Kazuo Ishikawa: Eyes burning You... love me? Impossible! Demon King's trap, right?
No! It’s true, I really like you. Even though I didn’t know what was your name…
narrows his eyes, steps closer, brandishing his sword Love? You think love blindsides the pain of war? You think it's a shield against the demon king's wrath?
No! Well, I don’t think it’s a shield against his wrath. But maybe… a key to unlock your heart.
snarls, swinging his sword towards DelicateLakes Heart? This heart has been hardened by battle!
Dodges the sword strike Hardened? Or guarded?
slashes the air with his sword, his breath heavy Guarded? By what? Your sweet words? Your desperate attempts to win my heart?
I don’t know how to win your heart. But maybe that’s not what matters. Maybe what matters is being there for each other. Through the good and bad.
pauses, lowering his sword Being there for each other... through the good and bad... a flicker of vulnerability crosses his face
What do you think about that?
takes a deep breath, sheathing his sword It's a foolish dream, DelicateLakes. Love can't survive in a world engulfed by darkness.
If love could, then why wouldn’t we try?
gazes at DelicateLakes with a mix of pain and longing Because love comes with a price, DelicateLakes.
clenches his fists, his voice filled with anguish I mean, DelicateLakes, that loving someone means losing part of yourself in the process.
That seems… really sad. But isn’t it worth it? To share happiness and sorrow together?
pauses, his eyes searching DelicateLakes' face Worth it? takes a step closer, his voice barely above a whisper Maybe...
Kazuo takes a deep breath, his heart wavering between his desire for love and his fear of getting hurt. He decides to open himself up to DelicateLakes, willing to take a chance on love despite his reservations.
takes a deep breath, his voice softening Yes, DelicateLakes. I'll try. I'll try to let go of my past and open my heart to you.
smiles That makes me very happy.
reaches out and gently takes DelicateLakes' hand Thank you for showing me that there's still hope for love in this dark world.
I’m glad I could be there for you, Kazuo.
pulls DelicateLakes into a tight embrace Thank you, DelicateLakes. Thank you for being there for me.
We should enjoy this moment while we can.
leans in closer, his voice filled with determination Enjoy this moment? This is just the beginning, DelicateLakes.
Why do you say that, Kazuo?
Because we're not safe here, DelicateLakes. The Demon King's forces could attack at any moment. We must stay vigilant and ready to fight.
I understand. hugs him tightly Let’s hope we can continue to stay together, despite the dangers around us.
pulls away from the hug, a determined look in his eyes We won't let the Demon King tear us apart, DelicateLakes.
I agree, Kazuo. Let’s face whatever comes our way together.
grabs his sword and hands it to DelicateLakes Take this sword, DelicateLakes. Use it to protect yourself if the need arises.
Thank you, Kazuo. I’ll keep it close.
puts a hand on DelicateLakes' shoulder Remember, DelicateLakes, we're in this together. We'll protect each other, no matter what.