But there was no answer, simply Miko looking over her work for a moment, before continuing on with the thought that had been interrupted by Futo's arrival. Her hand remained steady as she drew, and the calligraphy was as neat as it had ever been.

There were already enough chances given. Miko's patience was gone. Done. Nothing more to be said. Futo was dismissed. So she needed to leave. If she didn't soon, Miko would go and get Tojiko once again, and Futo would be thrown out like an uninvited intruder. Because at that point, she would be.

But Miko mentioned none of that. Instead, she patiently waited for Futo to understand it was over. She had no more patience for more 'tries'.

What she had hoped this little talk would end with was never going to happen now. And so, it wasn't worth continuing anymore.

She had Tojiko. All would be fine. Tojiko wouldn't fumble.