Chapter 94: The Dream

Akiko offered no response, her gaze fixed on Alex's still form. Anya, understanding the need for privacy, nodded and quietly closed the door, leaving Akiko alone with her grief.

There was silence between them for a while, only broken by the potion's steady drip. Akiko reached out, her calloused hand gently cupping Alex's cold one. 

A sob escaped her lips, a stark contrast to the gruff exterior she usually presented.

"I just fell in love with you, you know? You were kind, strong, everything I wanted… tall, handsome, not naive, but hardworking." She spoke the words that had gone unspoken, her voice a torrent of emotions finally released.

Akiko leaned closer, her breath brushing against Alex's pale cheek. With a tenderness that belied her strength, she pressed a soft kiss to his lips. 

As she pulled away, a single tear rolled down her cheek, landing on his forehead with a soft plop.