In the Clear

"You're okay?" Leonel smiled, looking forward with a hint of gentleness in his eyes. Even in comparison to the usual, his gaze for Aina was even more caring. But it was difficult to tell if this was because they had finally taken that step in their relationship, or if it was because the loss of his brothers, albeit temporary, had made his grip on what was important to him all the firmer. 

Aina, who had just finished recovering from her fatigue and had come out to see what Leonel was up to, was dazed for a moment. She had come out with the intent that she would either find battle or Leonel hard at work, so her mentality was there. But she hadn't expected to see such a pair of eyes the moment she stepped out. 

The huge pendulum swing between expectation and reality left her frozen, and not long afterward, left her blushing profusely. She didn't know what to say.