Author's Note: Omg, I completely forgot to update yesterday! I was having too much fun doing my own things, sorry! PS. I might reply even lesser to comments for now since I am busy with other things in my own life.

Any urgent questions or comments, please drop me a private message on Wattpad or my discord. My notifications are getting swamped even more so it's hard to see >_<!

There was a soft smile on the raven-haired woman’s lips, her voice soothing and calming. She kept her hands on his cheeks, caressing them gently. 

“It’s going to be okay, Xue.” 

Somewhere within his clouded mind, an unobstructed thought passed through him. 

Cecil Lan. 

The familiar fragrance of herbs and flowers slowly registered in his mind, and the vile thoughts started to disperse bit by bit. Albeit, they still remained there but it wasn’t as loud anymore. 

Xue realised that his breathing was a little too fast, and he had been struggling to catch his breath.

"..."

"...Cecil."

She saw the recognition within Xue's grey eyes, and she sighed in relief. 

Xue looked at his surroundings, puzzled, finding himself out of breath. "We...are...outside?"

Cecil had pulled them into the alleyway beside the restaurant, since the streets would be too crowded as well. 

"Yeah, I brought you out here," Cecil nodded. "You were starting to hyperventilate." 

Xue did not understand that word. "Hyper...what?"

Cecil, once again, realised it was a word that originated from her world. 

"You were breathing too fast for your body to handle." 

"Is that...possible?" Xue was bewildered. 

Cecil felt saddened, wondering if Xue had experienced something like that in the past or in the original novel. However, no one had been there to help him. 

“It is,” she answered before shaking her head. “But no matter, are you alright now?” 

He felt Cecil’s fingers twitching on his cheeks, noticing that her hands were still on his face. 

Cecil seemed to notice it too, withdrawing her hands back.

"So-sorry, I was trying everything to wake you up--"

Xue put his hands over hers, stopping her from pulling back. 

"It's okay," Xue closed his eyes, sighing. "Keep them here."

Cecil blinked rapidly, biting on her lower lip. "O-okay."

A quiet moment passed and his breathing was returning to normal, and he started to feel himself relax. 

Xue knew he was trapped in a dark place, and his mind was on the verge of doing a complete flip. 

Cecil observed him carefully, wanting to wait until the right moment to bring up the question in her mind. She noticed that he was in a much better state compared to before, gathering up her courage. 

"Were you...angry?"

Xue slowly opened his eyes. 

"You looked really angry before," Cecil hesitated to say, nervous. “Like you wanted to kill them.”

"They would have hurt you," Xue stated vehemently. "How can you expect me not to get angry?"

...though, at that moment, Xue was more than just mad at those people. However, Xue thought that Cecil did not know the turmoil he went through earlier. 

That was his own problem to fix. 

Cecil, on the other hand, did not expect Xue to answer in such a straightforward manner. 

"Yo-you really admitted it so bluntly," Cecil looked away from him awkwardly. “I didn’t expect you to answer like that.”

“How else did you expect me to answer you?” Xue frowned slightly, still keeping her hands on his cheek. 

“Well, like...you know…” 

Cecil ducked her head down, shuffling her feet. 

“I know?” 

“No, I’m not trying to say that but--” 

“Mhmm?”

“I...I expected you to say yes, but no, but sort of a yes.” 

Xue was amused. 

“So you want me to say I will get angry, but not angry, but sort of angry?” 

Cecil stopped shuffling her feet, bewildered. 

“That...that doesn’t sound right either.” 

“Mhmm, it doesn’t,” Xue nodded with a hum, her hands on his cheek moving along to his movements. “So what did you really expect me to say?”

“It’s just...like I said.” 

“I will get angry, but not angry, but sort of angry?” Xue repeated, mirth evident in his voice. 

Cecil lifted her head up, still bewildered.

This tone of his…

It sounds familiar…

It was just like that day back when I threw a tantrum at him after training too hard. 

She stared at Xue, who raised his eyebrows. 

“Hmmm?” Xue smirked slightly. 

At that moment, it finally occurred to Cecil that Xue was completely teasing her. 

He understood her words from the very beginning. 

“You--” 

Cecil pulled back her hands from his cheeks, feeling her own cheeks burning instead. 

Xue tried to reach out to her hands, when he noticed the irritation in her eyes that she was trying to hide.

“You are teasing me again,” Cecil accused him, pulling her hands further away from him. “I noticed the first time, don’t think I won’t notice for the second time!” 

Xue sniffled, rubbing at his nose as he tried to hide his smile. 

Some of the soul fragments felt gratified and proud for Xue. He pulled out of his unstable mind, and they also had the chance to see the irritated side of Cecil. 

Cecil spun around, feeling slightly cheated. 

On the other hand, Xue was amazed how this small interaction between him and Cecil made him want to smile. Just a moment ago, he was being dragged into the worst state of his mind. 

That state of mind was too horrible. 

He definitely...did not want to go back to it anytime soon. 

It felt as if he was all alone, as if no one could bring him back from that state, even himself. 

No...

What...am I even thinking? 

This person in front of me dispersed those thoughts. 

It was this same person in front of me that pulled me out from that state too. 

“Xue? Are you doing fine now?” Cecil questioned without turning around, taking a few steps forward. “Do you need more time? I’ll...I’ll be here if you need someone by your side.”

His heart started to pound. 

This time, Xue did not bother to hide his smile anymore. A gentle smile curved at his lips, and he closed the distance between him and Cecil. 

“The others might be worried about you--

Her words were cut off when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her shoulders from behind, and Xue rested his chin on her shoulder. 

Cecil grew flustered in an instant. 

“Xu-Xue?!” 

Why--why is Xue so straightforward in his feelings today?! 

Xue sighed, his breath blowing onto her neck, though it was covered up by the dress she was wearing.

“Cecil Lan,” he muttered out, sounding tender. “It’s...really good having you by my side.” 

All at once, Cecil started to calm down from her flustered state. 

She could tell it was a vulnerable moment for Xue, and he would rarely admit something like this without hesitation. 

“Is...is that so?” She slowly raised her hand, placing it over his arm. “I am really glad to hear that, Xue.” 

“Yeah, thank you,” Xue admitted fervently, his voice trembling. “Thank you for being here.” 

There were no other words Xue could express himself at this moment. 

Cecil raised her other hand, curling her fingers around his arms. She couldn’t help smiling, feeling touched. 

Other than my parents, this is the first time someone is so openly grateful for my presence.

She tightened her fingers on his arms, as they wrapped around her just a little tighter. 

It’s warm. 

So warm. 

Cecil felt her heart flutter. 

It’s so warm...that it fills up my heart. 

The two of them were in their own world and thoughts, still smiling to themselves. They enjoyed the presence and warmth of one another, not moving from their spot. 

A long moment passed, and soft footsteps were gradually heard near the entrance of the alleyway. 

However, the couple was still immersed in their own world, unable to hear anything other than their hearts pounding in their chests. 

“Cecil! Xue!” Hana hollered out, sounding completely panicked. “Where are you?” 

K’xug trailed behind her, wearing a concerned frown on his face. 

The two of them turned to the alleyway, and Hana spotted them. In an instant, she gasped as her hand flew to her eyes, spinning around. Not knowing that K’xug was directly behind her, Hana spun around and collided into him. 

She stumbled, flailing her arms about as she tried to hold back her squeal. K’xug hurried to catch her by her arm, and Hana recovered quickly. 

“Hide, K’xug, hide! We can’t disturb Cecil and Xue now,” Hana hissed, pushing K’xug. “Behind the wall! Behind the walllll!” 

His frown deepened, but he allowed Hana to push him. 

“...?”

The two of them hid behind the wall and Hana peeked her head out to spy on the couple embracing one another. K’xug followed her movements, glancing down at her in confusion. 

At that moment, a few strands of Hana’s red hair tickled his nose and K’xug had the sudden urge to sneeze. 

He did so without hesitation. 

Cecil and Xue were startled from their daze, and that’s when Cecil met Hana’s blue eyes staring at them in glee.

“...?!”

Cecil grew embarrassed, unlike Xue who only regarded them with indifference and continued hugging Cecil as if she was the only thing that mattered. 

“Oh my god--” 

Her hands started to flail about, her mind a flustered mess and she ended up smacking Xue on his face with her palm.

“Ouch.”

Xue squeezed his eyes close, withdrawing from the hug and his hand went to his face. There was a tingling sensation from where he was smacked at. 

Hana saw the entire scene, sucking in her lips to prevent herself from laughing.

Cecil was in disbelief, spinning around. 

“Oh my god, Xue! I’m sorry, so sorry!”

K’xug sniffled, rubbing at his nose and he looked up. He walked into the alleyway, Hana trailing behind him with a skip in her steps. 

“It’s fine,” Xue waved it off, not in the slightest bit angry. “It’s nothing serious.” 

In fact, Xue felt like laughing a little. 

It was not everyday a hug ended up getting a smack right in the face. 

“Are you sure?” Cecil reached up, gingerly pulling his hand away from his face. “I...I think I hit you pretty hard--”

A horrified gasp escaped her lips, and she staggered back. 

Hana almost burst into laughter. 

Meanwhile, K’xug snorted, looking at Cecil and clapping a few times. 

“What?” Xue asked. “Why are you looking at me like that?” 

***

They were out of the restaurant, and the guide proceeded to continue his tour around Akai. There were many curious stares coming their way, and most of them were particularly focused on Xue.

Even the guide was looking at Xue from time to time. 

On the center of Xue’s face, there was a red imprint of where Cecil’s hand had landed on. 

“Young master…” the guide asked carefully. “Your...your face…” 

Xue only gave the guide an impassive glance, clearly not planning to respond to him. 

The guide was puzzled.

This young master...doesn’t seem to be the type to take a beating but do the beating…

I wonder who in the world smacked him like that right in his face without fear? 

Just then, Xue glanced at Cecil, meeting her eyes. 

Cecil looked away in complete embarrassment, her hands on her forehead as she ducked her head down. 

Xue snorted, shaking his head a little. 

“Hmm? This part of the street has so little people compared to others…” Hana slowed down her pace, observing the street that they were walking past. “They are also dressed a little differently.” 

The street was just like any other part of the town. The sun was high up in the sky, boring down on the cobblestone pavement. There were some stalls lined up at the side, unlit lanterns were hanging from the roof of the stalls that had a symbol inscribed onto it. Thankfully, they were just normally lanterns. 

There were stairs leading up further into the streets with stone lanterns lighting up the pathway when it was nighttime. 

Compared to the other streets where it was almost filled to the brim with people, the people at this part of street could be easily counted. 

The people here in Akai embraced the variety of colours in their architecture, like their clothes which were vibrant. The design of their clothes in this continent were similar to that of a kimono or yukata.

However, for this particular part of the street, people seemed to dress in darker colours. Their sense of dressing seemed unruly compared to others, and there was a foreboding atmosphere about this part of the streets. 

It was obvious to others that this street only catered to certain individuals, and it was a dangerous place to be in. Alas, for Hana, whose sense of danger and wariness had been dulled down, she was oblivious to it. 

“I would advise the young mistress not to explore this part of the street,” the guide warned, before pointing towards the stairs. “If it cannot be helped, you must not venture past those stairs.” 

Hana hummed in response, the curiosity building up within her. “Tell me a bit more about this street! What do they sell?” 

The guide maintained his smile, giving Hana a brief description 

K’xug looked at Hana, and he was brought back to the past memory where Hana would drag him around the numerous marketplaces in the heavenly realm. If she grew curious enough, nothing would stop Hana from exploring an area. 

K’xug furrowed his eyebrows. 

Meanwhile, Cecil was quiet and pensive, gazing past the stairs. 

She knew what this place was due to the novel. Alas, since it wasn’t important to the storyline, this part of the street was briefly mentioned and nothing more. 

Xue went in once due to Hana wandering into the street out of curiosity. Once again, she attracted unnecessary attention and Xue had to rush in to save Hana. 

In simple words, this part of the street was similar to a black market. It was also the best place to obtain information that one could hardly obtain from anywhere else. Oddly enough, the owner of this particular part of the street did not belong to someone among the four lords of this continent, but a mysterious figure. 

“Are you planning to enter this place secretly?” 

Cecil was started by Xue’s sudden question. 

He had been looking at her the entire time when she was observing the area intently. It seemed as if Cecil really wanted to enter this area. 

“N-no, of course not,” Cecil shook her head. “It’s not necessary for us to enter this area but Hana might do so, out of curiosity.” 

Everyone looked at Hana listening to the guide, her eyes sparkling with interest. Mostly because the guide mentioned a few shops here well-known for its food. 

All of them had the same thought instantly. 

She definitely wants to enter this place...

The guide did not feel comfortable staying near the street any longer, taking the opportunity to create a distraction. 

“Young mistress, you mentioned about wanting to find ways to earn money?”

“Yes.” 

“There is a request board in the main street with many different types of requests and rewards,” the guide suggested. “Would you be interested to have a look at it?” 

“Of course,” Cecil nodded. “Thank you.” 

The guide led the way to the request board, sighing in relief when he noticed Hana no longer pursuing the topic of the dreadful part of Akai. 

Every city and town had its black spot, and for Akai, it was this particular street under the ownership of a mysterious person.

Unfortunately, due to his “poor” choice of words, the guide had already attracted the attention of Hana. Right before they left the area, Hana glanced towards the street longingly. 

“I’ll definitely try the food in this street,” Hana murmured to herself with a pout. “Mhmm, definitely!” 

The three of them clearly heard Hana, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. 

It seemed like the schedule for tonight was laid out for them. 

Just as the four of them walked away, a figure with caramel-brown hair stood on the top of the stairs. He observed the four people, adjusting the round glasses on his face

“Yun,” Kiyae called out, flicking his short ponytail. “What are you looking at?” 

“The queen’s guests from the first continent,” Yun mused out. “They are strong fighters.” 

“Yeah, definitely.” 

“If they could join us temporarily,” Yun continued. “It would benefit us greatly.” 

“Hah!” Kiyae scoffed, flicking Yun’s ponytail again. “There’s no way they would join us after what happened!”

Yun adjusted his glasses again, glancing at Kiyae. 

“I would appreciate it if you stop playing around with my hair.” 

“But your ponytail is so cute!” Kiyae flicked his ponytail again and again. “Left and right, left and right. Like a rabbit's tail!"

"Flick my hair once more, and I'll tear apart one of your dolls."

Kiyae halted instantly. 

"Boo. Booooo." Kiyae made a face. "You are no fun like always."

Yun remained quiet. 

Kiyae turned to walk away before she paused, turning back to flick his ponytail once more. 

Yun raised his eyebrows at Kiyae. 

She only spit her tongue out, running away. "Try touching my dolls if you dare!"

Yun sighed, shaking his head with a small smile. 

"Just like a brat."

***

《 start 》

Ah… 

As expected, I really...really like you.

Sometimes, I wonder why someone like you is here by my side.

No words...would be able to express how grateful I am to have someone like you by my side. 

...is it fine like this?

Do I deserve to stand by your side?  

The way that I am? 

Do I really...deserve someone like you? 

《 stop 》