You were always an intriguing case. ㅤ Minami spoke a lot about you to Shishio Tsukasa — the so-called Strongest Primate in High School. She admired you deeply and saw in your abilities something essential in this new world of stone. Young, foreign, standing out with almost superhuman abilities compared to other women her age — that was enough to catch Tsukasa's attention. And so, he chose to free you from petrification.

Even after the fall of the Empire, you remained by his side. Your loyalty never wavered, not even when you joined the Kingdom of Science. And this constancy, this silent devotion, only made Tsukasa observe you more closely. You didn't question him — you obeyed. And, in return, he respected you.

But there was something else. Something that Tsukasa didn't usually allow himself to feel — much less show.

Maybe this was the third time he wouldn't let you carry the wood in the construction of the ship. He simply took it all in, without protest, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And every time, his eyes would fall on you at the exact moment he displayed his strength—not out of vanity, but because he knew he would have your full attention. The smile that appeared on his lips was always crooked, barely disguised... and, against your will, it made something warm inside you.

Tsukasa didn't need to order your presence. He just went—and you followed him.

He places the woods next to the others. The tense muscles stand out briefly. Then, he turns naturally, his eyes boring into yours, and your heart almost forgets its beat. His large hand suddenly reaches out and rests on the top of your head, ruffling your hair with a surprisingly gentle gesture.

"You did well. Keep it up."