Okami's POV:
I let out a small breath, barely audible. My eyes flickered downward, not wanting to meet hers. Guilt, maybe? Shame? I wasn't sure myself.
"I'm sorry you had to see something so lame…" I muttered as we reached home.
But before I could finish, warm hands cupped my cheeks, lifting my face. My breath caught in my throat as I found myself staring into her unwavering gaze—firm, steady, and filled with something I couldn't quite name.
"Don't you dare call yourself lame," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument. "And there's nothing wrong with feeling scared or weak. You don't have to force yourself to be strong… at least not when you're with me."
For a moment, I could only stare. Her words, so simple yet so… heavy, left me with no idea how to respond. What am I supposed to say to that?
A quiet sigh escaped me, and before I knew it, I was leaning into her touch. It felt like the weight I carried—the one I never let anyone see—eased, just a little.
Her fingers gently pressed against my cheeks, grounding me. "I never asked… because I can feel how much you've been avoiding your past. You haven't opened up about it to anyone, and those rumors about you… I never believed them."
My fingers twitched slightly against hers.
"But let me tell you this—I believe in you."
Her words sank deep, touching something raw inside me.
"And after being together for two years, I know you struggle to express yourself. So I won't ask."
I closed my eyes. She's right. I never talked about it. I never let anyone in. And yet, here she is, standing in front of me, holding me like she could somehow keep me from shattering.
She smiled softly. "But if you ever feel like sharing your pain… I'm always here to listen. I won't judge you."
I clenched my jaw, my grip tightening on her wrists ever so slightly. A lump formed in my throat, making it difficult to speak. But still, I managed, barely above a whisper.
"…Thank you."
If she heard the unspoken words behind them, she didn't say anything.
Instead, she clapped her hands together with a bright smile. "Now, let's eat something good! I'm starving!"
The sudden change in mood caught me off guard. I blinked at her, momentarily thrown off.
Then, she paused, the corner of her lips twitching with mischief. My instincts screamed that something was coming. Before I could react, she stepped closer, standing on her toes as she grabbed the collar of my jacket.
She leaned in, her breath warm against my ear.
"How about… I eat you tonight?"
—?!
My body froze. My brain short-circuited.
"Huh? Wh-What are you saying?" I spluttered, heat rushing to my face.
No. No way. She wouldn't just—
Before I could step back, she tugged my collar down and—
Soft.
The world around me faded, my thoughts derailing completely as her lips pressed against mine. Sudden. Playful. A hit-and-run kiss that stole my breath.
The moment she pulled away, I sucked in a sharp breath, completely flustered.
"A-Are you… W-What are you doing?!" I stammered, my composure shattered beyond repair. "You sinner!"
She grinned, eyes twinkling. "Is it wrong if I wanna eat up my boyfriend?"
I choked on air.
She was enjoying this. Way too much.
My face burned as she laughed, clearly pleased with herself.
Even as I glared at her, even as I tried to recover, the warmth of her hands, the softness of her voice, and the gentleness in her gaze lingered.
She distracted me. But deep down, I knew she hadn't forgotten.
She wants to heal my scars…
I lowered my gaze, swallowing the lump in my throat.