𝒰𝓃𝒸ℴ𝓃𝒹𝒾𝓉𝒾ℴ𝓃𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 | 𝖡𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖨𝖨 {𝖳𝖬𝖭𝖳}

Chpt. 12.1 | Raphael {Alternate Ending}

             This chapter is definitely shorter than usual, and I apologize for that. I'm really just trying to show how Raph and Akari's relationship dynamic would be over the years. Anyways, please enjoy~

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𝟛𝕣𝕕 ℙ𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟 ℙ𝕆𝕍~

Akari takes a deep breath as she stands outside Raph's room. She's been fighting the urge to tell him how she feels for so long, but after her near-death experience, she realized that life was too short to keep her feelings hidden. She knocks on the door softly and calls out his name. "Raph, can I come in?" There's a moment of silence before Raph's deep voice answers, ❤️ "Yeah, come on in." When Akari steps into the room, she finds Raph lounging on his bed, watching a movie. He looks up at her and raises an eyebrow. ❤️ "What's up?" Akari has been thinking about this moment for so long, and now that she's here, all of her thoughts seem to scramble in her head. She stands with her back to the door, her hands clasped together and her eyes glued to the floor. "I need to tell you something." Akari's heart pounds in her chest as she approaches the bed. Raph sits up and turns off the TV. ❤️ "Alright, shoot."

             "Raphael, it's you. I'm in love with you. I'm sorry it took me so long to figure it out. I hope you can forgive me. And I hope you still feel the same." Her words are a plea for forgiveness, full of hope and desperation. Her body is begging for him, her heart crying out for his touch. Raphael has never been so confused, yet ecstatic. The way his Amber eyes light up from within, full of love and passion that Akari can't see. ❤️ "You're not messin' with my head, are ya? 'Cause I don't wanna play games with you, Akari." Her heart starts to race, her eyes widen and her mouth drops open. The room begins spinning, as if she's been thrown into a blender. It's like she can't breathe. How could he think so lowly of her? But what she doesn't realize is, it's his insecurities and fear talking. ❤️ "Screw it." Raph sighs heavily as he runs a hand over his face before looking at Akari with a soft gaze. ❤️ "I can't resist those big beautiful blue eyes of yours, anyway."

             It feels like eternity in the pauses between them, but finally, with the courage of a thousand suns, Akari leans forward and presses her soft lips to Raph's. The kiss feels both exhilarating and terrifying all at once, and Akari finds herself thinking that maybe, just maybe, there really has been something between them after all. As they separate, Akari sees the faintest trace of a smile appear on Raph's lips. She has no idea what tomorrow will bring them, but right now, in this moment, everything feels strangely perfect.

             Akari and Raph have been dating for a few months now and have grown to become quite the couple. When they're together, they are always teasing each other and having a good laugh. But one of the things they like to do the most is work out together. Every week they train, and it always starts with Akari and Raph exchanging silly and funny jokes about each other's workouts. But no matter how hard they tease each other, it's all in good fun; And when it comes down to it, they both really enjoy working out with one another.

             Once the workouts are over, they always make something to eat and talk about that day's session like it was a triumphant victory. They also make plans for their next workout, discussing what exercises they want to do and setting new goals for themselves. Through it all, Akari and Raph's relationship only grows stronger. And falling in love doesn't seem so bad anymore.

             Akari and Raph are spending some quality time together, lounging on the couch and watching a movie. As the movie plays, they cuddle closer, stealing glances at each other every now and then.

             ❤️ "You look so beautiful," Raph finally breaks the silence, his voice low and husky. Akari blushes, feeling her heart flutter as she smiles softly. "You don't look too bad yourself, Red." She smirks, her voice soft and inviting. Raph leans in closer, pressing his lips against Akari's. She melts into the kiss, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. The two of them stay like that for a few moments, lost in each other's embrace. When they finally pull apart, Akari smiles up at Raph, her eyes twinkling with love. "I love you," she mumbles, her voice barely above a whisper. Raph smiles in return, his face lighting up with joy. ❤️ "I love you too, shortcakes," he replies, his voice dripping with pure love and honesty. The two of them stay like that for a while, just enjoying each other's company. They talk, laugh, and flirt, their love for each other growing stronger with every passing moment.

             At the end of the night, they go to Akari's room and cuddle underneath her thick blankets, both of them knowing that this is still the beginning of something beautiful.

             Akari and Raph have been dating for a year and are still extremely happy together. On this particular night, they're discussing how lucky they are to have found each other, and that seems to be the sentiment Raph is expressing. He looks into Akari's eyes with a melodramatic sigh and says, ❤️ "I still can't believe you chose me. I mean, you could've picked any one of my brothers." That's when Akari leans in and gives Raph a sweet kiss on the cheek before softly whispering, "Why wouldn't I choose you? You're perfect for me. I could never be happier." Raph smiles and hugs Akari close, his heart feeling fuller than ever before. He feels so lucky to be with someone so special, and his love for Akari only seems to grow with each passing day. It is truly the perfect relationship, or perhaps, the perfect duo.

             Wrapped up in the warmth and comfort of their embrace, the couple soon fall asleep with content smiles on their faces. It's incredibly clear that no matter what, Akari and Raph will continue to be happy together for years to come.