CHAPTER 22: FADING

"Right, okay. Well, as long as you’re okay, I don’t see the issue," Aiko said, relaxing a little. "And not only that, I’m actually relieved to see you genuinely happy. That’s all I wanted to know."

Raito nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.

"So... I know you’re going to ask me this question now," Aiko continued, her voice teasing. "Since last year, when I asked you, why haven’t you asked her to be your girlfriend? I’m sure she likes you. 100 percent. And I also know you like her too. So why don’t you just ask her? You’ve known each other since you were kids."

Raito’s expression darkened slightly. Well... you don’t know that for sure, he thought. "Since last year, when you asked me that, I didn’t respond because I had my reasons. And the reason is simple: neither of us likes each other. She doesn’t. I don’t. I used to, to be honest, but now I’ve changed. I’m a completely different person. So please... don’t talk to me about Ayane."

Aiko’s eyes widened in surprise. "Wait... why are you getting aggressive? Did something happen? Did you guys fight?"

Raito shook his head. "We barely had any fights. Even back then, anything she did that could’ve hurt me—I smiled through it. I didn’t care. I can’t believe you think we fought."

Aiko looked a little guilty. "Right... well, maybe yes.

Aiko’s stomach rumbled softly. She rubbed it and looked embarrassed. "Well... fine. Fine, fine. I haven’t eaten anything. Aren’t you going to make your sister something to eat?"

Raito laughed awkwardly. "Oh, sorry. That didn’t even cross my mind. Just give me a moment. I’ll go get groceries."

Raito stood up and walked to his closet, grabbing some cash before heading out to the grocery store. Meanwhile, Aiko sat on the bed, her hand resting on her chin, deep in thought. What is going on? she wondered. Him and her in a fight... I can tell. Maybe she did something that triggered this reaction. But not just that...

The moment he spoke, she understood. He was no longer the same person. His confidence, which was usually lost in constant worry or thought, had returned in full force—even in these few moments. Before his power manifested, he was always thinking, always reading books. At sixteen, while he was still cleaning gates, most of the money he earned went toward buying books to learn about dungeons and the monsters inside. He had always been anxious, hesitant, and careful. But now... he was confident.

Could something have happened that changed him? Aiko thought, smiling faintly. I’m proud of him. But still... I never imagined he’d be someone who could just... overlook, who wouldn’t even want to talk about Ayane.

She rested her head flat on the bed, letting out a soft sigh.

Meanwhile, Raito strode through the streets toward the grocery store. Shit... I probably said too much about Ayane. He shook his head. But if I’m being honest with myself... she was the first love of my life. But not anymore.

As he walked into the grocery store, to his surprise, he saw Ayane. He glanced at her, thinking, speak of the devil... I was just thinking about you, Raito muttered, then looked away.

Ayane spotted him as he passed by and suddenly grabbed his hand. He stopped, staring at her. "Let go," Raito said firmly.

She released his hand. "I didn’t know you knew," Ayane said.

"Knew what?" Raito asked.

"Kaizuki told me. He said you knew I was dating Touzuki," Ayane explained.

"Oh, that. Yeah, I knew you were dating Touzuki, and I don’t have an issue with that.

"But if you don’t have an issue with that... why are you angry? Kaizuki told me it was because of that," Ayane said.

"Please, don’t talk to me. I actually don’t want to talk to you again," Raito replied coldly.

"Yeah? Does this mean you’ve abandoned our dream? The dream we promised each other, we were going to be hunters together," Ayane shot back.

"You abandoned it," Raito said, his voice low. "That was something you gave up on a long time ago. I already lost hope."

"I was there. I saw what you’re capable of," Ayane pressed. "Your power has manifested. I know the world wants you. You can come join my hunter guild. I assure you, they’ll place you where you belong. Maybe even as high as Rank B, maybe Rank A."

Raito shook his head. "Well, sorry, but I have to decline. And that power I displayed back then, it was a one-time thing. I’m not on that level. And please, if you see me next time, pretend I don’t exist."

"Pretend you don’t exist?" Ayane’s voice cracked slightly.

"Yes," Raito said firmly. He turned and started walking away.

Ayane stared at him, her chest tightening. Then she called out, "After I was assigned to a new team, the captain, the leader of that party, asked me out. If you keep walking, it means you don’t care. And I’ll accept him."

Raito paused. His hand rose to his neck as he cracked it slowly. He didn’t turn back. Without a word, he kept moving, grabbed a basket, and began picking out groceries, ramen noodles, rice, meat, and other essentials.

Well... I don’t care. She can do whatever she wants. All I have to focus on is getting stronger. Increasing my level. Nothing else, he thought bitterly.

At the counter, he placed the basket down. The cashier rang up the items, bagged them neatly, and gave him the price. Raito paid, took the bags, and walked out of the store without looking back.

The evening air was cold as he returned to his apartment. But his thoughts were still circling around Ayane. Which team was she assigned to? he wondered. It must be something big, maybe even one of the famous parties. For her to throw it in my face like that.

He clenched his jaw. But I don’t care. She can do whatever she wants.