Centra and Irid walked side by side, an unspoken tension lingering between them. But it wasn’t an unpleasant one—far from it.
Their racing hearts were proof of that.
It was a fleeting awkwardness, born from the thrill of reunion and the overwhelming disbelief of this unexpected miracle.
A single spark would be enough to make it disappear. But that spark wasn’t easy to find. Their thoughts were tangled, and their emotions tossed about like a ship caught in a storm. Only one thing remained unchanged—love.
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Their hands hovered near each other, swaying hesitantly like the ebb and flow of waves.
Irid reached out but hesitated, afraid that touching her might wake him up from this fragile dream.
Centra, too, reached for his trembling hand but faltered, wondering if it was okay for someone like her—who wasn’t even truly alive— to hold him.
If only I could take that trembling hand and feel its warmth, I would give even this heart of mine.
If only I could grasp that tense hand and share its warmth, I could smile… even if I disappeared after this day was over. Then, as if the world itself had read their conflicted hearts—
A sudden downpour crashed down on them.
SWOOOOSH ──!!
The rain fell in thick, heavy sheets, washing away the silence like ink spilled over a blank page. The cold drops stung as they hit their skin, almost painful.
Without thinking, Irid grabbed Centra’s hand and pulled her along. There had to be an awning nearby, to take shelter from the rain.
“⋯⋯Rain? Centra, quickly, this way!”
“Wait, Irid. This rain⋯⋯.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯?”
“It stopped.”
As suddenly as it had come, the rain vanished—gone in a mere ten seconds, like a lie.
What remained was the warmth of their tightly joined hands.
Only then did Centra realize the Creator’s true intention. He had told her to walk only in open spaces for the first few minutes of their reunion. Now she understood why. He must have predicted the initial awkwardness and sent the rain as a gift.
She silently offered a brief prayer of thanks.
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Centra wiggled her fingers slightly. Feeling the movement, Irid finally registered the sensation of her hand in his. And with that realization—he knew. She was real. She was here. They had truly reunited.
Heat rushed to his face, and he turned away, struggling to hide his joyful expression.
Centra let out a small, relieved smile. Though considerable time had passed since the session ended, Irid was still Irid.
His demeanor had become a bit more mature, his face more handsome and manly, and he had grown slightly taller.
But he was still her Irid—the one who wore his emotions plainly on his face at the slightest teasing.
“After so long apart⋯⋯ doesn’t it feel like a waste? Irid.”
“⋯⋯What does?”
“The chance to look at each other. To feel each other. You’re at a loss if you keep turning your eyes away like that. I even wore a pretty white blouse today for Irid⋯⋯ eht!”
White clothes.
Of course, the rain had soaked her clothes and they had turned see-through. When Centra looked down slightly to check, she could see her black brassiere showing underneath.
So that’s why the Creator was so insistent on me wearing white!
Nervously, Centra turned to look at Irid with a bright red face. He was looking even further away than before, his face twice as red.
He saw it already.
When she had said, I dressed up for you, so look at me… he had definitely seen it⋯⋯!
Her hands shot up, covering her chest and she said primly.
“⋯⋯You’re still quite the pervert, Irid.”
“Centra, you told me to look⋯⋯!”
“You could have looked at my face first, but your eyes went straight to my chest. I wanted you to notice, but still⋯⋯ being that obvious is kind of embarrassing, don’t you think?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Irid hung his head, as if he had just been hit by a powerful punch.
And in that moment, both of them thought the same thing—
Yes, this was right.
This was them.
Even after a year apart—all of this—it had been waiting for them all along. The excitement of wandering the city together on the eve of a festival. It became as clear as the scent of freshly bloomed flowers.
And if today was a continuation of that time…
There was no need to hesitate or be awkward anymore.
Centra looped her arms around Irid’s, pulling him close. As the soft sensation increased with more contact with its surface area, Irid floundered helplessly before he awkwardly adjusted his stance.
Then, she broke the silence.
“I don’t know much about this world. So⋯⋯ if you don’t mind, would you like to show me around? I want to see Irid’s world together.”
“⋯⋯As much as you want. I have already made the perfect plans.”
“You didn’t even know if we’d be able to meet again. But you already⋯⋯ planned out a date?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
I feel the same way, Irid. Living in the simulation, there wasn’t a single moment I didn’t think of you. Instead of voicing these inner thoughts, she simply smiled brightly.
“⋯⋯I’m so happy, Irid!”
“Me, too. So happy I wish this moment could last forever.”
They gazed at each other, their unfinished story resuming from where it had left off. And as they walked forward—hand in hand—it was as if they had become one.
===============================================================
“How about these clothes? You can’t walk around in wet ones.”
“Uhhm… isn’t this too baggy? It’ll get in the way when I’m climbing walls, and you won’t even be able to see my body at all in this?”
“⋯⋯I don’t want others seeing my gem.”
“It’s yours, so it’s fine.”
===============================================================
“⋯⋯Isn’t this a bit, expensive? Irid.”
“Have you forgotten? I’m an Imperial Prince. I could buy this entire dessert shop without a second thought. I want you to understand that I am already holding myself back.”
“But wasting money is still bad?”
“You’re being too frugal. Don’t worry about my wallet. By the way, this madeleine is delicious. Here, let me feed you. Open your⋯⋯.”
===============================================================
Irid and Centra fully immersed themselves in the festival taking place in the Holy City. There happened to be many sights to see.
As it happened, the Tournament of 『Courage』 had recently ended, and the city was celebrating with a grand parade, featuring two newly selected Hero candidates riding atop a carriage.
“Thank you for your support, citizens! I, Cicel Yurensto, will uphold the honor of a Hero candidate. Though… I suddenly recall hearing rumors about how entertaining the masked performances are in that bar’s basement⋯⋯.”
“Everyone, the tournament was rigged! I’m not someone who should be a Hero candidate⋯⋯ eumph! Mmph!”
From the balcony of a third-floor café, Irid and Centra had a perfect view of the magnificent procession.
Such a prime location would typically require reservations well in advance. But with an Imperial Prince’s wealth, all problems had a way of magically disappearing.
“That knight, Cicel Yurensto, was one of my sister’s subordinates. The reason she’s here in the Holy City is⋯⋯.”
“Heeh⋯⋯.”
He told her many stories. This time, unlike a century into the future, Irid was the one introducing her to this world.
From the everyday routines of noble life to the weird behaviors of Crazy Wizard, he told her all sorts of stories. But what Centra was interested in the most was Irid’s personal life.
She wanted to know everything—the time he woke up to handle official duties, the little moments that colored his daily life, the fleeting incidents he barely thought about. She listened to it all with bright, fascinated eyes, absorbing every word with unwavering focus.
Before they realized it, the sun had begun to set.
Time had passed so quickly that it almost felt like an illusion. A comfortable silence settled between them as they watched the horizon tinged in red.
The warm red glow cast soft shadows over Centra’s profile. As its reflection shimmered in her ocean-blue eyes, Irid found himself momentarily lost, feeling as though he were standing by the sea.
But beyond that beauty⋯⋯
Irid saw hope in Centra’s eyes. He could also sense something deeper—impatience, hesitation and regret.
Until now, he had deliberately avoided thinking about it. But the moment had come. He gathered his courage and asked.
“⋯⋯Centra. May I ask how you’re here?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Centra hesitated for a moment before recalling the explanation the Creator had given her. The Creator had insisted on keeping Irid’s misconception intact—at least until Centra could become a ‘complete life form.’
She could tell him now… but she had also been warned that if she did, Irid might track them down with a war hammer and smash their skull open. Confessing after giving him a big gift, the Creator had advised, would probably lessen the punishment.
Centra let out a soft smile before answering.
“Cre⋯⋯ no, Mr. Wizard said. Said that time travel was still in development.
“⋯⋯This isn’t, the end?”
“No. He said Irid doesn’t need to worry about time paradoxes⋯⋯ the kind where your actions here could change the future. Something about parallel worlds. If you want the full details, he said to find your ‘present’ self⋯⋯.”
“Tell me exactly. How long can you stay? And when⋯⋯ when can I see you again?”
She could hear the desperation in his voice.
“One day. When today ends⋯⋯ I have to go back. And after that, no one knows.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Centra was both overjoyed and heartbroken by his longing. Because she felt the same. Because one day was far too short. Because parting was unbearable.
And yet, just this half a day together had been enough to make her dizzy with happiness.
Their throats felt parched, as if they had swallowed seawater, yet no amount of words could quench this thirst. If possible, they never wanted to be apart again. They both were thinking the same thing.
Their hands, resting on their knees, slowly intertwined—gripping tightly, as if refusing to let go. But there would be a next time.
Centra squeezed Irid’s hand and met his gaze, her voice carrying a quiet promise. This would not be their last meeting.
“⋯⋯One day. I will return. If you just wait for me, Irid—definitely.”
“I shall wait. Until death. Even beyond death.”
“⋯⋯I’d be sad if you looked at someone else in the meantime.”
“Then take my tongue. This vow will never change.”
His voice was steady—unyielding, like steel forged in fire, so steadfast it seemed it would never break.
Centra answered not with words, but with her eyes—overflowing with affection, letting him see that he was her one and only.
After their silent oath was sealed.
“⋯⋯We still have half a day left, shall we enjoy it a bit more?”
“Yes. There are still mountains of things I want to do, so much I want to show you.”
Hand in hand, they rose to their feet. This wasn’t the time to just sit around. Time flew relentlessly, and no matter how certain the future felt, parting would always leave regrets. They had to make every moment count.
As Irid led her forward, a thought crossed his mind.
“Did Crazy Wizard mention any way for us to meet sooner?”
“There was one. ‘To save her, I need a Dragon Heart’⋯⋯.”
Irid’s mind raced. A Civil War scenario for a quick abdication was rapidly forming in his head. Since the Dragon Heart belonged to the Emperor.
First—if he removed Redburn’s head⋯⋯.
“I will bring it right now. I shall ascend the throne immediately and—“
“N-No! It was a joke, Irid! A joke! It’s not something that’s needed right now—it has to happen a hundred years from now!”
Centra barely managed to stop him from launching a coup.
===============================================================
The rest of the evening was filled with laughter. Their meal stretched on longer than usual, as they took turns feeding each other.
They attended a performance at an underground theater that had recently become famous, singing along with the rabbit-masked woman’s songs, letting happiness melt the hours away.
Then, the sun disappeared below the horizon.
Stars emerged.
Usually, these stars were gentle lights illuminating the night. But tonight, they felt cruel. If only they had waited just a little longer—just enough for the couple to steal a few more precious moments together.
Step. Step.
They walked through a dark alley, wrapped in silence. The third silence of the day. A hush born from their regret about parting.
At that moment— Pororong.
A butterfly flew past.
Before Centra even realized it, a grappling gun had materialized in her hand. A gift. Perhaps from the merciful Goddess who had taken in the NPCs. The opposite of the Creator. Had she been watching?
Centra nudged Irid’s side.
“Irid?”
“⋯⋯That is.”
She aimed the grappling gun toward the top of the building.
Wheeee-! Click!
The hook shot forward, securing itself around a spire on the opposite side. Centra tugged the rope twice to check its hold before turning to Irid with a playful smile.
“Ready?”
“⋯⋯Yes, I am ready.”
“Doesn’t seem like it. We’re crossing together⋯⋯ you know?”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
Centra patted her waist. Irid swallowed hard, suppressing the overwhelming emotions threatening to burst from his chest as he carefully wrapped his arms around her. They were close. So close, he could smell the faint scent of rosemary.
“More, closer.”
“We’re already close together enough⋯⋯.”
“Eueueung, No. A little more. Hold me tight—tight enough that I can’t slip awayanymore.”
“⋯⋯Alright.”
Squeeze. They pressed together, leaving no space between them—not even a gap for regret to seep in. Then— swoosh —their bodies lifted as the rope coiled, carrying them skyward.
Flying between buildings, rising higher and higher.
Their destination was the top of the spire.
Centra carefully guided Irid to sit beside her. She had been thinking about this all along—this would be the perfect place for their date to end.
There was no ticking sound, unlike in the session, but they both felt it. Time was running out.
Back in the bunker where NPCs had gathered, Centra had been worried greatly. Irid was an Imperial Prince—someone who had a duty to leave behind descendants. And she was nothing more than a cluster of information, not even human to begin with.
Can someone like me even love him?
Even now, after the Creator had granted her one night’s excursion, she kept worrying.
But now, she knew. She couldn’t let go of this love. If just a single day of simple joys had made her this happy… Then what about a lifetime?
Building a home together. Raising children. Falling asleep side by side. Waking up to his sleepy face in the morning— What a happy life that would be
Just imagining it made her heart feel as if it would explode.
But above all—
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
How could she possibly reject the love of a man who loved her so completely?
She remembered their unfinished kiss. The moment before their lips could meet, Irid had disappeared. A regret that had remained with both of them ever since. So this time—
Centra slowly closed her eyes.
A silent request.
Irid understood. A joy so overwhelming, it felt as if he had been given the entire world swelled within his chest.
As if handling the most delicate sugar glass, he softly cupped her cheek—
And then…
“⋯⋯Heut.”
“────.”
Their lips met.
Long, but short.
When their lips parted, a thin strand of silver saliva shimmered between them. What burned in their gazes was an even stronger fire.
Had they been granted just a little more time… Maybe they would have spent the night in the same bed.
But⋯⋯ rustle. Rustle.
Centra’s body had already begun to dissolve.
Time was cruel. Always too fast.
But even if they had been given a thousand hours—would it have been enough? Even with ten thousand, would they not have still wished for more?
So—
What needed to be said in this moment wasn’t goodbye. Because they had found each other again. Because this wasn’t the end.
At the same time—
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
Tears of regret welled at the corners of their eyes, but they carried a promise for the future.
“──Because I love you, let’s⋯⋯ meet again, Irid!”
“I will wait, even in death, Centra⋯⋯!”
Boong ──!
⋯⋯⋯⋯.
And then—
Only one remained where the promise had been made.
When the bell struck twelve, the princess who had been granted a fleeting moment of life melted away into illusion.
But this time, it was different. This time, they had made a promise.
So.
When a certain wizard made flowers bloom once more—
They would meet again.
***
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