After the intense battle, Ren collapsed to the ground, his eyes wide open and sweat running down his face.
What did that shadow mean…? he wondered, shaken.
Souta knelt beside him, gently tapping his shoulder.
"Forget about it," he said, helping Ren up.
Across the field, Sir Valen stood tall, his expression proud.
That was a good battle, he thought, nodding to himself.
Meanwhile, Haruno, bubbling with energy, held Junpai while laughing.
Itsuki quietly scribbled notes, with Airi standing silently beside him.
Later that evening, the group set up camp. Ren, unable to sleep, kept hearing a strange beeping in his head. Restless, he wandered off and sat by a still water pool. Holding Shira's scarf tightly around his neck, he stared at his reflection.
I hope I'm not a demon… he thought, his face clouded with worry.
Suddenly—
"Boo!"
Ren jumped as Arisa appeared from behind, startling him.
"Hey, what was th—"
Before he could finish, she quickly covered his mouth.
"Don't make too much noise," she whispered.
They both sat down by the pool. After a moment, Arisa asked, "What were you thinking about?"
Ren sighed. "Honestly, my head's a mess. Too many thoughts… I don't even know what I'm supposed to do."
Arisa leaned on his shoulder.
"If you're feeling down or empty inside… you've got us, you know," she said softly. Then after a pause, "What about your family?"
Ren's expression changed. His eyes widened slightly before he lowered his head in silence.
Arisa understood instantly and gently held his hand.
"Don't worry… I get it. That's why you're here, right? To stop the demons?"
Ren looked at her and gave a faint nod.
"Yeah… I am. Sorry if I've been closed off. I didn't expect my captain to be this easy to talk to."
Arisa blushed. "Since you're in my team, I'm honestly glad you joined from the start."
Ren's heart began to race.
What is this feeling? Am I falling… for her?
Then Arisa turned to face him. Ren, eyes wide, realized what was about to happen. Arisa gently leaned in
And their lips met.
They kissed quietly, the night surrounding them. When they finally pulled apart, both their faces were red.
"I'm going to sleep," Arisa said, standing up. "It was nice talking with you."
Ren, still blushing, replied, "Y-Yeah… same to you."
As she walked away, Ren touched his lips.
"I just kissed a girl," he whispered, smiling.
From the distance, Ayame watched the scene, her expression shadowed with jealousy. She turned and left quietly.
Ren laid back near the water's edge, finally able to rest.
---
The Next Morning
Sir Valen and Souta scouted the nearby area for activity.
Ren, just waking up, stretched and yawned.
"Wahhh… good morning, everyone. What's going on?"
Itsuki replied, "We're continuing the journey to the next city. Since that old dude came from there maybe we should take a visit there
Ren rubbed his eyes. "Ah, right..."
Junpai slung an arm around him. "How'd you sleep last night, huh?"
Ren paused, recalling the kiss, and looked around.
"Where's Arisa?"
"She's over there," Junpai said, raising an eyebrow.
Ren jogged over. "Hey, Arisa—"
Before he could finish, she turned to him with a cold expression.
"What do you want?"
Ren blinked, confused. "Huh? I just wanted to say—"
She walked past him without another word, her armor brushing his shoulder.
Junpai and Itsuki watched in silence.
"Did something happen?" Junpai asked.
Ren frowned. "Forget it. I'm going to clean up."
Haruno and Airi joined them, greeting everyone. Airi mumbled a quiet, "Good morning."
Junpai clapped his hands. "Alright, let's move out. Arisa, ready?"
Without looking back, she said, "Let's go. The others are waiting."
---
Elsewhere, in the next city...
Souta and Sir Valen walked through the gates.
Souta muttered to himself, "Ah… I forgot to tell Ren good morning."
I guess I'll see him again soon.
Then, Ayame tugged on Souta's coat.
"Hm?"
She pulled him closer and whispered something in his ear.
Souta's eyes widened.
"Wait—you mean it?"
Ayame nodded.
Souta smiled, a small tear forming.
"Ren…"
---
Back on the road
As the team traveled by truck, Ren sat at the edge of the back, legs hanging close to the ground, wind brushing against him.
His thoughts were quiet, but heavy.
And the journey continued.