have patience | Kamisato Ayato x Reader

chapter 6 | a misinterpreted impression

While the brilliant shimmering sun poked through the clouds that hung overcast in the skies above, your makeshift party of four had finally yet again arrived near the entrance to the festival grounds. Though most would be overjoyed to spend such an occasion with such high-standing guests accompanying them, the awkward air that lingered in the estate had followed you all out the door, and as it had turned out, you were simply having a miserable time because of it.

And, as per usual, it was all thanks to the blue-haired commissioner that always came accessorized with an air of elegance and a subtle, mischievous smirk.

The entirety of the trip to Ritou, you had clung onto Ayaka and Thoma's side like a devoted lost puppy following its masters, and you tried your absolute best to avoid Ayato as if he were a manifestation of the plague itself. Not even daring to take a step closer to his side, you wouldn't even swerve your footing around puddles of rain from the night before if it meant having to be even an inch closer to him.

It wasn't even that you hated Ayato; no. It's just that every interaction you two had ever shared had always left you feeling the extremes of one emotion or another in the end, whether it be embarrassment or pure confusion, and, in all honesty, you didn't feel like finding out which emotion he'd fling you through this time.

Ayaka had slowly picked up on your behavior, and would always try to gently nudge you in the arm whenever she saw a puddle on the path, trying to warn you before you stumbled into it. The woman's kindness brought an awkward smile to your lips, and suddenly, you understood the reason why you falsely thought the eccentrical jerk she claimed as her kin would be as courteous as she.

As you finished recollecting upon what happened on your trip, Thoma finally decided he couldn't take the deafening silence for much longer, and he quickly tried a conversation starter as he glanced at the decorations that adorned the village.

"I think we did a wonderful job so far in setting up here, yeah?"

As everyone else remained silent, Thoma tried again.

"I never knew light novels were so... popular?"

The mere mention of light novels had caused you to swallow air into your lungs the wrong way, and you forcefully coughed. Thoma and Ayaka quickly halt in their tracks, and the blond retainer rushed over to your side, his head tilted to the side as he tried to gauge what was wrong. Much to your misfortune, Ayato had caught the commotion.

"Mm... yes, Thoma. Light novels seem to be rather popular, no?" Ayato hummed in contemplation as he paused to take a sip from his cup of milk tea that he had purchased on the way, then subtly glanced over at you. "If the words of the Guuji about her profits are to be believed, it seems her bestsellers tend to be on the more romantic side..."

The moment you recognized Ayato's attention had fallen upon you, you bit your tongue to refrain from uttering a word that may elicit any further comments. The only thing you could do was glare at the commissioner through the corner of your eye, and silently begin to hope that his favorite boba stall would be struck by calamity.

As you reached closer to the center of the plaza, Ayaka abruptly stopped, and she turned around to face you and the others, her frosty gaze apologetic as it danced between the group and a building ahead.

"I'm terribly afraid that I forgot to mention that I'm needed somewhere today. Brother, will you be so kind as to stay with Thoma and Y/N?"

A small, yet very vocal part of your inner thoughts hoped that he would say no.

"Of course, dearest sister. Fret not." Ayato replied as he flicked his wrist towards the direction of the building Ayaka was looking at, likely a signal that implied he was alright with her leaving.