"Time is limited, once you miss it, it's gone." Ai put her hands behind her back and glanced at Kouyu out of the corner of her eye.

"three..."

Before he could finish speaking, Guangyou said with a smile, "Then I'll apply now."

"Hmm..." Ai felt her cheeks and earlobes getting slightly hot, but this did not affect her thoughts.

"pass."

Her tone sounded rather indifferent at first glance, but judging from Ai's expression, Kōyū knew that she was still a little shy when she said those words.

This is a normal reaction.

Just like him right now.

Even though he already knew the outcome, his heart still raced when he heard Ai say those words herself.

This is a normal reaction.

He could control his emotions and not let them show on his face, but his racing heartbeat was something he couldn't control.

This reaction is likely to last a long time, possibly until the end of life.

After listening to the sounds outside and confirming that it was safe, Kōyū grabbed Ai's shoulders with both hands and made her face him.

Then he gently stroked Ai's delicate cheeks with both hands.

As her fingertips traced across her skin, Ai felt her heart begin to race. She slowly closed her eyes, hiding her beautiful, icy blue eyes beneath her eyelids.

“This is the first time my application has been approved.” Guangyou slowly leaned closer and said softly, “I believe this won’t be the last.”

"I am 1,000 percent certain."

The moment he finished speaking, Kōyū didn't hesitate. He closed his eyes and gently kissed Ai's lips.

...