Behind the gymnasium, the early morning air was still cool, carrying the faint smell of dew and fresh grass. The school hadn't fully woken up yet, which made this place perfect for practice. No crowds, no noise—just us, the rope around our legs, and the steady rhythm of training we had built over the past several days.
Asia and I were tied together again, our ankles connected by the familiar strip of cloth. Compared to when we first started, the difference was obvious. Back then, we could barely take three steps without tripping over each other. Now, our movements were smoother, more natural, as if our bodies had finally learned how to listen to one another.
"Auu! One, two! Hauuu! Three, four!"
Asia called out the count, her voice slightly breathless but full of determination. She was trying her best to match my pace, and I adjusted myself to hers without even thinking about it. Three-legged races weren't about speed alone—it was about trust and timing.
"Yes. Much better," Xenovia said, arms crossed as she observed us with a serious expression. "Your rhythm has improved a lot. At this rate, you won't fall over immediately during the actual race."
"That 'immediately' part worries me," I muttered, earning a small laugh from Asia.
Xenovia crouched down and retied the rope, tightening it just enough to keep our legs close. "Now, try running as if this were the real thing. Don't hold back."
I nodded and turned to Asia, ready to start—but that's when I noticed it. Her smile was there, but it felt thinner somehow. Her eyes were lowered, unfocused, and her grip on my sleeve tightened just a little.
"...…"
Something was clearly bothering her.
Ever since the announcement that Diodora would be our next opponent, Asia had been quieter than usual. She still smiled, still worked hard, but there was a shadow behind her expressions that hadn't been there before.
I took a small step closer. "Asia," I said gently, "tell me what's on your mind."
She looked surprised, as if she hadn't realized her feelings were showing. She hesitated, lips parting as if to speak, then closing again. After a moment, she finally nodded.
"…I don't regret saving him back then," she said softly.
I didn't need to ask who she meant.
Back when Asia was still part of the Church, she had saved a wounded devil out of pure kindness. That single act had cost her everything—her position, her safety, and the life she once knew. And the devil she saved was Diodora.
Hearing his name still left a bitter taste in my mouth. I knew the truth. I knew how he had twisted Asia's kindness for his own amusement. But Asia… Asia was too gentle, too sincere. She carried her compassion without conditions, even when it hurt her.
Her life had completely changed because of that decision, but she wasn't alone anymore. She had friends, a home, and a place where she belonged. Still, a question crept into my thoughts—one I couldn't easily push away.
"…Asia," I said slowly, "if you could go back to your old life… what would you do?"
Her eyes widened, clearly shocked by the question. For a moment, I worried I had gone too far.
Then she shook her head.
"I won't go back," she said without hesitation.
She smiled—warm, honest, and unwavering.
"I asked you once, Ise-san," she continued. "I asked if I could stay by your side forever. And you said yes."
Did I say that? I probably did… though the exact moment was fuzzy.
"I like it here," Asia went on. "I like Kuou Academy. I like the Occult Research Club. I like Buchou-san, Akeno-san, Kiba-san, Xenovia-san, Koneko-chan, Gasper-kun, Irina-san, Kiryuu-san… everyone. And I love you, Ise-san. I love your parents too."
Her hands rested lightly against my chest as she spoke, her voice full of emotion.
"The life I started here is precious to me. It makes me happy. That's why… I don't want anything else."
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
Then I smiled and placed my hand gently over hers. "Yeah," I said. "We'll stay together. I promised I'd make you happy, remember?"
Asia blinked a few times, as if my words needed a moment to sink in. Then her smile softened into something warmer, something gentler, and she squeezed my hand just a little tighter. The rope around our legs felt lighter somehow, like it wasn't there to bind us, but to remind us we were moving forward together.
"Yes," she said again, her voice calm and sure. "I believe you, Ise-san."
Xenovia cleared her throat loudly from behind us.
"Ahem. If you two are finished reaffirming your lifelong emotional bonds, shall we continue the practice?" she said, arms crossed, though the faint curve of her lips betrayed her teasing.
Asia let out a small, embarrassed squeak. "S-sorry!"
I laughed. "Yeah, yeah. Coach Xenovia, we're ready."
She nodded, serious again, and stepped back. "All right. Focus on matching your steps. Don't rush. Trust each other's pace."
We took our starting positions. I inhaled slowly, feeling Asia's shoulder brush against mine. Her presence was steady, warm. Not fragile. Not uncertain. Just… there. Beside me.
"One," I said.
"Two," Asia followed.
Our feet moved together, not perfectly, but better than before. The ground behind the gymnasium rushed past beneath us as we picked up speed.
"Good," Xenovia called out. "Keep that rhythm!"
~~~
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