The golden morning light filtered through the windows of their new home. Aiko was already awake, humming a tune as she prepared breakfast in the kitchen.
Meanwhile…
Lukashi was still dead asleep in bed.
"WAKE UP, MASTER! THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!"
Lukashi groaned as something soft and heavy landed on his face.
"Mmph—KUROJI, GET OFF ME!"
Kuroji, his black panther, was sitting on his chest, tail flicking in amusement. "You're wasting precious Aiko-time. Get up, loverboy!"
Lukashi sighed. "I will literally throw you out the window."
Aiko giggled from the kitchen. "Breakfast is ready!"
Lukashi instantly got up.
Kuroji smirked. "Ah, the power of love."
2. A Date With a Twist
Aiko suddenly clapped her hands. "Lukashi, let's do something fun today!"
Lukashi blinked. "Like what?"
Aiko smiled mischievously. "A treasure hunt!"
Kuroji's ears perked up. "Ooooh, I like where this is going."
Aiko continued, "I read in the town's guild board that there's a hidden treasure somewhere near the floating islands on this floor. It's said to be guarded by an ancient puzzle."
Lukashi raised an eyebrow. "Sounds fake."
Kuroji jumped onto the table. "Sounds profitable. I'm in."
Aiko pouted. "Come on, it'll be fun! Please, Lukashi?"
Lukashi sighed in defeat. "Fine."
Aiko beamed. "Yay!"
3. The Floating Island Puzzle
They arrived at the Floating Islands, a breathtaking place where giant stone platforms hovered in the sky, connected by vines and ancient bridges.
A stone pedestal stood in the center. It had mysterious carvings glowing faintly.
Lukashi crossed his arms. "So, what's the puzzle?"
Aiko leaned in, reading the inscription.
🔹 "To find the hidden gift of the heavens, speak the truth of your heart."
Kuroji grinned. "Ooooh, Lukashi, confess your deepest feelings."
Lukashi shot him a glare.
Aiko turned to him. "Lukashi… what is the most important thing to you in this world?"
Lukashi hesitated. His fingers curled into fists. He had lost so much. His past was full of pain, betrayal, and loneliness. But then… he looked at Aiko.
He placed a hand on her cheek gently. "You."
The pedestal shook, and suddenly—
🌟 A beam of golden light shot into the sky.
From above, a crystal flower descended into Aiko's hands. It shimmered with an ethereal glow, reflecting the stars even in the daylight.
Aiko gasped. "It's… beautiful."
Lukashi smiled softly. "Just like you."
Kuroji groaned loudly. "UGH, that was so cheesy! I'm getting secondhand embarrassment."
Aiko giggled, hugging Lukashi. "Thank you for coming with me."
4. A Night Beneath the Stars
That night, they sat on a grassy hill near their house, watching the endless sky. The stars were brighter than ever, as if celebrating their happiness.
Aiko placed the crystal flower in Lukashi's hand. "This is my gift to you."
Lukashi blinked. "But you're the one who found it."
Aiko smiled. "And you're the reason I got it."
Lukashi took a deep breath. "Aiko… no matter what happens in this world, I'll protect you."
Aiko leaned in, whispering, "And I'll always stay by your side."
They sat in peaceful silence, Kuroji curled up beside them, snoring.
And under the glowing stars, their love deepened.
To be continued...