The aftermath of the battle left an eerie stillness in the air. The debris settled around us, and the faint glow of the moon illuminated the ruined scene. My enhanced form began to fade as I walked toward Aiko, who was sitting on the ground with Arakan clutching her tightly. Her pink eyes were wide, still brimming with worry and relief.
I knelt before her, gently cupping her cheek. Her soft skin felt warm under my touch, and her eyes locked onto mine. The tension between us was palpable, but it wasn't fear this time—it was something deeper, something that had been growing ever since we'd found ourselves in this nightmare together.
"Aiko," I whispered, my voice tender yet firm.
Before she could respond, I leaned forward and captured her lips in a kiss. Her body stiffened, her eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, she didn't react, completely caught off guard.
