Gently patting Kochou's back, from her initial loud sobs, she was now quietly sniffling, her icy tears almost soaking half of Yoizumi's collar.
Yoizumi didn't mind; instead, he held Kochou, his eyes lowered as he earnestly soothed her emotions.
Even after Yoizumi sat up, Shinobu still clung tightly to his neck, unwilling to let go, her head resting on his shoulder, occasionally sniffing, her body trembling slightly.
He raised a hand to wipe away Kochou's unshed tears with his thumb, looking at the tear drops on her long eyelashes. Yoizumi pursed his lips, his brows slightly furrowed, and even his blue eyes were tinged with apology.
He leaned his head closer to Kochou, his cheek gently brushing her forehead.
"I made Kochou sad. I'm sorry."
Shinobu didn't reply, but Yoizumi still felt the arms around his neck tighten a bit, and Kochou buried her face deeper, then… "Mmm…" Yoizumi's eyes widened, a flicker of bewilderment crossing his sapphire eyes, and he blinked in confusion.
Because… Kochou had bitten him.
Shinobu, who was in his arms, released her bite and sat up on Yoizumi, her hands pressing on his shoulders. Her eyes were red, and the corners were still teary. She stared intently at Yoizumi, seeing the puzzled expression on his face. For some reason, she suddenly wanted to laugh but forcefully restrained herself.
Forcing a cold expression, Shinobu poked Yoizumi's chest over and over with her finger.
"I won't forgive you!"
"Liar…" Shinobu pouted, speaking in a low voice.
Seeing tears about to fall from Kochou's eyes again, Yoizumi quickly reached out to cup her face, his thumb wiping away the warm tear, and his voice filled with vexation.
"It's my fault. Kochou, don't cry."
"It's okay if Kochou doesn't forgive me, I… um…" Yoizumi's voice paused, as if he was thinking, then he spoke again after a few seconds, "How can Kochou forgive me?"
He had promised Kochou's sister to stay by her side.
If he broke his promise, and Kochou didn't forgive him, her sister wouldn't forgive him either.
Sensing the apprehension in Yoizumi's words, Shinobu felt an inexplicable sense of peace. The heart that had been hanging high since that day finally settled down.
Her Yoizumi… was still the same Yoizumi.
Nothing had changed.
She had thought of many, many things… What if he woke up and didn't remember her? What if he woke up and didn't like her? What if he woke up and didn't want to be her branch anymore? No matter which, she couldn't accept it.
But… as long as Yoizumi could wake up, perhaps these things weren't so important anymore.
It was enough that he was here.
She could make Yoizumi fall in love with her again, just like before.
But luckily… he was still the same branch that only stopped for her.
Shinobu raised her hand to grasp his hands cupping her face, closed her eyes, and slowly leaned in, continuously closing the distance between them, lightly kissing his lips.
Her beautiful purple eyes and his blue eyes met. Shinobu smiled, tightly held Yoizumi's hand, and spoke softly.
"I won't tell you."
"You figure it out yourself."
Yoizumi looked steadily at Kochou, and there was a new question.
But Kochou hadn't answered the last question yet… No… that's not right… Yoizumi stared at Kochou's hand holding his, or more accurately, at the ring on her fair, slender finger. Shinobu followed his gaze and looked as well, then paused and raised her left hand.
The silver ring that had been on her necklace was now on her ring finger… Yoizumi reached out and gently held Kochou's hand, his sapphire eyes swirling with tenderness, containing emotions that only Kochou could discern.
[What kind of person am I in Yoizumi's eyes?]
He slowly pressed Kochou's hand to his chest. Yoizumi thought he might have found the correct answer.
Kochou was… the person he loved.
Yoizumi's most beloved person.
"Kochou, about the question from last night."
Shinobu hadn't yet recovered from the surprise of the ring. She looked up blankly at Yoizumi's serious face and gentle eyes.
"My answer is yes…"
"Hmm?" Shinobu seemed not to have heard clearly.
"I said yes."
Her heart pounded violently. Shinobu could only hear her own heartbeat at this moment, each beat more intense than the last.
She stared blankly at the person in front of her, then embraced her lover once more.
Yoizumi smiled as he caught Kochou, his smile stiffening slightly, his voice tinged with embarrassment.
"Kochou."
"Hmm?"
"I'm dizzy…" Even after a night had passed, the lingering smell of alcohol on Shinobu still affected Yoizumi… Shinobu reluctantly pulled out of Yoizumi's embrace, seeing his face gradually redden, and guessed the reason. She poked his cheek irritably.
"You really are a…"
"Complete and utter idiot."
..."Splash…" Shinobu soaked in the warm water, the steam rising in the bathroom tinging her face a light red. She raised her left hand high, the silver ring on her ring finger becoming even brighter after being immersed in the water.
[I said yes.]
Yoizumi said yes… Her legs slowly curled up, Shinobu rested her head on the edge of the bathtub, her dark purple hair freely spread out.
Even now, her head felt hazy, not just from the hangover.
She wasn't dreaming, was she?… Shinobu suddenly turned her head to look at the bathroom door, pursing her lips as she called out.
"Yoizumi?"
"…"
One second, two seconds… Yoizumi didn't respond.
Shinobu stood up in disbelief, rushing to the bathroom door in a panic, her hand trembling as she pushed it open.
No… no… The room was empty.
Even on the bed, there was no sign of Yoizumi.
Shinobu clutched her head in pain, collapsing to her knees, her pupils contracting sharply.
Was it all her dream?
Why… why… A blanket suddenly covered Shinobu. Yoizumi squatted down, looking at Kochou's expression, and his brows instantly furrowed, his tone full of worry.
"Kochou? What's wrong?"
"Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
Yoizumi saw Kochou had run out without even wearing clothes. He had just used Blood Demon Art: Instant Shadow to get clothes for Kochou. Had something happened?
He wrapped Kochou more tightly in the blanket; she would get sick like this.
Shinobu raised her still-wet hand and touched Yoizumi's face, as if confirming his reality. Yoizumi paused, showing no hint of distaste, and instead pressed his face closer to Kochou's palm.
Her previously rapid breathing gradually steadied with Yoizumi's appearance. Shinobu bit her lip and reached out to hug Yoizumi.
"Don't… don't leave my sight…"
"Okay." Yoizumi nodded without a second thought.
The blanket nearly slipped to the ground due to Kochou's movements. Yoizumi quickly caught it, averted his gaze, and re-wrapped Kochou in the blanket.
Yoizumi nodded to himself, thinking.
This way she won't catch a cold, right?… But to be safe, he'll use Rotation on Kochou first… — — — — Short Skit — — — —
"Yoizumi?"
"Hmm."
Five minutes later.
"Yoizumi?"
"Here."
Ten minutes later.
"Yoizumi."
"I'm here."
Yoizumi sat upright by the bathroom door, diligently responding to Kochou's calls.
Inside the bathroom, Shinobu hugged her knees, her face half-submerged in the water, caressing the ring on her ring finger. She stared in the direction of the door, murmuring softly.
"Yoizumi…"
"I'm here, Kochou."
Shinobu had thought Yoizumi wouldn't hear her, but unexpectedly, she still received his reply.
Unable to suppress it, a soft hum escaped her lips, and Shinobu revealed a gentle smile.
It's good that you're here…
------------------------
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