"Do you...really like me?"
"I'm completely serious, Zeke."
"How long have you felt this way?"
"I don't know."
The conversation continued.
However, faced with Bronya's unwavering conviction, Zeke found himself increasingly at a loss. As she had stated, she and Kiana were fundamentally different. Bronya's mature and rational nature meant that once she expressed something, it was undoubtedly a resolute decision made without hesitation.
This left Zeke deeply conflicted.
At heart, he knew he should reject her, but doing so would require firm resolve, inevitably hurting Bronya's feelings. His hesitation persisted for several minutes until finally, Zeke reached a decision.
Before he could respond, Bronya seemed to anticipate his answer and cut him off.
"Hold on, don't rush to decline just yet. Bronya wants to know—after all this time spent together, has Zeke never felt even the slightest attraction towards her? Not once, not even a tiny bit of fantasy?"
Zeke rubbed his chin, unable to outright deny it.
Alright, no matter how focused on his career, he was still a man—a young, spirited, mature man. Bronya often let down her guard around him, unabashedly displaying her pure yet enticing feminine side. Regardless of how indifferent Zeke appeared, there was no way his heart remained completely untouched.
Attraction between genders is innate; Zeke wasn't a celibate monk or someone with psychological issues. Naturally, subtle thoughts would arise from time to time.
His silent reaction brought a smug smile to Bronya's face.
"Bronya looks good, doesn't she?"
"Yes, but that has nothing to do with my decision."
"Why not? Even you must have thought about holding Bronya tightly and showing her intense affection... Bronya is willing, even if it means maintaining a secret relationship. She accepts wholeheartedly."
"You... Wait! Did you put something in the tea?"
Zeke's heart raced abnormally fast, his blood pumping with unusual intensity as uncontrollable urges surged through him. An unusual flush appeared on his face.
Memories of their drug research from earlier days and the series of discussions over the past month resurfaced in Zeke's mind, bringing both realization and a mix of amusement and disbelief.
He never imagined this girl would exploit his unwavering trust, blatantly handing him the weapon for her scheme. And to make matters worse, he had unwittingly helped Bronya upgrade that very weapon!
"Hmph! So Zeke did catch on, but Bronya still achieved her goal."
Bronya tried speaking in her usual emotionless manner, but alas, the blush creeping across her cheeks and the fidgeting of her legs betrayed her self-control completely.
"...You won't spare even yourself?"
"The effects of the drug are quite potent. To avoid severe injuries that might dampen Zeke's experience, Bronya needs to prepare her body accordingly... Of course, Zeke can still refuse. You undoubtedly have the ability to create an antidote right here. However, this is Bronya's determination: either respond to Bronya or... Bronya herself doesn't know what she'll become if this attempt fails."
Bronya slumped over on the table, her rapid breaths sounding incredibly enticing to Zeke at that moment, making him want to pick her up and savor every inch...
No! Stay calm! Zeke clenched his fists, veins popping on his forehead.
"Do you realize what you're doing?"
"Of course... Bronya... Bronya is betting everything—her future, Zeke's trust, all her feelings!"
"This is absurd!"
"It doesn't matter; the choice is yours, Zeke... Hold me, Zeke!"
"You know I've already made a promise to Kiana!"
"That's fine. If Zeke doesn't want this, Kiana will never find out. Bronya... asks for so little... It won't trouble you..."
As Bronya spoke, her voice couldn't suppress its seductive undertones any longer.
But was that truly the issue here?
A fire raged within Zeke, unclear whether fueled by anger or desire.
Bronya... Bronya... Bronya!
He had personally raised this little girl—from her knowledge and combat skills to her demeanor and personality, every aspect bore his influence.
Now, she was confessing to him in the most resolute yet bizarre manner imaginable.
At one point, Bronya looked up, her sultry gaze glistening with tears that stemmed from either longing or fear, as if on the verge of breaking down.
In that instant, something snapped within Zeke's mind.
(If I continue writing this, it'll be the end.)
Contrary to Bronya's belief, Zeke indeed had options to counteract the absurd situation.
For instance, he could temporarily restrain himself and concoct an antidote on the spot. Alternatively, he could forcibly separate them both until the drug wears off. Or even detach their consciousness from their bodies, allowing time for the effects to dissipate naturally.
In short, there were numerous possibilities.
However, facing a girl like Bronya and her genuine feelings, it was impossible for anyone to remain indifferent.
Zeke wasn't some great saint; though his self-control was strong, it wasn't impenetrable... In any case, after much deliberation, one fleeting moment of indecision set the story on its course.
Bronya awakened deep into the night.
As she opened her eyes, the bright moon immediately caught her gaze.
They were still atop the towering observation deck, but all traces of chairs, tables, and tea had vanished, leaving behind only a pristine platform and a soft, luxurious blanket beneath her.
Bronya noticed a thin quilt covering her body, her head resting comfortably against something warm. Looking up, she saw Zeke's resigned smile.
"Awake now?" Zeke asked.
"Zeke, I'm thirsty," Bronya said softly. As she shifted her position to nestle closer against Zeke's thigh, she felt a sharp, tearing pain.
He handed her a bottle containing a specially prepared restorative beverage.
Bronya sipped through the straw, gulping several mouthfuls before wistfully remarking, "So this is the impact of a Judgment-class Honkai Beast."
"Snap!"
Zeke gently flicked Bronya on the forehead and then, with a hint of exasperation, advised, "Don't casually joke about such things. Rest for a bit longer; once the active ingredients take effect, you'll feel much better."
"Is Zeke satisfied now?"
"...What do you think, little vixen?!"
"So, Bronya has taken Zeke's first time?"
Bronya blinked, her bright gray eyes sparkling with smug amusement.
Zeke remained speechless.
Not just his first time, but quite... several times were claimed by her.
However, the situation was becoming increasingly complicated.
Kiana, Bronya, Sin... Zeke no longer wanted to rely on luck; these three were firmly attached and couldn't possibly leave him now.
So, Wendy, Seele... and even more extreme, Rozaliya and Liliya sisters... In short, it's incredibly complicated. Could these girls also harbor genuine feelings for him?
"What's Zeke thinking about?"
"I'm pondering how to wipe your memory, pretend nothing happened, and fully embrace being a scoundrel."
"In that case, Bronya will surely do it again... Oh, I see! So, Zeke has a penchant for unconventional playstyles. Bronya will enthusiastically accommodate!"
"You little imp!" Zeke chuckled as he gently pinched her cheeks.
He understood that Bronya was trying to calm his turbulent emotions—even amidst such circumstances, her foremost concern remained supporting him.
Love truly is bewildering and helpless at times.
Well, enough for today. Any necessary discussions or matters to sort out can wait until later.
For now, holding Bronya's small hands and gazing at the moon together seemed most important.