Chapter 728

Has Shirou been enduring this all along?

More than being shocked, Ayako Mitsuzuri felt self-blame and guilt.

Why didn't I realize it sooner...? Shirou has always been taking care of my feelings.

Just as he had initially declared, he protected me meticulously, while I merely accepted his kindness unilaterally.

"Anyway, since you understand... then I'll take my leave."

As Shirou said this, he put his feet up on the ladder.

"... Sigh, why... are you still going out?"

Ayako Mitsuzuri grabbed his wrist.

Shirou said impatiently, "I'm telling you... it's a physiological phenomenon, and there's a limit to how much you can endure it..."

I want to let loose tonight in preparation for tomorrow's hunt.

"I understand that. But... here..."

Huh?

Ayako Mitsuzuri's cheeks burned, and she lowered her voice as she spoke:

"Can't we do it here...?"

The wooden house was shrouded in silence.

A second later, Shirou shouted, "No, no, no, what are you saying?!"

"... But!! Um!! It's dangerous outside, isn't it!?"

"No, it's alright, I can protect myself."

"Uh, but... um... it must be very cold outside at night!"

Ayako Mitsuzuri exclaimed excitedly, "What if I catch a cold? Who will protect me if Shirou collapses?"

"But you... don't want to see that kind of disgusting scene, right?"

"!!"

Ayako Mitsuzuri's expression visibly wavered.

"That... that kind of scene, of course I don't want it. That's obvious, isn't it?"

Right?

Shirou tried to leave, but was held even tighter.

"... But."

The girl grasped the boy's fingers.

"I also want to do something for Shirou. It's always Shirou's been giving... I can't help him at all."

Ayako Mitsuzuri approached, her expression serious.

"If it were up to me, um... let me help Shirou with... his physical needs, okay?"

Shirou's expression turned serious.

"Ayako, you didn't have to go to this lengths, and besides, you did help out in some way—"

Shirou wanted to continue speaking, but Ayako Mitsuzuri smiled gently.

That's why I said, Shirou, you're such an idiot.

"?"

"We've lived together on this deserted island for so long, you should have realized by now... how I feel."

Ayako Mitsuzuri blushed and moved even closer; Shirou could feel her warm breath.

"I like you, Shirou... This isn't just liking you as a friend, it's liking you as a man."

"Wait, Ayako-- "

Ayako Mitsuzuri loosened his fingers and instead intertwined her own five fingers tightly with his.

"This has nothing to do with the deserted island. Even if we can return to human society in the future... I will still love you."

No other man can compare to you. It's all your fault. I can't date any other men anymore...

So... I would be very happy if Shirou could treat me like a woman.

"Ayako..."

"Do whatever you want to me."

Ayako Mitsuzuri took Shirou's hand and placed it on her skin.

"Hehe... Shirou's hands are so big."

The girl wore an expression of ecstasy, her androgynous beauty flushed with happiness and shyness.

"Ayako, is it really okay?"

"Seriously, don't embarrass the girls too much."

Ayako Mitsuzuri showed a displeased expression.

Shirou: "..."

The two confirmed their feelings for each other with a glance.

"I understand, then..."

Ayako Mitsuzuri slowly lay back, and Shirou pressed down on top of her.

How long has it been adrift on this deserted island?

The tropical island has a constant climate year-round, and the calendar gradually lost its meaning for the two of them.

Besides, that had nothing to do with them anyway.

"Hehe."

Ayako, her fingers tightly intertwined with the boy's, rested her head on Shirou's shoulder, gazing at the distant horizon.

"What's wrong? Why did you suddenly laugh?"

"It just feels like... we... have turned this island into our territory..."

That's absolutely true.

Shirou used Magecraft to clear many forests, established his own farm, and gradually tamed the animals he captured.

Now, Shirou mainly focuses on making tools every day, while Ayako concentrates on sewing clothes, and her skills have improved a lot recently.

They began using tanned animal hides to make fairly decent clothing befitting modern civilized society.

Although each day was certainly not easy, the two of them had more than enough to live on this resource-rich island.

"... That's true."

"Shirou, do you... still want to go back? Back to your old home?"

"Well, of course I want to! I really want to stay in an air-conditioned room and eat Häagen-Dazs right now."

"Haha, I get it."

They spent a long time on the island, with only each other.

Looking back now, that kind of civilized life seems like a dream.

Only this world, belonging only to Shirou and Ayako, is reality.

"So... do you regret coming here?"

Ayako Mitsuzuri flashed a mischievous smile.

"... I guess you want me to say, 'How could that be?'"

Hmm? Who knows?

If they hadn't drifted to this island, Shirou and Ayako probably would never have ended up together.

But how could he possibly say he regretted it?

Shirou still misses Fuyuki City and wants to see everyone.

But--

"Shirou... you can kiss me."

"If you want to say something, please kiss me."

"What? Just because you made me your woman, you're acting all high and mighty?"

Shirou's only source of pride is in bed!

She appears as a masculine androgynous beauty who lacks femininity, but deep down she's an adorable girl who loves to be pampered.

Shirou hugged Ayako tightly and kissed her.

"Hehe... I want more."

"If you want it, just ask me."

Please, darling~

The two kissed again and again.

They've been dating for several years, yet there's absolutely no sign of them getting tired of each other.

Every time he kissed her, Shirou couldn't help but smile with happiness.

"... Ah, wait a minute."

Ayako Mitsuzuri suddenly pulled away in surprise.

"What's wrong? What happened?" Shirou asked anxiously.

"Just..."

Ayako Mitsuzuri laughed.

That was the happiest smile Shirou had ever seen.

"They just... kicked me..."

She gently stroked her swollen belly, her eyes overflowing with love.

Seeing Shirou's bewildered expression, Ayako Mitsuzuri pouted and kissed his cheek.

"Hehe, I'm really looking forward to it, Dad...?"

"... Um."

An indescribable happiness enveloped Shirou.

He and she held hands, gazing at the vast sea under the setting sun.

It's like a miracle that their world, which only consisted of just the two of them, is about to welcome a new family member.

"Please help when you give birth."

"I'll do my best..." Shirou said, sounding rather unsure.

Ayako Mitsuzuri rubbed against the boy's shoulder, then let out a satisfied hum.

"Yes, as long as Shirou is here, there will be no problem."

The girl looked into the boy's eyes. "It's so wonderful that I can be your woman."

Only the sound of the waves watched over them.

There was no one or anything around them; only they remained in the world.

Even if the world comes to an end, the two of them will walk together.