Shadow Re: Slave

Nephis opened her eyes wide.

She hadn't thought about it from his point of view—not really.

But now, standing there, held in his arms, listening to the calm sorrow in his voice… she did.

And for the first time, she began to understand him.

Not just Sunny, the fighter who stood between her and monsters.

Not just Sunny, the sharp-eyed and minded shadow who bore the weight of everything with a crooked smile.

But Sunny, the boy—no, the person—who had lived through more than anyone should. Who had made a choice she couldn't even fathom, just to stay near her.

And suddenly… he felt older.

Not in age.

But in burden.

Like there were years behind his eyes that time couldn't explain.

His words weren't poetic. They were plain. Quiet.

But something about them settled in her chest like gravity.

And in that moment, she realized something else.

Something that made her breath hitch.

If what Sunny said was true—and it had to be, because lying wasn't in his nature—then it meant… she meant more to him than he did to her.

That was a thought she hadn't expected.

Because to her, Sunny was already hers. In both worlds her most favourite person. In the quiet way that didn't need to be said aloud.

Even Cassie couldn't compare.

Cassie was her friend—her first friend, in many ways—and they understood each other in ways no one else could.

But when she was with Sunny…

There was a feeling she didn't get with anyone else.

Something deeper. Older. Quieter.

She didn't know what it was.

Didn't know if it had a name.

Only that when he was near, the world felt less empty.

And when he wasn't… it was worse.

She didn't think it was love. Not in the way stories described it.

It wasn't about him being a man. Or being attractive—even though, somehow, he was now, more than before.

It was because he was Sunny.

And because she liked him, too.

And so, after a long silence, she whispered—barely audible, as though saying it any louder might shatter something delicate between them:

"I like you too, Sunny… a bit."

After her quiet confession, Sunny didn't say anything.

He just held her.

And then… his embrace tightened.

Gently, but firmly—pulling her even closer into his chest.

Nephis felt the full warmth of his body against hers.

Felt the slow, steady beat of his heart—in sync with her own, like they were somehow sharing the same rhythm.

It startled her.

Heat crept into her cheeks, and before she could stop it, a small, strangled sound escaped her lips—a breathless, flustered squeak she hadn't meant to make.

Her eyes went wide.

So did his.

Sunny jerked back like he'd been struck, releasing her and stumbling a step away.

"S-sorry!" he said quickly, raising his hands in alarm. "I didn't mean to—"

But she interrupted him.

Before he could retreat behind the walls again.

"No, it's okay," she said, still a little pink in the face. "I just got flustered. That sound wasn't on purpose. I didn't mean to… make it."

There was a pause.

Then he gave a nervous chuckle, eyes darting away for a second before returning to hers.

"It wasn't embarrassing," he muttered. "It was… cute. You're cute."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Sunny mentally cursed himself.

What are you doing?!

For the past six months, he had done everything right.

Stayed composed.

Careful.

Distant enough not to overwhelm her. Not to push.

He had waited, measured every step—afraid of scaring her away.

And now here he was… slipping.

Revealing more than he should.

Letting her see just a little too much of what he felt.

But when she didn't step away…

When she didn't shut down or pull back…

When she just stood there, looking at him with those silver eyes, still blushing—but not running—

He felt something ease inside him.

Just a little.

Because even if he couldn't say the words yet—

She had let him stay.

And that… for now, was enough.

Sunny took a quiet breath, then straightened.

The faint blush on his cheeks faded as he pulled the pieces of his composure back into place, one by one.

Then he smiled—brightly this time. That familiar crooked grin, full of charm and something sharper underneath.

"Anyway," he said lightly, "I think you still have some questions."

He tilted his head slightly, watching her.

"You're free to ask them."

Then his smile turned just a little more pointed.

"But… if I remember correctly, you made a promise."

His dark eyes glinted.

"So if you want answers, you'll have to start upholding it again."