Ayano heaved a content sighed as they finally stepped out.

The whole incident is over, which was a good thing, no? The gang managed to save everyone from the Kagerou Daze, leaving Azami and Konoha's split personality, Kuroha, to stay behind at the endless world. When they were out, Ayano was welcomed warmly as three pairs of arms wrapped themselves around her petite figure. Kido Tsubomi was the first one to cry, which surprised everyone greatly, and Ayano couldn't help but hug her back and soothe her sorrows softly. The sobbing continued as the other two followed suit, their manly façade no longer present. Even Kano, the well known deceiver, was crying as his usual mask broke at the sight of their dear sister.

Even with all the warm hugs and heartbreaking tears, Ayano's gaze was fixated on him.

Kisaragi Shintaro.

The boy stayed silent as the shorter girl broke out of the trio's hug and walked towards him. Their gaze locked upon each other, no words escaping their tired lips. As usual, Ayano was the first one to break that silence.

"Hey…"

No reply.

"I'm sorry, I died."

"I know."

"I'm sorry, for keeping it to myself. Thanks to my death, you-"

Shintaro lightly punched her head. "Never do something like that again, you hear me?"

Ayano giggled. "Ehehe, I'm stupid… so it can't be helped."

"After all these years, you still haven't changed a bit."

"Same goes for you, Shintaro-kun."

Five seconds pass and the two couldn't help but smile at each other.

A/N: A gift to tumblr user yuseirra for making a ShinAya fan art for me.