Part 1: The Breakfast Battle
The silence and coldness that once characterized Takuto's house were gone. Early in the morning, the kitchen was already filled with a cacophony of sound.
Kaori, dressed in a black house robe, was meticulously preparing a grilled salmon—a traditional, highly nutritious Japanese breakfast—with a deep frown. Her dish was as precise and disciplined as a soldier.
Kaori: (Muttering, angrily) "Takuto-kun needs to be fed only this Omega-3 for his health. No need for dangerous foods from others!"
Standing next to her, Ayano was preparing a quintessential American breakfast: soft pancakes drizzled with sweet maple syrup, all served with a sweet smile. Ayano's dishes were cute and highly inviting.
Ayano: (Looking at Kaori, in a sweet voice) "Kaori-san... I think Takuto-kun needs some sweetness at this age. The brain craves sugar when stressed, right? And... as a friend, one should make him happy."
Kaori: "Your intention is clearly to slip in a love potion, Ayano!"
Both were waging a visual battle, their breakfast plates placed at the center of the tension.
When Takuto came downstairs and saw the scene, his ears immediately turned red.
Takuto: "Hey! I'll... eat by myself!"
However, Kaori pushed the plate of nutritious fish towards him from the right, and Ayano pushed the plate of soft pancakes from the left, trapping Takuto between two stubborn forces.
During breakfast, Kaori placed a long list of house rules on the table.
Kaori: "Rule #1: Ayano must not sit next to Takuto-kun in the living room for more than five minutes per hour. Rule #2: If Ayano speaks privately with Takuto-kun, she must immediately report the contents of the conversation to me."
Ayano: (Eating a piece of her pancake) "I'm sorry, Kaori-san. I've already broken Rule #1."
Kaori: "What... what did you say?"
Ayano: (Looking at Takuto with loving eyes) "I requested Takuto-kun to tell me a Night Jasmine story before bedtime. And... he accepted."
Takuto: (Feeling like he was choking on a pancake) "Hey... I didn't... exactly... agree!"
Ayano: "Telling a Night Jasmine story is psychological therapy, Kaori-san. It will relieve Takuto-kun's stress. This is for the benefit of the Crimson Aegis."
Kaori's face contorted with anger. Ayano was comically breaking the rules under the guise of "love and therapy," leaving Kaori speechless.
(Narration: The whole week passed with the same tension, mixed with humor. Takuto's normal, peaceful life was utterly lost.)
Every Morning: He was forced to face the breakfast battle between Ayano's sweet pancakes (full of affection) and Kaori's nutritious fish (full of responsibility).
On the way to school: Takuto silently sighed, walking between the bickering and competitive attention of Ayano and Kaori on either side.
The school campus became a battlefield for Takuto. The attention from his classmates persisted due to Ayano's close behavior.
During lunchtime, Takuto tried to escape to a corner of the library, but Ayano caught up to him.
Ayano: (Holding Takuto's shoulder) "Takuto-kun! I made a cucumber and apple smoothie today. It's great for the skin, you know."
Kaori: (Appearing suddenly from behind Ayano) "Wait a minute! I haven't checked Takuto-kun's blood sample yet! Skin is irrelevant to power, Ayano! He needs protein!"
Kaori ignored Ayano's smoothie and tightly shoved a protein bar into Takuto's hand.
Takuto: (Holding half a smoothie and half a protein bar) "I... I'm not going to eat anything today!"
In the school hallway, the classmates couldn't help but stare at Takuto.
Student (F): "Look! Is Himura acting as Kaori-san's bodyguard and Ayano's boyfriend at the same time?"
Student (G): "Is he actually the Harem King? We thought he was a loner all this time!"
Takuto hid his face under the desk, mentally screaming, "Just leave me alone." He realized that getting his cold, normal life back was no longer a reality.
Part 2: ☕ The Cafe Escape
In the evening, Takuto arrived at his part-time job—a small café downtown—to briefly escape the domestic war between Kaori and Ayano. Although Kaori strictly ordered him to "stay home for security," Takuto refused, saying, "I won't let you destroy my normal life."
The soft lighting of the café and the quiet jazz music provided a moment of peace for Takuto as he worked.
Takuto: (Muttering while cleaning the coffee machine) "Ha... my arms are hurting today. What should I do... I'm the Phoenix Eye owner, and I'm stressed out by a love rivalry? I truly want my peaceful life back..."
He was relieved to be working alone. For a moment, he felt like a normal human, free from Kaori's orders or Ayano's seductive smiles.
Suddenly, a voice came from a customer sitting at a dimly lit table in the corner of the shop. Takuto was working behind the counter with his back to him.
The man's hair was as white as snow, and his eyes were blood-red. His appearance seemed to be the same age as Takuto. He was staring intensely at Takuto but hadn't even touched the coffee cup in front of him.
Mysterious Voice: (The voice was deep, echoing, and softly floating through the air) "It seems you are getting people you treasure... aren't you, Phoenix Eye owner."
Takuto's body instantly tensed up. No one in his cafe should know that word. His eyes began to glow, and a protective aura started to manifest.
Mysterious Voice: (The voice grew stronger, with a warning tone) "Then... you must become much stronger. Otherwise... you will lose your warm life and everyone you cherish."
Takuto immediately turned around, activating Step 1 of his Phoenix gaze.
Takuto: (In a cold voice) "Who are you? What do you know?"
However, the table in the corner was empty. The young man with white hair and blood-red eyes had vanished.
Only warm steam was rising from the coffee cup, and the chair he had been sitting on seemed to be rocking slightly. Takuto hadn't seen anyone enter or leave.
Takuto's face was filled with deep worry and cold anger. The knowledge that an outsider was watching the people he treasured sent a chill down his spine.
Part 2⏳ Time Passes: The Easing Tension
After the mysterious guest's appearance, Takuto's security awareness became much higher. He started listening to Kaori's plans more seriously than before.
Weeks passed.
The domestic war between Ayano and Kaori continued. Breakfast battles, fighting over the living room, and trying to be near Takuto kept his daily life noisy.
However, Kaori gradually came to accept that Ayano's actions, while affectionate, were never detrimental to Takuto's safety.
Kaori's state of mind:
Kaori's rigid expression softened slightly. While her suspicion of Ayano hadn't completely vanished, she began to accept that Ayano was genuinely helpful and not a traitor in protecting Takuto from danger.
Kaori: (Quietly, after checking Ayano's security plan) "I must admit your plan, though not military, is effective, Ayano. But... do not stand closer than two feet from Takuto-kun!"
Ayano: (Smiling) "Yes, Kaori-san. My affection will not exceed the bounds of security."
A few months passed, and Takuto started considering Aoi's future education. Although Aoi was safe in the Crimson Aegis house, she deserved a return to a normal life.
Takuto secretly discussed Aoi's future with Kaori.
Takuto: (Whispering to Kaori) "Aoi is no ordinary child. We can't keep her hidden inside the house forever. It's time for her to go back to school."
Kaori: (With a worried face) "But Takuto-kun! The Shadow Syndicate is targeting the people you treasure. We still haven't uncovered Kaede's movement."
Takuto: "I know. But... I will protect her with my power. We must start the preparations. Aoi deserves her normal life back."
Takuto: "She has been living on the run for almost two years. I want her to have a normal life."
Takuto's words conveyed decisiveness and a father-like care. Kaori reluctantly nodded and began to devise security measures for Aoi's return to school.
Takuto considered Aoi's age (14) and her educational level. Since security was paramount, he decided that placing her even in Neotokyo Academy was the best option.
Takuto: "We must enroll Aoi at Neotokyo Academy."
Kaori: (Looking at the security plans on her tablet) "But Takuto-kun! Ayano is also at Neotokyo. And Aoi's age and level are only middle school. It will be harder to control security if she is in a separate class from you."
Takuto: "No problem, Ichinose-san. Aoi is a talented girl. I will arrange for her to take an entrance exam to attend a grade level beyond her age. We are in high school, but we must create a situation where we can closely supervise her."
Takuto's words were firm, indicating his intent to find the optimal balance for security. He understood Kaori's concerns but wanted a normal life for his little sister.
Aoi had been secretly listening to their conversation outside the door. The knowledge that she would return to school excited her.
Takuto: "Ichinose-san. I need to meet with the principal and start special arrangements. Aoi's information must remain confidential."
Kaori: "Alright. I will prepare all the necessary documentation for you. But we will need to install more security cameras."
Aoi couldn't contain her happiness and rushed in, hugging Takuto.
Aoi: "Nii-san! Really? I'm going back to school? I'll be in the same school as Nii-san!"
Takuto: (Stroking Aoi's head) "Yes. I want to see you happy. But Aoi... there are things you must keep absolutely secret."
Aoi: "Don't worry, Nii-san! I will be obedient!"
Aoi began attending Neotokyo Academy as per Takuto's plan. Due to her special talent and confidential student record, she was placed in the high school grade level where Takuto attended. Although they were in different classes, Ayano and Kaori kept a hawk's eye on Aoi.
Aoi's innocent enthusiasm allowed her to quickly socialize as a new student.
Part 3: 📚 The Bonding Night
In the evening, Takuto's house was illuminated with a warm light.
At the living room table, Aoi was doing her schoolwork. Ayano was sitting close beside her, tutoring her. Ayano's gentle explanations and warm smiles made Aoi very fond of her.
Ayano: "Aoi-chan, your intelligence is amazing. You understand this difficult math equation immediately!"
Aoi: "That's because Ayano Nee-san is better at explaining. Kaori Nee-san only talks about security rules when she teaches!"
Takuto watched the scene for a moment from the doorway. He grew more convinced that Ayano's kindness towards Aoi was genuine, despite her being the Shadow Syndicate leader's daughter. Seeing their closeness brought a pleasant feeling to Takuto's heart.
Takuto: "Now Aoi is no longer the silent girl she was when I first met her."
Craving silence, Takuto walked out to the backyard, to the narrow corner where he had previously watched the stars with Aoi. He gazed at the night sky. Returning to his own house from Kaori's secret house was a huge change.
A short while later, Kaori followed him to the backyard. She seemed to have finished her surveillance on Ayano and decided to talk to Takuto.
Kaori: "Takuto-kun. We need to review the nighttime security plan again."
Takuto: (Still gazing at the stars) "Thank you, Ichinose-san. You guys are tired because of me."
Kaori: "It's my duty."
Kaori was silent for a moment, then her expression suddenly became rigid.
Kaori: (In a slightly irritated tone) "Takuto-kun. I want to ask you something."
Takuto: "What is it, Ichinose-san?"
Kaori: (She stood rigidly) "You call... Ayano 'Ayano.' You call Aoi 'Aoi.' But... why do you always call me 'Ichinose-san'?"
Takuto: (Surprised. He had never considered the issue) "Ah... that's because... you are like my guardian. I thought calling you by your family name was more respectful..."
Kaori: (Cutting him off. Her eyes mixed with hurt and anger) "How long have we known each other, Takuto-kun! My name is Kaori! Can't you call me 'Kaori,' like Ayano? Don't you consider me a friend?"
Kaori's personal revelation transformed her from a cold soldier to an ordinary girl in Takuto's eyes. Takuto's life was now complicated not only by war and security but also by social relationships and feelings.
Takuto was bewildered by Kaori's sudden display of emotion. His Phoenix Eye owner brain was always calculating understanding, strategy, and danger, but now he was confronted with a social rule.
Kaori: (Breathing fast, watching him with anticipation) "Call me... Kaori. Or just tell me you don't even consider me a friend."
Takuto saw the soft feeling beneath Kaori's tough exterior clearly for the first time. He closed his eyes and briefly recalled memories from the past.
Takuto: (Quietly, in a warm voice) "I... always considered you a friend. Kaori."
Kaori's body instantly stiffened. Her rigid face suddenly flushed, and her eyes widened with embarrassment. This was because Takuto's calling of her name was much gentler than she had expected.
Takuto: (Looking at Kaori, appearing confused by the situation) "Ah... Kaori. Why are you so red? Is it because of the change in air pressure in the backyard? Or is the temperature too high?"
Kaori: (Covering her face with her palms and shouting softly) "You... you... idiot! Takuto! Why would you ask that!"
To hide her embarrassment, Kaori pushed Takuto away and immediately ran back into the house. Takuto was left behind, still gazing at the stars, with a "What did I do wrong?" expression.
From the house window, Ayano Daichi and Aoi Mizuka had watched the entire backyard scene.
Aoi: (Eyes wide) "Oh... Kaori Nee-san is red. That's the way she calls Takuto Nii-san an idiot!"
Ayano: (Leaning out the window, smiling broadly, but with fierce rivalry in her eyes) "Yes, Aoi-chan. They are showing how love can break rules."
Ayano pressed her palm against the window glass.
Ayano: (Quietly, only for herself to hear) "Hmm... It seems Kaori-san has grown into a rival. But... there's no reason to give up Takuto-kun easily."
Ayano's smiling face was filled with challenge and determination. Takuto's life had changed from a single threat to a challenge from two girls.
[END OF CHAPTER 19]