Treading softly on now-sock-footed feet, Aiko crept into the tiny apartment. This was no small feet, for the excitement of a first day at university bubbled within her slight frame.

“Tatsuya, I am home,” she whispered, careful not to wake him should he be asleep.

“I heard you enter, little one. I am in the study.” He smiled warmly as she entered, the corners of his eyes crinkling. She couldn’t help but feel a warm affection for this man, this kind friend of the family, willing to letting an unruly, messy girl invade his bachelor life. But his place was near the university, and he swore he didn’t mind.

Aiko giggled, “I must go and get ready.”

“Ready for…” He left it hanging.

“I am to go study with a classmate.”

“Oh, and what is her name? Do we know the family?”

The giggle slipped its way out before, “Not her. Him. His name is Mikio.”

“Oh,” was all Tatsuya said, but Aiko was crushed. His face, that flash of emotion had betrayed him. And Aiko could not deny the dragon she had seen: jealousy.