The city of Shinzai had never been more vibrant. With the arrival of Azephon and Liora, the gods of a distant world, the energy seemed to shift. The streets buzzed with anticipation as the two godly figures, though outwardly serene, carried the weight of cosmic knowledge. But they made it clear to Kael that he didn't need to worry about training just yet. There were more pressing matters at hand, and their time in the city was just beginning. They planned to stay for a while, offering their wisdom but also respecting the life Kael had built for himself and his friends.
"Focus on what you need to, Kael," Azephon had told him with a reassuring smile. "There is no immediate threat. You're already stronger than you realize. When the time comes, we'll guide you further."
Liora had been quieter, but her gaze held an understanding that Kael hadn't expected. She seemed to see things beyond what was apparent. For now, they'd live in the city, near the people Kael cared about, observing from the sidelines while Kael continued his training at his own pace.
"Alright," Kael had said with a thoughtful nod. "I'll take your advice. But when the time comes… I'll be ready."
As the conversation came to a close, Kael and his friends went about their day, trying to adjust to the strange but welcome presence of the two gods. However, it wasn't long before Tetsu, walking through the bustling streets, noticed something that made his heart skip a beat.
Across the plaza, near a small café, he spotted Eri talking to an older man. The man had an aura about him—his attire was casual but distinguished, and he carried himself with a quiet confidence that immediately put Tetsu on edge. But what really caught his attention was the way Eri seemed to be listening intently to him, her gaze soft and warm.
Tetsu froze, his breath caught in his chest. Was this… a new boyfriend? The thought lingered in his mind, and the insecurity he'd kept hidden for so long bubbled to the surface. He turned away, deciding that it was probably for the best. Maybe he wasn't the one Eri saw as more than a childhood friend. After all, she had grown so much. Tetsu wasn't sure where he stood in her life anymore.
As he walked away, trying to dismiss the knot in his stomach, he suddenly heard Eri's voice calling out to him.
"Tetsu! Wait up!"
He turned back, surprised to see her chasing after him. She stopped in front of him, panting slightly from the sprint.
"What's wrong with you?" she asked, her brow furrowed in concern. "I've been calling your name."
Tetsu quickly wiped his troubled expression away, not wanting her to see how rattled he was. "Nothing," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck. "Just, uh, distracted, I guess."
Eri raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Distracted? By what?"
Tetsu hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Was that guy back there your boyfriend?"
Eri blinked, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Boyfriend? No. He's just a civilian who was looking for directions. Nothing more."
Tetsu's heart began to slow, the tension easing slightly. But before he could say anything, Eri tilted her head, a mischievous grin forming. "Ohh, I see. So that's what this is about. You saw me with him and thought he was my boyfriend? Got jealous, huh?"
Tetsu's eyes widened in shock. "W-what? How could you tell?"
Eri's smile widened as she crossed her arms. "Aren't I a genius?" she teased, clearly enjoying the moment.
Tetsu let out a small chuckle, his heart feeling lighter. "I guess you are," he said, grinning sheepishly.
Eri's playful expression softened, and she stepped closer, her tone turning serious. "But seriously, Tetsu…" She paused for a moment, looking him in the eyes. "I love no other man but you."
Tetsu's heart raced again, but this time, it was for all the right reasons. His worries melted away in the warmth of her words.
"Really?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Eri nodded, her smile tender. "Of course. Now, what happened to that meal you promised me? I'm starving!"
Tetsu let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, relief flooding his chest. "Oh, right," he said, grinning. "Let's go get something to eat. You can have whatever you want."
As they walked toward a nearby restaurant, Tetsu found himself wondering how he had ever doubted her. There was no one else for him—only Eri.
And then, with a sudden burst of courage, Tetsu turned to her, his voice low but firm. "Eri… will you be my girlfriend?"
Eri blinked in surprise but then laughed softly. "Silly," she said, her eyes sparkling with affection. "I've been waiting for you to ask."
Before Tetsu could respond, Eri leaned in, her lips meeting his in a soft, gentle kiss. It was everything he had dreamed of and more, a promise of the future they would share together. When they pulled away, both were smiling.
"Let's make this official," Tetsu said, his heart soaring.
And for the first time in a long while, Tetsu knew everything was exactly where it was supposed to be.
The city of Shinzai had become a place of beginnings, not just for Kael and his friends, but for everyone around them. With the gods now living among them and new relationships blossoming, the road ahead seemed full of promise. But even as they found happiness, there were still unknowns lurking on the horizon—an adventure, perhaps, that would challenge them all in ways they could never imagine.