The wagon was quiet after Brush and Hikaru's intense kiss, their breaths still heavy, the world momentarily reduced to just the two of them.
But then… it happened.
Jaki Onna erupted into laughter. A deep, boisterous, entirely unrestrained laugh that bounced off the wagon walls and rattled the crates around them.
"Hahaha! Ohhhhhh… I knew something was going on!" she cackled, nearly tipping over in her drunken mirth. "About time, you lovebirds! FINALLY!"
Daji's ears flattened, tail whipping nervously. "J-Jaki… please… keep it down…" she stammered, cheeks blazing red.
Hikaru froze mid-breath, her glare sharp enough to cut steel. "Do you want the Dark Web to hear us?!" she hissed, voice shaking with equal parts exasperation and embarrassment.
But Jaki Onna only laughed harder, clutching her stomach. "Ohhhh… too late! They probably already heard! HAHAHAHA!"
Brush groaned, face buried in his hands. "Of course… of course this happens…"
From outside the wagon, Crunchyroller's streaming aura flickered briefly, a ripple of amusement crossing her colossal form. Even she couldn't help but notice the noise, though she didn't comment — some chaos, she had learned, was best left to the humans.
Hikaru muttered under her breath, finally letting out a tiny sigh as she adjusted her armor and glared at Jaki. "One more outburst and you're carrying her on your back for the next battle," she threatened.
Jaki Onna only laughed louder. "Ohhh, I like this party!"
Even Daji had to let out a small giggle despite herself. The tension of countless battles, near-death experiences, and the looming threats of the Dark Web faded, if only for a moment, leaving only laughter, embarrassment, and the strange comfort of being alive together.
And Brush… well, Brush simply shook his head and smiled. This chaotic, ridiculous party — loud, messy, and full of life — was exactly why he fought.