Silver moonlight shone through the windows of a plain-looking room. A book, its shadows were softly cast onto the desk.
Amethely had just fallen asleep again when he came back from a shower. The towel around his neck caught droplets from his damp hair. Under his long eyelashes, a pair of golden eyes softened as they gazed upon the girl sleeping soundly on the bed.
Her chest moved rhythmically with every breath. The way the moon casts its silver light onto gray hair made her seem more ethereal. Strands cascaded down her shoulders—like shining rivers. A
"…"
Unconsciously, Alum moved the strands stuck on her face, then sat beside her. As he moved the towel on her forehead, she was still hot, but her breathing had eased. But as he was about to replace the towel, Amethely pulled down the blanket—he shifted his eyes quickly, only to later sneak a glance. He wasn't sure why he was so conscious of seeing her in his shirt.
He'd somewhat understand if it were her bare skin, but it wasn't. Even when he changed her out of her clothes, he made sure not to face her away from him and not touch her anywhere inappropriate. Sure, they were lovers, but they also barely knew each other. Both of them knew that things were moving fast, considering customs.
Neither has kissed—a proper kiss. He'd only kissed her on the forehead because he'd seen some do it to comfort their loved ones; thus, he unconsciously did it in the hallway. He hadn't meant to do it without asking, and yet, she kissed him back.
Well… I'm glad she isn't opposed to it… he thought as he tucked her in again. But then…
"Nnh…" Amethely pulled down the blanket again after a light sigh.
"…"
Alum's usually cold expression was nowhere to be seen, a soft smile tugged on his lips, almost chuckling in amusement.
—Romantic love, huh? Such unfamiliar feelings, yet warm. Familiar, akin to what I feel for Emy and Ace—but so different at the same time.
I wonder. Why did I fall for her? As far as I know, it was love at first sight. Maybe her appearance has something to do with it?
I find her undeniably pretty, but cute. Her smile warms my chest in odd ways, and her clumsiness makes me oddly happy—I wonder… did I laugh as much as I do now before meeting her?
I don't think I did.
After fully drying his hair, Alum lay down beside her, finding her delicate hand and holding it like he said he would. At the gesture, Amethely stirred a little, her drowsy eyes locked with his before a small mischievous smile surfaced on her face—she snuggled closer, embracing his arm and intertwining their hands. She leaned her forehead on his shoulder and went back to sleep.
I can't move… not only is she strong in mind, but also physically…though, soft in various ways…
"…"
I wonder… Can I help you? Only…if a little?
With those passing thoughts, the outline of his eyes—a blue, soft, and radiant cold light shone. The stigmata in his eyes forcefully drew psychic energy from his broken core—the residue didn't cut it. His insides were twisted as immense pain coursed through him, yet tolerable.
Sending psychic energy throughout Amethely's body, adapting to whatever she needed for her recovery while delaying his own. His esper abilities… the powers that far outshine what he could currently do with magic—he didn't care—didn't need it, didn't need to be special like that.
And magic, magic was quite ordinary in this world, but at least, anyone with determination got a chance.
I don't know… perhaps, just perhaps, will I one day come to regret these words. But… I never knew I wanted to be ordinary like this… was it because I met you?
Feeling exhaustion kicking in, his vision blurred as everything darkened—good night, he smiled affectionately and kissed the top of her head.
..
When Alum finally fell deep into sleep, the girl next to him looked at his face with utter bewilderment—her mana foundation, which was heavily damaged, was recovering at a pace unlike before. The mana flow inside her was almost normal, yet unstable.
I felt… a strange sensation course over me inside of a dream, and when I woke up, A-Al kissed my head…
Confused, she gazed at Alum's sleeping face, his body relaxed. Although she remembered him saying he wouldn't fulfill her request this time, a hand rested on her hip as if wanting to pull her closer.
His beautiful hair, reminiscent of the night sky, had white strands; not from moonlight, but from something unknown to her, emitting a faint, whitish-blue light…
—Nnhg!?
She reached out to touch it, her hand tense, almost paralyzed by a static shock. But then, the light faded, having lost its energy.
What… what was that? She pondered, almost forgetting what situation she was in.
"…"
W-w-we're sleeping in the same bed!? No, what, why is that bad!? I'm happy, but—u-um… Nnnnyhj?!
Trying not to roll around and squeal, a sharp sensation clasped her heart—it stung a little, and her chest tightened, yet it wasn't unpleasant. Her heart was racing as if it hadn't done so for the past twenty years of her life.
Although she was ecstatic about the situation, there was a problem—I can't fall asleeeeep! Wait… maybe looking at his face will calm me down? Or… no wait…
Realizing something, Amethely snuggled a little closer… and a little closer, her thighs squeezed his hand as she lay curled next to him.
I always thought Al had a nice scent… ehe-he~ it calms me down, now I don't have to be worked up about seeing his face while still being close to him............
I'm still worked up… uuurgh… stop it heart!
…
..
When the first ray of the sun pierced the night sky, Alum awoke early as usual. However, this morning was a little different—there was a girl with only a large white shirt lying curled up next to him.
"…"
Initially, his clear mind struggled to process the sight before him—he couldn't move his left hand. Amethely had clasped it with her hands, but… that was quite not the issue—where were the blanket and pants? But as he realized he'd been resting his right hand on her hip, he rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling.
Doing his utmost to calm his beating heart and… physiological reaction, he heaved a deep sigh and pulled up the blanket. But then…
"G-good morning," a soft, stuttered voice called out to him.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you up," Alum replied, unable to look at her while scratching his cheek.
"…"
"…"
"Um… I'm all better now and should get up—"
"It's fine, just rest some more. It's still early."
"If you… insist," Amethely shyly replied as a soft smile blossomed on her face. "Then… can we snuggle?"
"…Aren't we already?" Alum noted.
For a moment, Amethely looked at him quizzically. "Hmm, but… I want to hug you," she said.
"You already are."
"…"
"…"
"But I want you to hug me too…" Amethely voice, her disappointment clear, shoulders falling, along with her gaze.
"Just give me a moment," Alum warmly said in a calm tone.
"Okay," Amethely smiled, squeezing his hand as she lightly nuzzled closer.
It didn't take long before Alum hugged her back. "Sorry you had to wait," he apologized.
"It's okay… but why did I have to wait? Is it some internal rule?"
"Not quite…"
"Hm…? O-oh…" Amethely stiffened as she realized why. "A-ah… well, you know… I d-didn't mind last time e-either…" she noted, though, with stammered words in between.
"I know you said that…"
"…Y-yeah. I don't mind—it actually kind of makes me happy, hehe."
"Pff… I frankly don't know how to reply," Alum chuckled, always finding himself amused by her.
..
After the somewhat awkward morning, Alum relayed the envelope he'd gotten from Keilyn and handed it to Amethely. There was some small talk in between as he told her about his outing.
Obviously, Amethely was surprised he'd crossdress, but also surprised he'd befriended an S-Ranked adventurer. Not only that, it was Aetlise of all people, known for being somewhat bratty and difficult to handle.
But that was besides the point—although she'd somewhat accepted how he treated Luna, and couldn't help but wonder why Alum drew the attention of certain people.
"I see… that's why Sir Rigeld sent you to the guild."
"Pretty much. Sir Rigeld was supposed to go, but told me that I should use the spare time before the meeting to find date spots."
"I-I see… hehe, I look forward to our date, Al," Amethely smiled.
"Likewise," Alum chuckled as he sipped his sweetened tea.
Looking at him from across the table, Amethely giggled a little, seeing him enjoy the tea she brewed. Her gaze shifted to the sweet bread he'd bought, the ones she liked. Taking a bite, she felt it melt; the taste was creamy and a little sweet.
"Al… did you do something to me last night?"
"…"
Abruptly, a question he wasn't expecting came his way. Amethely, who was usually shy, asked such a question, but… judging from her elegant demeanor, he knew it wasn't that kind of question.
"I did."
"…I see, thank you, Al," Amethely simply smiled. "I am curious, but I won't pry—I… I just want to thank you, and let you know that."
"Oh… I'm glad you're better," Alum said, smiling gently.
"Nn!" she nodded, flashing him a bright smile—a smile that could make him forget about the world. "Al," she called his name. "I look towards our date!"
"…And so do I."