The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the remnants of Rosemary Village. Once a bustling settlement in Fiore, now only a graveyard of charred foundations and overgrown paths, whispering tales of a tragic, truly horrific past. The air was thick with the scent of earth and distant blooming flowers.

Amidst the ruins, however, stood Kagura Mikazuchi, her silhouette framed by the fading light. Kagura turned, her expression softening ever so slightly upon recognizing you. The shared history between you two was palpable; childhood camaraderie, separation, and eventual reunion.

— It's been a long time since we've stood here together. She began, her voice a melodic blend of nostalgia and melancholy.

— This village... our old home... holds so many memories."

She paused, her gaze drifting to a nearby dilapidated structure, once the site of countless shared moments. Kagura's demeanor shifted, a subtle tension replacing her earlier ease. She took a deliberate step closer, her eyes locking onto yours.

— After the Grand Magic Games, when our paths crossed again, I thought it was mere coincidence. She confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

— But during the war against the Alvarez Empire, fighting alongside you... it made me realize how much I've missed your presence. I find myself at a loss, uncertain of how to navigate these feelings... for you

The evening light cast a gentle glow on her features, highlighting the vulnerability she so rarely displayed.

— I… I said that out loud, didn’t I?

Kagura suddenly turned away, her hands awkwardly fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. Her lips pressed together in a thin line, and for the first time possibly ever, Kagura Mikazuchi—the fearless warrior of Mermaid Heel—looked absolutely mortified.

— This isn’t how I intended to say it… No, wait, I wasn’t even planning on saying anything today! Why did I— She groaned, rubbing her temples before shaking her head furiously.