Chapter 255: Chapter 255- Change

As they stepped out of the shop, the cool night air brushed gently against their faces. The streetlights shimmered on the wet pavement, and the faint hum of the city filled the silence between them.

Julian shifted the bag in his hand before casually flicking his wrist in an instant, all the parts vanished into the glow of his inventory skill.

"Alright," Julian said calmly, glancing at her. "Where to next?"

Aya hesitated, fidgeting with the hem of her jacket, her cheeks tinting pink. "U-um... if it’s not too much trouble..." She looked away, her voice growing softer. "Maybe... we could spend some time together? Just the two of us. It’s been a while since we’ve had that."

Julian raised an eyebrow slightly, then smiled — that small, rare curve of his lips that always made her heart skip. "You’re right. It has been a while."

He placed his hands in his pockets and nodded. "Alright then. Let’s take a walk just you and me."

Aya’s eyes lit up instantly, her usual timid tone replaced by a quiet joy. "R-really?!"

Julian chuckled softly. "Really."

Aya couldn’t hide her smile as she replied, her voice filled with a shy happiness,

"Then... let’s make the most of it."

They strolled along the lively night street, their footsteps echoing softly against the pavement as the city lights shimmered across puddles left from an earlier rain. Aya held her hands behind her back, glancing occasionally at Julian, who walked beside her with his usual calm and cool expression.

"So," Julian began, his tone casual, "have you had any trouble lately? Everything going smoothly?"

Aya blinked, then shook her head with a small smile. "Not really. Everyone’s been helping each other a lot, so... things have been fine." She paused for a moment, then added with a thoughtful hum, "Though I didn’t expect Veronica to become so... tame."

Julian raised an eyebrow, glancing sideways at her. "Tame?"

Aya’s eyes widened as she waved her hands quickly, her face turning red. "N-no! That’s not what I meant! I mean— not that kind of tame! More like... she’s been nicer, more— friendly!"

Julian chuckled softly at her flustered tone. "Yeah, yeah, I get it." His lips curved slightly as he looked ahead. "But you’re right. Veronica has been more open lately. Feels like she’s finally letting her guard down."

Aya nodded quickly, her expression brightening. "Exactly! During our last fight, she even trusted me to watch her back. That... actually made me really happy."

Julian’s gaze softened a little at her words, though he didn’t say anything right away just walked beside her, the quiet hum of the city wrapping around them like a gentle rhythm.

The night breeze brushed softly against them as they walked, Neon lights reflected in Aya’s eyes as she looked around, clearly enjoying the rare calm after so many battles.

Julian glanced at her and said quietly, "You’ve changed too, Aya."

Aya blinked, a little startled. "H-huh? Really?"

Julian nodded, his tone even but warm. "Yeah. You’re more confident now—braver, too. You used to hesitate a lot, but now... you step forward without waiting for anyone to push you."

Aya froze for a second, her cheeks slowly tinting pink. She didn’t know how to respond—her usual composure melted away under his gaze. "I... I just didn’t want to slow everyone down," she mumbled.

Julian’s lips curved faintly, and without really thinking, he reached out and gently took her hand. Aya stiffened instantly, her eyes wide as she looked up at him, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum.

Julian’s tone stayed calm, as if nothing unusual had happened. "You did well, Aya."

Aya opened her mouth, her voice barely above a whisper. "Julian... you’ve changed too."

That made him glance at her, one eyebrow lifting slightly. "I did?"

Aya nodded, trying to steady her voice though her hand was still trembling in his. "You’re... more caring now. You used to only think about the things you found important. But now, you care about everyone around you."

Julian was quiet for a moment, then smiled faintly. "I guess... maybe you’re right."

Aya lowered her gaze, her cheeks bright red as she added softly, "I like this Julian more."

Aya’s steps faltered when Julian suddenly moved closer.

Before she could even react, his arms wrapped around her — firm yet gentle — and her whole body froze.

"Hee—??" a tiny sound escaped her lips, high and startled, completely unplanned. Her face instantly turned crimson, the heat rushing up to her ears.

Julian chuckled softly, his voice brushing near her ear. "Sorry," he said, though he didn’t sound sorry at all. "You were just too cute. I couldn’t hold back."

Aya’s hands fidgeted awkwardly at her sides, her heartbeat hammering like it wanted to escape her chest. "D-don’t say that so easily..." she whispered, eyes darting everywhere but at him. "I—it’s embarrassing..."

Julian finally loosened his embrace, stepping back just enough to look at her flushed face. The calm streetlights framed the moment, the night unusually gentle around them.

With his usual composed smile, he said, "You’ll have to get used to things like this when you’re with me, Aya."

Aya’s voice came out soft, almost like a whisper. "O-okay..." she murmured, her cheeks still pink as she shyly let Julian take her hand again. His grip was warm, steady and somehow, it made her heart calm down even as it raced.

They continued walking side by side through the bustling downtown, the sound of people chatting and laughter filling the air. It felt peaceful.

But then—

"Julian!"

A familiar voice broke through the noise of the street. Julian turned his head, instantly recognizing it. Standing a few meters away was Luke, waving with his usual grin, and beside him was Vivi, holding a few shopping bags in her hands.

Luke strode over quickly, his tone half-teasing, half-relieved.

"Man, I didn’t expect to run into you here! I’ve been looking for you since yesterday," he said, clapping Julian’s shoulder. "So, how’s your wound? All healed up?"