Magic in Motion

One of the angels entered the living room and approached the girls. “Follow me,” she said.

Mizuki and Sora gently took Aihana’s hands, supporting her so she wouldn’t overexert herself as they moved.

They walked down the corridor, each step measured, until they reached one of the entrances to the Grand Hall. The doors opened, revealing Daichi, Kaito, Rei, Akihiro, and another angel, all dressed in perfectly tailored uniforms that radiated authority and a subtle, almost supernatural elegance.

Aihana froze. Her chest tightened, and a small gasp escaped her lips at the sight of Akihiro. There he was—tall, calm, and commanding—yet something about him felt different tonight, almost attuned to her own energy. The air between them hummed faintly, like electricity teasing her skin.

Mizuki noticed her attention and felt her cheeks warm. She stole a glance at Rei, and for a brief moment, her expression glimmered with awe and nervous excitement. The atmosphere shimmered, charged not with tension, but with something delicate and electric, a mixture of anticipation, admiration, and subtle magic that seemed to swirl around them.

Rei stepped forward. “You all look absolutely stunning.”

Mizuki blushed. “We could say the same about you.” Their eyes met for a heartbeat, a small spark passing between them, before Rei continued.

“Each of you will be paired with a companion.”

Sora’s brow furrowed. “Wait… what’s going on?”

Rei smiled, calm and knowing. “Soon, Sora… very soon.”

He gestured. Daichi moved toward Sora, Kaito toward Kaori, the angel Haruto toward Hikari, and Rei approached Mizuki. Then his gaze shifted to Aihana, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. “It seems Akihiro is left for you.”

Aihana’s knees threatened to buckle. If she could vanish into the floor, she would have.

Akihiro stepped forward, eyes fixed on hers. Each movement deliberate, each step carrying an almost tangible gravity. Aihana struggled to meet his gaze, yet she couldn’t entirely look away. Her chest throbbed as if responding to some silent rhythm he had set.

“Are you feeling better?” he asked softly, his voice smooth and grounding.

Aihana finally lifted her eyes, catching the concern there. “I’m… fine. I just… I still don’t have much energy.”

Each angel took their assigned Guardian by the hand, guiding them lightly.

Akihiro’s gaze never left her. He noticed the subtle glow that now emanated from her—warm, radiant, almost ethereal. She was glowing softly, a gentle aura pulsing around her. He said nothing, allowing a small, knowing smile to brush his lips. He understood exactly what it meant, yet he didn’t break the moment with words.

He leaned slightly closer. “May I?”

Aihana nodded, voice barely a whisper. “What… what’s happening, Akihiro?”

“Tonight,” he said, calm and certain, “is your evening.”

The girls, accompanied by the angels, descended the grand staircase. The hall shimmered with magical light, the chandeliers casting fractured rainbows across the polished floor. Akihiro and Aihana followed at the end, every beat of their hearts somehow syncing, an invisible tether of warmth and unspoken understanding stretching between them.

The king rose, voice echoing through the hall. “This is a celebration for the Guardians. You have restored balance, and you deserve recognition.”

His eyes landed on Aihana. “A very special thanks goes to the Guardian of Love… Aihana, who saved our son, Akihiro, and conquered Ravukaru.”

Aihana froze, heart trapped in her throat. All eyes were on her. Heat crept up her neck as every muscle tightened with embarrassment and awe.

Akihiro’s gaze held her, unflinching. Soft, intense, filled with gratitude—and something more. The world shrank to just the two of them: the music, the lights, the crowd—all faded. The glow around Aihana intensified subtly, pulsing like a heartbeat of light.

The girls glanced at one another, eyes sparkling, smiles wide. Mizuki whispered to Sora, Hikari and Kaori, “Look at her… Aihana, she—she’s glowing.”

The king continued. “Thanks to your courage, strength, and unwavering heart, we are here today, united. Let this celebration honor you all.”

Applause erupted. Aihana’s pulse raced. She had done it—she had conquered Ravukaru, and she had saved Akihiro.

Soft, enchanting music began. Tonight, they would dance, if only for a few hours, the weight of the world fading with every note.

Each Guardian paired with their partner. When it was Aihana and Akihiro’s turn, the air around them seemed to hum with magic, her subtle glow reflecting in the crystal lights above. Her heart raced; she felt both small and infinite in his presence.

“Ready?” he whispered, voice calm but strong.

She nodded, inhaling deeply, body trembling.

He guided her into his arms. Their alignment was effortless, the rhythm of the music blending with the rhythm of their hearts. Her mind screamed to flee, yet her soul whispered to stay.

The hall melted away. Crystal lights shimmered like constellations, whispers of magic brushing against her skin. Akihiro’s warmth grounded her, steady and unwavering. Their hands intertwined, the faint glow of Aihana’s aura wrapping them in a bubble of light and intimacy.

Her pulse hammered. Why does my heart feel like it might explode? she thought. I want to run… but I can’t. I can’t leave him.

Her eyes lifted. He was watching—not judging, not demanding, just… understanding. Calm. Protective. Why does that make me feel so exposed? Her thoughts tumbled like waves against rocks.

Akihiro felt the tension, the quick rhythm of her heartbeat under his hand. She’s nervous… wants to flee, but stays. I won’t let her regret this. He adjusted their hold subtly, guiding with gentle authority.

Every spin, every tremble, every glance—she was perfect. I won’t let anything harm her. Even if it costs everything.

Aihana’s breath hitched.

Akihiro leaned closer, voice a low hum above the music. “You’re doing wonderfully… just as I knew you could.”

Her lips curved into a tentative smile.

The music swelled. Steps became fluid, natural, synchronized. The glow around her pulsed with every movement, soft and magical, weaving through the dance. He felt their connection deepen—silent, undeniable.

Aihana clung to him. 

The dance floor vanished, leaving only them, their steps, and the pulse of light and magic between their hearts.