Webtoon: Noblesse
Requested by: @AikoNatsumi0

(Y/n)'s POV

I quietly let Rael lead me to Rai's mansion. Unfortunately, Frankenstein had not managed to save my eyes in perfect condition but I had spent months adjusting to this. Rael's grasp had tightened but I did not need to ask what it was that made him stop.

"Hey (Y/n), how are your eyes?" asked the same man who had ruined them.
"Stay away from her, you fat pig."
"P-pig?! I'm more fit than a skinny brat like you!"
"You-"
"R-Rael, go get Frankenstein," I whispered.
"But I can't leave you here. You can't fight him!" he argued.
"T-trust me. My eyes may have become worse but that's not all that's happened to them."
"...try to stall him and don't fight him if possible."
"Okay, d-don't worry."

He quickly left, leaving me alone with the man. I sensed him moving to the side. Although I couldn't see as well, I could predict his movements with the sensors in my eyes.

He wasn't making any moves yet his growing viciousness and fury was enough to tell me that he could very well attack at any time. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down.

"What's wrong? Scared without anyone here to protect you?"
"N-no, of course not."
"That kid must've run away because he knew that he couldn't win."
"B-be quiet! I'm not i-in the mood for your n-nonsense."
"Where's that brother of yours, huh? I thought he'd be here to protect you this time."

I could tell that he was getting ready to attack. Ugh, my head! It was hard using my eyes when they were already damaged but I couldn't be the coward I once was.

I had to do something at least, even if it was nothing more than a scratch on his body. Before he could touch me, I lunged to the side, dodging both his weapon and body.

I grabbed the dagger from my belt and threw it at his heart but he cut it in half with his sword. I didn't know if I could last until they got here. My headache was getting much worse.

"What's wrong? Can't see?" he mocked.
"S-shut up!"
"Used too much useless power?"
"(Y/n)."

I felt someone steady me from behind.

"It seems that you still can't use your eyes yet. Close them and rest," Rai exclaimed.
"W-what about..."
"Your brother's fighting him. Let's go, he can handle it by himself. I don't want to see you hurt again..."

I made no attempt to resist him as he lifted me up with the gentleness one would use to cradle a baby. I sneezed. The cold was sticking stubbornly to my skin, making goosebumps appear.

We had already gone back to the mansion. Rai put me down on the couch before draping a thick blanket over my shoulders. He sat down beside me and pushed my head down so that I was lying on his shoulder.

"R-Rai?"
"Rest," he replied.
"But I-I can go back t-to my room. I don't want t-to trouble you s-so..."
"It's fine."
"Hey guys!"

The lord's sudden appearance immediately made me sit upright for fear that he might suggest something inappropriately far from the truth. He took a seat in front of us.

"Why are you two so tense?" he asked.
"You appeared out of nowhere," Rai replied.
"Well, I only came over for a visit."
"Is that really why you came?"
"*smirks* So? When are you going to go past the borders of friendship?"
"I don't understand what you mean."
"You know perfectly well what I mean."

That was when Frankenstein entered the room, looking as if he had never gotten into a fight. I could tell from his expression that the man had been taken care of.

This made me breathe a sigh of relief. I was worried that he would come back with something unstoppable. The thought of such a thing made me shiver despite it being so warm under this blanket.

"What? (Y/n)? Dating someone? Absolutely not," Frankenstein replied to the lord's question.
"*sigh* Why are you three all so dense?"
"Are you alright?" Rai asked me.
"Y-yeah."
"See that?! See what I mean?!"
"You can't mean..."

Rai and I turned to look at the two men in front of us. They immediately turned to each other, deep in discussion. Rai held out his hand, which I hesitantly took.

He led me outside, away from the chatter of our uninvited company. We were walking in the garden, his fingers interlocked with mine. I liked this...the peacefulness of it all.

I looked at him and smiled. He remained emotionless, keeping the same expression but I couldn't miss the small smile that appeared on his face for a split second.

"Oh, i-it's almost sunset."

He said nothing as I released his hand and climbed the trees to see the sun. I had had enough rest with him by my side. My eyes were back to their regular condition.

I leaned against a tree branch as I watched the sun set beyond the horizon. It looked so beautiful. I giggled, happy that I was able to live to see this.

When it was completely dark, I jumped down, only to be caught in Rai's grasp. Had he stayed here the whole time? I thought he left because it was getting so late.

"R-Rai-"

His lips met mine, making me stop mid-sentence. I was too shocked to do anything, just glad that the darkness could hide the bright blush on my cheeks.

He pulled away and turned around to leave but I grabbed onto his sleeve. He stopped but didn't bother to turn back around. Why was he making me so confused?...

"W-what...did that k-kiss mean?"
"...nothing. I'm sorry," he answered almost like a whisper.
"I-is that the t-truth?"
"Yes, it is."
"...you idiot! You stole my first kiss so you can't just play it off as nothing! I'm confused, okay?! I want to know what you're thinking!"
"(Y/n)..."
"I-I-I'm sorry. I didn't m-mean to r-raise my voice-"
"I love you."

I finally met his gaze. He didn't look away and just continued to wait for a reply. I let go of his sleeve and looked down, unable to stare at him for any longer.

"(Y/n)?"

I could feel tears pooling up in my eyes but I was smiling. I laughed through the tears, making him stare at me with pure shock. This was the first he had told me his feelings without beating around the bush.

"I-I'm sorry, I-I'm just happy..."
"You don't need to...apologise for being happy," he exclaimed before reaching out to wipe my tears away.
"...thank you."