"I yelled back. We're both at fault," Akiha mumbles back. That palpable awkwardness is back, isn't it. On some level, she almost regrets asking Nico out to begin with, but on a different level she's thrilled. She's going to actually talk about this with Nico. She's even managed to corral her into her home.

The Tohno mansion isn't too far of a walk from Nico's school, surprisingly. They make the walk in silence that at least tries to be comfortable, and as they round a corner Akiha's home can be seen in the distance.

Even from a distance, it's a ridiculous building. Flanked by forest on all sides, with gates that go on for miles. Four stories tall, and with a basement. Greenhouses and auxiliary buildings dot the landscape around it. There's enough space for a small army - if Maki's family is well-off, it's clear that Akiha's is obnoxiously rich.

Akiha, of course, is used to the excess, but she glances over at Nico as they approach. "... Before you ask, it really is only myself, my brother, and my two servants living here," she says, trying to clear the air.