Erika's Secret Request **

The evening sun began to set, the forest turning into a place of darkness.

However, Ryuji and Erika remained atop the warm stones baked in the afternoon sunlight. Their hands tied together while the flames beside them crackled, cooking some monster-sized bear steaks in a sweet-scented marinade.

"After we eat, should we head back?" Ryuji asked, his right arm stroking along the smooth back of Erika, while she leaned against his chest, using his collarbone as a headrest.

'Despite fighting all afternoon, she smells so good. Like a sweet and zesty forest flower.'

Ryuji looked down, only to find her beautiful blue eyes gazing up at him, flickering with runes as she stroked along his chest. "I don't think I want to leave..." He didn't need to question why because her thoughts were so strong he could hear them.