Rohan's battle with Aireal had ended, but the weight of the moment hung heavily over him. As the smoke from the fierce conflict dissipated, he stood in silence, his mind clouded with uncertainty. The fight had drained him, but it was nothing compared to the sense of responsibility that now burdened him. He looked down at Nina, who lay unconscious before him, her body battered from the brutal encounter. His heart ached for her, for the strength she had shown, and for the sacrifices she had made.
Tears welled up in Rohan's eyes as he remembered the countless challenges he had faced alone, the isolation that had plagued his every step. He had always struggled to protect himself, but now there was someone else to protect—someone who had risked her life for him. The guilt overwhelmed him, and he whispered to himself, "What have I done?"
The once lively cafe had become a haunting reminder of the chaos that had unfolded. Rohan gently touched Nina's cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin against his fingertips. Her face, though marred by bruises and exhaustion, still carried the beauty and grace that had captivated him from the very beginning.
His heart clenched as he considered the possibility of losing her. The cafe, once filled with laughter and light, now felt like a distant memory. As he lifted Nina into his arms, his resolve hardened. He couldn't lose her—not now, not after everything they had been through.
With determination in his heart, Rohan made his way home, carrying Nina's fragile form as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Each step was heavy with the weight of their shared struggle, but he refused to give up. He would find a way to protect her, to heal her, and to uncover the mysteries of his newfound powers. In the quiet of the night, Rohan walked forward, uncertain of what lay ahead but resolute in his desire to keep Nina safe.
At 8:00 p.m., Nina stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, disoriented and confused. Her gaze swept across the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. "Where is Aireal? And where am I?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Rohan, who had been sitting by her side, gently helped her sit up. "Nina, you're in my room. I live alone here. My parents are abroad," he explained softly.
Nina blushed, her face turning a deep shade of red. She hesitated before asking, "You mean... we're here alone?"
Rohan, sensing her discomfort, quickly reassured her, "No, no. I'm not going to try anything, I promise."
With a coy and playful smile, Nina peeked from behind the blanket, her voice low and teasing. "Well... I wouldn't mind if you did."
Rohan's face flushed a deep red, and he stammered, "Really... Why?"
Nina's gaze softened as she looked into his eyes, her voice trembling with vulnerability. "Because I'm in love with you."
Rohan was taken aback, his heart racing as he processed her words. "Really? When did that happen?"
Nina lowered the blanket, revealing her earnest expression. "I lied when I said I came here to help you with your powers. The truth is... I've always known you. I know you from when we were kids. You helped me once when I was crying by the river. My doll had fallen in, and you saved it for me. From that day, I fell in love with you."
Rohan struggled to make sense of her words. "From childhood... but you're a demon, right? Didn't you say you were from Ombra?"
Nina nodded, her expression somber. "I'm a half-demon. My mother fell in love with a demon, and they had me. We live in the human realm now, and that's why I had to lie. I'm sorry."
With a deep breath, Nina leaned in and kissed Rohan, sealing the confession that had been years in the making. The kiss was passionate and tender, a moment of connection they had both been waiting for without fully realizing it.
As they pulled away, Nina whispered, "I've been waiting for this moment for so long, Rohan."
Rohan, still breathless, smiled. "Me too, Nina. I just didn't know it until now."
They shared another kiss, their hearts racing with newfound emotions. The night was filled with a sense of peace and certainty that neither of them had expected but both had longed for.
To Be Continued...