They do end up fixing up the arm and it hangs from the ceiling once again. The sleek arms putter around the kitchen in time to make Soe and Airin a late brunch.

They part as Airin heads out to her engineering job. Soe tries not to fuss too much at the door, but she can’t help it.

The world is such a dangerous place right now.

Airin stretches up to press a kiss to Soe’s lips, and Soe doesn’t even feel like playing up her height to tease Airin. Airin cups Soe’s face in her hands. Soe sighs into the kiss.

The kiss breaks and they stare at each other. It’s romantic until it passes the untold time limit and it dives right into Awkward Staring Contest territory.

“Soe, “Airin says, her tone serious despite how light she’s tried to keep it the whole day. Soe feels a stab of guilt. Airin’s been trying so hard to keep a calm atmosphere in their home. “Soe. The war is almost over. Peace is near.”

She says it with such conviction that makes Soe believe it. Even if only for a few hours.

“Peace is near…” Soe repeats. Peace is near.

Airin smiles up at Soe, relief on her face. Soe smiles back.

Airin pulls away. “Besides, “Airin adds, “The King wouldn’t let it get too far.”

Soe mulls over this. It’s true. The King wasn’t the kind to let his subjects die just like that. His army was fighting back and death rates were a lot less than in the first surprise attacks.

It’s a reassuring shield.

Airin steps back. “I’ll be back before dark, “she says. Airin whips around and even skips out the door.

It’s stupid. It’s brave. Soe envies the courage to determinedly not let the oppressive, nervous atmosphere affect her.

“Have a good day at work!” Soe calls behind Airin, belatedly. Soe ignores the tight grip she keeps on the doorway and watches after Airin until she can’t be seen anymore.

Peace is near.

--

Thunk!

Soe throws a knife. Bullseye.

She goes up to the target to pull it out and steps back again.

Three meters. Breath in. And out.

Thunk!

Three meters. Breath in. And out.

Thunk!

She’s trying to distract herself. Keep her good mood.

Three meters. Breath in. And out.

Thunk!

Unfortunately, Soe’s found it very difficult to keep herself from checking the news nowadays.

Thunk!

The knife hits bullseye, but Soe isn’t looking at that.

Instead she stares at her phone. And the main article of today.

Breaking News: The Dark Emperor kills Lunaris‘ King!