A Heart’s Declaration

Rei found Akihiro in the hallway and asked, “Have you found Aihana?”

Akihiro nodded. “Yes. She’s resting now.”

Rei studied him for a moment, noticing something different in Akihiro’s eyes—sparks of resolve, a new determination glowing faintly, like embers in a twilight sky. “So… what now? How will you move forward?”

Akihiro glanced toward the hall. “Where are the King and Queen?”

Rei replied, “They’re waiting inside the room, where you left them. They’re happy to see you okay again.”

Akihiro’s expression softened, but his tone carried weight. “Thanks to Aihana. I owe her my life.”

Rei nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “She really pulled through. Strong… and even capable of wielding wings. Love does amazing things.”

Akihiro’s eyes hardened slightly, glinting with determination. “That’s why I can’t ever let her slip from my hands again.”

Rei studied him, a teasing glint in his eye. “Finally… I thought you might yield to duty and obligation.”

Akihiro met his gaze, calm and resolute. “Come. I have a decisive talk to have with my parents.”

Akihiro entered the room with Rei by his side. The King and Queen sat, composed but radiant with relief that Akihiro was safe. His mother, the Queen, rose and embraced him, while his father, the King, placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

“You scared us,” the King said quietly.

Akihiro met their gaze steadily, his own resolve shining through. “Father, Mother, I cannot accept this engagement,” he said calmly but firmly. “If it comes down to it, I will decline the throne… or even renounce my angelic life entirely. I will not be forced into a future that goes against my heart.”

The King and Queen exchanged glances, their expressions unyielding. “Akihiro, you must consider—”

He interrupted, his voice unwavering. “I have considered everything. I will not sacrifice what I feel for duty or protocol. My decision is final. Aihana is my life, and together, we will overcome every obstacle that comes our way.”

Rei nodded approvingly, standing firmly by his side.

The room fell silent for a moment as the King and Queen weighed his words. Finally, after a long pause, they softened. The Queen sighed, and the King’s shoulders relaxed.

“Very well, Akihiro,” the King said, a hint of pride in his voice. “We see your determination… and your heart. If this is truly what you choose, we will not stand in your way.”

The Queen nodded, a gentle smile gracing her face. “We trust your judgment. Go… and protect what matters most to you.”

Akihiro exhaled, a weight lifted, while Rei stood quietly beside him, a small smile of relief touching his lips. The path ahead would be challenging, but at last, Akihiro’s resolve had been acknowledged and his heart honored.

With the crisis finally over and the immediate dangers subdued, Akihiro took the next step. Recognizing the courage and devotion of the Guardians—especially Aihana—he began organizing a celebration in their honor, a heartfelt gesture of gratitude for their bravery. Rei remained at his side, helping to coordinate every detail with precision and care. Decorations glimmered with subtle magical luminescence, a feast was planned, and every element was arranged to ensure the Guardians felt truly appreciated for their sacrifices.

Meanwhile, Ayame finally found the courage to confront Akihiro. She approached quietly, her expression tense yet sincere.

“Akihiro… I’m sorry,” she began, her voice trembling slightly. “I… I almost caused you to lose your life. All of this… it’s because of me.”

Akihiro studied her for a moment, but there was no anger in his eyes. Instead, he stepped closer, his presence calm and reassuring, faint golden light rippling subtly around him.

“I’m not angry, Ayame,” he said gently. “You’ve done more than you realize. What matters is that you’re here now, safe. And that you trust yourself, just as I trust you.”

Ayame exhaled, relief washing over her. “I… I was going to resign from my position as Captain. I thought it might be safer… easier.”

Akihiro closed the distance and wrapped her in a gentle, protective embrace. “No,” he murmured. “I would never want you to step down. You are strong, decisive, and capable. I trust you—believe in you. Don’t give up on yourself.”

For the first time in days, a genuine smile graced Ayame’s face. She felt the weight lift from her shoulders, the reassurance in Akihiro’s words settling deep in her chest.

“I… I won’t betray your trust,” she whispered, her voice firm. “I will continue to stand by you, no matter what.”

Akihiro released her just enough to look her in the eyes, quiet pride in his expression. “I know you won’t. That’s why I never gave up on you.”

And for Ayame, in that moment, all the fear, self-doubt, and love she had carried for Akihiro seemed lighter.

The Guardians had no idea that Akihiro and Rei were quietly planning something special. Aihana was still recovering, her energy fragile, waking occasionally only to drift back into sleep shortly after.

Meanwhile, Akihiro had made a discreet request to the Queen. He asked her to prepare dresses for each of the Guardians, designs that would make them look like princesses. Each dress reflected the wearer’s element: fire, wind, water, earth, and light—personalized to symbolize their unique powers and personalities, a subtle shimmer of magic enhancing each fabric.

In the midst of these preparations, Akihiro also commissioned a single, extraordinary piece: a ring forged from angelic metal, a betrothal ring for Aihana. The design was delicate yet strong, radiant yet understated—perfect for her.

Rei, overseeing the preparations, saw the ring and understood immediately. This was serious. Akihiro was making a promise, a commitment beyond duty or strategy. The realization brought a faint smile to Rei’s face. He had known Akihiro’s heart was determined, but seeing it manifested in such a tangible way made it undeniable.

That day, a few angels quietly delivered boxes into the girls’ living room. The girls looked at each other, completely puzzled.

At that moment, Aihana slowly emerged from her room. She was still weak, moving cautiously, but her steps were steady enough. She stopped and saw the girls in mild chaos, reading the names written on the boxes.

Kaori quickly approached, taking her hand. “Come, sit down on the couch. We got something,” she said.

Each box had a name carefully written on top. None of the girls knew what was inside. Mizuki picked up one of the boxes and held it under Aihana’s nose, teasing gently.

Aihana blinked, staring at the box.

Carefully, she opened it. Inside was a dress. Her eyes lit up with excitement. Soon, the other girls began opening their own boxes, discovering dresses of their own. In the next set of boxes were matching shoes, and in the third, jewelry.

Aihana, however, found a letter instead of jewelry. For the girl with wings, a delicate necklace with a butterfly charm seemed perfect. The girls exchanged knowing glances—they could tell it was Akihiro who had arranged it—but remained silent.

Shortly after, two women entered the girls’ sitting room. Angels, they announced calmly: “Get dressed. Afterwards, we will continue with makeup and hairstyles.”

The girls exchanged curious, anxious looks, whispering among themselves, wondering what was going on. The angels remained silent. One added softly, “It’s the prince’s orders.”

The girls’ curiosity deepened, imaginations running wild. Hikari suddenly remembered Akihiro’s words, “You’ll see…” She nudged Sora and whispered, “Could it be what Akihiro meant?”

Kaori moved closer, followed by Mizuki. Aihana was busy changing into her dress, oblivious to the girls’ hushed conversation. They all glanced at her, and Mizuki asked softly, “Could it be that Akihiro will actually… relent?”

Mizuki discreetly lifted her watch and called Rei, who was overseeing the final preparations with Akihiro.

“Rei?” she asked quietly.

“Yes, Mizuki?” Rei’s calm voice came through.

“Tell us everything. What’s going on? Nobody is saying a word,” Mizuki pressed.

Rei stepped slightly away from Akihiro and spoke with a gentle smile: “Tonight will be yours, girls. Just let yourselves go.”

After a pause, he added, “How is Aihana?”

“She’s fine,” Mizuki replied. “Still a little weak, but she’s okay.”

A few quiet seconds passed. Then Rei said, “Good. Because tonight, everything will fall into place…” and ended the call.

Mizuki paused, pondering what Rei had meant. Then she focused on the girls, gathering them together. Meanwhile, Aihana went to her room to retrieve the butterfly necklace.

Mizuki whispered to the girls: “Akihiro is planning something for Aihana… and we all just need to let ourselves go, because tonight… tonight is ours.”

The girls began changing into their dresses, each one more beautiful than the last. Every outfit seemed custom-made for a princess, perfectly tailored to reflect her element. Aihana, still carrying a hint of exhaustion, carefully adjusted her dress and admired the delicate butterfly necklace resting on her chest.

The angels guided them through the final touches, applying makeup and styling their hair with graceful precision. Each stroke and curl seemed to enhance their natural beauty, subtle sparks of magic dancing faintly in the air around them.

As the girls finished, they couldn’t stop looking—at themselves and each other. Their eyes sparkled with amazement. Kaori twirled lightly, watching her dress sway with every movement. Hikari smiled at Mizuki, who had perfectly complemented her outfit with delicate accessories. Sora giggled as she twirled, her wings shimmering softly in the warm light.

For a moment, time seemed to pause. Reflections of their elegant dresses, the soft magical glow of the room, and the angels’ careful touches made them feel as if they had truly stepped into a dream.

Even Aihana, still feeling the weight of recent events, couldn’t help but smile as she took in the sight of her friends, each looking like a princess from a storybook.