pale as snow.
"How long does it take you to recognize your surroundings?" Selene said. Her tone was cold, smooth, and quiet enough to make his chest tighten. "I've told you many times to stay alert. Anything could happen to you."
Ice lowered his head in guilt.
Selene tapped her finger against the table. "What are the updates for today?" she asked.
Ice hesitated. His mind was racing, but he tried to keep it blank. He couldn't let Selene read what he was really thinking. She could see through thoughts as easily as air, and she had created him—she was the one who gave him life.
He swallowed hard, forcing his expression to stay calm.
"Huh," Selene murmured, tilting her head slightly. "So she really does have the Black Stone… but she isn't aware of it. Strange. I couldn't sense it that day."
Her tone softened into curiosity as she reached for the chopsticks. She lifted a strand of soba, blowing lightly on it before holding it out toward him.
"Open up," she said gently. "I know you don't like eating outside because of what happened last time, but I'm full now. My reason for eating will be back soon, so hurry."
Ice hesitated for only a second before obeying. He leaned forward and took the bite from her chopsticks. She fed him again, and again, until the bowl was empty.
"Good boy," Selene said, smiling faintly as she reached for a napkin and wiped his mouth.
Her eyes softened for a moment, but her voice stayed calm. "Are you doing what I told you to do?"
Ice nodded quickly like a child trying to please his teacher.
"Good," she said. "How many do you have now?"
He lifted his hand and showed five fingers.
"You should do what makes you happy, alright? Don't let them take something from you and toss you aside."
He nodded again, quietly.
"The ones you cut hair for," Selene said, folding her arms. "Are they part of it?"
Ice nodded once more.
"That's good. They didn't leave. Soon you'll have more than five." She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Is Rin Kisaragi part of the four?"
Ice nodded again, slower this time.
Selene's lips curved slightly. "Great. I'm glad you're getting along with your future guardian."
Her gaze shifted toward the same direction Rin had gone earlier. For a moment, she just stared, her expression unreadable.
"Looks like our plan is working," she said softly. "Her heart is truly pure."
Then she looked up at the sky. Her eyes glimmered in the sunlight, calm and distant. The smile that formed on her face wasn't the kind she showed Rin. It was colder. Sharper.
"Looks like night is near," she whispered.