Akizuki nimbly hopped off the stage, wiping sweat off his temple. The others climbed down after him, all of them tired but clearly happy and satisfied.

"Well done, guys. That was wonderful! The audience loved it." Yuyama praised.

"We all worked hard. Good job. Now we can all relax." Zagashira added as he mopped his face with a towel.

They had performed Part II of The Heart of The Swordsman for the spectators that night and it was a hit! The audience was captivated and entranced by the magic of the show. The Kakunojo Yuyama Troupe expected Part III to sell well too.

The others left for their rooms as Yuyama and Akizuki went off to the jetty, as they often did, to spend time together and gaze at the waning and waxing moon. They were sitting down, their feet hanging down from the dock, blissfully enjoying the view, the gentle night breeze, the ocean spray, and the warmth of each other.

"You were fantastic…" Yuyama murmured, leaning her head against Akizuki's shoulder like she often did. "I think the audience loved your character the best."

"Don't praise me so much. Was I really that good? I'm not really an actor…" Akizuki argued, being modest. His swordsmanship was of course, superb and excellent and Yuyama retaliated with that undeniable fact. Akizuki grunted in meek acknowledgement but was extremely happy and proud to hear the compliment from her.

They sank into a comfortable silence as Akizuki placed a hand over Yuyama's smaller one.

Their lullaby was sung, like they often did, and their voices sounded in perfect harmony with the other.

The wind picked up and stirred their hair and Akizuki had a sudden notion.

"Hey." He called softly into Yuyama's ear and she swiveled her head to look at him. And for some reason, she felt her heartbeat begin to rush.

Agonizingly slow, they leaned forward towards each other. Then, with such tenderness, their lips met in the middle. And they kissed: slowly and passionately. Her mouth was so soft on his lips and tasted so delicious, it was irresistible.

Yuyama felt his hand move up her back, bringing her closer to him, which she gladly obliged to as she placed a hand on his cheek. Her finger traced his jaw line and fell down to his neck.

Then, they broke apart, catching their breaths. They were panting and Yuyama managed to whisper "I love you."

"I love you too." Akizuki murmured into her hair as he pulled her in for an embrace. And they stayed like that in the twilight as stars twinkled brightly at them in the sky.

"Awwwwwww…look at that…" Shiranui sighed with a hint of wistfulness. He stared at the two lovers with dreamy eyes and glanced back at Kotoha with hope.

Kotoha bore a small, kind smile on her face, happy for Akizuki and Yuyama. They were such an innocent and sweet couple. They really are meant for each other, Kotoha thought. She did not take any notice of Shiranui's puppy face.

They were standing off in a distance, albeit secretly spying on the romantic moment.

Shiranui had decided to go off to Kotoha's place and the two agreed to spy on Akizuki and Yuyama, knowing that they often spent evenings together at the jetties.

Not wanting to spoil their "alone time" anymore, Kotoha pulled back, grabbing Shiranui's sleeves as she did so.

"Let's go. We shouldn't be spying on them like this. They deserve their time together by themselves without unwanted eyes." She mumbled quietly, her cheeks tinted pink.

"You're the one who suggested to look after them." Shiranui nagged, earning himself a sharp pinch on his arm. Why is that I'm always getting hurt by her? Shiranui thought sadly as he nursed his injured arm.

"Come on, let's go already." Kotoha fumed as she grabbed hold of his hand and stomped off.

Then again, maybe that's not so bad, Shiranui pondered, enjoying the fact that she was holding his hand this one time. And they left, though Shiranui was being dragged.