The group arrived at the cozy sky-inn nestled between two hovering cliffs at the edge of the Verdant Ridges. Twinkling lights lined the suspended walkways, and serene energy pulsed through the mountain air. It was perfect—except for one minor issue.
"There's… only six rooms available," Kael muttered, checking in with the innkeeper.
Zeek raised a brow. "Twelve of us. That's two per room."
"Oh no," Mira smirked, elbowing Valen. "Guess we're gonna get real cozy."
They quickly sorted the rooming arrangements:
Ryuu and Liora (Ryuu tried to act indifferent, but he seemed... pleased.)
Tetsu and Eri (who gave each other a warm smile—they'd grown closer than ever)
Kael and Hana (Eri instantly gave Hana a wink when she found out)
Valen and Mira (both shrugged—strategist and solar spirit, not bad)
Zeek and Nali (Nali simply nodded, ignoring Zeek's dramatic sigh of "You better not snore.")
Daru and Aiko (who said nothing, but gave each other a quiet nod of respect)
Later that night, Kael and Hana sat across from each other in their room, the fire crystal in the center glowing softly. The walls were made of living barkstone, warm and pulsing with soft light, and a quiet breeze swept in through the floating balcony.
Hana broke the silence first.
"Kael…" she asked gently, eyes resting on his calm expression, "have you… ever had a girlfriend?"
Kael blinked, surprised by the question. "Me?" He shook his head. "No. Never."
"Really?" she asked, almost surprised.
He smiled faintly. "I was more of a silent type back then. Kept to myself. My focus was always on surviving, getting stronger, trying to live up to the name Renji… or Kurai. I never really got involved in romance. I guess I… don't know much about it."
Hana looked at him, listening carefully.
Kael leaned back slightly, staring up at the wooden ceiling. "Most of the time, my mind's on my friends. The city. Making sure everyone is safe. That's… what drives me."
There was a brief silence.
Then Hana said, barely above a whisper, "That's part of why people are drawn to you. You're not selfish. You protect people... even when it hurts."
Kael turned to her, surprised again—but this time, by the warmth in her voice. She looked away quickly, cheeks pink.
"I wasn't trying to be deep," she added quickly, "just… honest."
Kael nodded, then smiled. "Thanks."
As the fire crystal flickered, the mood grew quieter—gentler.
Outside, wind spirits danced among the petals floating through the ridge sky. Inside, something else began to bloom.
Something Kael didn't fully understand yet…
But maybe—just maybe—he wanted to.