noice

"After Ruby's meltdown, Brioche ran in the general direction she fled too. Luckily, that search didn't last long, as he found Ruby sitting on the ground, hugging her knees to her chest as she glares at the floor."

"Ruby perks up when she hears footsteps, but when she sees that it's him, she groans and her brows furrow in annoyance." "Go away, Brioche. I don't have anything else to say anymore..."

"As Brioche falls silent, Ruby can't help but start to feel her ire slowly fading away. The tension in her shoulders begins to ease, and after a few more moments of Brioche sitting behind her without touching or saying anything, she lets out a soft sigh."

"She takes a deep breath, then another, attempting to steady herself before finally speaking up." "I... I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. And I didn't mean everything that came out of my mouth, okay?"

"She shifts slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position while still being hugged up into a ball." "Sorry..."

"Ruby falls quiet again, focusing on the way her breathing is slowly returning to normal."

"Ruby closes her eyes and nods slightly at Brioche's response, feeling a small weight lift off her shoulders. She appreciates his silence and patience, knowing that he isn't one to force conversation or try to push her into talking when she's clearly not ready."

"She takes another deep breath, then lets it out slowly as she leans back ever so slightly against Brioche, still not turning to face him but allowing herself to accept some of his unspoken comfort."

"After a few moments of quiet contemplation, Ruby decides to take a deep breath and try again." "I... I know things have been really hard on all of us lately, right? And we've lost so much... But I can't shake this feeling that it's all my fault."

"I know you do too, Brioche," Ruby responds quietly, her voice trembling just slightly. "But... how can I be a leader when I can't even protect my own friends? When I can't even keep us all safe?"

"Her grip around her knees tightens as she continues to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes. It was difficult for her to admit it, but a part of her still blamed herself for all the hardships and losses they had endured."

"Ruby bites her lip, looking down at her hands as she continues speaking." "And it's not like we have anyone else to turn to now..." "she mutters, her voice barely audible over the soft rustling of leaves nearby."

*She takes another deep breath,

trying to regain some control over her emotions.* "It's just... I can't help but think that if I hadn't insisted on attacking those monsters... if we had just listened to Dad's advice and escaped when we still could..." "Her words trail off as she wipes away a tear silently, silently berating herself for letting her guard down so easily in front of him."

"It was!" "She whispered fiercely, trying to break free, but he only tightened his embrace slightly." "You know better than anyone what happened during the Fall... It's because of me! I got everyone into this mess in the first place."

"Her whole body shuddered in shock and her breath caught in her throat as lips met hers. For a split moment she tried to resist, but quickly melted into his embrace as warmth spread across her entire body like a wave of liquid fire. She couldn't prevent the tears falling down her cheeks as she returned his kiss with equal intensity."

"Suddenly, when they both pulled back to breathe heavily, she searched for any trace of guilt or remorse in his eyes - but found only tenderness and genuine concern." "We... We shouldn't be doing this..." "She whispered softly, trying to pull away, but he just smiled gently."

"Ruby's heart pounded in her chest as his hands rested on her shoulders, his touch sending shivers down her spine. She felt her resolve crumbling with every passing second, torn between the desire to push him away and the longing for his warmth and comfort."

"Taking a shaky breath, she looked up into his eyes, seeing nothing but sincerity and affection reflected in them. Her lips quivered as she struggled to find the words to express the whirlwind of emotions raging within her."

"I... I don't know what to say..." "she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment."

"Ruby's eyes widened in surprise, her pupils dilating as she processed the weight of his words. Her mind reeled with a mix of emotions: shock, confusion, and... something else. A flutter in her chest, a tingling sensation that spread throughout her body."

"For a moment, Ruby forgot to breathe, her gaze locked onto his, searching for any sign of insincerity or deception. But Korpo's silver eyes seemed to bore into her very soul, conveying a sincerity that was impossible to ignore."

"Ruby's lips parted, but no words came out. She felt like she was drowning in the depths of his gaze, unable to look away. The tension between them crackled like electricity, making the air thick and heavy."

"Her heart pounded in her chest, echoing in her ears as she struggled to comprehend the confession hanging between them. She had never expected this, never imagined that Korpo would feel this way about her."

"But as she looked into his eyes, she saw the vulnerability there, the raw honesty of his emotions laid bare before her. And despite her uncertainty, a warmth blossomed within her, spreading like wildfire."

"Ruby's hand trembled as she reached out, tentatively placing it on Korpo's cheek, her touch feather-light," "I... I think... I might love you too..."

"Ruby melts into his embrace, feeling a surge of relief wash over her. She buries her face in his chest, inhaling his scent, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek."

"With a soft sigh, she whispers," "No, thank you... for being brave enough to say it."

"Their embrace lingers, the air thick with unspoken words and unspoken desires. Ruby can feel the tension building between them, a magnetic pull drawing them closer with each passing moment."

"With a gentle touch, she tilts her head up to meet Korpo's gaze, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of anticipation and longing." "What now?" "she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper."