Dana

　　Bathel's smile widened, his handsome features illuminated by the warmth of his expression, making it difficult for me to maintain my solemn mood.

　　"Indeed, what other reason could there possibly be?" he replied, his voice gentle as he reached out to brush a tender hand against my cheek.

　　"Do you still think about her?" I asked, a nervous energy coursing through me as I bit the side of my cheek, my gaze fixed on Bathel.

　　He clenched his jaw briefly before his smile returned, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Are you suddenly feeling jealous of a relationship from years ago?" he teased, reaching out to affectionately pinch my cheeks. "You're just too adorable for your good," he added with a playful chuckle.

　　"But what about you? Do you believe their pack holds no influence, especially considering she was born a Luna? And what about me?" I questioned, meeting his gaze squarely. His brow furrowed slightly at my words, and he quickly shook his head in response.

　　"What do you mean?" Bathel questioned a puzzled expression clouding his features as he regarded me.

　　"You're incredibly intelligent, Dana. The most intelligent person I've ever encountered. It pains me to think that you're unaware of that," he confessed, his voice tinged with a mix of admiration and frustration. "Love doesn't cloud my judgment; it's just that I fell for you because you encompass everything I admire," He continued, his words hanging in the air with a pregnant pause as I met his gaze, my eyes betraying the jealousy swirling within me.

　　"I don't want you to be my Luna solely because I love you," Bathel stated earnestly, his touch gentle as he caressed the side of my cheeks. "I believe you're the perfect choice, the one and only who could stand by my side and lead with me. I can see it so clearly, and it pains me to think that you don't realize your worth," he continued, his words resonating deeply within me, causing my heart to race with emotion.

　　His words enveloped me like a warm embrace, soothing my troubled mind and filling me with a sense of peace. In that moment, everything else faded into insignificance, leaving only Bathel and his unwavering love as the focal point of my existence.

　　"I love you, Dana," he whispered, the tenderness in his voice washing over me like a gentle wave. With those three simple words, he reaffirmed everything I ever needed to know, igniting a flame of pure devotion within my heart.

　　I gazed into his eyes, allowing his words to wash away any lingering doubts or uncertainties. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, a reflection of the peace and contentment I felt in that moment. No longer burdened by overthinking, I embraced the simplicity of our connection, realizing that ultimately, it was he who truly mattered above all else.

　　"I love you too," I whispered, reaching out to take his hand in mine. With a playful glint in my eye, I gently lowered his hand, opting instead to tease him with a fleeting kiss on his lips. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes of the love and affection that bound us together.

　　As I gazed into his intense, piercing eyes, I could feel the heat between us intensifying, our shared desire palpable in the air.

　　"You mentioned there was something you wanted to tell me," Bathel reminded me, his breath warm against my skin as he drew his face closer to mine. His lips found their way to my neck, sending shivers down my spine as he pressed me gently against the wall, our bodies pressed closely together in the throes of passion.

　　Bathed in the sensation of his kisses, a soft moan escaped my lips as he continued to shower me with affection.

　　"Ugh," I moaned softly, my senses overwhelmed by the intimacy of the moment. Bathel's hand gently caressed my hair as he turned to face me, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and desperation.

　　"I just need you to listen to me," he pleaded, his voice laced with urgency. "Will you do that for me?" he challenged, his tone tinged with desperation, as if he needed my affirmation to anchor himself in that fleeting moment of vulnerability.

　　"You really couldn't wait, could you?" I whispered, a teasing smile playing on my lips as I looked up at him. His response was a tender kiss planted gently upon my forehead, his affectionate gesture speaking volumes.

　　"Every word you say holds weight for me, my love," Bathel whispered, his lips finding their way to my forehead and then to my cheeks, showering me with kisses filled with adoration and devotion.

　　At that moment, I felt cherished and valued, knowing that my words held significance in his heart.

　　With a playful glint in my eye, I teased him further, unable to resist the temptation to indulge in another kiss.

　　"Well, then, kiss me again," I whispered, a mischievous smile dancing on my lips as I leaned in, eager for the warmth of his lips against mine.

　　His gaze lingered on my lips, mirroring my longing as I studied his. However, instead of succumbing to the impulse to kiss, his lips curved into a knowing smile.

　　"I want you to tell me about it first," Bathel commanded gently, his voice carrying a hint of authority softened by affection.

　　"You always know how to outsmart me," I laughed, a warmth spreading through me as I closed my eyes briefly, savoring the moment.

　　"I know this is something you've been waiting for..." I trailed off, meeting his gaze as I spoke, watching for his reaction, knowing he was eager to hear my words.

　　"But I think I'm ready for us to go public with our relationship," I finally confessed, feeling a surge of anticipation as I awaited his response. His eyes sparkled with joy and excitement, his expression lighting up with happiness at my words.

　　As soon as the words left my lips, both of our hearts began to race in unison, the gravity of my declaration sinking in.