Kibishi's POV

  Step by step.

  Walking and walking.

  It felt like hours despite being only a few minutes. If anything, the sight of being in this city still baffled me.

  Everywhere I looked, I saw new things.

  For example, I saw an ice cream cart strolling down the busy streets while a guy handed out flowers to those who wanted some.

  Not to mention that there were a few pawn shops as well, which was sort of strange to me. Technically, they shouldn't belong here, but I guessed the atmosphere was what counted.

  I looked up at the giant hole in the sky. Layers upon yers stretched far above, thick and distant. It would've taken years to find a way to reach something that high.

  Unless there was a faster way to get there on foot, I doubted the human race could escape anytime soon. But it was better to think of something rather than die here knowing fully well that we could've made progress.

  I kept a mental note and nodded to myself.

  I decided to pay attention to what was in front of me as I saw Akuma leading the way to a building that looked very expensive and fancy.

  I also saw David and Riley walking behind her while two groups of soldiers blocked the space between us.

  I wasn't sure why they would do that. Whether it was to make sure we didn't escape or to escort us for safety was beyond me.

  You couldn't be too careful, I guessed.

  Still, I couldn't help but wonder what would've happened if we'd rejected Akuma's offer.

  I pushed the dark thoughts away and shook my head to clear it.

  Akuma didn't seem like a bad person, so I decided to trust her for now. I wouldn't believe everything right off the bat, but I could tell that Akuma wanted us to stay with her.

  I looked to the right and saw Tao walking beside me. Her orange hair bounced with her movements, and her pink clothing swayed with a certain rhythm. I couldn't help but admire her.

  My eyes lingered—first on her ruby eyes, then the tip of her nose, her soft lips, her neck, her chest, her shirt, her skirt, her socks, and finally her shoes.

  Realizing what I was doing, I blushed madly and looked away before things got weird.

  I gnced around to see if anyone had noticed me staring at Tao like she was some kind of toy.

  ...Why was I comparing her to a toy? What was wrong with me?

  My mind was very weird sometimes, I'd admit.

  But still, I couldn't say I wasn't moved by the way Tao moved and spoke these days. As we'd grown up, I'd known for certain that she'd been growing in many ways.

  I shut my eyes, trying to push those thoughts away. I didn't want to be distracted—not that I minded, since it was Tao, my best friend.

  I just didn't want to make her uncomfortable with my thoughts.

  When I opened my eyes again, I saw everyone minding their own business.

  Good.

  I could rex and not be embarrassed for staring.

  "Thank goodness for that," I muttered, ughing softly.

  "Thank goodness for what?" Tao's voice came from right beside me.

  "Wha—!" I yelped, making the others look back at me. I stared at Tao, who tilted her head cutely. A few strands of her hair fell with the motion, making her expression even more adorable. I clutched my chest, exhaling in relief.

  Still, it was embarrassing to freak out like that.

  I needed to expin myself properly.

  "I'm sorry about that. Just thinking about a lot of things, that's all," I said, scratching the side of my face nervously. I forced a smile, hoping to reassure everyone.

  And it seemed to work.

  "Ah, I see. Well, you better pay attention, man. We're nearly at our destination," David said, crossing his arms with a cheeky grin.

  "He's right, you know. I know this world still leaves you with questions—and who wouldn't have them? But we need you to stay focused for a while," Riley added, stretching the straps of her overalls.

  "Right," I nodded in agreement.

  "Are you sure you're okay?" Tao asked, her voice ced with concern.

  "I'll be fine. I just need to clear my head, that's all," I reassured her, offering another smile.

  "Are you sure?" Tao leaned closer to me.

  "Y-yeah, I guess," I ughed nervously, my face burning.

  "..." Tao blinked, then looked away, her expression sad.

  Uh-oh. Had I said something to upset her?

  "Well, as long as you're alright, then I suppose that's fine..." Tao murmured, though she sounded unconvinced. She stayed close as we kept walking.

  The others resumed their pace, continuing forward. I sighed deeply, gazing up at the sky in frustration. I should've minded my own business. Instead, I'd been eyeing Tao without her consent. Now she might think I was a creep for staring at her like that...

  Then, warmth enveloped my hand.

  I realized it was Tao—she'd taken hold of it.

  I almost pulled away, worried someone might see, but Tao tightened her grip. As if refusing to let go, she intertwined her fingers with mine. I was surprised, but by now, this was normal for us.

  Most likely, we did this to support each other—

  ...Ah.

  Oh. I understood.

  Tao stared straight ahead, silent. No disgust, no regret—just quiet understanding. This was her way of saying that a smile alone couldn't fool her.

  Just like back in the cell, when I'd asked her a question and she'd answered without hesitation. I'd admit, I often paused when Tao gave me answers. But as two people who respected each other, we let things go until the next time. I was sure this would come up again eventually.

  "No matter what... I'm always by your side, Kishi. Never forget this," Tao whispered, smiling.

  My brows rose for a moment before I chuckled and squeezed her hand in return—not too tightly, just enough to savor the warmth.

  This warmth.

  Yes... exactly.

  I was going to protect this warmth—protect Tao. That was my purpose now. I'd lost precious things before. I wouldn't lose them again. I'd protect Tao and the others, no matter what!

  This, I swore!