"Darling! ♡"
"You’ve arrived, Kaina."
"Sorry, Darling! Did I keep you waiting long?"
"I have only just arrived... do not let it trouble you."
I was waiting for Kaina at our designated meeting spot. As usual, I was dressed in a traditional kimono. I had grown to dislike modern clothes; they felt too constricting and tight against my skin. Loose-fitting garments like the kimono or yukata were far more comfortable.
As I was waiting, a woman as beautiful as a lead character from a romance manga ran toward me. She wore a breezy sky-blue dress and a wide-brimmed straw hat. Her face was lit with a joyful, radiant smile as she hugged me.
It was Kaina, my woman.
Today was dedicated to a date with her. Recently, Kaina had moved out of the Public Safety Commission dormitories and into the Tsugikuni estate. She had told me she enjoyed being around me during her recovery and hated the thought of returning to a lonely room. I had let out a sigh but, unable to refuse my adorable girlfriend's request, I had welcomed her.
"Mmm~ Darling, you’re so warm and cozy. ♡"
"......I am quite certain my frame is rather hard."
Hmm... has my training been insufficient? Have I lost muscle? No, that is impossible. I maintain a peak physical condition at all times.
"Puuu... that's not what I meant! You're such a dummy, Darling!"
She puffed out her cheeks as if announcing she was sulking. Sigh... a woman’s heart truly is a mystery.
"Let's go! Darling! ♡"
"Indeed... let us go."
Kaina took my hand, a playful smile returning to her lips. She looked incredibly cute.
"This cafe has a lovely atmosphere. It feels like the Meiji Era."
"It was actually built... during the Meiji Era. It has been a Western-style establishment ever since."
Our first stop was a historic cafe that had stood for over two hundred years, since the beginning of Japan's modernization. It still upheld traditional methods, hand-grinding beans instead of using modern machines. I had visited a few times before and enjoyed the depth of the flavor.
I ordered an espresso, while Kaina chose castella cake and matcha. As we sat and talked, seeing her look so happy made my own mood lift.
"It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve had a peaceful day like this out in public... I never had the luxury before. It’s all thanks to you, Darling. Thank you."
"It was through your own... strong will... that you overcame those hardships. I merely provided a small measure of assistance."
"You always say that..."
Kaina looked at me with a slightly pouting expression before reaching out to stroke the back of my hand.
"If it weren't for you, Darling, I’d probably be stuffed and sold somewhere right now. I’d be nothing but a dead mockery for villains to collect and laugh at."
As the memories turned her expression dark, I reached out with my rough, calloused hand and gently stroked her cheek to reassure her.
"You are to be... my partner. I shall ensure... that such a thing never happens again. Do not worry."
"Yeah... but it doesn't change the fact that you saved me when I was at my lowest. You’re my savior... my Darling..."
"You praise me... too highly."
Even now, I felt a sense of self-loathing when I thought of how I had simply waited for a check-in while she was enduring such a nightmare. I should never have sent her alone.
"Sorry... I shouldn't have brought up such a heavy topic on a date, right?"
"No... it was my own negligence that allowed it to happen."
"There you go again, Darling."
Kaina reached across and playfully poked my nose, letting out a soft, mischievous giggle.
"I swore that day... that I would follow you anywhere and trust you with everything. I’ve already fallen for you so deeply. I love you so much. ♡"
"I see... and for that, I thank you."
While my words were brief, I truly appreciated her boundless love. Ever since I rescued her and we became a couple, her affection for me had grown exponentially. For the first few days, she would panic if I left her side, only finding peace when she was in my arms. Even now, she loved to fall asleep nuzzled against me. She was precious.
"Here is your espresso, and your castella and matcha."
The timing was perfect. We began to enjoy our drinks.
"Gulp... wow, this is delicious!"
"I am glad you like it."
Kaina’s eyes widened at the quality of the matcha. I offered a small smile, noticing a faint trace of green tea at the corner of her mouth.
"You are... quite messy."
I reached out with my thumb to wipe it away and, without thinking, licked the trace from my finger—a habit I had formed from looking after Himiko.
"Ah... (///////////)"
Kaina’s face turned bright red as she began to fidget.
"That... was an indirect kiss with Darling... ♡"
Is that what it’s called? Her blush was deep, and she looked incredibly cute as she shyly looked down at the table.
"Here, Darling! Say 'ahh'! ♡"
Kaina cut a piece of the castella and offered it to me. I took the bite; it was light, airy, and not too sweet—exactly how I liked it. I usually avoided sweets, but this was pleasant.
"Is it good?"
"It is... as you were the one who fed it to me."
"Hiee?! D-Darling! Stop it! You’re making me blush too much! ♡"
Kaina fanned her face to cool her cheeks. I couldn't help but pat her head. She was truly adorable.
"A movie theater! It feels like ages since I’ve seen a movie!"
Our second destination was the cinema. I had overheard Kaina mentioning a title a few days ago, so I had pre-ordered two seats. The story was a romance about a monstrous-looking man and a beautiful woman—a modern take on Beauty and the Beast, perhaps.
"Wait here... I shall fetch the popcorn and drinks."
"Okay~ hurry back, Darling! ♡"
I nodded and headed toward the concession stand.
"Hehe~ a movie with just me and Darling... ♡"
Kaina was in high spirits. This was her first real date with someone she loved. Since the kidnapping, she had developed a severe case of androphobia—fear of men—and was still undergoing psychiatric treatment. However, with Michikatsu, she felt safe. Today was a test of her courage. While Michikatsu usually intimidated away any leering gazes with his presence, being alone even for a moment still made her uneasy.
"Excuse me..."
A man approached Kaina cautiously. Her heart immediately leaped into her throat.
"Are you here alone?"
The man was tall and handsome, but to Kaina, every man besides Michikatsu looked like a potential predator. She froze.
"You’re really my type, so if you don't mind, could I have your number—"
It was a standard pickup line. Before her trauma, Kaina would have politely declined by mentioning her boyfriend. Now, she felt a full-blown panic attack rising. Her body felt heavy, a cold sweat broke out on her back, and her breathing became jagged.
"Uh... are you okay?"
The man reached out with genuine concern, intending to check on her. But for Kaina, the movement triggered a flashback to the nightmare of the basement—the hands that wanted to violate her and turn her into a trophy.
Thud.
Michikatsu’s hand clamped onto the man's wrist like a vice.
"What do you think... you are doing... to my woman?"
Michikatsu stared at the man with a gaze that promised death, his demonic killing intent flooding the hallway. The man forgot how to breathe, paralyzed by the overwhelming pressure.
"I-It’s okay... Darling... he... was just... worried about me... that’s all. I... I just... panicked on my own..."
Kaina stuttered, desperately trying to de-escalate the situation even through her fear. Michikatsu released the man’s hand and gave him one final, piercing look.
"Begone."
"Y-YES SIR!!"
The man fled instantly. Michikatsu didn't say a word as he picked Kaina up in a bridal carry and walked out of the theater.
Tsugikuni Estate - Michikatsu’s Room
"I'm sorry, Darling... I ruined the date."
"Do not apologize. Dates can be repeated... but you are unique. Your peace of mind is my priority."
"Thank you... ♡"
Kaina lay on the futon in Michikatsu’s room, looking up at him guiltily. He stroked her hair, his silence comforting her. After a while, she sat up and leaned against his shoulder.
"Your body is so solid, Darling."
"I have trained... extensively."
"I see..."
"I do not stop... even now."
"Why?"
At her question, Michikatsu looked into her eyes. He gave her a brief, tender kiss on the lips before answering.
"Is it not... to protect those most precious to me?"
"Darling... ♡"
Kaina looked at him with eyes full of adoration. Michikatsu cupped her cheek.
"You are lovely... Kaina."
"Darling... (///////////)"
She hugged him tightly, nuzzling against his chest.
"Can I... stay like this a little longer? Just being spoiled?"
"As you wish."
They stayed in each other’s arms for a long time, the silence of the room filled with their shared warmth.
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