They chose the kitchen as their sleeping spot. It was the only room left untouched by blood or bodies.
"Gantzuke..."Mari's voice came soft from the right, pulling him back from the edge of sleep.
"Hmm? What's wrong?"He sat up, rubbing the back of his neck.
Molly was sound asleep beside Mari, wrapped in a bundle of blankets. The overturned dining table still stood pressed against the door like a barrier.
"I can't sleep," Mari whispered, her hand finding his arm. She shifted, slowly settling herself on top of him.
"I keep hearing my dad's voice... outside," she said, gripping him tighter."He's calling me."
A chill crept over Gantzuke's spine.He glanced at the watch on his wrist.4 a.m.Just a few hours until daylight.
"It'll be morning soon," he murmured, stroking her hair as her cheek rested against his chest, where his heart thumped softly beneath her ear.
"Are you going to leave me?"She looked up into his eyes.
"Never."He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
She raised herself and kissed him in return—this time on the lips. Slowly. Deeply.
Their breath mingled.In the silence of the night, there was nothing but the sound of skin brushing skin, fabric shifting gently, and hearts remembering how to feel again.
Mari swallowed, her fingers trembling.She wasn't sure if this was right—if anything was "right" anymore.But in a world without guarantees, Gantzuke might be her only piece of happiness left.
"Promise me," she whispered.
She moved closer, inviting warmth to chase away the cold fear that had long settled inside her bones.
Her body tensed, hesitating—then opened to him, quietly, with trust.
Gantzuke wrapped his arms around her, steady and strong."I promise," he whispered into her ear.
Mari gasped quietly, then buried her face in his shoulder, her breath ragged and fast.
Each small movement was a wordless confession.The rhythm between them grew—delicate, like the rustling of wind through leaves under a starless sky.
"Gantzuke..."She whispered his name like it was the only thing keeping her anchored to the Earth.
Her body shivered—once, twice—and then stilled in his arms.She clung to him as the pain she had carried for so long finally slipped away.
"Do you want to stay with me, Mari?" he asked softly.
Eyes still closed, she nodded.
"Yes… forever."
She curled into his chest, the rise and fall of his breathing lulling her into stillness.The warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart—it became her shelter.
The world was gone.And the girl she used to be... was gone with it.