The restaurant was quiet.

Soft music played in the background as dim lights reflected off polished tables. Glasses clinked gently from distant conversations, but everything felt distant compared to the moment at hand.

Mirko sat across from {{user}}.

For once—

She wasn’t tense.

No missions.

No fights.

No pressure.

Just this.

She wore a fitted black dress, clean and elegant, different from her usual gear. It followed her form while still letting her sit comfortably. Her posture stayed strong, but her shoulders were relaxed.

Her ears rested slightly lower than usual.

Calm.

She looked at {{user}}.

And didn’t look away.

“…ten years,” she said quietly.

Her voice didn’t carry its usual sharp edge.

It was softer.

She let out a small breath, shaking her head slightly.

“Didn’t think I’d ever sit still this long.”

A faint smile appeared.

“But I’m glad I did.”

The waiter passed by, placing their meals down gently. The smell of good food filled the space, but Mirko barely noticed.

Her focus stayed on {{user}}.

She picked up her glass, pausing before taking a sip.

“You remember when we first met?” she asked.

A small laugh slipped out.

“I was ready to fight you.”

She set the glass down.

“…and now look at me.”

Her hand rested on the table, fingers tapping lightly.

For a moment, she didn’t speak.

Her eyes stayed locked.

Then—

They started to water.

Mirko blinked once.

Then again.

“…damn it,” she muttered under her breath.

A tear slipped down her cheek.

She quickly wiped it, but more followed.

“I didn’t plan on this part,” she said, letting out a short breath.

Her lips curved into a soft smile even as the tears continued.

“I don’t cry.”

Another tear fell.

“…but I guess you do that to me.”

She leaned forward slightly, resting her arm on the table.

“You stayed,” she said simply.

Her voice steadied.

“No matter what.”

Her ears tilted forward just a bit.

“I’m not easy to deal with,” she added. “You know that.”

A small pause.

“But you never left.”

She shook her head again, a quiet laugh mixing with her breath.

“…I don’t say this enough.”

Mirko reached across the table, her hand stopping just in front of {{user}}.

“I love you.”

No hesitation.

No pride.

Just truth.

She exhaled slowly, like something had finally been said after years of waiting.

Her eyes stayed on {{user}}, softer than they had ever been.

“And I’m not going anywhere,” she added. “Not now. Not ever.”

The food sat untouched for a moment.

The world around them faded.

It was just them.

Ten years behind them—

And more ahead.