Chapter 167 New Life (6)
The morning greeted Cerza softly, as the sun rose lazily from behind the majestic Onikami mountains, casting a golden hue that danced upon the wooden rooftops and glistened on the dew-drenched trees. The air was rich with the comforting aroma of green tea mingling with the delicate scent of freshly bloomed sakura flowers. Inside the small traditional inn room, an intimate silence enveloped two souls, creating an atmosphere that felt almost sacred.
Rinoa slowly opened her eyes, the warm morning light filtering through the delicate gaps in the washi paper window, creating gentle, shifting patterns that played upon the walls. As she turned over, her heart raced, and she instantly felt the warmth creeping into her cheeks.
Beside her lay Fitran, still lost in peaceful slumber, his face serene and unburdened, tousled hair softly splayed against the immaculate white pillow. The proximity between them felt electric, stirring memories that ignited a blush across Rinoa's skin. It was all too easy to recall the moment that sent her emotions into turmoil—and with that thought, her body heated up like a boiling cauldron.
The kiss.
As the recollection washed over her, Rinoa felt a fierce flush spreading, reaching the tips of her ears. Hesitantly, she covered her face with both hands, her body squirming slightly beneath the inviting warmth of the soft blanket, murmuring softly, "Aaaaahhh... why was I the one to kiss first...! And he even returned it quietly...! That... wasn't a dream, right?"
She glanced at Fitran once more, her heart racing like a drum in her chest. Despite the early hour, the man radiated an aura of calm, a hint of a smile playing on his lips even in slumber, exuding a soothing peace that enveloped the room. Rinoa gently pinched her own cheek, testing the limits of her waking reality, ensuring that this wasn't just a fleeting dream. Her skin felt warm to the touch, her cheeks blushing like perfectly grilled dango, sweet and vibrant. Silence wrapped around her like a fragile cocoon, with only the echo of her own heartbeat punctuating the stillness, altering the air temperature around her and creating a palpable tension that hung in the atmosphere.
As Rinoa's gaze lingered on Fitran's face, an awkward yet exhilarating sensation washed over her, intermingled with the glow of the brightening morning light that filtered softly through the curtains. Each tiny movement from Fitran—his gentle breaths or the subtle smile that flickered momentarily on his lips—etched that moment into her memory, making it unforgettable. "I just... kissed a paladin who can turn reality upside down. This is insane. Insane," she thought as she rolled over, her eyes drifting to the dark, gloomy ceiling momentarily before returning to Fitran, her gaze shimmering with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. "And more insane... I don't regret it."
Suddenly, Fitran's eyelids fluttered open. He blinked slowly, dramatically, as if awakening from a deep, reverent slumber. The soft morning light streaming through the curtains painted gentle shadows across his face, enhancing his features in the tranquil ambiance. When his eyes met Rinoa's, he regarded her with a look that radiated comfort and familiarity.
Rinoa froze in place, her heart now pounding fiercely in her chest, the sound resonating in her ears like a war drum, seemingly replacing the tense silence that cocooned them. "G-Good morning," she stammered, her voice nearly swallowed by the charged atmosphere that enveloped their shared space.
Fitran looked at her with half-open eyes, a gentle smile playing on his lips that seemed to lighten the heavy air between them. "Good morning, Rinoa," he said softly, his voice wrapping around her like a warm blanket. He then closed his eyes again, a peaceful smile still lingering, and murmured in a tone barely above a whisper, as if sharing a private joke, "Sweet dreams, huh? About dango... and something sweet."
Rinoa held her breath for a moment, the weight of the silence pressing down on her. Suddenly, she turned away, burying her face in a pillow, her heart racing. "ARGHH! HE REMEMBERS!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled by the soft fabric.