Retsu blinked away the remnants of sleep, feeling completely refreshed, the pain and exhaustion vanishing as if it didn't exist.
She turned her head, Seijirou was sitting beside her, smiling. He was completely different now, as if something weighing on his shoulders has been lifted.
Then, the events of the past twenty days lingered in her mind like a hazy dream, but seeing him there, safe and real, washed away the last traces of worry.
She shifted closer on the rumpled sheets, her small hands reaching out to cup his cheeks.
"You really worried me," she whispered, her voice soft but laced with lingering concern.
Seijirou's eyes met hers, and a wry smile tugging at his lips as he placed his hands over hers, his touch warm and reassuring.
"I'm sorry, Retsu. But there's no need to worry anymore, I'm here now."
His words hung in the air between them, drawing their eyes together in a moment of quiet intensity.
