𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒

〶

Sorry for my absence! I've just recently been on holiday and haven't had time to write a chapter so I hope you enjoy! <3

Toku and Kiri walked hand in hand, drawn by the distant sounds of lively music and joyful laughter. The anticipation of the upcoming party filled the air, and Toku couldn't help but share his excitement with Kiri.

However, as they neared the heart of the festivities, Kiri's steps slowed, and a sense of hesitation crept into her voice. "Toku, I'm not sure about this..."

Toku turned to her with an understanding smile, his warm gaze locking onto hers. "It'll be fun, I swear," he reassured her, his tone gentle and comforting. "I'll protect you, okay? Always and forever."

Moved by his words, Kiri felt her worries fade away as he pulled her into a tender kiss. Their connection was a reassuring reminder of their bond.

Toku's friend, Keleturel, who was already at the party, couldn't resist chiming in with an enthusiastic shout from the other side of the beach. "Yes, Toku!"

Toku chuckled and, with laughter dancing in his eyes, he playfully tugged Kiri towards the heart of the celebration. Her giggles filled the air, and together they approached the lively gathering, ready to embrace the night's festivities, even as the atmosphere grew increasingly intoxicating and electric.

Toku found himself instantly surrounded by his friends, all of them bombarding him with questions about how he had managed to get Kiri back so quickly.

"Tokus got that magic charm, what can he say?" Ri'on quipped with a sly smile, earning laughter from the group.

Toku chuckled, trying to hold back his own laughter. He glanced over at Kiri, who stood nearby with her arms folded, looking slightly uncomfortable as a group of girls confronted her with angry expressions.

"Excuse me for a moment, guys," Toku said, excusing himself from his friends and heading over to Kiri's side.

"Kiri, my love, are you alright?" Toku asked, his concern evident as he glanced at the group of girls, whose expressions instantly shifted.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Let's just go," Kiri replied, taking hold of Toku's hand and making sure to bump into one of the girls as they walked away. Toku couldn't help but smile at her feisty spirit as they left the group behind, hand in hand.

"Y'know... I like an assertive woman," Toku said, raising his eyebrows playfully, which earned him an eye roll from Kiri.

"What was that all about, anyway?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"Just girls being mean, as always," she replied with a sigh.

Toku sensed that there was more to the story, but he decided not to press her further for now.

As they walked further into the party, they were greeted by Toku's younger brother, Aonung, who waved them over to his group of friends.

Toku leaned in and whispered in Kiri's ear, "It'll be fine."

"Hey, Kiri, how you doing?" Aonung greeted her with a friendly nod before dapping Toku up

"Fine," she replied, flashing a sarcastic smile.

"Cool...cool, I'll just be over..here." Aonung said gesturing to a group of girls

Toku watched his brother walk off with a confused expression before turning his attention back to Kiri.

"He doesn't like me," Kiri stated bluntly, her eyes reflecting a hint of hurt.

"Well, he must because he's the one who told me to invite you," Toku replied with a shrug, hoping to reassure her.

"So you didn't want to invite me?" Kiri's voice carried a touch of hurt, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Don't do that," Toku said, rolling his eyes in frustration.

"Do what?" Kiri moved away from Toku, her arms crossing defensively.

"Don't start an argument," he said, trying to keep his tone calm, though he felt a rising agitation.

"I wasn't," she protested, her voice carrying a hint of hurt.

"Yes, you were," Toku replied, attempting to walk away, but a hand on his arm stopped him.

"Okay, okay, you're right. I'm sorry. I just... I was a little hurt and thought maybe you didn't really want me here," Kiri admitted, her gaze fixed on the sand beneath her feet.

"Why do you do that?" Toku asked softly, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and concern.

"Do what?" Kiri's tone held a touch of defensiveness.

"Get insecure," Toku said, gently lifting her chin with his hand. "I don't want you to feel like that ever, okay?" His eyes held a sincerity that spoke volumes, a silent promise that he meant every word.

"I'm sorry...I'm just new to this."

"It's okay, we can learn and grow together. I love you," Toku said, pulling her into a soft embrace. Kiri felt a warmth envelop her, a reassurance that she hadn't known she needed until that moment.

"I love you too, Toku," she replied, her voice soft, the words carrying the weight of her emotions. In his arms, she found solace, a sanctuary from the uncertainties that had clouded her mind.

Toku gently pulled back, his eyes searching hers. "You're not alone in this, Kiri. I'm here with you, every step of the way."

A smile tugged at the corners of Kiri's lips. "I'm glad you're here, Toku. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Toku brushed his thumb against her cheek, his touch tender. "You won't ever have to find out. We face everything together, remember?"

Kiri nodded, feeling a newfound strength within her. "Together," she repeated, the word carrying a promise that she was willing to keep.

Hand in hand, they ventured further into the lively party, the music and laughter washing over them. Toku's friends greeted them warmly, their genuine smiles putting Kiri at ease. She felt a sense of belonging she hadn't anticipated, and it made her heart swell with gratitude.

Throughout the night, Toku and Kiri danced, laughed, and shared stories with their friends. Toku's protective presence shielded her from any negativity, allowing her to fully enjoy the festivities. With every touch, every glance, she felt the depth of his affection, grounding her in the present moment.

As the night grew darker, the stars overhead seemed to shimmer with approval, casting a gentle glow over the entire beach. The party, once a source of anxiety, had transformed into a night of cherished memories and newfound connections.

When the time came to leave, Toku walked Kiri back to her home. The night air was cool against their skin, but the warmth of their shared experiences kept them comfortable. They strolled slowly, savoring the quiet moments between them.

"You know, I've never felt like this before," Kiri confessed, her voice carrying a mix of wonder and vulnerability.

Toku squeezed her hand gently. "Me neither. But I wouldn't trade this feeling for anything."

They reached Kiri's doorstep, and she turned to face Toku, her eyes filled with a profound gratitude. "Thank you for tonight, for everything."

Toku smiled, his heart swelling with affection. "It was my pleasure. I just want to see you happy."

Kiri stood on her tiptoes, pressing a soft kiss to Toku's lips. It was a sweet, lingering kiss filled with promises of a future they would face together.

As they parted ways, Toku watched Kiri disappear into her home. He felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that their relationship had weathered its first test. With a newfound determination, he headed back to his own dwelling, his heart full of love and hope for what lay ahead.

〶