How long does it take to change a person?

To Alan, the question was as meaningless as asking, "How long does it take to grow up?"

Nozomi Sakura was like an eaglet raised among chicks after a string of accidents.

Born to soar, yet day after day she followed a mother hen, dragging her wings through the dust, until she forgot the gift etched into her very bones.

She didn’t need to be changed.

She only needed direction.

Nozomi Sakura.

Akari Hojo.

Nino Kitagawa.

Each of them carried something rare. All Alan had to do was give a single push, like a tide shifting beneath the surface, and their light would rise on its own.

Of course, the work was a little tricky.

First, he would guide Nozomi Sakura onto a branch ten meters above the ground. Let her see how vast the world truly was. Let her breathe it in. Once she began to yearn, one gentle nudge would be enough for her wings to spread.

He only needed to ensure that nothing else took root.

An eaglet that grew attached might dive halfway, only to circle back and perch on his shoulder forever. Ask her why, and she would answer with perfect sincerity:

"I just want to stay by your side and look after you. Forever."

...Not that he expected that problem with Nozomi Sakura.

Please, God.

Don’t let it come to that.

***

"Could you put those in the back seat, please?"

"Certainly."

After directing the attendant to stow the shopping bags, Alan and Nozomi climbed back into the car.

Alas, a chance to sit.

The soft leather welcomed her hips. The interior was still warm from the drive, and Nozomi felt the tension finally drain from her body. She rubbed her aching calves, rolled the stiffness out of her neck.

Glancing sideways, she saw Alan behind the wheel, no trace of fatigue, posture unnaturally straight.

Is this guy made of steel?

She liked shopping. Back in middle school, she’d spent countless weekends roaming malls with Akane Mia and the others, but it had never been this exhausting. She remembered her friends’ complaints vividly.

"If you ask a boyfriend to go shopping with you, it’s like issuing a death threat."

"But suggest a hotel and suddenly they turn feral."

"He never spent money either. Just kept saying he didn’t see the point of shopping."

"That jerk had endless energy for games and for... well... other things."

None of those rules seemed to apply to Alan.

Is he even human?

She studied his profile quietly. In the mall, Alan had always kept an exaggerated distance. His gaze never crawled over her skin like ants. Faced with someone undeniably beautiful, he remained perfectly composed.

Maybe he truly lacked desire.

...Unless he was simply very good at hiding it.

Her thoughts drifted as she unconsciously straightened her back, mirroring his posture, sitting prim and proper.

"If you’re tired, recline for a bit. Don’t push yourself."

Alan glanced over.

"Oh, no, I’m fine. I’m not that tired..." Nozomi blinked, offering a meek smile. "I’m actually having fun today, so it doesn’t feel too bad—"

She was still speaking when Alan leaned across.

Her words died instantly. Panic flickered through her eyes, fingers tightening in her lap.

What is he doing?

Logically, he wouldn’t pounce, but he was close enough now for her to catch his scent, clean and faintly cool. Her body locked up.

Click.

The seat tilted back forty-five degrees, easing her into a reclining position.

"Rest," Alan said calmly as he settled back and buckled his seatbelt.

"There won’t be time for a nap after lunch. We’re going straight to the salon to fix your hair. Consider the ride a siesta."

"Thank you..." Nozomi whispered, fastening her belt, nibbling her lip. A faint blush crossed her cheeks.

"Alan... you’re kind."

Alan’s hand froze on the gearshift.

He turned and stared at her delicate features.

"What?"

His gaze prickled against her skin. She looked away, suddenly feeling guilty.

"You seem to have forgotten how you acted when we first met."

"...."

Nozomi’s smile stiffened.

"My treatment of you won’t change whether you’re gentle or nasty," Alan continued evenly. "So don’t force yourself."

"...."

Being caught in the act was unpleasant, especially by someone she barely knew.

Her toes curled inside her sneakers. She wanted to disappear into the seat cushions. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

This jerk. Couldn’t he phrase it more gently?

Still, she maintained an awkward smile.

"It was a misunderstanding... I’m not usually that bad-tempered."

"Is that so?"

"You have talent in acting," Alan said calmly. "But it’s still unrefined. You can’t accurately gauge your own performance yet."

Then he added something she didn’t fully grasp.

"Liking someone doesn’t happen that quickly, especially since I’m not the type you’d fall for. And we’ll be spending a long time together, Nozomi. Are you planning to act every minute?"

"...."

Her smile vanished.

Her expression flattened, complicated for a brief second before going blank. She slumped slightly and lay back in silence.

Straight men. So dull.

Still, the car was incredibly comfortable.

What kind of family did he come from, anyway? A car while still a student, spending money like water. Rich kids were usually unbearable, raised on cash without learning basic social skills.

Since Alan had laid everything bare, there was no need to waste effort anymore. She’d planned to offer some emotional value in exchange for the money.

Apparently, that wasn’t required.

Fine by her. It made things easier.

She abandoned the act, gaze drifting to the ceiling, ready for real rest.

Then something pale pink drifted into view.

Blinking, she arched her back and leaned closer.

"...Do you really have a girlfriend?"

Alan was driving when Nozomi suddenly dropped that question.

"Hm?"

They were stopped at a red light. Alan glanced over.

Nozomi was tracing a small circle on the car’s ceiling with her finger, as if marking territory. She snapped a photo with her phone and held it beneath her nose.

"This seat must be reserved for her, right?"

Alan followed her gaze.

A heart-shaped sticker sat on the dashboard. It read:

Alan’s first car. May we always be together.

"...."