"So, your brother..." Geesa began, her voice casual.
"Doesn't see you that way."
She smiled, as Aria nodded—awkwardly.
"It's... weird to put it like that," Aria mumbled.
Geesa waved a hand dismissively.
"Just an example. I know you're not actually into him like that."
Her tone was light, reassuring, even if she sensed more.
Aria nodded.
"As long as you know that."
Geesa smiled, slow and calm.
"Alright then. So we just need to work on it—get your brother to grow some... pent-up feelings for you."
Aria nodded again, more hesitantly this time.
"And I'm guessing you don't have much time?"
"You could put it that way..." Aria replied, voice tight.
She couldn't say it outright—not to Geesa. That she wanted to get there first, to lay claim before her mother could. Instead, she masked it behind vague urgency.
Geesa studied her for a second, then nodded.
"Okay," she said simply.
"If you're saying you've got limited time—" Geesa began, her tone turning serious,
