Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Inside the milk tea shop, the elegant young woman waited patiently.

From time to time, she rose slightly on her toes, glancing toward the street with anticipation.

Master must be waiting. I hope he isn't getting impatient.

"Here are your two milk teas. Thank you for your patronage!"

The shopkeeper handed her the drinks, his gaze filled with admiration.

He hadn't expected to see someone so exquisite and beautiful in real life.

Surely, even the Shirasagi Himegimi couldn't be more radiant than this girl.

"Thank you."

Ayaka accepted the milk tea with a soft smile.

Thoughtfully, she added in a gentle tone, "Could you please place them in separate bags?"

One cup for herself, and one for Master.

If they ran out of bags, sharing one cup wasn't entirely off the table...

The shopkeeper smiled knowingly and began packing them.

Who's the lucky person to share the second cup with such a lovely girl?

"Here you go. Enjoy your date!"

"...Thank you."

Ayaka's cheeks warmed as she took the drinks.

The shopkeeper's words made her feel a bit bashful, but also sweetly satisfied.

If moments like this could happen more often, I wouldn't mind at all.

"Master..."

Ayaka left the shop, her pace quickening as she imagined the happiness of sharing milk tea with him.

But as she hurried toward Ren, a shadow suddenly blocked her path.

"Milk tea... and two cups, no less," came a calm, teasing voice.

Ayaka's delicate brows furrowed as she looked up.

Before her stood a young man whose smile was as warm as a spring breeze.

It was none other than Kamisato Ayato, head of the Yashiro Commission and her beloved elder brother.

"..."

Ayaka's expression darkened.

"What a coincidence, Ayaka," Ayato said with his usual gentle smile.

"Shall we head home together?"

As her older brother, he figured that even if she was upset, it wouldn't take much to win her over.

After all, Ayaka wasn't one to stay angry with him for long... right?

But before he could finish his sentence—

"Excuse me, please move aside," Ayaka said coldly, stepping neatly around him.

"!?"

Ayato's smile froze.

Her tone sounded like she was addressing a complete stranger with little interest in conversation.

"Wait, Ayaka."

He stepped in front of her again, his gaze lingering on the milk tea.

It wasn't that he was particularly interested in drinking it—he was just a little thirsty after a long day of work.

"..."

Ayaka lifted her face to meet his gaze, her expression serene but distant.

"It seems I was inconsiderate," Ayato said, keeping his tone warm and sincere.

Next time, I'll be more prepared. Then I'll catch that scoundrel who's been leading her astray.

"Is that so," Ayaka replied, suddenly breaking into a sweet smile.

She held one of the cups out to him, her voice gentle.

"Brother, would you like some milk tea?"

Ayato chuckled softly. "As it happens, I am a little thirsty. If you're—"

Before he could finish, Ayaka pulled the cup back and took a sip herself.

"Sorry, I don't have any to share," she said with a slight shrug, her expression innocent.

Ayato fell silent, deep in thought.

So... she really does dislike me now.

"If you want milk tea, buy your own," Ayaka huffed lightly, stepping past him.

Her Master was still waiting ahead, and she couldn't keep him waiting.

"Ayaka, isn't there still another cup?" Ayato asked, recovering his composure as he followed behind her.

There's still hope.

"This cup," Ayaka said with a soft smile, glancing into the distance, "is for..."

"?!"

Following her gaze, Ayato saw a young man standing at the corner of the street, waving with a sunny smile.

"What a coincidence, Yashiro Commissioner," Ren called out cheerfully.

"Ren."

Ayaka ran toward him without hesitation, leaving her brother behind.

"This is for you. I bought it just for you," she said, presenting the milk tea with both hands, her eyes full of care and warmth.

What a thoughtful girl.

Ayato's smile began to fade.

He stood silently, watching Ren, saying nothing.

"Thank you..." Ren replied politely, maintaining a calm demeanor.

Is this really okay? Offering milk tea to me in front of your brother?

"Why aren't you drinking? Don't you like it?" Ayaka asked, her large eyes blinking expectantly.

As she spoke, she gently pressed the straw to Ren's lips.

Come on, Master, drink up.

"..."

Unable to refuse, Ren took a sip.

The flavor was sweet and smooth, and despite himself, he ended up taking a couple more sips.

Ayaka's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled.

"Does it taste good?"

"It's very good," Ren admitted.

"Then let's go," Ayaka said, tugging him along.

Just then—

"Wait a moment," Ayato interjected, stepping forward with a serious expression.

"Takahashi-san, what exactly are you two doing?"

Are you sneaking off for a date?

"We're out buying ingredients," Ren replied with a helpless smile.

Ayato shook his head.

Did they really think such a flimsy excuse would fool anyone?

"Let's step aside for a moment," Ayato said, placing a hand on Ren's shoulder and pulling him aside.

"Did you catch the person from this afternoon?"

"He got away—he's a fast runner," Ren answered truthfully.

Ayato frowned slightly, studying him closely.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice.

"...The milk tea—how is it?"

Are you serious?...

"Good," Ren replied, nodding silently.

"You shouldn't let yourself be swayed by a mere cup of milk tea," Ayato warned.

"You need to take the initiative. Don't let that scoundrel steal Ayaka away!"

Ayato's gaze sharpened, his tone firm.

Initiative?

Ren sighed inwardly, lost in thought.

Your dear sister has already been 'stolen,' you just don't know it yet.

After a pause, Ren raised the cup in his hand.

"Yashiro Commissioner, would you like to try the milk tea Ayaka bought?"

He opened the lid and smiled politely.

If you want some, just say so. We're all family here, no need to be shy.

Ayato smiled faintly.

This kid's not too bad after all.

"Yashiro Commissioner," Ren said suddenly, his tone serious.

"Hm?"

"I'll take good care of Ayaka-sama in the future."

Ayato fell silent, pondering his words.

This kid... wasn't he just—

He's talking as if he's already won her heart.

After a moment, Ayato clapped Ren on the shoulder.

"Alright. Do your best."

At the end of the day, he couldn't interfere too much in matters of the heart.

As long as Ayaka was happy, that was all that mattered.

Now, about that milk tea—

Before he could say another word, Ayaka squeezed between them.

"Brother, Ren..."

"What were you two talking about?" she asked, tilting her head with a gentle smile.

"Nothing," Ren and Ayato replied in unison, shaking their heads.

For some reason, a chill ran down their spines.

"Let's go, Ren," Ayaka said, casting her brother a quick glance before turning away.

"Ayaka, wait for me," Ren called after her, hurrying to catch up.

Ayaka huffed lightly and quickened her pace, taking a sip of her milk tea as she walked.

How foolish... did they really think I couldn't hear them?

Promising to take good care of me in the future?

Her lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes filled with warmth.

This milk tea... it's a little sweet.

---

T/N: poor Ayato... first his sister got stolen now his milk tea...?

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