After a long journey, Touka and Laura finally arrived at a small, peaceful town. Seeing a place untouched by destruction made them feel a bit safer, even though Touka knew the threat of Omnivorax was still lurking beyond the horizon.
"How about we take a break?" Touka suggested, glancing around. "Let's find an inn."
Laura nodded but looked uneasy. "An inn?" she repeated softly. "Are you sure we... stay together?"
Touka turned to her, his expression blank. "What's wrong with that?" he asked, genuinely confused. "We need a bed to sleep in. What else can we do?"
Laura's face turned red as she lowered her gaze. "But... I mean... sharing a room, just the two of us? Isn't that... weird?"
Completely missing her point, Touka shrugged. "Relax, we're just sleeping. It's not a big deal."
After wandering for a bit, they found a modest inn. It wasn't fancy, but it looked safe and comfortable enough for a few days. They rented a room, and Laura stared at it, her emotions torn between disbelief and embarrassment.
"This... is serious?" Laura muttered under her breath, then glanced at Touka, who looked completely indifferent. "I mean, don't you think it's weird? Staying in the same room with me?"
Touka just shrugged again. "What's so weird? It's just a room."
Laura sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I'm not sure this is a good idea..." She bit her lip, searching for the right words.
Still oblivious, Touka nodded. "Alright, you stay here. I'll go grab some groceries."
Before Laura could protest, Touka was already out the door. She stared at it as it closed, her thoughts a chaotic swirl. "What am I even supposed to do? Should I just sneak out while he's gone?"
---
Touka made his way to the nearest store, walking briskly. Inside his head, the parasite began its usual nagging.
"Hurry up! We need more food," the parasite's voice echoed.
"I know what to get," Touka replied, though his tone lacked confidence.
At the store, Touka grabbed all kinds of supplies—canned goods, dried foods, and fresh meat. The parasite's demands continued.
"Don't forget fresh meat! We need something better than this!"
Touka groaned quietly. "Why do you always want more? Can't we just settle for normal food this time?"
The parasite scoffed. "Fresh meat, now! Don't make me wait any longer!"
In the end, Touka gave in and grabbed a few pricier items to appease the parasite. At the checkout, he couldn't help but wince at the total.
---
When Touka returned to the inn, Laura had already tidied up the room. She looked calmer now, though there was still a hint of unease in her expression.
"Don't worry, I just bought some groceries," Touka said as he placed the shopping bags on the table.
Laura glanced at the bags nervously. "Uh... what exactly did you buy?" she asked, her tone wary.
Touka began unpacking with a casual grin. "Food. We've got to eat, right?"
But when they started eating, Laura frowned at her first bite. "Uh... why is this so sweet? I'm sure I used salt earlier..."
Touka, happily munching away, just shrugged. "I don't know, maybe I grabbed the wrong stuff. Sweet isn't bad, though."
Laura sighed, shaking her head with a faint smile. "It's fine. Let's just eat."
---
After their meal, they sat on the bed, trying to relax. Laura still felt a little awkward, but Touka remained as calm as ever.
"I don't know what to do next," Laura admitted suddenly, her voice quiet and uncertain. "Everything happened so fast... and I don't even know what my purpose is anymore."
Touka glanced at her but stayed silent.
Laura bit her lip, lowering her gaze. "I... used to have a family. My mom and dad. But they were never happy. Dad passed away, and Mom... worked as a maid. Lots of men would come, and they'd... rent her." Her voice trembled as she spoke. "I couldn't do anything when they hurt her. In the end, she... she took her own life." Her words cracked as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Touka listened quietly, his face serious. "That's... really rough," he said softly. "But you're still alive. That has to mean something."
Laura nodded weakly, though her tears didn't stop. "I don't know, Touka. I'm scared life is just a race with no destination."
Touka paused, lying back on the bed. After a moment, he spoke. "We don't always know what we're looking for. But maybe... this journey will help us figure it out."
Laura stayed quiet, his words lingering in her mind. Somehow, she felt just a little lighter, even if the weight in her heart hadn't completely disappeared.