"Cael, you go first."
"Asa, you go first."
Again, the same words. A brief silence passed, then both spoke simultaneously, as if perfectly in sync.
Pfft.
Hahaha.
The uncanny timing made them burst into laughter. With such chemistry between Cael and Asa, how could it not be electric?
At that moment, words felt unnecessary. An apology wasn't just spoken—it was shown through action.
Standing tall at 172cm, Asa's height wasn't far from Cael's, easily allowing her to act without needing to tiptoe. She stepped forward, letting her intentions speak clearly.
Pressing her forehead against Cael's, her eyes half-lidded, she gently bit his lip.
Mhm. That familiar, slightly metallic taste.
Cael felt the gentle, bloody pressure and froze.
Had Asa forgiven him?
"Asa, I… mmm…"
"Shh, don't talk. Kiss me."
Under stress, desire often becomes an outlet.
Hearing her words, suppressed urges ignited. Cael responded with equal passion.
Fifteen minutes later, they reluctantly pulled apart. The ache of separation heightened the weight of their feelings.
Cael supported Asa as she sank onto the curb. Her legs had turned to jelly after the deep kiss; even the fight with the Typhoon Devil hadn't left her this drained.
"Are you ready to hear my explanation now?" Cael whispered, arm around her shoulder.
Asa blinked. Explanation? They'd already shared a makeup kiss. She could feel, through that touch alone, how indispensable he had become. Why would he still feel the need to explain?
Hehe. Gentle as always, she thought. She decided to apologize first.
"I'm sorry, Cael. I acted impulsively. Compared to Yoru, I should have trusted you more. The Blackbeard Devil must exist."
"I shouldn't have thrown a tantrum or blocked you. Can you forgive me?"
Cael was silent for a moment. "I never blamed you, Asa. My lie was just to deal with Yoru."
Inside her mind, Yoru cursed violently.
Asa smiled faintly, leaning against his chest. "If you don't mind, let's go back to how we were before."
Cael wanted nothing more than to agree—but a lingering concern remained. The real reason his ability had failed before needed proof. He wasn't lying, and for a stable relationship, any hidden doubts had to be eliminated.
After the kiss, clarity returned to his mind. He found a way to show Asa the depth of his trust.
He took a deep breath, gazing into her eyes. "Asa, before we get back together, I want you to turn me into a weapon. It's how I'll prove my love."
"Eh?!" Asa stiffened. "Doesn't Cael have the effect of the Blackbeard Devil's ability nullification?"
"You don't have to worry. I can control it." He revealed the truth plainly. "The only way my ability fails is if someone touches me, and I can deactivate it anytime. You're safe."
Asa hesitated. "That's still dangerous! Weapons I make… they die. I don't want you to die."
Cael smiled reassuringly. "I've thought of that."
He stepped back a meter. Clap. He slammed his left hand against his right wrist.
"Dark Hole."
Thud.
His right hand dropped to the ground, limp and bloody.
Asa's pupils constricted. "Cael, your hand!"
Thanks to the Cockroach Devil's durability boost, he didn't feel a thing.
"It's fine. Just a minor injury."
He picked up his severed hand and offered it to Asa. "This is my method. A part of me can represent me. Transform it if you want."
Horror washed over Asa. Such a reckless plan? Could he really be serious?
"This is your hand! Let's get to the hospital quickly! There's still time to reattach it!"
She didn't realize Weapon Humans had a bizarre resurrection mechanism. To her, the hand was permanently lost.
"It's fine. Really minor."
Seeing her worry, Cael pulled the starter cord on his chest.
Vroom!
Chainsaw blades erupted. His right hand reformed instantly.
"See? Perfectly intact." He reverted to human form, smiling.
Asa's jaw dropped. "Hiss… so magical."
"Tch," Yoru muttered in frustration. "Chainsaw Man is a nightmare. Kill him enough times, feed him blood, pull the cord—he resurrects endlessly."
"Go ahead, Asa. If one hand isn't enough, I can provide more," Cael teased.
"No, no! That's enough." Asa hurriedly grabbed the still-warm hand.
Tentatively, she whispered, "Hand Grenade?"
Swish.
The flesh-colored hand deformed into a grenade, responding instantly.
Finally, relief washed over them both.
Asa smiled, realizing all past misunderstandings could now be resolved. He loved her so much.
"Want to try it?" Cael asked.
"Okay~" She grinned, stretching slightly before tossing the grenade.
"I'll let you in on a secret," Asa teased. "The weapon's power scales with my guilt. This grenade represents my love for you~"
"Really?" Cael raised an eyebrow.
"Yup~"
She bit the pin and pulled hard.
Sizzle—
The fuse burned.
She aimed at an empty fountain across the courtyard and threw with all her strength.
Boom!
The explosion shattered stones into powder, scattering debris everywhere.
Flushed with excitement, Asa cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "Cael! Did you see that?! I love you to the point of explosion!!!"
Cael laughed and shouted back, "I saw it! Asa, I love you to the point of explosion too!"
If they were cringey, they'd be cringey together.
Asa's chest heaved with exhilaration. Tonight had been perfect.
She had slain the Typhoon Devil that took her mother, resolved a major misunderstanding, and reconciled with her boyfriend. Nothing could top this.
Whiz!
Bang bang bang!
Above Tokyo Fourth Higher Academy, fireworks erupted into the night sky, exploding and freezing mid-air.
Against the dark backdrop, sparks formed dazzling words:
'Asa, cheekへのキスはtwiceあります (Asa, there are two kisses on the cheek)'
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Just finished a Presentation, and I low-keyinely think I flopped it 😭