Chapter 323: Idiot....Just For You

We slowly pulled apart. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly parted, eyes wide and a little dazed. My heart was calm and entirely focused on her. I knew I wanted this.

North blinked a few times, then looked away.

"T-That’s not... how you do it," she muttered, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

I tilted my head and grinned. "Oh? Then I must’ve messed it up. Let me try again."

Before she could respond, I leaned in and kissed her once more. Her hands gripped my shirt, but she didn’t push me away. When we finally separated, her eyes fluttered open again.

"That’s not what I meant," she whispered, her voice breathy.

I chuckled. "Then what did you mean?"

She hesitated for a moment, cheeks still glowing. "You’re supposed to ask me out first. That’s the proper way."

"Ohhh," I said, smiling. "Sorry, I guess I couldn’t help myself after seeing you again."

I reached for her hand and held it softly. "North Winter, will you be my girlfriend?"

She stared at me, eyes searching mine. Then slowly, she smiled.

"Yes."

I leaned in again. Our eyes never parted from each other. My heart beat with excitement and a soft smile played on both our lips.

Our lips met once more. Soft. Sure. Real. I wrapped my arms tighter around her, and my wings flared, lifting us gently into the sky. The wind curled around us, but I barely noticed. I was too focused on the warmth of her lips, the way she held on to me, the rhythm we shared in that moment.

The kiss started soft, but it grew bolder and fiery until my wings beat harder, carrying us higher into the clouds. When I finally pulled away, the air felt electric. I tapped my foot against the sky and compressed the space below, shaping a solid platform. We both landed on it with ease.

"You look beautiful," I said.

She smiled back. "I’m just glad you’re safe."

With a quiet thought, I dispersed my wings and stepped forward to hug her. She melted into me, her frame fitting perfectly against mine like a missing puzzle piece. I held her like I didn’t want to let go. Honestly... I didn’t.

For a few seconds, it felt like the world was a beautiful place.

I stepped back just enough to look into her eyes. "Did you miss me?"

She nodded, not even hesitating. "I did."

Her eyes drifted over me, top to bottom and she started listing things out.

"New eyes, wings, a strange tattoo... and you’ve gotten even broader. Great. Like you weren’t already intimidating."

I chuckled, and nodded. "You’ve changed too. The girl who was always running around with a bow is now wielding daggers. That surprised me. And to top it off..." I paused. "You’ve grown even more beautiful."

She scoffed and turned around, facing the forest and the wide valley below. The sound of a river echoed from somewhere, and far in the distance, faint screeches of Abominations rang out but none of that touched this moment.

She sat down at the edge of the platform, her legs swinging over the drop. I sat beside her and gently took her hand.

"You lied," she said softly.

I blinked. "What?"

"You didn’t tell me about your mission," she said, turning her head toward me. "You and grandfather planned everything. You could’ve told me."

I exhaled, already knowing who had spilled the truth.

’Dante,’ I thought. ’That sneaky old man.’

"I’m sorry," I said, turning to face her fully. I gave her hand a light squeeze. "It wasn’t my choice to keep you out."

She looked into my eyes for a moment, then nodded. "I understand. It was a secret mission, and I get that. But it still hurt, not knowing anything. It made me feel... like I didn’t matter."

My grip tightened slightly. "You matter. Always have."

She leaned her head on my shoulder, and we stared out over the peaceful, deadly valley below.

"After you left, I felt weak," she said. "Useless. I kept thinking, if I were stronger, maybe I could’ve helped. Then Dante showed up. Asked me to become his student. Said he’d train me so I could stand beside you."

I muttered, "Still a shady old man."

She laughed lightly.

"Yeah, but he kept his word. He taught me wind laws even before I hit Master rank. He trained me with daggers, made me break my limits over and over. A few weeks ago, he told me you had reached Master rank and that I could too. So I did. I got a legendary class... powerful skills... but still, I just wanted to be where you were."

She turned her head again, brown eyes staring into mine.

"I like you, Billion Ironhart," she whispered.

Her words struck something deep in me. Without a second thought, I reached out, lifted her into my lap, and wrapped my arms around her again. Her head rested against my chest.

"I like you too, North," I said quietly. "Honestly... I think I liked you from the moment I first saw you. That day itself, I made up my mind. If it was ever possible, I’d be with you."

I took a slow breath.

"I know the world’s falling apart. I know we might not get many peaceful days like this. But if we do... I want to spend them with you. And get strong together. So we can make sure those bad days never come."

She laughed under her breath, a light sound that made my chest feel warm.

"You sound like an old man," she teased.

I grinned. "Can’t a man talk about peace with a beautiful girl by his side?"

She rolled her eyes and gave me a small pinch on my arm.

"Stop calling me beautiful," she muttered. "I’m all tired and sweaty from training. If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve at least cleaned up or dressed a little nicer."

I looked at her in mock surprise.

"Whoa, really? Because if you’re this beautiful right now, I can’t even imagine what kind of trouble you’d cause if you actually got ready."

She looked away, clearly trying to hide the smile tugging at her lips.

"Idiot."

I leaned a little closer and said, quieter this time, "For you."

She blinked. "For me... what?"

I smiled. "Idiot...just for you."