CHAPTER 10: A Moment of Calm Before the Storm

CHAPTER 10: "A Moment of Calm Before the Storm"

Kairo slowly opened his eyes. The wind was still, the air calm.

He found himself lying beneath the shade of a large, ancient tree in the abandoned town. His head tilted slightly, and he noticed something warm, Lyna, sleeping beside him, gently holding his hand.

He thought about moving, but then paused.

Let her sleep... I'm tired too, he thought.

So instead of pulling away, he leaned his head gently onto her shoulder and closed his eyes again—just for a moment longer.

After a few minutes, Lyna stirred. Her voice was soft, still heavy with sleep.

"So... you're awake, Kairo."

"Yeah," he replied quietly.

She looked at him with calm eyes. "What are you thinking about?"

He hesitated for a moment. Then said, "I'm thinking... if I die, who'll be the next to go? You? I can't lose you, Lyna. I'd rather you just run away from me... than get caught in this curse."

A small smile tugged at her lips as she shook her head. "Then don't die," she said. "Because this time... I won't let you."

She chuckled lightly, then teased, "Why are you always so clingy? It's like you want me with you 24/7."

He didn't answer just looked away with a soft, embarrassed smile.

"Hmph, attitude?" she joked. "Just kidding. I get it, Kairo."

He smiled again.

"Don't overthink everything," she said gently, brushing some dust off his shoulder. "Just believe in me."

"I do believe in you," he said softly.

A sudden thought hit him. His eyes lowered.

"About that day... when I got mad... and I pushed you, I'm sorry."

Lyna blinked, then gave a soft, warm smile. "You're cute when you apologize. But don't say sorry to me again. I already understand you... always have."

They both went quiet for a moment.

"I want to train," he said.

"Not today," she replied, shaking her head. "Today, just stay close to me. What you need isn't training... it's connection."

"But even if time is slower here, we're still wasting it."

"No, time's completely frozen in the real world," she explained with a smile. "There's no rush."

"Ah... okay, okay," he said, relaxing a little.

"If you do want to train," she added, "then focus on your emotions. Don't overflow again."

"I understand."

She leaned back against the tree. "You didn't wake up afraid today."

"Because... you were holding my hand," he said, smiling shyly.

She reached into her bag and pulled out a small drink. "I made this while you were asleep. I didn't know if you'd like it, but... here."

"I don't care what it tastes like," he said, accepting it. "If you made it, that's enough for me."

He looked down at the cup, then back at her. "You always comfort me. But I... I don't think I've done the same for you."

"Don't overthink it, Kairo."

"I love you more than you think," he admitted. "But I don't know how to show it properly."

"You're mine," she said softly. "That's more than enough."

Lyna's eyes softened. She opened up to him—telling him about her own pain, her childhood, her loneliness. He listened, his heart aching.

"You were meant for love... not pain," he said. "You deserve someone who truly loves you."

"Do you think you're that someone?" she whispered.

He hesitated, feeling awkward. "I want to be."

She laughed softly. "Then you are."

Later, Kairo closed his eyes and began to train quietly, visualizing his power. His body remained still, but inside, emotions surged. Afterward, he finally opened up about his own scars—about his mother always yelling at him, making him feel unloved.

Lyna listened carefully, tears forming in her eyes. She reached out. "Lay in my lap."

He blinked. "I've done that before..."

"There's no limit," she said.

He slowly leaned over, laying his head on her lap. She ran her fingers gently through his hair.

"Your power is tied to your emotions," she whispered. "Control them, and you control everything."

"If this is a dream... I want to live in it forever."

She laughed lightly. "It's not. But I'm glad it feels that way."

"You're really cute," he said, looking up at her. "I'm not just saying it. I mean it."

She blushed deeply. "Stop... you're going to make me cry again."

A few tears slid down her cheeks. "I always wished for someone like you, Kairo."

She leaned down and hugged him from behind.

"Just rest," she said. "Tomorrow, you'll defeat those monsters. Remember—they try to manipulate your thoughts. So do the opposite of what they want."

He nodded faintly, his body relaxing.

Moments later, he fell asleep in her arms.

The stars above the abandoned town twinkled faintly. Far beyond the sky, something stirred—a crack forming in the clouds.

Two glowing red eyes emerged, watching silently.

A cold whisper slipped through the wind:

"He doesn't even realize the power he holds..."

Chapter End