﹒ᶻz﹒⊂❤️💚💜⊃ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙮﹒▒﹒

❤️﹒‹𝟥﹒ ⟡﹒𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐

Theodore hesitated for a moment but eventually accepted the challenge. He placed the towel and the water in a safe spot and got into position. The two of them faced each other, ready for the spar.

As they exchanged blows and attacks, Theodore was impressed by Josie's speed and agility. She was a formidable opponent, and he had to stay focused to keep up with her. During the spar, both Theodore and Josie landed a high kick at the same time, aiming with their left and right legs. Theodore managed to get the upper hand and landed a punch on Josie when her guard was down.

Josie let out a spirited battle cry in defeat, but she quickly got up, not showing any signs of pain. She extended her hand to Theodore, who helped her stand up.

"That was a great match, Theo! You've really mastered my style," Josie said, hugging him tightly in joy.

Theodore blushed, feeling a mix of relief and pride. "Thanks, Josie. I couldn't have done it without your training," he replied.

With their training session over, the two of them settled down to catch their breath. Theodore couldn't help but notice how close they were, and he found himself blushing at the physical contact. He felt a rush of emotions that he couldn't quite understand.

Josie observed Theodore, and she too was blushing slightly. She admired his determination and his genuine personality. She couldn't help but feel a growing affection for him. However, she kept her feelings to herself, unsure of how he felt.

As they sat together, Theodore mustered up the courage to express his gratitude. "Josie, I want to say thank you. You've been such an amazing friend and teacher. I'm really glad we met," he admitted, his heart pounding.

Josie's eyes softened, and she smiled warmly at him. "You're important to me too, Theo. I'm glad we're friends," she replied, her heart skipping a beat.

At that moment, they both knew that their bond had grown stronger, and their friendship had blossomed into something special. Yet, they both kept their feelings unspoken, treasuring the connection they had formed.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Haruko Kiyomizu resided in an apartment with her friend Ling Xiaoyu and her boyfriend Claudio Serafino. The three of them were discussing the next phase of Haruko's trial against Xavier Miller. Zafina had also joined them to provide her insights.

As they discussed their plans, Haruko's head suddenly began to ache. She clutched her head in pain, memories of her past life in the real world flooding her mind. She remembered Theodore and the connection they shared. The memories were overwhelming, and she felt confused and disoriented.

Claudio noticed her distress and quickly went to her side, comforting her. "H-Haruko, are you alright? What's happening?" Claudio asked, concern evident in his eyes.

Haruko tried to compose herself, her heart racing with confusion and emotions. "I... I don't know, Sir. It's just... I keep having these memories of Theodore from my past.," she explained, her voice shaky.

Claudio frowned, gently rubbing her back to soothe her. "Theodore?" he inquired softly.

Haruko sighed, trying to make sense of it all. "He's someone I knew back in the real world, but I haven't seen him here in this universe. It's like... these memories are trying to tell me something, but I can't quite grasp it," she replied, frustration evident in her voice.

Claudio listened attentively, his concern growing for Haruko. "Maybe your memories are trying to tell you something important. Do you want to talk to him? I can make that happen, under my supervision," he suggested, hoping to ease her worries.

Haruko's eyes widened with surprise at his offer. "You would do that for me?" she asked, touched by his willingness to help.

Claudio smiled warmly, cupping her face in his hands. "Of course, Haruko. Your happiness is my priority. If talking to him will bring you peace, then I'm all for it," he reassured her, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Haruko blushed at his affectionate gesture, feeling a rush of gratitude and affection for Claudio. "Thank you, Sir Claudio. You've always been so understanding and supportive," she whispered, leaning into his embrace.

Their moment was interrupted by Zafina's loud applause, causing Haruko to jump and cling to Claudio in surprise. Xiaoyu chuckled playfully, teasing them for their intimate moment.

"Sorry to interrupt, lovebirds, but we've got a mission to focus on," Zafina said with a knowing smile.

Haruko blushed even deeper, burying her face in Claudio's chest. "R-right, of course," she stammered, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and affection.

Claudio chuckled, holding her close. "We'll talk to Theodore later, okay? For now, let's focus on the task at hand," he said, reassuring her.

Haruko nodded, feeling grateful for Claudio's support and understanding. As they continued with their mission, she couldn't help but feel a sense of security with Claudio by her side. The memories of Theodore still lingered, but she knew that she had someone who would stand by her through thick and thin.

In the quiet moments they shared, Haruko and Claudio grew even closer. They talked about their hopes, fears, and dreams, opening up to each other in ways they hadn't before. Haruko found comfort in Claudio's unwavering presence, and she cherished the moments they spent together.

One evening, as they sat on the couch, Haruko couldn't help but let her thoughts wander to her past life and Theodore. She knew she had to face her feelings, but she was unsure of how to begin.

Claudio noticed her distant expression and gently took her hand in his. "Haruko, is everything okay?" he asked softly.

Haruko bit her lip, feeling torn between the past and the present. "Claudio, there's something I need to tell you. Back in the real world, I... I had strong feelings for Theodore. We were close, and I cared for him deeply," she confessed, looking into Claudio's eyes.

Claudio listened attentively, his expression understanding and patient. "I see. And what about now?" he asked gently.

Haruko took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Now, I care for you just as deeply, Claudio. You've been so kind and loving, and I can't imagine my life without you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Claudio smiled, squeezing her hand affectionately. "Haruko, I care for you more than I can express. I want to make you happy, no matter what," he replied, his love for her shining in his eyes.

Haruko felt a weight lift off her shoulders, knowing that she had someone who truly understood and accepted her. She leaned in, kissing Claudio softly, conveying her gratitude and affection.

Their love for each other deepened, and they vowed to face whatever challenges lay ahead together. As they continued with their mission to bring Xavier to justice, Haruko knew that she was no longer alone. With Claudio by her side, she felt strong and confident, ready to confront her past and embrace her future.