Suiko: Master Had Chosen Me from the Start, Right? Let Me Be the Most Special One

Moonlight spilled like water across the hillside.

Suiko leaned against Chiyo's chest, gazing up at the stars filling the sky, her face flushed with an intoxicating red.

A smile she could not suppress hung at the corner of her mouth, along with traces of tears that had yet to dry.

Chiyo held her hand, their fingers interlocked, palm against palm.

She could feel the warmth of his palm.

Neither too cold nor too hot—just right, as though it had been made specifically for her.

"Master."

"Mm."

"Did you ever... think that you'd end up with me?"

Chiyo lowered his head and glanced at her, starlight reflected in his crimson eyes.

"No."

Suiko pouted, somewhat dissatisfied.

"That direct?"

"What did you want to hear?"

"I wanted you to say something like... 'I chose you from the very beginning.'"

"That's not me."

Suiko burst out laughing.

"I know. If Master said something like that, I'd start wondering whether some demon had possessed you."

She nestled deeper into Chiyo's embrace, her voice growing soft.

"But it's fine. If Master won't say it, I'll say it for you."

She raised her head and looked into Chiyo's eyes.

"Master chose me from the very beginning. Right?"

Chiyo looked at her.

Under the moonlight, her eyes shone like stars, reflecting his image within them.

"Mm."

Suiko's face instantly turned red.

"M-Master..."

"What?"

"Nothing..."

She buried her face in Chiyo's chest and muttered.

"I just... feel so happy."

Chiyo said nothing, merely patting her head gently.

The two of them stayed curled up together, watching the stars, listening to the wind, and feeling each other's heartbeats.

After a long while, Suiko suddenly spoke.

"Master."

"Mm."

"What about Izayoi...?"

"What about her?"

Suiko sat up from his embrace, turned to face him, and wore a serious expression.

"Master,