In the shadows of an unknown place, a striking woman with fiery red hair and piercing red eyes stood, cloaked in darkness. Her gaze was intense, her figure exuding an air of power and mystery.
"The time has come for us to choose a new Demon Lord," she declared, her voice commanding as she addressed some hidden figures.
"We must make him one of us by any means necessary," she continued, her tone resolute. "The plan is already in motion."
Back to Ryuzin and Shion...
They now lay beneath a warm blanket, cozy and close, with Shion resting against Ryuzin's chest, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on his arm. She felt a deep sense of peace and safety as his arms held her securely.
"Hey…" she whispered, breaking the silence.
"Yes?" Ryuzin responded softly, his voice tender.
"Promise me… don't ever leave me," Shion murmured, her voice vulnerable as she buried herself deeper into his embrace.
Ryuzin pulled her close, his voice filled with quiet assurance. "I promise… I'll never leave you."
Ryuzin leaned down and gently pressed his lips to Shion's forehead, his touch both warm and protective, wrapped up in each other's presence.
"Hey, I'm really glad I met you that night," Shion murmured, her voice soft and heartfelt as she snuggled closer to him, seeking his warmth.
Ryuzin smiled, a bit bashful but sincere. "Me too. I was such a loner before I met you. You taught me how to open up, how to connect with people," he admitted, his laughter soft and filled with affection.
Shion looked up at him, her eyes glinting with playfulness. "You were so adorable back then, so shy. I'm glad I could help," she replied, her tone light, though her gaze was warm.
"You saved me in more ways than one," Ryuzin continued, his tone growing serious. "If I hadn't met you, I'd still be stuck in my shell, hiding from the world."
Shion chuckled, recalling the memory. "And you saved me from those guys that day. I'll never forget that," she said, lightly brushing it off, but with an underlying gratitude in her eyes.
Ryuzin's gaze softened, his voice gentle. "I'll always protect you."
Shion's smile was radiant. "I know. You're my hero," she said, her cheeks flushed, her eyes gleaming as she looked up at him.
Ryuzin chuckled, brushing off her words. "Hardly. But I'm glad I could be there for you," he replied.
Shion tilted her head, a curious glint in her eye. "What made you change your mind about me? At first, you always ignored me," she asked, her voice teasing yet genuinely intrigued.
Ryuzin paused, thoughtful. "I was intimidated," he admitted, scratching the back of his neck. "You were so confident, so outgoing. I didn't think I deserved you. But being around you… it made me want to be a better person."
Shion touched his arm, her smile soft. "You're already amazing, Ryuzin. Don't change for anyone."
Her words touched him deeply, and Ryuzin could only respond with a smirk, though his eyes held a hint of vulnerability. "Easy for you to say. You're perfect," he murmured.
Shion laughed, shaking her head. "Far from it. But I love how you see me."
He looked into her eyes, his gaze unwavering. "I love you, period," he said with a steady, serious tone.
Shion's heart fluttered, and she moved closer, wrapping her arms around him. "I love you too," she replied, her voice a soft whisper as she leaned into his embrace.
Today is Thursday, April 28, 2022.
Ryuzin stood outside the bustling Shinjuku shopping mall, his tall figure leaning casually against the wall. His sharp eyes scanned the lively crowd, watching as people hurried past, each absorbed in their own world. The sun hung high in the afternoon sky, casting warm rays that flickered over the crowded street. He glanced at his watch for the third time—12:05 P.M. Shion was running late.
After what felt like an eternity, Ryuzin finally caught sight of Shion weaving through the crowd. She was a breath of fresh air, her bright smile shining like a beacon as she hurried toward him, her hair bouncing with each step.
"Sorry I'm late, Ryuzin-kun!" she called out, slightly out of breath but grinning widely, her cheeks flushed from the rush.
Ryuzin's stern expression softened, and a gentle smile curved his lips. "You're worth waiting for, Shion," he replied, his tone calm but sincere.
Shion giggled, her laughter light and melodious like a chime in the breeze. "You're always so punctual. I'm lucky to have you," she teased, nudging him playfully.
"No need to apologize," Ryuzin replied, his voice steady but warm.
Shion's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Ohh... you love me that much?" she teased, tilting her head with a sly grin.
Ryuzin's face softened even further, a rare vulnerability showing through his usual composed demeanor. "Yes, I do. I really, really, really love you," he said, his voice filled with quiet sincerity, each word carrying a weight of truth.
Shion's cheeks turned pink, and she lowered her voice, barely above a whisper. "Same here. I love you too, Ryuzin."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Ryuzin's mouth as he held her gaze, his eyes crinkling slightly with genuine affection. "Let's go shopping," he said, reaching out his hand toward her.
With a soft laugh, Shion slipped her hand into his. "Gladly!" she chirped, and together they walked hand in hand into the lively shopping center, the sounds of chatter and footsteps echoing around them.
Once inside, Shion eagerly led him to the Men's section, her eyes scanning the racks with excitement.
"Try this on, Ryuzin-kun!" she exclaimed, handing him a sleek black t-shirt that seemed to match his cool, composed vibe.
Ryuzin raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You think I need a new wardrobe?"
Shion rolled her eyes playfully. "You'd look amazing in this," she insisted, pushing the shirt toward him with a grin.
With a slight chuckle, Ryuzin disappeared into the changing room. As he changed, Shion chatted animatedly with the sales associate, her voice light and cheerful.
When Ryuzin finally emerged, he ran a hand through his hair, feeling slightly self-conscious. "What do you think, Shion?" he asked, his fingers brushing the back of his neck.
Shion's eyes widened, her mouth dropping open slightly as she took in the sight of him. The black t-shirt hugged his frame perfectly, accentuating his lean, muscular build. For a moment, she was speechless.
"Perfect! You have to get it," she exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.
Ryuzin allowed a small, shy smile to cross his face. "If you like it, then... fine," he said, a faint blush dusting his cheeks.
Shion's eyes sparkled with delight. "Ryuzin-kun, you look stunning!" she praised, her admiration evident in her voice.
Ryuzin's cheeks turned a little redder, but he quickly composed himself, his usual calm expression returning. "Your turn," he said, guiding Shion to the women's section, his hand gently resting on her shoulder.
As they browsed through the racks of clothes, Shion couldn't resist glancing over at him with a mischievous grin. "Ryuzin-kun, remember what you said to me that evening?" she asked, her tone playful.
Ryuzin's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of suspicion in his gaze. "Which evening?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Shion giggled, her laughter soft and teasing. "Our first evening together, of course!" she replied, her eyes dancing with mischief.
Ryuzin's face began to flush, a faint pink spreading across his cheeks.
"Oh, come on, Ryuzin-kun," Shion teased, leaning closer. "You said some pretty embarrassing things."
Ryuzin glanced around, his eyes darting nervously to ensure no one was listening. "Shion, stop," he muttered, his voice low and a bit flustered.
But Shion only grinned wider, undeterred by his embarrassment.
"You're the love of my life... I want to marry you... have kids with you…" she mimicked, her voice rising in a high-pitched, teasing tone.
"You're my forever... my soulmate…"
"I love the way you smile... the way you laugh…"
Ryuzin's face turned a deep shade of red, his expression a mix of horror and embarrassment. He cringed, trying to hide behind a nearby rack, wishing he could disappear.
"Shion, seriously, stop," he whispered urgently, his face burning.
Yet Shion continued, her eyes sparkling with delight at his reaction. "I want to wake up with you every morning, with you by my side…"
Ryuzin covered his face with his hands, feeling utterly exposed yet somehow happy. Shion's laughter echoed around them, filling the space with warmth as they shared that intimate, teasing moment in the middle of the bustling store.
"You make me feel whole…"
Ryuzin's eyes widened, his face flushing as he absorbed Shion's words.
"Shion, that's enough," he muttered, a hint of embarrassment in his tone.
But then, his expression shifted, becoming bolder and more confident. "You know what, I meant every word, Shion."
Shion's laughter stopped, replaced by a deep blush that spread across her cheeks. Her wide eyes were locked on his, shining with emotion.
"R-Ryuzin-kun…"
Ryuzin's gaze held hers, unwavering, his voice low and steady. "I meant it all, Shion. Every word."
Shion's face turned a deeper shade of red. She glanced away, her voice barely audible. "I-I'm sorry, Ryuzin-kun…"
"No need to apologize, Shion. I'd say it all again," he said with a mischievous smirk, his lips curling into a smile.
Then he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. "But, Shion, I remember some pretty embarrassing things you said, too…"
Shion's eyes snapped back to his, alarm written across her face.
"'Ryuzin-kun, I love you...'" he mimicked in a soft voice. "'You're the best thing that's ever happened to me.'"
She gasped as he continued, "I never knew love could feel so real... make love to me again..."
Shion's face turned an even deeper shade of red, her embarrassment clear.
She flushed, covering her mouth as a giggle escaped her.
"Ryuzin-kun, stop!" Shion protested, her voice barely above a whisper, laced with laughter.
Ryuzin chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Looks like we're both guilty of saying embarrassing things," he teased.
Shion smiled, her eyes sparkling with affection. "I guess we are."
Their playful banter continued, each glance filled with warmth and unspoken affection, weaving a soft intimacy between them.
END OF CHAPTER: 15 : MALL TRIP