Noran's gaze softened, the coldness from earlier melting away as he looked at her with a small, knowing smile.
"I want to do more than just kiss you. Are you sure you'll be alright?" he asked gently, his voice husky with restraint.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Shuri chuckled.
Noran hadn't intended to touch Shuri tonight, not wanting to stress her further after what had happened. He had planned to hold back, to let her rest. But it appeared she had recovered sooner than he expected.
The passion in her eyes caught him off guard, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw as she whispered softly, "I want you, Ran… always."
His eyes darkened with that familiar intensity, desire surging through him as her words wrapped around his heart.
Without another word, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.
The earlier anger, frustration, and fear all dissolved into the heat of the moment.
