After breakfast, the team slowly left the dining table one by one. Plates clinked as they were stacked in the sink. Some members rushed around the kitchen, cleaning up quickly. Amid all the bashing and clatter, Aiko gently grabbed Ethan's hand.
"Wait," she said softly.
Ethan looked into her eyes. She looked into his. There was a moment—still and warm.
"Why is your face getting so red?" Ethan asked. "Are you angry?"
Aiko blinked. "I... I don't know. I'm not angry. But I noticed something weird... Whenever I talk to you, my face gets hot."
Just then, Yui passed by. She smirked. "It's not anger, Ethan," she said casually. "She's blushing."
The room fell into silence for a beat.
Then Liam barged in, breaking the moment. "So... are we collecting info or not?"
Everyone straightened up.
"Yes!" Aiko said quickly. "Let's go visit my grandparents. They might know something."
The team agreed, ready and curious.
—
Later that afternoon, they arrived at Aiko's grandparents' house. It was peaceful, surrounded by wildflowers and tall trees. Aiko's grandmother opened the door and welcomed them all with a warm smile.
"Come in, children," she said. "Settle down. Sit, sit!"
They all gathered on the couches, shoes off, excitement growing. Kaito looked at the others, then stepped forward politely.
"We're here to ask about the abandoned house," he said.
Aiko's grandmother raised her eyebrows. Then, she smiled softly. "Come," she said. "Let's move to the balcony. It's a better place for stories."
They followed her. The view outside was calm. Birds chirped. The wind was gentle.
Ethan sat beside Aiko.
Everyone noticed and chuckled under their breath.
Ethan looked at them sharply. "Why are you all laughing like buffaloes since morning? Shut up and focus!"
Everyone went quiet. Even the birds seemed to stop singing.
Just then, Aiko's grandmother came out again. She glanced at Ethan closely, then smiled warmly.
"You know, I always called Aiko my little princess," she said. "But now I see... she has a prince sitting beside her."
The group broke into loud laughter again.
Ethan didn't say a word. He just looked away.
Aiko, cheeks red, stood up. "Do your own work, mister! Focus on the topic!" she snapped.
Everyone quieted down again, hiding their smiles.
Then the grandmother's voice grew soft and thoughtful. "Aiko, do you know why I call you princess?" she asked.
Aiko blinked and shook her head.
"Because that abandoned house you're asking about... it used to be a palace. A real one. A king and queen lived there long ago."
"What?" Liam gasped. "That abandoned house was a palace?"
"Yes," the grandmother nodded. "The walls still carry stories, if you listen close enough."
Kaito leaned forward with a grin. "Looks like the gods made a royal couple," he said, glancing between Ethan and Aiko.
The team burst into laughter again. This time, even Ethan smiled a little—but stayed quiet.
Aiko crossed her arms. "Let's just get to the real story now, okay?"
The air settled. Everyone leaned in, ready to hear more.
And so the real story began...