The bar buzzed with low chatter and clinking glasses. Yamashita, Gaoh Ryuki, and Koga sat around a table, drinks half-full, the tension light for once.

Koga stretched, leaning back. “Man, I still can’t believe how far everything’s come since the tournament... It’s kinda weird chilling like this now.”

Ryuki, cool as always, sipped from his glass. “I don’t mind it.”

Yamashita chuckled. “You should enjoy the peace while it lasts. In our line of work, you never know when it’s gonna hit the fan again.”

Clink.

The door to the bar swung open with a soft jingle. A woman walked in — strikingly beautiful, with sharp eyes that held both grace and danger. She wore a sleek black jacket over a form-fitting top, and her presence instantly shifted the room’s energy.

Koga’s eyebrows shot up. “Whoa…”

The woman’s gaze swept the bar — and stopped the moment she saw Ryuki.

Her expression shifted — something between relief and disbelief — and then she walked straight toward him.

“Ryuki…” she breathed, before wrapping her arms around him tight. Like she'd been waiting years just to touch him again.

Ryuki blinked, unmoved. “Chikara?”

Koga choked. “HUH?! WAIT WHO?!”

Chikara didn’t let go. Her arms stayed locked around Ryuki’s waist, head buried in his chest like she belonged there.

“It’s really you…” she said softly. “You’re alive.”

Ryuki looked down at her with that same unreadable calm. “You too.”

Koga leaned forward, flailing. “HELLO?! WHO IS THIS GIRL?! RYUKI, SHE’S HUGGING YOU LIKE YOU’RE MARRIED—?!”

Yamashita, unbothered, smiled. “Relax, Koga. She works with me.”

“Wait—what?! You know her?!”

“Yep.” Yamashita nodded. “She’s with the Kengan Association. Handles sensitive assignments. Been helping out for a while.”

“Okay but—” Koga blinked, pointing at the two. “She’s still hugging him!! Is no one gonna say anything?!”

Chikara finally looked up at Ryuki again. Her cheeks were slightly red, but her eyes were steady. “I missed you. So much.”

And then—she kissed him.