Bleach: Watch Closely, This Is How You Use a Zanpakutō novel Chapter 369

Chapter 369: Chapter 369: Welcome Back

"...Why!?"

Kirio Hikifune gasped, her heart tightening as if gripped by an invisible hand, skipping a beat.

That confession had taken everything out of her—the courage of a lifetime, the bravery she might have ever had left.

Masatsuki Aozaki had said he liked her too.

He had done so much for her, indulging her whims these past days, never once growing impatient.

Yet, this was the answer she got?

Had she gone too far...?

Masatsuki Aozaki continued to look into her eyes, his deep gaze reflecting the disappointment on her face.

His voice was low, gentle.

"I want to be even more selfish.

I can’t say for sure it will come true, but I want to be with you for much, much longer."

"Not just for tonight, not just for now—but forever. I want to selfishly have you as mine."

Kirio’s eyes widened.

Her lips trembled, unable to form a response.

Her mind was a mess.

The whole world blurred into something distant, unreal.

A storm of emotions crashed within her.

Excitement. Fear.

Hope. Uncertainty.

This man—this man she loved so deeply—was speaking to her so honestly, so openly, laying bare his desire for her.

Masatsuki’s voice broke through her thoughts once more.

"So I can’t say yes, Kirio. A greedy man like me... even if I only have you once, I wouldn’t be able to let go."

A wave of shame rushed over Kirio, burning deep into her skin.

Compared to Masatsuki’s devotion, she felt... inadequate.

Like a foolish, unworthy lover.

Had she truly trusted him enough?

Had she truly believed in the love he wanted to give her?

He was right.

Just one night?

How could that ever be enough?

They should be together—forever.

And yet, she had never once dared to think that far ahead.

She had believed that simply taking that step, crossing that final line with him before he left, would be enough.

She had told herself she would be satisfied with just that.

But now, she realized...

She had always wanted more.

She had always longed for him—far more than she had ever admitted to herself.

And it was Masatsuki who had made her see it.

...

They were nearly home now.

The grand estate stood at the peak of the hill, just ahead.

But suddenly, Masatsuki stopped.

Turning toward her, he cupped her face gently, his gaze deep and unwavering.

"I’m sorry, Kirio.

I can’t accept your request—because I don’t want to have you just once."

"..."

"I won’t let you leave me so easily.

I want you to be mine, for much, much longer.

And I will never tire of you, nor will I ever let you go."

His words, his voice—there was a weight to them, something powerful and inescapable.

It sent a shiver down her spine.

She tilted her head slightly, looking up at him, eyes shimmering with an unreadable light.

She understood now.

She wanted more.

Not just a fleeting moment, not just one night of passion—

She wanted a love that would last a lifetime.

And Masatsuki had just told her—

That was exactly what he intended to give her.

Her fingers trembled as she reached up, clasping his hand over her cheek, holding onto that warmth.

"Though I don’t like to force people... I do know ways to make you completely unable to live without me." _{fr\(e)ew(e)b.(n)o (v)(e)l.com}

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