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SHEATH YOUR BLADE.

The air was filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses, a stark contrast to the usual atmosphere of grim determination and urgency. Tonight was a rare reprieve, a chance for the soldiers to unwind and celebrate their victories, however fleeting they might be.

Akira stood near the edge of the room, her presence almost ethereal in the dim lighting.

Her complexion, a rich shade of deep brown, shone in the mild ambient light, emphasizing her exquisite features. She wore a sleek black dress that clung to her proportions, with a plunging neckline that revealed a tempting peek of her décolletage and the delicate lines on her neck.

Akira's hair was fashioned with all of her braids in a high ponytail. The simplicity of her hairstyle only served to accentuate the stunning tattoos that adorned her neck and shoulders.

Her amber-colored eyes, almond-shaped and framed by long, thick lashes, held a quiet confidence and a hint of mischief. Her lips, full and perfectly sculpted, were painted a deep, inviting shade of burgundy that contrasted beautifully with her complexion.

The delicate chain of a gold necklace, adorned with a small cross pendant, rested gently against her chest, adding a touch of elegance and a hint of personal significance to her ensemble. Her nails are manicured to perfection with a classic French tip.

Despite the festive atmosphere, she remained somewhat aloof, a distant look in her eyes as she observed the festivities. Mysterious wasn't the word to describe her, Hoshina thought as he watched her from across the room. It was something more—something elusive that he couldn't quite place.

He made his way through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries with fellow soldiers and superiors, his eyes never straying far from Akira.

There was a magnetism about her tonight, a quiet strength that drew him in. As he approached, she turned slightly, their eyes meeting across the room. For a moment, the noise and bustle around them faded, leaving only the two of them in a world of their own.

"Enjoying the celebration?" Hoshina asked as he reached her, his voice low and warm.

Akira smiled faintly, a hint of something playful in her eyes. "As much as I can. It's strange to see everyone so... relaxed."

Hoshina nodded, leaning against the wall beside her. "It's a rare sight, isn't it? But I suppose we all need a break sometimes."

She looked at him, her gaze thoughtful. "You don't seem like the type to take breaks, Vice-Captain."

He chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. "Maybe not, but even I can appreciate a night off once in a while."

They fell into a comfortable silence, the sounds of the celebration washing over them. Hoshina took a sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving Akira's face. There was something different about her tonight, a vulnerability that she rarely showed.

"You look stunning tonight," Hoshina said softly, his eyes lingering on her tattoos. "I don't think I've ever seen those before."

Akira smiled, the feeling of shyness coming over her. "Hmm these are new, but you're not so bad yourself Vice-Captain."

He wanted to reach out, to bridge the distance between them, but he hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.

"You're not usually this quiet," Akira said suddenly, her voice breaking the silence.

Hoshina raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what am I usually like?"

She smiled, a real smile this time, and it took his breath away. "It's your confidence I say... You have this aura that makes people want to follow you."

He tilted his head, considering her words. "And what about you, Akira? What makes you follow me?"

Her smile faltered, and for a moment, he thought he had overstepped. But then she looked at him, her eyes filled with an intensity that matched his own.

"Besides basic respect, admiration." The sincerity in her voice struck him like a physical blow. The vulnerability she had tried so hard to hide was now laid bare, and she found herself unable to look away from his piercing gaze.

"I've always admired you. Not just as a leader, but as a person. You inspire me to be better, to push myself beyond my limits."

Hoshina's expression softened, a tenderness in his eyes that she had never seen before. "You don't need to push yourself for anyone. You're already incredible."

She laughed softly, the sound tinged with a mixture of relief and nervousness. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

Hoshina nodded with a gentle smile, understanding the need for a moment of privacy amidst the celebration. "Of course, take your time," he replied softly.

After excusing herself with a soft laugh, Akira hurried towards the restroom, the click of her heels echoing faintly against the polished floor of the Defense Force headquarters.

Despite her composed exterior, inside she felt a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, uncertainty, and a tinge of nervousness.

Reaching the restroom, she pushed open the door and stepped inside, relieved to find it empty. She leaned against the sink, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her heart raced, and she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

"fuck... this wasn't supposed to happen."

The evening had taken an unexpected turn, and though she cherished the moments with Hoshina, a part of her was overwhelmed by the intensity of her feelings.

As minutes passed, Akira stretched her limbs, trying to regain her composure. She adjusted her dress and smoothed down her hair, taking a moment to collect herself before returning to the festivity.

—————

A while later, the festivities began to wind down. The air outside the hall was cool and crisp, the city lights casting a soft glow over the balcony where Akira and Hoshina found themselves once more. The noise from the party had softened to a murmur behind closed doors, leaving them in a bubble of quiet solitude.

Hoshina leaned against the railing, his gaze drawn to the cityscape below. Akira approached him, her steps more confident now, though her heart still fluttered with anticipation.

"Hey," she greeted softly, her voice carrying over the gentle breeze.

Hoshina turned to her, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Hey yourself," he replied, his eyes warm as they met hers.

They stood in companionable silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Akira glanced at him, her curiosity piqued by the thoughtful expression on his face.

"You know, I've been thinking," Hoshina began, his voice thoughtful. "About you."

Akira raised an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Oh? And what have you come up with?"

Hoshina chuckled softly. "Mysterious isn't quite the word to describe you, is it?"

She laughed, a sound filled with genuine amusement. "No, I suppose not."

He turned to face her fully, his gaze searching. "Orphic," he said finally, his voice soft yet certain. "That's the word. Orphic."

Akira blinked, taken aback by his choice of words. "Orphic?"

Hoshina nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Enigmatic, mystical, possessing a depth that's both alluring and inscrutable. That's you, Akira."

She studied him, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions. "Orphic," she repeated, testing the word on her tongue. "I like that."

Hoshina reached out, gently brushing a braid from her face behind her ear. "You're not just one of Humanities Greatest, Akira."

Her eyes softened, a warmth spreading through her at his words. "Thank you, Hoshina. That means a lot."

They stood there, immersed in the serene tranquility of the night. The world around them appeared to slip away, leaving only the two of them and an implicit promise of what was ahead.

As the party continued behind closed doors, Akira and Hoshina lingered on the balcony, their bond deepening with each passing moment.