More Or Less | ayato & thoma

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

His sophisticated eyes gaze at Thoma, who's been practically glaring at him, and he cracks the sly smile that shows his cunning personality. He'd permitted him to use his cup, which amuses him for some reason, though Thoma would be conscious of it — finding it unusual and disrespectful to use the same cup of tea as him. Other than this, he finds it entertaining that despite the antics that he pulled on Thoma, he still hasn't said something about it; isn't he annoyed?

It was interesting really, he knows how much Thoma looks up at him. It was evident, the visible loyalty in him and the gratitude he has towards his generosity. Honestly, the first time they met each other by the side of the deep ocean he felt who Thoma really was. That day he walked on the sand—toward the wretched Mondstadter, Thoma's eyes spoke of freedom and devotion.

"Sir," he called, and he eyed him, getting up from the ground and taking the tray he brought just earlier. "I'll take this out, and come back to finish the shelf." Ayato silently nods and watches him disappear into the room, then he slowly gets up and looks at the shelf Thoma was working on. He finds out that he was arranging it by letter, and Ayato unconsciously gleams a small smile.

"Great work," he'd whisper as his hands trailed on the tip of every book's cover. He never assumed Thoma to be such a good housekeeper, he certainly took Thoma into the role of being the housekeeper to hold him close, so they'd see each other a lot more often.

For another time, Ayato would think deeply—unwittingly—of Thoma. He would be lying if he says that this particular blonde young man hasn't been in his mind these days, and by 'these days' would be pertaining to the first day they met to this present. It's like part of his subconscious mind now, how come? Thoma was less than a close friend yet more than a housekeeper; perplexing to his mind, what exactly is Thoma to him? He'd ask himself sometimes when he finds himself thinking of him more and more.

He snaps back. He hears footsteps. Ayato turns to the entry, anticipating Thoma's return. But instead of seeing a tall figure with beautiful blonde hair, he sees Kamisato Ayaka standing and smiling at him. Ayato tilts his head and smiles back, "What is it, Ayaka?"

**

The sun rose and he strolled along a fellow politician discussing matters, he noticed that this foe would avoid including nonsense talks which he would find peculiar. Had he known that he hated small talk that consumed his time? Not just that, he finds it strange that they're walking around Ritou rather than in a private space to discuss matters.

He shrugs it off and listens to him, "The Irodori Festival will be reinstated, and novels showcasing modern Inazuman culture will be published, according to the head shrine maiden."

Ayato nods and he had found out that it would be held in Ritou Plaza, then asks why they're planning this late when it wasn't summer anymore. Usually, it was held in summer before it was forgotten by the Inazumans. "Lady Guuji has only recently begun writing and producing these light novels, but it won't take long, and our only concern will be executing this well."