The Last Step-Chapter 69: Heartbreak Part 2

Celia's Perspective:

Care...? Care...

I care... I care... I-I really care...

My throat burned as I whispered to myself, like the words were scraping their way out.

The door behind me clicked shut—so loud in the empty room, I was alone again... I couldn't hold it in anymore.

My legs gave out.

I collapsed to the floor, knees smacking the cold wood. My arms hung like dead weight at my sides. My fingertips trembled. My chest did that awful shaking thing again, like it was trying to force a scream out that just wouldn't come.

"Care... care... care...?" I mumbled into nothing.

My lips were dry. My voice cracked. My thoughts weren't making sense anymore, but I couldn't stop repeating...

"Levi... Levi thinks I only care about Kaiser...?"

No. No, he doesn't get it. None of them do.

I don't care about Kaiser. I'm not that innocent.

I-I love him. I love him like... like my whole being is stitched together by the sound of his name.

My fingers curled into the floor. Nails scraped along the grain of the wood.

I love him more than I ever learned how to love myself...

Every time I close my eyes, he's there. Every dream, every blink... he shows up with that smile of his that makes everything feel okay for a second... before it all comes crashing down again.

At night, I lie awake just staring at my ceiling. Hoping. That maybe it was just a dream. That I'll hear his footsteps again. That he'll ruffle my hair and call me "adorable" in that teasing voice I used to roll my eyes at—but secretly lived for.

But morning always comes. And he doesn't.

Sometimes I don't even want to wake up. Because in my dreams... he holds me. He doesn't let go. There, I'm not alone.

"I don't want you to go," I whispered like he was still listening. "Please..."

I lifted my trembling hand and slammed it onto the ground.

"Take me with you."

Again.

"Take me."

Again.

"Take..."

The pain shot through my knuckles but I didn't care. I welcomed it. It reminded me I was still here... even if I didn't want to be.

"You..."

Another strike. Sharp. Sharp enough to draw blood.

My hand was shaking. A red stain smudged across the floor.

"You can't leave me."

My voice broke.

You love me, don't you? You promised, didn't you? You told me you'd never leave... That I was yours. Yours forever.

"So come back."

"Please."

I clutched the tiny trinket in my hand — my most cherished moment.

But it was warm.

Or maybe that was just my hand bleeding onto it.

I pressed it to my chest, curled my body around it like it was the only thing keeping my heart from leaking out.

Tears finally came.

Soft, shaking sobs that didn't sound like me.

"I didn't know we were making memories," I whispered, lips pressed against the trinket. "I just thought... we were happy..."

Please don't destroy me, Kaiser.

Don't leave me behind in this world without your smile.

My mouth trembled as I whispered again.

"Come back..."

Louder this time.

"Come back..."

My bloodied hand left a smear across the floor as I reached toward the empty doorway.

"Please..."

"...I don't know how to live without you."

"Speak to me, Kaiser..." I whispered out loud, barely a breath, barely a voice.

The room didn't answer.

Just darkness.

Stillness.

The walls didn't echo anything back... not even my own voice.

"Why...? Why won't you say anything...?"

I stared ahead, unblinking. The shadows on the wall looked like they were closing in. It felt like I was trapped in a coffin of heartbreak, buried in memories that kept replaying no matter how many times I tried to kill them.

Tears brimmed at the corner of my eyes, hot and sharp like they were slicing their way out. I thought maybe... maybe if I cried hard enough, the pain would come out too.

But it didn't.

They fell anyway.

Softly, pathetically.

"Levi's a liar..." I mumbled, voice bitter and hollow as I opened my bloodied hand.

My palm was painted red—half dry, half smeared, the skin raw and throbbing. My nails dug into my flesh so tightly they had left crescent-shaped wounds. I didn't even feel it happen. Maybe I didn't want to.

I looked at the blood, and I couldn't even tell if it was mine or just another reminder that everything inside me was spilling out slowly.

Then I dragged my nails across the floorboards.

Hard. Desperate. I needed something to hurt. Something that wasn't just my heart.

The scraping echoed through the room like knives against bone... My fingertips were going numb, the pain riding the edge of my nerves...

"He lied... you're not gone. Y-You wouldn't leave me... right?" I asked the empty room.

"Kaiser...?" My voice cracked. No reply.

I scratched again, faster this time. Splinters dug beneath my fingernails, and warm blood slipped down my knuckles.

It hurt. But not enough.

Not enough to drown this emptiness.

"You... you told me I was yours..." My lips trembled.

But now they felt like lies.

"They're all lying, right...?" I whispered. "Only you're honest with me..."

Please, say something.

Anything.

I would trade my voice for yours. My breath for one more moment. My whole body if it meant you'd just open that damn door and hold me again...

"Please... keep your promise..."

"Tell me Levi lied. Tell me you're still alive," I choked out, my voice barely surviving behind the sobs.

But the air remained still.

He wasn't here.

He's not coming back.

No—shut up. Don't think that. Don't let that idea take root. If I believe it... I'll break. I'll really break forever.

"I thought... I thought I was a whole person..." I said under my breath, voice trembling like glass about to shatter.

"Until I saw you walking away from me..."

And then I snapped.

I slammed my bloodied hand onto the ground. Once. Twice. Again. Again.

Again.

Pain. Finally. Real, harsh pain that shot up my arm. A wet splatter of red bloomed beneath my fist. My hand was a mess now—shaking, trembling, ruined.

But it still didn't match the pain inside.

Again. Again. Again. Until the floor was painted with my love for him.

Until it looked like how I felt.

Broken.

"Why won't you answer me...?"

"Why... did you leave me?"

"I can't breathe when you're not here..."

I dropped forward, pressing my forehead to the blood-soaked wood. My tears mingled with it—red and clear, mixing together like my soul was trying to bleed out too.

"I don't care if it's selfish... just come back to me," I begged, my voice shaking, so quiet I could barely hear myself. "Even if it's just to say goodbye..."

Silence.

Only my tears answered me.

Only the pain in my chest kept speaking.

My hand trembled, smeared in blood, fingers twitching as if they were still trying to reach you.

But you're not here.

You're not anywhere.

Just this cold floor, just this empty air, just this body of mine that keeps breathing when it shouldn't.

"I'm sorry..." I whispered.

"I'm sorry I couldn't love you more..." I stared down at the mess I had made—my blood, my tears, the scratches along the floor like a trail of my desperation.

"I... I thought I gave you everything I had... but maybe it wasn't enough."

I dragged myself closer to the door...

I clutched the wall. My nails scraped against it, leaving little lines—like I was trying to etch my pain into the wood itself. Something permanent. Something that wouldn't disappear like you did.

"I'm sorry... I couldn't save you."

My shoulders shook violently.

I bit my tongue.

The metallic taste filled my mouth. I didn't care.

I deserved it.

"I'm really... really sorry..."

I wanted to be with you forever.

I dreamed of waking up beside you, of your voice being the first sound I heard every morning.

Please don't forget me...

Please... remember that I was yours. That I belonged to you even before I ever said the words.

A cruel woman like me... doesn't deserve your love. Doesn't deserve your voice. I smothered it, didn't I? I got greedy.

I wanted everything.

And now I have nothing.

"I'm begging you..." My forehead pressed against the cold wooden wall as I sank lower.

"Please... just speak to me. One last time. One last lie. One last 'I love you'... even if you don't mean it... I'll believe it. I swear I will."

"I couldn't even keep the promise we made..." I whispered.

"You said we would always be together. I said I would be there for you. But you're gone... and I'm still here."

How could I have let you die...?

How...?

I'm really a cruel woman.

Selfish.

Pathetic.

Weak.

I should be dead. I should've died with you.

If I really loved you... I wouldn't still be breathing.

Tears blurred everything—my hands, the room, even the blood felt like it was slipping away from my skin like it didn't want to be part of me anymore.

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Over and over. I didn't know if I was speaking or thinking it anymore.

I curled in on myself like a crumpled piece of paper—ruined, unreadable, worthless.

The only thing that felt real was the pain.

Please forgive me... even if I never deserve it.

Please... just one last time... say my name.

Let me hear it.

Let me believe I mattered to you...

Even if it's a lie.

Even if it's only inside my head.

....

"Was... was I not enough for you...?"

My lips quivered. My voice cracked into a whisper.

"Is that why you left... Kaiser...?"

I bit my tongue. My throat trembled.

"Kai...?" I choked out his name like it was the last word I'd ever speak.

....

"Was... was I not like that... Elfie?"

The name stabbed through my heart.

My chest tightened so violently I almost gagged.

"Is that why you didn't... didn't tell me about her... that day?"

My vision blurred again. I blinked furiously, but the tears were endless.

My heart—if I could even call it that anymore—twitched like it wanted to stop.

"Did you leave me for her...?"

My nails dug into my arms again. Harder. Deeper. I needed the pain to keep speaking. I needed it to stay awake.

"Did... did I force myself onto you too much...?"

I stared at the red smears staining the wooden floor—my blood, my pain, my everything spilled and unnoticed.

"But you... you called me yours..."

My lips curled, but not into a smile.

"You said you loved me... called me your wife... that day..."

That day.

That one day.

The one moment I thought... maybe I could be alive to feel happiness.

"You'll be unhappy with anyone else..." My voice broke again, high-pitched and brittle.

"Only me... only I can make you happy... I'll do anything—anything, Kai—just tell me what to be... I'll become it..."

"Why...?"

"Why can't you see how desperate I am for you?"

My throat closed again. My lungs shook inside my ribs.

"I lied..." I gasped, clawing at my collarbone like I could rip the shame out.

"I acted... to be normal around you... so you wouldn't hate me..."

"After that day... I thought... if I forced myself more... you'd hate me... you'd disappear..."

"I shouldn't have... shouldn't have stopped myself from loving you... that's why I lost you... now..."

My words blurred. My lips were numb.

My body swayed like I was drunk on grief.

"But if I change... will you return?"

"Please..."

"Kai... please... give me another chance..."

"Just return to me..."

"You..."

My breath hitched.

My entire body froze.

My lips moved, but no sound came out.

"You... y-you..."

"You p-p-promised me... y-you..."

"You... Kai... K-Kaiser..."

"You... you c-called me... your... your heart..."

"You vowed... th-that day..."

"That you'll protect me... u-until time... time itself ends..."

My head fell forward.

Tears splashed onto the floor like rain from a broken sky.

"Did you stop..."

"Because I wasn't good enough?"

The room didn't answer.

My knees pressed into the hard floor again as I leaned forward, forehead pressing against my blood-stained hand.

"You can... use me... touch me... I won't mind..."

My cheeks were burning.

"Make me feel like I am breathing..."

From shame?

No.

From desperation.

"I'm all yours... Just... just in return, stay with me."

Even if I'm dreaming.

Even if I'm nothing but some delusional girl to you...

"As long as you're with me... or just in my mind... It's paradise."

It hurts.

It hurts so much.

But I'll smile if you tell me to.

I still love you...

I can't live without you.

"I love you so much..." I whispered, teeth clenching, voice shaking like it was wrapped in ice.

"I won't mind if you choke me..."

"Hurt me... Beat me... Tear me apart..."

"Just let me feel you one more time."

"Even if it's only through pain."

"Even if it's the last thing I ever feel."

"Because I want to be with you..."

"Even if that means not being me anymore."

"Even if that means ending everything."

"I'll come to you then..."

...

I crawled back, slowly, legs folded beneath me. My hands rose to my throat.

They were trembling—shaking like glass on the edge of shattering.

I stared at my bloodstained fingers for a second longer...

Then I wrapped them around my neck. freewēbnoveℓ.com

Tightly.

And squeezed.

Tears streamed from my eyes as I choked.

"I... love you..." I gasped.

I choked harder.

My head pounded.

My vision spun.

My chest screamed for air.

"I love you, Kaiser..."

I choked harder.

The world dimmed.

My face burned.

But I didn't let go.

Because I needed him to hear me.

"I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser."

"I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser."

"I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser."

"I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser."

"I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser."

"I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser. I love you kaiser."

The world turned silent.

My hands slowly slipped from my throat.

I feel like I stopped breathing for once... It's over.

And the last thing I remembered was falling backwards... like I was sinking into a grave made of air.

I smiled.

Because maybe this time I'll see him again.

Maybe this time... I will die and reach him...

But instead—

The Void Stared back at me...

-------------------------------------- The Reason... I love you so much... ---------------------------------------------------------

The Loveliest Day of my life...

This is what had happened weeks ago; back when she was with him at Levi's home. Kaiser was still healing and Celia was taking care of him. This was a few days after their emotional moment. (Refering to 'Cursed Love' Chapter.)

She was experiencing this memory unconscious as the Void stared back at her.

----- Weeks Ago -----

10:38 AM - Levi's Home.

Celia's Perspective:

After that day with Kaiser—when he saw right through my lying smile and held me as I cried—I stopped pretending I didn't have feelings for him.

That fake smile always worked before. People would just nod and move on, never asking if I was okay. But not him. He stayed until my real smile.

He stayed, and I... I felt happy.

And yet, I can't let myself fall too far. Just because he noticed my sadness once, doesn't mean he feels the same. I can't let myself believe in something that might never be real.

I can't love him... I'm cursed and I'll only get him hurt by loving him more.

But then again... here I am, climbing the stairs in Levi's home. Just to see him. Again.

I could say it's just to check on him. That's what I told Emma when she offered to bring him breakfast earlier.

I snapped at her.

Told her he was resting and didn't need anything.

I lied.

I just didn't want anyone else touching the space I've quietly claimed for myself. I don't want her doing favors for him. That right... that role... that place—it's mine. And mine alone.

Only I should be allowed.

I pushed open the door gently, heart beating quicker than I wanted to admit. And there he was—Kaiser—standing near the window, soft light draping around his figure like some sacred painting. His wrist was bandaged, but his expression was calm, almost dreamy.

His eyes... blue like the sky just beyond the window.

No. His was prettier.

"Kaiser?" I said, pretending my voice wasn't trembling.

He turned to me, and that small, gentle smile carved into his face like it belonged there. "Oh, Celia. Come sit with me, you gotta see this."

Without thinking, I walked over. Like gravity pulled me closer.

"What is it?" I asked, trying to sound curious, not hopelessly drawn to his voice.

He pointed outside, and I followed his gaze. The clouds—so soft, glowing in the nearing early afternoon—were slowly forming shapes, two of them coming together like they were meant to.

Bound forever.

Something about them felt... too symbolic.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Kaiser asked, still looking out.

"Yes... it's beautiful. Looks so unusual," I replied.

Of course, I meant the sky.

But then he looked at me and said, "Oh? I wasn't talking about that. Something else is more beautiful."

My throat tightened. My chest felt tight.

"Huh? What is it?" I asked, playing dumb, because I wasn't ready for what I thought he might say.

"I was talking about you."

My heart...

It almost stopped.

Did he mean it? Was this one of those harmless teases he always did? Why does he say these things like they're nothing when they mean everything to me?

"You're just messing with me again, huh?" I said, turning away slightly, trying to hide the way my ears were burning. My voice had that fake pout I always used.

He leaned back, closing his eyes as if my reaction amused him. "I was just imagining how beautiful the sky would look if you were with it. Maybe then, finally, it'd have a rival in beauty."

Why... Why does he say things like this?

I clutched the hem of my sleeve tighter. It's not fair.

He's not fair.

"Stop it, Kaiser. I know you're messing with me," I said, puffing my cheeks a little like I was annoyed—but I wasn't. Not even close.

"Alright, alright, Lia, I'll stop," he said with a grin. That nickname again. Lia. I should hate it.

But I don't. I love how it sounds in his voice.

"But it makes me wanna go outside," he added, staring out again. "See the beautiful sky in person."

"No, Kaiser. You're still sick." I shifted closer to him, voice a little more firm this time. "I can't let you go outside and get hurt again."

He turned slightly, that side smile that made my stomach flutter playing on his lips. "Then come out with me."

What...?

What did he just...?

"W-what do you mean by that?" I stammered, blinking.

"Today's a special day, Celia," he said, and for a moment his eyes grew calmer. "And I want to experience it outside. With only you."

Only me?

"Special day?" I echoed, eyes shifting to the sky again. The clouds were still forming together—closer now. More bound. Tighter.

Kaiser's eyes followed mine. "Today's the festival day for Celestine. The Eternal Match."

I froze.

The Eternal Match...

The night where soulmates were said to meet beneath the sky... under those pairing clouds...

"You mean... like the night where you meet your soulmate?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded. "Today's the special night that's celebrated all over the villages to the west. It's a beautiful night of love."

Then why... why me?

I'm not his soulmate. He can't mean that. He's just being kind again. Being sweet again. He doesn't mean it the way I do. He doesn't feel the way I do. I've always been more broken, more... replaceable.

But then he said it. Words that undid all my careful restraint:

"I want you to join me, Celia. Only you."

He reached out, palm open.

For me.

...Me?

"But Kai... you're still recovering," I tried to protest, voice weak. My heart screamed yes, but I couldn't let it show.

He smiled. Not teasing. Not amused. Just soft.

"If you're with me, the pain won't matter."

I hate you.

I hate that you say things like that.

I hate that you don't see what it does to me.

"Please, Celia? I'll be sad if I go alone." His voice was soft—lower than usual almost sounding sad.

And my heart...

No. No, no... please don't get sad.

That's the one thing I can't handle.

"But... Kaiser, I... I don't know if it's right." I looked away as I said it, voice trembling just slightly.

What I meant was—I want to go. I want to go more than anything. I want to hold your hand and be next to you like we belong together.

But...

"I am not doing that well today..." I said.

Lie.

Every part of me wanted to force myself to go if it meant being beside him. If it meant even a few hours of pretending we were something more than just... this.

"Can you please come for me?" he asked again, eyes searching mine.

That voice... damn it.

...Yes. I want to...

But the words that came out weren't those.

"No. I don't think it's right... You're still hurt and need rest," I said with a little smile, I didn't want to burden or get him hurt again.

He looked at me gently. "Please, Celia? Just for today?"

I bit my lip.

"I... I don't know what to say anymore," I whispered.

"It's just for today, Celia. I know you're still upset inside. Is it... because of me?" His voice grew even softer. Concern. That real, aching concern he always had for others.

You...? How... could you think I would be upset on you?

"I'm not upset," I said.

"I just don't know if we should go out."

"We'll enjoy it together, Celia," he said, smile warming his face. "I want to make you happier. I guess... I want to also thank you in a way. For taking care of me when I was hurt."

So that's it...?

Just a thank-you.

That's the reason why...

A cold hurt twisted in my chest, but I didn't say anything.

"So can you, just for once, agree with me? It'll just be for a few hours... we'll enjoy the festival and return, I promise."

I shouldn't.

I really shouldn't agree.

It'll only make me love him more.

And I'm already too far gone.

"...Okay. Just for today," I said.

The words came out before I could stop them. My heart beat painfully. But I smiled.

He smiled too.

And just seeing him like that... it made my chest ache and warm all at once. I felt myself smile back, small, quiet, only he could make me smile without me realizing it.

"Okay, Celia," he said, already stepping out. "Give me ten minutes to prepare, then we'll leave, okay?"

I just nodded, watching him go, feeling the silence return the moment the door closed.

And then... it was just me again.

Alone.

My eyes drifted to the window, the clouds outside still glowing in the morning light. They moved slowly, two of them drifting together. The same clouds Kaiser pointed at earlier.

The Eternal Match.

I pressed a hand to my chest.

Could I be...?

No. That's stupid.

I'm not his eternal match.

That kind of thing isn't meant for people like me.

But still...

Why did he ask me? Why did he say he wanted to experience it with me?

Why me?

It's not fair. It's really not fair when he says things like that—so soft, so sincere. It makes me feel like I could believe it.

Even if it's a lie.

Even if he's just being kind.

Even if he never sees me the way I see him.

I want to believe it.

I want to believe I'm special to him.

I want to believe—just for today—that I might be the one.

The one he chose.

My hand curled against my chest tighter.

If I could just stay in this lie a little longer... If I could keep pretending he might love me back... then maybe, maybe I won't fall apart yet.

Maybe I can still smile beside him.

I took a deep breath, turned away from the window, and headed toward my room to get changed.

I didn't want to waste a second of the lie.

----- Only Together -----

11:03 AM - Outside of Levi's Home, towards Levinton.

As I stepped out of the house, the air gently brushing against my skin, I tightened the soft white hood over my head. My hair, almost silver in the sunlight, peeked out beneath it. I wore a white dress—thin-strapped, flowing just past my knees, with faint, sky-colored embroidery along the edges. Simple, not extravagant... but enough. I hoped.

Then I saw him.

Kaiser stood just a few steps ahead, his back turned slightly, head tilted up toward the soft clouds as if he was searching for something that only he could see. The black coat he wore swayed lightly with the breeze—black shirt, black pants. Why did that look... so good on him? The contrast of darkness to his warmth.

His eyes met mine.

He smiled.

A small, warm smile that wasn't too bright or fake—it was the kind of smile someone gives when they feel calm, or maybe when they're happy just seeing you.

He waved his hand slightly. A gesture for me to come.

And my heart started pounding again.

I hate this. I hate how easily he does this to me.

We walked beside each other in silence. My fingers fiddled with the hem of my sleeve. I kept glancing at the trees, the path, the sky—anything that wasn't him. Anything to stop myself from looking too long at his face, at his expressions... at how easily my heart kept slipping.

Stop it. Be normal. Be casual. You've done this before, right?

"K-Kai?" I mumbled, trying not to choke on my breath.

He turned to me with a hum. "Mhm?"

"Where are we going?" I asked, trying to sound curious instead of desperate.

"Walking our future together," he teased, leaning just a little closer to my side. "What does it look like?"

My chest tightened.

"F-Future...?" I echoed dumbly.

Why would you say something like that...? Does he know what that word does to me?

Kaiser chuckled, hands casually laced behind his head. "Oh Celia, relax. You're always so intense and serious. I just wanted to see you enjoy today."

Enjoy...

I don't know how to enjoy things without you anymore.

"But... where are we going still?" I tried again, forcing the words out normally.

"Relax. Leave it to me." He smiled, eyes looking ahead. "We're heading to the Levinton Guild Casters."

"Casters?" I repeated, slightly confused.

He nodded. "Oh, you might not know—using a caster, we can teleport quickly from one place to another."

Teleport...?

He was taking me somewhere. Somewhere far? Alone, just us?

"Somewhere only we know," he added with a wink.

I quickly turned away, gripping my arm. Don't blush. Don't act stupid.

Why do you say things like that, Kaiser? Do you mean them? Or are you just kind?

"B-But Kaiser, that sounds expensive," I said, a slight worry leaking into my voice. "Shouldn't that cost a lot of gold?"

I don't want him wasting money on me. I'm not worth that. Not his effort... not his kindness... I'm just someone who—

"Yeah," he said with a calm shrug, "around twenty to thirty gold."

My breath caught.

Twenty to thirty?! That's enough to live a week. To eat every day... to buy books, potions... that's not cheap!

"No, no!" I stopped in my tracks. "I can't let you spend that much for me."

He paused too.

I looked down. I didn't want to see his expression—I didn't want to see pity, or annoyance... I didn't want to be that girl again. The one who ruins moments. The one who clings and breaks things.

He stepped closer.

I didn't move.

Then—his hand held onto mine.

I gasped lightly.

He was warm. Why did he always feel so... real?

"Kai—please stop..." I whispered.

"I'm not stopping today," he said gently. "Just come. It'll be okay."

My legs moved before my mind could. He led me forward. Still holding my hand.

Why...?

Why does this feel like everything I ever wanted?

"I know it'll make you happy," he said without turning back. "That's why I'm doing it."

My heart fell into silence.

He... knew? Did he feel it?

If he keeps doing this...

I'll fall harder. I'll fall to a point where I can't get back up again.

But I already did, didn't I?

Even if I know this will end in pain... even if I know I'll only bring him suffering... being next to him like this... being the girl he smiles at...

It makes me feel happy.

Even if it's temporary... even if I'm cursed...

Being his, even for a moment, is the only time I've felt like I wasn't sad.

And I know I shouldn't...

But I want it anyway.

We walked... and he kept holding my hand.

His fingers were warm, wrapped around mine like they belonged there. Did my hand belong to his?

...No. That's silly. Stupid, even. It's not mine to want... But even if it's a lie, even if he's just being kind, I want to believe it. Just for a while... let me believe it.

The streets of Levinton slowly became busier as we entered the main part of town. I tugged my hood a little lower and kept my gaze to the stone beneath our feet. I didn't want anyone to look at me.

I knew how they saw me...

Nobody really liked me, that's how it's been always. They all thought of me... as a disgusting monster.. someone ugly to be killed.. that should've never been born.

It's always been like that.

So I kept my head low, biting the inside of my cheek. I shouldn't ruin today. Not this time... not when I'm with him.

Then suddenly—

"That white dress looks really beautiful on you, Celia. Maybe you'll charm me today," he said, teasing, that soft smile tugging at his lips.

I blinked. My eyes flicked up to him.

Why... why are you like this, Kai?

I didn't say anything. Couldn't. My throat tightened too much.

But deep down—no, deeper than deep—I was glad. Glad he thought I was... beautiful. Not disgusting. Not ugly.

Soon we arrived at the caster office. The place was tall and square, runed stones etched into its corners, humming faintly with mana. An officer stood out front—tall, scarred, and glaring. I instinctively stepped behind Kaiser, hiding half my body behind his coat.

"Who's the girl?" the officer asked.

"Oh, her? She's my friend. I'm paying extra. Let us both go," Kaiser said casually.

Friend.

...That word stung a little more than I expected.

"I'll need to see her face before I do. Tell her to take her hood off," the man demanded.

I froze. My breath caught.

No. No no no.

He couldn't see me. If he did... if they all did...

They'd hate me.

They'd call me things again and hurt me.

And this time, maybe even Kaiser would agree.

Maybe... he'd see what they all see. And when he does, he'll leave me....

"She's a little shy. Can't we do it without that?" Kaiser asked.

"No. It's the policy. I can't change it," the officer said firmly.

I didn't breathe.

I couldn't.

Please...

Then... Kaiser stepped forward, placed his arm around the man's shoulder, and led him to a corner out of sight. I couldn't hear what he said—his voice was low, quiet, calm. I just stood there like a frozen, nails digging into my sleeves.

A few moments passed.

Then... the man returned, said nothing, and just started the teleportation spell.

He didn't ask to see my face again.

...What?

I looked up. Kaiser was already glancing at me—his eyes warm and steady—before he gave me a playful wink.

My heart jumped.

He did that. He protected me again. Without asking. Without pushing me. He spoke for me when I couldn't. He shielded me when I was about to be hurt again.

I reached out and gripped the corner of his coat tightly. Like a child, someone too scared to let go.

"Thank you, Kaiser..." I whispered, barely loud enough to hear myself.

Then the world spun.

The teleportation light engulfed us, and in an instant, we were somewhere else.

When I opened my eyes, the air was quiet and earthy, birds chirping in the distant canopy. We were in a wild forest—lush, deep green, and untouched. I didn't recognize it at all. A strange wind brushed through the trees like it knew we didn't belong.

I turned to my side—and there he was.

Kaiser.

He gestured for me to come, his usual smile tugging at his lips like he wasn't dragging my entire heart behind him without realizing.

We started walking again.

And I just... watched him. Silently.

He spoke up for me.

He made that scary man change his mind... just like that.

And he called me beautiful earlier, didn't he?

Beautiful...

No. Don't fall for it. He's just nice to everyone. It's just how he is. But still—he said it... for me.

Every time I looked at him, he felt... distant but close.

And yet here I was, walking beside him. Close enough that my sleeve brushed his every few steps.

I looked up again and found him staring back at me.

"You keep glancing at me, Celia. Planning some sort of intimate confession?" he asked with a playful grin.

"H-Huh?! No! I'm just... making sure you don't trip! I-I'm just concerned!" I shouted, flustered.

He laughed. The kind of laugh that made the whole forest feel lighter.

"You're worried I'll trip, huh? That's cute. Want to hold my hand again, then? Just in case?" he teased.

My face turned bright red.

"N-No! You already held it earlier!" I snapped, waving my arms awkwardly.

But inside?

Hold it again...? Forever? If you ask, I'll never let go.

Never.

I looked away, hiding my face.

I don't want him to know. I really don't.

Because if he knew how much I loved him... how badly I wanted to be his—just his—he might run.

And if he ran... I wouldn't survive it.

But for now... for now, I'll walk beside him. Just like this.

Because being near him... it makes the world less terrifying.

And maybe that's love.

Even if I can't say it.

----- Only You and I -----

11:48 AM - Unknown forest, going somewhere only we know.

We continued to walk for a while, my feet brushing softly against the forest floor as the sounds of leaves and rustling wind accompanied us. Kaiser looked so calm... so focused. His eyes scanned the trees like they were familiar friends guiding him forward.

Has he been here before?

The way he glanced at every bend and twist in the woods made it feel like this wasn't his first time. Every step he took was with quiet certainty—like he knew where he was going, like he was leading me somewhere only we can go.

But... something kept poking my thoughts.

Where did Kaiser get all that gold?

Thirty gold just for a teleport... that's not normal. That's a lot. And I didn't even see him earn it. Most of his stuff was lost that night—when Ronan and Kiel attacked us. He had nothing left. So then... where did it come from?

Wait. Wait! What if he borrowed it? Just to make me happy?!

No. No no no. Please no. Don't tell me he's working under someone for me... doing favors or missions just so he can treat me well... They can use him and hurt him... I don't want that.

I don't want him to exhaust himself just to make me smile.

"Hey, Kaiser...?" I asked, trying to sound casual, though my voice cracked with concern. "How much gold do you have?"

"I have around... a 100 to a 120 gold right now," Kaiser said, waving a hand as if it was no big deal.

My eyes nearly popped out of my head. "Wha—?! Where did you get so much from?!"

I leaned toward him, trying to catch any lie in his eyes. But they just sparkled with mischief. He was too calm. That made me even more nervous.

"Chill out, Celia," he said with that little grin, "it's for our special day today. Don't worry—"

"Of course I'm going to worry!" I snapped, cutting him off. My voice came out sharper than I meant it to. "I don't want you to owe people money just because of me! Don't you understand?!"

"How could you be so reckless?!" I shouted, the fury boiling over in my chest. "You don't just throw yourself into something like that without telling me—without even thinking!"

"Do you even think before you do these things?!" I shouted, voice shaking. "Or do you just not care what happens to you—as long as it's for me? Because it sure feels like you don't care what it does to me! You're heartless!"

Why is he like this?! Why is he so kind to me?! I don't deserve this. I don't want him to suffer for my sake. Just thinking about it makes my chest pain.

"I—" I tried to say more, but Kaiser just stopped walking.

He turned to face me, still quiet, still watching me like he wasn't angry... like he was just waiting for me to finish.

No. No, I messed up again, didn't I?

Wait no no.. no.. I didn't mean to yell.... I look up realizing my mistake.. please kaiser don't hate me, I didn't mean to.. please..

He blinked, then softly smiled.

Why...?

Why are you smiling?

He reached out and gently placed his hand on my head, ruffling my hair and pulling my hood down.

"Calm down, Celia," he said. "I didn't borrow the gold."

His voice was so warm. So calm. Like he was trying to tell me, in his own way, that he would never hurt me... and that he'd never hate me. Not for yelling. Not for being scared. Not for being... me.

He didn't flinch at my anger. He didn't step away from me.

Why... are you so gentle with me...?

"I might've gotten it from a bit of sketchy methods," he added, scratching the back of his neck, "but it's nothing important."

"Sketchy...?" I looked at him, confused and slightly alarmed. "What do you mean?"

"Ugh, fine. I'll tell you one of them," he muttered, chuckling to himself.

We kept walking, but he leaned in a bit like he was sharing some great secret.

"This morning," he began, "I spoke with Emma."

"Emma... What did you two talk about?" I raised a brow.

"Yeah. I asked her to do me a favor and promised I'd pay her with gold, but I didn't have change for the piece I gave her."

"And...?" I tilted my head.

"So I gave her a Multilayer Coin piece that's worth fifty gold."

"...You had a fifty gold coin?!"

"Technically," he grinned, raising a finger, "it was painted gold. It was a silver piece I painted like gold last night."

I stopped walking, blinked, and stared at him.

"Wait... you... conned Emma?"

Kaiser looked too proud of himself. "It's not conning if she smiled while giving me twenty gold and said, 'you're always welcome, Kaiser.'"

I blinked again, then burst into laughter. It came out of me all at once—sharp, sudden, real.

"You're a con artist!" I said between gasps.

Kaiser grinned wide, completely unfazed. "Correction: I'm an opportunist with good painting skills and talent. Oh yeah, I did it to like 10 other people but we ignore that."

"That's even worse!"

"Come on, I painted those things real nice. You should've seen it. Even I believed it was real for a second."

I couldn't stop laughing. My stomach hurt. My cheeks were red. I had to hold onto a tree to steady myself.

You idiot... you stupid, wonderful idiot...

Why are you like this...? Why do you do these things just to make me laugh?

As I looked at him—still chuckling, still proud of himself—I felt it again.

That warm, twisted ache inside me.

You made me laugh when I was scared for you. You let me yell at you and didn't push me away. You saved me again and again. You always do.

Even if you lied and conned someone... you did it just to make me happy.

Kaiser... what do I do with you?

I looked at him again, smiling softly.

I'll follow you anywhere. Just don't leave me behind.

But... what if I hurt him?

What if, deep down, he didn't like me anymore?

Maybe he was just smiling to be polite. Maybe... maybe he was just being kind because that's the kind of person he is. Maybe I ruined it. Maybe I shouted too loud, maybe I sounded ungrateful, selfish—everything I've always been scared of being.

No, no, no...

I don't want him to hate me.

Please don't hate me.

Please.

I kept walking beside him, every step feeling like I was walking further away from the safety of his heart.

I bit my lip and asked softly, "Hey Kaiser... I'm sorry. For yelling earlier... I didn't mean to. I was just... a little concerned about you."

"It's nothing, Celia. I'm fine," he said, as if it truly meant nothing at all.

But it wasn't nothing to me. It was everything.

No... no, no, no. He is hurt. I can feel it. Why wouldn't he be?

I hurt the only person who makes me happy.

Why did I say those things? Why did I raise my voice? Why didn't I think? Why am I always like this?

"B-but Kaiser," I blurted out, my voice cracking, "I shouldn't have yelled. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say those things—those hurtful things. I-I just got scared."

Tears were forming in my eyes, my throat tightening like it was choking on regret. I didn't want to lose him. I couldn't.

He turned his head to me gently, his soft expression tugging at something deep inside my chest. "Oh, Celia... what's wrong?"

"I hurt you..." I whispered, stuttering, trembling. "W-while you were trying to make me happy... I'm such a bad person. I'm sorry. Please... forgive me..."

I wiped at my tears with the sleeves of my dress, but they just kept falling faster. "I was only worried about you... I didn't mean any of it. I was just scared you were doing too much for me again, and I didn't want you to get hurt because of me..."

My shoulders shook. My words were coming out in pieces. Like my heart was cracking with every syllable.

Then... he stepped closer and gently reached up to wipe my tears for me.

His hand was warm.

"Celia..." He gently cupped my face, his thumb brushing away a tear. "I hate seeing you like this. It hurts me more than you know. Please don't cry, not for me."

Why are you so kind to me? Why do you always say the exact thing I need to hear?

I wanted to fall into his arms and never let go.

"I'm sorry..." I muttered again, quieter this time, voice hoarse. "For getting angry... for yelling at you..."

He just smiled, wiping away the last few tears that clung to my cheeks like broken glass.

Then he held my hand again. Just like that.

No punishment. No rejection. No anger.

We kept walking, our hands locked gently, and I tried to calm my heartbeat.

Then he spoke again.

"Celia."

I looked up with my red, tear-stung eyes. His were the color of a quiet sky. Peaceful blue looking back at me.

He paused for a moment then spoke with honesty... I've never heard before.

"I would rather be hated by you every day... than be loved by someone else once," he said, unwavering.

My heart—

"Because even when you're yelling at me... it's still your voice. And in that moment hearing it, all I want is to be here with you, no matter what."

My heart...

How can you say something like that and expect me to keep breathing?

How much more... how much more can I love you?

How much more can you make me love you?

No one's ever looked at me like this. No one's ever stayed. No one's ever held my hand after I broke something in them.

Nobody... but you.

I love you so much it hurts.

And yet you smile, and the pain feels like it's worth something.

He gently pulled me closer, guiding me through the quiet trees. The sky was beginning to soften into a pale gold as the sun shifted above us.

Then he said, in that gentle, soothing voice of his—

"We're here, Celia."

He looked at me, his hand still in mine.

"To eternity, together."

----- Wife? me? -----

12:23 PM - Village of love, Eversoul.

"Kaiser, where is this place?" I asked, walking just a little closer to him as we arrived at the edge of a town I didn't recognize.

"This is the Village of Love, Eversoul." He responded, letting go of my hand with a warm smile.

The moment his fingers left mine, a small ache clung to my skin—why did he have to let go...?

I looked around, blinking a few times. The cobblestone paths shimmered with soft flower petals dancing across them, tossed playfully by the wind. Hanging lanterns gently swayed between rooftops, their colored lights casting a dreamy hue over the town. Every house had vibrant vines of pink and violet wrapped around it, and the air... it smelled like blossoms and old stories. Laughter echoed from nearby couples, and stalls lined the street, filled with candied fruits, ribbons, charms, and delicate crafts meant for two.

Today... was the festival day. The Festival of Eternal Match. Of course.

Why here? Why now?

"Hey Kai...?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes. Not when my cheeks were already burning up with heat. I held my hands behind my back, shy.

"Yeah, Lia?" he replied casually.

My heart thumped harder just hearing him call me that.

"Why did... you bring me here?"

I couldn't breathe right.

Did he want me to be his...? No—no, don't think that. That's stupid. Don't get ahead of yourself, Celia.

But still... why else would he bring me here?

Kaiser suddenly laughed, a light, teasing kind that made me flinch slightly and look up at him with wide eyes.

He was smiling at me—smirking even.

"What?" I blurted defensively.

"Oh, nothing," he said with that annoying, perfect grin. "You're just really cute when you blush."

"I'm not blushing!" I shot back too quickly. "It's—it's just really hot here! Look how bright the sun is!" I pointed vaguely upward like that would make the moment less humiliating.

He chuckled again.

"Sure, sure... blussy girl. I'll keep that in mind."

I puffed my cheeks and turned away from him, arms crossed. "Hmph."

Why is he like this? He's so stupid. Dummy.

"Aww, did I get you upset, Celia?" he said, taking a step closer.

I didn't answer. I just tilted my head further away, trying not to let him see the small smile threatening to escape from my lips. Stupid. Why does his voice make my chest feel all fuzzy?

"Hmm... now what do I have to do to win you back?" he mused aloud. "I wonder how..."

Tch.

Dummy.

He still hasn't even answered my question. Why did he bring me here? He always does this—says sweet things, teases me, smiles like I'm his only friend, then brushes over the important part.

Is it just a joke to him? Am I just someone to walk around festivals with?

...Or am I something more?

I want to ask again. I want to grab him and shake the answer out of him.

But my hands won't move. My lips won't part.

Because if I ask again and he says "as friends"... I might break. And I'd rather live in this lie a little longer than face that cold truth.

Still, the thought lingers like a splinter under skin.

Kaiser... do you want me to be yours?

Do you want me the way I want you?

I don't need you to say it. Just act like you mean it. Just look at me like I'm more than a moment.

Then... suddenly, I saw them.

A few small kids from the village ran up to him, giggling and shouting his name.

"Kaiiiseeer!"

My eyes turned sharply to him—then to them.

His expression turned neutral immediately from his smile with me from earlier as he knelt to greet them, ruffling their hair and laughing softly.

...why did he stop smiling so suddenly?

"Mmm, what do you four want today? Can't you see I'm busy with someone?" Kaiser said, glancing down at the cluster of little kids surrounding him, then flicking his gaze toward me.

I watched from the side, a few steps away, arms lightly folded. I hadn't said anything yet... but I already felt the familiar wall creeping up inside my chest. Children didn't usually like me. I didn't know why. Maybe I gave off a weird vibe with my eyes? Maybe I just didn't smile the right way. Maybe they saw something in me—something evil.

But they loved him, didn't they?

"Kaiiiiserrr! Give us some gold!" one of them squeaked, a tiny boy with hay-colored hair and missing teeth. "We're asking everyone in the village for it!"

"Huh? And why should I?" Kaiser asked, his tone flat, unreadable, that usual relaxed expression not shifting in the slightest.

"Because you gave us a lot last time!" the little girl with a purple bow said, bouncing slightly on her toes.

Kaiser sighed—loudly and with exaggeration.

"Listen up, kids," he said, clearing his throat dramatically.

"I'm currently poorer than the beggars in town."

The way he said it—so sarcastic and dry—I almost stumbled backward trying to hold in my laugh.

"Huh! That can't be true!" a kid in a red shirt shouted.

"It's all true, guys. Nowadays, beggars give me their spare change because of how poor I am," he added with a shrug.

The kids collectively gasped, clearly heartbroken by the idea. One of them even covered his mouth in horror.

I watched quietly, unsure whether to laugh or cringe. What was he even doing?

"But..." Kaiser leaned closer, voice lowering like he was about to tell them a secret. "I know someone who can give you guys a lot of gold."

"Huh?? Who??"

"Yeah, who!?"

"Tell us, tell us!"

Kaiser slowly turned and pointed—at me.

"This beautiful young girl right here," he said, with the fakest sincerity I've ever heard from him, "is very wealthy. Call her an empress if you wish."

I blinked.

Once. Twice.

"Wh—"

I was dumbfounded. Fumbled. Shocked. Speechless. Confused. What the hell was he saying?! My jaw just... hung there. And then I choked on air trying to say something.

What!?

The kids' eyes lit up like I was their last hope in life.

"A donation please, miss?" the smallest boy asked, tugging on my sleeve gently. "Just a few gold...?"

"Please, Empress! Just for us! Pretty please!" the girl said, clasping her hands together in front of her chest.

I froze.

How do I... tell them I don't have any gold on me?

Why, Kaiser...? Why would you do this?

Did you want me to break their hearts?

People already look at me like I'm a monster... I've had kids run from me before—literally run. I'm not... I'm not exactly approachable. I'm not like you.

And now? Now they're smiling at me, tugging on my hand, calling me Empress like I'm someone kind and important and lovely. It's the first time someone this small has looked at me like that. And you just—just threw me to chaos.

I glanced over at him, my eyes sharpening—only to see him casually lift his palm.

"Oh my god, guys! Look at this!" Kaiser said suddenly, as five gleaming gold coins appeared in his hand like magic.

The kids all gasped in unison.

"Wooow!!"

"How'd you do that?!"

"Magic!!!" they squealed as they all turned to him with sparkles in their eyes.

He crouched and handed them each a piece, tousling their hair and patting their shoulders gently. His expression, however, didn't change. No warm smile, no playfulness in his eyes. Just calm... collected... neutral.

Still, why did he bring me up if he was going to give them the gold?

What's the point...?

"Thank you, Kaiser!" they cheered in chorus.

Kaiser paused. "Don't thank me," he said, and I could hear the quiet weight in his voice. "Thank her—Celia. She's the one who sent the gold to me. Magic, remember?"

My eyes widened.

The kids turned toward me, beaming.

"Thank you, Miss Celia!"

"You're the best Empress ever!"

"You're really pretty too!"

They hugged my legs, pulling gently at my skirt, laughing.

I didn't know what to say.

I didn't know how to react.

They just... smiled at me.

All because of him.

My gaze slipped back to Kaiser. He wasn't even looking at me—he was watching the kids with quiet care.

Why?

Why go that far for me?

I pressed a hand to my chest. It ached again, but differently.

Warmth spread through the cracks inside me.

Dummy.

Why are you so nice...?

You make it so much harder not to fall deeper.

Wait...

I don't have my hood on.

A cold prickle rushed up my spine, like fear had wrapped its fingers around my ribs. I could feel my hair—the bright white that drew stares, whispers, hatred—flowing freely in the wind. My eyes... red and obvious.

But the kids...

They were still smiling. Thanking me.

They weren't... scared?

"Are you guys... happy?" I asked softly, hesitantly, like one wrong word would shatter this moment.

"Yeah!" one boy said. "You're the nicest person ever!"

"You gave us gold and you're really cool!" another chirped.

"And you're pretty too!" the girl with the purple bow added.

My heart squeezed.

I blinked. Twice.

"And are you... not scared?" I asked, voice small, fearing the worst. I could barely look at them.

"Nope!" the little girl giggled, tugging gently on my sleeve. "You're really pretty, Miss Celia!"

Then, shyly, she tilted her head and whispered, "Can you please lean down?"

I crouched, awkward but curious—and suddenly, two tiny arms wrapped around my neck. A soft kiss landed on my cheek, just a brush, but enough to short-circuit my brain.

She hugged me.

She kissed me.

Like I was... someone that deserved love. Someone she admired.

I... didn't know what to think.

They weren't scared. Not of my eyes. Not of my hair. They didn't see me like everyone else did. No fear. No disgust.

Just... smiles.

"You have really pretty eyes, Miss. When I grow up, I wanna be as pretty and kind as you."

My breath hitched. I felt something unravel inside me. A soft knot loosening.

Kaiser... you did this.

I turned my head slowly. And there he was.

Looking right at me.

Not the kids. Not the sky. Not anywhere else.

Just... me.

And then—he smiled. That faint little curve of his lips that no one else got to see. Just me. Only me.

You changed how they saw me, didn't you? Just a little lie and some gold. You made them love me. Just to make me smile again.

A small laugh escaped my lips. A smile tugged up before I could even stop it.

You turned my bitterness into happiness like it was nothing. My pout, my earlier mood—it all melted away.

Every moment with you... makes me want you more. Desperately.

And then—

"Kaiser!" one of the boys asked, "Is she your girlfriend?"

I choked on air.

My head whipped toward them. What kind of question was that?!?

"No-No!" I sputtered, face flushed. "I'm not his girlfriend!"

Kaiser, of course, just... nodded. Calmly. Like that was that.

The kids looked at me... then at him.

And they laughed.

"Ha! Looks like Kaiser doesn't have Miss Celia!"

"Yeah! Kaiser, you're not lucky enough to have her!"

"She's just your companion!" one of them said with a sly grin.

"Only your friend!"

I blinked. Laughed nervously. But inside?

It stung.

Friend. That word again.

The one I hated most when it came to him.

Why did it hurt like this? That simple word... it felt like someone stuck a cold dagger through my heart.

Because I wasn't lucky enough to have him, was I?

I was the one desperately reaching out, always a step behind...

I didn't want to be his friend. I didn't want to be just someone he tolerated.

I wanted to be his.

Please... stop calling me that. Don't call me your friend, Kaiser... it hurts more than you know.

"Enough," Kaiser said suddenly, his voice steady.

The kids froze mid-giggle, looking up at him.

I did too.

He met all our eyes, expression still neutral—but something in his tone changed.

"You guys have misunderstood something," he said.

My heart skipped.

What... are you doing now?

"You see," he continued, hands in his pockets, "Celia may not be my girlfriend... but there's a deep reason why."

I stared.

Please...

Please don't say it's because I'm just a friend...

Please don't say I'm nothing special...

Please, Kaiser...

Then the little girl asked, so innocently, "Then who is she to you?"

Kaiser turned toward me.

And then—he smiled again, just slightly.

"She's my wife."

...

What did you just say...?

What.

The.

Hell.

My mouth hung open.

I didn't know whether to scream, faint, or drag him into an alley and interrogate him for saying something so casually earth-shattering in front of four kids and me.

But all I managed was one tiny, squeaky sound.

"Wha—"

The kids all gasped.

"WHAAAT?!"

"Miss Celia's your wife?!"

"That's so cool!"

"You married her with magic, didn't you?!"

I was still frozen. Face hot. Mind blank.

And Kaiser...?

He looked completely unbothered.

Just casually declared me his wife like it was some normal thing he says every day.

What is this man doing now...?

"Wife?!"

"Does that mean you kiss Kaiser on the lips?" one of the boys asked with wide eyes.

"I-I—" I flinched, hands flailing, eyes darting between the kids and the stupidly calm Kaiser. "N-No! I mean—I haven't—Not like—That's—"

Kaiser, standing right next to me, coolly added, "Only on Tuesdays she kisses."

I nearly tripped over my own foot.

WHAT TUESDAYS?! WHAT LIPS?! WHEN DID THAT—!?

The kids squealed in delight.

"He kisses you every week?! Today's Tuesday!"

"Do you sleep in the same bed?" one of the girls asked.

"I—uh—I sleep alone!" I snapped. "In my own room! All the time!"

Kaiser hummed. "She does. Though she usually comes knocking at my room after midnight."

I almost screamed.

My whole body locked up.

He's lying. He's lying. He's lying and he's doing it in that infuriatingly casual tone that makes people believe him. These kids are going to think I sneak into his bed. At night!!!!!

Which is ridiculous.

...Not that I haven't thought about it.

...

Wait no STOP—

"But... do you guys love each other?" another little boy asked with a tilted head.

I opened my mouth, closed it, opened it again—

"I—I mean... I really like him—BUT I don't—"

"She's obsessed," Kaiser said plainly. "Hopelessly and Madly in love with me."

I froze in place.

He... He knows? Or is he making this up too?

The kids clapped. "Yaaaay! So romantic!!"

Romantic?!? It's not romantic, it's terrifying! I want to chain him to me! Bury anyone who touches him! Rip out every girl's eyes who dares glance at him! Make him breathe me and me alone!

...Okay maybe that does sound a little romantic.

But still!

I glanced up at him.

He was still looking at the kids... except when his gaze drifted down to me.

That smile.

That small, subtle, he only ever shows when it's me.

Kaiser...

Stop that. Stop being this perfect blend of cruel and kind, teasing and protective. You do this thing where you say something outrageous in public and then reward me in private with a smile like I'm your entire world.

My chest is going to explode.

"I bet they even have kids!" one of the boys whispered to the others.

"I want to meet them!"

"Alright, that's enough!" I shouted, face boiling with heat, heart pounding. "We're leaving! Now!"

Before Kaiser could say anything else insane, I grabbed his arm—firm, strong, unfairly calm Kaiser—and pulled him away.

The kids waved behind us, all grinning like fools.

"Bye-bye, Miss Celia!"

"Bye, Kaiserrr!"

"Byeee Kaiser and his wife!"

"Good luck on Tuesday for the kiss!"

KAISER. TUESDAY. I SWEAR—

I didn't stop dragging him until we rounded the corner, and even then, I kept my grip on his arm like he might vanish the second I let go.

I could feel my heartbeat slamming in my ears. Not from the walk. Not from embarrassment.

From the fact that...

He said I was his wife.

Even if he was teasing, even if it was a joke.

He smiled.

Only for me.

And even though I wanted to strangle him...

I also wanted to—Tie him to a chair and force him to call me his wife again.

Forever.

....

Kaiser...

You're mine.

And you can tease me all you want—

I'll just make sure you'll never tease anyone else. Ever.

Only for me.

"What is it, my wife?" Kaiser said so casually, so nonchalantly—

I choked on air for the second time in the last five minutes.

"STOP IT!!" I screeched, my entire face now red. "What's wrong with you?!"

Kaiser, completely unbothered, just shifted his gaze lazily to the sky. "Alright, alright, relax. I was just joking with them."

"It's not something you should joke about!!" I yelled, slapping his arm weakly as he acted like I wasn't having a full mental breakdown beside him. "You shouldn't have called me your wife in front of the kids!"

"Ohhh... do you want me to call you my wife in private then?" he said with a teasing tilt to his voice.

Yes. Please do that. In your bed. Every day. Forever.

Wait—NO.

"No! Don't you dare do that either!" I shouted, nearly combusting. If I opened my mouth again, I might accidentally propose to him myself.

"Okay, okay," he said, throwing his hands up slightly. "I'm sorry for calling you my wife."

"...Hmph." At least he gets it now. Finally, some peace.

"I should've called you my sweetheart," he added, deadpan.

I choked on air for the third time.

"WHAT?!"

"You're my heart, right?" he said, turning toward me.

His expression didn't change, but his eyes softened. He looked straight into mine, and my knees almost gave out.

I stumbled a step back. "Y-You say that—But I'm not your wife!"

"Do you want to be?" he asked again, the corner of his mouth twitching like he already knew the answer.

Yes.

But I screamed instead.

"No! Stop this already! Stop being so mean!" I yelled louder, balling my fists and pouting away.

"Ugh, fine... wifey," he sighed, as if the word physically pained him. "I'll stop."

I couldn't take it anymore.

That was it. That was the final straw.

I ran.

"CE—Celia?!" he called behind me.

Nope. I'm gone. I'm disappearing.

"Wife, come back!" Kaiser called again.

"DON'T CALL ME THAT!!" I screamed over my shoulder, face flaming hotter than the sun.

I zipped through the village path, past confused shopkeepers and baffled villagers.

A couple of villagers turned at the commotion, watching me sprint past like I was on fire. One of them, an old lady with a wrinkled smile, chuckled softly.

"Ahh, young love," she said, leaning on her cane.

"WE'RE NOT A COUPLE!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, waving frantically without slowing down.

"She's shy," Kaiser said as he jogged past the old lady, not even breaking a sweat. "My wife's always like this in public."

"I'M NOT YOUR WIFE EITHER!!" I yelled again, now red to my soul.

A random man sitting on a bench pointed at us with a grin. "Yo Kaiser, didn't know you had such a cute wife!"

"Hey, don't talk to my wife like that, man," Kaiser said flatly.

"I'M NOT HIS WIFE!!" I screamed running.

I ducked behind a fruit stand, panting, hiding my burning face with both hands. My heart was pounding like a drum.

That idiot.

That bold, infuriating, emotionally destructive idiot.

Why was he like this?!

Why did he say things that made my heart flutter and brain fry at the same time?!

Why does he get to call me "wife" and "sweetheart" and "my heart" like it's normal?! Like it's his right?!

...

Why do I want to hear him say it again?

Over and over?

Forever?

I peeked around the corner.

He was still walking casually like he had all the time in the world, scanning the stalls for me, lips curled ever so slightly at the corner.

"Celia~" he called gently. "Come out, I'll stop calling you my wife."

Good.

"Unless you want me to call you mine instead."

...

I almost fainted.

----- Explain? -----

2:13 PM - Village of love, river side.

An hour had passed since my heart tried to explode.

I crouched by the river, splashing cold water onto my burning cheeks like a madwoman trying to erase all evidence of earlier. Kaiser sat beside me, one leg dipped lazily into the clear water, arms leaned back like he hadn't just destroyed my sanity with one sentence.

Now he hums to himself. Why is he humming?

I turned toward him with fire in my lungs.

"NOW EXPLAIN YOURSELF!" I yelled, pointing an accusing, soaking wet finger at him.

Kaiser didn't even flinch. "Look, it was just a harmless prank! I am innocent."

"Innocent?!" I stomped into the river and splashed him with a flick of my foot. "You humiliated me in front of the whole village!"

"Humiliated?" He raised a brow. "Being my wife is like a prestigious title."

"HUH?! What's prestigious about that?!" I snapped, my face already turning red again.

Kaiser flicked his damp bangs back with an exaggerated pose. "You see, I am nice, intelligent, generous, gentlemanly, empathetic, rich—all a woman could ever want."

"Oh, and handsome too," he added with a wink.

I scoffed. "You mean stupid, crazy, bold, poor, and a con artist?"

Flat delivery. Flat expression. My heart was anything but.

Kaiser gasped dramatically and clutched his chest. "Wow, betrayal... from my own fake wife. Is this what our future looks like?"

I snorted. "That's your fault for saying all that."

Still... you were mine.

We both sat quietly for a while, feet in the water, gazing at the ripples. The silence wasn't awkward—it was peaceful. His presence always felt like that. Like he swallowed all the noise in the world just to make me feel calm.

Earlier today, I didn't know if I should even allow myself to fall for him. Loving him felt dangerous—like reaching the abyss with my heart. But somehow... the closer I got, the more I didn't care about being lost.

I want him. I want him desperately... I'm growing more obsessed now.

Every smile, every tease, every stupid nickname he throws at me just... wraps itself around my heart.

I sneak a glance at him again.

Kaiser turned slightly and said, "The main festival's not until later this evening—stall setups and lanterns are still going. So, we've got time."

"For what?"

He shrugged. "To talk. Or relax. Maybe court each other casually under a scenic waterfall, I dunno."

"You—! You're the worst."

"And yet... you're still sitting beside me, smiling and happy," he smirked.

"Because I don't trust you to be alone."

He leaned closer. "Everyone trusts me, I'm like the most innocent person there is. Unlike you."

I splashed him again.

Kaiser laughed. "Okay, okay! Fine! We'll talk. No more flirting—unless you want me to."

"I don't!"

(Lie. Lie. Lie. LIE.)

And so we talked.

About silly things at first—what we wanted to see later, which stalls would there be, and shared some personal stories.

Then deeper things—what kind of people we wanted to become, how the world used to scare us, how it still does sometimes.

We laughed, argued, teased, and sighed at the clouds.

His voice was calm. Safe.

It wasn't long before the sun started to dip, casting soft golden light over the river.

Eventually, we stood up and walked back to the village.

Side by side. Just... talking.

And somehow, every second with him made my heart beg louder:

Please... please fall in love with me too.