"I see."
Surprisingly, Kyo had no further comment on this, merely offering that simple response. Her expression remained unchanged as she quietly enjoyed the warm yet comforting breeze.
Anon felt compelled to ask another question: "Kyo-chan, are you—wait, no, no." She almost blurted it out directly, hastily rephrasing it into something more delicate. "If you ever fell in love, what kind of person do you think you'd be interested in?"
Kyo blinked, quickly decoding the subtext in Anon's cautious question, and smiled amusedly, eyes curving gently into crescents.
"You're really asking whether I prefer boys or girls, right?"
Anon flushed instantly, stammering nervously to justify herself, worried Kyo would misunderstand her intentions.
"It's fine, don't panic." Kyo waved casually, signaling Anon to calm down. "Honestly, maybe the real question is whether I've thought about romance at all."
Love. That word confused Kyo profoundly.
In all the novels, manga, anime, TV shows, and films she'd consumed, love was never lacking in extravagant descriptions.
In many of these works, love conquered everything—curing physical ailments, melting cold hearts, filling every emotional void.
Although Kyo understood these portrayals were often exaggerated for dramatic effect, love indeed held a near-miraculous status in society's collective imagination.
Among all forms of love, romantic love was undoubtedly the most popular—exactly as Anon said.
Did Kyo think about romance? Certainly. But she'd never actively pursued it.
The reason was straightforward: she knew herself too well. Avoiding causing trouble for others because of her own issues was a personal principle she tried to uphold.
Considering how her family had never treated her like a patient, maintaining self-control was equally important.
Still, if Kyo were to imagine, putting aside the practicalities, what kind of person she might love…
"I suppose I don't have many requirements. Just someone I get along comfortably with. I don't really care much else," Kyo said lightly, stretching comfortably as if completely at ease.
"As for your real question, Anon, I honestly don't mind either way—boy or girl. But considering my circle of friends is mostly girls…if it happens, it'll probably be a girl."
"Really?" Anon couldn't help asking, unsure if Kyo was being entirely serious or simply casual.
"Really."
"Your answer is just so…Kyo-like…"
"What do you mean?"
"So carefree…"
"What does that even mean? So abstract." Kyo tilted her head curiously, awaiting clarification.
But Anon didn't elaborate further. Instead, she suddenly stood, moving to the open window, turning away from Kyo.
"I don't think there was anything special about my answer." With Anon blocking some breeze, Kyo leaned slightly toward Tomori, inadvertently startling the girl mid-note-taking. Kyo quickly patted Tomori's soft gray hair apologetically.
Anon discreetly glanced back at their interaction, her thoughts drifting.
Kyo doesn't seem opposed to girls, despite being uninterested…
Kyo and Tomori simultaneously sensed the gaze, turning their heads. Anon, flustered, quickly looked away, obviously embarrassed.
"Ano-chan?" "Anon, your face is kinda red," two voices questioned simultaneously.
"It's nothing! Probably just the heat."
Maybe Anon thinks I'm being overly affectionate with Tomori because I'm open to girls…? Kyo pondered inwardly.
Thankfully, Anon seemed ready to change the subject, quickly asking:
"Since we've formed our band, what kinds of songs do you like, Tomori? Maybe we'll choose our style based on everyone's preferences!"
"I…I don't really listen to music," Tomori replied softly.
Surprised, Anon turned the question to Kyo.
"I like jazz-inspired music, though some jazz is a bit too 'experimental' for me," Kyo answered. "How about you?"
"Sumimi's songs, definitely!" Anon hummed a few notes cheerfully. "Aren't they cute and youthful? We'd definitely attract fans with something similar!"
"You really love Sumimi?"
"Absolutely! Not just their music—Uika and Mana are super cute!"
Listening thoughtfully, Kyo wondered if she might surprise Anon someday soon…