Bonus Scene 1: Yuma Realizing Taki Was Always There

Yuma never considered himself lonely.

He had lived centuries without needing anyone. The humans feared him. The hunters hunted him. He had learned long ago that caring only led to heartbreak.

But then came Taki.

At first, he had been just another foolish hunter, another soul seeking to take his life. But Taki hadn't tried again. He hadn't raised his bow or sharpened his blade. Instead, he had lingered—too close, too curious.

And Yuma had let him.

He noticed it too late. How Taki's presence had slipped into his life like a quiet storm. How he had gotten used to hearing footsteps crunch against the gravel path leading to the temple ruins. How he had grown accustomed to an extra voice by his side, mumbling sarcastic comments.

Taki had been there when Yuma watched the sunsets alone.

Taki had been there when Yuma struggled with old wounds, sitting beside him without a word.

Taki had been there, always, before Yuma even realized he wanted someone to be.

So when he almost lost him, when Taki bled out in his arms, all Yuma could think was—

Please don't leave me too.

Bonus Scene 2: The First Night After "Stay"

Taki had agreed to stay.

Yuma didn't know what that meant yet.

He only knew that, for the first time in a long time, he wasn't alone.

The first night was awkward. Yuma didn't have a proper place for a human to sleep, so he just dumped a pile of blankets near the old stone hearth.

"You expect me to sleep on that?" Taki deadpanned.

Yuma crossed his arms. "I used to sleep on stone. Be grateful."

Taki huffed but dropped onto the pile, adjusting himself with dramatic sighs. "Well, I guess I'll have to make do."

A pause. Then, softer—

"...Thanks for letting me stay."

Yuma hesitated. "I should be the one thanking you."

Taki turned his head. "For what?"

For not leaving.

For seeing him as something more than a monster.

For making his world feel a little less empty.

Yuma swallowed, looking away. "...For trusting me."

Taki smiled. "Always."

Bonus Scene 3: Yuma's Protective Instincts (Annoying Edition)

Living with a dragon prince came with a few conditions.

One: Taki wasn't allowed to go near the hunter villages anymore.

Two: Taki wasn't allowed to touch Yuma's treasure hoard (which consisted mostly of old books and shiny rocks, but still).

Three: Taki wasn't allowed to get himself almost-killed again.

"You can't ban me from getting hurt," Taki grumbled as Yuma inspected a small cut on his palm.

Yuma scowled. "Watch me."

Taki tried to snatch his hand back, but Yuma held firm. "You're being ridiculous."

"You're being reckless."

"I tripped over a tree root—"

"Exactly. Reckless."

Taki groaned. "You're impossible."

Yuma merely hummed as he finished wrapping the bandage. "And you're fragile. So, be careful."

Taki's face flushed, but he covered it with a scoff. "I bet you say that to all the hunters who try to kill you."

Yuma smirked. "Only the ones I keep."

Taki nearly short-circuited.

Bonus Scene 4: Yuma Gets Jealous (Without Admitting It)

One day, a traveling merchant arrived at the temple ruins.

Taki, desperate for some normal human interaction, had immediately started chatting.

Yuma, however, stood behind him, arms crossed, tail flicking in clear irritation.

The merchant chuckled. "Your friend here doesn't seem too happy."

Taki turned to see Yuma glaring holes into the poor man's soul.

"I am perfectly fine," Yuma said, voice cold.

The merchant laughed. "Dragons are possessive creatures, you know. Careful, hunter, he might not let you talk to other humans soon."

Taki blinked, then turned to Yuma with a slow, teasing grin. "Oh?"

Yuma stiffened. "Don't. Start."

But it was too late. Taki had found new ammo.

"You're jealous," he sang.

Yuma walked away.

Taki followed. "You are! Oh, this is amazing—"

Yuma set his tail on fire.

Taki stopped laughing.

Bonus Scene 5: The Moment Yuma Knew He Loved Him

It wasn't dramatic.

It wasn't some grand, heart-stopping realization.

It was just—simple.

One night, Taki had fallen asleep by the temple steps, moonlight casting soft shadows over his face. He looked peaceful.

Yuma sat beside him, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest, the way his fingers twitched slightly in sleep.

And he thought—

I want this forever.

It was terrifying. It was exhilarating.

And it was true.

Yuma exhaled, brushing a stray strand of hair from Taki's face.

"You're mine now, aren't you?" he murmured.

Taki didn't answer, lost in sleep.

But he didn't need to.

Yuma already knew.