The next morning, I woke up around 7. I turned to the other side of the bed, but Ansh wasn't there. A small smile touched my lips — Karan had already told me he goes to the gym every morning.

I went into the washroom, took a refreshing shower, and changed into a bright red suit. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I whispered, half‑surprised, half‑delighted:
"Ahh... I can't believe this is me. I'm looking too beautiful."

With that little boost of confidence, I went downstairs. The haveli was so vast, it felt more like a bhulbhooliya than a home. For a moment, I thought, "Main toh kho jaungi isme."

Then I spotted Maa and Chachi. Relief washed over me, and I hurried to hug them both. Maa smiled warmly and said,
"Beta, aaj pehli rasoi ki rasam hai. Tumhe khana banana aata hai?"

I froze, then admitted honestly,
"Maa... mujhe kuch nahi aata."

Chachi laughed and added,
"Same here, mujhe bhi kuch nahi aata."

We all burst into laughter, the tension breaking. Maa shook her head fondly,
"Koi baat nahi. Tum bas mitha banana... aur main madad karungi."

Together, we moved into the kitchen. Maa guided me step by step, her hands steadying mine as I stirred the milk, added sugar, and sprinkled cardamom. Slowly, the aroma of kheer filled the air.

We all moved to the dining table together, laughter and warmth filling the air. Karan, Vikram, and Riya came forward and hugged me tightly, making me feel instantly at home. We sat down, and just then Ansh arrived, taking his place beside me.

The food was served, and I ate one paratha. My stomach was already full, but when I looked up, I noticed Papa and Chachu watching me closely. Papa smiled and said,
"Beta, ek se kya hoga?"

Chachu nodded in agreement and added,
"Reyansh, tum Aroohi ko ek paratha aur do."

I quickly shook my head, laughing nervously,
"Nahi Chachu... mera pet bhar gaya. Ab nahi kha paungi."

Just then Maa brought out the kheer, her eyes glowing with pride.
"Yeh hai aaj ka special... Aroohi ki banayi hui kheer."

Karan widened his eyes dramatically, teasing,
"Ho hi nahi sakta! Isse khana banana nahi aata."

I turned to him with mock annoyance,
"Karan, tum zyada nahi bolte?"

He burst out laughing, and everyone joined in. We all tasted the kheer, and to my surprise, everyone praised me. Smiles, compliments, and even gifts were showered upon me. My heart swelled with happiness — my first rasoi had been accepted.

But amidst all the joy, I noticed one thing. That daanav... Reyansh. He didn't say a word. No praise, no gift. Gift toh chhod hi do... ek shabd bhi nahi kaha.

And that silence pricked me more than anything else.

I carried the gifts into our room, smiling softly as I placed them carefully inside the closet. Just then, I felt a presence behind me. My heart skipped, and I turned quickly — it was Ansh.

I asked, a little confused,
"Ansh... what happened?"

He didn't reply. His silence was steady, his eyes unreadable. Before I could say anything more, he suddenly scooped me up in his arms, bridal style. My eyes widened in shock.
"What are you doing?" I whispered, half nervous, half surprised.

He didn't answer. Instead, he carried me to the bed and gently set me down. Then, to my astonishment, he sat on the ground in front of me. Slowly, he lifted one of my legs, his touch careful, reverent.

From the box beside him, he took out a delicate payal. With steady hands, he slipped it around my ankle, fastening it securely. Then, lowering his head, he pressed a gentle kiss on my foot.

My breath caught. My heart raced.

He did the same with the other leg — lifting it softly, adorning it with the second payal, and sealing it with another tender kiss.

In that moment, I realized... this wasn't just a ritual or a gesture. It was his way of telling me silently: You are mine, my queen, and I will honor you in every way.

He looked up at me after kissing my feet, his eyes softer than I had ever seen.
"Sorry, jaan... maine aapko hurt kiya. Par mai sach kehta hu, mujhe aapki banayi kheer bohot pasand aayi."

My breath caught. All day I had waited for him to say something, to acknowledge my effort. And now, here he was, not just with words, but with a gesture that spoke louder than any gift.

He held up the payal gently, his voice steady,
"Aur yeh... aapki pehli rasoi ka tohfa."

My eyes widened, tears pricking at the corners. I had thought he was silent, distant, maybe even careless. But in this moment, I realized — he wasn't ignoring me. He was waiting, planning, choosing the perfect way to show me how much he valued me.

The cool silver of the payal against my skin, his kiss on my feet, and his words — all of it melted my heart.

I looked at him, my heart still fluttering from his words and the payal he had just tied on my feet. A smile tugged at my lips as I whispered,
"Acha... ab khade ho jao."

He stood up immediately, tall and steady, his eyes fixed on me. I rose too, but instead of stepping down, I stood on the bed, so that we were almost at the same height.

For a moment, I just looked at him — this man who had carried me, adorned me, and confessed his feelings without needing grand gestures. My chest tightened with emotions I couldn't hold back anymore.

I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tightly. His warmth surrounded me, his heartbeat steady against mine.

He was looking at me with that intense gaze after our hug, and before I could even process it, he held my hand and started walking.

Confused, I asked softly,
"Ansh... where are you taking me?"

He only smirked and said,
"Tum chalo toh."

We stopped in front of a door. He pressed my finger gently against the handle, his voice low and steady,
"Yeh mera study room hai. Ab tum jab chaaho, aa sakti ho... kyunki yaha mere alawa koi nahi aata."

My heart fluttered at the trust hidden in his words.

We entered, and as expected, the room was huge... and black, just like the rest of his world. But then my eyes landed on the shelves. I froze, then screamed in delight.

They were filled with books — not just any books, but my favorite genres. Romance, suspense, drama, legacy stories... everything I loved.

I turned to him, overwhelmed, and threw my arms around him.
"Thank you! Thank you so much, Ansh!"

He just chuckled, that deep sound that always made me blush, as if my happiness was his reward.

He looked at me with that teasing glint in his eyes and said,
"Don't you think I deserve a reward for this?"

I tilted my head, curious.
"Kya chahiye? Tum batao."

He lowered himself to my height, his expression playful, and tapped his cheek.
"Kiss."

I rolled my eyes but leaned forward, pressing a shy kiss on his cheek. He immediately tapped the other cheek, grinning. I sighed, but gave in, kissing that one too.

Then he looked straight at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief, and tapped his lips.

My jaw dropped. I slapped his hand lightly, laughing,
"Itna hi kaafi hai... tharki insaan!"

He chuckled, the sound deep and warm, and I couldn't help but smile despite my blush.

After leaving Ansh's study, I was still smiling from the shelves of books he had shown me. My heart felt light, but before I could even settle into that happiness, Vikram appeared.

He looked at me with a strange seriousness and said he wanted to show me something. I frowned, curious.
"Ram... kya dikhana hai tumhe? Aur tum mujhe akele leke kyun ja rahe ho?"

He stopped walking, turned to me, and raised his brows.
"Aapne kya bulaya?"

I blinked, realizing my slip.
"Ram."

A small smile tugged at his lips.
"Aru... tum bas chalo. Yeh koi nahi jaanta hai. Tum pehli insaan ho jise mai yeh dikha raha hu."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. The way he said it — calm, steady, almost secretive — made me realize this wasn't something ordinary.

The corridor felt heavier as we walked, each step echoing with suspense. My mind raced with questions, but his silence only deepened the mystery.

We walked into Vikram's room, and he led me straight to his closet. His expression was serious, almost secretive.

"Close your eyes," he said firmly.

I hesitated for a moment, then obeyed. My heart raced with curiosity. After a few seconds, his voice came again, softer this time:
"Ab khol lo."

I opened my eyes... and froze.

The shelves inside his closet were stacked, overflowing with Marvel collections — comics, figures, posters, everything. My jaw dropped in shock.

I turned to him, eyes wide.
"Bro... did you collect all this?"

He nodded silently, a small smile tugging at his lips.

I laughed, my excitement bubbling over.
"Bro! I'm also a Marvel fan. Mere paas bhi unki collection hai!"

The moment felt surreal — two worlds colliding, two fans finding a secret bond. For the first time, I saw Vikram not just as family, but as someone who shared a piece of my passion.

I hugged him tightly, grinning.
"Thank you for showing me this... mujhe lagta hai ab hum dono ke beech ek secret Marvel bond hai."

Vikram smiled mysteriously after showing me his Marvel collection.
"Ek cheez aur hai," he said, holding out his hand.

I leaned closer, curious. in his hand he was holding a bracelet — but not a normal one. My eyes widened instantly. It shimmered with colored stones, designed exactly like Thanos's gauntlet.

I gasped and jumped in happiness, unable to contain my excitement.
"Bro! Yeh toh kamaal hai... ab laaye ho toh pehna bhi do!"

I extended my hand eagerly. He chuckled at my enthusiasm, then carefully slid the bracelet onto my wrist.

The moment it clasped around me, I felt like a child again — thrilled, giddy, and proud. I looked at him with sparkling eyes.
"Bro... ab toh lagta hai main bhi Marvel universe ka hissa ho gayi!"

Vikram smiled as I admired the gauntlet bracelet he had just placed on my wrist. My excitement was overflowing, but then he said softly,
"Mere paas ek aur hai... same."

I looked at him in surprise, my eyes widening.
"Sach mein?!"

He nodded, showing me the second bracelet — identical, shimmering like the first, carrying the same Marvel magic.

He handed me the second bracelet, and I smiled softly.
"Ab main tumhe pehnaati hoon."

I took his hand gently, sliding the bracelet onto his wrist. The moment it clasped, I looked up at him with pride.
"Ab hum dono Marvel ke asli partners hain."

Vikram's eyes softened, and for a second, the playful bond between us felt deeper — like a secret pact sealed with matching bracelets.

I laughed, pretending to snap my fingers like Thanos.
"Ab toh lagta hai aadha haveli gayab ho jaayegi!"

After tying the bracelet on his wrist, Vikram looked at me with a half‑serious, half‑playful expression.
"Tumhe pata hai... Karan aur Riya ghar mein chote hain. Dono milke mujhe pareshan karte hain, mere against team up karte hain. Aur jab kuch hota hai, sab unka support karte hain."

I tilted my head, listening carefully. He sighed, then added with a grin,
"Lekin ab hum dono team up karenge."

My lips curved into a smile. I nodded firmly,
"Yes! We will team up. Aur ab vo chote nahi rahe... kyunki main toh sabse choti hu. Koi mujhe kuch nahi kahega... aur na tumhe."

The moment felt light, yet powerful — like we had just formed our own secret alliance. The bracelets on our wrists shimmered, almost like a symbol of our pact.

I laughed softly, imagining the chaos ahead. Karan aur Riya ab samajh jaayenge... hum dono ki team ke saamne unki masti chalti nahi.

Vikram looked at me with a proud smile, both of us wearing the matching gauntlet bracelets. He raised his wrist slightly and said with conviction,
"Yes... we are Marvel partners. Aur yeh bracelet hamari team ke liye hi hai."

My heart warmed at his words. It wasn't just about Marvel anymore — it was about loyalty, about standing together. I grinned, holding up my own wrist beside his.
"Ab koi bhi tumhe akela pareshan nahi karega. Hum dono ek team hain... aur sabko samajh aana chahiye ki Marvel partners se panga lena easy nahi hai."

I looked at him and said playfully,
"You know... mere paas cartoons theme par bhi bahut kuch hai. Mostly Shinchan ke. Ruko, tum mere saath chalo. Main tumhe kuch dungi."

We walked together to my room, and I smiled knowingly. Reyansh wasn't there — he was with Dad, Chachu, and Dadu — so it was just me and Vikram.

I went straight to my closet, opened it carefully, and took out a few things. I placed them inside a box, keeping the contents hidden. It was my little secret, something special I wanted only him to see.

Holding the box close, I turned to him with a playful grin.
"Chalo... ab tumhare room."

His eyes lit up with curiosity, and I could see the same excitement I had felt when he showed me his Marvel treasures. This time, it was my turn to surprise him.

We entered Vikram's room together, the box still in my hands. I opened it slowly, my heart racing with excitement.

The first thing I pulled out were two Batman rings — one for me and one for him. I held them up with a smile and said,
"Yeh tumhare liye... aur yeh mere liye."

Vikram's eyes lit up instantly. He took the ring from me, slipping it onto his finger with pride. I wore mine too, feeling the cool metal against my skin.

He looked at me with a grin, raising his hand.
"Hamari team ab aur strong ho gayi hai."

We walked into his bathroom, and I grinned mischievously.
"Close your eyes," I told him.

He obeyed without question, standing there with a curious smile. I quickly took out the little surprise I had brought, placed it carefully on the basin, and added my playful touch.

"Ab khol lo."

He opened his eyes, and the moment he saw it, his face lit up.
"Aru... yeh toh mast hai!"

I laughed, proud of my idea.
"Hai na? Mere paas bohot saaman hai. Apna room makeover karungi... pura dark aur bhotiya lagta hai."

He burst out laughing, shaking his head at my dramatic tone. The sound of his laughter filled the room, and I couldn't help but join in.

Vikram laughed at my teasing about his dark, "bhotiya" room and shook his head.
"Tumhe lagta hai bhai room change karne denge? Mafia vibes se seedha pookie vibes?"

I smirked, crossing my arms.
"Are thode din ruko... pura kamra badal dungi. Dekhna."

We both burst into laughter, and soon our conversation drifted into Marvel heroes, cartoon memories, Shinchan jokes — everything that made us feel like kids again. The bracelets and rings on our hands felt like proof of our secret alliance.

Just then, a knock came at the door. The staff stepped in politely.
"Sir, aur ma'am... aap dono ko sab dhoondh rahe hain. Sab neeche living room mein hai."

We exchanged a quick glance, nodded together, and closed the box of secrets for now. Our team was strong, but it was time to rejoin the family downstairs.

As Vikram and Aroohi stepped into the living room, all eyes turned toward them. The atmosphere shifted instantly — curiosity, suspicion, and warmth all tangled together.

Vikram broke the silence first, his voice calm but questioning:
"Kya hua? Aapne hum dono ko bulaya?"

Everyone looked at them, and Dadi's sharp tone cut through the air.
"Tum dono kabse gayab ho kar kya kar rahe the?"

Before Aroohi could answer, Karan leaned forward with a smirk.
"Dadi, ye Vikram bhai toh aise hi hain."

Riya nodded quickly, adding fuel.
"Haan... inhe toh kuch dhyaan hi nahi rehta."

Aroohi glanced sideways at Vikram. From his eyes, she could read the silent message — "See? They've teamed up again."

She straightened, her voice steady but gentle.
"Dadi... hum dono ek saath the. Hum kuch baat kar rahe the."

But before the moment could settle, Karan's sharp eyes caught something. He leaned forward, his voice rising with surprise.
"Yeh kya hai? Tum dono ke haath mein... bracelets aur rings?!"

All eyes turned toward Vikram and Aroohi. For a moment, the weight of the family's gaze pressed down on them. But Vikram, calm and confident, raised his hand high, the bracelet and Batman ring gleaming under the lights. Aroohi mirrored him, her wrist shining with the same symbols.

With a proud smile, Vikram declared,
"Oh, yeh toh kuch nahi hai... yeh toh hamari Marvel Alliance ke liye hai. Ab ek nayi team aa chuki hai — The Marvel Alliance! Jiske members hain Vikram aur Aroohi... the co‑founders of this organization."

The room buzzed with surprise, amusement, and curiosity. Their raised hands weren't just showing jewelry — they were announcing a pact, a bond, a secret alliance now revealed in front of everyone.

The living room was buzzing after Vikram's bold declaration. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the bracelets and rings gleaming on his and Aroohi's hands.

Then, with a sudden burst of energy, Vikram stepped behind Aroohi. His voice rang out like an announcement:
"Presenting... The Marvel Alliance!"

Aroohi raised her hand proudly, showing off her bracelet and ring, while Vikram stood tall behind her, forming a gun gesture with his fingers. Aroohi mirrored him, their hands shaping imaginary weapons — a playful yet powerful pose.

The family stared in stunned amusement. Their stance wasn't just childish fun; it was symbolic, dramatic, almost like superheroes announcing their arrival.

The living room erupted in laughter at Vikram and Aroohi's dramatic "Marvel Alliance" pose. Their gun‑gestures and proud announcement had turned the atmosphere playful, but not everyone was amused.

While the family laughed at Vikram and Aroohi's dramatic "Marvel Alliance" pose, not everyone was amused. Reyansh, standing quietly at the side, kept his eyes fixed on Aroohi.

Inside, a storm brewed. He felt a sting of jealousy — not because of the bracelets or rings, but because she was spending all her time with Vikram, forming teams, sharing secrets, laughing in ways that once belonged to him.

Yet even in his jealousy, he couldn't deny something else: Aroohi looked adorable. Her playful defiance, the sparkle in her eyes, the way she stood proudly beside Vikram — it made her glow.

Karan's face stiffened, his laughter fading into disbelief.
"Nahi... yeh nahi ho sakta! Aap dono team up nahi kar sakte!"

Riya's voice followed quickly, almost trembling.
"Yes! Agar tum dono ek team ban gaye toh... phir hum kya karenge?"

Aroohi's eyes narrowed, her tone firm yet playful.
"Aisa kisne kaha ki hum team up nahi kar sakte?"

Karan shook his head, his voice rising with frustration.
"Hume pata hai... ab hum kuch bhi kar le, Vikram bhai ko pareshan nahi kar payenge. Kyunki unke saath tum ho."

Riya added bitterly,
"Cherry on top... tum toh sabse chhoti ho. Koi tum dono ko kuch nahi bolega."

The room fell into a mix of laughter and tension. The Marvel Alliance had not only been declared — it had already begun to shift the balance of power in the family.

The room was still buzzing with laughter and tension when Aroohi suddenly turned to Karan and Riya, her voice sharp yet playful:
"Ye toh tumhe Ram ko pareshan karne se pehle sochna tha."

Her words made everyone pause. Chachu frowned, curious.
"Beta... ab Ram kaun hai?"

Aroohi didn't hesitate. With a mischievous smile, she gestured toward Vikram.
"Woh... Vikram hi Ram hai."

The family's eyes widened, some amused, some surprised. Vikram stood tall, bracelets and ring gleaming, as if the new title fit him perfectly. Aroohi's declaration wasn't just playful — it was symbolic. By calling him Ram, she had elevated him, given him a role of strength and respect within their alliance.

The living room turned into a battlefield of alliances.

Karan and Riya stepped forward, voices urgent:
"Nahi! Tum unki team mein nahi... hamari mein aaogi!"

But Vikram — now proudly carrying the title Ram — tightened his grip on Aroohi's hand.
"Nahi... Aru meri team hai."

The tug‑of‑war began. Vikram held one of Aroohi's hands firmly, while Karan and Riya clung to the other. The family watched in shock as the three of them pulled her in opposite directions, laughter and tension mixing in the air.

Then, suddenly, Reyansh entered. His eyes blazed with determination. He strode forward, freeing Aroohi from their grip in one swift motion. Holding both her hands gently, he looked straight into her eyes.
"Jaan... tumhe lagi toh nahi?"

Aroohi's cheeks flushed pink. She shook her head softly.
"Nahi..."

Reyansh pulled her closer, placing her hand on his shoulder, his arm wrapping protectively around her. His voice was firm, filled with possessive warmth:
"Rooh kisi ki team mein nahi hai. Biwi hai meri. Tumhara khilona nahi jo lad rahe ho."

The tension in the room shifted again. Karan, trying to break the intensity, raised his voice dramatically:
"Bhai, apna romance band karo! Sharam karo... yaha mere jaise masoom bache hain."

Everyone turned to look at him — and then burst into laughter. His attempt at innocence was so out of place that even Dadi chuckled.

Aroohi smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Tum... vo bhi masoom?"

The laughter grew louder, echoing through the living room. But Reyansh didn't let go. Instead, he pulled Aroohi even closer, his arm firm around her. His voice was low, possessive, and unapologetic:
"Tujhe kya takleef hai? Biwi hai meri. Yaha romance karu ya kamre mein... tumhe kya problem hai?"

The family fell silent for a moment, stunned. Reyansh — the one everyone had always called emotionless, detached, unreadable — was showing a side they had never seen before. Protective, passionate, even playful.

The tension of declarations, laughter, and teasing slowly melted into the warmth of family routine. One by one, everyone moved toward the dining table. Plates clinked, conversations overlapped, and the earlier drama of alliances and romance blended into the comfort of shared food.

Vikram and Aroohi sat side by side, their bracelets and rings still gleaming faintly, silent reminders of the Marvel Alliance. Reyansh stayed close, protective as ever, his hand occasionally brushing against hers — a quiet claim after his bold words. Karan and Riya, though still unsettled, tried to mask their frustration with forced smiles, but their eyes betrayed the unease of losing ground.

Dadi watched them all with a knowing smile, amused at how quickly playful gestures had turned into declarations of loyalty, rivalry, and love.

Dinner ended with laughter, teasing, and the occasional side‑glance of jealousy. Slowly, the family began to disperse, each moving toward their rooms. The house grew quieter, the echoes of the evening fading into the corridors.

I watched them all — Vikram, Karan, Riya — pulling Aroohi like she was some prize in their childish game. My chest tightened, jealousy burning hotter than I wanted to admit. She was laughing, blushing, caught between their hands, and for a moment I felt like I was losing her.

I couldn't stay back anymore. I stepped forward, freed her from their grip, and held her hands firmly. My voice softened as I looked into her eyes:
"Jaan... tumhe lagi toh nahi?"

She shook her head, cheeks glowing pink.
"Nahi..."

That blush... it made my heart race. I pulled her closer, placing her hand on my shoulder, pressing her against my chest. My voice came out stronger, sharper, filled with everything I had kept hidden for so long:
"Rooh kisi ki team mein nahi hai. Biwi hai meri. Tumhara khilona nahi jo lad rahe ho."

The room froze. For years they had called me emotionless, cold, detached. But tonight, I let them see the truth. My love, my claim, my fire.

Karan tried to break the moment with his usual drama:
"Bhai, apna romance band karo! Sharam karo... yaha mere jaise masoom bache hain."

Everyone laughed at his words, even Aroohi. She teased him, her voice playful:
"Tum... vo bhi masoom?"

I tightened my hold on her, refusing to let go. My voice was low, possessive, but laced with a smirk:
"Tujhe kya takleef hai? Biwi hai meri. Yaha romance karu ya kamre mein... tumhe kya problem hai?"

The laughter around us grew, but I didn't care. For the first time, I wasn't hiding. For the first time, they all saw me — not the emotionless Reyansh they thought they knew, but the man who loved Aroohi enough to fight the whole world for her.

We all moved to the dining table, the chatter of family filling the air. I sat down immediately beside my jaan, making sure she was close to me. But then, Vikram slid into the seat on her other side, and the two of them started talking, laughing softly about Marvel and cartoons.

I didn't say anything. I didn't need to. My hand was already holding hers under the table, firm and unyielding. Every time she smiled at Vikram, I tightened my grip just enough to remind them both — she belongs to me.

I could feel the eyes of the family drifting toward us, but I didn't care. My message was clear: no one in this world can take her away from me. Not Vikram, not Karan, not Riya. She is mine — my wife, my partner, my everything.

The food on the table was just background. The real feast was in the way she blushed when I held her hand tighter, the way she leaned ever so slightly toward me, even while talking to him. That was enough. That was victory.

We entered our room after dinner, the house quieting as everyone drifted away. My jaan went to change her clothes, and I did the same. When she came back, she didn't notice me standing near the door, watching silently. She moved toward the bed, her steps soft, unaware of what I was about to do.

I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. She stiffened, shocked by my sudden embrace. Leaning close, my voice brushed against her ear:
"Aaj aapne apna zyada samay Vikram ke saath bitaya. Hume koi takleef nahi hai ki aap sab ke saath waqt guzarti ho... lekin hume toh bhul gayi. Humara kya?"

I turned her gently, her hands resting against my bare chest. Pulling her closer, I pressed a kiss — not on her lips, but at the corner of her mouth. Her blush deepened instantly, painting her face with a color I had never seen before.

I whispered, my voice low and filled with emotion:
"You know... jab tum meri zindagi mein nahi thi, tab mera koi favorite colour nahi tha. Lekin ab hai. Yeh rang jo tumhare chehre par aata hai... sirf meri wajah se. Tum isme bohot cute lagti ho... aur kissable."

Her eyes lowered, her blush spreading, and I held her tighter, knowing that in this moment, she was mine — not as part of any alliance, not as a teammate, but as the woman who carried my heart.

I lifted her gently in my arms, bridal style, feeling how small and delicate she was against me. Carrying her to the bed, I laid her down softly, then slid beside her. My arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer until her face rested against my chest.

I pulled the blanket over us, covering her like I was shielding her from the entire world. In my embrace, she looked so tiny, so fragile — yet so completely mine. I kissed her forehead, lingering there for a moment, letting her know she was safe.

My hand moved to her hair, patting her head slowly, rhythmically, like I was calming her heartbeat. She didn't resist; she melted into me, her blush still warm on her cheeks.

Inside, I thought: "This is where you belong. Not in anyone's team, not in anyone's game. Just here, in my arms. Protected. Loved. Mine."

stay tuned for next chapter

bye

lots of love from your

author ikku