Ripples of Fate

Chapter 38: A Quiet Night

Mailin’s POV

The stars twinkle faintly in the night sky as Shota and I slip into the hot springs, the warm water instantly soothing our tired muscles. It’s been a long day with the students, and this moment—just the two of us—feels like a well-earned reprieve.

Steam rises around us, cocooning us in warmth and quiet. The only sound is the gentle ripple of the water and the occasional chirp of a distant insect. I lean back against the edge of the spring, letting the tension melt away as I watch Shota settle in beside me.

His usual gruff exterior softens in the warm glow of the moonlight, his sharp features relaxed. It’s rare to see him like this—completely at ease, without the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

"Feeling better?" I ask softly, breaking the silence.

He gives a small grunt, which I’ve come to recognize as his way of saying yes. A faint smile tugs at the corners of my lips. Even in moments like this, he’s still Shota—quiet, composed, but always present.

I scoot closer, letting my hand graze lightly against his arm. The feel of his skin against mine sends a warm shiver through me, not from the heat of the water, but from something deeper. Something that’s been growing between us for months, if not years.

"I’m glad we got this moment," I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. "Just the two of us."

He turns his head slightly, his dark eyes locking onto mine. There’s something in his gaze—something soft, unguarded. It’s a rare thing to see, and it makes my heart skip a beat.

"You’re the one who keeps me grounded," he says quietly. "I wouldn’t have gotten through all of this without you."

His words catch me off guard, and I feel a swell of emotion rise in my chest. Shota isn’t one to express his feelings easily, but when he does, they’re always raw, honest, and they hit me like a tidal wave.

I lean in, resting my head against his shoulder. The closeness between us feels natural, like this is where I’m meant to be. His arm slips around my waist, pulling me closer, and I can feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palm.

For a while, we just sit there, wrapped in each other’s warmth, the world outside fading away. It’s just us—two people who have weathered so much, and yet somehow, we’ve found each other in the midst of it all.

After a moment, I tilt my head up, meeting his gaze once again. His eyes darken slightly, his gaze flickering to my lips.

Without thinking, I close the distance between us, pressing my lips softly against his. The kiss is slow, deliberate, and filled with all the things we can’t say out loud. His hand tightens around my waist, pulling me closer still, and I feel my heart race in response.

When we finally pull away, the world seems to stand still. Shota’s forehead rests against mine, his breath warm against my skin.

"I love you," he whispers, his voice barely audible.

The words send a jolt through me, and I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I’ve heard him say it before, but somehow, in this moment, it feels even more real. More intense.

"I love you too," I whisper back, my voice thick with emotion.

We stay like that for a long time—wrapped up in each other, the quiet of the night surrounding us. It’s not just the hot springs that make this moment feel warm. It’s the way his hand gently brushes against my skin, the way our breaths sync, the way our hearts seem to beat in unison.

This isn’t just about physical closeness—it’s about everything we’ve built together, the trust, the love, the quiet understanding that we don’t need words to express.

We are enough. We have each other, and that’s more than enough.