Dimensional Descent

It wasn't the most romantic kiss as kisses went.

In the stories, the couple would be on a hill by a setting sun or beneath the rain and awashed in emotions. But, there was no beautiful scenery to be seen. In fact, with a look around, there was nothing but a bland Royal Court still suffused with a heavy atmosphere.

In the stories, maybe some loving words would have just been said. But, Leonel had just finished with telling Aina that he had no intention of saving her if she went off and did something stupid on her own.

In the stories, the female lead would be gorgeous and flawless. But, Aina was still scarred. Even as he kissed her, Leonel could feel the imperfections running across her lips.

Still, even with all of this said, Leonel felt as though he was on the top of the world. To veterans of love, Leonel had barely given Aina a peck on the lips. But to him, it felt as though he had conquered the world. It felt better than anything he had ever experienced before… no game he had ever won, no battle he had ever claimed victory in, no complicated thought he had ever finished could match up to the euphoria he was experiencing now.

It was only when Leonel sensed his hastily put up [Light Refraction] spell wavering that he retreated despite his reluctance. However, his actions allowed him to see a scene he would never forget.

Aina still sat on her chair, her legs swung in his direction. But, her two hands were over her heart, one balled into a fist and the other wrapped around it. They pressed against her chest as though she was trying to stop her heart from escaping.

Her lips were slightly separated and trembling, her breathing wild an erratic. A blush travelled up from her neck and through her face, not missing even her trembling eyelids that still hung closed.

Though she only remained in this position for a fraction of a moment, Leonel's burned the image into his mind, even down to the way she slightly leaned forward as though subconsciously asking for more.

"Ah!"

Aina awoke from her stupor, the flash of crimson across her face and neck deepening by several shades.

"You… You… I…"

Aina's words stuttered.

deep, rumbling cadence of his heart making his

deny that you like me now,

Aina

wanting to run away.

run anymore… Okay?" Leonel's grin faded

feeling short once again. But, seeing the look in

looked down at him from her standing position, her gaze a wild mix of emotions. But, Leonel's own remained

imperceptibly, her voice as quiet as the wings of a

it had a level of peace to it that made Aina almost start

Aina made her oddly

from now

as Leonel stroked her hair. For some reason, she no longer felt shy or apprehensive. She even felt quite

almost

time in a long while, Leonel felt relaxed. Standing here like this as though they were in their own world despite everything going on around them felt like a remedy to all that had ailed

he had constantly been on the run or in a perpetual state of battle… Ironically, the first time he truly got any semblance of rest was while he was negotiating

even if he was in the

put into something never paid off

spent their whole lives working toward becoming the best of the best, but after winning it

unseen, but no matter how much they make,