The afternoon sun bathed the school rooftop in a soft, golden light, casting long shadows as Ryuzin lay with his head nestled in Shion's lap. The quiet warmth between them was palpable, the world below fading into silence. Shion gently ran her fingers through his hair, savoring the rare, peaceful moment they shared. She felt a comforting contentment fill her as she gazed at his calm, sleeping face.
"Did you fall asleep?" she asked softly, her voice laced with affection as her fingers continued their gentle path through his dark hair.
"Maybe," Ryuzin murmured, eyes still closed, clearly savoring her touch. "I just feel… really good." He breathed out, his voice a gentle whisper that blended with the breeze.
"Really?" Shion replied, her tone light yet filled with warmth.
Ryuzin's lips curled into a faint smile as he gave a small nod. Shion couldn't help but smile too, feeling a tug at her heart. She leaned forward slowly, closing the distance between them, and pressed a tender kiss to his forehead.
Ryuzin's eyes opened, blinking in surprise and delight, his gaze meeting hers. The first thing he saw was her contented, slightly blushing face framed by the afternoon sunlight, her eyes sparkling with warmth. His heart skipped a beat.
He raised a hand, gently tracing his fingers along her cheek. "You're beautiful," he whispered, his voice soft and filled with affection, as if the words held the weight of his feelings for her.
Shion took his hand in hers, her eyes not leaving his. "And… I love you," she confessed, the words falling from her lips with a shy smile, her cheeks tinged with pink.
"I love you too," Ryuzin replied, his voice rich with sincerity as he looked at her, his gaze unwavering.
They sat in silence, both feeling that nothing else existed beyond this moment, that they were the only ones left in the world. The gentle wind rustled around them, carrying with it the faint scents of grass and blossoms from the grounds below, heightening the magic of the scene.
After a moment, Shion broke the silence. "You never told me… how did you get the keys for the rooftop?"
Ryuzin smirked, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "Locks can't stop me," he replied boldly.
"Oh? Don't tell me you broke the lock!" Shion teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Absolutely not!" Ryuzin retorted, sitting up, his face briefly serious as if defending his honor.
"I am just teasing you, calm down" she giggled.
Then, with a smile, he added, "I have a spare key."
Shion laughed, her curiosity piqued. "And… who gave you that?" she asked, her voice soft and curious.
"I keep it for emergencies," Ryuzin explained casually, but his smirk gave away the thrill of having secrets.
"Ohh… I understand," Shion replied, nodding with a playful grin.
Ryuzin tilted his head, as if considering something. "Ever wondered how I come and go from the bunker even when all the doors are locked?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.
Shion's eyes widened with intrigue. "I did wonder… but tell me," she urged, leaning closer.
"Well…" Ryuzin whispered, glancing around dramatically as if someone might overhear. "There's a hidden door that opens with a special code."
Shion absorbed his words, her eyes shining with excitement. "Really? Can you tell me the code and the location?" she asked, barely able to contain her curiosity.
Ryuzin leaned closer, his lips brushing near her ear as he whispered the secret code and location. Shion nodded and smiled, feeling as though they now shared an even deeper bond.
Just then, the shrill ring of the school bell echoed from below, signaling the end of their precious break. They both sighed, reluctant to let go of the moment. Standing up, Shion reached for the door, but Ryuzin gently took her hand, stopping her. Before she could question him, he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
Shion blushed deeply, smiling shyly at him. Hand in hand, they made their way down the stairs and back to class, their fingers intertwined.
---
**Chapter 14: Secrets Unveiled**
When they entered the classroom, their friends Yuki and Aki were waiting, chatting and laughing. Yuki noticed them first, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Well, well… where have you two lovebirds been?" she teased.
Ryuzin held his head high, feigning nonchalance. "Nothing… just having some 'we' time," he replied, his voice bold and unapologetic.
"Whatever!" Yuki laughed, rolling her eyes. "Let's talk about Golden Week," she said, leaning forward excitedly. "Like… what we want to do when we reach Shibuya!"
Aki chimed in playfully, "We'll just have a double date."
Yuki gave him a playful slap on the shoulder. "You'll have your date, idiot!" she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Yes, my lady," Aki replied with a mock bow, making everyone laugh.
As the four friends sat together, talking and planning their trip, the room filled with laughter, friendship, and dreams of the adventures that awaited them.
After school, the couples parted ways outside the school gate. Shion and Ryuzin strolled down one path, while Aki and Yuki headed in the opposite direction.
As Shion and Ryuzin walked together, their hands brushed against each other, lingering for a brief moment before entwining. Shion glanced up at him, cheeks flushed.
"Hey… do you want to go shopping with me sometime, Ryuzin-kun?" Shion asked, her voice soft and hopeful, her eyes sparkling as she waited for his answer.
Ryuzin smiled gently, nodding. "Sure! Just let me know when, and I'll go with you," he replied, warmth in his gaze.
Shion's face lit up with happiness, and she thanked him with a shy smile, her heart fluttering at his answer.
As they continued to walk, deep in conversation, a shadow seemed to flicker at the corner of Ryuzin's vision. He tensed, feeling a strange presence nearby. He glanced over his shoulder, but the figure had vanished, leaving only the empty street behind.
"What's wrong? You look tense," Shion asked, noticing the slight crease in his brow.
"It's nothing… probably just my imagination," he said, brushing it off, though his gaze briefly darted around.
"If you say so…" Shion murmured, uncertain but willing to let it go. They resumed their walk, the moment settling back into calmness.
After a pause, Ryuzin gathered his courage and softly stammered, "Hey… um… would you like to come over? Only if you want to, of course."
Shion's cheeks heated up as her heart skipped a beat. "Oh… um… I mean…" she stammered, her voice a whisper. "Okay… if you insist."
As they arrived at Ryuzin's house, he paused at the door. "Wait here for a moment," he said, unlocking it with a quick turn of the key.
"Come in," he said, stepping aside for her to enter.
Inside, they were greeted by the soft sound of paws padding across the floor. A sleek white cat with bright green eyes approached them, her gaze assessing the newcomer with quiet curiosity.
"That's Nozomi," Ryuzin introduced, his voice warm as he watched the cat.
Shion crouched down to pet her, but Nozomi gracefully stepped back, keeping her distance.
"She just needs time to get used to you," Ryuzin reassured her with a gentle smile.
Shion nodded, smiling softly as she followed him further inside. He gestured for her to take a seat on the couch. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll be back in a moment," he said, disappearing down a hallway toward his room.
Left alone, Shion sat on the couch, her hands fidgeting as her mind spun with possibilities. Her heart raced, and her face felt warm as she contemplated the moment.
Suddenly, Ryuzin's voice called to her from his room, "Shion, you can come in now."
"Okay!" she replied, standing up, her heart pounding as she walked toward the room. She paused at the doorway, taking a deep breath before stepping inside.
Ryuzin's room was cozy and inviting, with posters on the walls and a few scattered books on his desk. He was seated on his bed, waiting for her with a soft smile.
Shion walked over and sat beside him on the bed. They both glanced away, bashful, until their eyes met again, a spark of connection hanging in the silence between them.
"So… what did you have in mind?" Shion asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Um… well…" Ryuzin hesitated, his cheeks slightly flushed. Then, as if propelled by an unseen force, he reached out, covering her hand with his own. A spark seemed to flow through her at his touch, sending a shiver down her spine.
Shion's breath caught, and she gazed up at him. Without another word, Ryuzin leaned forward, his lips gently meeting hers. The kiss deepened, soft and tender, as they both melted into the embrace, the world around them fading away.
END OF CHAPTER: 14 : LOSS OF PURITY