Irimi and Kirishima walked side by side, leaving Anteiku behind.
She held a small black umbrella, just enough to cover them both, though his shoulder stuck out and got wet he insisted on sharing.
His nice suit was slightly damp now, but he didn't complain.
The streets glistened, reflecting the soft glow of lamps.
Irimi kept quiet, gripping the umbrella tight.
Then she stopped under a streetlight, her boots splashing in a puddle.
Her voice came out low, almost cracking. "Three hours late," she said, glancing at him.
Her eyes were shiny, rain or not, and she bit her lip. "No call, nothing. I thought—"
She stopped, words catching in her throat.
She didn't want to say it, didn't want to admit how much it shook her.
Her feelings were a mess, hard to face. But then she forced it out anyway.
"I was almost about to go on a rampage looking for you..." Kirishima looked at her.
He grinned, soft and easy. "Well, I feel happy to have your care for me," he said, voice warm.
"Means a lot, y'know."
Irimi's cheeks went pink under the umbrella's shadow.
She turned her head quick, muttering, "Tch, whatever."
They started walking again, the rain tapping above them.
He didn't say more—didn't mention Rize, the stab, the bite, the broken back.
Kirishima was like that.
No point in spilling it all and making his favorite woman upset.
He'd keep it simple, keep her steady.
That was fine.
The rain kept falling, but under the umbrella, it felt okay. They were together, and that was enough.
The rain pounded harder, the storm showing no signs of stopping.
They reached their usual bar, a little hole-in-the-wall spot, but the sign was dark, shutters down.
Closed.
Kirishima groaned, kicking a pebble. "Great. Storm's ruining everything."
Irimi adjusted the umbrella, glancing at him. "Guess that's it, then. Head home?"
His place was farther—a good trek through the wet streets.
Hers was closer, just a few blocks off. Kirishima perked up, grinning. "Nah, let's crash at yours! I'm not walking all that way in this....I'll stay the night."
Irimi froze, her grip tightening on the umbrella.
Her face went stiff, conflicted.
They'd been dating Nine months now—Nine months of late-night talks, bar hangouts, her sneaking him extra coffee at Anteiku and kisses when no one was looking.
She liked him, more than she'd admit.
But staying over? That was different.
She was a ghoul.
What if they got close—too close—and she lost control?
Her instincts were locked tight, years of practice, but with him… doubt crept in.
Ever since Kirishima crashed into her life, loud and clumsy and human, that insecurity gnawed at her.
What if she hurt him?
He caught her hesitation, her eyes darting away. "Oh, come on!" he said, throwing his hands up like a kid denied candy.
"Don't give me that look! I'm soaked, I stink like cologne and rain, and I'm not hiking home! Irimi, I'll sleep in your house today and that's Final!"
She stared at him, his tantrum making her lips twitch.
"You're such a kid," she said, half-laughing, half-annoyed.
Her blush crept back, but she sighed. "Fine...."
Kirishima beamed, falling in step beside her. "Deal! You're the best."
---
The rain drummed against the windows as Irimi pushed open the door to her small apartment.
It was her safe spot—wood floors scuffed from years, a lumpy couch she loved, the faint coffee scent that never left.
She shook out the umbrella, drops splashing the mat, and set it by the door.
Kirishima followed, peeling off his soaked shoes with a grunt, his suit clinging to him.
Before she could turn.
His arms shot around her from behind, locking tight around her abdomen.
He pulled her in, hugging her hard, his chest warm against her back.
Then—a kiss, quick and soft, right on her neck. "I missed this," he said, voice muffled as he buried his face in her damp hair.
It was low, tender, like he'd been holding it in all night.
Irimi froze.
Her whole body went stiff, breath catching in her throat.
Heat rushed to her face, a blush she couldn't stop. "K-Kirishima!" she stammered, half a yelp, half a scold.
Her hands hovered, unsure— Nine months dating, and he still threw her off like this all the time
His arms felt strong, stronger than usual, and that cologne—too much, but somehow right—mixed with the rain on him.
She squirmed a little, flustered. "What's with you tonight?"
He didn't let go.
One arm stayed firm around her, keeping her close, while he said, "Please, don't turn around."
His voice was serious, not playful.
Her brows knit, confusion swirling. "Huh? What are you—" she started, twisting her head just a bit, but he shushed her.
"Shh, just… wait," he mumbled, and she heard fumbling—his free hand digging in his pocket.
Her pulse jumped.
Wait for what? Her mind raced. He'd been late, weirdly quiet about it, and now this?
She stood still, heart thumping loud in her ears, part of her wanting to bolt, part of her too curious to move.
Kirishima fished out the small box, fingers shaky as he popped it open.
The ring gleamed inside—red ruby bright like his hair, black gemstones circling it, sharp and pretty.
He'd made up his mind.
He wasn't waiting anymore. He held her tighter, took a deep breath, and prepared to ask.
Irimi felt his grip shift, his breath on her neck uneven.
Her stomach flipped.
She didn't know what was coming, but it hit her—this wasn't a joke.
Kirishima held Irimi tight, one arm still locked around her abdomen, her back pressed to him.
His heart pounded so hard he swore she could feel it.
He took a shaky breath, face still half-buried in her hair, and started.
"Irimi," he said, voice low, no trace of his usual goofiness. "You're honestly the favorite person I ever met." He paused, swallowing hard. "I mean it. All my life wasn't as memorable as it was with you—you're the best. The only one who gets me, y'know?"
She stayed still holding her breath.
He slid the ring out of the box, fingers trembling, and held it up where she couldn't see yet.
"I almost died today," he went on, serious as stone. "Like, really gone. And all I could think about was regret—how I didn't wanna leave without this.... how I wasted my life by backing out before."
He'd never been more serious about anything, not CCG junk, not even surviving.
This was it.
He loosened his grip just enough to step around her, slow, so she'd face him.
He dropped to one knee , and held up the ring—red ruby, black gems, shining for her. "So, uh…will you marry me? ...Please?" His eyes locked on hers, wide, earnest.
Irimi stared down at him, cheeks red, eyes big.
The umbrella dripped by the door, forgotten.
The room went quiet, just rain and their breathing.
=======================
500 powerstone for Bonus chapter...
Currently on release day I'll release as much as i want but after today it'll be one chapter a day.
Power Stones and Reviews please