?? HORS-SéRIE — “The Day Orario Panicked”
A Saint Valentin Special
?? Prologue — The Festival of Affection
Orario wakes up to disaster.
No monsters.
No Evilus.
Chocolate.
Every bakery is sold out. Flower vendors are under siege. Hermes Familia is running a suspicious “Romance Consultation Booth.”
And someone has started the rumor that:
“If you confess on Saint Valentin under Babel’s shadow, your love will be blessed by the gods.”
This was Loki’s fault.
Probably.
?? COUPLES & CHAOS
???? Bell & Alise — The Accidental Date
Bell planned nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
He had chocolate in his bag. It melted. He panicked. He bought flowers. They wilted.
He stood in front of the Hostess of Fertility looking like a criminal.
Alise found him first.
She was wearing something dangerously simple. Not armor. Not battle gear. Just a red dress with a ribbon at her waist.
Bell short-circuited.
“Bell?” she smiled. “Are you… waiting for someone?”
He held out the slightly melted chocolate like a doomed offering.
“I—this is—Saint Valentin—and I thought—maybe—”
Alise blinked.
Then laughed softly.
“Oh no.”
He froze.
“You thought this was optional?”
She took his hand.
“Come on, hero. If you’re confessing, at least do it properly.”
She dragged him through the city, bought him proper chocolate, made him sit on the Babel steps.
Bell tried to speak three times.
Failed all three.
Alise leaned forward.
“Relax. I already like you.”
He turned red enough to qualify as emergency signal magic.
They didn’t kiss.
They didn’t need to.
Their hands never let go.
????? Aiz & Alise — The “Not a Date” Date
Aiz does not understand Valentine’s Day.
She was told it was about giving something important to someone important.
So she gave Alise a small charm carved from a Dungeon crystal.
“I fought three monsters for this,” Aiz said calmly.
Alise stared at it.
“…Aiz.”
“Yes?”
“That’s more romantic than anything Bell did.”
Aiz blinked.
“…It is?”
They ended up walking through Orario quietly.
Wind brushing fire.
Neither labeling it.
Both understanding.
???? Ryuu & (Reluctant Peace)
Ryuu intended to ignore the holiday.
She failed.
Syr cornered her with a ribbon and a knowing smile.
“Ryuu, you should go somewhere today.”
“I am fine.”
“Mm. You look like someone who needs to sit under sunlight.”
Ryuu ended up on the 18th Floor alone.
She brewed tea.
She didn’t think of Jura.
She didn’t think of blood.
She thought of laughter.
And allowed herself one peaceful hour.
That was her Valentine.
??? Lefiya & Her Disaster
Lefiya wrote three letters.
All to Bell.
All rewritten.
All destroyed.
She finally decided to give chocolate anonymously.
She tripped.
The chocolate flew.
Bell caught it.
“Is this yours?”
She exploded.
Alise had to physically carry her away while laughing.
????? Welf & Hephaestus (Long-Distance)
Welf forged a small dagger.
Not for battle.
For cooking.
He sent it with a note:
“So you don’t burn the sauce again.”
Hephaestus received it.
Smiled.
Kept it on her desk.
Didn’t tell anyone.
???? Bete & Awkward Energy
Bete pretended he didn’t care.
He cared.
He trained twice as hard.
He avoided eye contact with anyone holding chocolate.
Aki left a small wrapped package by his gear.
He didn’t open it.
Until later.
It was protein bars.
He ate them immediately.
Didn’t smile.
But he slept better.
?? Marie Watching
From beneath the water, Marie watched the city’s glow above.
She didn’t fully understand romance.
But she understood warmth.
And today, Orario felt warmer.
?? Ending Scene — Babel at Sunset
Bell stands beneath Babel.
Alise beside him.
Aiz slightly to the side.
Lefiya pretending she isn’t there.
The sky turns gold.
Hermes shouts something inappropriate from across the plaza.
Loki laughs too loud.
And somewhere in the city—
People who fight monsters every day
Allow themselves
To simply feel.
?? HORS-SéRIE — “After the Festival”
Orario is quiet now.
Lanterns glow low.
Chocolate wrappers discarded.
Music fading into the night.
Saint Valentin is over.
But some dates… aren’t.
???? Bell & Alise — The Rooftop
They didn’t plan this part.
It just… happened.
The city is soft below them. Babel gleaming in moonlight. The wind warm.
Bell stands too stiff. Alise stands too close.
“You’re nervous,” she says softly.
“I’m not—”
“You are.”
She steps closer.
Not teasing.
Serious now.
“Bell… today wasn’t just cute.”
His heartbeat stumbles.
“I know.”
She studies him. Really studies him. Not the hero. Not the adventurer.
Just him.
“You’re growing,” she whispers. “And it’s not just your level.”
His breath catches.
She reaches up.
Not to kiss him.
Just to brush her thumb across his cheek where dried battle-scratch once was.
“You don’t have to rush anything,” she says. “But don’t run either.”
He swallows. “I don’t want to run.”
Her eyes soften.
“Good.”
She leans in.
Their foreheads touch first.
Then—
A kiss.
Slow.
Careful.
Not innocent.
Not hungry.
Warm.
Bell forgets how to breathe.
Alise pulls back just enough to whisper:
“See? You’re not as fragile as you think.”
He laughs breathlessly.
“Neither are you.”
She smirks.
“Oh, I know.”
They stay on the rooftop longer than they should.
Hands intertwined.
Fire quiet. Wind gentle.
????? Aiz & Alise — The Quiet Room
Later.
Much later.
Alise returns to the Loki Familia residence to drop something off.
Aiz is awake.
Of course she is.
“Did you enjoy your date?” Aiz asks, too neutral.
Alise pauses.
“…Maybe.”
Aiz steps closer.
No armor. Just loose training clothes. Hair down.
It’s unfair.
The room feels smaller.
“You smell like wind,” Alise says.
Aiz tilts her head. “You smell like fire.”
Silence.
Then—
Aiz lifts her hand.
Places it over Alise’s heart.
Wind curls faintly between them.
“Still steady,” Aiz murmurs.
Alise’s breath hitches.
“Are you checking my pulse?”
“Yes.”
“…And?”
Aiz’s eyes flicker.
“It speeds up around me too.”
That lands.
Harder than a kiss.
They don’t touch more than that.
They don’t need to.
The air between them hums.
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
???? Ryuu — Alone, But Not Lonely
Ryuu sits on the 18th Floor beneath artificial stars.
She didn’t accept chocolate.
She didn’t accept invitations.
But she allowed herself wine.
One glass.
She removes her gloves.
Lets the night air touch her skin.
For once, she is not hunted.
For once, she does not chase.
She exhales.
“…Perhaps,” she murmurs, “next year.”
It isn’t loneliness.
It’s patience.
?? Bete & Aki — Unspoken
Bete finds Aki training late.
He tosses her a wrapped package.
“Don’t get weird about it.”
She opens it.
It’s custom grip wraps for her weapons.
Perfectly sized.
Her eyes widen.
“…You remembered.”
“Shut up.”
She steps close.
Too close.
“Thanks.”
He looks away.
“…Yeah.”
She kisses his cheek.
He freezes.
Does not move.
Does not breathe.
She walks away smiling.
He touches his cheek slowly.
“…Stupid holiday.”
He does not wipe the smile off.
?? Ending Scene — Bell Again
Bell lies awake later.
Alone.
Thinking about that kiss.
About Alise’s warmth.
About how it felt to not be a hero for five minutes.
He smiles into the dark.
He doesn’t know war is waiting.
Tonight—
He is just a boy who was kissed under the moon.
?? HORS-SéRIE — “Wind That Watches”
The rooftop is quiet.
Lantern light flickers over Babel’s stone.
Bell is red.
Alise is smiling.
And then—
They kiss.
Slow.
Soft.
Warm.
Bell’s hand hesitates at her waist.
Alise’s fingers curl into his shirt.
The city below feels far away.
And neither of them notice the wind shift.
??? The Observer
Across the street.
On another rooftop.
Aiz Wallenstein stands very still.
She did not follow.
She was training.
She just… happened to look up.
The wind brought her the scent first.
Fire.
Then—
The sound.
A breath not meant for battle.
Her golden eyes narrow slightly.
She watches.
Not angry.
Not shocked.
Just… watching.
Bell leans in deeper.
Alise laughs against his mouth.
Aiz’s fingers tighten around the railing.
The wood cracks faintly.
Wind stirs.
Just once.
Sharp.
Then still again.
?? Jelly Bean Aiz
Aiz does not understand this feeling.
It is not rage.
It is not sadness.
It is…
Tight.
In her chest.
Like a blade that wasn’t drawn.
She tells herself:
It is good.
Bell is happy.
She repeats it.
Twice.
The kiss ends.
Bell smiles like someone who just discovered the sun.
Alise brushes her thumb across his cheek.
Aiz looks away first.
The wind shifts direction.
She disappears from the rooftop.
Later — Loki Residence
Alise returns.
Cheeks flushed.
Lips slightly pink.
Aiz is sitting at the table.
Sword across her knees.
Not looking at her.
“You’re late,” Aiz says calmly.
Alise blinks.
“…Were you waiting?”
“No.”
Pause.
“…Yes.”
Alise smiles slowly.
“Did you see?”
Aiz’s grip tightens almost imperceptibly.
“Yes.”
Silence.
Wind curls faintly between them.
Alise steps closer.
“You don’t like it?”
Aiz finally looks up.
Her eyes are steady.
“I don’t like not understanding it.”
That lands.
Alise studies her.
“What part?”
Aiz hesitates.
Then, honestly:
“When he smiles like that… it makes something inside me move.”
Alise’s teasing fades.
“Oh.”
Aiz continues, voice low.
“I don’t want to take it from you.”
The wind around her trembles faintly.
“…But I don’t like watching it from far away either.”
That is not loud jealousy.
That is real.
Alise steps closer.
Very close.
“So don’t stay far away.”
Aiz’s breath shifts.
“…What do you mean.”
Alise leans in, just enough for her voice to brush Aiz’s ear.
“Next time you want to see something, don’t hide on another rooftop.”
Aiz freezes.
“You knew.”
Alise laughs softly.
“The wind tattles.”
For the first time, Aiz flushes.
Just faintly.
Like sunset caught in gold.
????? The Real Tension
Alise reaches up.
Touches Aiz’s cheek.
Very light.
Not possessive.
Not challenging.
Just warm.
“You don’t have to understand it yet,” Alise whispers.
“But don’t run from it.”
Aiz’s hand lifts instinctively.
Catches Alise’s wrist.
Holds it there.
Their faces are inches apart.
Wind and fire mix.
Not violently.
Just enough to warm the air.
“…I don’t run,” Aiz says.
Alise smiles.
“I know.”
Neither kisses.
Neither steps back.
The tension hums.
Somewhere far away, Bell sneezes without knowing why.
That night—
Bell sleeps smiling.
Alise sleeps satisfied.
And Aiz?
Aiz lies awake staring at the ceiling.
Wind drifting lazily around her bed.
Thinking about warmth.
And wondering—
When it started feeling like something she didn’t want to share.
?? HORS-SéRIE — “Golden Retribution”
Rooftop.
Lantern light.
Bell and Alise kiss.
It’s warm.
It’s slow.
It lingers.
Bell’s hand slides to her waist.
Alise smiles into it.
And—
The wind snaps.
Not a breeze.
A cut.
Bell doesn’t notice.
Alise does.
Just for a second.
Across the skyline—
Aiz Wallenstein stands still.
Watching.
Her golden eyes don’t blink.
Her jaw tightens once.
That’s all.
Then she turns.
And leaves.
??? The Plan
Loki Familia dining hall.
Everyone’s there.
Lefiya rambling.
Tiona laughing.
Bete arguing.
Bell visiting.
Alise is relaxed.
Too relaxed.
Aiz sits across the room.
Silent.
Watching.
The wind around her is tight.
Coiled.
Waiting.
Bell laughs at something Tiona says.
Alise reaches over and flicks his forehead playfully.
Bell blushes.
That’s when Aiz stands.
The room quiets instinctively.
She walks straight toward Bell.
Not fast.
Not dramatic.
Precise.
Bell freezes.
“A-Aiz?”
She doesn’t answer.
She steps into his space.
Very close.
Alise’s smile fades slightly.
Aiz lifts one hand.
Grabs Bell by the collar.
The entire hall goes silent.
Even Bete shuts up.
And then—
She kisses him.
Hard.
Not shy.
Not hesitant.
Not soft.
A deliberate ambush.
Bell’s brain leaves his body.
Gasps explode around the room.
Lefiya drops her fork.
Tiona screams.
Alise goes perfectly still.
Aiz pulls back slowly.
Golden eyes sharp.
Unapologetic.
She speaks calmly.
“Now we’re even.”
Bell looks like he’s been struck by lightning.
Alise’s fire flares—
Then steadies.
She stands.
Walks toward them.
The room braces for war.
Instead—
Alise tilts her head.
Smiles.
“Oh?”
She steps into Bell’s other side.
Wraps her fingers into his hair.
And kisses him again.
Slower.
Warmer.
Longer.
The hall erupts.
Bete yells.
Lefiya nearly dies.
Riveria pinches the bridge of her nose.
Bell is officially deceased.
Alise pulls back.
Eyes locked on Aiz.
“Even?”
Aiz’s wind hums.
“No.”
She leans close to Alise’s ear.
“This isn’t revenge.”
The air shifts.
“It’s a declaration.”
Alise’s pulse jumps.
Fire answers wind.
Not explosive.
Controlled.
Bell is still buffering.
?? Later — Outside
Bell escapes to breathe.
Aiz steps onto the balcony.
Alise joins her.
The city below glows.
Aiz speaks first.
“I don’t like watching.”
Alise folds her arms.
“Then don’t.”
Aiz turns.
Golden eyes intense.
“I don’t share easily.”
Alise smiles softly.
“Good.”
Wind brushes fire.
Neither backs down.
Neither apologizes.
Somewhere inside—
Bell wonders if he survived a dungeon boss or something worse.
?? HORS-SéRIE — "The Morning After the Declaration"
?? Dawn — Loki Familia Residence
The sun rises over Orario.
Birds sing.
Wind blows gently.
And inside the Loki Familia home, twelve adventurers sit in complete, absolute, deafening silence.
Breakfast is untouched.
Lefiya stares at her plate like it contains the secrets of the universe.
Tiona's mouth is open but no sound comes out.
Bete actually hasn't spoken a single word—which is how everyone knows this is serious.
Riveria's tea has gone cold.
And at the center of it all—
Bell Cranel sits between Alise and Aiz at the table.
Like a lamb between two dragons who haven't decided whether to share or fight.
Loki walks in.
Stops.
Looks around.
Grins so wide it's genuinely frightening.
"Well well WELL. "
She drapes herself over the back of a chair.
"Someone want to explain why half my Familia looks traumatized before noon?"
Silence.
Loki's grin sharpens.
"Or should I guess? Let's see..." She taps her chin dramatically. "Was it the part where Aiz committed public assault via lips? Or when Alise fought back with a longer kiss? Or maybe—" she leans in—"the part where Bell just stood there like a confused rabbit caught in a love storm?"
Bell turns crimson.
Aiz's expression doesn't change.
Alise sips her juice calmly.
"Good morning to you too, Loki."
Loki cackles.
"OH I LOVE THIS. FINALLY. ENTERTAINMENT. "
?? The Table Explodes
Tiona slams her hands down.
"SOMEONE EXPLAIN! DID YOU TWO FIGHT OVER HIM? DID YOU SHARE? IS THIS A NEW THING? I NEED ANSWERS!"
Lefiya makes a sound like a dying animal.
Bete snorts. "Who cares? It's just the rabbit getting—"
"Finish that sentence and I'll finish you." Alise's smile doesn't reach her eyes.
Bete shuts up.
Riveria sets down her cold tea with deliberate precision.
"Perhaps," she says quietly, "we should allow those involved to speak before we speculate."
Everyone looks at Bell.
Bell looks at the table.
The table offers no assistance.
"I..." He swallows. "I don't... know what to say."
"Try 'thank you for the kiss, Aiz, it was very sudden but memorable,'" Loki suggests unhelpfully.
Aiz blinks.
Then speaks for the first time:
"It was memorable for me too."
Bell's soul briefly exits his body.
Alise laughs. Actually laughs. Warm and real.
"You're not helping, Aiz."
"I was stating a fact."
"Some facts make people die. "
Aiz tilts her head. "Bell hasn't died."
"He's close."
Tiona raises her hand like she's in class. "Wait wait wait. So... are you two both dating him now? Is that how this works? Because I've read some books and—"
"Tiona." Riveria's voice is gentle warning.
"What? I'm just asking!"
Gareth strokes his beard thoughtfully. "Well now. This is certainly... unprecedented."
Bete mutters something about "stupid rabbit luck."
Finn, who has been silent until now, sets down his cup.
His expression is calm. Calculating. The mind of the Braver turning.
"Bell."
Bell straightens automatically. "Yes?"
"Are you alright with this?"
The question hangs.
Not teasing.
Not dramatic.
Genuine.
Bell opens his mouth.
Closes it.
Thinks.
And for the first time, really thinks about last night. About Aiz's kiss—sudden, fierce, claiming. About Alise's response—slow, warm, deliberate. About standing between them on the balcony, the city below, and feeling something shift.
Not fear.
Not confusion.
Right.
"I..." He looks at Aiz. Then Alise. Then back at Finn. "I don't know what this is. But I don't want to run from it."
Finn nods slowly.
"That's enough for now."
Loki fake swoons. "Our little rabbit is growing up! Soon he'll be a big rabbit with two very dangerous girlfriends!"
"Loki." Riveria's voice carries warning.
"What? I'm supportive!"
?? After Breakfast — Hallway
Bell escapes.
Sort of.
He makes it three steps before—
"Ahem."
He turns.
Lefiya stands there. Arms crossed. Face determined. Eyes slightly too bright.
"Bell Cranel."
"Lefiya?"
"I have something to say."
He waits.
She takes a breath.
"I... admired you. For a long time. I wrote letters. I made chocolate. I—" She stops. Shakes her head. "But I saw what happened last night. And I saw how you looked at them. "
Bell's chest tightens.
"Lefiya, I—"
"Let me finish." Her voice wavers but holds. "I'm not... I'm not going to fight for someone who doesn't see me that way. But I am going to say this: You better treat them right. Both of them. Or I'll—" She casts around for a threat. "I'll cast the largest magic circle this city has ever seen directly at your feet."
Bell blinks.
Then smiles.
Soft. Genuine.
"Thank you, Lefiya."
She flushes. "That's not—I wasn't looking for—ugh."
She storms away.
He watches her go.
And realizes—for the first time—that love isn't just about who you choose.
It's about who you don't hurt along the way.
??? Rooftop — Private Conversation
Aiz finds him first.
She doesn't announce herself. Just appears at his side like wind given form.
They stand together. Looking at the city.
"Bell."
"Yes?"
"I don't understand feelings well."
He glances at her. She's staring straight ahead. Jaw tight.
"But I understand what I want."
His heart stumbles.
"What do you want?"
She turns. Golden eyes direct. Unflinching.
"You."
The word lands like a blade.
Not sharp.
True.
"I don't know how to share," she continues. "I've never had to. But watching you with her... it didn't make me want to take you from her."
Pause.
"It made me want to be with both of you."
Bell forgets how to breathe.
"Aiz..."
"I know it's not simple." She looks away. "I know I should give you time. Give us time. But I needed you to know."
She steps closer.
Just enough that he can feel her warmth.
"I'm not running."
Then she's gone.
Wind where she stood.
Bell stands frozen.
Processing.
Failing to process.
?? Second Rooftop — Different Conversation
Alise finds him an hour later.
Same place. Different energy.
She doesn't stand beside him. She sits on the edge. Legs dangling. Looking down at the city like it belongs to her.
"You look wrecked."
Bell laughs weakly. "I feel wrecked."
"Good wrecked or bad wrecked?"
He thinks.
"...Confused wrecked."
She pats the space beside her.
He sits.
They're quiet for a moment. The city humming below.
"I saw Aiz leave," Alise says. Casual. Not casual.
"Yeah."
"What did she say?"
Bell hesitates.
Alise glances at him. "You don't have to tell me. But if we're doing this—whatever this is—we're going to need honesty."
He takes a breath.
"She said she wants me. But she also said... watching us made her want to be with both of us."
Alise's eyebrows rise.
Then she laughs.
Quiet. Genuine. Relieved.
"Good."
Bell blinks. "Good?"
"I was worried she'd try to claim you exclusively. Fight me for you. Make this a war." Alise shakes her head. "But she wants to share. "
"That's... good?"
"Bell." Alise turns to face him fully. "I've loved before. Lost before. I know what I want." She reaches up. Cups his cheek. "I want you. But I also saw her face when she kissed you. That wasn't just possession. That was real. "
She leans closer.
"So here's the question, hero: Can you handle two women who don't back down from what they want?"
Bell stares at her.
The city below.
The sky above.
The fire in front of him.
The wind that just returned.
He thinks about Aiz's words.
Alise's honesty.
The way both of them looked at him like he was worth more than just his record.
"Yes."
Alise's smile deepens.
"Good answer."
She kisses him.
Quick. Warm. Promise.
When she pulls back, Aiz is standing at the rooftop entrance.
Watching.
Alise meets her eyes.
"Join us?"
Aiz walks forward.
Slow. Deliberate.
She stops on Bell's other side.
Looks at Alise.
"Together?"
Alise nods.
Aiz looks at Bell.
He reaches out.
Takes her hand.
Takes Alise's hand.
The three of them stand at the edge of the city.
Wind and fire intertwined.
?? Chaos Returns — Dinner
The Loki Familia dining hall.
Evening.
Everyone present.
Bell walks in.
Aiz beside him.
Alise beside her.
The room freezes.
Loki's grin could power the Dungeon.
"Well well well. Look what the wind dragged in."
Tiona gasps. "Are you—is this—did you—"
"Yes." Bell's voice steady. "We're... figuring it out."
Bete chokes on his drink.
Gareth laughs. Deep and warm. "Well done, lad. Well done."
Riveria closes her eyes. Almost smiles. "I'll prepare extra blankets."
Lefiya looks like she's having a religious experience.
Finn raises his cup.
"To new beginnings."
The table echoes it.
Bell sits between them.
Aiz's hand finds his under the table.
Alise leans against his shoulder.
And for the first time since yesterday—
He breathes.
?? Final Scene — Night
Later.
Bell walks Alise to her room.
Aiz watches from the hallway.
Not jealousy.
Patience.
At Alise's door, Bell hesitates.
"Today was..."
"Weird?" Alise offers.
"Good weird."
She smiles. Soft now. Private.
"Get some sleep, hero. Tomorrow we fight monsters."
"And today?"
"Today we fought something harder." She kisses his cheek. "Our own feelings."
She slips inside.
Bell turns.
Aiz still stands in the hallway.
Waiting.
He walks to her.
Stops close.
"You should sleep too," he says.
"So should you."
Neither moves.
Then Aiz leans in.
Kisses him.
Not like before—fierce and claiming.
Soft. Testing. Learning.
When she pulls back, her eyes are almost vulnerable.
"Was that okay?"
Bell's heart aches.
"That was perfect."
She nods.
Turns.
Walks to her room.
At the door, she pauses.
"Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow."
She disappears inside.
Bell stands alone in the hallway.
Exhausted.
Confused.
Hopeful.
Happy.
He smiles.
And for the first time in his life—
Doesn't run from what he feels.
?? HORS-SéRIE — "The One Who Waited Too Long"
?? Sometime Later — The Hostess of Fertility
The dinner rush ends.
Ryuu wipes the counter methodically. Clean strokes. No wasted movement. The same way she cleans her blades.
Syr hums behind her, arranging flowers someone left on a table. Valentine's leftovers. Petals already browning at the edges.
"You're quiet tonight," Syr observes.
Ryuu doesn't answer.
Syr glances at her. Smiles softly.
"Something on your mind?"
"No."
The lie sits between them.
Syr lets it live.
For now.
?? Night — Ryuu's Room
She shouldn't have gone to the window.
Shouldn't have looked toward the Loki Familia residence.
Shouldn't have seen.
But the wind carried something. Laughter. Warmth. Them.
Bell walking between two women.
Alise on his left.
Aiz on his right.
Their hands brushing his.
His smile—that smile—directed at both.
Ryuu's hand grips the windowsill.
The wood creaks.
She doesn't notice.
When did this happen?
She knew about Alise. Saw it coming. The rooftop. The chocolate. The way Bell looked at her like she was sunrise.
But Aiz?
Aiz?
The Sword Princess who barely speaks. Who trains until she bleeds. Who never—
Ryuu's stomach lurches.
She stumbles back from the window.
Presses a hand to her mouth.
No.
This isn't—she doesn't—why does this hurt?
?? The Truth
She makes it to the washroom.
Barely.
Her body rebels. Empty heaves. Nothing comes up but she feels it—the sickness coiling through her stomach like poison.
She grips the basin.
Stares at her reflection.
Pale.
Wide-eyed.
Lost.
You didn't even try.
The thought arrives unbidden. Cruel. True.
She watched him grow. Watched him fight. Watched him become someone worth—someone she could—
Her hand shakes.
You told yourself there was time.
More heaves. Dry. Painful.
You told yourself to wait. To be sure. To let the blood wash off your hands first.
She sinks to the floor.
Back against the wall.
Knees drawn up.
Now they've kissed him. Both of them. And you—
Her throat burns.
Not from sickness now.
?? The Memory
She closes her eyes.
Sees him.
Not the record-breaker. Not the hero. Not the boy who outruns death.
Bell.
Standing in the hallway after Syr's party. Blushing. Stuttering. Looking at her.
"Ryuu, I—your cooking is—I mean—"
She'd almost smiled.
Almost.
"You should rest," she'd said. "You've had too much to drink."
"I haven't—well maybe a little—but I wanted to—"
He never finished.
She'd walked away.
Walked away.
Like there would always be tomorrow.
Like he would always be there.
Waiting.
?? Dawn — The Hostess Kitchen
Syr finds her before opening.
Ryuu is already working. Chopping vegetables. Precise. Mechanical. Face blank.
Syr watches for a long moment.
"Ryuu."
"Breakfast prep is almost done. The fish delivery came early. I'll need to—"
"Ryuu."
The knife stops.
Mid-air.
Trembling.
Syr steps closer. Gentle. Careful.
"What happened?"
Ryuu doesn't answer.
But her shoulders shake.
Just once.
Syr has known her for years. Has seen her bleed. Has seen her kill. Has seen her stand in rain and fire and refuse to break.
She has never seen this.
Syr reaches out.
Touches her wrist.
"The knife," she says softly. "Put it down."
Ryuu obeys.
Mechanically.
When she turns, her face is composed. Perfect mask. But her eyes—
Syr's heart clenches.
"Oh, Ryuu."
"I'm fine."
"You're not."
"I will be."
Syr waits.
Ryuu's mask cracks.
"He kissed someone." Voice flat. Dead. "Both of them. Alise and Aiz. I saw them. Together. Happy."
Syr says nothing.
"And I—" Ryuu stops. Swallows. "I wanted to be first."
The confession hangs.
Syr's eyes soften.
"You still could—"
"No." Sharp. Final. "I missed first."
She looks at Syr.
And something in her gaze shifts.
Hardens.
Burns.
"But I'll be last. "
?? The Decision
Syr blinks.
"Last?"
Ryuu straightens.
Not the elf who scrubs tables.
Not the elf who runs from her past.
Gale Wind.
"I waited. I was careful. I let time pass because I thought—" She stops. Shakes her head. "It doesn't matter what I thought."
She turns to the window.
Morning light spills over Orario.
Over the city where Bell walks. Loves. Lives.
"I won't be first."
Her voice steady now.
"But when the others fall—when the newness fades—when they stumble—"
She looks back at Syr.
Fire in her eyes.
Quiet.
Controlled.
Absolute.
"I'll be there."
Syr studies her.
Long moment.
Then smiles.
Slow. Knowing. Approving.
"Good."
Ryuu blinks.
"You're not going to talk me out of this?"
"No." Syr picks up a rag. Wipes the counter calmly. "I'm going to help you."
"I don't need—"
"You need someone to remind you not to wait again. " Syr's voice sharpens just slightly. "You waited once. It cost you first. Don't wait so long you miss last too."
Ryuu stills.
The words land.
Deep.
??? Afternoon — Coincidental Meeting
She didn't plan it.
But the Dungeon entrance.
Bell. Alone.
Gear checks. Nervous energy. That smile when he sees her.
"Ryuu! Hi!"
"Bell."
Her voice steady. Good.
"Are you—going down?" He tilts his head. "Want to partner? I'm just doing medium floors. Supplies for the Hostess, right?"
He remembers.
Of course he remembers.
Always so thoughtful.
"I..." She should say no. Should retreat. Should—
Don't wait again.
"Yes."
His face lights up.
"Great! I'll cover you if we run into trouble."
You already have.
She doesn't say it.
But walking beside him into the Dungeon's dark—
Something settles in her chest.
Not jealousy.
Not desperation.
Purpose.
---
??? Deep Floors — Moment
They stop to rest.
Bell sits against a wall. Drinking water. Unaware.
Ryuu watches from across the small camp.
Torchlight flickers over his face.
Young.
Open.
Hers? Not yet.
But—
"Ryuu?" He catches her staring. Blushes. "Something wrong?"
"No."
Pause.
"Just thinking."
"About?"
She could lie.
Don't wait.
"About what I want."
He tilts his head. Innocent confusion.
"What do you want?"
She stands.
Walks to him.
Stops close enough that he has to look up.
Close enough that he sees her.
Not the waitress.
Not the ally.
Not the elf with blood on her hands.
Ryuu.
"I missed my chance once," she says quietly.
His brow furrows. "What do you—"
She reaches down.
Touches his cheek.
Just briefly.
His breath catches.
"You're not alone anymore, Bell."
She pulls back.
Steps away.
Returns to her side of the camp.
Leaves him staring. Blushing. Confused but not scared.
Good.
She sits.
Lets the silence settle.
First is gone.
But last?
Last is a long way off.
And Ryuu Lion has always been patient.
?? That Night — Her Room
She writes nothing.
Plans nothing.
Just sits by the window.
Watching the Loki residence.
Watching the lights.
Wondering which room is his.
Wondering if he's thinking about her touch on his cheek.
Wondering—
A figure moves on a distant balcony.
Bell.
Alone.
Looking toward the city.
Toward her direction?
She doesn't know.
Can't know.
But she raises her hand.
Just slightly.
As if he could see.
As if—
He shifts.
Looks directly at her window.
Distance too far. Light too low.
But for a moment—
He sees her.
Ryuu's breath stops.
Then he turns.
Goes inside.
She lowers her hand.
Smiles.
Small. Fragile. Real.
Not first.
She closes the curtain.
But not out of the race.
?? Epilogue — Morning
Syr finds a note on the counter.
"Went for a walk. Don't wait breakfast."
She folds it.
Smiles.
"Heading into the Dungeon again? Or just... hunting?"
The question hangs.
She doesn't need an answer.
Ryuu Lion has found her quarry.
And Gale Wind—
Always catches what she hunts.
