The night air was cool and calm as Issei and Uzume finally stepped through the front gates of the Izumo Inn. Their steps were heavy, but more from exhaustion. Issei yawned and stretched, dirt streaking across his uniform, pants torn near the knee. Uzume's clothes, her blue jeans and pink shirt, were slightly scuffed.
"Tadaima," Issei muttered as he stepped inside.
The living room was bustling with the inn's usual suspects.
Matsu sat cross-legged on the floor, her laptop in front of her, while Homura leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, eyes sharp. Yashima sat on a cushion sipping tea, and Miya—ever the composed landlady—was setting the last of the dinner plates onto the low table.
But the moment the door creaked open, all four turned.
"You're late," Homura said with narrowed eyes.
"W-We were starting to get worried," Yashima added, standing up quickly.
Matsu's eyes flicked over their appearance. "Whoa. You guys look like you rolled through a landfill."
Miya's brows furrowed as she noticed the torn clothes, and the dirt smudges. "What happened to you two?" She asked, stepping forward with worry in her voice.
Issei chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "We, uh… kinda got attacked."
"Attacked?!" Miya's voice instantly spiked, her hands moving on instinct to check him for injuries. "By who? Are you hurt? Was it more of MBI's doing?!"
Issei laughed, stepping back slightly from her fussing hands. "Relax, Miya-san. It wasn't that bad. Just a loud mouthed Sekirei and his weird Ashikabi looking to cause trouble."
Uzume stepped forward, proudly puffing out her chest. "But they were no match for us! You should've seen it. My hubby was amazing! He threw a punch that sent the guy flying!"
Yashima gasped. "Really?!"
Issei rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean… Uzume did much of the work. I just—"
"Punched him so hard it broke concrete!" Uzume finished with a wink. "It was hot."
Matsu chuckled, resting her chin on her palm. "Looks like someone had fun."
Miya, still frowning, stepped closer again. "Are you absolutely sure you're not hurt?"
Issei gave her a soft, reassuring smile. "Not a scratch. Guy couldn't lay a hand on me. With Uzume around, we basically jumped him."
Miya exhaled, clearly relieved—but still unconvinced.
Just then, Issei's stomach made its presence known with a mighty growl that echoed through the entire room.
Everyone paused.
Uzume snorted. "He's been running on empty since the fight ended."
Miya, without missing a beat, turned and made her way toward the kitchen. "I'll bring the food."
"I'll help." Matsu offered, hopping up with an almost-too-eager bounce.
As the two women disappeared into the kitchen, Matsu cast a glance over her shoulder. Her lips curved into a devilish smirk as she looked directly at Miya—who immediately noticed.
"Don't say it." Miya muttered under her breath.
"I didn't say anything." Matsu said, voice dripping with innocence, though her smugness was palpable.
"You're thinking it."
"I think it's sweet," Matsu whispered, stacking plates beside the sink. "You're worried. He's growing on you."
Miya stiffened, her back turned as she stirred the pot of soup. "I'm worried because it's my responsibility to care for everyone here." She said tightly.
Matsu hummed. "Uh-huh. That's what it is."
"Shut it, Matsu."
Matsu chuckled, clearly enjoying every second of it.
Back in the living room, Issei had collapsed onto one of the cushions with a satisfied groan, letting Uzume towel off the back of his neck. Yashima sat beside them, watching with quiet admiration, while Homura, ever the aloof guardian, just shook his head.
"Honestly." Homura muttered as he knew the other male in the inn was strong from watching him train, but strong enough to punch a Sekirei out was something else. "Trouble follows you everywhere."
Issei just grinned. "Yeah, but at least I can punch it when it shows up."
"So what happened to the two troublemakers?" Homura asks
"Eh? Who knows?" Issei simply shrugs his shoulders. "After we defeated them. We let them leave. Who knows where they went?"
Homura is astonished by the news. "You simply let them go?"
"Yup. Finishing them wasn't really all that appealing to me. I'm sure it's fine."
—-------------------------
Night descended gently over the Izumo Inn. The soft hum of cicadas outside was joined by the rhythmic creaks of wood as the wind brushed against the sliding doors. The inn's residents had settled into their own quiet routines as the moon got higher into the sky.
Homura adjusted his coat in the entranceway, brushing a few strands of silver hair behind his ear. "I'll be out for the night. Let me know if anything happens."
Miya nodded, her usual calm expression in place as she handed him a small charm she had made earlier that week. "Be safe, Homura."
With a quiet "hm," he turned and vanished into the night.
Meanwhile, deeper within the inn, silence had taken over—broken only by the soft, even breathing of those now fast asleep.
Inside Uzume's room, the sight would've stunned any normal onlooker.
Issei Hyoudou lay sprawled out in the middle of the futon, face relaxed in pure bliss, snoring lightly. His arms were occupied—Uzume had claimed one, curled into his side with a satisfied smirk even in her dreams. Matsu lay on his other side, glasses off, her hands tangled around his bicep like he was her personal body pillow. A stray mumble left her lips: "My Ashikabi's readings are optimal…"
Yashima, who had, at some point during the night, climbed on top of Issei—her small frame gently rising and falling with his chest. Her face was tucked under his chin, arms folded beneath her, and a peaceful expression graced her shy features.
The room was warm from shared body heat and the scent of comfort.
And yet, in another part of the house, peace was far from Miya's mind.
The small shrine was tucked in a quiet corner of the inn, a small alcove filled with gentle candlelight. Miya knelt before it, her hands clasped in prayer, her expression unreadable.
Before her was a framed photo. Takehito. Her husband. Her light. The only man who ever saw through her and showed the beauty of this world. A genius. A fool. Her everything.
"…Another day has passed, Takehito." She whispered softly. "And it's getting harder."
Her brown eyes glimmered in the dim light. "Each time I see him… I feel it. The pull. That warmth in my chest. My Tama stirs even without my permission." Her gaze dropped. Her voice trembled.
"He's nothing like you. He's loud. Awkward. Hopelessly perverted." A pause. "And yet… he's kind. So kind. He makes everyone laugh. He listens when they speak. He fights for them, protects them. Without hesitation."
Miya's fists clenched in her lap.
"I can feel it, you know. That instinct... that ache to be near him. When he smiles at another, it burns. When he looks away, it stings."
Her shoulders trembled slightly.
"And the worst part? He has no idea. He's so honest. He doesn't push. He would never force me. And that just makes it harder."
She looked up again, her voice no longer trembling—but firm. Resolved.
"Soon, he'll leave. To that strange world Matsu spoke of… he'll return to it. And I'll be here. Watching. Letting him go."
A bitter smile curved her lips.
"I can't betray you, Takehito. I promised I'd protect them. This place. Your dream. But…"
The candle flame flickered as her breath hitched.
"…If he asked me… If he held out his hand…"
A long silence passed as she stared at the picture.
"What would you tell me to do?" She closed her eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. "…Oh Takehito… what should I do?"
The only response was the faint crackle of the candlewick. And the quiet whisper of the wind through the paper walls.
But deep inside, Miya already knew.
Soon… she would have to choose.
—----------------------
14 days left
The warm scent of rice and grilled fish filled the air as morning light poured through the paper-screen windows of the Izumo Inn. Issei yawned loudly, rubbing the back of his head, his work uniform only halfway on and his shirt untucked. His hair was a mess, and there were faint pillow marks still etched on his cheek from last night's snuggling between Uzume, Matsu, and Yashima.
"Man… I really wonder how I'm going to sleep when we get home." He mutters as he pictures Tamamo and Yuuka trying to get on his small bed, dragging his feet toward the kitchen. He paused mid-step as he entered the dining area—and blinked at the unexpected sight before him.
Sitting at the low table, looking as though he belonged there, was a tall, rugged-looking man with a lazy grin and a stubbled chin. His dark brown hair was messy and slightly unkempt, giving him a perpetual "just got out of bed and don't care" look. On either side of him were two identical girls with long, silky black hair and red eyes, wearing similar outdoor outfits.
The twins were bowing politely toward Miya, whose expression was a tight-lipped frown. Her arms were crossed, foot tapping gently but ominously on the floor.
"I'm really sorry for causing trouble again, Miya-sama…" The twin with the smaller breast, Hibiki, muttered.
"We'll make sure Seo doesn't cause more damage." The other twin, the one with bigger breast, Hikari, added quickly.
Miya sighed, visibly trying to temper her irritation. "Just… try not to let his bad habits influence you two, alright?"
Issei scratched his head, stepping further into the room. "Uh… good morning?"
All eyes turned to him at once.
Miya immediately brightened—or tried to. Her eyes softened, and she greeted, "Good morning, Issei-kun." A bit too quickly. A bit too warmly.
The scruffy man didn't miss it.
He whistled low, turning to face Issei fully. "Well, well~ So this is the famous new resident of Izumo Inn, huh?" He stood up lazily, stretching a bit. "Yo. Name's Seo Kaoru. I'm an old friend of Miya's. And these two, are my girls Hibiki and Hikari."
"Good morning." Hibiki, the girl with smaller breast politely responds. While the other sister simply nods.
"I wouldn't call that friendship," Miya said flatly, shooting him a look. "Issei-san, you don't need to trouble yourself speaking to him. His uselessness is contagious."
"Aw, come on, that's cold!" Seo laughed, completely unbothered. The twins sighed again in practiced synchronization.
Issei scratched his cheek sheepishly. "I… uh, sorry for interrupting your conversation. Didn't mean to intrude."
"Nah, no worries." Seo waved it off. "Not like we were talkin' 'bout anything important. Just Miya chewing me out again. Same as usual."
Miya sniffed. "Because you deserve it."
"Probably." He grinned, then turned his attention back to Issei. "So… You're also an Ashikabi"
Issei blinked. "Huh?" Wondering how he found out.
Seo grinned wider, the stubble on his chin catching the light like a badge of lazy confidence. "You reek of it, kid. That scent. You have winged many female Sekirei." Seo pointed a finger at him, his tone teasing. "Three, right? That's my guess."
Issei blinked. "…Wait, how'd you know?"
"Lucky guess," Seo said with a wink. "That, and you've got the same look I did back when I was juggling these two."
Hibiki frowned and Hikari elbowed him. "You say that like you ever handled us properly."
"Hey now." Seo huffed. "No need to gang up on me. Save that for when I say something really dumb."
"That was really dumb." Hibiki muttered.
Issei chuckled, something about the guy made him think they could get along, finally sitting down and grabbing a plate for himself. Somehow, the roughness of this guy was kind of refreshing. Still, he couldn't help but glance at Miya. Her face was calm, though she glanced his way just once. That brief glance was all he needed. She was still shaking and tenses up in his presence.
'She's still fighting it.' Issei thought quietly, scooping some rice. 'But I won't push her. Not unless she wants me to reach out.'
Seo raised a brow, noticing the quiet exchange between them. His grin returned, lazy but sharp. "Man… kid, you're stirrin' up more than just trouble in this house."
Issei blinked. "Huh?"
"Nothing, nothing." Seo said, waving a hand. "Just thinking out loud."
Issei started scarfing down the rice and fish. "So. You're here to visit Miya-san."
"Nah." Seo responds without care, grabbing more rice. "I came to steal a bit of her food."
"You're telling me." Issei began after a gulp of tea. "You came here… just to eat?"
Before Seo could answer, Miya's voice cut in sharp as a blade. "This bum is here because his broke ass has once again run out of food in his pitiful apartment and has come to mooch off of us."
"Miya-sama!" Hibiki cried in distress. "Please forgive our useless Ashikabi!"
"We did try to stop him!" Hikari added with an apologetic bow.
Seo just laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Hey, hey, you make it sound like I'm not welcome. I'm just here to say hi to an old friend~!"
Issei could only sweatdrop at the entire scene. 'This guy… he's bold. I'll give him that.'
"Well." Issei said, setting down his empty bowl. "I should probably get ready for work."
Miya nodded curtly, arms folded. "Yes. Please do. The last thing I want is for you to end up like him."
"Oi!" Seo called, raising an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Miya ignored him, turning her full attention to Issei as he rose and headed toward the hallway. Within minutes, Issei returned dressed in his slightly wrinkled work uniform, patched up by Uzume from their last fight.
Just as he was about to step toward the door, Miya approached silently.
"Wait," she said softly.
Issei turned, blinking. "Yeah?"
She held up a bento box, freshly wrapped in cloth and still warm. "Here. You forgot this."
"Ah—thanks." He said, smiling gratefully as he took the box.
But then Miya stepped closer as always, reaching out with both hands and gently straightening the collar of his uniform. Her touch lingered for just a moment longer than necessary. The corners of her lips curved upward in a soft, almost serene smile.
Her eyes met his briefly. An unspoken warmth and conflict lingering in her gaze. Issei felt it again. That strange, electric pull. That tension that only grew stronger every time they were together.
Miya, seemingly aware of it too, quickly stepped back before she did something reckless.
Issei chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his head. "Alright. I'll be back before dinner."
"Be safe." Miya said, bowing slightly, though her tone was gentle.
Issei gave a wave and disappeared out the front door.
The moment it slid shut, Miya turned—and found Seo staring at her, jaw slightly open, eyes wide in disbelief.
"…What?" She asked flatly.
Seo leaned back, folding his arms and letting out a low whistle. "Well, well… I never thought I'd see the day."
Miya raised an eyebrow. "See what?"
"You," Seo said with a grin, "blushing like a schoolgirl over some high school punk."
Miya narrowed her eyes. "Shut it."
The twins remained silent, now frozen with tension.
Seo raised both hands defensively. "Hey, hey. No judgment. Just surprised, that's all."
Miya sighed deeply, glancing toward the shrine in the next room. Her voice lost its edge. "It's not what you think."
Seo tilted his head. "Then what is it?"
She didn't answer right away. Her gaze drifted downward, her hands folding gently in front of her. Then, without looking at him, she sighs and speaks quietly. "I'm glad you came, Seo. There's something important I need to discuss with you. Something… about the future."
Seo's lazy grin faded just a bit, a flicker of seriousness settling into his expression. "Oh?" He said, voice low. "Alright then. I'm listening."
Miya soon sat down and took a breath, and met Seo's curious gaze across the low table. Hibiki and Hikari sat obediently at either side of their Ashikabi, but their bright eyes betrayed their interest in the conversation.
"As you may have guessed," Miya began softly, her fingers folded neatly in her lap, "I've been… reacting to Issei."
Hibiki gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "Wah! So it's true?! Congratulations, Miya-sama!"
Hikari gave an excited clap. "He must be one amazing Ashikabi if even you are reacting to him!"
Miya, however, gave no smile. She looked down at her tea, her expression unreadable. "It's not something I celebrate."
The twins fell quiet.
"I have been fighting it with everything I have. Every day, I feel it getting worse." Her voice was low, almost strained. "And any day now… I might lose that fight."
Seo leaned back, arms crossed, brows slightly raised. "Damn. That's saying something coming from you, Miya. I thought nobody could break through that steel wall of yours after Takehito died."
Miya didn't look at him. "I did too."
"So," Seo continued, adjusting the sleeves of his ragged jacket, "where'd you find this kid anyway? Did you pick him up off the street, or…?"
Miya's lips twitched faintly. "Uzume brought him here, actually. Said he needed a place to stay." Her voice grew a little more resolute as she added, "But don't let his age fool you. He is not a normal human. Not by any means. He is… much, much stronger than he appears."
"Stronger than you?" Seo asked with a knowing grin.
Miya finally looked up. Her brown eyes glinted. "Of course not. At least not yet."
Seo blinked. "No kidding."
"He's special," she murmured. "There's something deep inside him. A power that defies reason. I can feel it… like a second heartbeat when he's nearby."
Seo whistled, low and impressed. "Well, damn. That would explain why you're reacting. Will you finally join the Sekirei Plan then?" Seo asked carefully. "Is this the guy that's going to make you take the plunge?"
Miya shook her head. "Issei has no intention of playing Minaka's twisted game. He's made that very clear. He only wants to protect those close to him and return home."
Seo blinked. "Home?"
She gave him a look. "He's… not from this city. And plans to go back soon.
"So this Issei guy… he's planning to leave the city?" Seo asked.
Miya nodded. "In about two weeks."
Seo let out a low whistle. "Well that's kind of impossible. Minaka would never allow any of the participants to leave his grand plan."
Miya snorted, the first real expression she'd made in a while. "Minaka couldn't stop him if he tried. And if I do end up becoming his… then I dare that fool to try and take him from me."
The air in the room chilled slightly as her aura briefly flared—a whisper of her true power. The twins shivered and leaned closer to Seo protectively.
Seo, for once, looked genuinely impressed. "Heh. Now that's the Miya I know."
Miya allowed herself a small, dangerous smile. "It would be quite the poetic twist, wouldn't it? The one Sekirei Minaka could never control becoming the symbol of his failure."
"Minaka would lose his damn mind," Seo laughed. "I almost want to see it."
"It would be good news for you too," Miya added with a smirk.
"Huh?"
She sipped her drink. "If I'm no longer part of the Plan, you won't have to worry about fighting me."
"…Oh," Seo blinked, then broke into a sheepish grin. "Y-Yeah, good point."
The twins exhaled a breath of relief in perfect sync. "Thank goodness…"
Miya chuckled softly, something lighter and more relaxed in her expression now.
For the first time in a long time… she was considering moving forward. And for once, it didn't feel like betrayal. It just felt like fate.
"So," Seo said after a long moment of silence, setting his empty teacup down with a quiet clink, "is that all you wanted to tell me, Miya?"
Miya met his eyes with the calm, resolute expression she'd perfected over the years. Her fingers folded neatly in her lap. "No. There's something else."
Seo blinked. "Oh?"
She looked toward the corner of the room, where the fading light of the shrine to Takehito cast soft shadows. Her voice, when it came, was gentle—careful. "There's a chance… a small one… that I may allow myself to be winged by Issei."
That alone was enough to draw sharp gasps from both Hibiki and Hikari.
"Wait—Miya-san?! You're really considering it?!"
"Oh wow! That's huge!" Hibiki clapped her hands excitedly. "You've always said you wouldn't!"
Miya raised a hand, not unkindly, and continued. "If that happens… if I do choose to go with him, I can't leave this place behind with just anyone."
Seo's brow furrowed. "Miya… what are you saying?"
"I want you to take over the inn." Her eyes remained steady. "As the landlord."
The silence that followed was deafening. Even the wind outside seemed to still for a moment.
"...Hah?" Seo choked, pointing a thumb to his chest. "Me?! Are you serious?!"
Hibiki and Hikari nearly burst with excitement, gripping either side of their Ashikabi with matching sparkles in their eyes.
"A real job?!"
"A home that's not falling apart?!"
Seo, still processing, waved his hands. "W-Wait a damn minute! Why the hell would you pick me for something this important?! You sure you haven't been drinking, Miya?!"
Miya's smile turned just a little sharper. "If I had another choice, I would have taken it. But Takehito always believed in you—despite your… tendencies."
"Tendencies?!" Seo shouted.
"You're loud, lazy, irresponsible, and morally questionable," Miya listed without blinking. "But you loved Takehito like a brother. And I know you would never let this place fall into ruin. Not his home."
Seo looked like someone had punched him in the gut.
He opened his mouth to argue… but couldn't. His face twitched, hand gripping his knee. The weight of her words sank into him. She trusted him. Actually trusted him.
"…Dammit, Miya…" he muttered.
Before the silence could stretch too far, the twins cut in.
"Of course we'll help!" Hibiki beamed. "We'll keep this place in perfect condition!"
"Yeah! And if Seo tries to slack off." Hikari added with a grin. "We'll beat some motivation into him!"
Miya laughed quietly behind her sleeve. "Good. That's what I was hoping to hear."
Seo looked at the three women surrounding him, one stern and elegant, two brimming with hope and affection and sighed in defeat. He scratched the back of his head and grumbled, "I swear, every time I open my mouth, someone else signs me up for something."
Miya tilted her head, her gaze gentle. "Are you saying no?"
"…Nah," Seo admitted, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I'd be a bastard if I said no to that kind of trust."
He leaned back, arms behind his head.
"I'll do it."
Cheers erupted from the twins as they hugged him from both sides, almost knocking him over.
"You better not screw it up!" Hibiki yelled into his ear.
"Or we're doubling your chores!" Hikari added gleefully.
Seo simply rolled his eyes.
Miya bowed her head slightly, grateful. "Thank you, Seo."
"…Don't thank me yet," he said, scratching his neck awkwardly. "It's gonna be weird without you here."
Her smile softened. "I think it'll be alright." But then her expression soon hardens.
Seo simply crossed his arms sensing a change, watching her with an expression far more serious than usual. Hibiki and Hikari, sensing the weight of the moment, sat quietly by his side.
Miya finally spoke. "…Seo."
He grunted in response, straightening a little.
"I have one last question." Her fingers clasped together in her lap, knuckles pale. "You were his best friend. The one who knew him the longest… better than I did, perhaps."
Seo blinked, then lowered his arms, nodding slowly. "…Yeah. We went way back."
Her gaze fell to the floorboards, lashes casting soft shadows on her cheeks.
"If… if Takehito were here," She began, her voice trembling ever so slightly. "What do you think he would say? About all this—about me. About what's happening now… with Issei."
Silence followed.
Seo leaned forward, his voice uncharacteristically calm, steady, sincere. "You already know what he'd say."
Miya looked up at him, eyes shimmering faintly. "Do I?"
Seo gave a dry laugh. "Yeah. You just don't want to admit it. But I'll say it anyway. That damn workaholic would smile, clap you on the back, and say you deserve to be happy.'"
Miya's eyes widened. Her breath caught in her throat.
"That's what he'd say," Seo continued, his tone gentler now. "He loved you, Miya. Enough to know that you wouldn't stop living when he was gone. He'd want you to move forward. To laugh. To smile. To feel loved again. He wasn't the type of guy to cling to the past. You know that better than anyone."
Hibiki nodded slowly, reaching for Miya's hand across the table. "He'd want you to live."
"And be happy," Hikari added softly. "Because love doesn't stop with goodbye."
Miya closed her eyes, her heart pounding so hard it echoed in her ears. Takehito's face flashed through her mind—his warm smile, his gentle words, the way he'd chuckle under his breath when she'd pout or scold him.
She remembered the promises they made, the dreams they shared. But she also remembered how he always told her not to live in sadness… that her heart still had room for joy, even if it seemed impossible.
"…You're right," she whispered, tears threatening at the corners of her eyes. "I think… I always knew. But hearing it from you makes it real."
Seo offered her a small smile. "Then don't waste the chance. If Issei's the one, don't let him slip away just because you're scared."
Miya chuckled weakly, brushing the edge of her sleeve against her eyes. "You've grown wiser, Seo."
"Don't say weird stuff," Seo muttered, rubbing his neck and looking away. "I'm still the same irresponsible bastard."
Miya smiled faintly. "Perhaps. But you've always had a good heart."
As the conversation settled into a peaceful silence, Miya's gaze drifted once more toward the window. The wind picked up again, and the chime by the garden rang softly.
Maybe, just maybe… it was time to let go of the grief that had weighed her down for so long.
And maybe… to reach for something new.