Boomerang

"If I became Huanyue-chan's wife, I'd never imagined that kind of life..." Rinne recovered from her previous state with frightening speed, then continued in a gentle tone, saying something rather incredible to Huanyue.

"Thank you, Huanyue-chan." Rinne smiled faintly, her gentle gaze falling on Huanyue's face. "I really did find myself thinking—about marrying Huanyue-chan. Haha..."

Huh?

Seeing Rinne pause as though she were seriously considering it, Huanyue blinked blankly, her flippant smile freezing on her face.

"Um... yeah... well, being with Rinne..." A genuine blush rose to Huanyue's cheeks. Her words caught in her throat as she floundered, as though carefully considering how to say them. In the end, what came out was so weightless. "Would Rinne... like me?"

When had she fallen for Huanyue-chan?

Was it because of the appearance that left everyone in awe? Or because of her gentle nature toward everyone, of keeping everyone in her heart? Or perhaps because beneath that passionate, confident exterior lay a hidden unease?

Rinne had thought she should care more about Shiori. As long as she quietly watched Huanyue and Shiori interact from behind the scenes, that could also count as proof of happiness in Eden.

Perhaps it was the moment Huanyue had smiled and pulled her away. Perhaps it was the moment she had slipped into her room at night to secretly heal her. Or perhaps it was the moment she had wept because "Rinne" was not Rinne? Those memories, those recollections, no matter how she looked at them, were beautiful memories worth cherishing.

Even on their date just now, she could still passively accept everything and enjoy this gentle, final date.

Yet Huanyue's words, which made her shy but exceptionally happy, stirred up a strange desire to express herself. Her heart told her that this was the final moment.