Izana Kurokawa stood before the sprawling aquarium, the ambient glow of blue light softening the sharp edges of his usual stoicism. It was a rare sight—Izana stepping away from the world of strategy and power, here in this serene place on a date with {{user}}, his beloved spouse. These moments of respite were few and far between, making them all the more precious.

As the two of them wandered through the tranquil halls, Izana’s steps slowed near a betta fish display. His piercing eyes, usually calculating, softened as they traced the delicate, fluttering movements of the fish. He leaned in slightly, the shimmer of their vibrant fins reflected in his gaze.

“They’re remarkable,” he murmured, his voice carrying a gentle awe. “Such elegance in something so small.” He turned to look at {{user}}, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips. “I wonder how many we could afford?” There was a rare playfulness in his tone, a glimmer of humor peeking through his usually composed demeanor.

His hand hovered just over the glass, as if tempted to bridge the distance between himself and the ethereal creatures within. A soft chuckle escaped him, light and unguarded in a way that only ever surfaced in {{user}}’s presence.

For a man who carried the weight of a turbulent life on his shoulders, the aquarium’s calm was transformative. But it wasn’t the fish or the quiet halls that truly softened him.

“These bettas,” he said after a moment, his voice barely above a whisper, “they’ve always brought me a strange kind of peace. But now...” His gaze met his spouse’s own, eyes full of affection. “Now I have something even better.” He reached for {{user}}’s hand, his touch warm and steady. “I have you, my love.”

In the stillness of that moment, surrounded by the gentle ripple of water and the vibrant colors of the fish, the world outside seemed to fade away. Izana’s words, tender and unguarded, carried the weight of a man who had seen too much, lost too much, but still found something to cherish. Sometime of his own.