❥﹒第 12 章

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𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

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𓆝 𓆟 𓆞


"It's time already?"

A heavy silence descended upon the group, the weight of their mission hanging in the air. Sunoo stared down at the water, unable to meet anyone's eyes, his thoughts filled with the impending assimilation and the challenges it presented. Though he appreciated the effort to distract him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude toward the two sorcerers who had been assigned to protect him.

Riki observed Sunoo's delighted reaction to his suggestion, his decision seemingly brightening the vessel's mood. It was a rare sight to see Sunoo so excited, and Riki couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment in making the boy happy.

Haru, however, was taken aback by Riki's unexpected change of plans. Her brows furrowed slightly as she struggled to understand his reasoning, her lips parting to voice her confusion.

"Haru, let's head back tomorrow morning instead," Riki stated calmly, his words met with Sunoo's audible gasp of excitement.

Haru turned her attention to the blonde sorcerer, her eyes searching his for an explanation. She fumbled with her words, wanting to know why Riki was deviating from their carefully crafted schedule. Before she could voice her concerns, Riki gently took hold of her wrist, leading her away from Sunoo and Kuroi, giving them some privacy.

"Why change the plans, Nishimura?" Haru inquired, reverting to addressing him by his last name, a habit she held onto when they were in private. It was something special between them, though they didn't know why. It just gave them a more deep feeling whenever she decided to call him by his first name.

Riki adopted his nonchalant tone and offered one of his signature playful smiles, but it faltered as he saw the seriousness in her eyes. She closed the distance between them, her hand coming to rest on the side of his face, fingers brushing against his glasses as she gently pushed them down. His blue eyes, usually hidden, were now exposed to her gaze.

Haru's fingers shook slightly with the contact, but her expression remained resolute. "Riki, you haven't released your technique since yesterday, have you?" Her concern was palpable, and she stepped closer, their proximity intensifying.

"You haven't slept, either. And you don't plan to sleep tonight, do you?" She held his gaze, her own eyes reflecting worry. "Are you sure we don't need to go back to Jujutsu High?"

Her voice was calming and soothing, and Riki couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions within him. He looked away briefly, his blue eyes flickering with conflicting feelings. Her concern was genuine and loving, but he was determined not to let her witness him in a vulnerable state. He had always been the pillar of strength, and he couldn't afford to break down in front of her.

With a quick adjustment, Riki composed himself and lightly patted her shoulder. "Nah, it's fine," he replied, trying to regain his playful demeanor. "Playing through bronze lobby Valorant games was far more draining." His words were meant to deflect her concern, but beneath the surface, he appreciated her caring nature more than he could express. "And besides, you're here, too."

With those last words, he left the temporarily stunned girl, and as he walked away, Riki couldn't help but steal a glance back at Haru. Her face bore a small, affectionate smile, one she thought he couldn't see, but it warmed his heart to know it was there.




They spent the day exploring the idyllic island of Okinawa, weaving their way through lush landscapes and stunning beaches, creating new memories for Sunoo and Kuroi to help distract them from the pressing mission.

Riki and Haru were in their element, the carefree atmosphere allowing them to relish each other's company. They chuckled at the simple joys of nature, sharing the warmth of their long-standing friendship.

Yet, amidst the laughter and shared moments, Riki and Haru couldn't help but steal subtle glances at each other. Their hearts raced every time they caught the other's eye, the unspoken emotions between them simmering beneath the surface. It was a love hidden in the depths of friendship, a secret connection they both cherished.

As the day wore on, they continued to exchange these fleeting glances, each one a silent reminder of the bond they shared.

And although Riki had long forgotten the intricacies of time travel that had brought him here, the connection he felt with Haru remained unchanged, a constant presence in his heart.

Everything was perfect for them, and in that idyllic moment, they allowed themselves to forget about their main mission and plans. The world around them seemed to fade into the background as they reveled in the simple joys of the day. The laughter, the shared glances, the warmth of their connection – it was a temporary escape from their responsibilities.

But deep down, they both knew that this carefree interlude was just that – a brief respite. They understood the importance of staying vigilant and not letting their guard down, especially in their line of work.

This day would serve as a lesson, a reminder to cherish the moments of happiness they could steal, but never to lose sight of their true mission and the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

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