Rika and Arya hid in a narrow alley, trying to shake off the white serpent that had just chased them. Carefully, Arya peeked out from behind the wall to make sure the coast was clear. Once he felt safe enough, he walked over to Rika, who was sitting against the wall not far from him.
"You held my hand," Rika said suddenly, her face turned downward, both hands clutching the wrist Arya had grabbed earlier.
Arya was caught off guard. He tried to explain, stumbling over his words. "I'm sorry. The situation was really dangerous back there, so I didn't have time to think. I just wanted us to get out alive."
Rika went quiet for a moment, then spoke in a voice so soft it was almost a whisper. "That was the first time…"
"I'm sorry. Please don't be mad, it was really because—"
"I'm not mad," Rika cut in suddenly. She lifted her face, looking at Arya with eyes glistening. Her tone came out a little sharp.
Arya scratched his head, confused. "Ahhh… sorry, but you look mad," he said, trying to defend himself.
"I'm really not mad," Rika replied, this time with an annoyed edge to her voice.
Arya studied her face, which looked completely serious. "But your face clearly says you're mad," he said, bewildered.
"That's enough! I'm leaving," Rika shot back, her face flushed red with embarrassment. She stood up and began to float slowly away from Arya.
"Aaa… please, don't leave me alone!" Arya called out, his voice pleading. But before he could even finish, Rika had already vanished from sight, leaving him standing there in confusion.
Not far from there, another figure watched them from the rooftop of a building. Nagini, in a red dress billowing in the wind, smiled faintly, observing with keen interest.
"Aren't they just adorable?" Nagini said elegantly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. But her smile slowly faded as she continued, her tone turning firmer. "But unfortunately, all of this has to end soon."