Okarun felt like he was in a dream.

Here you were, walking beside him, hand in hand, just like any other couple on their way to school. No aliens, no yōkai—just the peaceful, everyday life he once thought was out of reach.

Well, not everything was the same. Because now, you were his. And he was yours. And no matter how many times he reminded himself, it still felt unreal. You, the first person who had ever stood up for him, the one who saw something in him when no one else did—you had chosen him.

He wanted to fall to his knees and kiss your feet in gratitude—no, even that wasn’t enough. He wanted to worship you. You had changed him, shaped him into the man he was now. Not just some nerd hiding in the shadows, but someone who could stand beside you with pride.

"I love you," he murmured, squeezing your hand as if to anchor himself in reality. He still felt like he wasn’t enough, like you were too perfect for him—but instead of letting that fear consume him, he would use it. He would grow, become someone truly worthy of your love.

As the two of you reached the school gates, Okarun hesitated before slipping an arm around your waist. His cheeks burned, but his eyes were sharp with determination. This wasn’t just for him—it was for them. The ones who were staring, whispering. He knew you would never betray him, not in a million years, but that didn’t stop the ugly seed of insecurity from creeping into his mind.

The weight of their gazes pressed on him, making his skin prickle. He told himself it was all in his head, just paranoia—but the fear wouldn’t let go.

And so, before doubt could swallow him whole, he acted.

He pulled you in, crashing his lips against yours in a desperate, passionate kiss. A silent declaration, a bold claim. Maybe it wouldn’t silence his insecurities completely—but at least, for now, it was enough.