Taking a shower to wash off the sweat, and having Nicholas show on his laptop that Cocco is indeed preparing the place for the interview, I dress in casual clothes and say goodbye to Ponzu and Nicholas before leaving the room.
After taking the elevator down to the 140th floor, and walking through the crowd of visitors and fighters, I find Cocco waiting for me on an armchair next to a glass wall that offers a good view of the city, accompanied by a cameraman and a sound technician.
"Ah, welcome Mr. Kai! I'm glad you're finally here! Please sit down! I and the viewers have been eagerly awaiting a chance to find out more about his character!" Cocco exclaims, standing up and leading me to the sofa in front of her armchair.
"I'm excited too. But before we start the recording, I'd like to ask if you've prepared a contract for its broadcast." I ask in a professional tone as I sit down on the sofa.
"Oh, yes, yes, of course. Here's a contract detailing the agreement to record the interview, broadcast rights, confidentiality of matters you're unwilling to share, and other clauses for both parties detailed by our legal department." Cocco says taking out and placing a paper contract on the table between us.
After carefully reading the details of the contract to make sure there's nothing strange, I sign it and give it to Cocco, who gives me a copy and tells her cameraman and sound technician to start recording.
"Okay, let's get started with the interview. Mr. Kai Ikeda, could you start by sharing a little bit about yourself with me and the viewers? Things like where you're from, what you did before coming to Heavens Arena, why you decided to come, and so on." Cocco asks.
"Well, my place of origin isn't known to many, and I prefer to keep it anonymous. As for the other matters, I'm a Hunter in the Hunters' Association, and I came to Heavens Arena to fulfill various objectives." I answer.
"What kind of objectives? Do they have anything to do with your profession as a Hunter? Could you elaborate them?" Cocco asks, trying to find out more.
"Refining my combat skills, increasing my monetary funds, increasing my notoriety and prestige for my professional career... That sort of thing." I say leaving certain parts hidden.
"Hmm, I understand. That makes sense considering how quickly you've risen up the tower. And speaking of which, what do you think of the slanderers who claim you cheated in your fights? Given their lengthy duration and the fact that you haven't lost a single point in your career, there are many who claim that achieving such a feat is impossible and that you bribed your opponents to put on a good show before conceding the victory." Cocco asks, explaining the opinion of some visitors.
"My humble opinion is that people like to hurl accusations or criticism at others if they think they can't be caught, much like the relative of a high-ranking politician or important businessman thinks they can do whatever they want without considering anyone else." I start to explain.
"It's true that my matches can seem somewhat one-sided, but I achieved those results through training, caution, and a keen eye for analysis; in other words, through sheer effort. Anyone could realize how seriously I treated each of my fights, and if anyone claims otherwise, they're most likely bored, jealous, or have lost a bet they shouldn't have made."
"Yes, I think you're right. After all, I've been commentating on all your matches, so I know how hard you and your opponents fought to win." Cocco says with a pleased smile.
"Well, there you have it. My matches commentator agreeing with me. If that doesn't convince the skeptics, nothing will." I add.
"Okay, let's continue. According to what the tower staff told me, your match for the title of Floor Master will be on July 9th on the 230th floor against Floor Master Jin, also nicknamed "The Cyclone." How do you think you'll fare in the match?" Cocco asks me.
"Well, obviously I intend to win and take over his personal penthouse, but unlike my previous fights, I'm not aiming to win without him scoring any points on me." I respond honestly.
"Huh? Why is that? Is it that you lack the confidence to face Jin? Are you perhaps afraid of the Floor Master's skills?" Cocco asks, trying to embarrass me a little.
"It's not that I'm afraid, it's just the truth. Currently, my performance in the tower has earned me the reputation and contacts I was originally seeking, so now I no longer need to be so stubborn about not losing points or putting on a show for the public." I start to explain.
"Besides, unlike my previous fights, this is a challenge against someone who has managed to become a Floor Master, so I can't state without a shadow of a doubt that I will win without him scoring any points. Not honoring that claim would be against my principles."
"But you claim that you will win the fight." Cocco says with a dull expression on her face.
"Yes, that's right. So what?" I ask ignoring her reaction.
"Okay, I understand what you're saying, I won't go any further with that." Cocco says in a defeatist tone before continuing in a more cheerful one. "As you've pointed out, your fighting career at Heavens Arena has earned you great popularity, especially among the female audience. The fan club of men and women who cheer you on during your matches has been expanding with each fight, to the point where it now accounts for almost a fifth of the audience."
"Given the interest they and other viewers have in this regard, could you answer us the big question of whether the popular and notorious Kai Ikeda already has someone special in his heart? All your followers are eager to know it." Cocco asks with a look and smile full of curiosity.
"No, I don't have anyone like that." I answer with my spirits somewhat crushed by her indiscreet question.
"Oh, really? Because after doing a little digging, we've heard rumors from several witnesses inside and outside the tower who say they've seen you on numerous occasions hanging out with one of the fighters from the 200th floor." Cocco says putting on a mischievous smile.
"According to their accounts, the two of you spend a significant amount of time together practically every day, and they've even stated that they've seen you having very intimate physical contact and going on dates at various establishments in the city, in addition to hearing you have a heated argument at one of them. So, you're saying that woman isn't really your lover? Because to me, that sounds like typical interaction between a couple."
Feeling intensely irritated by Cocco's accusatory claims, I take a few seconds to calm down and think carefully about the best response to refute these alleged rumors.
"The woman these rumors speak of is called Ponzu, and despite these premature judgments she is not my lover, but my disciple." I state seriously.
"Your... disciple?" Cocco asks somewhat confused.
"That's right. She and Nicholas, the other rising star of Heavens Arena, are both my martial arts disciples. All three of us are Hunters, but due to my circumstances, talent, and unwavering dedication, I've grown much stronger and more experienced than them. That's why I took on the task of training them here at Heavens Arena so they'd have a better chance both in the tower as fighters and outside in their careers as Hunters." I start explaining.
"All those times we were seen together inside the tower were to begin our daily training routine, and the establishments we visited outside were to help her find her way around this new city and help her purchase the tools and items she needed for her job as a Hunter, not for romantic dates."
"But what about that incident you had in the city? According to the accounts we've heard, the tone and content perfectly represented a typical argument between a couple. Are you sure you're not trying to hide from us a relationship that goes beyond the bonds between master and disciple?" Cocco asks in an accusatory manner.
"You don't have to be in a relationship to have a heated argument with someone, right? What happened between us that time was a simple clash caused by a lack of mutual understanding. I can assure you that Ponzu and I have no romantic relationship whatsoever." I state.
"So you really don't have any feelings for the Hunter called Ponzu?" Cocco asks with a look of disappointment.
"I see her as a beautiful woman, of course, but I don't intend to seek that type of relationship with her or anyone else right now. I prefer to focus on my career as a Hunter for the time being." I say this with honesty but also with some shyness.
"That can't be, Kai! Being such a nice and good-looking guy like you, there's no way you'll stay single for long! Some girl will surely end up snatching you up before you know it!" Cocco exclaims, recovering her spirits as she looks at the camera.
"In fact, I know many of your female followers on the other side of this camera find you attractive and are waiting for their chance to do so. So, you have heard it, ladies, you have a chance to try to win the grand prize."
"Who knows? Maybe I should try my luck too? After all, I really like your character and fighting skills, and good Hunters eventually become famous and rich, so I wouldn't have any complaints. Hee hee." Cocco says with a giggle while winking at me with his left eye in a flirtatious manner.
For the rest of the interview, unknown to her and the technical team accompanying her, I clench my right fist in frustration at the future problems that Cocco's approach to this topic could cause me, so forcefully that I draw blood despite not turning my nails into claws.
After several minutes of answering more trivial questions while pretending to maintain a cordial and composed demeanor, the interview with Cocco finally ends and I bid her farewell with a friendly handshake before heading back to my room, wishing I had squeezed her hand harder in retaliation for her indiscreet encouragement to the future viewers of this interview.
"Telling women to take advantage of the opportunity to try to get their hands on me. Seriously, what was she thinking? Maybe it would have been better not to do the interview at all. No, that's not the case. I've managed to give a good presentation of my character and my confidence in my abilities, so I'm sure I have a solid foundation for when I look for someone to hire me as a Hunter." I mutter as I walk down the hall to my room.
"But the problems this is going to cause me a lot of problems in the future, and the way she's exposed Ponzu with those unfounded accusations. Fuck it all!" I exclaim angrily as I punch the wall next to me, greatly fcracking it despite not using Nen.
"Wow, you seem a little irritated. Didn't you enjoy the interview you had?" A sinister voice says from behind me, noticing it's Hisoka even before turning my head. "Because I, for my part, really enjoyed it, Mr. Grand Prize." He adds chuckling while leaning to the wall, clearly trying to make fun of me.
"Shut your dawn trap Hisoka. I'm not in the mood right now, so don't try to screw me." I say irritated without even trying to analyze how he found out.
"Don't be like that. I'm just having a little fun with you. After all, I found out about your secret relationship before everyone else, so there's no harm in talking about it." He says still trying to tease me.
"I'm serious, Hisoka, don't fuck with me. You know very well that it isn't a good idea to get on my bad side. Not even for you." I state looking at him threateningly.
"Oh, don't tell me. If you're so eager for us to fight, I'm more than ready here." Hisoka says activating his Ren in a sign of challenge.
"Do you think I'm foolish enough to fall for such an obvious trap? I have my own ways of dealing with you without fighting, I assure you. If you want to fight me, do it after I've become Floor Master and you've had your match with Gon, as we agreed. Do you understand?" I ask.
At my question, Hisoka looks at me for a moment before turning off his aura and answering." You can't blame me for being impatient. After your sudden departure from Heavens Arena, I felt quite frustrated and worried that you wouldn't return in time. It's only natural that I want to vent a little after you prevented me from doing so with your friends with your return."
"If you want to let off some steam, you'll have the chance to do so in your fight against Gon before me. I just hope you remember not to kill him." I reply.
"Of course. Despite how much he has grown, he's not ripe yet, so I'll wait until he's reached new heights and it's completely unsustainable not to destroy him. Just like you." Hisoka states with his twisted tone of depravity while looking at me.
For my part, I let out a sigh and take a deep breath to calm myself before turning around. "As stupid as it sounds, I believe you. Knowing your personality and Gon's current power, I know at least that's not a lie. See you later." I say continuing on my way and letting Hisoka behind.
'How cunning. His composure and relaxed attitude with me take away the advantage, just like with that old man of Netero. The truth is, that commentator was wrong: I'll be the one who will win the grand prize.' Hisoka thinks, raising the corners of his lips in an unsettling smile as I walk away from him.
After these small unpleasant experiences, I meet up with Ponzu and Nicholas again in my room, deciding to go eat at one of the tower's stalls given the current time, and then going for a short marathon towards the mountains, where we spend the afternoon training in some physical activity in addition to Nen until the sun begins to set, with the reddened hue providing a romantic backdrop to the atmosphere.
However, despite being able to follow the usual routine, I couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling coming from Ponzu, who remained silent even when Nicholas and I chatted amicably over lunch, looking at me with a frown quite similar to when we worked together on Zevil Island.
As we begin our return to Heavens Arena, Ponzu suddenly approaches me. "Hey Kai. I'd like to talk to you about what happened in your interview today. Can you come to my room after dinner and take a shower?" She asks from beside me with her head down without even looking at me.
"Huh, sure, no problem. I'll go there without fail." I answer somewhat nervously. 'She's probably angry. That's only natural, given how Cocco made her look bad just to discredit me. It'd be best if we talked this over calmly and resolved this as soon as possible.'
With these thoughts running through my head, the three of us head back to Heavens Arena where we enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant before heading to our respective rooms, and after taking a bath to clean the sweat and dirt off my body, I head out to head to Ponzu's room on the 200th floor.
After a couple of minutes I finally reach Ponzu room, and receiving her permission to enter after knocking, I open the door to see Ponzu sitting on her bed covering herself with Nicholas's cloak.
"Welcome. Please take a seat." Ponzu says in a low voice without looking up at me.
In response, I walk over to her and sit right next to her in the bed.
"First of all, I'd like to apologize for getting you involved in this. I was prepared for them to try to embarrass me with a lot of things in this interview, but I didn't think you'd also get involved, much less that they'd detail our outings together outside the tower in such a shameful way. I'm truly sorry." I apologize hastily with much guilt.
"You made the nature of our relationship very clear in the interview, so the hype surrounding me should die down soon. You, on the other hand, seem to have earned yourself a good following of female fans eager to get their chance with you." Ponzu says with some criticism.
"Yes, you can say that. Even though I made it very clear I had no interest in those things, Cocco had to insist on the subject and open the door for viewers to cause me a lot of trouble in the future." I reply somewhat exasperated.
"Well, it's like Cocco said; there's no way a man like you can stay single for long. After all, Hunters are highly sought-after for their fame and wealth, in addition to being able to serve as useful assets in different circumstances, so it's not normal for them to form nuclear families, as the concept of polygamy is more accepted and recognized for them." Ponzu states, enlightening me to a new unknown fact about the Hunters.
"I'm not interested in having a bunch of greedy women around me who are just looking to use me to gain a better status and living conditions. As I told you before, I'd only be willing to try to form that kind of relationship with someone special who truly loved me from the bottom of their heart." I respond.
"Do you really think that? If so,..." Ponzu begins to speak, taking off the cloak and leaving me petrified at what I see. "...Would you give me a chance then?" She finishes saying, showing a white transparent lingerie camisole over white underwear that seems to make her pale skin shine.
Point of View Switch: Reader
Several hours ago in Kai room.
Unbeknownst to Kai, Nicholas has hacked into the tower's cameras again so he can watch the sudden interview with Ponzu and take action if necessary. The first few minutes have passed without incident, with Kai thoughtfully answering Cocco's questions while giving a professional impression. The problem arose when she brought up the subject of Kai's "supposed" secret relationship with Ponzu.
After finishing watching the accusations and sensationalist encouragement from interviewer Cocco, Nicholas leans back in his chair and begins to think about the situation.
"Ponzu, the plan has just changed. We must take the initiative and act now." He says.
"What are you saying? Weren't we supposed to take it slow and steady so Kai would get infatuated with me enough to take the next step?" Ponzu asks, somewhat bewildered.
"That was originally the case, but now with the timely intervention of Cocco adding fuel to the fire, the circumstances have been set for a golden opportunity." Nicholas retorts.
"I don't understand what you're talking about. Explain yourself." Ponzu asks confused.
"You see, from his reactions these past days, and that time he came to ask me why you had changed your behavior, I know that our seduction strategy has taken its toll on him, and although he said he doesn't want to pursue a relationship with you right now, the way he expressed it and also that he stated that he finds you very attractive tell me that it was more of an attempt to defend yourself from unwanted negative attention from the public." Nicholas says, making Ponzu's cheeks blush a little.
"At this moment, when Kai's thoughts are so focused on you, the commentator Cocco has brought up the topic of your relationship, and claiming that a man like him drives all women crazy. Such direct statements must have weakened the serious and uncompromising stance the boss always tries to adopt on this particular topic, which is why if you try to open up to him and launch a full-scale attack, you have the highest chance of success." Nicholas states, putting to record the rest of the interview and getting up from his chair with an air of determinism.
"With that in mind, we must make sure we don't fail this time, or it will become more difficult to succeed later. So let's go." Nicholas says grabbing Ponzu by the wrist and dragging her out of the room.
"Hey, wait! But where are we going?! Explain to me what exactly you're expecting me to do!" Ponzu screams in agitation as Nicholas drags her away.
"I'll explain everything to you in detail. Just come with me to my room so you can get ready." Nicholas responds.
Once they arrive at his room, Nicholas rummages through his things to give Ponzu several items purchased behind Kai's back to ensure his success when the opportunity arises, including the sexy white lingerie that Ponzu will later wear.
"But what kind of girl do you think I am?! You're a complete, insensitive degenerate!" Ponzu yells angry trowing the lingerie to the floor.
"Ponzu, I know this may seem a bit abrupt, but given how things have turned out, right now this may be the only chance you have left to try." Nicholas retorts.
"What do you mean by that?" Ponzu asks still irked.
"Right now, the boss is vulnerable, so you have a chance at success. But after he's slept and recovered from this experience, his stubbornness in avoiding the topic of intimate interaction with the opposite sex will become even stronger than before. The chances of you advancing your relationship with him before he leaves Heavens Arena will become practically nonexistent, and I'll have to restart my efforts with a new candidate. Does that seem okay to you?" Nicholas asks.
"O-Of course not. Even if I'm fine with Kai loving more women, I still want to be the first. But before doing something like that, there are certain preliminary steps to follow, like getting to know each other better, walking hand in hand, hugging, and k-k-" Ponzu tries to say self-consciously.
"Kiss, right? The truth is that apart from that last thing, you've already done everything else, so there shouldn't be a problem if you kiss him first." Nicholas states surprising Ponzu by the realization.
"S-Still, it's not something I can just do in the act. This would also be my first time, so I want it to be something special." Ponzu says timidly, clutching his crossed arms with a red face.
"Ponzu..." Nicholas starts saying grabbing her shoulders. "You like the boss, and he likes you back. I've known him for a long time, so when Chief Kai lets loose, he'll make sure to do his best. Trust me, this will be something beyond special for both of you. If everything goes as planned, it will be something that will change you both for the better. So decide now: Are you ready to go all out with Kai?"
Ponzu watches Nicholas's firm gaze as she thinks about it in fear. 'I'm scared. Scared that it hurts. Scared of how our relationship could change. Scared of embarrassing myself. Scared of regretting it. But more than anything, I'm scared of failing and Kai walking away from me.' Ponzu thinks with a trembling lip and clenched fists.
'However, Nicholas is right; if I just stand there and do nothing, Kai really will leave, and I'll lose my chance. I would certainly regret that even more. It would mean throwing away all the efforts I've made these past few days and betraying the feelings with which I faced my decision. So, if it doesn't end up happening in the end, at least I want to say with my head held high that I tried with all my might.'
"Yes, I'm ready to go all out for him!" Ponzu yells with her face and tone full of conviction.
"Great, that's what I wanted to hear. Okay, listen carefully to what you have to do." Nicholas says starting to explain his plan.
Back at the present.
Point of View Switch: Kai
Right now, my mind is feeling overwhelmed by a stimulus overload as I stare with the face completely red, at Ponzu wearing this incredibly arousing lingerie.
"P-P-Ponzu, w-what are y-y-you...?" I try to ask, stuttering uncontrollably from nervousness.
"Don't worry. Everything's fine. Just relax and let yourself go." She whispers in a alluring voice as she tries to bring my right hand to her breasts.
"AAAAHHHH!!!" I scream in panic jumping out of bed in panic and distancing myself from Ponzu. "Ponzu, seriously, if this is a joke it's not funny."
"This isn't a joke, I'm completely serious. I've... been wanting this for quite some time. And I know you want it deep down, too. So forget the worry, and immerse yourself in your desires." Ponzu gently says getting up from the bed as well and coming over to lean against my chest, making me feel more hot.
"N-N-No, we can´t! I already told that I wasn't going to allow myself to fall into temptation and be labeled by people as a disgusting degenerate that only thinks in women for the rest of my life!" I yell taking distance from her and trying to reaffirm my conviction.
"But even so, you still called me beautiful, right? Did you mean it or did you just say it?" Ponzu asks looking at me with shining, expectant eyes.
"W-Well, it was true but..." Kai answers by being interrupted mid-sentence.
"Then there's no problem. Desiring that kind of thing is something completely human, so forget about that nonsense about what other people think and just enjoy the experience." Ponzu says, becoming animated again.
"Of course there are problems! For starters, think about how could this affect our current relationship! And besides, even if I were willing to do it with you... I WOULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT PROTECTION!!! I scream quite annoyed by the still persistent situation.
"You're certainly careful, but you don't have to worry about that. I have a whole box of condoms in the top drawer of my nightstand next to the bed. Although I was actually surprised you'd need that size. I hope you're really gentle with me." She says it in a cute, yet sensual tone that makes me feel even more flustered.
'B-But... How did she find that out?!' That's the only thought that crosses my blank mind.
"See? You have nothing to worry about. I've really thought about it a lot, and this is what I truly want. Nothing has to change between us. I won't complain later, and we can carry on as usual. So please, let yourself be carried away by pleasure tonight."
I'm nervous and short of breath, my heart is racing like crazy, My nose enjoys the scent of the perfume that Ponzu has put on tonight, and my eyes remain fixed on her stunning figure and her beautiful little face getting closer and closer to me. I can feel it; her breath on mine. Her lips moving ever closer to mine. She's so close. But...
"No! We're not going to do it!" I yell regaining composure in time, grabbing her by the shoulders and pulling her away from me. "No matter how much you say it's okay, it isn't! I know that giving in to these fleeting impulses will only end up causing problems for both of us, and I won't allow it! Just forget what happened tonight. Goodbye." I say, letting go of Ponzu and heading for the door.
"Sniff, sniff." However, hearing this sound as I grab the handle, I turn around to be shocked by the scene in front of me: Ponzu crying illuminated by the moonlight.
"Why... why does nothing work? We've been through so much together. We've shared so much with each other. I've kept going despite your constant rejections at my advances. I've steadfastly endured through all this humiliation in an attempt to close the distance between us. And yet, none of it is enough for you to see me as a woman. All I receive are your rejections and an unbearable pain in my heart." Ponzu says crying inconsolably while wiping away her tears.
Feeling heartbroken at seeing her suffer like this, I rush over to try to comfort her. "Ponzu, calm down. I really didn't mean to hurt you. It's just..."
However, my sentence remains unfinished when Ponzu joins her soft lips with mine in a sweet and tender kiss. After a few seconds, Ponzu breaks the kiss and looks up at me with her wet, moonlit eyes as she asks me. "Kai, tell me what can I do if I'm in love with you?"
Point of View Switch: Reader
Seeing the vulnerable and heartbroken expression on Ponzu's face, for the first time Kai's thread of reason, which had been holding strong through all sorts of situations, finally breaks, and grabbing Ponzu's slender arms, Kai gives her a kiss on the lips much more intense and passionate than the one Ponzu has just given him before throwing her down onto the bed beneath him.
"Ponzu... You're the one who insisted this to happen. All of this is your fault, so you no longer have the option to back out." Kai says panting heavily while looking at Ponzu with a wild look like a starving beast looking at its prey, looking like a completely different person.
However, despite Kai's aggressive approach, Ponzu smiles as she continues to look at him with a face of pure happiness. "Of course I won't. This is what I've been waiting for. So go ahead. Release all the passion and desire you feel for me right now. Just be gentle, please. It's my first time."
Date: July 8th, 2011
Point of View Switch: Kai
In the room illuminated by the light of dawn, Kai sits on the side of the bed holding his head down while Ponzu sleeps naked covered by the sheet with a relaxed and satisfied face.
"I fucked it." Kai says with absolute desolation. 'I'd been holding out for so long. I'd trained and studied so hard to avoid letting myself go. And in the end, I threw it all away. And yet, I don't regret a single thing!'
As Kai ponders the events of last night, he takes notices of Ponzu groaning a little before sleepily getting up of bed. "Mmm. Kai, good morning. What are you doing in my...? Heh." As he asks, Ponzu looks down, taking note of her current naked state.
"Kyaa! Sorry! I didn't remember this! Please don't look at me!" She scream embarrassed turning around and covering her breasts with the sheet.
"What are you ashamed of at this point after what we did last night?" Kai jokingly asks.
"After the moment passes, it's normal for one to feel shy again." She replies annoyed giving a side view.
"Tell me... How do you feel after that?" Kai asks, prompting Ponzu to think about it.
"It was beyond perfect. After all my efforts, you held me so passionately, fueled by an insatiable desire for me, yet you cared for every part of it, as if you knew exactly what I'd want you to do most at each moment. Aahh, they were 5 sublime rounds." Ponzu says while sighing in satisfaction.
"There could have been more, but you lacked a little stamina. It can't be helped; it was your first time after all." Kai replies.
"It was ALSO your first time." She responds somewhat annoyed by his comment. "Still, I'm glad that it went all as planned."
"Wait, like planned?! Are you saying those cries and sad words were all fake?!" Kai asks quite angrily about the premise.
"No, no. I swear that was real. I had only planned the seduction part." Ponzu answers a bit nervous for Kai sudden reaction. "Perhaps... Do you regret doing it with me?"
"Not in the slightest." Kai answers instantly without hesitation upon hearing Ponzu's sad question. "Just like you, it was a sublime experience for me too. Despite my initial reluctance, I now don't regret doing it with you at all."
"P-Please, stop. It's embarrassing." Ponzu says smiling happily as she scratches her blushing cheek with her finger.
"The only thing I truly regret about last night... is making you cry." Kai says looking downcast, prompting Ponzu to fix her surprised gaze on him.
"When I saw your tear-stained face, I felt horrible. At that moment, I hated myself for hurting you so much. That was the worst."
"Ponzu," Kai begins to say, looking up at her and gently placing his left hand on her cheek. "I don't want to see you like this again. I don't want to make you feel like this again. I want to see you smile, get upset, try hard, and get angry like you have been doing util now. So, if it's okay with you, would you let me try to make it happen as your boyfriend?"
At Kai's honest and sincere declaration question, Ponzu grabs his hand on her cheek as she feels a pleasant warmth in her chest before answering. "Yes, I would be delighted to be your girlfriend."
Receiving her smiling confirmation, Kai leans forward to give Ponzu a tender kiss on the lips.