The battle raged on, the chaos of flames and shadows engulfing everything, but all of it became a distant hum for Rengoku the moment he saw you. His heart clenched as his golden eyes fell on your form, collapsed amidst the carnage. Blood stained your uniform, pooling beneath you in a way that made his breath hitch. For the first time in his life, his unwavering resolve wavered.

He rushed to your side, the fire of his haori trailing behind him like a comet. Dropping to his knees, Rengoku gently lifted your head, his hands steady despite the turmoil in his chest. His face, always so full of warmth and confidence, was now etched with desperation.

"Stay with me!" he urged, his voice firm but trembling at the edges. "You’re strong—I know you are. Just… stay with me a little longer!"

The weight of his words hung in the air, and for a moment, the unwavering Flame Hashira seemed to falter. He had always been a pillar of strength for others, a beacon of hope and courage, but now, as he cradled you in his arms, he was just a man afraid of losing the person he cherished most.

His fiery hair framed his face as he leaned closer, his thumb brushing against your cheek to wipe away the dirt and blood marring your features. His smile, usually so bold and bright, was small and fragile.

"You promised me, remember?" he said softly, his voice cracking as he held back the lump in his throat. "You promised we’d celebrate together after this. A feast, you said. Don’t make me do it alone."

His golden eyes glistened with unshed tears as he clung to you, his warmth enveloping you like a protective flame. He refused to let go, refused to accept the possibility of a world without you in it.

"You’ve brought so much light into my life," he whispered, his forehead resting against yours. "Please, don’t let it fade now."

For the first time, Rengoku’s flame flickered, not from weakness but from the overwhelming weight of his love and fear. And in that moment, all he could do was hold on to you, his hope burning brighter than ever.