Nayuta had been plagued by recurring dreams for ten years since the contract chain within her body shattered. Though dreaming is a natural human experience, there was something peculiar about Nayuta's—she often dreamed of various reunions with Lin Luo. Her premonition ability told her that each dream marked an impending meeting.

Excitement turned to despair when these prophetic dreams failed to materialize in reality. Eventually she understood: even those who foresee the future couldn't predict everything through dreams. Most were merely manifestations of unfulfilled hopes, yet...

Dreams remained dreams.

Even acknowledging this truth, Nayuta didn't wish for them to cease. After brutal battles left her battered and exhausted, when others gazed at her with hero-worshiping eyes, all she wanted was a place where she could rest freely, indulge in weakness without pretense.

But as everyone's pillar of strength, such vulnerability couldn't be shown—even to Hero Fit or Kazafu. Only that illusory dream world allowed her complete release: freedom to express emotions and surrender to fragility. Though some dreams left her blushing furiously the next day, they always filled her with warm comfort she never despised.

When Lin Luo suddenly lifted her in a princess carry, Nayuta instantly assumed it was another dream. But the clear sensory feedback from her body immediately shattered that illusion.

"Bro... Brother?" she stammered blankly, unable to believe reality had become her fantasy.

Lin Luo smiled as he tightened his grip, pressing her closer. "Did you think this was a dream? My touch feels very real doesn't it? A decade passed and my cute little girl became such a beautiful young lady—I don't want to let go anymore... Nayuta."

"Ahh!" Hearing that, she blushed furiously as the reality of being hoisted bridal-style hit her. She instinctively leapt away, fumbling with her words before pulling out her phone.

Lin Luo found her panic amusing and allowed it—for now, this wasn't ten-year-old Nayuta anymore. But when he saw her reaching for the phone...

"Why are you doing that?" he asked, snatching the device from her pocket.

"To call Fit and Kazafu! You've returned after being away so long—when they hear..."

"Hold on," Lin Luo cut in, tucking the phone back into her pocket. "If you tell them now, won't it spoil their surprise? Besides..." He smiled enigmatically as he gently guided her upstairs. "...I want to speak with you privately."

"...Alright," Nayuta surrendered, though her excitement burned to share this joy immediately.

Since establishing the 6th Mobile Division and becoming its combat tactics instructor, Nayuta had spent most of her time here—both professionally and personally. Her quarters within the dormitory complex resembled an apartment more than a barracks room.

Upon entering her chamber, overwhelmed by the sudden reality, Nayuta fumbled with nervousness before offering to brew coffee while making excuses about showering post-training.

The shower was indeed therapeutic—the perfect way to regain composure. She hadn't even bothered saying "Don't peek!" beforehand.

For Lin Luo, despite his occasional thoughts of intimacy, their relationship remained what it had been a decade ago when she was still just his little sister. So he contented himself with pretending to ignore the shower's telltale water sounds as he explored her room...

The bed big enough for four people caught his attention first. He instantly noticed two different bras—Nayuta's smaller size and another larger one obviously belonging to someone else.

A family portrait on the nightstand revealed everything: a grown-up Fit, young Nayuta, and the golden-haired five-year-old girl squeezed between them—who was clearly Vivio High.

Though he'd already researched through the ship's database before this meeting, seeing Vivio's name scrawled in Vivio's handwriting behind the photo confirmed what he suspected—the third season had indeed passed. The Saint King now lived as their adopted daughter.

The timeline accelerated slightly compared to his expectations, but not surprisingly given the enhanced capabilities of these two heroes. It just meant he could finally relax... which suited him fine.

"Ahh!" A sudden gasp made Lin Luo spin around—to see Nayuta standing in the doorway wrapped only in a bath towel, her face flushed with shock at finding him here.

"Oops," he chuckled nervously as she rushed to push him out and close the door firmly behind him.

After checking that nothing indecent had been discovered—thankfully her feminine instincts kept her organized—Nayuta finally calmed down enough to change into fresh uniform before rejoining Lin Luo in the living area.

"By the way, where's your daughter?" Lin Luo asked as she settled onto the sofa.

"She should still be at school," Nayuta replied hesitantly. "I was about to pick her up..."

"That's fine then. We can go together."

"...Actually," Nayuta fidgeted uncomfortably under his gaze before confessing, "Vivio isn't my biological daughter. I've always treated her like family and hope she sees me as a true mother too..."

Her cheeks reddened as unspoken emotions surfaced—what did she truly feel for Lin Luo? Was it just sibling affection or something deeper? She wasn't sure, but perhaps this conversation would clarify things.

Lin Luo sat beside her, gently clasping both hands. "I know all that. And I've always known how hard you've worked these past ten years, carrying everyone's hopes and being relied upon so heavily. That's why..." He pulled her into an embrace as she finally broke down crying—her carefully maintained composure shattering at last.

"Sorry—I got your clothes wet," she mumbled apologetically once the tears subsided.

Lin Luo brushed strands of hair from her face. "Don't worry about that. Just remember—you don't have to carry everything alone. Cry when you need to, smile freely. That's how you'll truly live without burdens."

"Right..." She nodded before hesitantly asking, "Um... can I still call you brother?"

The question hung in the air—now older yet still young at heart, she felt awkward addressing him as sibling anymore.

Lin Luo smiled knowingly and wiped away her lingering tears. "Of course. Unless you'd prefer to be called 'Nayuta-onee' now?"

"Never!" she protested instinctively before his next words struck like lightning:

"...Though compared to brother," he leaned closer, tracing her cheek with his finger as he gazed into her eyes, "I actually want to get closer in a different way."

"Different...?" Her breath hitched under his intense gaze.

"With lovers' intimacy," he said without hesitation.

"Ah?!" Shock rendered her immobile. This was too sudden! She had imagined many scenarios for their reunion—but never this!

"Do you dislike me then?" Lin Luo asked when she remained silent.

"No, of course not—it's just that..." Her voice faltered as a realization surfaced—those dreamy feelings after waking weren't sisterly affections at all. But could dreams ever dictate reality?

"I don't know," she admitted softly. "I really don't understand my own heart."

"Then let's find out." He tilted her chin upward.

"How?" she whispered, heart racing already just from his proximity.

"Simple," he murmured. "Soon I'll kiss you—if you feel nothing, we can remain as siblings. But if your heart beats faster..." His voice deepened with emotion. "...that means our feelings are the same."

"Eh...?" Her usual confidence completely abandoned her at this proposition.

Already her pulse was accelerating—how could she discern whether it was his touch or just anticipation? And if he was right, did that mean...

Looking into his earnest expression, after much hesitation, she finally closed her eyes and gave a barely audible "Yes."

Lin Luo pulled her close. Her crimson face blushed deeper as their lips met—the first kiss in real life for Nayuta eclipsing even the most vivid dreams.

Her body trembled instinctively at the contact, heartbeat pounding wildly. When his tongue parted her lips to explore further, she surrendered completely, her mind blank but heart full, returning every caress with equal passion.

Their embrace deepened into something more intimate when Lin Luo's fingers found their way under her blouse...

"Stop!" she suddenly pushed him away, face burning as she reminded herself of Vivio waiting. "Not now... We should wait..."

"Forgive me," he complied instantly, fastening the buttons once more.

Shyly Nayuta shook her head. "It's alright—this experience finally clarified what I've felt all along..."

"Nayuta, I'm back."

A new voice interrupted at this precise moment. They both turned sharply to see Fit standing in the doorway, golden hair gleaming under the light as black hugged her perfect curves...

Caught mid-act.

The realization hit Lin Luo instantly—though whether it was his own infidelity or something else that had been caught remained uncertain. And suddenly... this scenario screamed for a legendary ending: two lovers caught in a compromising position by their adoptive daughter, with all the drama elements perfectly aligned.

Would you vote for the monthly best if it combined romance, H-scene, healing, and the perfect "caught cheating" moment without any censorship? RQ