Arata and Melissa stood inside the apartment on the outskirts of Okinawa, both already suited up, facing Anna and Giulio.
The room felt a little quieter than usual, like everything was settling after the chaos they had all gone through.
Anna and Giulio had their bags ready, standing side by side as they bowed deeply toward Arata and Melissa.
"Nova Genesis had truly saved us… not just from the Gollini family, but also… you saved me from my quirk," Anna said softly, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.
Giulio nodded beside her, his expression just as sincere. Arata simply waved his hand casually, almost brushing off the weight of their thanks.
"It's nothing, really. Just did what I wanted to do," he said, while Melissa smiled warmly and added, "Now that Anna's quirk is gone and the Gollini threat is finished, you two should finally be able to live a happy life."
Arata suddenly smirked, his tone turning teasing as he crossed his arms. "A happy life… like those Disney movies that end with marriage." Both Anna and Giulio instantly froze before their faces flushed red, their eyes awkwardly meeting each other's as small, shy smiles formed.
The tension between them was obvious, and Melissa lightly elbowed Arata while laughing.
Arata just chuckled as he raised his Infinity Gauntlet, the blue glow of the Space Stone lighting up the room. A swirling portal opened in front of them, revealing the grand view of Anna's mansion back in Europe. The soft light from the portal reflected in everyone's eyes as Anna and Giulio stepped closer.
They both bowed once more, this time toward Novabel and Novangle. "Thank you… for everything," Giulio said, while Anna gave one last grateful smile before they slowly walked through the portal together.
As they crossed over, Arata called out, "Live your lives to the fullest! No regrets!" Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, "And when Nova Genesis comes to Europe for a tour… I better get to hold a little baby that calls me uncle!"
That comment hit instantly—both Anna and Giulio turned completely red, steam practically rising from their heads as they stumbled forward in embarrassment.
Behind them, Arata and Melissa burst into laughter before the portal finally closed with a soft shimmer.
"Well… their love story is officially in the happy stage now," Melissa said, still smiling as she and Arata walked out toward the balcony.
They activated their invisibility mode, their forms fading as they lifted into the air and flew off toward Aka Island.
The wind rushed past them as they soared through the sky, and Arata spoke more calmly now, "For a real love story… it's not just about getting through problems. It's about understanding each other's pain… their feelings… and still choosing to stand side by side. Now that their hurdles are gone, all that's left is for Giulio to confess properly to Anna's father for her hand in marriage."
Melissa hummed thoughtfully beside him before glancing his way. "You know a lot about love…" she said, her tone shifting slightly, almost teasing—almost something else. "Do you have someone special~?"
For just a split second, Arata thought he heard a faint pout hidden in her voice, but he brushed it aside. "Nope. No girlfriend," he replied simply.
Melissa tilted her head, clearly not satisfied. "Then how do you know so much?" Arata shrugged casually. "Watched too much drama and romance anime in my free time."
Melissa let out a small hum, though her expression softened as they continued flying, eventually reaching above the open sea where the horizon stretched endlessly.
"So… what's next for us?" Melissa asked, looking ahead. Arata's expression turned more focused.
"We split into two groups. One group gathers information on corrupted heroes. The other group takes them down while exposing everything live."
He paused briefly before adding, "I'll probably have to rely on you a lot. You're the second strongest in the organization right now. I still need more training before I even think about making a third Infinity Stone." Melissa gave a confident nod. "Leave it to me," she said without hesitation.
For a moment, both of them fell silent, the sound of the wind and waves below filling the space between them.
Then Melissa spoke again, a little more hesitant this time. "Do… we have any plans for July?"
Arata thought for a second. "If we're not busy taking down corrupt heroes… then no."
Melissa went quiet again, her fingers fidgeting slightly before she finally asked, "Then… would you like to go to the festival in Kyoto?"
Arata didn't overthink it. "Sure, why not."
The moment he answered, Melissa pumped her fist excitedly—thankfully still invisible—while inside her head she was practically celebrating.
'A festival date is a must to get into a relationship!'