Star shot up from his chair, his sudden movement startling everyone in the room.
"Aliana...?" his voice broke — a desperate whisper.
The heart monitor's rhythm slightly quickened.
Aliana's eyelids fluttered — struggling against their own weight. Her breathing grew a little heavier.
And then, finally — her eyes opened.
The room seemed to stop.
Her gaze — still blurry and unfocused — searched the ceiling, the lights, and then slowly drifted sideways... landing on Star.
"...Star?"
Her voice was hoarse, barely audible, but to Star — it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.
A sharp breath escaped his lips — part relief, part disbelief.
"You... you're awake," he choked out.
The friends rushed closer, but they kept their distance, giving Star and Aliana the moment they had been waiting for.
Aliana blinked a few times, struggling to fully process her surroundings. The pain in her body was overwhelming, but the sight of Star — his face pale with worry, his dark eyes shining with unshed tears — grounded her.
"You came for me," she whispered, a weak smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Star exhaled shakily.
"Of course, I did." His voice broke again. "I would have burned down the whole world to find you."
Aliana's eyes softened.
Her father cleared his throat, stepping forward. "Aliana..." His voice was rough, but there was a deep relief in his tone.
Aliana slowly turned her head, spotting her father and their friends standing by the wall.
"Dad..."
Tears welled up in her father's eyes — something Aliana hadn't seen in years. "You... you're safe now."
Jake, who found instant relief from his burden, rubbed his tears and chuckled softly. "Yeah... you scared the hell out of us."
Kade put up a slight grin. "But you're tough. I knew you'd pull through."
Eric just exchanged relaxed glances with Nia.
Luna wiped a tear from her eye, not able to believe the reality, said in a stuttered tone. "Welcome back.. Aliana. Thanks for not leaving...or...else I...I..would..have..."
Aliana's throat tightened, overwhelmed by the support and love in the room.
But her gaze returned to Star — who still hadn't let go of her hand. His grip was gentle, but firm, as though he was terrified she might slip away again.
She studied him — his tired face, the way his clothes were slightly disheveled, his dark hair a mess.
He hadn't left her side.
Not even for a second.
Her heart ached — not from the pain in her body, but from the sudden, undeniable realization of what she felt for him.
And what he felt for her.
Star's voice broke the silence again — soft, trembling:
"I thought I... lost you."
Aliana's fingers weakly squeezed his hand.
"I'm here, Star," she whispered. "You found me."
And for the first time in days — Star finally allowed himself to breathe.
The doctor stood at the foot of Aliana's hospital bed, his expression a mixture of astonishment and disbelief. His white coat shifted slightly as he crossed his arms, staring at the monitor that displayed Aliana's now steady — albeit weak — heartbeat.
"This... this is a miracle," the doctor finally said, his voice carrying the weight of his years of medical experience.
Everyone in the room, including Star, turned their gaze toward him.
"Miracle?" Aliana's father furrowed his brows. "What do you mean, doctor?"
The doctor shook his head softly. "With the trauma she's endured — the internal damage, the blood loss, and the severe exhaustion — her survival wasn't guaranteed. We prepared for the worst, especially when she showed no signs of waking for two days."
He paused, letting his words settle.
"But then... she woke up."
Star's grip on Aliana's hand unconsciously tightened — just a little — as though afraid she might slip away again.
The doctor looked at Star carefully. "It's an exceptional case — one of the rarest I've ever seen in my life. People in her condition don't just wake up like this."
The friends exchanged shocked glances, while Aliana's father seemed to be processing what the doctor was implying.
The doctor's gaze softened. "There's only one explanation I can come up with — and it's not scientific. It's emotional."
Star blinked. "Emotional?"
The doctor nodded. "It seems that the bond between the two of you — the emotions you both carry — played a role in her will to live."
A stunned silence settled over the room.
"The human heart and mind are more powerful than we can ever truly understand," the doctor continued. "Her will to survive was deeply connected to the people she loves — and from what I can see, especially you." He looked directly at Star.
Aliana's cheeks, despite her frail state, tinged a soft pink.
Star opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. His mind was caught between disbelief and a feeling that — deep down — he already knew the truth.
The doctor gave a small, reassuring smile. "I strongly advise you to continue staying by her side during her recovery. Whatever spark kept her alive — it's still burning, and it needs fuel. That fuel seems to be the presence of her loved ones — and most importantly, you."
Star, who had already refused to leave her side for two days straight, didn't need to be told twice.
"I'm not going anywhere," he said firmly, his voice steady now.
The doctor nodded. "Good. With consistent care and the emotional support of everyone here, she has a real chance at a full recovery."
Aliana's father — who had been standing stiffly this whole time — finally exhaled, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly.
Jake broke the silence with a soft chuckle. "Looks like you're stuck with Star for a while, Aliana."
Kade smirked. "Not like he was planning to leave anyway."
Luna giggled. "Yeah, it's more like we'll have to drag him out of here if we want him to sleep."
Nia gave a rare, gentle smile.
Eric meanwhile, dialed Henry's number on his phone.
Eric(calmly): "Hello it's me...Eric."
Henry(nervously, his body trembling beside May, expecting the worse): "Are they...okay?"
Eric: "Um..ah..."
Henry(even more stressed): "No way..don't tell me..they are."
May(sob-fully leaning on Henry):"What is he saying Henry? Is Aliana... in the World?"
Then-
Eric(half jokingly): "Yeah, just wanted to inform Aliana is having a live conference with Star and company."
Henry(serious): "It's not good to keep us worried like that."
Eric: "Oh! Just wanted to add some tension or it won't have been fun"
Henry disconnected at his face.
Then, he looked at May.
May(tensed):" What happened Henry? Did they...?"
Henry smiled and leaned on her as he pulled her in an embrace and whipered in her ear. "Aliana won her fight and is celebrating her victory with Star and others. We will be going too for celebrating the victory."
Tears fell from May's eyes.
It wasn't of sadness, rather it was of happiness.
She pulled herself out of the embrace as she leaned towards Henry again, touching his lips with hers.
Henry blushed in embarrassment even though no one was there.
May(crying with relief): "This.. this..means...We can still be together... all of us. Our child will grow up with them."
Henry (softly, relieved): "Yeah. We're still a family."
May then added in her usual cheery tone." I can't describe, how happy I am. I am..I..am feeling pretty energetic. Let's go there right this second."
Henry was pretty glad to see her back to her form.
_ _ _
Meanwhile...
Aliana, still weak but aware, gazed at Star with a soft, almost grateful look. "I... I'm glad you stayed."
Star met her eyes — those same, gentle eyes he had come to care for so deeply.
"I'll always stay," he replied, his voice quiet but unwavering.
And for the first time since the ordeal began — there was hope in the air
The hospital room fell into a calm silence, broken only by the soft beeping of the monitor tracking Aliana's heartbeat. The doctor, satisfied with the atmosphere of support, gave one last nod.
"I'll leave you all to it," he said. "Remember, the emotional bond you share is just as important as the medicine we provide. She'll heal faster with you here."
With that, he left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
Star hadn't let go of Aliana's hand once. His thumb gently traced over the back of her hand, as though reassuring himself she was truly there — awake and alive. His mind, however, was still swirling. He couldn't shake the image of her broken body, the blood, the chains, Roger's cruel laughter — it all kept playing over and over again like a haunting loop.
Aliana noticed the stiffness in his expression.
"Star..." she whispered softly.
He blinked, snapping out of his thoughts, and immediately softened his gaze. "Yes?"
Her lips quivered slightly, her voice hoarse from the pain. "I'm... okay now."
But Star shook his head, his jaw tight. "No, you're not. Look at you, Aliana... You were half dead when I found you. If I had been just a little later—"
His voice broke off.
Aliana gave a small, pained smile. "But you weren't late."
The friends exchanged looks — some of sympathy, others of silent relief. Even Aliana's father, who had been quietly standing in the corner, seemed less tense.
Kade clapped his hands lightly. "Alright! Let's not turn this into a crying session. Aliana's awake, and that's what matters."
Luna nodded, her eyes watery but her smile bright. "Exactly. She fought like a warrior back there, and now she's here, safe."
Jake smirked. "Though, let's be honest... the real monster was Star. Did you see him? Hypnotizing those guards like it was nothing. They didn't stand a chance."
Aliana's father finally spoke. "I saw it all." His voice was calm, but there was a strange undertone of awe — and perhaps, fear.
Star shifted uncomfortably, his mind flickering back to the moment he nearly killed Roger. The dark magic's hold over him had felt... different. Stronger. More violent.
Aliana, sensing his turmoil, squeezed his hand lightly despite her weakened state. "Star..."
He looked at her instantly, as if her voice alone was enough to ground him.
She smiled. "You saved me."
His throat tightened again.
"I just—" Star started, his voice breaking slightly. "I just didn't want to lose you... I couldn't lose you."
For a brief moment, the world around them faded. It was just Star and Aliana — two hearts that had silently carried feelings for years, only now beginning to surface.
Nia broke the silence softly. "We should give them some time alone."
Kade caught the hint. "Good idea."
Luna grinned. "Yeah, besides, I'm starving. Let's grab something from the cafeteria."
Jake chuckled. "Hope the food's not as bad as last time."
Even Aliana's father, though hesitant, gave a small nod. "I'll go with them."
Before leaving, he looked at Star. "Take care of her."
Star didn't hesitate. "Always."
And with that, the room was empty once more — leaving only Star and Aliana.
_ _ _
The silence was thick, but not uncomfortable. It was as if both were waiting for the other to say something — anything — to finally break the unspoken wall between them.
Aliana's fingers brushed lightly over Star's hand. "I really thought I wouldn't make it."
Star's heart ached at those words.
"Don't say that," he whispered. "You're here now."
She gazed at him, her voice soft but steady. "Because of you."
Their eyes locked — and for the first time, there was no more running from the truth.
"Star..." Aliana whispered. "I think... I've always felt something for you."
Star's heart pounded so loud he was sure she could hear it.
He opened his mouth to respond — but what would he say?
Would he finally tell her the feelings that had haunted him for years?
_ _ _
Star's heart was racing, his mind scrambling for words — the right words — but none seemed enough to convey everything he felt.
The way he had longed for Aliana's presence, the way he had worked himself to the bone trying to drown out his emotions — how could he possibly explain it all?
Aliana's gaze softened, waiting patiently despite the faint ache in her body.
"Star?" she whispered again.
He swallowed hard, his grip on her hand tightening just a bit. Finally, with a shaky breath, he spoke.
"I... I've felt something for you too," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "For years now. But I didn't know what to do with those feelings. I didn't know if they were right... or if you'd ever feel the same."
Aliana's lips parted in surprise, a tear slipping down her cheek — not from pain, but from the sheer weight of what he had just confessed.
"You... did?"
Star chuckled softly, though there was a sadness in his tone. "Of course I did. I tried to bury it — push it away — because I thought I had no right to feel this way about you. Especially after everything... with your parents, with Roger... with your life."
Aliana blinked back more tears. "But, Star... it's my life. Not theirs. Not Roger's. It's mine."
Her voice trembled slightly, but it was firm — stronger than it had been since she woke up.
"And you... you've always been a part of it."
For a moment, Star couldn't breathe. It was like the air had been knocked from his lungs — not from fear or anxiety, but from the sheer relief of hearing those words.
"Aliana..." he murmured.
Her fingers, weak but steady, brushed against his cheek.
"All those years, I thought... I thought I was running from my feelings for you," Aliana said softly. "But maybe... I was running to them. I just didn't realize it until now."
Star felt his chest tighten, his dark magic swirling faintly within him — not from anger this time, but from the overwhelming rush of emotions.
He lowered his forehead to hers, closing his eyes for a moment.
"I don't want to run anymore," he whispered.
Aliana's voice broke. "Then don't."
For a long moment, they simply stayed like that — close, connected, their hearts finally speaking what their words could not.
The sound of the door creaking open broke the moment.
Kade's voice rang out. "Okay, I know we said we'd give you guys alone time, but we're dying out here. Did you confess already or what?"
Jake's laugh followed. "Seriously, the tension in this room was probably thicker than Star's magic barriers."
Luna elbowed him. "Shh! Let them have their moment."
Nia just smiled softly, her eyes shimmering with happiness.
Aliana's father, standing at the back of the group, didn't say anything at first — but when his eyes met Star's, there was no longer fear in his gaze.
Instead, there was a quiet acceptance.
"I'll trust you," he said simply to Star, his voice gruff but genuine. "To keep her safe."
Star nodded, his heart still pounding from everything — the confession, the chaos, the unspoken promise between him and Aliana.
He looked at her again, and in her eyes, he saw everything — hope, relief... and something deeper.
Something they both had been too scared to name until now.
And though there were still wounds to heal, battles to face, and a future to figure out — for this moment, they had each other.
And that was enough.
_ _ _
After ten long days of recovery, the moment finally came — Aliana was discharged from the hospital. It had been a hard battle, physically and emotionally, but the support of her friends, her father, and most of all, Star, had helped her push through.
As the nurse wheeled her out of the hospital, Aliana took a deep breath of fresh air. Though her body was still healing, there was a spark in her eyes — a mix of relief and hope.
Star was right beside her, never having left her side during the entire hospital stay. His normally sharp, dark aura had softened whenever he was with her, and even now, his hand hovered close to hers, ready to catch her if she stumbled.
The rest of the friends were waiting outside the hospital, grinning from ear to ear.
Kade stretched his arms. "Finally! Took you long enough, Aliana. I was starting to think you just liked all the attention in there."
Aliana chuckled softly. "Yeah, lying in a hospital bed half-dead was so fun."
Jake smirked. "Well, at least something good came out of all this."
Luna raised a brow. "Jake..."
He shrugged. "I'm just saying... those kidnapping bandits did more for your relationship than all those failed dates we set up."
Star shot him a deadpan look. "You're really going to bring that up now?"
Eric adjusted his glasses. "To be fair, he's not wrong. It's ironic that the biggest push for your feelings came from the most dangerous situation."
Nia giggled. "Guess fate works in strange ways."
Even Aliana's father, standing silently behind the group, let out a small chuckle. "Seems those bandits were more useful than they realized."
Aliana shook her head, but there was a smile tugging at her lips. "If that was fate's way of pushing us together... I'd really prefer something less violent next time."
Star's gaze softened as he looked at her. His voice was quiet but steady.
"There's no more running from this," he said, his words simple but heavy with meaning. "From us."
Aliana's heart thudded in her chest, but this time, it wasn't from fear or hesitation — it was something else entirely.
She reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his.
"No more running," she echoed.
The friends broke into cheers, Kade whistling loudly. "Finally!"
Jake elbowed Luna. "Told you they just needed a bit of danger."
Luna rolled her eyes. "You're not taking credit for this."
Even Aliana's father nodded. "I'm just glad you're safe, Aliana." He then turned to Star, his expression more serious. "And I trust you'll keep her that way."
Star met his gaze without hesitation. "Always."
As they all walked away from the hospital together, Star's hand still firmly holding Aliana's, it was clear that this wasn't just the end of a painful chapter — it was the start of something new.
For the first time, there were no more unspoken words or bottled-up emotions.
Just a future waiting for them — a future they were ready to face together.