บท 106: Chapter 94: Good night, sweetheart.

Hina moved even closer, her eyes sparkling with desire.

Her warm breath brushed against Kai's ear, and her delicate fingers softly rested on his chest.

The tension between them was palpable, and Kai, dazed by exhaustion and the chaotic day, couldn't quite grasp what was really happening.

His girlfriend was surely feeling in the mood for some romantic time together.

It had been a while since their first time together and Hina probably missed it.

Being one with the person you love.

One of most beautiful things that life has to offer to human beings.

Kai was too concentrated on his events that he even forgot he had a libido.

"Hina…?" His voice was uncertain, almost afraid to fully understand what she was seeking.

Hina didn't respond right away, but her gaze, more than her words, communicated her need.

Trough her veil of lust and desire, there was was a sadness hidden behind her usual confident demeanor, a fragility she rarely showed.

Her hands slid down from Kai's shoulders along his arms, almost as if she were searching for an anchor, a sign from him.

"Kai… you know I don't want to ask too much of you…" she whispered, her tone revealing how hard it was for her to open up like this. "But it's been a while since I've felt… distant from you. I need to feel you… really feel you." Her voice cracked slightly at the end of the sentence.

"The feeling of having you, feeling you… is burning inside of me." Hina said, with a broken whisper, while her hands were clinging on his shirt.

Kai stood still for a moment, Hina's words slowly making their way through his confused mind.

In that moment, he understood.

It wasn't just about seduction or physical desire, but a deep need for connection, for intimacy.

Hina was seeking a form of comfort that went beyond simple, surface-level affection.

Her face, usually so sure and confident, was marked by a vulnerable expression, almost pleading.

Even when they slept together at Kai's big house, she still felt him distant.

And that was also the reason of why they didn't do anything that night.

She looked at him with eyes that were screaming, **"Hold me, hug me, take me, kiss me, do something, please.**

Hina was literally craving for a touch.

Kai felt a heaviness in his heart.

Despite his high sensitivity, he had never been good at reading other people's emotions in such a deep way.

Yes, he knew when his friends were feeling down, but he still couldn't understand all the other deep emotions of love.

He was still learning.

Hina was still a mystery for him.

Hina, his Hina, who always seemed strong and in control, needed him more than she had ever admitted.

Maybe it was the tension of the past few weeks, the dangerous situations they had found themselves in, or simply the fear of losing their bond.

Whatever the reason, Kai understood that now he had to be there for her.

Finally, he stepped forward and took her hands in his.

Hina looked up at him, surprised by his reaction, as if she hadn't expected him to respond in this way.

"Hina…" he said, looking down at her. "I'm sorry if I made you feel this way. It was never my intention…" he paused, searching for the right words. "I've been too focused on everything else, but I promise you, I don't want you to feel distant from me. I'm here."

Hina stared at him for a few seconds in silence, as if trying to determine if Kai truly understood the weight of her words.

Then, without warning, she threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly, as if she wanted to meld with him.

Her arms wrapped around him, and Kai felt the warmth of her body pressed against his.

In that moment, Kai rediscovered something he had recently neglected: the feeling of wanting to protect Hina, of wanting to be her safe haven.

He remembered all the times he had promised himself that he would protect her, no matter what they faced.

The sense of responsibility and protection towards her resurfaced with intensity, like a wave washing away all doubts.

Kai didn't want to be just a spectator in Hina's life; he didn't want to let her face everything alone.

His hands moved down her back, holding her tighter, as if to promise her that he wouldn't let go.

Hina, feeling the warmth of Kai's arms around her, closed her eyes and let herself bask in that sense of safety that only he could give her.

She had been strong for so long, had faced dangers, betrayals, and had built a shield to protect herself.

But in that moment, she didn't want to be strong.

She just wanted to feel loved and protected by the one she loved.

Kai lowered his chin, resting it gently on her head, feeling her soft hair brush against his face.

"This is what she needed," he thought to himself.

Not empty words or half-hearted promises, but actions that showed how much he cared about her.

"I'm here, Hina… I'll never leave you." he whispered, almost unaware of his own words.

Hina didn't reply, but the way she clung to him, as if he were her last lifeline, was all Kai needed to know. Words weren't necessary.

After a few minutes, the tension began to dissolve.

Hina relaxed in his arms, and Kai felt that she had finally found the comfort she was looking for.

There was no longer that shadow of insecurity in her eyes; there was only a quiet satisfaction, a sense of peace.

Pure, unadulterated and simple love.

Kai gave her a soft kiss on the forehead, and Hina smiled, a small, sweet smile that seemed to say: "Thank you."

Then, without saying a word, Hina took a slight step back, taking Kai's hand and guiding him towards the bed.

They lay down together, their hands still intertwined, and for the first time in a long while, they both felt safe, as if no outside threat could break this moment of quiet.

In that instant, Kai understood that their bond wasn't just something casual or superficial.

It was deep, built on shared experiences despite their differences, and on a trust they had earned.

And he was determined to keep that promise, to stay by her side, no matter what came next.

With one last glance at Hina, who now seemed finally at peace, he closed his eyes, allowing himself to succumb to the day's exhaustion, but with the certainty that he was right where he needed to be: beside her.

And so, in the silence of the night, Kai and Hina finally found peace, but not for long.