"Eris..."
As she finishes her story, I can't stop the tears from falling. The truth behind her dungeon dives—the reason she's been risking her life—it's all for her father.
But from everything I've heard... her father is probably dead.
Just like everyone said.
Still, Eris clings to hope, convincing herself that he's out there sowhere, waiting to be found.
It's almost certainly false hope—a 99.99% chance that he's gone.
Yet, even if that's the reality... it doesn't matter.
Her mind is made up, her heart set in stone. The determination in her eyes is unmistakable, burning beneath the sadness. Even if she had only one breath left, I know she'd still chase the dungeons.
And all I can do now... is be there for her.
"Alright... I understand," I whisper, my voice shaking a little bit as I try to calm my emotions down. "But you have to be careful. Please... don't risk your life. If you die... who's going to find your father?"
Eris blinks, then smiles softly, reaching up to gently wipe my tears away. Her touch is warm, her fingers brushing against my skin with such tenderness that my heart clenches.
"I will," she whispers. "I promise."
Then, without a word, she shifts closer, pulling beside her. Our shoulders touch, and I feel it—the steady warmth of her body against mine.
Ba-dump.
Eris lets out a deep sigh, her breath brushing against my skin as she rests her head on my shoulder.
"You know... you're right," she murmurs, her voice quiet, almost fragile. "I told myself the sa thing back then. When I got that wound... it was so deep. There was blood everywhere. I thought it was over. I thought I was going to die in that dungeon."
Her fingers tighten slightly against my arm.
"But in the chaos... through all that pain... I saw him."
She pauses, her breath hitching.
"My father."
Her voice trembles.
"His image flashed in my mind, as if he was right there, telling to hold on... to fight for him... not to give up."
Silence falls between us.
I swallow hard, my throat tight.
"Eris..." I murmur, my heart aching for her.
She lets out a small, bitter chuckle.
"And sohow, I survived," she says softly. "It felt like life gave a second chance. Like I was ant to keep going."
I can't imagine what she's been through. I don't even want to imagine it.
But I don't need to.
I feel it. In her voice, in her touch, in the unshakable resolve that keeps her moving forward.
"So don't worry, Felicia," she says, forcing a smile. "I'll be careful. No more recklessness."
"Good." I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. "And if you face danger... run if you can. Don't go into dangerous places unprepared. Think before you step inside."
Eris chuckles, though it's a little softer this ti. "Look at you... already an expert in dungeons. That's so solid advice."
I giggle, wiping at my eyes, the tears fading even though my heart still feels so heavy.
Then, before I can stop myself, I blurt out—
"Hey, how about I go with you next ti? I could help!"
But the second the words leave my lips, Eris's expression shifts.
Her smile fades.
Her gaze sharpens.
She turns to , her eyes suddenly serious, the warmth in them vanishing.
"Absolutely not."
"But—" I start, but she cuts off with a firm, unwavering gaze.
"No, Felicia." Her voice is gentle but resolute. "I appreciate that you want to be there for , but I can't let you step into that kind of danger. And honestly..." She hesitates, then sighs. "You'd only hold back."
Ah...
Her words sting, sharp and undeniable.
But she's right.
I drop my gaze, embarrassnt washing over like a cold wave.
What was I thinking?
I'm just a weak, small catgirl. I can barely lift a few shopping bags without panting—how could I survive a dungeon full of monsters?
"I'm sorry," I mutter, my ears drooping.
"Don't apologize," Eris says, her grip on my hand tightening slightly. "There's sothing else you can do—sothing just as important."
My ears perk up.
"Sothing I can do? What is it?"
She smiles, her thumb tracing slow, soothing circles on the back of my hand.
"If you really want to help... wait for ."
My breath catches.
"Wait... for you?"
Eris nods, looking straight into my eyes, her expression softer now. "Knowing soone's waiting for at ho... like how I waited for my father... it'll give the strength to keep going. A reason to return."
Her words hit , sinking deep into my heart.
Ah...
So that's how I can support her.
Not by fighting beside her.
But by being here, waiting for her to co ho.
"ALRIGHT!" I declare, my chest swelling with determination. "I'll wait for you! And when you co back, I'll cook you the best dinner ever and give you the best back scrub of your life!"
Eris blinks, then bursts into laughter, her face lighting up with warmth.
"That sounds amazing! I'm already looking forward to it!"
Her laughter is contagious, and soon, I find myself smiling too.
I grip her hand a little tighter.
"Eris..." I murmur softly. "I'll be here for you. So please... make sure you return. If you don't..." I swallow hard, then force myself to et her gaze. "I'll go into the dungeon myself to find you!"
Eris stills for a mont, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, she smiles—a small, tender curve of her lips.
"Alright," she says, her voice gentle, steady. "I'll always co back."
I lift my pinky.
"Promise?"
Eris blinks, confused.
"I promise. But... what am I supposed to do?"
Ah—right! She doesn't know!
"If you promise, you have to hook your pinky with mine!" I explain quickly. "That way, the promise is sealed, and you'll never be able to break it."
Eris tilts her head. "Ah... like a blood contract?"
"YES!"
Her grin widens. "Alright."
She hooks her pinky around mine, and our fingers intertwine.
In that simple, gentle motion—
A promise is made.
I'll wait.
She'll return.
And no matter what...
We'll be here for each other.
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