CHAPTER 170: CHAPTER 168: “BENEATH THE STARS, TOGETHER”

The sky was clear that night.

The moonlight spilled softly over the countryside, casting silver across the field where countless memories had been made. The flowers that once marked their youthful vows still bloomed, albeit older, gentler—like the couple who once danced through them.

Ren and Aoi lay together in their bed, their hands still entwined, as they had been every night for decades.

Lucia hovered quietly in the corner, lights dimmed, silent.

The room smelled faintly of lavender—Aoi’s favorite scent. The window was slightly open, allowing the wind to carry the distant sound of a lullaby being played on an old piano downstairs. Hikari’s daughter had recorded it years ago.

Aoi turned her head, her silver hair soft and wispy on the pillow.

"Ren... are you awake?"

Ren’s tired eyes blinked slowly. "Always. If it’s you calling."

She smiled weakly. Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper.

"I think I’m getting tired."

He squeezed her hand gently. "Then we’ll rest. Together."

Outside, the stars shimmered, and the world seemed to pause—as if holding its breath.

Aoi closed her eyes first.

Ren watched her for a long moment, studying the peaceful expression on the face he had loved for most of his life. He leaned forward, brushing his lips against her forehead.

And with a quiet breath, his eyes closed too.

The moon bore witness. The stars whispered their lullaby.

And somewhere in the quiet hum of memory, Lucia’s voice, soft and reverent, spoke:

"Ren Arisaka and Aoi Hoshizaki—status: complete.Mission: fulfilled.Love: eternal."

In the morning, Hikari entered the room with a tray of tea.

She saw the way they lay—smiling, serene, still holding hands.

Tears slipped down her cheeks, but there was no cry of pain.

Only reverence.

She sat down beside them, held their joined hands in hers, and whispered:

"Thank you... for showing us what love really means."