The room was quiet, save for the soft snores of Aoi and Arakan, their small forms curled up on the couch. Their peaceful faces were a stark contrast to the chaos we had endured, a reminder of why we fought so hard. The dim light of the living room cast a serene glow over everything, wrapping us in a blanket of stillness.
I sat on the sofa, Aiko beside me, her hand in mine. She hadn't let go since we settled down, and I hadn't wanted her to. The warmth of her touch was grounding, a tether to reality in the aftermath of the night's events.
She broke the silence, her voice soft but curious. "Ryu… isn't it strange?" Her pink eyes met mine, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "How did we fall for each other in just one day? After just a little conversation?"