Sorry for disappearing for such a long time. I had a ton of studying to do, but now I'm free
I've got plenty of ideas for future fanfics, especially about Luuk Herssen. So get ready, I'm planning to post more often!
I want to apologize in advance for any mistakes; English isn't my native language, so I'm using a translator
song: ZERTAL - ice (slowed)
You sat by the academy's main entrance, absentmindedly scrolling through your social media feed. You and Luuk had arranged to meet today, and you'd already been waiting for him for about ten minutes. He had warned you he'd be late, saying he was preparing a pleasant surprise for you, so instead of being annoyed, you simply killed time, paying no mind to the noisy stream of students around you.
The sudden roar of an engine jerked you out of your thoughts. You winced at the surge of indignation. Motorcyclists had always annoyed you - the kind who felt it was their duty to deafeningly "rev" their engine in front of a girl, expecting enthusiastic shouts. You nearly rolled your eyes, ready to shoot a scornful glance at yet another tactless rider. But instead, you froze in mild shock.
On a black motorbike polished to a mirror shine sat Luuk. A dissonance erupted in your head. You were used to seeing him in perfectly pressed medical scrubs, patent leather shoes, and that same gentle, ever-present smile. But now, before you stood a completely different man: a black leather jacket hugged his shoulders, accentuating the line of his back and arms; dark jeans clung to his hips; and on his feet were heavy boots with intricate lacing. He held his helmet in one hand, resting it casually on his knee, while the wind ruffled his fair hair, tied back in a charming little ponytail.
You looked into Luuk's eyes. In them burned a boyish, daring spark - a flash of adventure he had spent years hiding behind the mask of a reliable doctor. His playful, slightly provocative gaze slid across your face, lingering on your lips for just a fraction of a second. Your heart skipped a beat, then began to race. You felt yourself falling in love all over again with a man you thought you'd known your entire life.
Luuk tilted his head to the side, inviting you to join him. Flustered by the sudden rush of emotion, you carefully approached him, gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and settled comfortably onto the back seat. He turned toward you, took the helmet, and, before putting it on, ran his palm over your hair, tucking away the stray strands. You loved it when he touched your hair, so a shiver ran down your nape. Then, he carefully lowered the helmet, fastened the chin strap, and lightly tapped the crown of your head with his finger. Then, you heard his calm voice briefly explain the safety rules: hold on to him tightly for the entire ride, and, if at all possible, try not to grope every accessible part of his body.
The engine came to life with a deep, vibrating rumble, and the bike glided smoothly away. The Academy slowly faded from view, and only its majestic dome remained visible from everywhere. The voices of people died away one by one, giving way to the silence of Lahai Roi. The road wound through emerald hills, wrapped in a light haze of clouds. Now and then, solitary trucks sped past. Somewhere in the distance, tiny human figures flickered: some tending to animals, others strolling leisurely around, and the sight exuded peace.
After covering some distance, Luuk began to brake gently at the top of the mountain. Ahead, the road turned into a winding serpentine. He turned around to you, lifted the visor of your helmet, and you met his gaze. Luuk warned you about what he was about to do and asked you to hold on tighter. Then, he lightly touched his helmet against yours, as if kissing your forehead, and took the controls once more. The engine roared, and in an instant, you lurched forward at tremendous speed.
Luuk took the first turn sharply and confidently. The motorbike leaned hard, and you felt the ground rushing closer toward your bodies. A sudden flash of fear exploded within you and, to escape the pain of a anticipated crash, you pressed yourself against Luuk with your entire body. Your knees squeezed his thighs, and your hands darted beneath his jacket, hiding there and clinging to the fabric, to the warmth of his body.
Luuk, however, was the embodiment of unyielding focus. His palms gripped the handlebars tightly, his back was tense, and his fingers methodically worked the throttle and the brake. He took corners sharply and exited them flawlessly, straightening the bike each time. His riding spoke of not only considerable experience but also a colossal responsibility for you. And, despite his serious façade, hidden beneath his helmet lay his true emotion - a playful smirk, because it warmed him to know that you trusted him without reserve.
The rest of the descent was less extreme, and you took the turns more carefully. Now, it felt less like a wild drift and more like a smooth glide. The serpentine ended in a straight road, disappearing into the boundless beauty of the landscape.
Luuk slowed to a minimum, allowing you to savor the boundless expanse of the fragrant fields. A trail of herbs and wildflowers enveloped you, like a weightless veil.
You spread your arms like a bird released from a golden cage to meet distant lands. Streams of wind glided through your fingers, kissing your palms with coolness. Your gaze snagged on the watercolor horizon. The cornflower-blue sky hypnotized you, and for a second, you truly felt as though you were flying. Freedom seeped right into your soul. And you inhaled deeply, allowing serenity to blossom in your heart.
Luuk pulled you out of the moment with a light stroke on your thigh, leaving behind a trail of fleeting heat. You were entering a wide, dark tunnel, so you had to hold onto him once again.
The sunlit sky gave way to underwater landscapes. The glass walls of the tunnel stretched ahead, revealing an entire sea hidden beneath the earth. Schools of multicolored fish swam all around, their scales shimmering with neon hues. Winding plants reached toward the surface with massive green-and-purple leaves. And on the very bottom rested stones of whimsical shapes, covered in a velvety layer of underwater moss.
Luuk sped up, and the engine responded with a low rumble that echoed through the tunnel. Your hands gripped his sides tighter, and you felt the heat of his body radiating through the leather of his jacket. You pressed your cheek against Luuk's back, gazing at the flowing stained-glass scene: golden sunbeams, turquoise water, and the acid-bright inhabitants of the sea.
The thought flashed through your mind that this route was no coincidence. Luuk had planned every detail: he began with a leisurely ride through the scenic places of Lahai Roi, then threw in a sharp descent down the serpentine, and finally concluded with an underwater tunnel leading straight to his secret home.
A warm wave of gratitude rose in your chest. You chose not to distract Luuk with words - the wind and the roar of the engine would have stolen them away anyway. Instead, your fingers trembled on his sides, then slowly glided along his ribs. You stroked him tenderly, pouring into the gesture everything that flickered within your soul: delight, tenderness, and a boundless love for this amazing man.
Luuk didn't turn around, but you felt his back tense beneath your cheek. And that was answer enough.
The tunnel ended abruptly. The motorbike burst from the watery half-darkness into the soft, pre-sunset light. The sun was already hiding behind the horizon, painting the sky in pastel tones: pink, peach, and lilac. The heat of the day had given way to a pleasant evening coolness.
Luuk evened out his speed to normal and rode the motorbike smoothly, almost lazily, allowing you to fully take in the quiet, slumbering world around you. You remained pressed against his back, imagining what you would do together that evening.
Soon, you pulled up to a mountain whose peak pierced the sky. And here, on the ground, in its very depths, lay his home. Secluded, hidden from prying eyes. Only you did he trust enough to let inside, into the place where all of his life resided: his scientific research, his sorrowful past, and the cozy home you had created.
Inside, the house welcomed you with warmth and the scent of wood. Luuk led you into a spacious room where a fire already crackled in the fireplace. Tongues of flame cast dancing shadows on the walls, and in their golden light, everything felt so homey and soothing.
You settled onto the wide sofa. The throw blanket, draped casually over the backrest, soon enveloped you both. You sat with your back pressed against his chest, feeling how steadily and deeply he breathed. His arms encircled your waist, and every now and then he touched his lips to your temple, the crown of your head, your cheekbone. They were light, weightless kisses that sent a lingering, sweet warmth spreading through your body.
You turned your head to meet his gaze, and he, unable to hold back, kissed you for real this time. His tongue slowly explored your mouth, savoring your soft, sweet lips. In the fireplace, a log crackled softly, and sparks shot upward, as if echoing what was igniting between you. His palm slid up your back, his fingers tangled in your hair, and the kiss grew more insistent, more commanding. You turned your whole body toward him and settled onto his lap, and the throw blanket slid to the floor, forgotten and unneeded. The flames of the fireplace outlined your silhouettes in gold. Outside the windows, the night deepened, warm and profound. But inside this house, time seemed to stand still, and the beauty of the day was flowing into something new, with that same hint of a reckless drift and heady freedom.
“Hands that soothe, words that linger, even the heaviest hearts find light in gentle touch.”
✦ Rover, Chixia and Baizhi
The world felt strangely still after the fight. A faint hum of dissipating Resonance still clung to the air, shimmering weakly between the ruined trees and scattered debris. The four of you had made it back to camp near the edge of the Nexus, but even the wind seemed too tired to stir. The sun hung low, dipping behind the cliffs, its dying light painting everything in gold and dust.
Chixia slumped down first, her weapon resting against a rock with a dull clank. “Ugh… I don’t wanna move for at least a week,” she groaned, leaning back until she was practically lying on the ground. Baizhi didn’t answer. She sat cross-legged a few feet away, scribbling quick notes in her journal, her expression unreadable behind her glasses. The only sound was her pen scratching against paper.
The Rover stood by the broken path, gaze fixed on the horizon. They hadn’t said much since you all got back. The faint breeze tugged at their coat, but they didn’t move, didn’t look back. The silence that settled between you wasn’t peaceful—it was heavy, stretched thin, like everyone was trying to hold it together in their own quiet way.
You sat a little apart from them, your back resting against a fallen tree. The bark was rough beneath your palms, but you didn’t mind; it was something real to hold onto after the chaos. For a while, no one spoke. You let your eyes wander, over the faint ripples of heat still rising from the cracked ground, the fading shimmer of Resonance energy, the way the light softened against everyone’s faces.
Chixia’s usual spark was dimmer tonight. She was staring at the sky, eyes half-lidded, her lips pursed like she was trying not to frown. The faintest smudge of dirt streaked her cheek, and the sight tugged at something in your chest, she was rarely this quiet. Baizhi, on the other hand, seemed composed as always, but there was a small, almost invisible crease between her brows. You’d known her long enough to recognize it as exhaustion, though she’d never admit it aloud.
And then there was the Rover—still standing a few paces away, shoulders drawn tight, head bowed ever so slightly. The last fight had hit hard, not just physically. You could feel it, that heavy kind of quiet where someone was lost in thoughts they didn’t want to share.
You exhaled slowly, your breath clouding faintly in the cooling air. This silence wasn’t going anywhere on its own. Maybe it was time to change that.
The air was cool now, tinged with the scent of damp earth and ozone from the earlier fight. You brushed some ash from your sleeve, then rummaged through your bag until your fingers found the half-crushed tin of sweet buns Chixia had bought earlier in the day.
You didn’t say anything—just stood, crossed the short distance, and sat beside the Rover. When you held out the tin, they blinked, almost startled out of their thoughts.
“Eat,” you murmured, a small smile tugging at the corner of your mouth. “Doctor’s orders.”
Baizhi’s head lifted slightly at that. “I am not a doctor,” she corrected, though her tone was softer than usual.
“Mm, field medic then,” you teased lightly. “That counts, right?”
For a moment, no one answered. Then Chixia let out a quiet, tired laugh, barely more than a breath, but it was there. You turned just in time to see her grin weakly and shake her head.
“You’d make a terrible nurse,” she said, voice still hoarse from battle.
“Yeah, probably,” you replied. “But at least I’ve got snacks. That’s got to count for something.”
You passed the tin around, the four of you sitting in that small, imperfect circle of quiet. The last of the sunlight filtered through the trees — soft gold, catching on the strands of Chixia’s hair, glinting faintly off Baizhi’s glasses, painting the Rover’s profile in warm light.
When you looked up again, you noticed their expression had eased, the tension around their eyes gentler now, their shoulders no longer drawn so tight.
It wasn’t much. But it was something.
—
The sweet buns were gone long before anyone realized it, but no one made a move to stand. The world had finally quieted—no engines humming, no alarms, no chaos. Just the soft hum of the wind brushing through the nearby trees, and the faint crackle of cooling metal from their gear.
You leaned back on your palms, letting the silence breathe between you all. Every so often, Chixia would shift to stretch her sore arms, Baizhi would adjust her glasses, or the Rover’s gaze would flick up to the sky—small, simple movements that somehow felt heavier than words.
It was strange, how easily the tension could unravel when no one tried to force it.
You turned your head, watching as a loose petal drifted down from a branch above, catching briefly on Baizhi’s sleeve before settling into her lap. She brushed it off with delicate care, her fingers pausing a moment over the faint trace of pollen.
“It’s quieter here than I thought it would be,” she murmured.
“Mm,” the Rover hummed, eyes following the dim horizon. “I think… we all needed that.”
You nodded, drawing your knees closer and resting your chin atop them. “Yeah,” you said softly. “Just for tonight.”
The words hung there, gentle, certain, like a promise not to be spoken too loudly in case it vanished.
Chixia glanced at the three of you, her usual spark dim but still warm. “Next time,” she said, her voice rough but fond, “I vote we find a place with fewer monsters and more decent food.”
That earned a soft huff of laughter the kind that slipped out without thought. Even Baizhi’s lips curved, the smallest ghost of a smile flickering through her calm composure.
And the Rover, ever quiet, ever steady, turned to you then. Their eyes caught the fading light — soft, amber-gold.
“Thank you,” they said simply.
You smiled back, and for once, didn’t try to fill the silence that followed.
It wasn’t heavy anymore. It was peace—the kind born not from joy, but from the quiet knowledge that they had each other still.
✦ Gojo Satoru
The apartment was quiet when you stepped inside, the late afternoon sun slanting through the curtains and painting the living room in soft gold. And there he was, sprawled across the couch, his long arm draped over his face as if trying to shield himself from the world. Normally, that mischievous grin would greet you at the door, but today… today was different.
You hesitated, noting the slight furrow in his brow even beneath his hand, the tension in his shoulders, and the faint hitch in his breathing. His six eyes, you realized immediately, were giving him a headache again. You could feel it in the air—the subtle hum of energy around him, taut and overwhelming, the way even the sunlight seemed to make him wince.
“Hey,” you murmured softly, stepping closer. “Rough day?”
Satoru let out a groan, muffled by his arm. “You could say that,” he muttered, voice laced with fatigue. “My head… it’s killing me.”
You moved closer, careful not to startle him, and crouched by the couch. The apartment felt unusually heavy, the golden sunlight warm but unforgiving on his sensitive eyes. You stood and reached for a small, damp cloth from the kitchen counter, folding it into a cool compress before laying it gently across his forehead.
He let out a soft groan, the corners of his mouth twitching like he wanted to smile but couldn’t quite summon the energy. His hand shifted slightly, and you took the chance to brush your fingers lightly through his hair, the silky strands slipping between your fingers as you smoothed them back from his forehead. The movement was slow, deliberate—a rhythm that felt natural, almost like you were coaxing the tension from his body with your touch.
“Better?” you asked softly, your voice low enough not to aggravate his headache further.
Gojo’s lips twitched again, and he exhaled, a quiet sound that felt almost like relief. “A little,” he admitted, his tone still tinged with fatigue. His arm remained half-draped over his eyes, shielding them from the sunlight you could see he hated.
You rose to your feet for a moment, tugging the curtains closed and softening the harsh glare that poured in from the windows. The room immediately felt calmer, cooler, safer. Returning to his side, you settled back onto the edge of the couch and placed your hand lightly on his shoulder, letting your warmth offer something steady in the quiet.
Your fingers traced a slow path along the line of his jaw, up to the side of his face. He leaned slightly into your touch, a subtle shift that told you he trusted you to be here, even in this vulnerable moment. You adjusted the compress slightly, pressing it just enough to soothe but not disturb.
“You really shouldn’t push yourself so hard,” you murmured, brushing your fingers through his hair again. “You’re not invincible, ‘toru.”
There was a pause, the kind of silence that carried meaning between two people. You could feel him exhale, a long, shaky breath, and even though his arm hid most of his expression, the slight twitch at the corners of his lips told you he appreciated your presence more than he’d admit.
Carefully, you leaned closer, whispering a few idle, soothing words—soft jokes, gentle teasing—just enough to coax a flicker of light into the corner of his mouth. His hand twitched, shifting just enough to let you brush the tension from his fingers, his shoulders loosening imperceptibly under your touch.
The apartment was quiet except for the soft hum of energy that still lingered around him, muted now, almost yielding to your calm. For the first time that afternoon, the lines of fatigue on his face softened. It wasn’t a full grin yet, but it was a start—the kind of small, fragile smile that told you he felt safe enough to let the weight ease for just a little while.
For a long while, neither of you spoke. The silence wasn’t heavy anymore, it had shifted, mellowed into something gentler. The steady rhythm of his breathing filled the room, the tension in his body unwinding little by little beneath your fingertips.
You stayed there beside him, idly tracing patterns against his temple, brushing stray strands of white hair away from his eyes whenever they fell into his face. The air had cooled now that the curtains were drawn, the golden light replaced by a soft dusk hue that made everything seem quieter, slower.
When he finally spoke, his voice was softer than you’d expected—low and tired, but honest.
“You know,” he murmured, “you’re the only one who gets away with bossing me around like that.”
You smiled faintly, adjusting the compress again. “That’s because someone has to keep the strongest sorcerer alive long enough to actually rest once in a while.”
Satoru let out a sound halfway between a laugh and a sigh. “A noble calling,” he said, tilting his head slightly toward your hand. “You should get paid for that.”
“You couldn’t afford me,” you teased back, and for a fleeting second, the edge of his mouth lifted, a ghost of his usual grin, but softer, warmer.
He cracked one eye open beneath his arm, the faint blue shimmer of his Six Eyes visible even through the shadow. You caught it, that glimmer of clarity, that fragile moment of vulnerability, and your breath hitched, just slightly. It was rare to see him like this, unguarded and human.
“You worry too much,” he said, voice quiet.
“And you hide too much,” you countered gently.
A heartbeat passed. Then, slowly, Satoru’s hand dropped from his face. The compress slipped slightly, and you caught it before it fell, pressing it back into place with a faint smile. His gaze found yours—clearer now, though still tired—and in that moment, he looked at you like you were the first calm he’d had all day.
Then, almost absently, his lips curved upward, that small but unmistakable smile that always felt like sunlight after rain. “There it is,” you said softly, your thumb brushing the faint dimples at the corner of his mouth.
He chuckled, really chuckled this time, the sound low and genuine. “You win,” he murmured, his hand lifting just enough to brush your wrist in a fleeting, gentle touch. “You always do.”
The faint hum of the city outside faded into the background. For a few quiet minutes, there was nothing but the two of you—your hand still resting against his cheek, his breathing steady, the tired smile lingering even as his eyes fluttered shut again.
You stayed like that, watching the tension melt away completely. Whatever the Six Eyes took from him, you’d give back, piece by piece, until his world stopped spinning and the quiet became enough again.
✦ Yinlin
The soft lap of water against the wooden pillars of the pavilion was the only sound that didn’t sting. The lake stretched wide before you, reflecting the warm, fading glow of the sunset in streaks of gold and rose. Lanterns hung from the beams, their gentle light casting shadows across the wooden floor.
Yinlin sat on the edge of the low bench, arms crossed tightly, jaw set. The usual serenity in her posture was replaced by tension, every line of her body rigid. Her eyes narrowed at you the moment you stepped onto the pavilion.
“You’re late,” she said sharply, voice carrying more bite than intended. “Not that it matters. I can handle things myself.”
You knelt beside the bench, keeping your tone soft, even, letting your gaze meet hers. “I know you can,” you said gently. “But I wanted to be here anyway.”
She huffed, brushing a hand through her hair, strands falling into her face. “Do you always insist on being in the way? Or is this some new method of torment?”
You chuckled lightly, unbothered. “If it’s torment to care about you, then yes, I am relentless.”
Her eyes flicked away toward the lake, and a tight line formed across her lips. “It’s… just one of those days,” she admitted, voice softer but still sharp. “Everything went wrong. Nothing works. I can’t… I can’t even think straight.”
You reached out, letting your fingers brush over the edge of her hand without pressing, a silent offer of presence. “I get it,” you said simply. “Some days are like that. Heavy. Tiring. And it’s okay to be frustrated.”
Her eyes finally met yours, guarded but searching, testing if you really understood. You gave her a small nod, letting her feel the weight of your calm without words. For a moment, she didn’t speak, just breathed in the lantern-lit air, the soft murmur of the lake filling the space.
Then, almost imperceptibly, the corner of her mouth twitched—the first crack in her armor. You smiled gently, encouraging without pushing. “You know,” you murmured, “if someone had to endure all that frustration, I’d say you did it admirably.”
She blinked, and a sharp laugh escaped, more surprised than amused. “Admirably? Really?”
“Yes,” you said softly, tilting your head. “But maybe… maybe you just need a little reminder that not everything has to be so serious.”
Her lips twitched again, the beginnings of a grin threatening through the remnants of her bad day. “I suppose I could tolerate that,” she said, voice lighter now, though still teasing in her own sharp way.
And just like that, the tension began to shift—subtle, fragile, but undeniable. The sharpness in her words faded just enough for the first sparks of playful banter to slip through, letting the lake, the lanterns, and the fading sunset witness a small, hard-earned smile.
The corner of her mouth twitched again, this time betraying the faintest hint of amusement. You leaned just a little closer, keeping your tone light. “See? Even the lake agrees with me. Look at it; calm, peaceful… practically begging you to relax.”
Yinlin shot you a sideways glance, one brow arched. “Are you seriously blaming the lake for my mood?”
“Blaming? Not at all,” you replied, shrugging with mock innocence. “Merely pointing out the subtle persuasion of nature… and me.”
She rolled her eyes, though the sharp edge had softened. “You have a remarkable talent for saying things that are both irritating and comforting at the same time,” she muttered, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
“Ah, the rare Yinlin grin,” you teased, leaning a little closer still. “I knew it was hiding in there somewhere. I could see it if I squinted hard enough.”
Her lips quirked upward, almost shyly now. “You really are impossible,” she said softly, shaking her head.
“Only when it matters,” you replied, letting your fingers brush a stray strand of hair from her face. “Besides, someone has to make sure the brightest person I know doesn’t sulk all evening.”
She glanced down at her hands, hiding her face for a moment, but you noticed the warmth in her eyes. “Brightest person…” she repeated, quieter now, like testing the words on her tongue.
“Yes,” you said firmly, smiling. “And even on bad days, you’re still that. You just… forget it sometimes.”
The corners of her lips finally lifted into a genuine smile, tentative but real, soft and warming against the cool evening air. She let out a quiet laugh, light and musical, the sound threading between the gentle lapping of the lake and the flicker of lantern light.
“You’re ridiculous,” she said, shaking her head, though the smile never faded. “But… thank you.”
“Anytime,” you replied softly, brushing your thumb along her wrist. “And hey, if the lake doesn’t convince you to smile, I’ll just have to keep trying—endlessly, if I have to.”
Her eyes met yours fully now, the faint sparkle of laughter mirrored in them. “Endlessly, huh? That sounds… bearable,” she admitted, leaning just slightly toward you, the tension of earlier now replaced with something lighter, calmer.
For the first time that evening, the bad day didn’t feel so heavy anymore. The lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, the lake shimmered like molten gold, and Yinlin’s smile, quiet and soft, held all the warmth the world had been missing just moments ago.
“In seas of dark, where shadows creep, a single light dares not to sleep. It hums a song the lost can hear, a whisper soft, yet sharp and clear. Through storms it gleams, through nights unkind, a patient eye that does not blind. And those who wander, cold, afar, will find their way by that lone star.”
✦ Brant
The first thing you noticed was the chill. Not a biting cold, but a distinct coolness where warmth should have been. Half-asleep, you reached out, your hand meeting only empty sheets. The bed beside you was cold. A quiet alarm stirred you fully awake. Your eyes drifted to the dresser, and there, sitting precisely where he always left it, was his captain’s hat. He wasn’t in bed.
A soft sigh escaped you as you pushed back the covers, the cool air raising goosebumps on your skin. Slipping on your dressing gown, you moved silently through Brant’s cabin and into the short hallway. The ship was quiet, save for the gentle creak of the hull and the rhythmic lapping of waves against the sides. Every other soul on board was fast asleep, lulled by the sea’s ancient rhythm.
You pushed open the heavy door to the deck, careful not to make a sound. The night air was cool and fresh, carrying the faint tang of salt. And there he was. Brant sat on the wooden steps that led up to the ship’s stage, his broad shoulders hunched slightly, his gaze fixed on the vast, open sea stretching out before him. The gentle night wind ruffled his dark hair, giving him an almost ethereal, melancholic air. He looked distant, perhaps lonely. You simply stood there for a few moments, observing him from afar, a quiet ache settling in your chest.
You simply stood there for a few moments, observing him from afar, a quiet ache settling in your chest. Then, slowly, you began to walk towards him. Your bare feet made almost no sound against the wooden boards of the deck, each step a soft whisper in the vast night. A gentle gust of wind swept across the ship, tugging at your dressing gown and flowing through your hair, mimicking the way it tousled Brant’s.
You knew him well enough by now. He always presented a face of kindness, easy laughter, and unwavering confidence to the world, to his crew, even often to you. But you had been with him for long enough, shared enough quiet nights and silent worries, to know that beneath that genial exterior, there was a depth he rarely showed. Tonight, that subtle shift in his shoulders, the stillness in his posture, hinted that something was heavy on his mind. He wasn’t all sunshine and sea shanties, not truly. And in these moments, you knew he needed quiet solace, not questions.
You reached him, your steps silent. Gently, you laid your hands on his broad shoulders. He didn’t tense, didn’t startle, but a subtle relaxation spread through him at your touch. Slowly, your hands trailed down his arms, a soft caress, as you carefully lowered yourself to your knees behind him. Then, with a quiet tenderness, you wrapped your arms around his neck, settling your cheek against his shoulder. The hug was slow, gentle, a silent embrace of comfort and shared presence.
He remained still for a moment, simply leaning into your warmth. Then, his hand, warm and strong, reached back for one of yours that was resting on his chest, gently squeezing it in a silent acknowledgement.
“The bed felt cold without you,” you murmured, your voice a soft whisper in the quiet night, just loud enough for him to hear. It wasn’t a question or complaint, but a simple, heartfelt declaration, letting him know, without needing more words, that he wasn’t alone, and you where right there for him.
Brant’s head subtly leaned back against yours, a soft, almost imperceptible hum vibrating in his chest. It was a sound of contentment, of quiet acceptance, a stark contrast to the earlier melancholic air. You both stayed like that for a long while, cradled in the gentle rocking of the ship, simply listening. The rhythmic lapping of waves against the hull became a soothing lullaby, a steady heartbeat beneath the vast expanse of the night.
Slowly, as if responding to the quiet peace you’d found, the cloudy sky began to clear. Patches of dark grey began to break apart, revealing deeper, inkier hues. Then, a soft, ethereal glow pierced through the veil—the moonshine, painting a silvery path across the dark, undulating surface of the sea. It illuminated the deck in a soft, dreamlike light, casting long shadows and making the stars, now beginning to peek through, seem even more distant and brilliant.
Still embracing him, your chin now lightly propped on his shoulder, you began to softly whisper, your voice barely above the sound of the waves:
“The moon, a silent guardian,
The stars, a watchful, comforting gaze.
Through endless nights they linger,
Guiding souls through misty haze.”
As if on cue, a single star, brighter than all the rest, pierced through a newly cleared patch of sky, directly above the mast. It pulsed with an undeniable brilliance. You paused for a beat, your gaze drawn to it, before continuing:
“And Sirius, brightest beacon,
A steadfast point in darkest night.
For weary hearts and journeys lost,
It shines with unyielding light.”
The last words hung in the cool night air, mingling with the vastness of the sea and sky. You felt Brant shift slightly, and then you murmured, “I read that in a very old book, back in Ragunna.”
A soft, low chuckle rumbled in his chest, a warm sound that resonated through you. “Of course you did,” he softly said, his voice laced with gentle amusement. “You always were fond of things like that. Poetic verses, ancient tales, the quiet wisdom found in old pages.”
“I guess I am,” you admitted, a small smile touching your lips.
A comfortable silence settled between you once more, filled only by the sounds of the ship and the vast, breathing ocean. The moon cast its silver glow, the stars glittered like scattered diamonds, and the brightest among them, Sirius, truly felt like a steadfast, guiding light.
Then, you leaned in a little closer, your voice a tender whisper meant only for him. “And Brant,” you began, “even when you can’t see the stars in the night sky, and the path feels lost… you’ll still have me. I’ll be your Sirius star, your guiding light.”
He remained still for a moment, letting your words sink in. Then, slowly, gently, he turned his head, his jaw brushing softly against your cheek. You felt the brush of his lips, a feather-light, thanking kiss pressed against your skin. It was a silent promise, a profound acknowledgement, and a comfort deeper than any words could convey.
✦ Megumi, Nobara and Yuji
The idea had sparked in your head during a particularly dull evening lecture: the sky tonight was supposed to be exceptionally clear, perfect for stargazing. And what better way to appreciate it than to sneak out to that small clearing you’d found in the woods behind the school.
Your first recruit was, predictably, Yuji. You’d barely whispered ‘stargazing’ and ‘sneak out’ before his eyes lit up like a supernova. “Are you serious, Y/N?! That sounds awesome! Like a secret mission! Who else are we getting?” His enthusiasm was infectious, making your own resolve to brave the chilly night air even stronger.
Getting Megumi on board, however, was a different story. You and Yuji found him in his room, sitting on his desk. “Stargazing?” he repeated, a single brow arched, as if the concept itself was entirely illogical for a Jujutsu Sorcerer. “At this hour? Don’t you two have training tomorrow?”
“Come on, Megumi!” Yuji pleaded, leaning over his shoulder. “It’ll be fun! A break from all the cursed energy stuff.”
You stepped in. “It’s just for a while, Megumi. Think of it as… a lesson in celestial navigation for future missions,” you tried, pulling out your most convincing argument. He gave you a flat look, clearly seeing through your flimsy excuse.
It took another fifteen minutes of gentle persuasion from you, and increasingly dramatic pleas from Yuji, before Megumi finally pinched the bridge of his nose. “Fine,” he conceded, though his tone suggested it was anything but. “But if we get caught, it’s on you two.” He probably wouldn’t admit it, but you knew there was a tiny part of him, buried deep under layers of stoicism, that was just as curious.
Now, to Nobara’s room. She opened the door, a face mask already on, and eyed your excited expressions with suspicion. “Stargazing? In the middle of the night? Are you insane? I’m not getting bugs in my hair for some stupid stars,” she scoffed, already poised to slam the door.
“But Nobara, it’ll be fun!” Yuji pleaded.
“And,” you added quickly, “Megumi’s coming too.”
Nobara paused, her hand hovering over the doorframe. Her eyes narrowed. “Fushiguro’s actually going along with this idiotic plan?” She seemed to weigh her options: a peaceful night of beauty sleep versus the unimaginable horror of Megumi and Yuji (and you) having some sort of unsupervised, possibly even enjoyable, outing without her. The thought of being left out, of being seen as the ‘scaredy-cat’ who couldn’t handle a little nighttime adventure, was clearly far worse than any bug. “Fine,” she huffed, a theatrical eye-roll accompanying her surrender. “But if I get a single mosquito bite, you two are paying for my new face cream.”
Now for the final, critical mission: the blanket.
“We need a blanket!” you whispered, already eyeing Nobara.
“Absolutely not!” she hissed immediately, clutching her prized, fluffy, pink blanket that was draped over her armchair like a precious relic. “You are not taking my supreme softness into the wilderness! It’ll get dirty! It’ll get cursed!”
“But Nobara, it’s the warmest one!” Yuji chimed in, already making grabby hands.
“And you’ll complain about being cold if we don’t have one.” Megumi added, remarkably unhelpful while still making a solid point.
In the end, after a hushed wrestling match that involved more dramatic whispered protests from Nobara than actually struggling, you and Yuji managed to wrangle the blanket from her grasp. She glared at all three of you, muttering darkly about its inevitable ruination. With the essencial blanket now secured (and Megumi trying his best to look like he had no part in its theft), the four of you tiptoed into the silent hallway.
The mission to sneak out was already off to a questionable start. As you crept past Yuji's room, he suddenly veered off, whispering, "Wait, snacks! We need snacks for optimal stargazing!" Before anyone could stop him, he ducked into his room. A moment later, a series of suspiciously loud crinkling and rustling noises emanated from within, sounding less like stealthy snack retrieval and more like a squirrel fighting a bag of chips.
Nobara immediately clamped her hands over her mouth to stifle a frustrated groan. "Yuuji, you idiot! Are you trying to wake up Gojo-sensei?" she whisper-shouted, her voice a furious, barely contained hiss.
Yuji emerged, triumphantly clutching a bag of what looked like oversized shrimp chips, completely oblivious to the ruckus he'd caused. "What? These are important!"
"Important for alerting the entire dorm to our presence!" Nobara snapped back, though still in a furious whisper. She then rounded on Megumi, who was simply standing there, looking vaguely annoyed and entirely innocent. "And you! Why aren't you telling him to be quiet, Fushiguro?! You're supposed to be the sensible one!"
Megumi blinked, caught completely off guard. "Me? What did I do?" he muttered, looking genuinely bewildered, the poor boy. He truly hadn't done anything but exist near Yuji's snack heist.
With the snack situation (partially) contained, the four of you continued your stealth operation down the silent hallway, Nobara still muttering under her breath about snack-induced ruination. The escape route involved navigating past the main office area, which was usually deserted at this hour.
As you neared Principal Yaga's office, however, a sliver of light was visible under his door. A low, rhythmic thump-thump-thump emanated from within. He was still in there.
All four of you froze. Yuji's eyes went wide with alarm, and he actually managed to quiet down for once. Nobara instinctively grabbed your arm, pulling you back slightly into the shadows of a recessed locker. Megumi, ever the one with a plan, immediately scanned for alternative routes, his gaze sharp and calculating. The thump-thump-thump continued, ominously close.
Megumi quietly pointed to a less-used service door further down the hall, almost swallowed by the shadows. "That way," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "It leads to the back entrance of the training grounds. We can cut through the edge of the woods from there."
Without another word, the four of you became a single, hushed unit. Megumi led, moving with surprising grace, his steps almost silent. You followed close behind, trying to emulate his stealth. Nobara, despite her earlier complaints, moved like a trained assassin when she wanted to, her glare fixed firmly on Yuji, who was attempting to tiptoe while clutching his noisy bag of chips.
Just as you neared the service door, Yuji, in a desperate attempt to be even quieter, stumbled slightly, sending a single, crispy shrimp chip skittering across the polished floor with a surprisingly loud clack. All four of your heads snapped towards Principal Yaga's door. The thump-thump-thump paused. A moment of terrifying silence stretched, thick and suffocating.
Then, from behind the door, a deep, gruff voice rumbled, "Is someone out there?"
Panic flared. There was no time for a coordinated plan. With a shared, wordless understanding, the four of you scattered for the service door, a tangle of limbs and hushed curses. Yuji, surprisingly quick despite his earlier clumsiness, was the first through, almost tripping over his own feet. You and Nobara were right behind him, pushing and pulling each other in a frantic scramble to get through the narrow opening. Megumi, ever the composed one, held the door open just long enough for everyone to literally tumble through, before shutting it with a soft but definitive click behind him.
You landed in a heap in the cool night air outside, dusting yourselves off. Yuji was already scrambling up, brushing himself off. Nobara, untangling herself, was glaring daggers at him. Megumi, already composed, was silently surveying the darkness of the training grounds. You could hear the distant thump-thump-thump of Yaga's continued work, oblivious (or perhaps strategically ignoring) the chaos that had just unfolded.
The four of you picked yourselves up, dusting off imaginary dirt and smoothing ruffled clothes, and began to make your way across the vast training grounds. The air here was much cooler than inside the dorms, hinting at the crispness of the late autumn night. A few outdoor lamps cast pools of light, illuminating patches of the worn earth.
As you passed one such lamp, a chaotic swirl of dark shapes erupted around it. A large swarm of bats fluttered wildly in the light, their wings a frantic, leathery blur against the halo of illumination.
Nobara shuddered, pulling her arms around herself. "Ugh! Of course. Bats. Just when I thought this night couldn't get any grosser than Yuji's snack crumbs. They're like flying rats." She gave the lamp a wide berth, her expression a mix of disgust and indignation.
Leaving the bat swarm (and Nobara's complaints) behind, you finally reached the shadowed edge of the woods. The trees loomed, dark silhouettes against the less-than-bright sky, but the promise of the hidden clearing pulled you in. The path was narrow and winding, with unseen roots and uneven ground.
"Okay, stick close," Megumi murmured, his voice hushed but firm as he led the way. "It's easy to get turned around out here at night."
"Or trip!" Yuji chirped, ever the optimist, his voice echoing a little too loudly in the sudden quiet of the trees.
Nobara immediately nudged him. "Shh! You're gonna wake up the squirrels. Or worse, a wild boar! Imagine that mess on my new sneakers."
You chuckled quietly. "At least we won't have Gojo-sensei's lecture about 'experiencing nature' if we get caught." The thought of Gojo's inevitable dramatic reaction always brought a shared groan, even if it was a silent one tonight.
The forest floor was a tapestry of dry leaves and damp earth, crunching softly underfoot. Just as Yuji was mid-sentence, probably about how cool it would be to see a glow-in-the-dark mushroom, it happened. His foot caught on an unseen tree root. He pitched forward with a strangled "Whoa!", arms flailing wildly, and then, with a soft thud, face-planted directly into the leaf litter. The half-eaten bag of shrimp chips landed beside his head, miraculously unpopped.
For a split second, a stunned silence fell. Then, a snort escaped you, quickly followed by a stifled giggle from Nobara. You clamped a hand over your mouth, shoulders shaking, trying desperately to hold it in. Nobara, leaning heavily on you, her face red, wasn't faring much better. Soon, the two of you burst into full-blown, albeit hushed, laughter, clinging to each other to keep from tumbling over yourselves.
Megumi, ever the pragmatist, simply sighed. He looked down at the prone Yuji, then at you and Nobara's laughing forms. "Are you done?" he deadpanned, before extending a hand to his friend. "Get up, Itadori. You're going to get pine needles in your hair."
A few more minutes of winding through the trees, the subtle scent of damp earth and late-blooming flowers in the cool air, and then, without warning, the trees opened up.
Before you was the clearing. It was a truly beautiful sight. The moonlight, no longer filtered by leaves, bathed the open space in a soft, ethereal glow, highlighting the tall grasses that swayed gently. Above, the sky was a deep, inky black, and utterly, magnificently clear. Thousands upon thousands of stars glittered like scattered diamonds, a breathtaking expanse stretching from horizon to horizon. Even the distant city lights seemed to dim in comparison to the celestial display.
For a rare moment, even Megumi was stunned. His usual stoic expression softened, his eyes wide as he gazed upward, momentarily forgetting the absurdity of how they got here. Yuji let out a quiet "Whoa..." his voice filled with genuine awe, completely forgetting his earlier tumble. Nobara, despite her complaints, stood still, her head tilted back, a hint of genuine wonder in her usually critical gaze. The minor bickering, the frantic escape—all of it faded into the background, replaced by the sheer, overwhelming beauty of the night sky.
You were the first to stir from the shared trance, a small smile playing on your lips. This was exactly why you'd dragged them all out here. You reached out, grabbing Yuji's hand with one quick motion and Nobara's with the other, pulling them forward. "Come on! Let's find the best spot!" you whispered, already tugging them towards a slightly elevated patch of soft grass at the center of the clearing. You glanced back at Megumi, who was still standing by the tree line, seemingly rooted to the spot by the celestial display. "Megumi! You coming?" you called softly, gesturing for him to join.
Megumi, with a final, lingering look at the sky, finally moved, retrieving the blanket you'd all so dramatically wrestled from Nobara. He carried it with a practiced ease, shaking it out as he approached the patch of grass you'd selected.
The four of you settled down, huddling together against the cool night air. The prized, fluffy, pink blanket was spread out, and you worked to get everyone under it, pulling it up over your shoulders. It was a tight squeeze, shoulders bumping, knees knocking.
"Hey! Yuji!" Nobara immediately protested, giving him a sharp elbow. "You're hogging like half the blanket! Move over!"
"No, I'm not!" Yuji mumbled back, trying to subtly pull more of the fabric towards himself. "I'm cold! It's really cold out here, Nobara!"
"It's not that cold, you drama queen! You're just trying to steal my softness!" she retorted, tugging it back with a fierce yank, almost pulling it off Megumi's shoulder in the process.
Megumi, caught in the middle, simply sighed, adjusting his position slightly. "Itadori, just share," he said, his voice flat. "And Kugisaki, stop pulling. We're supposed to be stargazing, not fighting over a blanket."
You, however, were less concerned with the ongoing blanket war. Leaning slightly into Megumi, who was sitting beside you, you nudged him gently. "Hey, Megumi," you whispered, your voice bubbling with excitement as you gazed up at the infinite expanse. "Can you see any constellations? I feel like you'd know all of them." You felt him shift slightly beside you, and despite the chaos, a comfortable quiet settled between just the two of you for a moment.
Megumi turned his head, following your gaze upward. His eyes, usually sharp and focused on cursed energy, seemed to soften as he scanned the glittering expanse. "The Big Dipper is over there," he murmured, pointing with a precise finger. "And if you follow the two stars at the end of the ladle, they point to Polaris, the North Star." He paused, then indicated another cluster. "That's Orion's Belt, and below it, you can sometimes see Sirius, the brightest star." He sounded almost... enthusiastic, in his own subdued way.
"Oh! I think I see it!" you exclaimed, squinting. "The Big Dipper, right?"
"Yeah! And hey, Megumi!" Yuji piped up, momentarily forgetting the blanket as he tried to follow Megumi's directions. "I see a really cool one! It looks like... a giant stick figure trying to ride a skateboard!"
Nobara immediately snorted, giving Yuji another jab. "That's not a constellation, you moron! That's just random stars! And stop flailing, you're going to knock my snacks over!"
"It totally is!" Yuji insisted, pulling out his bag of shrimp chips. "See? This chip looks like the skateboard!"
You laughed, shaking your head. "I definitely don't see a skateboard, Yuji," you admitted, trying to hold back another giggle. "I can barely make out the Big Dipper!"
A comfortable silence settled over the group as you all simply lay there, gazing up at the brilliant tapestry of stars. The gentle murmur of the night insects and the rustle of leaves in the breeze were the only sounds for a long moment, a peaceful backdrop to the vast, silent cosmos. The earlier scramble, the bickering, even the chill of the night, seemed to fade, replaced by a shared sense of wonder.
Then, a sudden thought popped into your head, something from earlier in the day. "Hey," you chuckled softly, turning your head slightly to look at the others. "Do you guys remember when Gojo-sensei tried to teach us that 'super-important' breathing exercise and Yuji accidentally snorted a fly?"
Yuji immediately sputtered, sitting up halfway. "Hey! It was a small fly! And it flew right into my nose! It's not my fault!"
Nobara burst into a loud, uncontained laugh, slapping the blanket. "Oh my god, I forgot about that! Megumi, you should have seen his face! It was priceless!"
Megumi, a faint, rare smile touching his lips, merely shook his head. "It was... certainly memorable."
"What about when Nobara tried to style Panda's fur and ended up just getting herself tangled?" Yuji retaliated, pointing an accusatory finger.
"That's different! He kept moving!" Nobara shrieked, indignant. "And it was not tangled, it was 'artistically deconstructed'!"
The clearing filled with the comfortable sound of your laughter, interspersed with indignant protests and deadpan remarks. Stories tumbled out, one after another: Yuji's latest culinary disaster in the kitchen, Nobara's outrage over a poorly-matched outfit, Megumi's exasperation with literally anything involving Gojo-sensei's antics, and your own mishaps during training. Sometimes, the laughter was so loud it threatened to alert any nearby curses (or, more realistically, Gojo-sensei). Other times, the bickering would flare up, a quick, sharp exchange before dissolving back into amused groans or a shared eye-roll. Through it all, the stars watched silently, witnessing the genuine, messy, beautiful bond of friendship under their vast, comforting gaze.
Resonance (Jiyan x Fem!Reader x Calcharo) : Chapter 4
Who would you choose in a world where love and duty collided, and where the heart's desires clashed with the demands of fate? The unspoken love of Jiyan, who has known you since childhood, or the fiery passion that Calcharo harbors for you despite the shadows of his past?
"How are you feeling?" Jiyan asked, his gaze fixed on you while you stared blankly at the ceiling. Your body was wrapped in bandages as you lay in the cozy hospital bed. "I'm fine, I guess?" you nonchalantly replied. Jiyan couldn't discern the thoughts occupying your mind at the moment, but he was certain that you were deep in contemplation.
You were not only reflecting on the recent battle you had fought but also on the faces of the people that Calcharo had killed. You believed their deaths were unnecessary, as you could have imprisoned them, but the Leader of The Hounds remained unforgiving. You felt somewhat relieved that the issues around Huanglong were not caused by the real Hounds. However, you disapproved of Calcharo's methods, particularly his approach to handling situations that involved killings. You also couldn't ignore the fact that Mercenaries are still considered as criminals. Despite years of surveillance on the Ghost Hounds, you have been unable to obtain any evidence linking them to the deaths of certain aristocrats. You were aware that engaging these Mercenaries in a contract would come at a significant cost. Only individuals of substantial wealth could persuade Calcharo to agree. Nevertheless, nothing changed. The Ghost Hounds remained at the top of your list of investigations.
"You know what's the only smart thing you've done today?" Jiyan raised an eyebrow, breaking the silence in the room. You furrowed your brows and cast a questioning gaze at the General.
"That you refrained from pointing your blade at Calcharo" Jiyan remarked. "Tch. I could have easily dealt with him if I hadn't been caught off guard." You responded, feeling frustrated. Deep down, you were aware of his strength, and the disparity in your abilities was glaringly evident.
"I fought him once, two years ago while conducting surveillance around Norfall Barrens." He admitted. "He's not someone you want to mess with." Jiyan always acknowledged individuals with exceptional strength, whether they were allies or foes.
"I want you to understand that he's a master at what he does." His gaze lingered on you.
Suddenly, Jiyan's Pangu Terminal vibrated, signaling an incoming message.
- Pangu Terminal SMS -
"General, a logistical error has occurred at one of our bases in Wuming Bay. It is a pressing issue that demands your immediate attention."
From : Major Yue Xiu
- End -
Jiyan stood up and reached out, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "I will have Lieutenant Qiang accompany you back to your place once you're done in here. I'll speak with you after you've had a good rest and..." He said, but then his Pangu Terminal vibrated again. A second message. "...Rest well, Madam Secretary." Jiyan finished with a lingering look, tucking you in before stepping out of the room.
Lieutenant Qiang from the Rearguard had arrived, and Jiyan caught up with him in the hallway. "Lieutenant Qiang. Please take care of Madam Secretary and escort her back to her home once they have finished examining her." The General instructed. Once Qiang nodded, Jiyan retreated to attend to the problem they had at their other base.
[A week later - Somewhere in Huanglong...]
"Y/N L/N, Secretary of The Department of Justice." Calcharo murmured quietly as he observed the information on his Pangu Terminal.
Perched on a boulder near his camp, he allowed the moon's gentle light to cast a luminous glow around him, his long silver hair danced in harmony with the gentle breeze that swept through the air.
"Hn." he smirked, finding amusement in the unexpected information he just learned. Calcharo couldn't help but be intrigued, despite his initial wariness of your intentions. His business dealings, no matter how unsavory, never interfered with the Capital's justice system. His eyes scanned over your image, a cold, calculated look in his gaze. Calcharo couldn't shake off the battle's memory of fighting alongside you, the chilling blaze of your flames, and the sinister dance of his lightning.
"She had quite the title." He thought, his silver gaze flitting to the camp behind him. The Ghost Hounds were having dinner, the soft murmurs of their voices reaching his ears. Calcharo strode back to his camp, the moon continued to shed its mysterious light upon his stoic face, casting an eerie shadow that taunted the stillness of the night. He was a man whose actions shaped the winds of fate. As for you, your entry into his world would undoubtedly shape the currents of the future.
[A few days later...]
"Are you ready?" Jiyan asked as he waited for you in the living room. "Yes." you answered, closing the door behind you. He wasn't on patrol today, and since it was your day off, he took the opportunity to invite you out for lunch. Come to think of it, you can't even recall the last time you shared a meal together.
"Are you okay?" he asked, holding the front door open for you, just like the gentleman he always was.
"I'm fine." You reassured him with a slow nod as you took a deep breath. Walking by Jiyan's side felt a bit awkward, like you were going on a date. This used to be your usual routine when you were younger, so you shouldn't be feeling this way. But why does it all feel so strange now? You feel like there's something different between the two of you, but you can't quite pinpoint what it is.
It's not every day you get to be by another man's side beside your assistant. Jiyan's hand gently grabbed yours as he guided you down the road to the restaurant. That touch felt like an electric current that ran through your veins. It even sent a quiver through your chest. You were torn between rejecting it and enjoying the warmth it brought, but you couldn't deny it felt nice. Although you don't want to continue feeling this way because it's weirding you out, so you made an effort to push it aside.
"Jiyan." You started, halting both of you mid-walk. You looked up at him, your eyes softened with a hint of sincerity. "I apologize for causing you problems last week."
He gave a soft smile. "It's okay. I was just worried about you. You know it's not my intention to micromanage you, Y/N. Just take good care of yourself, alright?" Jiyan's posture became less rigid, and you couldn't help but let out a defeated sigh. "I'll make sure not to give you any more headaches."
Jiyan's eyes sparkled with relief as he took a deep breath. "You have my trust, Madam Secretay."
[Panhua's Restaurant]
"Are you finally going to place an order, or are you going to spend another hour staring at the menu?" Jiyan nonchalantly asked, a bored expression on his face as he rested his cheeks on the palm of his hands, patiently waiting for you to make a decision.
"T-There are so many choices!" you exclaimed, unable to hide the excitement on your face. Despite living in the Capital for over ten years, you rarely dine out. You usually spends your days off indoors, just resting. "I remember the last time we ate here, Ms. Panhua only had five dishes on her menu!"
"When was it?" you thought to herself. This made you realized how seldom you and Jiyan saw each other after being promoted to your current positions.
"How about we order the Spicy Braised Pork Belly? That was one of your favorites back then." Jiyan's eyes reflected a sense of nostalgia as he suggested.
"O-Of course! I would love to have it again!" You admitted, recalling how the slightly spicy dish used to soothe your appetite. "What about you?" your question made him pause for a while, prompting you to reminisce about the first time you ever ate here together.
"Hey, do you remember the first time we ate here and I asked you what you wanted to eat, and you just told me to surprise you?" You flashed him a smile, the corners of Jiyan's lips curving upward. "And that surprise turned out to be the best meal I've ever had in Jinzhou." he said, smiling back at you. "We're both in our last year of training. We came here to celebrate the day before we graduated." Jiyan's eyes shimmered as he reminisced, a hint of fondness in his voice. "Your excitement level is still the same, even after all these years." he added, smiling at you.
As you and Jiyan waited for your meals, both of you noticed a couple holding hands at the next table.
You both watched them for a while, and you couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to live a normal life without the weight of the nation resting on your shoulders.
As both of you shifted your eyes from them, you and Jiyan found yourselves unintentionally locked in a gaze with each other. You don't know why, but you felt a sudden wave of embarrassment, prompting you to quickly avert your gaze to the side, which he also did.
You could vividly see Jiyan's cheeks turning a soft shade of pink when your eyes met. You busied yourself by fiddling with the napkin, wishing the floor would swallow you right then and there, just to avoid the awkwardness.
The nervousness somewhat subsided as the waitress placed your dishes before you. The enticing aroma of the Spicy Braised Pork Belly filled your senses. Jiyan picked up his chopsticks immediately, but you didn't move.
"Hey..." Jiyan called, his tone concerned.
"Hm.." You shook your head, snapping back to the present. This made Jiyan chuckled lightly.
With shaky fingers, you reached for the dish. It was like your earlier embarrassment never happened as your conversation went back to its usual business-like nature. Jiyan had a way of keeping things professional between both of you, even while enjoying your meal, which you appreciated. You took a scoop of rice onto your chopsticks, connecting the rice with the tender pork belly. Jiyan's eyes met yours as he chewed, and you could see the satisfaction in his gaze. You both loved the dish as much as you did back then.
After swallowing, Jiyan raised his teacup in a silent toast.
"To holding each other accountable, Madam Secretary." You obliged by raising your teacup in response.
"I second that, General." Your declaration echoed, the two cups clinking gently before you savored the tea.
Resonance (Jiyan x Fem!Reader x Calcharo) : Chapter 2
Who would you choose in a world where love and duty collided, and where the heart's desires clashed with the demands of fate? The unspoken love of Jiyan, who has known you since childhood, or the fiery passion that Calcharo harbors for you despite the shadows of his past?
You are seated comfortably in your office, your fingers tapping restlessly on the table as you read through the documents before you. There's a certain Mercenary Group causing trouble around Huanglong known as the "Ghost Hounds."
"Hmmmmm." your eyes shifted from paper to paper. It was evident how visibly angry you looked at the moment.
You are well-acquainted with this notorious group, particularly with their leader, Calcharo. "This guy..." you muttered, staring at his image on the screen, your teeth gritted in anger as you unknowingly gripped the documents in your hands. You've been investigating him for three years now, but you always struggle to locate his whereabouts due to the group frequently changing locations.
"Zhi Yu." You called, prompting your personal assistant to rush towards you. "Yes, Madam Secretary?!" he nervously responded, sensing your fury. For you, enough is enough. Calcharo has pushed you to your limits.
"Could you provide me with all the information we have on the Ghost Hounds and their leader?" You couldn't bear it any longer. This group had been abusing their power, even resorting to killing innocent citizens of Huanglong. While you understood the nature of Mercenaries, you couldn't stand idly by if they continued to harm the innocent. "Okay. Fuck this! I'm going to hunt down this group myself." With a forceful slam of your hand on the table, you rose abruptly from your chair and grabbed your coat.
"M-Madam Secretary! Where are you going?!" Zhi Yu asked, well aware of your impulsiveness.
"Don't say a word of this to anyone, especially not to the General." You ordered, fixing a stern gaze on your assistant. "B-But Madam Secretary! You can't take action like this without a direct order from the Magistrate!"
Ignoring his protests, you continued towards the door. "I'll do my best to return before midnight." You stated before shutting the door behind you.
[Desorock Highland]
Jiyan stood amidst the chaos, his broadblade flashing in the dim light as he cleaved through the onslaught of Tacet Discords that seemed to materialize out of the very shadows.
He could feel it, the familiar burning sensation starting to spread from his Tacet Mark, creeping up his spine like tendrils of fire. Overclocking was setting in, but he pushed the doubt and exhaustion aside. There was no time to rest, not with a nest of Tacet Discords discovered mere meters away in a hidden cave.
"Major Yue Xiu requesting immediate back-up at Desorock Highland. I have discovered a nest of Tacet Discords hiding in a secret cave. Aid is needed ASAP." Jiyan transmitted before making a temporary retreat.
Jiyan lowered the device and turned to his trusted lieutenant, Qiang, who stood at the ready with a small contingent of Rangers. "Lieutenant Qiang, rally the troops! I need at least two companies of the Vanguard and a group of the Reserve Forces here posthaste. Arm them for heavy combat and bring the siege equipment. We have a Tacet Discord nest to flush out."
"At once, General!" Lieutenant Qiang snapped a crisp salute before rushing off to carry out his orders.
The battle was fierce, but the Midnight Rangers fought with unyielding determination. Jiyan led the charge, his broadblade singing through the air as he cleaved through the monstrous forms of the Tacet Discords. The creatures screeched and writhed, their bodies pulsing with chaotic energy, but the Rangers held firm.
After a few hours of relentless battle, the day's triumph belonged to them.
With a sigh, Jiyan made his way out of the cave, stepping into the fading light of the setting sun. The day was done, and his Rangers had emerged victorious. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for today, they could rest. And for today, that was enough.
You headed to the Port City of Guixu, as this was the last lead you had on the Ghost Hounds. Despite the presence of Tacet Discords roaming around, you chose to maintain a low profile to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention if there were indeed any Mercenaries in the vicinity.
Quietly, you entered the abandoned building and meticulously inspected each floor. Upon entering each room, you found nothing but traces of leftover food. "So they were really here." you mumbled under your breath as you continued to investigate the area.
You ventured back outside and wandered around until you reached a corner where you spotted a few members of the Ghost Hounds engaged in conversation. You crouched down, intending to approach them stealthily. "Hahaha! Did you see the looks on those villagers' faces? They didn't think twice about handing over all their food supply!" exclaimed the gruff-looking Mercenary, grinning as he rummaged through his bag.
"Disgusting Mercenaries!" You seethed inwardly as you listened. You were about to circle around to find a better position to attack when one of the Mercenaries, who was urinating, caught sight of you. You locked eyes with him for a few seconds, but before the man could react, you had accidentally activated your Resonance Liberation Skill, triggering a massive explosion in the area.
The man in front of you was charred to a crisp, but the others managed to shield themselves from the sudden attack. The explosion also caught the attention of the Tacet Discords, drawing them towards your location.
"Shit!" You hissed, seeing the countless of Tacet Discords heading your way. You couldn't believe you momentarily lost control. You had no choice but to fight them off while ensuring the Mercenaries wouldn't seize this opportunity to escape. "Let's go!" exclaimed one of them, prompting the others to flee alongside him. "Not on my watch!" You grinned, excitement gleaming in your eyes as you sprinted at incredible speed, flames trailing behind your feet.
You unsheathed your broadblade, poised to strike the fleeing criminals, when suddenly an Inferno Rider appeared in front of you. "An Overlord Class?!" your eyes widened in shock. You realized the challenge ahead, knowing that you shared the same element with the Overlord Tacet Discord in front of you. The Inferno Rider standing before you possessed a strong resistance to fire.
One of the Mercenaries made a rash move despite the looming threat. "Don't move! That's not a Tacet Discord you want to provoke!" You warned. You couldn't afford to lose all of them. You needed them alive.
Despite your warning, the man defiantly moved, and in just a single swing of the Rider's blade, he was burned into ashes.
Your eyes darted around, as you strategized to devise the best plan to defeat it.
"Wanna make it out of here alive?" You asked, locking eyes with the frightened Mercenaries behind you. "I need your cooperation to execute my plan." You added. "And why should we trust you?" one of them questioned, skeptical of your proposal. "Because you have no other choice." Your expression conveyed the seriousness of your words.
Upon hearing your plan, the Mercenaries swiftly diverted the attention of the Inferno Rider, granting you the chance to charge up your skill. You allowed herself to be engulfed by your own flames, the intense heat causing the concrete beneath your feet to slowly melt. You moved with lightning speed, disappearing and reappearing in front of the Inferno Rider, delivering a powerful blow with your blade. However, the Overlord Tacet Discord quickly recovered and launched its attack, which you swiftly countered.
While you may not possess the same strength as Jiyan, but you can stand your ground like a true Ranger. You shielded the Mercenaries from the Rider's deadly blade by blocking its attack. The force was so strong that you could feel your strength waning. You persevered, knowing Jiyan would have done the same. You exerted more force on your blade, pushing until the Rider's blade pierced its own skin.
As the Rider screamed in agony and stopped moving, one of the Mercenaries cautiously asked, "Is it over?" But before you could respond, the Rider erupted in flames, prompting you to swiftly move out of the way. The intense heat emanating from the Rider made the Mercenaries feel as though their skin was being scorched. You glanced at them with a wry expression, but in an instant, as you shifted your gaze, the Rider stood before you, face to face, ready to strike you with its blade.
Your eyes widened in shock, knowing you had little time to react.
Just as the blade was about to reach you, a sudden bolt of lightning struck from out of nowhere, intercepting the attack. And the next thing you knew, the Leader of the Ghost Hounds, Calcharo, appeared in front of you, his blade blocking the Inferno Rider's attack.
With a few clashing of blades and a single activation of his Liberation Skill, the Overlord Tacet Discord dissipated as if it had never existed.
"C-Calcharo!" the Mercenaries muttered, their voices tinged with fear.
Calcharo scanned the faces of the Mercenaries as they let out mutters of his name, their fear was a bitter addition to his satisfaction. He didn't expect these FAKES to be a threat, it was more of an insult to his pride as the Leader of the Ghost Hounds.
"Hold your tongue."
Calcharo aimed his blade at one of the fake Mercenaries but fixed his gaze at you, who remained calm and composed. If there was one person who intrigued him in this dingy place, it was you. You could have been anybody, a Ranger, a bystander, a Mercenary, or an innocent. Yet, the sight of you standing in the midst of this chaos held his attention.
He stepped closer, his blade now pressed against your throat, leaving you in a position where you could either step back or yield to him.
"I'd like to know why a high ranking Officer from Jinzhou is here, surrounded by rats."
His voice carried a serious tone. He wasn't one to judge, but this situation called for an explanation. The fake Mercenaries around him shuffled on their feet, eyes cast downward, some showed signs of fear, others defiance.
"Care to share your story, Officer?"
Calcharo remained vigilant, ready to strike in an instant, but for now, he wanted answers from you.
