Chapter 79

Extra Case File 79 Happiness

The world was saved.

More accurately, the world was saved by love. That was undeniable.

But these things were incomprehensible to ordinary people living in this hero-filled world. Now, at this moment when darkness had receded, they cheered for finally reaching tomorrow and celebrated the arrival of tomorrow.

After all, those covered by the dark world were only frozen, not killed. Even the apocalypse-like battle that nearly flattened Boshiz City into hills with the two giant gods was repaired by the omnipotent energy of tomorrow. Thus, there was no reason not to celebrate such a happy ending moment.

However, these matters were not so relevant to Ash and Hanano, who were at the center of the events.

“How beautiful… The sun rising again means the start of another tomorrow.”

After performing the final brain surgery on Hanano’s father and confirming there were no issues, Ash, who put back on his white coat, sat next to Hanano, wearing a simple pink dress, on the hospital rooftop.

The two said nothing, but leaned against each other. Half-red, half-yellow light pierced through the night, shining on their squinting eyes. Their fingers interlaced, staying quiet as they watched the sunrise from the horizon, bringing vitality to everything.

As Ash mentioned, he brought back the future, letting the sun rise anew.

“Yes,” another hand that had wrapped around Hanano’s shoulder pulled her closer. She naturally leaned her head into his chest. “This is the tomorrow we protected together.”

“Mmm.” Hanano nuzzled her head affectionately, her hair lightly brushing against the man’s collarbone, causing a fragrant tickle.

“It’s the prettiest when I’m with you.”

“You really like being pampered,” even if she usually portrayed herself as strong and carefree, she was still a woman… no, a girl?

“Is that bad?”

“No.” The man kissed her hair gently. “I have the time for it now.”

Feeling the warmth from his chest, Hanano closed her eyes and took a deep breath, wanting to take in all of Ash’s scent completely.

Now, when she closed her eyes, she would not be hit with pain or nightmares… No, actually, the nightmares might not leave her immediately, but with him beside her, these were bearable.

Because she knew she was no longer alone, needing to carry everything by herself. Now, anyone could share happiness, hardship, joy, or sorrow with her, standing by her side.

She felt infinite peace and happiness.

But such happiness also stirred another gentle, fragile, and self-reproachful part of her heart.

“But, Ash? Is it okay for me to be this happy?” calling his name, the woman’s weak and remorseful voice reappeared. “Do I have the right to feel happy?”

After all, she, who had finally crumbled after personal pain and triggered an apocalypse, had once become the worst enemy, making countless people suffer. Did she deserve to feel this happiness?

“I…”

“Let’s not talk about that. It’s in the past.”

This wasn’t the first time Ash had heard her say such things; the full-of-vitality, strong Cure Yell… no, Hanano was too gentle. She couldn’t just brush off her actions, even if she had been the greatest victim herself.

“Listen, Hanano.”

Post-relationship, the infinitely patient and gentle Ash secretly lifted some hair behind her ear, pressing his warm breath close.

“If you don’t deserve it, neither do I.”

Isn’t this my issue too?

For the guilt she felt, Ash could only repeatedly reject such thoughts. If she must suffer 1000 times, he would affirm her 1001 times for sure.

“But…”

“Nobody is an indestructible hero. Failure and its consequences are sad, but don’t negate your past. Haven’t you guarded this world well before me?”

“If you don’t deserve it, then nobody does.”

“Or maybe…” Thinking of something and smirking, Ash leaned closer almost kissing her burning ear, then blowing into it, causing Hanano to let out a shy yelp.

Over these days, their relationship had rapidly intensified, and Ash had discovered her weaknesses. Like overly sensitive ears.

“Do I need to repeat ‘I love you’ 3000 times? Haha, such a greedy woman.”

“N-No way!”

Finally, blushing profusely, Hanano jumped up covering her ears, while Ash laughed along.

Loving someone was such a happy thing, huh?

Then I definitely have to thank you properly for it.

At home, Ash received an utmost welcome from the Hanano family.

Though he had been here before, now everyone seemed to see them for the first time, like a new beginning.

“Glad you’re back.”

A simple greeting from Hanano’s mother, Jin, who warmly gave them an encouraging look at the dinner table. There, the touching reunion didn’t warrant an emotional scene.

Next was Kotori Hanano, who temporarily borrowed Hanano. After her return, whenever Ash looked at Hanano, she was always blushing, unsure what Kotori had said to her.

Following was Hanano’s father, Taro Hanano, who narrowly escaped death. He thanked Ash for helping both him and Hanano. After learning about the damaging relations between Timefire and Cure Yell, he promptly punched Ash.

“Though, since he’s still a patient, I won’t hold a grudge… Ouch, it hurts.”

Sitting next to Hanano’s bed, Ash massaged one side of his face. Puzzled why she had come to invite him to her room shyly earlier, yet now seemed to be making him wait.

“Come in.”

Encouragement for herself, Hanano thought internally.

“Don’t be so formal, it’s your room.”

Opening the dimly lit door, Ash raised an eyebrow seeing Curyell hesitantly enter the room.

Closing the door, they stood silently in the wide, dark room.

In silence, their distance shrank rapidly. Somehow, she was already sitting on Ash’s lap, her hand reaching under his armpit and pressing down on the bed. Both could hear each other’s breathing closely.

“Ash, you’ve had a long day. You must be tired,” Hanano deliberately sounded relaxed, but Ash could tell it was forced maturity.

“So, let Hanano help you relax today, hmm—”

Even in the transformation outfit, Hanano had her wrist caught, pushed under Ash.

“This isn’t about relaxing; you want me to work harder, right?”

Hanano lifted her head, deeply gazing into Ash’s black eyes. In that gaze, they saw the same affection for each other.

“I thought you were jealous of Curyell?”

“But…” looking at her face so close, Hanano grew less shy, “to me, this is the prettiest garment.”

“Hanano, you’re prettiest now—no additional commentary needed.”

With a hint of glow fading, she returned to her Hanano appearance in Yell’s outfit. Her wine-red hair naturally spread across the soft bed, just a fringe covering one eye, adding charm.

“Now, I genuinely love you, Hanano.”

Mischievously, Ash pulled her chin towards his face, their faces closing.

“Ash… can I truly be this happy?”

Once more, she asked herself.

“Who knows? But…”

After faint moans, two warm, damp mouths overlapped.

Warm love wandered, tasting everything around them.

Intimate love peaked, dizzy with passion, dancing in the amber-lit gaps, entwined shadows swaying.

“Pardon me, Mr. Ash….”

Hanano’s soft voice interrupted.

“Would you… turn the lights off?”

“Oh, my apologies, wouldn’t want our guest to blush.”

Thus, the last bit of dimness vanished.