"This Is Our Goodbye #2: Little Aoi & Little Ayaka"

Aoi's face was stern, her usually energetic demeanor replaced with a sense of gravity. She spoke to Shiriku in a tone that left no room for ambiguity. "Shiriku-sama, Ayaka-sama said that if her father still doesn't acknowledge everything we've accomplished up to today, Ayaka-sama will finally agree to proceed with the arranged marriage, just as Luciel-sama wished."

Her words fell like stones, each one resonating with the heavy weight of Ayaka's decision. Aoi's grave countenance reflected the seriousness of the matter, her eyes fixed on Shiriku as if to convey the full impact of what she was saying.

Shiriku's face contorted with irritation as he processed the news. "After everything we've done in these past few weeks, Ayaka finally gave up?" His voice rose with frustration, each word edged with a sharpness that betrayed his disbelief. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, and his eyebrows knitted together in a frown.

The idea that Ayaka, after all their efforts, was ready to concede to her father's wishes stirred a deep sense of discontent within him. It felt like a betrayal, a dismissal of everything they'd fought for. The frustration was evident in his expression, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Aoi, seeking confirmation or perhaps a sign that this was all a misunderstanding.

But Aoi's response was a simple nod, her face conveying the seriousness of the situation. "Yes," she said, her voice steady but somber. The finality of her answer confirmed the gravity of Ayaka's resolve. It wasn't just a fleeting notion—it was a decision made with full awareness of its consequences.

Shiriku's mind raced, his thoughts darting between anger and disappointment. This wasn't how it was supposed to end. After all the missions, the plans, and the efforts to sway Ayaka's father, they were now facing a dead end. His shoulders tensed, and he exhaled sharply, the sound echoing in the corridor.

Shiriku's frustration was palpable as he pressed for more details. "And who is this 'Luciel-sama'? Who is he?" His voice held a note of urgency as he stared at Aoi, his eyes filled with questions. The mention of this name seemed to add another layer of complexity to an already perplexing situation.

Aoi maintained her serious demeanor, her eyes steady as she met Shiriku's gaze. "Luciel-sama is Ayaka-sama's father," she said, her tone underscoring the weight of her words. It was clear that Luciel held a significant position in Ayaka's life, his influence stretching far beyond mere familial ties.

Shiriku absorbed this information, but the confusion on his face showed that he needed more. "What's Ayaka's father like?" he asked, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. The mention of Luciel as a central figure in Ayaka's decisions made Shiriku realize that the stakes were higher than he'd imagined.

Aoi hesitated for a moment, as if considering how much to reveal. When she spoke, her voice was measured and deliberate. "Luciel-sama is a powerful man, both within the Kazahana family and beyond," she explained. "He has high expectations for Ayaka-sama, expecting her to uphold the family's reputation. He values tradition, and he's not easily swayed by outside opinions."

Shiriku listened intently, his brows furrowing as he tried to piece together the puzzle. The idea that Ayaka's father could have such a strong influence on her decisions made him uneasy. He had hoped their recent efforts would lead to more freedom for Ayaka, but it seemed that Luciel's grip on her life was tighter than he had anticipated.

Aoi continued, her voice steady but with a hint of sympathy. "Luciel-sama is strict, but he's also focused on maintaining the family's legacy. Ayaka-sama has been trying to meet his expectations, but it's a lot for one person to carry."

Shiriku nodded slowly, a sense of empathy washing over him. The pressure Ayaka faced from her father was immense, and it explained her recent decisions. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling of frustration that their hard work might be undone by one man's rigid views on tradition and family expectations.

Aoi maintained her serious demeanor as she suggested a change of location. "Let's find another place for this conversation. There are too many students in the hall," she proposed, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. The bustle and chatter of the school corridor made it clear that this wasn't the place for a sensitive discussion.

Shiriku nodded in agreement. They ventured through the bustling halls, weaving between groups of students engaged in animated conversations. The journey through the crowded corridors took several minutes, and the occasional curious glance from passing students added to the sense of urgency.

They eventually reached the summit of the high school building, an open space typically devoid of people. It provided the privacy they needed for their conversation. Shiriku glanced around, the gentle breeze ruffling his hair. "Well, we're here. So, what's he like?" he asked, his voice breaking the silence that settled over the rooftop. His question lingered in the air as he looked to Aoi for answers.

Aoi's expression grew more somber as she focused her gaze on Shiriku. "Luciel-sama wasn't always a cold-hearted father. In fact, I met him when I was just seven years old. That's also the day I met Ayaka-sama," she said, her tone softening as she began to recount her story.

As Aoi spoke, Shiriku listened intently, his curiosity piqued. Her voice took on a reflective quality as she led him through a vivid flashback, her words painting a scene from the past.

The setting was an old corporate office, a place of polished wooden furniture and large glass windows. The younger Aoi stood by her father's side, a sharp-witted child with a serious demeanor. Her father was engaged in conversation with Luciel Kazahana, Ayaka's father, thanking him for a recent promotion he had received. The atmosphere was warm, filled with hearty laughter and the subtle clinking of glasses. Luciel was a man who exuded charisma, his presence commanding the room.

The young Aoi lingered behind her father, her keen eyes observing the interactions. Despite her age, her seriousness contrasted with the lightheartedness in the room. It was in this setting that she first met Ayaka, a girl about her age, hiding behind a large potted plant, seemingly uninterested in the adults' conversation.

The memory of that day remained vivid in Aoi's mind, and she conveyed it with an air of nostalgia mixed with gravity. It was a different time, a different Luciel. As Shiriku listened to her story, he could sense that this past moment held a key to understanding the complex dynamics between Ayaka and her father.