The Couple

--- Ren's POV ---

I found myself unable to process the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me, my heart pounding in my chest.

A lump formed in my throat as I swallowed nervously, my anticipation mingling with a hint of trepidation.

Patience had always been a virtue I held dear, restraining my desires and giving her the space she might need.

The urge to bridge the gap between us, to draw her closer, had been ever-present, but I held back, afraid of overstepping her boundaries or risking rejection.

But now, the tables had turned. She had initiated the kiss, catching me off guard and igniting a fire within me that I could no longer contain. The floodgates of restraint burst open.

As our lips gently parted, a mischievous smile danced across my face. No, she wouldn't get away with this unpunished.

With a tender touch, I brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, allowing my fingertips to graze her neck in a deliberate, electrifying motion. Her eyes met mine once again, her cheeks flushed.

It was all the confirmation I needed.

I leaned in, our lips meeting once more.

This time, our kiss grew even more passionate and fervent. Our tongues engaged in a dance of desire, exploring each other's mouths with an insatiable hunger. The taste of her lips, and the warmth of her breath...

As our bodies pressed against each other, our connection deepened. I could feel her heartbeat racing against my chest, mirroring the rapid rhythm of my own. Every touch, every caress, was filled with an electrifying intensity, a longing to merge our souls in a union of undeniable passion.

But as much as I craved to take her to the heights of ecstasy right then and there, I knew it was neither the correct time nor the location.

With great effort, I reluctantly pulled away from the intoxicating embrace, our lips parting with a soft gasp.

We were left breathless.

With our foreheads pressed together, I held her close, feeling the warmth of her against me. My hand found its place on her waist as if claiming her as mine.

"I am glad you want us to step further in our relationship, but are you sure? I think it might be a little-"

I wanted to express my concerns, to remind her of the challenges and sacrifices that lay ahead, but before I could utter a word, she surprised me.

Her lips found my neck, kissing and nipping at the sensitive skin. The intensity of her actions left me speechless.

You truly want to drive me mad, Ais...

"I don't want to... ignore this feeling, anymore. I will continue training, and my goal won't change. After I have avenged them..."

Her words trailed off, but I understood the meaning.

With a contented smile, I gently caressed her cheek as a silent affirmation.

My thoughts drifted to a future filled with possibilities, envisioning a baby Ais nestled in my arms. It was a vision that held a deep resonance within me, a dream that I now had every reason to hope for.

...After a while.

As the heat of our passion gradually subsided, we found ourselves in a moment of tranquility.

Considering the state of the city, going on a traditional date didn't feel appropriate. I wanted to spare Ais any feelings of guilt or sadness amidst the suffering of others. But then, an idea sparked in my mind—a way to enjoy ourselves.

"Would you like to witness something cool?" I suggested, capturing her attention.

..My gaze involuntarily shifted to her lips, tugging at my self-control.

I needed to proceed with caution, mindful of not going too fast as I repressed these thoughts, for now.

With a nod of agreement, she directed her full attention to me.

Summoning my shadow, I manipulated it to sculpt a unique creation—an ethereal lily, as I let her take it in her hand.

With a gentle touch, I traced the contours of her hand that held the lily. The flower, born from the essence of shadows, initially bore a mysterious darkness, its petals an inky black.

The black hue dispersed like dissipating smoke. Petal by petal, the lily transformed, each one shedding its shadowy cloak to reveal a pristine white.

It was as if the essence of light had infused the very fabric of the petals, illuminating their delicate contours and casting a gentle glow upon the surrounding air.

As she gazed upon it, a sense of wonder sparkled in her eyes, captivated by the mesmerizing metamorphosis that had taken place.

"It's a symbol of our connection," I whispered, my voice filled with tenderness. "A reminder that even amidst darkness, there is the potential for light to bloom."

Without delay, I proceeded to offer an explanation, eager to share how this was possible.

"This is a culmination of my abilities. With Shadow Manipulation, I can create objects using them. You know what a flower is, how it should smell good, and many other things your brain can perceive. Using illusions, I can bring all this to the flower as it can become 'real' in a sense..."

As seconds ticked by, the petals of the lily began to detach, their descent orchestrated in a mesmerizing display reminiscent of scenes from countless anime and manga. It was a spectacle of grace and beauty, each petal floating delicately through the air like a fleeting dream.

It was a power that allowed me to weave enchantment and wonder into reality, to create moments that could rival the grandest productions of Hollywood.

It had its applications in combat, but...

None of that mattered.

The sole reason for honing this ability to perfection was the small, yet radiant, smile that graced her face. It was a smile that held a world of meaning to me—

Overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and cuteness, I could not resist the pull any longer. With a tender and passionate embrace, I leaned in, our lips meeting once more in a blissful union...

---

Author's Note:

This chapter was difficult for me to write.

Imagine making out after training. I'm jealous.