Dawn broke over the capital's sky, the morning sunlight slipping through the gaps in the mansion's master bedroom curtains, creating patterns of bright streaks across the silk sheets.
Arvin slowly opened his eyes. A sense of warmth spread through his side, and when he turned, he found Allen still fast asleep while hugging him. Both slept without a single thread of clothing, a remnant of the long night where Arvin gave all his attention and energy to serve and satisfy Allen in several rounds of intense lovemaking.
"Allen, wake up..." Arvin whispered softly. He gently nudged Allen's petite body so as not to startle his wife. "Let's head to the academy soon. Remember, we don't live in the dormitory anymore. The journey from here is a bit further."
Allen let out a soft groan, his eyelashes fluttering before his eyes finally opened completely. "Good morning, my husband!" he said in a voice raspy from sleep, yet filled with happiness.
"Good morning to you too, Allen." Arvin replied, kissing his forehead. "Let's take a bath!"
Allen got up and sat on the soft bed, stretching his muscles which felt slightly sore but comfortable. Arvin also moved and stood by the bedside. However, before Arvin could take a step away, Allen's hand suddenly reached out and he immediately wrapped both arms around his husband's neck.
"Do you want me to carry you?" Arvin asked with a teasing smile.
Allen nodded firmly, his face flushing red. Without a second thought, Arvin lifted the light body onto his back and carried him down the stairs toward the spacious bathroom located on the ground floor.
During the way down, Allen rested his head on Arvin's sturdy shoulder. "My husband, do you mind if I act spoiled like this with you?" he asked quietly, a little worried if his behavior was considered excessive.
"I don't mind at all!" Arvin answered without pause. "In fact, I feel very happy when you act spoiled like this with me."
"Why?" Allen probed further, wanting to hear a deeper reason.
"It means you always want to be with me and feel comfortable near me." Arvin answered honestly, looking into Allen's eyes sincerely. "Keep being spoiled with me, Allen. Never hesitate if you want it."
Allen smiled broadly, his fingers beginning to play across his husband's smooth chest. "Then, don't you want to be pampered by me yourself?"
Arvin chuckled softly. "It would be a lie if I said I didn't want to be pampered by you. May I lay my head on your lap while gazing at your cute face?"
"Of course! I would be more than happy to do that for you!" Allen exclaimed joyfully. "Whenever you want it, I will definitely pamper you with all my love!"
"Okay, it's a promise then. If someday I am tired and need your attention, please pamper me, Allen."
"Of course, my husband!" Allen replied happily, unable to wait for the moment when he would pamper the person he loved so dearly.
After their romantic bath together, Allen diligently helped Arvin put on his clothes. He straightened his attire and ensured Arvin's appearance was perfect before leaving for the academy.
How happy I am to enjoy our first day as a married couple under one roof! Allen thought. He gazed at Arvin's handsome face with full admiration. This face... the face I will look at every time I wake up from now on.
Arvin felt the same way. For him, living under the same roof with his favorite character, which used to be just a dream,.was a true miracle.
So cute! Arvin cheered in his heart, adoring every inch of Allen's face. Not just cute, he is also so attentive and sincerely loves me. There is no greater happiness than this. I truly have no more regrets in my life!
Unconsciously, Arvin raised his hand and stroked Allen's cheek with his thumb. Sensing the touch, the pink-haired youth closed his eyes, soaking in the tenderness of Arvin's touch as if it were channeling all his love.
"My husband..." Allen called softly. "Do you really like looking at my face that much?"
"I don't just like it! I absolutely adore your cute face!" Arvin answered bluntly.
Allen's face instantly turned bright red. He felt embarrassed yet very happy to hear such an honest confession. Unconsciously, he gave his husband's waist a soft pinch.
"Come on, let's leave!" Allen urged to cover his embarrassment. "But remember, after coming home from the academy, please accompany me to buy groceries!"
"As you wish, my cute Allen!" Arvin replied while bowing and giving a dramatic, noble-style salute.
Holding hands, they walked through the streets of the capital which were beginning to get busy. This was their first morning heading to the academy through the morning crowds as a married couple.
However, as soon as they entered the academy gates, the atmosphere around them changed instantly.
Dozens of pairs of students' eyes were fixed on them. Whispers began to circulate, and everyone's eyes were drawn to the white contract symbol on the back of their right hands, which were locked together. No one expected that the "King of Terror" and the scholarship student who used to be bullied would now be bound by a life-and-death contract.
Even upon arriving in the classroom, the same reaction, though more intense, was shown by their classmates. The female students seemed the most devastated.
"A-Allen..." a female student called out with a voice trembling from shock. "A-Are you truly already A-Arvin's?"
"Yes, Vinny!" Allen answered with a bright smile, unaware that he had just broken many girls' hearts. "We got married a few days ago. Hehehe."
"But didn't he always act harshly toward you?" another student from the back row exclaimed. "Were you forced by him to enter that life-and-death contract?"
Allen shook his head calmly. "He acted harshly toward me because I was never honest about my feelings for him all this time! Remember when he gave me that potion in this class? He said I was a liar, right?"
His friends nodded slowly, remembering the sensational incident that caused Allen to faint.
"That's what he meant! He hates it if I like him but stay silent, hiding and stealing glances at him without daring to be direct. It made him annoyed." Allen explained, defending Arvin.
"Did you know? Actually, I liked you a lot too, Allen!" another female student chimed in with a regretful tone.
"I'm sorry, I really didn't know because no one ever told me." Allen answered honestly. "And luckily you didn't say it sooner. Because from the very beginning, my heart has fallen completely for Arvin. He is my hero, the one who saved me when I was bullied by those three noble students in the past."
The classroom fell silent for a moment. Although many felt heartbroken, they had to accept the bitter but sweet reality. Allen and Arvin were now bound in a vow and a life-and-death contract that could not be challenged by anyone.