Time flowed silently in the quiet, and the sun outside the window gradually moved westward, the brilliant sunset dyeing the sky a warm orange-red.
Several stubborn rays of the setting sun, like golden ribbons, slanted through the gaps in the tightly drawn curtains, falling precisely on the two embracing figures asleep, bathing them in a soft glow.
Koushi, at some point, also succumbed to fatigue, leaning his head against the headboard and falling asleep.
But his arm remained in an embrace, one hand unconsciously and rhythmically patting the young girl's back, as if it were a protective instinct etched into his being.
Aqua, like a kitten finally finding a safe nest, curled her entire body, lying on her side next to Koushi, her small head resting on his chest, her silver hair spread out in disarray, with a few strands even playfully brushing against his chin.
The golden light of the setting sun shone on her long eyelashes, casting delicate shadows.
Her eyelids fluttered slightly a few times, then slowly, with the confusion of just waking up, opened.
Those golden eyes first blinked blankly, as if still confirming her whereabouts.
Immediately, she felt the steady heartbeat and warm body temperature beneath her, as well as the hand that was still gently stroking her back.
Memories flooded her mind like a tide—the liveliness and kindness of the night market, the arrogance and destruction of the gang, her own uncontrollable rage, the scene of blood and gore, and finally...the extreme fear in the eyes of the vendors who looked at her...
"Ugh..."
A faint whimper, almost inaudible, escaped her throat, thick with a nasal sound and grievance.
She instinctively burrowed further into Koushi's embrace, as if wanting to draw more warmth and security, burying her face deeper into his chest, her small hands unconsciously clutching the fabric of his shirt.
Her subtle movements and that whimper woke the lightly sleeping Koushi.
Koushi groggily opened his eyes and looked down to see the fluffy silver head in his arms anxiously burrowing into him.
He instantly sobered up considerably, his hand movements paused for a moment, then became even gentler.
"Awake?"
His voice was hoarse from sleep, yet unusually gentle.
Aqua didn't look up, only nodded lightly in his arms, giving a muffled "mm" sound.
Koushi could clearly feel her body's slight trembling, and the almost overflowing sadness and unease.
He didn't immediately question what happened last night, but continued to gently pat her back, like comforting a child who had a nightmare.
Silence spread in the afterglow of the sunset, but it wasn't awkward; instead, there was an unspoken Understanding flowing between them.
Aqua, like a young beast seeking shelter, buried her face deeply in Koushi's chest, and after a long while, she spoke intermittently in a voice thick with tears, as faint as a mosquito's buzz:
"Weak...Weak Goodness...I...did I...do something wrong...?"
"They...why...did they look at me like that...?"
"I...I just...wanted to get rid of those...bad things...that destroy beauty..."
Koushi felt the slight trembling in his arms and the helplessness that almost burned him, his heart a mix of emotions.
He helplessly rubbed the fluffy silver head on his chest, his movements gentle.
"My silly Aqua."
His voice was deep and gentle, as if stating an objective fact.
"Your intention itself wasn't wrong. Wanting to protect those who are good to you, to protect what you consider beautiful, this is the most instinctive and most precious thought."
Aqua's body stiffened slightly, seemingly not expecting affirmation.
Koushi continued slowly, trying to explain in a way she could understand:
"However, the problem lies in the method. Aqua, humans are very complex beings. They can be great, creating countless miracles and beautiful things, just like the delicious food and warm smiles at the night market; but they are also very fragile, both physically and mentally."
He paused, organizing his words: "The method you used was too direct, and...too terrifying. That scene exceeded the limit most human minds could bear. So, they were scared, fear overwhelmed everything, including their initial kindness towards you."
"What they feared was not your desire to protect them, but the overwhelming power and...cruelty you displayed, which they couldn't comprehend."
"I...I'm not scary at all!"
Aqua instinctively retorted, her voice clearly betraying a guilty conscience and trembling, as she burrowed even deeper into Koushi's embrace.
"I know Aqua isn't scary."
Koushi tightened his arms, patting her back soothingly.
"I know my Aqua just wanted to protect the uncle who treated her to barbecue, to protect the old lady who gave her oden, to protect everyone in that night market who showed her kindness. I know your heart is good, it's pure."
He changed the subject, using an analogy:
"But later, when you used your power to...treat those gangsters like that, it was like a child wanting to chase away bullies, but directly picking up a gun that could destroy everything."
"The bullies were eliminated, but everyone around was also terrified by that horrible gun and scene. They would naturally be afraid of the person holding the gun, even if that person's original intention was just to protect them."
"Furthermore, even if they are heinous villains, it shouldn't be you, or me, who deals with them. Power must be shackled, Aqua, your power and mine are too great for this society and ordinary people. So, we must impose strict self-restraint when using this power."
Aqua fell silent, her body no longer trembling, but tense, seemingly trying to digest Koushi's words.
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