The wasteland stretched endlessly before them, a barren expanse of cracked earth and rusted relics of a forgotten age. Kenshi walked in silence, his mind occupied with thoughts of Edo’s Last Light—of what it could mean, of the honor it represented. Aiko, on the other hand, seemed more interested in the next meal than the next step of their journey.


    “Alright, samurai,” she said suddenly, breaking the silence. “Time for a break.”


    Kenshi glanced at her. “We should keep moving. Every moment wasted”


    “is a moment to catch our breath,” Aiko interrupted, plopping down on a chunk of broken concrete. “Besides, you look like you’re two steps away from falling over.”


    Kenshi sighed but didn’t argue. Instead, he leaned against a rusted-out vehicle and gazed across the landscape. Aiko rummaged through her satchel, pulling out a small, tightly wrapped package. She unwrapped it carefully, revealing a small, golden-brown pastry that looked entirely out of place in the bleak surroundings.


    Kenshi narrowed his eyes. “What… is that?”


    Aiko grinned. “This, my friend, is a sweet bun. A little piece of heaven in this junkyard of a world.” She tore off a piece and popped it into her mouth, sighing in delight. “Mmm. Perfection.”


    Kenshi frowned, skeptical. “I have no need for… indulgences.”


    Aiko snorted. “Yeah, I figured you’d say something like that. But come on, you’ve probably never even had one before, right?”


    Kenshi hesitated. “…No.”


    Aiko’s eyes lit up. “Then it’s settled. You’re trying it.”


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Before Kenshi could protest, she tore off a piece and held it out to him. “Come on, just one bite. Consider it a cultural experience.”


    Kenshi eyed the pastry as if it were a foreign weapon. But Aiko’s unwavering grin left him little room to refuse without appearing stubborn. He sighed and took the piece, examining it closely before placing it in his mouth.


    The sweetness hit him instantly—soft, rich, and unlike anything he had ever tasted. His eyes widened slightly, and he chewed slowly, letting the unfamiliar sensation sink in.


    Aiko watched him expectantly. “Well?”


    Kenshi swallowed, his expression unreadable. “…It is strange.”


    Aiko laughed. “Strange good, or strange bad?”


    Kenshi looked away, as if embarrassed to admit the truth. “it''s..…Not unpleasant.”


    Aiko grinned triumphantly. “Ha! I knew you’d like it.” She handed him another piece. “Careful though, sweets are addictive. Next thing you know, you’ll be raiding settlements just for a taste.”


    Kenshi shook his head, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I think not.”


    Aiko leaned back, gazing up at the sky. “You know, it’s funny. I never really thought about it, but… life’s gotta have a few small joys. Otherwise, what’s the point?”


    Kenshi considered her words, the lingering taste of the sweet bun still on his tongue. “Joy,” he murmured. “In my world, joy was found in duty. In service.”


    Aiko shrugged. “Duty’s great and all, but… sometimes, you’ve just gotta let yourself enjoy the little things.” She nudged him playfully. “Like me saving your life, for example.”


    Kenshi exhaled through his nose—something that, to Aiko, almost sounded like a laugh. “You remind me of a troublesome sparrow.”


    Aiko grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”


    The moment of peace didn’t last long. In the distance, the faint hum of engines cut through the air, growing louder. Aiko cursed under her breath and stuffed the remaining pastry back into her satchel. “Looks like the King’s hounds aren’t giving up yet.”


    Kenshi rose to his feet, his hand instinctively finding the hilt of his katana. “Then let us move.”


    Aiko sighed, taking one last longing glance at the bun before standing up. “Alright, samurai. But remember—next town we hit, I’m finding us more of these.”


    Kenshi glanced at her, his expression calm. “Perhaps.”


    Aiko blinked. “Did… did you just agree with me?”


    Kenshi started walking. “Do not expect it often.”


    She laughed, hurrying after him. “I’ll take what I can get.”


    As they disappeared into the wasteland once more, Aiko grinned to herself. The samurai might be a relic of the past,


    but there was still room for a little sweetness in his life.