A Hero Who Returns But Is Out Of Place

Kaoru, who had anticipated Asuka's gesture, pretended to be surprised. "Oh, Asuka… I wasn't expecting that," he said with a teasing smile, his tone playful. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw her resting her face against him, eyes closed, her expression filled with warmth and love.

Asuka chuckled softly, hugging him tighter. "Well, you seemed so intent on ignoring me, I had to take matters into my own hands," she replied, her cheeks flushing as she joked.

Kaoru put his phone down and placed his hands gently over hers, clasping them softly. "I never ignore you, you know that. But lately… there's just been so much going on…" His voice grew a little heavier than usual.

Asuka picked up on the change in his tone immediately. She moved closer, resting her head on his shoulder, her voice soft and comforting. "Hey… what's really going on?"

Kaoru fell silent, struggling with the weight he'd been carrying. "Nothing, Asuka. It's… just work," he said, attempting to dismiss her concern.

But Asuka didn't buy it. She cupped his face gently, guiding him to look directly into her eyes. "Kaoru-san, don't pretend. I can see something's bothering you. Tell me. I want you to know that you can share anything with me."

Kaoru felt a rush of hesitation, but he also sensed her sincerity. He had never told her who he really was, even though she was the one he felt closest to in this world. But looking into Asuka's eyes, he knew it was time to be honest.

Taking a deep breath, Kaoru steeled himself to reveal the truth he had kept hidden. "Asuka… I'm not actually from this world."

Asuka's eyes widened, her expression a mix of shock and curiosity. She remained silent, though, waiting for him to continue.

Kaoru inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled. "I come from Earth, from the year 2022. The powers I have—they came from a strange event that happened to me. One day, out of nowhere, I was transported to another world. There, I encountered an entity known as the Outer-God. He begged me to save a world teetering on the brink of destruction, under the threat of a cosmic being called the World Eater."

He paused, his eyes distant, as though reliving memories filled with struggle and danger. "For what felt like an eternity, I fought in that world, facing creatures beyond anything I could have imagined. Eventually, I managed to defeat the World Eater. But to do that, I had to sacrifice a lot—not just my power, but a part of myself. When it was over, I was supposed to return to my original world. But somehow, the Outer-God made a mistake and sent me here… to this world, where I met you."

Asuka listened, her feelings in turmoil—surprise, confusion, and a hint of disbelief. Part of her struggled to accept that Kaoru wasn't from the same world as her, yet, she could sense the truth in his tone and the sincerity in his gaze. She began to realize that Kaoru bore a burden far greater than she had ever imagined.

"So… all of this—your powers, the way you face danger—that all comes from a different world?" Asuka asked quietly, trying to process everything.

Kaoru nodded slowly. "Yes… and honestly, sometimes I still feel caught between two worlds. Part of me still wants to return—to my past, to my family in my original world. But… then there's this other part of me that feels like maybe I belong here now." Kaoru looked deeply into Asuka's eyes, his gaze filled with sincerity. "And you're one of the reasons I feel that way."

Asuka was silent, her eyes glistening. Hearing his words made her feel closer to him, and also more aware of how special their relationship was. "Kaoru-san… I don't know what to say. But… thank you for telling me."

Kaoru offered a small, relieved smile. "Thank you, Asuka. I'm sorry if this was too much to take in all at once…"

Asuka shook her head, then wrapped her arms around him tightly, as if afraid he might vanish. "No, it's all right. I'm glad you're being honest with me… Even though it's all so hard to believe—interdimensional travel and all… But I don't need to question it. You're here, and that's proof enough for me." She paused, her voice softening. "But, Kaoru… are you really going to leave this world to be with your family?"

Kaoru looked at Asuka with gentle understanding, reading the fear in her eyes. "Asuka… the truth is, there's someone in my original world I miss deeply. I'm torn… This decision isn't easy, and I know it may hurt you. I don't even know if there's a way to travel back and forth between worlds."

Asuka fell silent, but he felt her hand tighten around his, her fingers trembling slightly as she tried to hold back her fear. The thought of him leaving gripped her heart, the potential loss looming like a shadow. She wanted to support him, no matter what he chose, but the thought of losing him hurt in a way she hadn't anticipated.

Seeing her anxiety, Kaoru gently held her hands, looking at her with unwavering sincerity. "Asuka… if I ever do return, it would only be to reunite with my family. But I promise, I'll try with everything I have—hundreds of times, if necessary—to come back to this world. And… if you're willing, would you go with me?"

"Really!?" Asuka's eyes sparkled with joy, and she couldn't help the hopeful smile that broke through. "Of course, I would! I could meet your family, the people who made you who you are!" She laughed, clearly excited by the thought of introducing herself as Kaoru's partner in front of his family.

For a brief, blissful moment, she forgot her responsibilities to rebuild the Koukawa Clan, something she had fought so hard for. Yet, that thought quickly faded again—for Asuka, as long as Kaoru was by her side, she was willing to face anything. Kaoru gently cupped her cheek, gazing at her with affection, relieved to see her smile return.

"Then… we'll face whatever comes together," Kaoru whispered softly, and Asuka nodded, her heart full of love and trust. Whatever the future held, they would face it side by side.