Chapter 81

Extra Case File 81 The Matter of Exposed Identities

“Sister-in-law, brother-in-law, something terrible has happened! You’ve made it to the news!”

“Brother-in-law… you like to call me that? Go ahead.”

Ash, who had recovered from his initial surprise, didn’t dwell too much on it but instead approached a nearby phone passed to them by a bird, along with Hana, reading the headlines together.

The picture on the front page was especially striking, showing Ash kissing Hana deeply after removing his helmet in the sun and holding her close. The scene was captured beautifully and romantically under the light.

“Haha, I look pretty good.” Comparing himself to the still image, Ash nodded with pride, completely unfazed.

Next to him, Hana was far less composed.

“Pfft, cough, cough!” At the vivid and somewhat artistic photo, shy Hana almost choked on her omelet egg in embarrassment.

“This is…”

“Oh, when the future crystal dispelled darkness, media coverage followed. It’s not surprising they took such photos,” Ash remarked calmly, though Hana, trembling as she clutched at her sister’s hand, couldn’t accept this as easily.

“Wait—does this mean everyone knows Ash is TIMEFIRE?!”

“Yeah, so what?”

Ash felt no concern about his identity being revealed. This world’s people were too sophisticated for petty persecution of their identities. At most, some might rant anonymously.

“Are you worried about your identity crisis? We’re fine—your face is hidden here, so no worries.”

“Wait!” Hana hastily scanned other images, confirming the worldwide buzz about Ash and Hana’s romance had reached fever pitch.

This meant…

“My… our… kiss!”

The少女’s mind buzzed with embarrassment, her blush climbing up her neck and ears, steam visibly rising.

“Yeah, probably the whole world has seen our first kiss,” the man said with a smile, ignoring Hana’s vivid reaction.

“That declaration was also global. That’s a first!”

“Wow~!” Bird cried out, catching Hana as she fainted.

“Haha,” Ash squatted, making light of her state. “Already an oyster? Can’t Precure do better?”

“So it’s really okay?”

“To be honest, I don’t see why you’re so worried,” Ash, confused by Hana’s longstanding fear. “People here are intelligent, not calling for the expulsion or treatment of heroes like in other worlds. What’s there to fear?”

Factoring in Hana’s acclaim, even declaring herself Precure and running for UN Prime Minister would garner unanimous support.

“What are you afraid of then?”

“I just don’t want Mom, Dad, and others worrying…” Hana smiled, recalling encouragement from Bird. “But they probably guessed.”

“They’re family.”

“Right,” she paused, then rubbed her pink dress timidly, “and… I dislike crowds. I get nervous around strangers. Will you tease me?”

Ash understood her hesitation from a past incident.

“Yes, if strangers surrounded us, I’d be troubled too.”

“We could have our precious time alone.”

He drew her closer. “If you’re scared, stay close. I’ll protect you.”

Hana nodded, reassured.

“Ash, where are we going?’

At the door, shy Hana now grasped Ash’s hand, fearing he might vanish otherwise.

“Nowhere specific.” Feeling her tension, Ash gently squeezed. “Isn’t dating about enjoying each other’s company?”

“Protecting the world’s hero deserves rest, so Hana, do you wish to date?”

“Yes!”

Embracing his arm, she entered the bright world confidently.