To Keep You Safe

The night air was cool and crisp as Kazuki and Hime moved swiftly through the shadows, making their way toward Mount Kuroshima. The sound of Kazuki's boots echoing in the stillness was a constant reminder of the danger that loomed just behind them. His protective instincts were on high alert. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this way about anyone. It was more than just a mission now; it was a deep, unshakable need to shield her from harm.

Hime was unusually silent beside him, her steps light and quick. But Kazuki could feel her trembling, the subtle movements betraying the calm facade she tried to maintain. Every now and then, her small hand would grip the sleeve of his jacket, and he'd feel a jolt of protectiveness surge through him. Despite the danger, despite the chaos, there was a tenderness in the way she held onto him, as though she didn't have to be the calculating, powerful woman she always presented herself as. For the first time, it felt as though she was letting go of her defenses—just for a moment.

Kazuki glanced down at her, noticing the way her fragile frame seemed even more delicate in the moonlight. He couldn't help but wonder—had she always been like this? So small, so vulnerable? Who had hurt her in the past? And why had she been forced to rely on her intellect and cunning, hiding behind masks and illusions to survive?

He clenched his jaw, a wave of determination sweeping over him. He would protect her. Whatever it took. Nothing would harm her again.

"Stay close," he murmured, his voice low and reassuring.

Hime nodded slightly, her gaze focused ahead, though her fingers tightened around his sleeve for a brief second, as though afraid of losing him. She was, after all, just a human—a small woman who had learned to navigate a dangerous world, relying on her mind to stay ahead of the game. But in this moment, with Kazuki at her side, she didn't feel the need to stay ten steps ahead anymore. For the first time, she could simply breathe, not thinking about the next move, the next escape, or the next strategy.

They reached Mount Kuroshima after what felt like an eternity, though in reality, it had only been a short while. Hime led the way, guiding him through the dense forest until they reached the abandoned temple. The place looked worn, its stone walls weathered and forgotten by time, but there was something oddly comforting about it. The scent of old wood and earth filled the air.

Kazuki remained alert, his senses heightened. Every step was calculated, his mind racing through contingencies. He wasn't about to let his guard down—not yet. But when they arrived, he found himself confused, unsure of what exactly Hime had brought him to.

The temple was quiet, empty. The flickering light from a small lantern illuminated the path as they approached the door. Kazuki glanced around, wondering if he had been led into a trap. His eyes narrowed, searching the shadows for any sign of danger.

"What is this place?" he asked, his voice filled with suspicion.

Hime stopped in front of the door, glancing up at him with a soft, enigmatic smile. There was no hint of fear in her eyes, no sign of deception. Only calm.

"My house," she answered simply.

Kazuki blinked, taken aback by her answer. He glanced around, as if expecting more—some hidden secret, some trap waiting to spring. He was confused, but there was something in her expression that gave him pause. Was this really just her home? Or was there more to it than that?

He grunted in response, the confusion clear on his face. "Your house?"

Hime's smile widened, though there was something almost playful in it. "Come on in," she said, her voice steady and inviting. "You'll see."

Kazuki hesitated for a moment, his mind still racing with doubts and questions. But then, with a resigned sigh, he pushed the door open. Whatever lay ahead, he knew that he had to follow her now. The drive to keep her safe, to understand her, was stronger than anything else. He stepped inside, his senses on edge but trusting her for the first time in a long while.