The night was quiet.
Moonlight slipped through the window, dividing the room into shadow and pale silver.
Nyari sat on her bed, knees pulled close to her chest.
Her eyes were distant.
Not empty…
But focused on something that wasn't there.
"…Sometimes," she whispered, "the light talks to me."
The wind outside stirred, brushing against the walls as if listening.
"It feels like there's someone inside me…with every breath… whispering."
Silence followed.
But it wasn't empty.
It was listening.
"They keep saying… 'you will take my place.'"
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"…But I just want to be myself."
The door creaked open.
Soft steps.
Kashikari entered.
His shadow stretched across the floor, long and cold under the moonlight.
"You heard it again."
Nyari lifted her head.
There was no fear in her eyes.
Only confusion.
"…I don't even remember when it stopped being quiet."
A small pause.
"Kashikari… I don't know if I want to become a god."
Kashikari stepped closer.
His voice was calm—but heavy.
"Not wanting it… is already an answer."
Nyari didn't respond.
Her eyes shimmered, but no tears fell.
"…I don't want it."
A moment passed.
Kashikari inhaled slowly, then spoke again.
"Do you remember the first test?"
Nyari blinked. "Of course I do."
"You asked me why I saved you."
His gaze didn't waver.
"You said… 'Why me?'"
Nyari's breath caught.
Kashikari continued, quieter now.
"I didn't save you that day."
A beat.
"I just knew… I'd have to save you again."
Nyari took a small step back.
Her face flushed, her heart racing faster than her thoughts.
No words came out.
Only silence.
"And this…" Kashikari said, "…won't be the last time."
Nyari exhaled, barely.
"…Do you always talk like this?"
Kashikari answered without hesitation.
"No."
A pause.
"Only when I make promises."
Silence.
But this time—
It was warm.
Nyari turned toward the window, hiding the small smile forming on her lips.
Later that night—
She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
One hand resting over her heart.
He said he would protect me…
Her eyes slowly closed.
Why does that feel… safe?
Somewhere deeper—
Beyond thought.
Beyond sleep.
Jinwi's voice echoed.
Cold.
But not empty.
"Protecting her… will destroy you."
Kashikari didn't move.
"I'm already incomplete."
A pause.
Jinwi pressed further.
"And what about her?"
Moonlight reflected faintly in Kashikari's eyes.
His answer came quietly.
"I'll become the one thing… you can't destroy."
For a moment—
Even the shadows fell silent.