A New Dawn Together

Their connection was stronger than ever, their closeness weaving heart and energy together in a way no one noticed—except them. As the music filled the hall, Akihiko gently extended his hand toward Aiko:
“Princess… would you dance with me?”

Aiko shivered slightly, her heart leaping, but she smiled.
“Of course, Prince…”

As he took her hand, it felt as though their worlds had suddenly merged into one. Their movements were perfectly in sync, each step full of tenderness and memories. Aiko leaned against his shoulder, feeling his heartbeat, warmth, and security.

Every glance, every touch spoke more than words ever could—passion, longing, and love that could not be contained. The music and the soft laughter of the guests created the backdrop for their silent promise: no matter the dangers and challenges, they would always be together.

As Akihiko and Aiko danced, Mika and Naoru followed in their playful waltz, bringing smiles to both of them. Akihiko laughed.
“I’ve always felt their connection, but they were always like cat and dog… look at them now.”

Aiko glanced at them and smiled faintly.
“It’s so lovely to see them together. And watching them makes me feel that anything is possible—even laughter after all the dangers we’ve faced.”

Akihiko gently squeezed her hand.
“Look, Princess… this is the world we’ve fought for. And now that everyone is safe, we can finally… enjoy it.”

Aiko leaned slightly into him, their closeness perfect. The music and light of the hall enveloped them, their energies blending with the space, creating a sense of peace, happiness, and safety—a moment that belonged only to them.

Morning at Akarihoshi was calm and sunny. Sunlight gently streamed through the windows of their room, illuminating the soft hues of Aiko’s gown and Akihiko’s uniform fabric, which they had set aside. They awoke slowly, still wrapped in the softness of the moment.

Akihiko turned his head slightly toward Aiko, noticing how the morning light kissed her reddish-brown hair. Her eyes slowly opened, full of serenity and a faint smile. Her hand rested near his, as if unwilling to break contact.

“Good morning, Princess,” Akihiko whispered, his voice soft and tender. His hand moved slightly, gently brushing her hair from her face once more.

Aiko smiled, slightly blushing, and gently squeezed his hand.
“Good morning, Prince,” she replied softly, as if each word were a special moment.

They remained like that for a few more moments, silent, yet communicating more than words could—heartbeats matching, every breath full of trust, closeness, and unspoken emotions. Akihiko tilted his head slightly and pulled her closer, their faces almost touching, without hurry, perfectly in harmony.

Aiko slowly rested her shoulder against his, feeling the warmth and strength that protected her.
“Yesterday… it all felt like a dream,” she whispered. “And now… we’re here, together.”

Akihiko gently squeezed her hand and nodded slightly.
“I always knew nothing could separate us. Everything we’ve endured, all the dangers… have only made us stronger.”

The breeze drifted softly through the open window, morning light replacing the moon, filling the room with warmth and tranquility. Aiko leaned even closer to him, his presence calming her while also instilling the feeling that the world—despite past dangers—was now safe and full of hope.

Akihiko turned his head slightly and kissed a strand of her hair, his touch a gentle promise that he would always be there.
“I’ll never let you go, Princess,” he whispered. Her eyes sparkled with joy, her heart leaping, and in that secret moment, she felt perfect connection.

Aiko drifted back into his embrace, their breaths synchronized, the space around them becoming a small, private world where time was frozen, and only their love and safety mattered.

Every minute of the morning was precious—gentle touches, quiet laughter, short words, and smiles that said more than anything else. No past, no danger, no visitor from the world could intrude upon their small haven.

When they finally rose, still embraced and hands intertwined, they were ready to start a new day—not just as a married couple, but as two who had built a home in each other. The world around them still brimmed with magic, but now it seemed that anything was possible as long as they stayed together.

Morning slowly awoke over Akarihoshi, sunlight reflecting off the golden towers of the castle. The breakfast hall was already filled with a gentle liveliness—King Kaito and Queen Hanae sat calmly at the long table, while Naoru and Mika exchanged subtle glances, carefully hiding their closeness. Akihiko and Aiko descended the stairs, still slightly dreamy and in each other’s arms, as if the night had carried them through a dream.

Akihiko helped Aiko to her seat; she squeezed his hand gratefully as she sat. The breeze flicked the curtains slightly, and the air was filled with peace and warmth—as if all past dangers, all dark forces, were forgotten for a moment.

As Akihiko turned toward Naoru and Mika, a playful smile lit his eyes.
“Hm… Naoru,” he said teasingly, “Mika… when will your wedding be? Now that I’m married to Aiko, it seems someone else has to restore the balance.”

Mika immediately blushed, trying to hide her face with her hand, but failed—her laugh shone through. Naoru quickly swallowed the coffee he had just lifted to his lips, blushing to his ears.
“O-oh… um… Akihiko! That’s… um… too early for breakfast,” he muttered, attempting to divert attention, while the whole hall watched the slightly awkward tension.

Akihiko only smiled faintly, as if enjoying their embarrassment, then looked at Aiko:
“At least breakfast will be memorable for them today.”

Mika gently pulled Naoru under the table, as if to hide their closeness, but Naoru was already caught in the eyes of everyone present, his expression clearly saying: “Just not now!”

Aiko quietly laughed and squeezed Akihiko’s hand under the table:
“Thank you for revealing secrets at breakfast.”

The breeze played with the curtains, and sunlight illuminated every corner of the hall. Everyone present felt the subtle playfulness, but also the warmth surrounding the newlyweds, while Naoru and Mika inadvertently held hands under the table—hidden, yet still noticed by Akihiko.