After the examinations concluded, the students gradually returned to their dormitories. Evening settled over St. Freya, the campus finally quiet after an exhausting day.
Kiana walked beside Kouga, her steps noticeably slower than usual. Ahead of them, Mei and Bronya were deep in conversation, discussing how Kiana's sync test had malfunctioned and forced her to face an Emperor-class Honkai Beast. Their voices drifted forward, animated and analytical, while Kouga stayed close to Kiana's side.
Kiana let out a long yawn and stretched her arms.
" I'm finally done... this is so friggin tiring."
Kouga chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. He glanced down at her, noticing the fatigue written plainly across her face."At least it's all over now," he said reassuringly. "You pushed yourself hard today."
They continued walking—until Kiana suddenly stumbled.
Her body tilted forward, strength vanishing in an instant.
Kouga reacted immediately, catching her before she hit the ground. Her weight slumped against him, completely limp.
"Kiana? KIANA?" he called urgently, shaking her shoulders.
Mei and Bronya heard his shout and spun around. They rushed back toward him, worry flashing across their faces as they checked Kiana's condition.
After a few tense seconds, Kiana stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she let out a weak groan.
Everyone exhaled in relief.
Kouga leaned closer, concern clear in his voice."You just collapsed. What happened?"
Kiana blinked a few times, then answered in the simplest way possible:
"I'm hungry..."
For a moment, there was silence—then Mei sighed, half worried and half amused.
"Let's head back, then. I'll make lunch for you."
Not wasting another second, Kouga carefully lifted Kiana into his arms and carried her back toward the dorms while she barely protested, already half-asleep.
Later that night.
After dinner, the dorm grew quiet as everyone turned in for the night. Kouga remained awake a little longer, standing alone in his room testing his power.
Years of training had allowed him access to the Super Forms—both Rider and Sentai—but the Final Forms/extra Final form and final mecha still far from his reach. As for god-tier Riders and Sentai like Zi-o, Decade, Gaim, Saver, Zein, Zero-Three, GozyuWolf, Tegasword, Gokaiger, and others… those were still far beyond his reach.
He sighed, shaking his head.Still a long way to go.
Deciding not to overthink it, Kouga changed into sleepwear and prepared to turn in.
Then came a knock at the door.
He paused, then walked over and opened it.
Standing in the hallway was Kiana.
She wore a simple white pajama top and yellow shorts, clutching a pillow tightly to her chest. Her hair was slightly messy, her expression tired.
"Kiana?" Kouga asked, surprised.
She shifted her weight awkwardly before speaking."Kouga-senpai… can I sleep here tonight? I can't fall asleep for some reason, and I think staying with you would help."
Kouga froze.
He stared at her for a moment, brain refusing to function properly.
"…You know boys and girls aren't supposed to sleep in the same room, right?" he said carefully. "And couldn't you ask Mei instead?"
Kiana shook her head gently."Mei-senpai is already asleep. I didn't want to wake her." She looked up at him. "And you're still awake."
Then she added softly,"Fuhua told me you slept next to both of us during a mission before."
Her eyes met his—tired, trusting, and calm.
"Besides," she said with a small smile, "it's you. I don't think I need to worry about anything."
Inside his head, Kouga screamed:That's exactly how trouble starts.
But then she tilted her head and gave him those unmistakable puppy eyes.
His resistance crumbled instantly.
"…Fine," he muttered, stepping aside. "Come in."
Not long after, the lights were off.
Kouga lay stiffly on the bed, wide awake.
Kiana, meanwhile, was fast asleep—arms wrapped around him, breathing steady and peaceful.
He let out a quiet sigh, staring at the ceiling.
"…This is going to be a long night."
Still, he carefully relaxed, letting sleep slowly take him despite the warmth pressed against his side.