The wind whipped past us as I soared higher, Ai safely in my arms. Her head rested against my chest, her warmth grounding me as the chaos of the world melted away for a fleeting moment.
But the peace didn't last long.
"Asahi-kun!" Reina's voice pierced through the sky, her tone laced with irritation and excitement.
I groaned inwardly, knowing full well she wasn't going to let us escape. "She's relentless," I muttered under my breath.
Turning midair, I met Reina's grinning face just as her fist connected with mine. The force of the punch sent me flying several meters, Ai's scream cutting through the air as I struggled to keep her secure in my arms.
"Damn it," I muttered, stopping abruptly and steadying myself. My cheek stung, and blood trickled from my nose.