Seraphine and Kael Arisugawa were officially a couple, and the change was wonderful. Kael was romantic, devoted, and gentle, always ready with a teasing smile or a comforting touch. Seraphine, filled with his pure love since childhood, was radiant and felt safer than ever.
A Journey to Home
Kael led Seraphine away from the main roads, guiding them through a quiet, lush valley.
"Where are we going, Kael?" Seraphine asked, squeezing his hand.
"I'm taking you to my true home, Princess," Kael replied, his voice soft. "Where I was born, and where someone very special took care of me."
He then shared a painful truth with her. His parents, who were not royalty but high-ranking explorers, had been killed by pirates during a brutal attack when Kael was a very small boy. He was rescued and raised by a kind, tough old man in a small, hidden village.
Seraphine's kind-hearted nature made her hug him tightly. "I'm so sorry, Kael. Thank you for trusting me with that."
"You're my family now, Seraphine," he whispered, holding her close. "You deserve to know."
Meeting the Guardian
The village was nestled by the sea—small, rustic, and full of warmth. Kael led Seraphine to a sturdy wooden house. Waiting for them was Old Man Henma, a stout man with a weathered face, a booming laugh, and eyes that held immense kindness.
Henma immediately embraced Kael. "You finally brought home a girl, you naughty boy! And a beautiful one, too!"
Seraphine, though feeling shy, felt comfortable under Henma's warm gaze. He was the gentle soul who had protected Kael after the tragedy.
Henma shared fond, embarrassing stories of Kael's childhood—how he was always flirty even as a toddler, and how he got into trouble constantly, but always protected the smaller children. Seraphine giggled, seeing the familiar traits in the charming man beside her.
The True Meaning of Home
That evening, Seraphine and Kael sat on a small pier, watching the sunset paint the sky in fiery colors.
Kael gently wrapped his arms around Seraphine from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. His warmth enveloped her, making her feel completely cherished.
"Henma is amazing," Seraphine murmured, leaning back into him. "But I realize this place isn't why you call me home."
"No," Kael whispered, kissing her temple. "You are my home, Princess. You always have been. Even when I was a sad little boy, I knew my life would only be complete when you were in it."
He gently turned her to face him, his eyes shining with devotion.
"I love you, Seraphine. Every clumsy, careless, kind-hearted part of you. You're the only part of my past that I want in my future."
His confession was the ultimate promise. Seraphine kissed him sweetly, sealing their love under the fading light.