Kibishi's POV

  The light began to dim, almost as if it were revealing another world as we tried to digest our surroundings.

  Once our eyes adjusted to the brightness, we all saw more than we'd expected. At first, everything was blurry, but soon our vision sharpened, revealing a massive city. It wasn't small or broken down—far from it. It looked like a real city, the kind you'd find on the surface, which surprised me, if not everyone in our group.

  In fact—

  "Yoooo!!!! My dude, this city is tight!" David pumped both fists in excitement.

  And who could bme him?

  Oh boy, where to begin?

  First, the structure. As we entered through the city's gate, the buildings reminded me of photos I'd seen of New York City. If I remembered correctly, New York had very tall buildings. I vaguely recalled parks scattered around, though I couldn't be sure. People had called it an amazing pce, and while this wasn't an exact replica, it felt simir. Some sections resembled cheap supermarkets, others had stalls selling books, shoes, or clothing.

  It was like a functioning society, just on a smaller scale. Like early Egypt, maybe—but bigger? I wasn't entirely sure, since I hadn't been alive back then. Still, the city felt... strange. I couldn't pinpoint why, but something was off.

  For example, we passed a park with a fountain gushing fresh water.

  Fresh. Water.

  That alone boggled my mind. Where did it come from? Why was it so clear? How did they pump it from underground?

  As I wondered, someone grabbed my arm—not forcefully, but gently, like a mother guiding her child. Of course, it was Tao, her face etched with worry.

  "Hmm? What is it?" I asked.

  "Are you okay? You've been spacing out for a while now, even when I called your name." Her words made me feel guilty. I did zone out when lost in thought. Maybe I should pay more attention to her, especially when she clung to me like this.

  "Sorry, Tao. I just bnk out when I've got a lot on my mind."

  "I don't mind, but... are you sure you're okay?" She pressed her chest against my arm, and—naturally—my face burned. I should have been used to it, but my body kept reacting like an oven baking fresh bread.

  "I, uh..."

  My hesitation made her squeeze tighter. It didn't hurt, but the softness of her breasts really messed with my head—argh! What am I thinking?!

  "U-uh... um..." I stammered, swallowing my words. The sensation was so distracting I could barely speak. I needed to change the subject.

  "So! About those cute clothes you wanted! Should I help you check if they fit?!"

  "Huh?" Tao tilted her head, tapping a finger against her chin. She gnced away, thinking, then met my eyes curiously. "Only if you're okay being in the same room while I change, Kishi."

  "Right! So Riley can help you instead! Got it!"

  "Huh? But I didn't mean—" Her expression shifted to something sad and guilty, making me instantly regret my words. With soldiers eavesdropping, I couldn't take it back.

  Personally, I wouldn't have minded being in the room with her. Not that I'd admit it, but I'd caught glimpses of her breasts when her rags tore in certain spots. The lower half, too.

  Then again, my pants sometimes ripped in problematic areas, dangling like a loose hose—so I'd say we were even.

  Huh.

  That probably expined the rumors from back then.

  To be fair, neither of us looked on purpose. We respected each other too much for that.

  "Um, excuse me." A female soldier to my left spoke up. Tao and I turned. The girl looked our age, with brown silky hair and the same bck-and-white armor the others wore—like a sleeker version of U.S. military gear. A scar marred her forehead, twisting something in my chest.

  "Sorry to interrupt, but you two can't hold each other like that. The adults here enforce strict rules set by The Founder," she whispered, removing her helmet.

  "The Founder?" Tao and I said in unison.

  "Long story! He's like the 'president' of this city—keeps everything banced. Just follow their orders, okay?" She gave a warning gnce.

  Tao and I nodded. She let go, and the girl sighed in relief, repcing her helmet. "Sorry for ruining your moment! I support it 100%! Just wait until you're alone or part of the system, okay? Maybe I'll see you around!"

  With that, she returned to formation, pretending nothing had happened.

  "Guess that's what I get for being clingy," Tao whispered, offering a nervous smile.

  "Don't worry. I like that about you. You can cling all you want once this is over," I whispered back.

  Tao stared at me, then blushed, gripping her arm and avoiding my eyes. "T-thank you. That makes me so happy..."

  "You're welcome!" I grinned.

  Yeah. That smile suited her. It made every hardship worth it. This hellhole wasn't poison if Tao was happy. I fought the urge to pull her close, to prove my words—but I held back. We couldn't afford trouble.

  Just seeing her like this warmed me, like floating safely across va in a lifeboat made just for me.

  Weird analogy, but true.

  Nothing would ever change that.

  After all, Tao was Tao. There was nothing I wouldn't do for her.

  The rest of the walk passed normally. David teased me, having watched the whole thing without warning us—but thanks to him, I now knew soldiers could be our age. Mental note made.

  Riley scolded him for not stepping in, then apologized to Tao and me for staying quiet too. Eventually, we fell back into easy chatter, talking about nothing but the fun things on our minds.