Chapter 131: A Night to Remember

Ekko stood in front of the cracked mirror in his room, once again studying his reflection. His new height made the small space feel even more cramped, and his white hair gleamed in the low light. It still felt strange, almost surreal, to see this version of himself staring back. The changes weren't just physical—they were in how he moved, how he carried himself. Everything about him felt... different.

"Looking sharp," came a teasing voice from the doorway.

Ekko turned to see Powder leaning against the frame, her usual mischievous grin playing on her lips. But there was something softer in her gaze tonight, a mixture of awe and affection that made his chest tighten.

"You think so?" he asked, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

Powder stepped into the room, her boots clicking softly against the floor. "Oh, I know so," she said, circling him like she was inspecting a piece of art. "The height, the hair, the whole... aura you've got now. It's kind of unfair, honestly."

Ekko chuckled, shaking his head. "It's still weird to me. I keep bumping into stuff, and my clothes don't fit right anymore."

Powder stopped in front of him, looking up at his face with an almost dreamy expression. "Well, for what it's worth... I think you look incredible."

Her words sent a warm rush through him, and he found himself smiling despite the lingering awkwardness he felt in his own skin. "Thanks, Powder. That means a lot."

Later that evening, Ekko and Powder decided to take a walk through Zaun. The city was quieter than usual, the aftermath of the recent battle still hanging heavy in the air. But there was a sense of hope, too—fires of resilience burning in the eyes of the people rebuilding their lives.

As they walked, Powder stayed close to Ekko, her hand brushing against his arm occasionally. She seemed to be sneaking glances at him, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush every time he caught her.

"What?" Ekko asked after the third or fourth time, a grin tugging at his lips.

"Nothing!" Powder said quickly, looking away. But then she smirked. "Okay, maybe it's just... you're really tall now. Like, really tall."

"184 centimeters, to be exact," he said, feigning a proud tone.

"Oh, exactly 184 centimeters, huh?" she teased, bumping his side playfully. "You measuring yourself now?"

"Hey, it's a big deal!" he shot back, laughing. "I used to be the shortest guy in the Firelights. Now I'm—"

"Now you're a total heartthrob," Powder interrupted, her tone half-joking but her eyes sincere.

Ekko felt his face heat up at her words, and for a moment, he was at a loss for what to say.

As they wandered, the streets grew quieter, and they found themselves near a small, tucked-away corner of Zaun where a cluster of glowing lanterns cast a warm light. Powder pulled him to a stop, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Dance with me," she said suddenly.

"Here?" Ekko asked, glancing around. "In the middle of the street?"

"Why not?" Powder replied, already swaying to an imaginary tune.

Ekko hesitated for a moment, then shrugged and stepped closer. "Alright, fine. But don't laugh if I step on your toes."

She grinned. "Deal."

They moved together under the lantern light, their steps clumsy at first but quickly finding a rhythm. Powder's laughter filled the air, light and carefree, and Ekko couldn't help but laugh with her.

As they danced, the world around them seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them, spinning and swaying, their worries momentarily forgotten.

"You know," Powder said softly as they slowed, her hands resting on his shoulders, "I think I'm falling for you all over again."

Ekko's breath caught, and he looked down at her, his heart pounding. "Powder..."

She leaned up, her lips brushing against his in a kiss that was sweet and full of unspoken emotions. For a moment, everything else melted away—the battles, the danger, the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

When they pulled back, Powder's cheeks were flushed, but her eyes were steady. "I mean it," she said. "You're... everything to me, Ekko. Always have been."

He smiled, his hands tightening around her waist. "And you're everything to me, Powder."

They eventually made their way back to the Firelights' hideout, where the rest of the group had already turned in for the night. The quiet was comforting, and they settled in Ekko's room, talking about their plans for the future.

Powder leaned against his chest, tracing patterns on his arm as he spoke. "You've got so much on your shoulders now," she said. "Zaun, Piltover... the Firelights. Sometimes I worry it's too much."

"It's a lot," Ekko admitted, resting his chin on her head. "But I've got you. That makes it easier."

She looked up at him, her expression serious. "I'm not just going to stand by and watch you carry everything. We're in this together, okay? Always."

Ekko nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude and love for the girl who had been by his side through everything. "Together," he agreed.

When Ekko woke the next morning, the first thing he noticed was Powder curled up beside him, her blue hair spilling across the pillow. The sight brought a smile to his face, and he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face.

She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "Morning, tall guy," she said with a sleepy grin.

"Morning," he replied, his voice soft.

They stayed like that for a while, basking in the quiet moments before the chaos of the day resumed. For now, they had each other, and that was enough.