Akira took a deep breath, steadying the emotions that stirred quietly in his heart.
He walked forward with light steps and gently took the magic stone lamp from Astraea's hand. Without hesitation, he naturally intertwined his fingers with hers.
Their palms pressed together with a quiet intimacy, as if their hearts had long since come to a silent agreement.
A faint, contented smile rose on Akira's lips as he spoke softly, "Is that so? Then... will Astraea-sama be staying in my room tonight?"
A playful glint flashed in Astraea's eyes as she teased with a charming giggle, "Oh my, it seems my little Justice has missed sleeping in my arms."
She said, "Alright, I'll spoil you tonight. Let's sleep in your room together."
She said it so nonchalantly, as if sharing a bed was the most natural thing in the world for a goddess and her beloved child.
Then, as if remembering something, Astraea tilted her head curiously and asked, "By the way, did you make any new friends at the party?"
"Yeah… everyone was friendly. I made a lot of new acquaintances."
Akira pouted a little, clearly displeased. "But really, why does Astraea-sama still care so much? Aren't we already in a relationship?"
Hearing this, Astraea let out a laugh, light and melodious, echoing softly in the still corridor.
She leaned in playfully, winked, and said with mock mischief, "Fufu~ I was worried our cute little Akira would be too clingy and avoid making any new friends."
The corridor was quiet except for their voices and footsteps, which overlapped and echoed gently. The warmth between them spread in the silence like light from a flickering flame, soft and comforting.
Akira glanced sideways at Astraea walking beside him and muttered in a low voice, "I can make friends, you know… I just think too many friends are a hassle. I don't have the energy to deal with all of them."
They spoke casually as they reached Akira's room. In his right hand, he held the glowing magic stone lamp. In his left, he still held the soft hand of the goddess who had long taken residence in his heart.
Just as he was about to let go of her hand to open the door, Astraea took the initiative and reached out gracefully, pushing the door open with delicate fingers.
Once inside, Akira watched as Astraea elegantly sat down on the edge of the bed. Only then did he release her hand, walking over to the wardrobe and beginning to search for his pajamas.
After a moment, he found a soft, comfortable set and turned around. "I'll go take a shower first. I won't be long, Astraea-sama."
"Don't take too long. And be sure to wash thoroughly. Otherwise I won't let you into bed!" Astraea pouted playfully, though her teasing smile never left her face.
She waved him off like a mischievous wife seeing her husband off to his nightly bath.
Once Akira disappeared into the washroom, Astraea began to walk around the room with a hint of leisure in her steps. She went over to the bags in the corner, delicately lifted her skirt, and crouched gracefully to inspect the magic items within.
She picked up a few, one by one, inspecting them with mild curiosity, but quickly lost interest. Standing up, she wandered to the bookshelf, choosing a thick tome and flipping through its pages idly. However, the text didn't hold her attention for long, and her gaze gradually grew unfocused.
With a soft sigh, Astraea slid off her slippers and pulled back the cozy quilt of Akira's bed. She climbed in, curling up with a quiet vulnerability, her fingers clutching the fabric gently.
She stared at the door, quietly awaiting Akira's return.
A few minutes later, the door creaked open, and Akira stepped back into the room. He was drying his damp hair with a towel, his footsteps quiet. The moment he looked up, his gaze fell on Astraea lying beneath the covers, gazing blankly at the ceiling.
Her beautiful face was painted with a look of gentle loneliness, as if she were a goddess forgotten by the stars themselves.
Akira let out a low laugh. "So our goddess really can't bear to part with us, huh? It's only a few days of expedition, yet she looks like she's about to cry."
He sat on the edge of the bed, crossing one leg over the other and leaning slightly toward her. With a soft gaze, he looked down at Astraea, meeting her eyes directly.
A playful smirk appeared on his lips as he said, "Hehe… I never realized Astraea-sama was also a god who's afraid of being alone."
Astraea blinked in surprise, then slowly came back to herself. She reached out with a hand as fair as snow and gently caressed his cheek.
With a low murmur, she confessed, "It's true. Even I didn't expect that just a few days away from you could make me feel so… empty."
Her gaze softened, voice warm as she continued, "Ever since you joined our Familia, Akira… you've become like sunlight in the middle of a cold winter. Your warmth brings me happiness I didn't even know I needed."
"In all my long years, no one has ever given me such… beautiful moments."
Akira's heart trembled.
Astraea-sama… if you continue saying such things, I might never want to leave. I might abandon all other pursuits, and choose to stay in this tiny world beside you forever.
But I can't. I must become stronger—for your sake and mine—so that I can protect this happiness.
Thoughts raced through Akira's mind, but in the end, he reached out and gently placed his hand on hers, offering silent comfort.
"It's okay." He said softly.
"Astraea-sama is a good person. I promise… no matter how long it takes, whether it's a thousand years or ten thousand years… I'll always stay by your side."
"So… please don't feel lonely just because of a short separation."
His words were firm, yet tender.
Astraea giggled, pulling him into a tight embrace and burying him in her arms.
Her voice was warm and full of passion as she whispered, "I know… I believe in you, Akira. Because you are my star—my justice!"
"Mmmph… I get it, I get it! But if you squeeze me any tighter, I won't be able to breathe." Akira mumbled, patting her shoulder helplessly.
Reluctantly, Astraea loosened her grip and smiled playfully. "Really now… such a killjoy."
Seeing her regain her usual self, Akira breathed a sigh of relief. He climbed under the covers and quickly nestled against her side, drawn to her warmth like a child seeking shelter.
With a sleepy yawn, he murmured, "Now that Astraea-sama is back to normal… can I sleep? My eyelids are already about to fall."
Astraea rolled her eyes but didn't protest. Instead, she gently patted his back and said, "Okay, okay, sleep well."
But just as Akira was about to drift off, he suddenly reached out, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her tightly into his embrace.
Before she could react, he lowered his head and gently kissed her lips—a light, fleeting touch.
"Hehe… that's my goodnight kiss." He whispered with a boyish grin.
Astraea blinked in surprise, then smiled softly as she looked at Akira's peaceful sleeping face. Her fingers gently traced the curve of his cheek.
"…Let me see you again, my child."
(End of Chapter)
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