Under the veil of a silver full moon, the forest whispered with the sound of rushing water. Gendai led Kazimir through a narrow path lined with glowing moss and ancient trees, their leaves shimmering faintly under the moonlight. At the end of the trail, hidden from sight, a waterfall spilled into a crystal-clear spring, the mist catching moonbeams like stardust.
Gendai: "We're here. Pretty, isn't it? Especially on a full moon."
Kazimir, still wearing his black blindfold, stood silently. The water's echo filled the quiet between them.
Kazimir: "I guess."
Gendai: "You guess? You can't even see it with that blindfold on."
Kazimir: "…Oh."
She giggled softly, brushing her hair behind one ear.
Gendai: "Trying to be funny, huh?"
Kazimir: "Not really. I just forgot."
Gendai: "Forgot to see? What kind of excuse is that?"
Kazimir: "I just woke up. Give me a second."
Without warning, she flicked a handful of water at him. Kazimir flinched as the cold hit him.
Kazimir: "What are you doing? That's freezing."
Gendai: "You looked like you needed it."
She splashed him again, laughing as he scowled. More water flew between them until, in one swift move, Gendai tackled Kazimir into the shallows of the spring. He fell back with a grunt, half-submerged. She straddled him, droplets glistening on her skin as the waterfall roared behind them.
Gendai: "I lied. I didn't bring you here just to show you the view."
Her voice was quieter now, trembling. She reached for his blindfold and gently pulled it away.
Gendai: "Look at me, Kazimir…"
For a moment, the moonlight seemed to pause with her voice. As the cloth slipped away, his violet-blue eyes met hers—deep, electric, and celestial, like a twilight sky just before the stars awaken.
She stared into them, awestruck.
Gendai: "Your eyes… they look just like the night sky. Like stars floating in a violet ocean. You don't even realize how blessed you are to have such gorgeous eyes."
Her voice cracked, and she swallowed hard.
Gendai: "I wanted to tell you… I love you, Kazimir."
The words fell heavy into the night.
Gendai: "I've been holding it in for so long. You always said I was like a parasite to you, and I laughed it off, but the truth is… I fell for you a long time ago. I know you love Riah—you don't have to say it—but I couldn't keep pretending. I'm a demon, and people only see me as something to use. But you…"
Her hand trembled on his chest.
Gendai: "You never looked at me like that. You saw me as a person. You treated me like I mattered. And I love you for it. Even if I don't deserve you."
Kazimir listened quietly. The waterfall roared behind them, but in that moment, her voice was all he heard.
Kazimir: "…I understand how you feel."
Gendai: "Of course you do. You always knew, didn't you? Even when Angelly said it, I was too scared to say it myself. Because demons like me… we don't get blessings. And you… you're too much of one."
He reached up, brushing a wet strand of hair from her face.
Kazimir: "Not all people are cruel. And not all demons are monsters. You're strong, and kind when you want to be. You're not perfect, but neither am I. Nobody is. I'm not some ideal guy, Gendai—but I know there are people out there who'll see the real you."
He paused, his voice soft.
Kazimir: "But… you're not wrong. Out of all the demons I've met, you're the only one who ever felt human."
Her eyes welled up again, glistening with emotion.
Gendai: "But it's still you I want. Even if I'm too late… even if you and Riah end up together… I'll keep loving you. And if the chance ever comes—any chance—I'll take it, no matter what."
Kazimir gave a tired sigh, offering a small, wry smile.
Kazimir: "…That's a little obsessive. But we should rest. Tomorrow's going to be rough. So if you wouldn't mind—could you get off me now?"
Realizing the moment had slipped, Gendai quickly climbed off, flushed with embarrassment. The weight of her confession still lingered, heavy between them. Without another word, they turned and walked back through the moonlit forest toward the van.
Behind them, the waterfall sang quietly into the night, bearing witness to a heart laid bare beneath the stars.