Haruto's eyes widened in disbelief. "You were almost dead, and that's what you're worried about?"
Ayaka lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm used to getting hurt… to being hurt by others. But this is the first time someone has saved me without wanting something in return."
She reached out, grasping his hand tightly. "Haruto, I like the feeling of being helpless and having you rescue me." Her gaze bore into him, filled with something raw, something desperate.
Haruto let out a deep sigh, rubbing her cheek with his thumb. "Ayaka, I'll give you love without you needing to suffer first. You don't have to be in pain for me to care about you."
She frowned, her voice turning cold. "But I have to share that love with many women, don't I?"
Haruto froze. "I thought you—"
She cut him off, her grip on his hand tightening before she suddenly let go. "You thought I wouldn't get jealous?"
