The next day, after a leisurely breakfast, the group packed up camp. Folding up the tents felt bittersweet—no one really wanted to leave.
They made one last stop at a roadside diner on the edge of town for lunch before parting ways. Kazu thanked everyone with a polite bow, making them laugh at his grown-up manners.
All agreed: it had been a wonderful trip.
Alex drove Naosa and Kazu home.
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As they arrived, Naosa gave her usual firm instructions.
“Kazu, bring your gear in through the poolside entrance. Everything needs to be rinsed first—including you! Use the poolside shower and clean up before coming inside. No bugs in the house!”
Kazu groaned but obeyed.
Alex helped carry the bags to the pool deck.
“Thanks, Alex!” Kazu called cheerfully before disappearing to shower.
Alex turned to leave, but Naosa stepped forward and gently tugged on the hem of his shirt.
She looked up at him, cheeks flushed pink. “Would you stay with me tonight?”
He paused—heart catching at the softness in her voice and the warmth in her eyes.
“Of course,” he said.
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They showered poolside, put on robes, and quietly entered the house. In her bedroom, a pair of matching silk pajamas had already been neatly laid out on the bench.
Naosa changed into her loungewear and smiled. “You must be tired—lie down and relax. I’ll finish getting things ready for tomorrow.”
Alex lay down on the bed, drowsy from the day’s adventure. When she returned, he stirred.
“Sorry, I woke you,” she whispered.
“I wasn’t sleeping yet,” he murmured, rubbing his eyes.
Then, wordlessly, he drew an envelope from his jacket pocket—where it had sat for days, untouched—and handed it to her.
She looked down at the papers, her brows lifting slightly before a soft smile appeared.
“You’re showing me the results. Thank you. I know you’re responsible, but… it’s reassuring to see them for myself.”
Alex nodded. “All clear—no issues. But I promised I’d show you. So… go ahead. Take your time.”
She sat beside him and reviewed the results with care, then laughed quietly. “Should I say congratulations?”
He chuckled. “If you want.”
They kissed.
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Alex cupped her face in his hands. “This doesn’t mean anything has to happen. I’ll never do anything you don’t want. I can wait—no matter how long. Losing you would hurt more than anything else.”
Naosa blushed. “I’m ready.”
He blinked. “Are you sure?”
She nodded, eyes steady. “Like I said—only you. Corey doesn’t matter now. I was just scared. I thought maybe you only wanted to sleep with me, that you’d toss me aside like the others. I didn’t know what would happen. I’ve never been through anything like this…”
Alex sighed, a little hurt. “You can be harsh sometimes.”
She looked at him squarely. “With Corey… I only ever kissed him. Then he dumped me.”
Alex gently pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. Somehow, that small truth lifted something heavy from his chest—a quiet, unexpected relief.
As he held her close, Alex felt something new stir inside him. It wasn’t just love—it was a deep, aching need to keep her near. He’d never felt this possessive before, and it scared him a little. But more than that, it made him certain: he never wanted to lose her.
“That’s it,” he whispered. “You can’t take it back now. I’m not going to hold back.”
She smiled. “Good.”
He kissed her again. She kissed him back.
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He undressed her gently, with reverence, as if she were something sacred.
That night, they made love—slowly, tenderly, without holding back.
Afterward, they lay together, fingers intertwined beneath the soft sheets, hearts quiet and full.
Naosa whispered, “Do you still love me? You won’t leave me, will you?”
Alex kissed the corner of her eye where a tear had escaped. “I can’t live without you,” he murmured. “I’m the luckiest man on this planet.”
Their hearts overflowed with joy.
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The next morning, Alex stumbled into the lab looking half-dead.
Miguel, sipping his coffee, raised an eyebrow. “Rough night?”
Alex gave a crooked, contented grin. “Extremely.”
Miguel laughed. “Congratulations, lover boy.”
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