TPMITWON Chapter 67: Ayaka Blushes

After a few seconds, Ayaka opened her mouth, her voice sounding slightly louder, although there was an awkwardness in her tone.

"Did you finish that so quickly?" Ayaka asked, her eyes sharp and probing, as if trying to uncover something hidden. "Don't just focus on speed. You need to be more meticulous when gathering those parts. Make sure nothing is missed, especially the small fragments from the Wooden Doll or wood shavings that could get scattered."

Even though Ayaka spoke in a tone that seemed scolding, there was a subtle vibration in her voice that made Souta feel that, despite being a bit harsh, it was Ayaka's way of showing she cared.

Souta looked at Ayaka seriously and replied, "I understand. I will be more careful." Souta's face appeared calmer, and he knew this was an opportunity to show that he could do better.

Ayaka lowered her head, a bit embarrassed, and her usually cool cheeks began to flush. "I... I'm not angry, okay? I just want you, Souta, to do it right, so there won't be any problems," Ayaka said, her voice softer and quieter than usual.

Souta smiled awkwardly, feeling something warm his heart. "I understand, Ayaka. Thank you for reminding me."

For a moment, there was silence between them, not entirely awkward but also not completely comfortable. However, Souta could sense a new understanding emerging between them, even though it was still far from being close.

Not long after, Tsukimi appeared with a calm stride, her face showing a tranquility that contrasted with the tension still hanging in the air. Without hesitation, Tsukimi interrupted their conversation, her calm and clear voice managing to ease the atmosphere.

"Those on the evening shift, or those working two shifts, from morning to evening, are allowed to go home," Tsukimi said, her voice flowing gently yet authoritatively, as if giving an order that could not be disputed.

Souta, Ayaka, and several other workers began to prepare to leave. They wiped away the sweat and fatigue from the heavy work. Meanwhile, Okabe and the workers who were on the night shift continued to persevere, diligently finishing their tasks.

Souta and Ayaka walked out of the Puppet Arts Performance Theater. They stepped through a narrow corridor filled with dim hanging lights, casting long shadows on the walls.

Upon reaching the exit, Souta gazed at the night sky of Sunagakure, filled with sand and twinkling stars that seemed so far away yet still calming. As Souta looked around, he did not see Pakura anywhere.

"Maybe Pakura went home earlier," Souta thought, a faint sense of relief washing over him. It had been several hours since he last saw Pakura, after his friend applied for a job at the same place.

Perhaps Pakura went straight home after finishing the selection test, without waiting for Souta to finish working. That might have been a better choice, Souta thought, as he felt bad if Pakura decided to wait for him. After all, Souta didn’t want to make Pakura feel burdened waiting in a quiet place.

When they reached the exit door, Ayaka gave a slow nod as a farewell sign. Souta responded with a small smile, albeit a bit awkward. No more words were exchanged, just a brief nod that felt like a shared understanding.

Then Souta walked down the sandy streets of Sunagakure, his steps appearing calm yet steady. A thin smile lingered at the corners of Souta's lips, not from great happiness, but from a small satisfaction that settled in his heart—today was a new beginning for Souta, as he had successfully completed his work well.