You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 522

"Ah... yes... I..." — A little ashamed he did not step inside as I wanted him to, and I noticed his hand was fretting while taking mine... Yet I held onto it, looking at him who was about to tell me what was the matter. — "Until a moment ago, I was training at the training grounds..."

"Oh..." — I said, realising within what that meant. — ’Then... it must be sweat.....-?! Wh-why do I like that???’ 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"I realised late what the time was and rushed here... I am sorry, my Lady, for showing up in this state and late as well." — He said while I tried not to look at the loose blouse that kept slightly glued to his skin below, only going back to focus on his sayings once his fingers lightly squeezed mine to offer what he held on his other one. — "While on my way here I... picked this small flower..."

"..."

"It is... uh... er... an apology and promise to make up for this delay and state..."

"... oh... I see..."

"..."

"..."

"..... I am sorry this is unsightly." — He said, probably regretting his actions as I found myself speechless.

"?!"

The impulse of the retract of his hand was forbidden as his words woke me, keeping good hold of the fingers that wanted to escape out of embarrassment; making sure the small daisy in his big and manly hand... would not leave my hand’s reach as I said otherwise.

"No." — I said locking the innocent violet to my infatuated grey. — "Charming... it is charming... not unsightly in the least, your highness..."

"..."

Looking down at the small white petals, I could only smile with emotion at the adorable intentions he had with such tiny detail.

Taking it in my hand I stared at it pleased... thinking something funny to myself before looking at him again.

’Lucky you that he picked you...’ — I told the flower entertained... meeting then his awkward stare. — "Thank you, it is lovely a thought."

"... I will make it up to the lady... I swear."

"Even though I think this is more than enough?"

"Yes, for I believe it is not."

"Hmm... come inside already. There is no use talking about this here, is there?"

"Ah... yet I am dirty." — He said, going against my hand and guiding him in so his foot could cross the glass door, looking sorry while I moved back so with both hands I could assure him.

"That does not matter."

"... It does."

"Haha, no it does not, please do come in."

"No, my lady truly..."

"It is not a problem."

"... I believe it is."

"..."

It was his persistent denial that ultimately shook me. I stared at him solely for a second feeling as if the energy I wanted to give was needless and useless.

Finally, I paused to think while in blank and looked at our hands... thinking with a blink how it seemed wise to release him while my hands had already let go in the process.

For a moment, I noticed how his fingers tried to avoid it and then forget about it... making me lift my stare to meet his eyes that I could tell as we crossed silent gazes he understood I was going to give in this senseless come and go.

"..." — We held each other’s gazes for what could be a second. And it was myself who looked away, knowledgable that I was not about to beg something so trivial from him or anyone.

’I suppose this was it for tonight’s visit.’ — I thought, making the little daisy swirl between my fingertips.

"Thank you for the flower." — I said and nodded, hoping this would be the goodbye he apparently was searching for after making it clear there was no wish to stay long while I somehow felt dumb... and annoyed for persisting... wishing to think thoroughly about this sensation I was not liking once he left.

And so, I gave a step back giving it for ended. Ready to go lay on my mattress to untangle this conflicting knot that my instinct was telling me he was purposely making this more difficult than it should be.

*... Tap... tap...* — Then I heard his steps, and then the closure of the balcony’s door came, telling me his departure...

A bottomless void opened instead inside me... one I did not think would come for I did not think I would feel as unconfident while I could quickly find many reasons not to feel upset...

’I’m exaggerating...’ — I thought. Knowing that it was still wrong to let myself feel like this and not clearing it up immediately like I once would when I was two souls.

"... It truly is not a problem, right?" — Then I heard. Even jumping slightly to the surprise of his voice still being around.

"... u-um... I thought... you had left..."

"... I could not once your smile became saddened..." — He said stepping further inside, conscious of his steps that were leaving a bit of dirt on the floor. I felt ashamed for letting my dejection be known... but also thankful, for I should not forget what was good about my old self.

"I was indeed saddened..." — I said, taking the opportunity. — "A lovely gift you gave and I waited patiently even if it was late... However, it appeared to me as if you wanted to leave as soon as a greeting was barely given... when I truly do not mind your state as long as it is your presence that is here, your Highness."

"... I was thinking that I could go cleanse a tad and come back... I did not mean for it to appear like that."

"... Haha~... It appears the problem is that you find it uncomfortable, your highness."

"Yes... therefore, may I go without incurring in your sadness?"

"Oh, yet if that is the matter I also have here what you could use to cleanse." — I said, not thinking much further since I wanted to aid him somehow. Maybe being conceited... Going for the basins filled with water, showing him... and learning how much blush was invading his demeanour.