Live and fire(IkkixStella)
Fire & Steel
Chapter 1: The Encounter
Ikki Kurogane hated blind dates. His sister, Shizuku, however, loved setting them up.
“It’s not a blind date,” Shizuku had insisted. “Just a casual meeting with someone amazing.”
That was how he ended up at Café Solis, sitting across from Stella Vermillion—a woman who was anything but ordinary. She had vibrant red hair that cascaded over her shoulders, striking golden eyes, and an aura of confidence that could command an army.
“So,” Stella began, stirring her cappuccino with a slow, deliberate motion. “Shizuku told me you’re boring.”
Ikki choked on his coffee. “She said what?”
“She said you’re nice. Which is another way of saying boring.”
He exhaled, smirking. “Ouch. That bad?”
“Maybe. But, I like forming my own opinions.” Stella leaned forward, those sharp eyes locking onto his. “So, impress me, Kurogane.”
Ikki chuckled. There was something about her—something challenging, like an opponent who refused to go down easily. It intrigued him.
And just like that, the night stretched into hours of banter, debates over the best martial artists, and arguments about whether pineapple belonged on pizza. By the time they left the café, he had two things: her number and an undeniable spark he hadn’t felt in years.
Chapter 2: Fire and Ice
Dating Stella was like stepping into a battlefield—unpredictable and exhilarating.
“Admit it, you cheated!” Stella fumed, crossing her arms as she glared at him from across the gaming console.
Ikki smirked. “You lost, fair and square.”
“You sabotaged me.”
“You crashed into a wall.”
“That wall came out of nowhere!”
Ikki laughed as she huffed, her golden eyes burning with playful frustration. They were at his apartment, sitting on the couch after their fifth round of racing games. Stella was fiercely competitive—whether it was in video games, arm wrestling, or deciding who could eat the spiciest food.
She turned to him, arms still crossed. “One more round.”
“You just want an excuse to beat me.”
She leaned in, voice dropping. “No. I want an excuse to spend more time with you.”
Ikki stilled. It was moments like this—when her fire softened into warmth—that made his heart race.
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You don’t need an excuse, Stella.”
And just like that, she kissed him. A fierce, scorching kiss that left no room for hesitation.
Chapter 3: Unbreakable
Stella Vermillion was not used to losing.
Which was why, when she was passed over for a promotion at her law firm, she was furious.
Ikki found her on his rooftop, staring at the city skyline with clenched fists.
“They gave it to someone else,” she muttered. “Because I was ‘too aggressive.’”
Ikki leaned against the railing beside her. “That’s ridiculous.”
She let out a humorless laugh. “I know I’m intense. But I worked harder than anyone. And they still chose someone who plays it safe.”
Ikki turned to her, his gaze steady. “That’s their mistake.”
Stella looked at him, something raw in her expression. “You really think that?”
“I know that.” He reached for her hand. “You don’t win by playing it safe, Stella. You win by being exactly who you are.”
Her grip tightened around his. “How do you always know what to say?”
“I don’t.” He smiled. “I just know you.”
She exhaled, pressing her forehead against his. “Thank you.”
Chapter 4: The Breaking Point
Not every battle could be won.
It was past midnight when Ikki got the call.
“Stella’s in the hospital,” Shizuku’s voice trembled. “Car accident.”
Ikki’s world blurred.
By the time he arrived, Stella was conscious but battered, her arm in a sling, a cut trailing her cheek.
“You look terrible,” she rasped.
Ikki exhaled shakily. “You scared the hell out of me.”
She attempted a smirk. “Didn’t mean to.”
He sat beside her, gripping her hand. “What happened?”
“Some idiot ran a red light. I tried to swerve.” She winced. “Didn’t quite make it.”
Ikki swallowed hard. “You could’ve—”
“I didn’t.” Her fingers squeezed his. “I’m still here.”
A lump formed in his throat. “Yeah. You are.”
She smiled, exhaustion creeping into her features. “You know, you can’t get rid of me that easily, Kurogane.”
He kissed her forehead, his voice soft. “I don’t want to.”
Chapter 5: Always
Months passed. Her scars faded, but their bond only deepened.
One evening, Ikki took her to the rooftop of their new apartment. Fairy lights hung overhead, casting a soft glow over the city.
Stella arched an eyebrow. “Romantic setup. Should I be worried?”
Ikki exhaled, nervous for the first time in his life. “Stella.” He pulled out a small velvet box.
Her eyes widened.
“I don’t know what the future holds. But I know one thing—I want to face it with you.” He opened the box, revealing a simple but elegant ring. “Will you marry me?”
Stella was quiet. Then, she smiled—slowly, beautifully.
“Took you long enough.”
And as she threw her arms around him, kissing him like fire meeting steel, he knew—this was the greatest battle he had ever won.
The End.