"I know what you're thinking."
Rei Ao spoke up suddenly, a faint smile in his voice.
"You think this kind of deal is humiliating… shameful?"
Hina didn't answer, which was as good as admitting it.
"But this deal—whether it's the first time or the tenth—doesn't change in essence."
He turned his head and flashed her a grin.
There was something wild and boyish in that smile.
"Honestly, I'm too strong. One time probably won't be enough."
"And—"
He deliberately dragged out the word.
"The changes will benefit you even more. Your constitution will strengthen. Your lifespan will be longer."
"After my 'adjustments,' you'll become a true chosen girl."
"You won't have to fear the rain anymore, and you won't grow weak just because the skies clear."
It all sounded like pure fantasy.
But the miracle—rain stopping in an instant—had just happened right in front of her.
Hina stared at him.
Sunlight fell into his dark eyes, glittering like scattered gold.
So confident. So calm.
As if everything in the world was firmly in his grasp.
And the scales in her heart finally tipped completely.
"I… understand."
She took a deep breath and lifted her face.
There was still fear in her eyes, but there was resolve now, too.
"I'll go with you."
So what if he… checked thoroughly a few more times?
She could—she could accept that.
And besides… the group owner was really good-looking.
Even brighter than the celebrities on TV.
The smile in Rei Ao's eyes deepened, like spring wind melting ice on a lake.
"A smart choice."
He turned first and walked toward the rooftop exit.
His white shirt fluttered slightly in the wind.
"Let's go."
Hina followed in small steps, gripping the handle of her umbrella tightly.
Her heart was still pounding like a drum.
The heat in her cheeks hadn't faded.
But when she looked up at the sky—washed clean and vividly blue—that heavy oppression she'd carried for so long…
was truly gone.
The elevator was cramped, with only the two of them inside.
A light, clean fragrance spread through the air—she couldn't tell if it was him, or the freshness after the rain.
Hina kept her head down, staring at the tips of her shoes, afraid to move.
It was so quiet she could hear her own heartbeat.
"You're nervous?"
Rei Ao asked suddenly, his voice unusually clear in the small space.
"N-no!"
Hina looked up in a panic—and collided with his smiling eyes.
That look seemed to say: You obviously are.
"Relax."
Rei Ao chuckled, lazy and unhurried.
"I'm not going to eat you."
He paused, then added slowly:
"At most… I'll just do a careful check."
Hina's face turned red again, but she couldn't help sneaking a glance at his profile.
Sharp features. A tall nose bridge.
And when she looked closely, his eyelashes were long—like small fans when they lowered.
"Um…"
She spoke softly.
"Will the… changes hurt?"
Rei Ao turned his head, looking at her with mild surprise, as if he hadn't expected that question.
"It'll be a little intense."
He thought for a moment, choosing his words.
"But more than that, it's an experience you've never had before—like opening the door to a whole new world."
The elevator chimed as it reached the first floor.
The doors slid open, and bright daylight poured in.
The world outside was already different.
The pooled water had receded. The streets were clean.
Pedestrians wore smiles; children splashed at the edge of shallow puddles.
Sparrows chirped on the branches, as if celebrating a long-lost sunny day.
It was as though everyone had forgotten the downpour that had just ended.
Everything looked freshly washed by rain—her mood included.
As she stepped out of the building, Hina couldn't help turning back to look at the rooftop.
So high. So far away.
Standing on the edge just moments ago felt like a lifetime ago.
Rei Ao stepped out first, and Hina followed close behind.
"The hotel's up ahead."
Hina looked where he pointed and saw a luxurious hotel standing beside the street.
Its exterior was exquisite, the glass façade sparkling under the sun.
They walked into the hotel. The receptionist greeted them warmly.
Rei Ao gave the reservation number. After confirming it, the receptionist handed him a keycard.
"Sir, miss, enjoy your stay."
Hina followed Rei Ao into the elevator and pressed the floor button.
The elevator rose quickly, and the view outside shifted nonstop.
Hina looked out at the city, emotions surging in her chest.
Just minutes ago, everything had been drowning in water—now it was bright with sunshine.
All of it… was done by the man standing right in front of her.
When the doors opened, Rei Ao used the keycard and found the right room.
He unlocked the door, stepped aside, and let Hina enter first…
"After you."
Hina hesitated, then still walked in.
The room was spacious.
Lavishly decorated.
And the view was beautiful.
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, she could see a rainbow in the distance over the bustling city.
Rei Ao closed the door and sat down by the sofa.
"Sit wherever you like. Don't be shy."
Hina sat on the sofa opposite him, back straight, still tense.
Rei Ao looked at how stiff she was and found it a little amusing.
"Want something to drink? Coffee or tea?"
"N-no, thanks."
Hina shook her head.
She wasn't in the mood for anything—her mind was full of the "deal" that was about to begin.
Rei Ao didn't push. He nodded.
"Then let's start."
He stood and walked toward her.
Hina instinctively shrank back a little, fear flickering in her eyes.
Rei Ao stopped and said gently, "Don't be afraid. It won't hurt."
He raised a hand, palm facing her.
Hina saw a faint golden glow bloom across his palm.
"Relax your body. Don't resist."
Hina took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and forced herself to loosen up.
Rei Ao's hand moved slowly toward her forehead, and the golden light wrapped around her.
A warm force flowed into her, running along her meridians.
Hina felt as if something deep inside her body was being awakened.
The sensation was strange—like countless tiny ants crawling over her skin, a little itchy.
She almost wanted to laugh, but she held it in.
Rei Ao's voice sounded beside her ear, guiding her.
"Focus. Feel the power inside you."
"That's the source of a Sunshine Girl's power. I'll help you untangle it."
Hina did as he said, concentrating on the strength within.
She realized that what had been chaotic and messy was now becoming orderly.
Guided by Rei Ao, it circulated through her body in a steady loop.
With every cycle, Hina felt lighter—as if some invisible weight was lifting.
The sunlight outside seemed warmer, pouring through the glass and settling over her.
Hina felt her connection to the sky growing closer…
~~~
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