The academy courtyard buzzed with students chatting and laughing, still abuzz from the recent events with the dragon. Kai stood alone by the fountain, gazing into its depths as he replayed everything that had happened in his mind. The battles, the risks he'd taken, and the revelation of his bond with the villainess—he could feel the weight of it all but also the quiet pride that came with protecting those he cared about.
In the distance, he saw the female protagonist approaching, a gentle smile on her face. She paused when she noticed him, a flicker of hesitation crossing her features before she continued toward him.
"Kai," she called softly.
He looked up, his expression softening. "Hey," he greeted, offering her a nod. "I wanted to thank you… for everything you did. I know it wasn't easy to stand up for me."
She looked away, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "You've done so much for everyone. It was the least I could do," she replied quietly. "You're… special, Kai. People are starting to see that."
He smiled, grateful for her words. "It means a lot coming from you."
Just as they shared a meaningful glance, a voice cut through the noise, warm and familiar. "Kai!"
Turning, Kai's face brightened as he saw the villainess rushing toward him, her eyes shining with happiness and relief. Without a hint of hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him, embracing him in front of the entire courtyard.
Students stopped and stared, gasping at the audacity of the display. But the villainess paid no mind to their reactions, hugging Kai tightly as if he were the only one that mattered in the world.
Kai blinked, momentarily surprised by her boldness, but his arms soon encircled her, holding her close. Her touch was warm and full of reassurance, and he could feel her heartbeat against his chest, steady and strong.
"I was looking for you," she murmured, her voice soft yet resolute, not caring who heard her. "I don't care what anyone thinks. You're mine, Kai. Let them stare all they want."
He chuckled softly, touched by her defiance. "You really don't care, do you?"
She pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at him, her expression fierce and unyielding. "No, I don't. Let them gossip and whisper. It doesn't change how I feel about you."
The female protagonist, watching from a few steps away, felt a mix of surprise and something she couldn't quite place—a strange pang in her chest. She quickly pushed it aside, offering Kai a gentle smile. "You're lucky, Kai. Not everyone has someone who would defy the world for them."
Kai nodded, his gaze never leaving the villainess. "I know. And I'm grateful for it every single day."
The villainess tightened her grip on him, smiling proudly. "We're rewriting our own story, Kai. No one can change that."
Around them, students continued to gawk, murmuring in shock and awe at the sight of the academy's infamous villainess openly claiming her love for a commoner. But neither Kai nor the villainess cared. They stood there, united against the world, unbothered by the eyes watching them.
With a smirk, she took Kai's hand in hers, raising her chin defiantly as if daring anyone to question them. "Shall we?" she asked.
He squeezed her hand, sharing her determination. "Let's go."
Together, they walked across the courtyard, ignoring the stares, the whispers, and the judgment. Their bond was stronger than any rumor, and they knew that, no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them side by side.