Sasaki and Mao walk into the temple and greet the people inside.
Sasaki spots someone sitting alone near a tree.
He walks over and greets them.
"Hello there. My name is Sasaki Oyuki, one of the five Architects."
Mao looks at the person sitting beneath the tree.
Her eyes widen.
She quickly grabs Sasaki's coat and pulls on it.
Sasaki looks back at her in confusion.
"What happened?"
"S-Sasaki... You're talking to the Sage."
"...!"
Sasaki immediately turns back toward the person.
"I'm terribly sorry. I didn't realize."
The Sage stands up.
Before Sasaki can say anything else, she suddenly hugs him.
"W-What's going on!?" Mao asks.
"I don't know," Sasaki replies.
"My dear Saki... I've missed you so much!"
The Sage hugs him even tighter.
Sasaki looks completely confused.
"Are you alright, Great Sage?"
He gently pulls her away.
"Saki..."
The Sage's expression softens.
"It's me."
Sasaki stares at her.
"I'm sorry... but do we know each other?"
Silence.
The Sage's expression darkens slightly.
Sadness fills her eyes.
"Pardon my rudeness. I must have mistaken you for someone else."
She takes a breath.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Oyuki, the Sage of Power."
"It's a blessing to meet you, Great Sage."
Sasaki and Mao bow.
Sister looks at Sasaki for a moment.
Then she looks at Mao.
Mao's expression changes.
She understands.
Sasaki had forgotten her.
The two women meet eyes.
Mao looks at Sister with guilt.
"We have come to ask for your blessing, Sister."
"Of course. What kind of blessing?"
"Well..." Sasaki says.
He gestures toward Mao.
"Mao and I are lovers."
"What the hell are you talking about!?" Mao shouts.
Sasaki looks at her calmly.
"Calm down. I just need this blessing for something else."
Sister looks between the two of them.
Then she smiles.
"Oh, young love. I wish for the two of you to have a happy life together for all eternity."
Mao's face turns bright red.
Sasaki simply bows.
"Thank you, Great Sage."
Sister places a hand on both of their heads.
A faint light surrounds them.
She blesses them.
As she leans closer to Mao, she whispers:
"You better take care of him, Mao."
Mao's expression softens.
"...Yes."
The two lift their heads.
They thank Sister and begin walking away.
As they leave, Sasaki looks at Mao.
"What did she say to you?"
"...Nothing."
"Anyways, why did you need this blessing?"
"Don't worry about it."
"Sasaki, you—"
Before Mao can finish, Sasaki grabs her and lifts her into his arms.
Mao freezes.
"W-What are you doing!?"
Sasaki carries her effortlessly.
Mao's entire body trembles.
Her face turns bright red.
Sasaki smiles and lowers his head toward her ear.
"What would you do if I told you I loved you?"
"..."
Mao's eyes widen.
She immediately passes out in his arms.