"That… Originally, I wanted Lion to come get Grandma Anzu so she could attend our wedding."
"But I only brought these back."
Nawaki pulled out Grandma Anzu's treasured belongings.
At just one glance, Misaki's eyes welled up with tears.
Inside was a comb Grandma Anzu used to brush Misaki's hair with all the time.
"Did Grandma Anzu… die?"
Misaki reached out with slightly trembling hands and took the few heirlooms from Nawaki.
"Yeah, she died peacefully from illness."
Nawaki didn't really know if Grandma Anzu had suffered at all. He said that only to make Misaki feel better.
"That's good then… That's good."
Tears poured down Misaki's face before she could stop them.
"She'll be watching over us from the Pure Land."
Nawaki slipped an arm around Misaki's shoulders, letting her lean against him.
"She will. Yes, she will."
Misaki hugged Nawaki tightly and finally burst into sobs.
"Thank you, Nawaki."
After a while, Misaki wiped her tears dry and gently patted Nawaki's shoulder where she had soaked it.
"There's no need for thanks between us."
Nawaki raised his finger and softly traced the tear tracks on Misaki's cheeks.
"Mm."
Misaki nodded. Their eyes met, and both blushed deeply.
Looking at her beautiful face just inches away, her lips looked soft and inviting.
Nawaki slowly leaned in. Misaki shyly closed her eyes, her long lashes trembling helplessly.
Even though they'd been together for a long time, they hadn't shared many intimate moments—both were naturally shy.
Their lips met briefly, like dragonflies brushing the surface of water, then met once more.
Nawaki gently cupped Misaki's chin, slowly deepening the kiss.
Misaki's arms clung tightly around Nawaki once again.
At last, their lips parted.
"You should go home now."
Face burning, Misaki dipped her head slightly and quickly wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
"Uh… Alright then."
Nawaki suppressed his impulse with sheer willpower. Tonight, Misaki would finally be his.
"Sleep early. Good night."
Misaki left a gentle kiss on Nawaki's cheek before watching him leave.
Inside, Nawaki tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Eventually, he forced himself under a cold shower and finally drifted off.
The next day, before dawn had even arrived.
Nawaki was woken by knocking on the door outside.
"Still sleeping?"
"Don't you have a wedding today?"
Mito's voice rang like a death sentence. Nawaki jolted upright, startled.
He rubbed his eyes and glanced at the wall clock.
Oh god, it's barely three…
"Grandma, isn't it too early? I want to sleep a bit longer."
Nawaki flopped onto his bed spread-eagle, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Sleep? Get up immediately!"
"Misaki is heading to Orochimaru's house soon."
Since Misaki didn't really have a family home, Mito decided she would wed from Orochimaru's household.
Orochimaru and his wife naturally had no problem with it.
After all, Misaki was technically their direct disciple.
"I know. I'll get up."
Under Mito's constant urging, Nawaki finally rose.
He vigorously rubbed his face to wake himself properly.
Looking back, maybe that kiss last night wasn't such a great idea—it left him half-aroused and restless.
Dressing properly and opening the gate, he realized Mito was already gone.
Nawaki finished washing up and went to the courtyard to stretch his legs when he spotted Misaki being led out by a group of women.
"I'm heading to Orochimaru-sensei's home."
"I'll wait for you to come get me."
Misaki tilted her head, peering past the women who blocked her path. Even without saying a word, Nawaki understood exactly what she meant.
Nawaki nodded at Misaki and responded with a hand signal that said "No problem."
Back at him, Misaki grinned brightly and walked out through the lab doors, surrounded by the group.
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