Hinata looked at him quietly for a moment, then spoke softly.
"Ayal… I want to know something. Are you happy?"
Hearing the question, he froze for a second. Then he smiled in surprise.
"Yes. I'm happy. I'm always happy. Do you really think I don't look happy?"
From the way he spoke, it truly seemed like he was.
Ayal took a small breath.
"There's something I want to tell you."
Hinata blinked, startled.
"What is it?"
"I know that ever since you came to this place, many bad things have happened to you. But you never ran away. You always faced everything head-on."
A short pause.
"You know… I really admire that about you. If only I could speak my heart as honestly as you do."
Ayal was staring at her.
Hinata noticed and tilted her head.
"Ayal? What's wrong?"
"N-no, it's nothing."
Hinata hesitated, then asked gently,
"Can I ask you something?"
"What is it?" Ayal replied.
"I know you're very shy. You can't usually say what's in your heart. But right now… you're telling me everything. Aren't you embarrassed?"
Hearing that, Ayal gave a small, awkward smile.
"Yes. I know. Because of my shyness, I can't usually speak my feelings. But here… this place is empty. There's no one else. When I'm alone here, I can speak freely."
"That's why I'm telling you everything—without any shame."
Ayal smiled softly.
"I can tell. You look really happy right now."
At his words, Hinata's face turned red. She quickly turned away.
"Thank you…"
Ayal followed her gaze.
In the distance, the sea shimmered, glowing with soft lights beneath the water—fish moving like living stars.
"What is that?" Hinata whispered.
"I brought you here so you could see this," Ayal said.
"Look. Isn't it beautiful?"
He stood still, watching the view.
Hinata spoke quietly.
"Ayal… ever since I came to this place, I've never seen anything this beautiful. Thank you—for showing me your favorite place."
"I truly thank you… from my heart."
Seeing her say that, Hinata's face turned even redder.
"H-hey, you don't need to thank me that much," Ayal said hurriedly.
"I brought you here because so many bad things happened to you. I just wanted you to see something peaceful."
Then he hesitated.
"Can I say something?"
"What is it?" Hinata asked.
"The moonlight… it makes you look really beautiful."
"N-no! I'm not that beautiful," Hinata said quickly.
"You're just imagining things."
Ayal smiled.
"I'm telling the truth."
"Do you really think I'd lie about that?"
"I'm saying I'm not beautiful! Why won't you understand?" she protested.
"I'm not saying you aren't," Ayal replied calmly.
"I'm saying you are beautiful."
Hearing that, Hinata's face burned red.
"Anyway… we should go," she said suddenly.
Before Ayal could understand what she meant—
Hinata activated her magic.
Light exploded around them, swallowing everything.
"W-Where am I?" Ayal shouted.
"What's happening?!"
"Ayal, open your eyes. You're okay now."
Slowly, he opened them.
Hinata was sitting right in front of him.
He stared at her in confusion.
"Where are we?"
"I'm sorry," Hinata said, her voice trembling.
"I accidentally entered an S-rank gate."
Ayal's eyes widened.
"W-What? We're inside an S-rank gate?!"
Tears spilled from Hinata's eyes.
"Please forgive me… I didn't do it on purpose. Please…"
Ayal looked at her carefully. She was crying uncontrollably.
"This isn't your fault," he said firmly.
"But… how do we get out?"
Hinata grabbed his hand tightly.
"I'm sorry… I really didn't mean to…"
"Be quiet," Ayal whispered suddenly.
"I think someone's coming this way."