Contact

"Are you ready?" Akashic and Alexia waited by the door, glancing back as they waited for the others.

It was finally time to move into their new house and get things set up.

Soon, they all arrived, one by one, excitement clear on their faces.

Once everyone was together, they piled into Akashic's more spacious car—he'd already moved their bags over.

"Are we going far?" Naomi asked.

Akashic shook his head and double-checked the address. "Nope, it's right here."

Confused, the others glanced around; they were barely a minute from his own property.

Looking ahead, they saw the house he pointed to next door. It was slightly smaller than Akashic's but had more than enough room.

"Neighbors!" Lena exclaimed, staring in amazement at their new home.

At the entrance, Akashic put in the code provided to him and the gate smoothly opened. 

The key was left beneath the mat, so they had no trouble getting in. Once there, the full beauty of the home was unveiled.

Matching its traditional exterior, the interior radiated a warm, comfortable atmosphere that instantly relaxed the women as they stepped inside.

The home featured four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, with each room similar in size—though the master had a slightly larger closet.

"Well, take a look around and pick your rooms. I'll bring the bags in." With that, Akashic went outside.

Luna and Naomi exchanged a quick glance before deciding, "Lena can have the master bedroom."

It wasn't a hard choice since Lena had so many clothes she could overwhelm the both of them combined.

"I don't have that many…" Lena started, but the two only shook their heads at her delusion, continuing to explore and pick their rooms.

When Akashic returned, he placed their bags in the chosen rooms, and everyone began unpacking and setting up.

Checking the time, Akashic knew he had to go somewhere so he prepared to leave.

"It's furnished, but it could use a personal touch. The previous owners were an older couple, so you'll probably want to update some things." Akashic suggested. Alexia agreed then offered to take them shopping.

She was trying her best to step out of her shell and connect with them at least a little.

After all, with her newfound connection to Akashic, she understood him a little more, so she could guess some of his feelings. 

Lena's excitement grew at the prospect. She had some money set aside, and decorating was one of her favorite hobbies.

Akashic mentioned he had something to do and couldn't join, but they were welcome to take his car since he'd be switching to his other one.

With that settled, they split off.

~

/Library - MoonCity University/

"Miss, your father has requested you return home numerous times." A figure in black, their features mostly hidden, stood beside a woman seated at a table, absorbed in her book.

The woman looked up, clearly annoyed. "Tell him I'm fine! There's no danger here! Nik was a creep who got what he deserved." She huffed in frustration.

"Miss… your grandfather agrees." the figure added, and the protest left her as she sighed.

"But… fine… let's go, Z2." She stood, gathering her things, and the two walked out of the library. Her guard slipped into the background, seeming to blend into the surroundings.

Once outside, she glanced around. The area was unusually quiet given recent events, with only two cars in the parking lot—hers and a sleek black one nearby.

Ignoring it, she headed toward her car until her phone buzzed in her pocket. Forgetting it was still on silent, she checked to find another message from her father, asking when she'd be home.

Continuing to type while walking, she was distracted and—

"Oof." She bumped into someone.

"Sorry! I wasn't—Akashic?"

She looked up, surprised, ready to apologize, but then recognized a familiar face.

"Huh? Sorry, do we know each other?" Akashic asked with a polite, slightly confused expression. She took no offense to the question.

"When I first arrived, you were the advisor for my group. There were a few of us, so it makes sense you wouldn't remember me specifically." she replied with a kind smile.

Akashic paused thoughtfully before his eyes lit up. "Ah, Thea! How've you been?" The recognition surprised her, but she answered smoothly.

"It's been great, thanks to you. Your advice early on really helped me adjust. Seeing you at the top was motivating and it pushed me to catch up." she replied, the two falling into a nice conversation. Eventually, Thea's phone buzzed again, and she reluctantly decided it was time to leave.

After exchanging contact information, she dashed to her car, sliding into the backseat as Z2 took the driver's seat.

As they pulled out, Thea spoke. "Why were you so tense the moment Akashic appeared?"

Even Z2 seemed puzzled as they thought. "Miss, that man is… dangerous. Although I'm nearly invisible with my skill, I felt he could still see me. Also, he matches the description of someone I was warned about."

Z2 hesitated before continuing. "More importantly, even though I sensed no ill intent, I felt an intense fear looking at him. There's an undeniable aura of superiority radiating from him."

Thea considered the words before smiling again. "How intriguing he is! But I don't believe Akashic would hurt anyone." She was grateful for his kindness, even considering him a friend.

Z2 could only sigh, silently resolving to remain on high alert in the future.