(Raye's POV)
I'm currently inside a comfortable room with Kyana's family. The space smells faintly of polished wood and the lingering aroma of afternoon tea, which someone had left on the side table.
The furniture is exquisite, made from dark wood with subtle engravings, but none of it catches my attention. Kyana is not here, and my thoughts wander lazily across the room as I observe the family before me.
"May I know why did you call me here, Sir Alger?" I asked, my voice casual, deliberately relaxed. I wasn't trying to sound intimidating— just unconcerned, almost bored.
My eyes lazily followed his movements, noting how he straightened in his chair with that noble posture I've seen countless times before.
"I want to offer something to you," Alger immediately answered, his tone polite but firm, like a man used to giving orders that others obey without hesitation.
I studied him, watching his eyes flick toward the others in the room. For a moment, I let the silence hang, my presence stretching it longer than necessary. Then I spoke, deliberately, the words meant to put everyone on edge.
"I'm not interested."
I began walking toward the door, each step measured, deliberately slow, allowing the weight of my disinterest to sink in.
"It's about Kyana."
My steps halted. I turned back slightly, tilting my head.
"What about her?"
Alger glanced toward his wife and daughter, as if silently seeking approval. Both nodded subtly. He turned back to me, his gaze firm.
"Please, come to the Fervid Academy with her, and protect her," he said, bowing his head slightly.
"Please. We beg you."
His wife and daughter followed, bowing in unison, their movements synchronized, deliberate. The sincerity in their gestures was undeniable, heavy in the air like a tangible weight pressing down on me. I scratched the back of my head, frowning slightly.
"Lift your heads," I said, my voice calm but commanding.
They obeyed, their eyes lifting to meet mine, full of hope and unspoken pleas.
"It's no use asking me that," I continued, shrugging with casual indifference. "I already planned to go with her from the beginning, whether you like it or not."
Their expressions transformed instantly— eyes widening, faces lighting up. Gratitude shone in their gaze, muted but sincere.
"Thank you, Sir Raye."
"You have our gratitude."
"Please take care of my little sister."
Though they remained composed, their words carried genuine warmth, the kind that comes from hope intertwined with relief. Observing them, I allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile to tug at my lips.
"No, I should be the one thanking you," I said, voice softening slightly, as I unconsciously smiled. "You granted one of Kyana's wishes."
They looked at me with questioning eyes, searching for meaning, but I ignored it. Talking at length is not my habit.
"Anyway, if you don't have anything else to say, I'm going to leave," I added, reaching the door.
"Umm, but how will you enter the Academy? Want me to enroll you or get you a job there?" Alger asked earnestly, his concern evident in the slight furrow of his brow.
I shook my head, a small smirk forming on my lips.
"I already have something in mind. I'll be able to enter the Academy easily, so don't worry. Just prepare things for Kyana and me."
They nodded in agreement, satisfied with my reassurance. The subtle weight of their approval was fleeting but comforting, even to me.
Wanting to see Kyana more than anything, I left the room after offering my brief goodbyes.
The moment I stepped into the corridor, anticipation coursed through me, accelerating my steps toward where she would soon be.
...
...
...
I remained at the Esmond household until the day Kyana was to attend the Fervid Academy.
A week had passed since we had first reunited, and during this time, I had lived with the Esmonds, observing them, sharing quiet meals, and ensuring Kyana felt comfortable. Yet, no one had told her that I would be accompanying her to the academy.
*****
(Kyana's POV)
Finally, after years of studying, the day I was going to attend the Fervid Academy arrived.
A strange flutter of excitement and nerves danced in my stomach. The mansion we had stayed in this past week was conveniently close to the academy, so the journey would only take a few hours.
Though...
"Why are you coming?" I snapped, turning my head sharply to face the figure in front of me, a frown marring my features.
Opposite me, sitting casually in the carriage, was Raye. His bright expression was almost infuriating in its cheerfulness.
As usual, he wore his mask, a black suit, and gloves. At his side rested a small bag— spatial storage for his scythe and other belongings. He looked effortlessly elegant, a stark contrast to my rising irritation, which only made him appear more untouchable.
Earlier, as I prepared to step into the carriage, my parents had arrived just in time, escorting Raye along. They had informed me— without warning— that he would accompany me to the academy!
Their sudden appearance left me no chance to question them. The carriage had begun moving, and before I could even voice my doubts, we were on the road.
"Because I want to be always with you," Raye answered sweetly, his tone soft, almost tender, though utterly confident.
"Ugh, you're making me embarrassed."
I couldn't stop the words, knitting my brows together and averting my gaze to the passing scenery. Trees and fields blurred as the carriage moved, but my focus was locked in the mixture of emotions swirling inside me— annoyance, warmth, and something far more complicated.
"That's my goal," Raye said, mischievously, his tone light, teasing. I turned to him, squinting, demanding clarification.
"I love the face you make when you're all embarrassed," he said playfully, a small smirk visible even under the mask.
"No, actually, I love every face that you make," he added, as if reading my thoughts. I ignored him, peering out the window again, trying to hide the heat rising to my cheeks.
This past week, he had stayed with us, constantly flirting, constantly teasing. I had grown used to it— or at least, I thought I had. But he didn't relent.
"I love your face. Every time I see it, my heart beats faster," he said softly, the cadence of his voice intoxicating, almost overwhelming. My face warmed, ears reddening.
"So you just like my face?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant, though a sting of disappointment crept into my tone.
"No, I love it," Raye replied, unwavering.
'That doesn't make me happy at all,' I thought bitterly, feeling the sting of his words. It seemed as if he only cherished my exterior, the image I projected.
As I opened my mouth to retort, he continued.
"I love your face." His voice softened. "I love your body. I love the way you eat. I love the way you care for everyone dear to you. I love the way you always try to hide your feelings. I love your personality. I love your star-like blue eyes. I love your shiny black hair. I love everything about you."
He placed a hand gently on my cheek. My lips parted, but no words came. My face was hot, but I did not pull away. My heart thudded violently against my ribs, betraying me.
"Kyana, I love you."
And he smiled— the warmest, most genuine smile I had ever seen.
THUMP!
My heart raced faster, my face burning brighter, yet I did not look away. I could see the affection radiating from his eyes, the quiet certainty in his words.
'Ah... I want him to say those words again...' I thought, and my eyes widened, caught in a mixture of embarrassment and longing.
"S-shut up!" I finally yelled, pushing him back.
Raye, unfazed, only smiled pleasantly.
'He's so annoying,' I thought, turning my gaze back to the passing scenery, attempting to regain composure.
The ride continued smoothly, with Raye occasionally flirting, teasing me, and filling the journey with his effortless charm. I silently endured, knowing that in some inexplicable way, his presence made the trip feel less like a chore and more like the beginning of something... unforgettable.