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Her favorite part of the day was sitting in the evening, listening to the hum and merriment coming from outside, cuddled with him in the room that had become home to both of them. They didn't care about anyone, and no one cared about them. This happened extremely rarely, but when it did, she treasured every minute spent together. They both loved this time. Amidst all the horror happening here, they were each other's entire world. Another world. Peaceful. One where you don't have to fight for your life.
***
"Shuntaro," she drawled, resting her head on his chest, listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat, "would you love me if I were a worm?"
"What kind of stupid questions are you?" He ran his fingers through her hair. "Of course."
A smile appeared on her face.
"You're right, it really is a stupid question."
Silence. Only the beating of two hearts and the breathing of two people.
"Did something happen?" He broke the silence, sensing the tension on her part.
"N-no, everything's fine," her voice sounded unusual. It was too worried.
"Hikari, I sense something's wrong."
"You're imagining it."
"Hikari Kuina," he turned her face toward him, looking her in the eyes, "do you remember what we promised each other?"
"No secrets. If something worries us, we tell each other right away."
"Exactly. So, I'll ask again. What happened?"
"I," she looked away, without saying a word for a few seconds, "I can't do this anymore, Shun. I can't pretend to be strong, I can't watch all the killing happening before my eyes. I can't play the role of being strong and brave. The Borderland is a terrible place. Every day, people die before your eyes. Those you see for the first time and those with whom you've become close friends. What if this ever happens to you? What if one of us witnesses the death of another? I... my heart just can't take it!"
He held her tighter for a moment.
"Listen, Hikari, I promise you I'm not going anywhere. When we get out, I promise, wherever we are, I'll find you."
"Shun," she whispered. Tears welled in her eyes. She pressed herself closer, hugging him tightly. "Thank you. For everything."
She truly was grateful to him. With him, she could be herself. She could take off her "strong and brave" facade. She could finally relax. And she believed they would find each other, even after their separation.
"Shun," she wanted to say something, but didn't have time. He softly covered her lips with his.
Nothing, not the noise and hum outside, not the entire dimension they were in, could tear these two from their own world.
Love could begin anywhere, even in the Borderlands.