The Spirit Masters ship sailed smoothly under the evening sky.
Most fighters were resting.
But on the upper deck—
Mira and Ayane stood near the railing.
Ocean breeze.
Quiet atmosphere.
Then…
Ayane suddenly turned with a mischievous smile.
"So."
Mira raised an eyebrow.
"So… what?"
Ayane leaned closer.
"Be honest."
"About?"
Ayane's eyes sparkled.
"You like him, don't you?"
Silence.
Wind stopped for half a second.
Mira blinked once.
"…Like who?"
Ayane widened her smile.
"Don't pretend. Your captain."
Mira crossed her arms calmly.
"We are teammates."
Ayane tilted her head.
"That wasn't my question."
---
Meanwhile…
Behind a nearby storage crate—
Toma and Haru were accidentally standing close enough to overhear.
Haru whispered loudly:
"Are they planning something dangerous?"
Toma adjusted glasses.
"Statistically, this is not a battle discussion."
Riku suddenly walked up behind them.
"What are you two doing crouching like criminals?"
Haru pointed.
"They're whispering."
Riku frowned.
"About what?"
Toma replied calmly:
"Probability suggests romance."
Riku choked.
"WHAT?!"
---
Back to the Girls
Mira sighed slightly.
"I respect him."
Ayane smirked.
"That's not what I asked."
Mira looked toward the ocean.
"He fights recklessly sometimes."
Ayane leaned closer.
"And you worry."
Mira stayed quiet.
Ayane gasped dramatically.
"That's a yes!"
Mira glared lightly.
"It is not a yes."
Ayane grinned wider.
"You get protective during matches."
"That is called strategy."
"You look at him first when battles end."
"That is captain protocol."
"You defend him when others whisper."
"That is loyalty."
Ayane folded her arms.
"You're in denial."
Mira finally smirked.
"And you enjoy teasing too much."
Ayane laughed softly.
"Maybe."
---
Disaster Arrives
Suddenly—
Riku jumped out from behind the crate.
"WAIT WAIT WAIT WHAT ARE YOU TWO TALKING ABOUT?!"
Both girls froze.
Toma slowly stood up.
Haru waved awkwardly.
"Hello."
Ayane's eyes lit up with evil energy.
"Oh perfect timing."
Mira's expression immediately turned calm.
Too calm.
Ayane crossed her arms.
"We were discussing whether your captain is emotionally stable."
Riku blinked.
"Excuse me?"
Toma nodded thoughtfully.
"That is a valid topic."
Haru added:
"He does shout attack names very loudly."
Riku pointed at them.
"That's part of the system!"
Ayane looked at Mira dramatically.
"See? He's flustered."
Mira exhaled slowly.
"Riku."
"Yes?"
"Stop listening to private conversations."
Riku looked offended.
"You were talking about me!"
Ayane leaned in.
"Why so nervous?"
"I'm not nervous!"
Mira's eyebrow twitched.
Before Riku could continue—
THUNK.
Something small hit his forehead.
A rolled-up training manual.
Riku stumbled back.
"Ow!"
Mira lowered her arm calmly.
"Focus on training."
Haru burst into laughter.
Toma adjusted glasses.
"Impact was precise."
Ayane covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
"You're stricter than I thought."
Mira turned away.
"Someone has to manage idiots."
Riku rubbed his forehead.
"I heard that."
"Good."
---
Soft Moment
As everyone began walking back—
Ayane slowed her steps beside Mira.
"Don't worry."
"About what?"
"If you ever confess…"
Mira stopped walking.
"…I did not say I would."
Ayane smiled gently this time.
"I won't tell him."
Mira looked forward again.
Ocean wind moving through her hair.
"…There is nothing to tell."
But for half a second—
A faint pink tint touched her cheeks.
Ayane noticed.
And said nothing.
---
Ending Note
Behind them—
Riku whispered to Toma:
"What just happened?"
Toma answered:
"You were defeated."
Haru laughed loudly.
"By a paper attack!"
Riku sighed.
"Why is battle easier than this?"
From ahead—
Mira's voice came calmly.
"Because battles follow rules."
Riku blinked.
"…That sounded threatening."
Ayane smiled to herself.
Rival teams.
Future battles.
But tonight—
Just teenagers.
Laughing on a ship between nations.