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Mem-cho wast totally astonished.
She couldn't expect such a revelation from Aqua.
The blond boy before her was suffering even more than kana from that unpleasant situation.
He wasn't ignoring the red-haired idol because of his relationship with Akane.
He was distant to protect her from the madness of the world they were working in.
She ignored the root of Aqua's fear.
She didn't know he was Ai Hoshino's son, nor that he witnessed her death in first person, but she could see that his concern was strong.
The situation was quite strange.
His right hand was really close to her ear. His extended arm and the closeness of his body were pinning her on the couch.
Despite that, Aqua was the most vulnerable between them.
Seeing him so torn was totally in contrast with his usually calm and unreadable demanor and that touched Mem-choìs heart.
The youtuber reached for his cheek.
He looled at her hand and e wide opened his eyes.
"Aren't you being suggestive here?" He said, trying to retract from her contact.
A little smile appeared on her face, but she didn't stop.
She knew her own intentions and she acknowledged that she wasn't going to disprespect her friends.
She was just following the voice in her heart.
"No, Aqua-tan, I am just doing what I am thinking is right."
Her palms cupped his cheeks, forcing Ruby's twin to lock his eyes into hers.
Aqua's heart skipped a beat.
She was so close.
That smile...impossible to unchart.
"You know...People are not rational after all." She giggled. Then she close her eyes.
She pulled him, but his head landed on her shoulder.
His face was freed while her arms gently wrapped him in a warm, comforting hug.
"Let your tears come out, Aqu-tan. Feel free to cry as long as you want."
His sighs returned.
He allowed himself to lighten the weight tat was tormenting his soul, even for just a little.
It couldn't be enough to chase the ghost of Ai's brutal murder away, but it was okay to temporarily keep it at bay.
His sobs went on. The youtuber simply caressed his head. Silenyly.
She knew he just needed to quell his storm of feelings and she just have to stay there and wait.
At a certain point, Aqua's body relaxed, his breath became more regular and his arms fell down his body.
Mem-cho looked at him and quietly chuckled before guiding him on the pillows.
She retrieved a blanked, then stopped for an instant to observe him.
He looked so at peace, now.
A tender smile appeared on her lips.
"You're so kind-hearted, Aqu-Tan. Below that stern surface, gentle heart is beating."