Rain continued falling outside the university building.
Inside the empty classroom, silence returned slowly after the kiss.
But everything between them had changed now.
Completely.
Aryan rested his forehead lightly against Nithya's for a moment while both tried calming their breathing.
Neither spoke immediately.
Words suddenly felt unnecessary.
Finally Nithya whispered softly,
"We're still inside a classroom."
Aryan's lips curved faintly.
"I noticed."
"You don't look embarrassed."
"I'm not."
Fair.
Again.
Nithya shook her head slightly while stepping back.
"Impossible man."
Aryan watched her carefully.
"You're blushing."
"I'm not."
"You definitely are."
Nithya immediately looked away.
Dangerous.
Because Devil was not supposed to blush.
Ever.
Aryan unexpectedly laughed softly again.
The sound felt warmer now.
Lighter.
Nithya looked at him suspiciously.
"You're enjoying this too much."
"Yes."
Honest as always.
Then suddenly Aryan's expression softened slightly.
"You said you love me."
Nithya crossed her arms quickly.
"And?"
"I wanted to hear it again."
That actually made her stare at him.
"You're acting like a teenager now."
"And you're avoiding the request."
Nithya tried walking past him toward the door.
Bad decision.
Aryan gently caught her wrist immediately.
"Say it again."
His voice turned softer now.
Dangerously soft.
Nithya looked up at him silently for a second.
Then quietly…
"I love you."
Aryan closed his eyes briefly like the words physically affected him.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Because Eagle truly loved deeply.
Later that evening, they returned to the mansion together.
For once, the atmosphere inside the car felt peaceful.
No strategy discussions.
No war plans.
Only quiet comfort.
Aryan drove with one hand while his other hand rested loosely beside the gear shift.
After several minutes, Nithya slowly placed her fingers over his hand.
Small movement.
Huge meaning.
Aryan looked at her briefly.
"You're becoming affectionate."
Nithya immediately tried pulling away.
"No."
Aryan caught her hand before she could move.
Then calmly intertwined their fingers together.
Nithya stared at him.
Possessive.
Again.
But strangely…
She loved it.
At the mansion entrance, the staff immediately noticed something different.
Aryan looked calmer.
Nithya looked softer.
And somehow both stayed unusually close while walking inside.
The servants exchanged silent shocked looks.
Rohan noticed too the moment they entered the hallway.
Then his eyes moved toward their joined hands.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
But wisely…
He said nothing.
Dinner that night felt different too.
Aryan sat beside Nithya instead of across from her.
Small detail.
Big meaning.
At one point, Nithya quietly reached for water at the same time Aryan did.
Their hands touched lightly.
Aryan looked at her immediately.
Nithya almost smiled.
The servants nearly stopped breathing.
Because Eagle looked completely gone around her.
Only Aryan remained.
Later that night, Nithya sat on the balcony wrapped in a blanket while reading.
Aryan walked outside after finishing work and stopped beside her chair.
"What are you reading?"
"Business strategy."
Aryan raised an eyebrow.
"At midnight?"
"Yes."
"You're terrifying."
"That's rich coming from Eagle."
Aryan smiled faintly before sitting beside her.
Then without warning…
Nithya rested her head lightly against his shoulder.
Aryan froze for half a second.
Because Devil initiating affection still shocked him slightly.
But then slowly…
He wrapped one arm around her naturally.
Comfortable.
Protective.
Right.
The city lights glittered below them while cold wind moved softly through the night.
After several quiet minutes, Aryan suddenly spoke.
"You know what's dangerous?"
Nithya looked up slightly.
"What?"
"This."
He looked toward her calmly.
"Being happy."
Silence followed.
Because both understood the meaning.
People like Eagle and Devil rarely got peaceful happiness.
Their world destroyed beautiful things eventually.
Nithya quietly held his hand tighter.
"Then we protect it."
Aryan looked at her silently for several seconds.
Then softly…
"I would destroy anyone who tries taking this away."
The dangerous honesty in his voice sent warmth through her chest.
Because she knew he meant every word.
Meanwhile, far away in another part of Seoul, Lucien Moreau stood near a penthouse window holding a glass of wine.
One of his men approached carefully.
"Sir."
Lucien didn't turn around.
"Report."
"Our sources confirmed it."
Silence.
Then the man continued nervously,
"Devil publicly chose Eagle."
Lucien finally smiled faintly.
Cold smile.
Dangerous smile.
"And Eagle publicly admitted love."
The glass in Lucien's hand tightened slightly.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Because love created weakness.
And powerful men with weaknesses…
Could be broken.