A feeling about to bloom

Rei and I launched into the attack; I threw a smoke screen to try to distract the monster. Rei struck from behind, but the monster was very cunning.
Rei pulled out a red dagger and rejoined the fight. I could feel an enormous mana radiating from that dagger.
Without hesitation, I grabbed my sword and charged. The monster tried to shield itself with its blade, but it received both of our attacks, causing an explosion. The blast sent all of us flying; when I turned, I saw Rei badly injured.
I realized my energy was running out, so I decided to finish this as quickly as possible. The monster, recovering from the explosion, stood up again, letting out a powerful roar.
Face-to-face with the beast, I remembered the dark man and… Kaseki. Bursting with rage, I charged.
“With this attack, I’ll defeat you,” I muttered with determination and fury.
Our swords clashed, releasing waves of power that shook the surrounding trees. The monster’s blade began to crack. With a roar of rage, I put all my strength into the strike, landing a direct blow that caused another explosion.
Rei woke up and saw the monster lying on the ground. With a satisfied smile, he said,
“Thank you… Kaoru,” before fainting again.
Aria and the others, stunned by the fight, asked me,
“How… how did you do that?!”
With a smile, I looked at Aria—then collapsed. I only heard the girls screaming, and after that… nothing.
When I woke up, I was in my room at the inn. Rei was still asleep on the other side. I got up, feeling a sharp pain in my chest. When I checked, I saw a dark mark.
I guess this is the price to pay, I said to myself, worried.
Suddenly Aria knocked at the door. Covering the mark, I told her to come in.
“I see you’re awake… that’s good,” she said, still worried. Without asking permission, she rushed over to hug me, tears in her eyes.
“What… what’s wrong? Did you get hurt?” I asked.
“No, it’s just that… I was so worried. I thought I’d lose you,” she said, crying.
Suddenly, a warm feeling welled up in me. Remembering Kiseki, I looked at Aria, realizing how much they resembled each other. Memories came back—when Kiseki and I were kids, playing at the park. Wanting to impress her, I climbed up the monkey bars.
“Be careful!” Kiseki said, worried.At that moment, I slipped and fell. When I got up, I saw Kiseki running toward me with tears in her eyes, saying the same words Aria had just said.
//Cough//… it was Rei, who had woken up and seen everything. Embarrassed, we quickly pulled away, and to cover it up we asked how he was feeling.
“Sorry to interrupt your romantic moment, but I’m hungry,” he said.
“I… I see, then let’s go down for dinner,” Aria exclaimed, still embarrassed.
When we went down to the dining hall, Lysbeth and Nara rushed over to me, worried.
“I want some of that affection too,” Rei muttered jealously.
A bit embarrassed, I asked about Piko, and right then he appeared, just as worried.
“Hey buddy, where were you all day?” I asked. His glow showed his concern.
After that, we all had dinner together. Once we finished, everyone went to bed. I went up to the rooftop, gazing at the stars as usual, when Piko came up, brushing against my face before lying down on my lap.
Looking at the starry sky, I sighed and said,
“Kiseki… there are so many things I wish I could tell you. And… and there’s something happening to me. When I see Aria, I see you, and it feels strange. I promise I’ll avenge your death, even if it costs me my life.”