The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the city as Hyun and Flora walked side by side down the bustling streets. Despite the chaos that had surrounded them for so long, there was a rare sense of peace between them now. Hyun could feel it in the air — a calm before the next storm. 
They hadn’t spoken much since the restaurant. Flora seemed content to let the quiet stretch on, her usual playfulness replaced with a softer, more thoughtful energy. Hyun stole a glance at her from time to time, noticing the way her pink hair glowed under the dimming light, or how her lips quirked into a small smile when she caught him looking.
“Why are you smiling like that?” Hyun finally asked, breaking the silence. His tone was light, but the question carried a weight of curiosity.
Flora shrugged, a teasing glint in her eyes. “You. It’s just... you’ve changed, Hyun. I like this version of you.”
He frowned slightly, unsure of how to take her words. “Changed? How?”
“Well, you’re less brooding now.” She grinned. “A little less intimidating.”
Hyun raised an eyebrow, his smirk barely noticeable. “I’m still the same.”
“No, you’re not.” Flora shook her head, stopping in her tracks to face him directly. “You used to keep everyone at arm’s length. Even me. But lately... I don’t know, it feels like you’re finally letting people in. Like you’re not carrying everything on your own.”
Hyun fell silent, her words striking something deep within him. It was true — for as long as he could remember, he had built walls around himself, isolating his emotions, shutting out anyone who tried to get close. But Flora had slipped through those cracks, not by force, but by simply being there, by showing him he didn’t have to face the darkness alone.
“I didn’t realize how much I was doing that,” Hyun admitted quietly, surprising himself with the vulnerability in his voice. “But... you’re right.”
Flora’s smile softened, and she took a step closer, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that caught him off guard. “I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but whatever it is, we’ll face it together. You don’t have to fight alone, Hyun.”
Her words hit him harder than any enemy ever could. For years, he had believed that solitude was his only option, that relying on anyone would only lead to more pain. But now, with Flora standing in front of him, her presence like a light in the dark, he began to wonder if maybe, just maybe, he had been wrong.
“Why do you care so much?” he asked, his voice low. “About me?”
Flora’s eyes softened, and she reached out, gently placing a hand on his arm. “Because I see the real you, Hyun. Not just the powerful hunter, or the man who’s always saving others. I see the person who’s been through hell and back, but still fights for what he believes in. And I... care about that person.”
Hyun’s chest tightened, a strange warmth spreading through him at her words. He wasn’t used to this, wasn’t used to someone caring about him, seeing him for more than just his strength. It was terrifying and comforting all at once.
“I don’t know if I deserve that,” he muttered, his gaze dropping to the ground.
Flora stepped closer, her hand sliding down his arm until her fingers intertwined with his. “You do, Hyun. You deserve to be cared for, to not carry everything on your own.”
He didn’t pull away. Instead, he found himself gripping her hand a little tighter, holding onto the connection she was offering. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to lean on someone else.
“Thank you,” Hyun whispered, his voice barely audible. He looked up at Flora, his eyes reflecting a vulnerability he rarely showed. “For staying.”
Flora’s smile was small, but full of warmth. “I’m not going anywhere.”
They stood like that for a moment, the world around them seeming to fade away as they found solace in each other’s presence. The city’s noise became a distant hum, and all that remained was the quiet understanding between them — a bond forged through shared battles and silent support.
After a moment, Flora let out a small chuckle, breaking the tension. “Well, this got serious real fast.”
Hyun smirked, the weight in his chest lightening. “You started it.”
“I did,” she admitted with a grin. “But it’s good. Sometimes you need to let people in, you know?”
“I’m trying,” Hyun said, and for once, he meant it.
They continued walking, the evening settling in around them. The streets were beginning to clear out as the last of the commuters headed home, and the soft glow of the streetlights cast long shadows along the sidewalk. Flora walked a little closer to Hyun now, her hand brushing against his occasionally, though neither of them said anything about it.
As they neared a quiet park, Flora nudged him playfully. “You’re still coming with me to that guild meeting tomorrow, right?”
Hyun raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t mention a meeting.”
Flora gave him an exaggerated innocent look. “Didn’t I? Must’ve slipped my mind.”
Hyun chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re sneaky.”
“I prefer the term ‘resourceful,’” she shot back with a wink. “Besides, it’s just a small meeting. Some new hunters I want you to meet. You might even like them.”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “This isn’t some elaborate scheme to recruit me, is it?”
Flora gasped dramatically. “Who, me? I would never!”
Hyun sighed, but there was a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Fine. I’ll go.”
“Good,” Flora said, clearly pleased. “Because I wasn’t going to let you say no.”
As they continued on their way, the playful banter returned, and the heaviness of the earlier conversation faded into the background. Hyun could feel the shift between them, the growing connection that had formed over time. It was strange, this feeling of companionship, but it was also... nice.
For the first time in years, he didn’t feel completely alone.
---
The next morning, as they arrived at the guild hall, Hyun noticed the subtle shift in Flora’s demeanor. She was still playful, but there was a seriousness in her eyes as they walked through the large double doors.
“You ready for this?” she asked, her voice low.
Hyun nodded, though he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. “I can handle it.”
Flora smiled, but there was a hint of something deeper in her gaze — something like pride. “I know you can.”
As they entered the meeting room, Hyun was greeted by the sight of several hunters, all of them turning to look at him with curiosity. Flora stepped forward, taking her place at the head of the room, and motioned for Hyun to follow her.
“Everyone, this is Hyun,” she announced, her voice carrying authority. “He’s going to be helping us out on a few upcoming missions.”
Hyun felt the weight of their stares, but he didn’t falter. Instead, he stood tall, his usual calm confidence returning. Flora gave him a small nod, as if to say, *You’ve got this.*
As the meeting began, Hyun found himself listening intently, taking in every detail about the upcoming missions. But throughout it all, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted within him. Something that Flora had helped bring out — a sense of belonging, of being part of something larger than just himself.
And for the first time in a long time, that didn’t scare him.