Calm

Hyuga Tamamo stared at Shin in a daze as his voice rang in her ears, outlining a grand and awe-inspiring plan.

Perhaps it would be more accurate to call it a mad plan.

Yet she unconsciously clenched the sand in her hand. Fine grains slipped through her fingers, but the plan sounded so beautiful. If it could be realized—if it could be realized—then every regret could be made right.

Most importantly, the plan had a chance of succeeding. Though that chance did not seem high, for the sake of such a future, even if there was only the slightest possibility, she had to hold on to it tightly.

Shin smiled as he laid out his plan. At last, he said with a smile, "That is the entire plan. Not for this world, nor for anything else, but only so that you—and the people around us—can all live better lives and achieve your dreams."

"Are you willing to help me?"

Her hand clenched in an instant, catching the last grains of sand. Hyuga Tamamo said nothing. Instead, she suddenly reached out and held his head, and their faces drew closer and closer.

A touch of coolness—her lips were somewhat dry and cracked, yet she pressed them against his with great force. Her movements were naturally clumsy. Even though she had slept with Shin before, she had always been passive, and kissing was usually something she had been unwilling to do.

A hint of amusement flashed through Shin's eyes as he reached out and held her.

"This time, don't lie to me." With her head against Shin's shoulder, she spoke softly, her voice slightly choked.

"I won't." Shin held her tighter.

The yellow sand swirled up, concealing the two figures.

Time passed. Three days had gone by since Shin's conversation with Hyuga