The wind whipped past us as I soared higher, Ai safely in my arms. Her head rested against my chest, her warmth grounding me as the chaos of the world melted away for a fleeting moment.
But the peace didn't last long.
"Asahi-kun!" Reina's voice pierced through the sky, her tone laced with irritation and excitement.
I groaned inwardly, knowing full well she wasn't going to let us escape. "She's relentless," I muttered under my breath.
Turning midair, I met Reina's grinning face just as her fist connected with mine. The force of the punch sent me flying several meters, Ai's scream cutting through the air as I struggled to keep her secure in my arms.
"Damn it," I muttered, stopping abruptly and steadying myself. My cheek stung, and blood trickled from my nose.
Ai's hands cupped my face, her eyes wide with worry. "Does it hurt?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Her thumb brushed against the blood trickled from my nose, her touch gentle yet desperate.
