The rain had stopped, leaving the streets glistening under the neon lights. The battle with Raven and his allies had ended—for now. Bodies and shattered debris littered the alleyways, but amidst the chaos, Kai and Lira stood side by side, drenched and exhausted.
Lira finally exhaled, her shoulders relaxing for the first time in hours. "We… survived."
Kai nodded, his crimson glow fading, leaving only exhaustion and relief in his eyes. "For now. But they'll come back."
"I know," Lira said softly. She stepped closer, her umbrella dripping water onto the pavement. "But I'm not afraid anymore… not with you."
Kai's eyes flicked to hers, and for the first time, he didn't look away. The fire inside him had calmed, replaced by something warmer—something that had been growing quietly for weeks.
---
The Confession
Lira took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "Kai… I have to tell you something."
Kai's brow furrowed slightly. "What is it?"
"I… I like you," she said, her voice trembling but resolute. "Not just because you protect me, or because you're strong… but because… because you're you."
Kai's eyes widened slightly, his chest tightening. For a long moment, he said nothing, just staring at her as if trying to comprehend the courage it took to speak those words.
Then, almost imperceptibly, he reached out and brushed a wet strand of hair from her face. "Lira…" His voice was low, hoarse, filled with emotion he rarely allowed himself to show. "I… I like you too. I've liked you since the first day we met in the rain."
Lira's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she couldn't help but smile. "Then… we're together?"
Kai's lips curved into a faint, tired smile. "Together."
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A Quiet Moment
For the first time since the chaos began, they allowed themselves a moment of peace. They walked through the rain-soaked streets in silence, hands intertwined, hearts slowly synchronizing. Each step was a reminder of their bond—not just of survival, but of trust, courage, and now… love.
Kai glanced at her, voice soft. "No matter what happens next… we face it side by side. No running, no hiding."
Lira squeezed his hand, leaning closer. "I promise. Always with you."
And in that quiet aftermath, under the glimmering neon lights and fading storm, two hearts finally confessed what they had felt all along.
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