Her voice was quiet. Steady.
"Not yet. You're right, Kimiko-san. He doesn't deserve the pain this would cause him right now." She paused. "And we're not strong enough yet to survive what would happen after."
Natalia turned to me. Something passed between us in that look. An understanding that went deeper than words.
"When the time comes, I will be the one to tell him. When we're ready. When we're untouchable." She lifted her chin. "That's my choice."
Kimiko stared at Natalia like she'd never seen her before either.
"You understand what you're committing to," Kimiko said slowly. "Both of you. This isn't some romantic story where love conquers all. The world is cruel to people like you. The VHC. The guilds. The media. They will tear you apart if they sense weakness."
"Let them try." Natalia's hand was steady in mine now. "We'll be ready."
