"How eloquent," Akiha murmurs, then bites her lip. No, she doesn't want to start this all off with another petty insult, does she?

Things have changed, now. That kiss changed things. Nico isn't a sort of friend she banters with, she's...

"Would you like to - date?"

Akiha doesn't know if she can be open about it. Definitely not now, maybe not ever. Her maids are trustworthy. Her brother is trustworthy. Outside of that, she has no idea what she can and can't get away with.

As for long-term plans? She'll be going to whatever college impresses her family the most, then inheriting the family business. Things like moving in together - well, Nico would have to move into the mansion.

When she looks at the longterm, she realizes how impossible this all might be.

But she wants it. Badly.

She watches Nico, obviously hanging on her response.