The morning was calm.
Birds chirped softly outside, their songs blending with the gentle sound of flowing water nearby. Sunlight slowly crept through the wooden window, casting a warm glow across the quiet room.
Akira's eyes opened.
For a moment, he stayed still—watching the ceiling, listening to the peaceful sounds around him.
Then he exhaled quietly and sat up.
"…Morning already."
He stood and stretched slightly before walking toward the kitchen.
Kanae was still asleep.
Akira began preparing breakfast.
His movements were smooth, precise—almost effortless. The scent of freshly cooked food soon filled the room, rich and comforting.
Thanks to his Divine Cooking skill, everything was done perfectly.
| 15 minutes later |
Akira placed the food neatly on a small wooden tray.
Then, without hesitation, he walked toward Kanae's room.
Knock… knock…
No response.
He gently slid the door open.
Kanae was still asleep.
Her breathing was soft.
Peaceful.
Her long hair spread slightly across the pillow, glowing faintly under the morning light.
Akira paused for a moment.
Watching her.
"…You really are carefree when you sleep," he murmured softly.
He walked inside and placed the tray carefully beside her.
Then he leaned down slightly.
"Kanae… wake up."
He gently shook her shoulder.
"Mmnn…"
Kanae stirred.
Her eyes slowly opened—
And landed on him.
"…Akira…"
Her voice was still heavy with sleep.
A faint smile appeared on Akira's face.
"I made breakfast."
Kanae blinked.
Still waking up.
Still processing.
"…You did?"
Akira nodded.
She sat up slowly.
Her movements slightly unsteady.
Their eyes met.
Closer now.
Kanae's cheeks flushed faintly.
"…You're too close," she whispered.
Akira didn't move immediately.
Then—
He reached out.
Gently brushing a strand of her hair aside.
"…You look tired."
Kanae's heart skipped.
"…I'm fine."
But her voice softened.
A brief silence followed.
Then—
Akira leaned forward slightly—
And placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
Kanae froze.
Her eyes widened.
"…Akira…"
For a moment—
She didn't move.
Then slowly—
Very slowly—
She leaned forward.
Their foreheads almost touching—
Then—
She pulled back.
"…Let's eat," she said quietly.
Akira smiled faintly.
"…Yeah."
They ate together in silence.
But it wasn't uncomfortable.
Kanae took a bite.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"…This is really good."
Akira chuckled.
"I expected that from you."
Kanae smiled softly.
Then suddenly—
Her expression changed.
"…Kanao."
Akira blinked.
"…Right."
They stood.
Akira placed his hand lightly on Kanae's shoulder.
"Let's go."
In an instant—
They vanished.
Asakusa
They reappeared inside the inn.
Quiet.
Still.
Kanae opened the door.
Kanao was sleeping.
Curled slightly.
Silent.
Kanae's expression softened.
Akira turned—
Then paused.
A familiar sound.
A crow.
He stepped toward the window.
Listening.
"…A mission?"
Kanae stepped beside him.
"…Mine?" she asked.
Akira nodded slowly.
"…Looks like it."
Silence.
"…Then we'll have to separate," he said.
Kanae's fingers tightened slightly.
"…Where will you go?"
Akira looked ahead.
"…North."
"…To train?"
He nodded.
"…I still haven't mastered Sun Breathing."
Kanae smiled faintly.
"…That sounds like you."
Akira reached into his inventory.
Items appeared in his hands.
Two protection amulets.
Food pills.
Water pills.
Two beauty pills.
He handed them to Kanae.
"Take these."
Kanae looked at them.
"…That's a lot."
"If you meet Shinobu or Mitsuri, give them one each."
Kanae nodded.
"…Alright."
Another silence.
This one—
Heavier.
Akira turned.
"…I'll be in my room."
He left.
Kanae watched him go.
Her chest felt tight.
"…Akira…"
But she didn't stop him.
Afternoon
A knock echoed through the room.
Akira opened the door.
Kanae stood there.
Kanao beside her.
"…We're leaving," Kanae said softly.
Akira nodded.
"…Be careful."
Kanae smiled faintly.
"…You too."
Kanao looked up at Akira.
For a brief moment—
Their eyes met.
No words.
But—
Something changed.
Akira noticed it.
Just slightly.
"…Good."
Kanae turned.
And walked away.
Kanao followed.
Akira stood there.
Watching—
Until they disappeared from view.
Then he closed the door.
Silence returned.
He sat down slowly.
"…Tamayo…"
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Should I meet her?"
The question lingered in the air.
Because deep down—
He already knew.
Meeting her…
Would change everything.
To Be Continued…