Time flew by, and under careful care, Riko's injuries gradually healed.
Her body regained its vitality like bamboo shoots after rain, and her hopes for the future burned ever brighter.
Throughout those days, Kagami Uchiha remained by Riko's side like a guardian angel. Watching her recover day by day filled him with relief.
At last, Kagami Uchiha gathered his courage and decided to confess his deep feelings to Riko.
One day, beneath brilliant sunshine and a gentle breeze, Kagami Uchiha took Riko to a sea of flowers as picturesque as a poem.
Flowers of every color danced in the breeze, as though celebrating their love.
Kagami Uchiha looked at Riko nervously, drew a deep breath, and said softly, "Riko, from all the hardships we have endured together to the way we now stand by each other, I have come to realize more clearly than ever that without you, my life would be like a night without stars. You are brave as a plum blossom standing proud in the snow, kind as the warm spring sun, and strong as a pine rooted on a cliff. Every one of your shining qualities has left me utterly captivated. I love you, Riko. Will you marry me?"
As Riko listened to Kagami Uchiha's heartfelt confession, tears of happiness glimmered in her eyes like brilliant stars.
Her heart overflowed with emotion and joy, and she answered without hesitation, "I will, Captain Kagami. I have long been waiting for this moment. I am willing to spend every day and night of the future with you, never to part, like twin lotus flowers growing from the same stem."
They embraced tightly, feeling each other's warmth and love, as though time had stopped for them and the entire world contained only the two of them.
They decided to