Kaito's hand was about to cover Rice Shower's delicate shoulder to begin the "comforting massage" that would allow her mind and body to fully relax
However, just as his fingertips were about to touch her skin, a small, warm hand suddenly emerged from under the blanket.
It trembled slightly, but with exceptional firmness, as it grabbed his wrist.
Kaito's movement froze instantly.
He lowered his head in surprise, meeting a pair of large, tearful eyes that seemed to contain an entire starry sky.
In those eyes, there was no longer a trace of shyness or inferiority.
Instead, there was a reckless bravery, exerted with all her strength, and... a burning determination that made his heart race.
"Rice Shower...?" he called softly.
The girl did not answer.
Under Kaito's gaze, which was full of surprise and confusion, she took his hand and slowly, bravely, lifted the upper part of her small body from the bed.
Little by little, she leaned closer to him.
Her cheeks were already as red as a ripe apple.
Her breathing became rapid and scorching.
Her heart was beating so fast she felt like it was going to jump out of her throat.
But the eyes looking at him held an unprecedented resolution.
Then she closed her eyes, and her long, wet eyelashes trembled violently like butterfly wings.
She pressed her soft lips, which had a hint of ginger tea sweetness, awkwardly, clumsily, but with immense solemnity, onto Kaito's lips
It was a kiss without any technique, a youthful kiss.
But it was also the purest kiss, one that poured out all the courage and confidence of a young girl.
When the kiss ended, she did not pull away.
She simply rested her soft, burning forehead gently against his.
In a voice barely audible, like the hum of a mosquito, but incredibly clear.
"A voice that only they could hear expressed the deepest and truest desire of her heart"
"Brother..."
Her voice sounded tearful, trembling, and had a hint of desperate plea
"Please... please give me... your 'Blessing'..."
"Please..."
This phrase exploded in Kaito's mind like thunder
This proactive, almost sacrificial request was nothing less than a complete rebirth for the Rice Shower who previously did not dare to look anyone in the eye and habitually hid in a corner.
Kaito's heart suffered an unprecedented shock.
He knew that this was no longer a simple request driven by desire.
This was the purest and most complete trust and devotion that a girl rescued from the abyss could offer to him, her only "Hero".
She had handed over everything she was.
Kaito could no longer contain himself.
He reached out his arms and tightly embraced the girl in front of him.
"A girl whom he cherished more than any treasure in the world"
He responded with a voice softer and more solemn than ever, right next to her ear:
"My hero"
"I am going to fulfill your wish"
Gently, and without a hint of aggression, he turned over, covering her small body tenderly and completely with his own
He was ready to grant her the final "Blessing".
"The most complete and sacred, belonging only to her"