Akari grinned as they reached the mansion, giving Arnold a playful side-eye. "What, you're not impressed by the majestic chaos that is my place?"
Arnold looked up at the grand structure, arching an eyebrow. "Your place is good… just your style," he said, his tone a mix of awe and sarcasm.
Akari chuckled, unlocking the door. "Hey, it's got character, alright? It's got all the chaos of a warrior's life—organized chaos."
They stepped inside, and Arnold took in the cluttered yet strangely cozy space. Armor and swords lined one wall, books and papers were stacked in random corners, and there was a giant map of the kingdom with pins marking every major location. "I see the 'organized' part is a bit of a stretch," Arnold teased.
Akari threw a cushion at him. "Shut up. You're lucky I'm even letting you in here. I was thinking of setting up a cozy campfire on the floor, but it looks like I'll have to clean up first."
Arnold grinned, looking around. "I'm starting to think this is less of a home and more of a battle strategy center."
Akari waved him off. "It's a work in progress. Don't judge me by the pile of dirty laundry in the corner."
Arnold raised his hands in mock surrender. "I won't. But only because the giant pile of weapons keeps me from getting any ideas."
Akari smirked, walking over to a table. "There's no need to be scared. I promise I'll feed you, and then you can go back to being your princely self."
Arnold couldn't help but laugh. "You mean I'm allowed to eat and still stay in one piece? What a privilege."
"I will cook," Akari declared confidently, heading toward the kitchen.
Arnold grinned, eyes glimmering with mischief. "Hmm, first time eating your made food? I'm excited... but also a little scared," he teased.
Akari shot him a playful glare. "You better not jinx it, or I'll make you eat something really spicy," she warned as she rummaged through the kitchen.
As she got to work, Arnold, curious about her life and her thoughts, noticed a journal lying on the table. With a quick glance to make sure she wasn't looking, he opened it—Akari had given him permission, but he figured he'd get a little sneak peek. His eyes skimmed through the pages, filled with intricate thoughts, ideas, and notes about missions, people, and her own internal battles. It was almost like a window into her soul—raw, real, and unfiltered.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Akari was a whirlwind of activity. She was cooking like she was on a mission: Biryani, pasta, ramen, cake... a full spread, and she made it all seem effortless. The smell wafting through the house was enough to make Arnold's stomach growl.
Soon, she walked in with plates of food, all arranged beautifully. Arnold's jaw dropped. "Omg, I didn't expect this much... I thought you were just making a quick snack."
Akari smirked, setting the plates down with a flourish. "Who said anything about a quick snack? I'm a woman of many talents," she said proudly.
Arnold took a bite of the biryani first. "Ugh, this... this is amazing," he said, practically moaning from the flavor. "I didn't expect to die and go to heaven tonight, but here we are."
Akari chuckled. "You're welcome. I have a reputation to maintain." She took a bite of the pasta herself. "Not bad, if I do say so myself."
Arnold quickly moved to the ramen, his eyes lighting up as he tasted it. "Seriously, Akari, are you sure you're not secretly running a restaurant on the side? Because this is beyond good."
She grinned. "I keep telling you, I'm a woman of many skills. Just wait until you try the cake."
Arnold grabbed a forkful of cake, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Are you sure you didn't steal this from a professional bakery?" he asked between bites.
Akari laughed, leaning back in her chair. "You think too highly of me. But yes, I did kind of make it all from scratch. You know, just to impress you."
Arnold leaned back, satisfied but also completely amazed by how much food Akari had just whipped up. "Impressed? You've officially blown my mind."
"And for the grand finale," Akari announced dramatically, pulling out a dusty bottle from a cabinet. "A century-old wine. I paid 500 gold coins for it." She held it up like it was a trophy.
Arnold blinked at her, a mix of awe and concern on his face. "Hey, I don't think drinking wine is a good idea."
Akari raised an eyebrow. "And why is that, Mr. Future King?"
"Well, for starters, we both happen to be light drinkers," Arnold pointed out, crossing his arms.
Akari tilted her head, clearly unimpressed. "And what exactly does that have to do with anything?"
Arnold leaned closer, giving her a knowing look. "I distinctly remember you being the one so against drinking back in the academy. Something about 'it ruins discipline' or whatever."
Akari waved her hand dismissively. "Pfft, that was different. We were young and underage." She grinned mischievously and poured herself a glass. "Now we're adults. I'm 18! Haha!"
Arnold stared at her, deadpan. "Ah yes, so adult... a whopping one year into legality, and now you're a connoisseur of overpriced wine."
Akari smirked, swirling the wine in her glass like she was some sort of noblewoman. "Exactly. And don't act so high and mighty, Mr. 'Future King.' If you don't want a glass, more for me."
Arnold sighed, reluctantly taking a glass. "Fine, but if you start giggling or climbing furniture like the last time you drank, I'm leaving."
Akari shot him a glare. "That was one time, and I was experimenting!"
Arnold chuckled, raising his glass. "Here's to adulthood, I guess."
Akari clinked her glass with his, grinning. "To adulthood... and expensive, slightly questionable decisions."
Arnold froze mid-sip as Akari's face turned bright red, her usual composed demeanor slipping. She placed the wine glass on the table and let out a long sigh.
"Arnold, you know what?" she began, her voice oddly serious but her words slightly slurred.
Arnold blinked, putting his own glass down cautiously. "What's up, Akari? You okay?"
"I've been living a dual life!" she blurted out, her eyes wide and glassy.
"...What?" Arnold leaned closer, half-concerned and half-ready to catch her if she started wobbling.
"I mean it! Dual life!" she said, waving her hands dramatically. "Do you know how exhausting it is to pretend everything is fine? To hide what I really am?"
Arnold sat up straighter, his brows knitting together. "What are you hiding, Akari?"
She leaned forward, staring at him intently. "I'm not just human, Arnold. I'm everything. I'm part elf, part human, part shapeshifter, part mermaid, and part angel!"
Arnold's jaw dropped, his wine glass nearly slipping out of his hand. "Wait, what?! You're all five species? How is that even possible?"
Akari ignored his question, her words tumbling out faster now, as if a dam had broken. "I've had three awakenings already—elf, human, and shapeshifter. But I still have two left! Mermaid and angel. Can you imagine? Two more!"
Arnold blinked rapidly, trying to process her words. "Wait, wait. Slow down! You're telling me you haven't even fully awakened yet?!"
She nodded, looking almost proud for a moment before her expression softened. "And that's not even the craziest part. I used to live inside Kuro. Like, literally. My existence was... tethered to him."
Arnold stared at her, utterly bewildered. "You what?!"
"But he found a way to set me free," she continued, ignoring his reaction. "But sometimes, I wonder... Am I even real? Or am I just... an illusion? A projection from another dimension, stuck in this world by some cosmic mistake."
Arnold rubbed his temples, trying to keep up. "Okay, Akari. You've officially lost me. Are you saying you're from another dimension?"
She nodded solemnly, her eyes glassy with tears. "Yes. My real existence is somewhere else. This? This could all just be... nothing."
Arnold's mouth opened and closed as he searched for something to say. Finally, he let out a shaky laugh. "Akari, I don't know what's more shocking—that you're telling me all this, or that wine was apparently the key to unlocking your life story."
Akari blinked at him, her face scrunching in thought. "You're not taking me seriously."
"I am! I swear!" Arnold said, holding up his hands defensively. "It's just... a lot to take in, you know? Like, you're sitting here, casually dropping interdimensional secrets like it's tea gossip!"
She huffed, crossing her arms. "You think I'm joking, don't you?"
"No, no! I believe you," Arnold said quickly, though his voice carried a hint of disbelief. "I mean, it's not every day your best friend tells you they're basically an interdimensional, multi-species goddess."
Akari blinked, processing his words, before giggling softly. "You think I'm a goddess?"
Arnold groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "That's the takeaway from all of this?"
"Well," Akari said, her smile lopsided and her tone teasing, "you're the one who said it."
Arnold sighed, muttering under his breath. "I need a stronger drink for this conversation."
Akari's voice became low and filled with a mixture of sadness and frustration as she leaned back in her chair, staring at the table. Arnold could tell this wasn't just some drunken rambling anymore. There was something raw in her words, something heavy.
"I wasn't always Akari," she began, her voice faltering for a moment as if the weight of the truth was almost too much to carry. "Before this, I was someone else. I was... Lior."
Arnold stayed silent, watching her closely, not wanting to interrupt.
"I was part of an insane experiment," Akari continued, her eyes clouding with memories that seemed to hurt more than they should. "The scientists... they injected me with everything—every species, every power. I was their test subject. But then, my parents adopted me. They saved me, took me in, loved me when I thought no one would. I was their child, and for a while, I was happy."
Arnold felt a tightness in his chest as he listened to her. He could see how much pain this was causing her.
"But the scientists... they never let go," Akari said, her voice breaking a little. "They came back. Took my parents. And now, they're keeping them hostage. They're using them to make sure I do what they want—stay trapped in that cave, fighting monsters every day. I can't let them die, Arnold. If I stop, if I fall, they'll kill my parents."
Arnold's heart clenched. "Akari... that's... that's insane. How are you even holding it together?"
"Because I have to," she replied quietly, her hands gripping the edge of the table as if holding on for dear life. "Every morning, I go back to that cave. Every night, I come here. For six months now, I've been split between two worlds, fighting for the chance to save my parents and keep everyone else from falling into their hands. And Kuro—he knows. He knows everything. He's the one who found a way for me to come here, to leave that hell behind for a while."
Akari took a deep breath, her eyes now wet with unshed tears. "But every night, I go back. I'm still Lior in that cave. I'm still trapped in that nightmare. And sometimes, I don't know if I'm ever going to be able to get out of it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to just... live."
Arnold could see the exhaustion in her face, the way her shoulders sagged with the weight of it all. He stood up, walking over to her, and then without a word, he knelt down in front of her.
"Akari..." he said softly, his hand gently reaching out to touch hers. "You're not alone in this. I don't know what you're going through, but I'll help. Whatever you need. You don't have to carry this burden by yourself."
Akari looked up at him, her eyes glassy with tears, and for the first time in what seemed like forever, she let herself be vulnerable. She reached out and hugged him tightly, her tears finally breaking free.
"I just... I don't know how much longer I can do this, Arnold. I don't know how much longer I can fight."
Arnold hugged her back, feeling the weight of her pain, her confusion, and her helplessness. "You don't have to know right now," he whispered, his voice firm but comforting. "You just need to know that no matter what, I'm here. And we'll figure this out together. One step at a time, okay?"
Akari pulled back slightly, her face still wet with tears, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—hope, maybe, or maybe just a small relief that she wasn't carrying the world on her shoulders alone anymore.
"One step at a time," she repeated softly. "Okay."
And for that moment, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, there was a chance she wouldn't have to do it all alone.
"Well, that's all thanks for listening," Akari said, suddenly cheerful again, her voice more bubbly and light. The heavy sadness from earlier seemed to dissipate, replaced by her flirty, carefree self. She picked up her glass again, refilling it from the bottle with a grin. "Ah, another glass. Cheers!" she laughed, swishing the wine in her cup.
Arnold, though still taken aback by her earlier confession, could only watch as she seemed to bounce back with a playful energy. "You sure you've had enough of that?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light, though he couldn't quite hide the concern in his voice.
Akari's eyes twinkled with mischief. "You know, Arnold, I never told you something," she started, leaning in a little closer, her voice taking on a teasing tone. "I've never really loved someone before... but I think I do now."
Arnold blinked, his breath catching in his throat. "Oh? And who exactly would that be?" he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and a hint of hope.
Akari looked up at him, swaying slightly in her chair, a mischievous smile forming on her lips. "It's you, you dork," she said, her voice playful but with an unmistakable sincerity in her eyes. "You, Arnold. You've been so kind to me, you know? I don't think I could ask for anyone better. Just... look at you. You're so... well, so you." She giggled, her words a little slurred.
Arnold was stunned, his heart racing, though his face betrayed nothing. "I... uh... what do you mean by that?" he asked, his mind racing to process everything she was saying.
Akari swayed again, nearly toppling over, but she caught herself with one hand on the table. Her cheeks were flushed, and her words were getting a little more jumbled. "I mean... this is who I want, okay? Someone who gets me. You really get me, Arnold." She leaned forward a little, her smile softening as she gazed at him. "I never thought I'd... fall for anyone... but I think... it's you."
She giggled again, leaning in too quickly, causing her to lose her balance entirely. In the next moment, Akari found herself tumbling forward, her face colliding gently with Arnold's. Their lips brushed in an accidental kiss, and Akari froze for a split second before pulling back, her eyes wide in surprise.
"Whoops..." she giggled awkwardly, her face turning even redder. "Guess I got a little carried away there."
Arnold sat there, completely stunned, his heart pounding in his chest. His thoughts raced. Had this really just happened? Had Akari just— kissed him?
He blinked several times, still processing the moment. There was a sudden, undeniable joy that filled him, a sense of victory he'd never expected. So, Kuro loses, huh? he thought with a slight smirk in his mind. Guess I'm the one who won in the end.
Later that evening, the two of them, completely exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster and wine-induced exhaustion, settled down on the sofa. Akari, now in a much more relaxed state, leaned against Arnold, her head resting lightly on his shoulder as she drifted off to sleep. Her breathing slowed, and the warmth of the room enveloped her.
Arnold, still processing everything that had happened, remained awake for a little while longer, his mind spinning. His heart, though, was strangely at ease for the first time in a long while. With Akari's weight on his shoulder and the quietness of the night, he felt a warmth he hadn't expected.
He shifted slightly, careful not to wake her, and pulled a blanket from the back of the couch to cover both of them. He let out a deep, contented sigh as he leaned back into the couch, his eyes glancing down at the sleeping form of Akari. Despite everything—despite the challenges, the confusion, and the pain—he was glad she was here.
Eventually, sleep overtook him as well, and the two of them drifted off, their shared exhaustion taking over. For the first time in what felt like forever, everything seemed to be in its place, if only for that quiet, peaceful night.
The morning sun filtered softly through the windows as Arnold woke up, his mind still a little hazy from the events of the previous night. He glanced down at the sofa, expecting to see Akari beside him, but she was gone.
Instead, there was a small piece of parchment resting on the arm of the couch. He picked it up and read the message, his heart sinking a little:
"I'm going to meet the king. I need to take care of some things. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
It was short and to the point, but there was an unmistakable feeling of finality in it. Akari had left without a word, and it felt... strange. He wasn't sure what to make of it. Had she remembered everything? Was she avoiding him now? The uncertainty gnawed at him, but there was nothing he could do about it now.
Arnold stood up, stretching his sore muscles from the previous day's emotional and physical exhaustion. He quickly made himself presentable, not wanting to waste any time. As he left the mansion, he decided to pay a visit to the king as well. It was time to talk about his next mission, and maybe... just maybe... it would give him a chance to clear his head.
---
Meanwhile, Akari walked briskly towards the castle, trying to shake off the fogginess in her mind. The events of the previous night were blurry, like fragments of a dream that faded as soon as she tried to grasp them. The only thing she knew for sure was that she had to speak with the king. She needed answers.
Her steps quickened as she approached the massive doors of the castle, and she couldn't help but feel the weight of the mission ahead of her. The world felt different now, after everything that had happened, but she wasn't sure what to make of it. The feeling in her chest, the uncertainty, the lingering emotions... she needed clarity.
---
Arnold arrived at the king's court shortly after Akari, unaware that she was already inside. He had no idea what the two of them would be facing, but something told him that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. He entered the king's chambers, determined to find out what the next chapter held for him—whatever that might be.
Akari handed her detailed report to the king, explaining her recent missions, the state of the borders, and any other important intelligence she had gathered. The king listened intently, nodding at the appropriate moments. Queen Elira, sitting by his side, observed Akari closely, noticing a faint mark on her lips. A subtle smirk tugged at her lips, but she kept her thoughts to herself for the moment, knowing full well how much the two had been through. Her attention flickered between Akari and her husband, but she refrained from making any remarks—at least not yet.
As soon as the meeting was concluded, Akari excused herself and quietly left the royal chambers. The king and queen exchanged a few words about the state of their kingdom before the queen's sharp gaze returned to the door where Akari had just exited.
Not long after, Arnold walked into the room, his usual confident stride slightly more casual today. But as he entered, the queen's eyes immediately landed on a similar mark on his lips. She tilted her head with a sly smile, the warmth of a mother's curiosity taking over.
"Hm, my dear son," she began, her voice playful but carrying an edge of concern. "May I ask where this scar comes from?" She motioned toward the mark on his lips, eyes glinting with mischief. "My dear Akari told me you've reconciled with her. Is it her who gave you that mark, or is it someone else?"
Arnold froze for a moment, his hand instinctively brushing his lips. His face turned a little pink, trying to come up with an explanation.
"Uh... well, it's not exactly—" Arnold started, but his mother's knowing smile only deepened.
"Do not worry, my son," Queen Elira said with a teasing tone, her arms crossed as she leaned back. "You know I only ask because you're both grown now. Whatever the matter is, it seems you're on the path to resolving things. I trust you've been responsible in your reconciliation."
Arnold, caught off guard by his mother's knowing tone, couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed, though there was also a sense of relief. His mother, always so perceptive, had a way of understanding without needing everything spelled out.
"It's... complicated, Mother," Arnold admitted, finally dropping his head in a bit of sheepishness. "But, yes. We're trying to figure things out. It's just... a lot."
Queen Elira's smile softened, and she placed a hand on his shoulder with gentle affection. "I'm sure you'll both find your way. Just remember, sometimes the most complicated things can lead to the greatest growth."
Arnold nodded, grateful for her support, but still a little embarrassed by the situation.
"Well," the queen continued, her voice returning to its usual playful tone, "I'll leave you to sort out the details. But do remember, no more hiding things from me, dear. A mother knows."
With that, she dismissed him with a wink, leaving Arnold to return to his thoughts—still processing everything that had happened the previous night and unsure about where things would go from here.
After Arnold's brief conversation with Queen Elira, the king summoned Akari to the royal chambers. She entered with her usual calm composure, though the weight of the moment was not lost on her. The king greeted her with a steady gaze before turning to both her and Arnold.
"Akari," the king began, his tone firm but respectful. "I've reviewed the plan you prepared for the Elf Kingdom. It's exceptional, but it's time to take action."
Akari stood still, her eyes meeting his as he continued.
"I believe you, Arnold, and Kuro are the best option to handle this mission. You three will represent the kingdom to the Elves, present the cooperation plan, and negotiate the trade agreements. This is a delicate task, and you are the most trusted to see it through."
Akari nodded, fully understanding the weight of the responsibility placed on them.
"Understood, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice firm. "We will make sure to secure the best outcome."
Arnold, standing beside her, gave a small but confident smile. "We'll make sure the mission goes smoothly. You can count on us."
The king nodded, his expression solemn but proud. "I trust you both. This mission is not only about securing trade agreements—it's about forging a long-lasting relationship with the Elf Kingdom. The future of our kingdom depends on it."
Akari felt the gravity of his words but nodded resolutely. This mission was more than just about political gain. It was about cementing trust and cooperation between two powerful forces—and she was determined to see it succeed.
"Go prepare yourselves," the king said, his tone softer now. "And when you're ready, head out. I expect your report as soon as you're back."
As the king finished, the weight of their new assignment settled over them. Arnold turned to Akari, giving her a reassuring smile.
"Let's go find Kuro. He'll be surprised to hear about this." Arnold's tone was light, though his eyes held the same intensity as always.
"Right," Akari agreed, a small smile tugging at her lips. "We'll need to surprise him with the news of my reappearance—and the mission. He won't see this coming."
With that, the two of them made their way out of the royal chambers, preparing to meet Kuro and share the big news. This mission would mark the beginning of a new chapter—not just for the kingdom, but for Akari, Arnold, and their unexpected reunion.
As Akari and Arnold walked through the halls of the castle, they couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of surprising Kuro. They knew he'd be both shocked and thrilled to see Akari after such a long absence, but they decided to make it a bit more fun.
"I have an idea," Arnold said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "How about we pretend like we have no idea where you've been for the last year and a half? We can act all confused and surprised when you show up in front of him, like 'Wait, Akari's back?!'"
Akari raised an eyebrow. "You think Kuro will buy that? He's been my friend for so long, he'll probably sense something's up the moment we walk in."
"Exactly!" Arnold grinned. "That's what makes it so fun! Let's keep it dramatic. We'll play the whole 'lost and found' act—like you just came back from the dead or something."
Akari smiled, her mischievous side coming to life. "I like it. We can even make it more believable by acting like we didn't plan anything. I'll just casually walk into the room and act surprised to see him, and you can act like you've been looking everywhere for me, too."
"Perfect!" Arnold laughed. "And then we'll just wait for his face to go through a hundred emotions—shock, disbelief, and then probably some happy yelling."
They quickly put their plan into action and made their way to the usual spot where Kuro liked to hang out. Arnold had an exaggeratedly serious expression, and Akari couldn't help but grin. She could already picture Kuro's face when they pulled this off.
As they approached, Arnold knocked lightly on the door to Kuro's room. "Kuro? You in there?"
"Of course I'm in here, where else would I be?" Kuro's voice came from inside, full of impatience. "Did you two finish your mission already, or are you just standing around?"
Akari took a deep breath, trying to suppress her smile. She placed a hand on Arnold's shoulder and said, in the most casual tone she could muster, "So, uh, I've been thinking about where to go for my next mission… maybe the capital?" She let the words hang in the air, not wanting to give anything away.
Arnold dramatically threw his hands up. "I don't know, Akari! I've been looking for you everywhere! You've been gone for a year and a half, and I have no idea what's going on—"
The door swung open, and Kuro's eyes widened as he saw the two of them standing there. For a split second, he just stared, frozen in place, before his expression morphed into complete confusion.
"Wait... What?!" Kuro blinked, looking between the two. "Akari? Is that really you? Where have you been?!"
Akari gave him a playful smile, trying her best to look surprised. "Oh, I'm not sure. I just decided to, you know, show up today."
Arnold, trying to hold back his laughter, placed a hand on his forehead as though he were exasperated. "See, Kuro? I told you she was missing! But she just casually walks in like she hasn't been gone for a century!"
Kuro's eyes narrowed, but he still looked utterly confused. "This is a prank, isn't it? You two have been planning this?"
Akari raised an eyebrow, trying to look innocent. "What are you talking about? I just came back, didn't I? No big deal."
The silence that followed was deafening, and for a moment, it seemed like Kuro was truly unsure if he should believe it or not. Then, without warning, Kuro's face broke into a huge grin, and he crossed the room in a blur of motion, pulling Akari into a tight hug.
"You little—" Kuro began, laughing and shaking his head. "You had me going there for a second! I didn't know whether to believe it or smack you for not telling me sooner!"
Akari laughed, her eyes shining. "You should've seen your face!"
Arnold crossed his arms and smirked. "I think we can officially call this one of the best pranks of all time."
Kuro stepped back, still grinning. "Alright, alright. I admit it. You got me good. But seriously, Akari—where in the world have you been?"
Akari shrugged, still chuckling. "Let's just say I've been… taking care of some things. But hey, it's good to be back."
Kuro shook his head, still grinning. "I don't know if I should be mad at you or thank you for not leaving me completely in the dark. But either way, welcome back."
And with that, the reunion was complete—complete with a prank that Kuro would never forget.
As the laughter died down, Kuro's eyes suddenly flickered down to Akari and Arnold's lips. His gaze lingered just a little too long, and that's when he noticed the unmistakable faint marks on both of their lips.
His heart sank.
At first, he tried to dismiss it, but the reality of what he was seeing hit him like a cold wave. It was clear to him now: Akari and Arnold had… shared something. Something more than just their friendship.
Kuro quickly looked away, his smile faltering for a brief moment before he masked it with a chuckle. "Well, I guess you two really did miss each other, huh?" he said, his tone a bit more forced than usual.
Akari and Arnold, still basking in the success of their prank, didn't notice Kuro's change in demeanor right away. Arnold shrugged, trying to play it cool. "What can I say? We've been through a lot. Who wouldn't get close after all that time?"
Akari, oblivious to the shift in Kuro's mood, nodded with a grin. "Yeah, we did have some wild adventures. It's good to be back with everyone."
Kuro, though, could only manage a small, tight-lipped smile. He didn't speak for a few seconds, trying to push his disappointment down. It's fine, he told himself. I'm happy for them... But...
But deep down, Kuro couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He had always known that Akari was special—more than just a friend—but seeing the two of them together, even if it was just a casual moment, hurt more than he wanted to admit. He had never been able to express his feelings for her, and now it seemed like the chance had passed.
Trying to shake off the feeling, Kuro cleared his throat. "I'm happy for you both," he said, his voice steady, though his eyes betrayed the sadness he felt. "Just... don't forget about the rest of us, okay? It's good to have you back, Akari. We missed you."
Akari, still full of energy, smiled brightly. "Of course, Kuro! I could never forget about you. You're the one who helped me when I needed it the most."
Arnold looked between the two of them, sensing a subtle shift in the air. He glanced at Kuro, who was trying to hide his emotions, but Arnold knew better. The silent tension didn't go unnoticed by him.
"Alright," Arnold said, trying to ease the awkwardness, "Let's focus on the mission. We've got a lot to talk about. The Elf Kingdom doesn't know what's coming."
Kuro nodded, his eyes betraying nothing as he glanced at Akari one more time, his heart heavy. Maybe one day I'll find a way to move on, he thought, as he pushed his feelings aside. For now, he had to put the team first.
The three of them left the room together, heading toward the next phase of their mission, but the air between them had changed just slightly. Akari, still cheerful, couldn't sense the subtle distance growing between her and Kuro—one that might take longer to mend than she ever realized.