Chapter 13: Everything is real
"You're right, I'm just a burden."
Her tears fell endlessly as she sank into deep despair. By then, Kogan had already continued walking.
She looked toward the approaching apes, their features now clearly visible—reddish-brown fur, massive fangs, and enormous arms dragging along the ground like a plow, tearing through everything in their path.
"My journey is over."
Despite her rapid breathing, racing heartbeat, and trembling body on the verge of collapse, she began to accept reality.
This was her fate, her luck—she had done well to make it this far.
"Heeeee heeeee!"
The ape groom let out an eerie laugh, his excitement evident as he reached out to grab his bride.
Hinako swallowed hard, bitterness rising in her throat at the sound of his voice. But just before his massive, hairy hand could reach her, she felt two strong arms lift her from the ground.
"You!! ..."
Hinako was stunned to see Kogan carrying her. Something felt off—just for a moment, she had the unsettling thought that he might be offering her as a token of friendship to the apes.