Skyler staggered into his room, the weight of everything he had endured bearing down on him like a storm. Without a second thought, he hurriedly dragged himself to the bed and slipped beneath the blanket, inching closer to the cold presence and wintery scent. He wrapped his arms around Riruru's waist, hugging her from behind, and whispered.
"Still asleep?"
She stirred and rubbed her eyes, turning to nuzzle her face into the curve of his neck, but said nothing—still heavy with sleep.
"Aren't you hungry?"
Skyler brushed back her flowing white hair, then began absentmindedly tracing circles on her back. His thoughts were consumed by the news he had heard earlier—the 51st level of the Battle Royal had been cleared. Everything about the story was shifting.
