Chirp Chirp

The morning bird called as sunlight streamed through the window.

Today, my eyes snapped open.

The events of yesterday instantly came to mind, and I fell into a deep reflective moment.

‘Ah, I must be crazy.’

The blanket was pulled up to my neck.

Feeling doubtful, I felt my body, but I was clothed. That was at least a relief.

I leaped out of the bed and rushed out of Kashar’s bedroom.

‘What would have happened if I had fallen asleep there!’

I came into my room and tore at my hair.

Even in the morning, I could still feel his touch pressing down on me.

Last night.

Kashar had not let me go to sleep.

‘My cheek still hurts.’

My struggling body suddenly stopped.

The cheek that had turned red when he pinched me was now bruised.

I had forgotten about the accident.

Cold sweat ran down my back. When I closed my mouth, he tenderly whispered,

‘The crime of injuring the duke’s body must be grave.’

Tap tap. His beautiful fingertips softly stroked my cheek.

His face was handsome, and his bare body was perfect. Not knowing where to look, I felt a sudden rush of heat in that splendid scene.

Could it be, would we spend a passionate night?

My face was on fire.

That’s when my heart was pounding like mad.

Drip.

‘……Huh?’

I felt something flowing. When I wiped under my nose, my hand was red.

‘My, my nose is bleeding…….’

I hastily grabbed my nose and stuttered an excuse.

‘Ah, it’s just that I’m a bit tired today!’

I couldn’t say that I had thought about a hot night and made my nose bleed, even if I had two mouths.

Hurriedly, I tried to wipe under my nose, but Kashar was faster.

‘Bow down.’

He pressed a cloth to my nose and made me bow my head.

What a shame.

I had to stay like that until the nosebleed stopped.

‘……I’m sorry for pinching your cheek.’

Whether it was from seeing blood, or just being too tired, my head was cloudy.

With bleary eyes, I stammered out,

‘I thought it was a dream, that’s why…….’

Why am I so sleepy?

The bed felt soft and cozy. Kashar’s warmth was hot and inviting. It felt like I had taken sleeping pills.

My eyes kept closing until I couldn’t open them.

‘But, the castle really was scary.’

Who knew that fainting could be so hard?

As I complained, a low chuckle rang out.

‘You can change it if you want.’

‘……Really?’

‘As my lover wishes.’

His embracing arms felt particularly warm.

‘Don’t go back on your word.’

I left my last testament and succumbed to slumber.

And when I woke up, it was morning.

Only after I had rushed back to my room, did I remember the last conversation I had with Kashar.

‘In return, I’ll be with you…….’

I’m sure he said something.

“What did he say?”

I couldn’t remember, as if I had blacked out.

“Well, I can ask later.”

Right now, regaining my senses was more critical.

‘No matter how tired I am, to sleep in that situation.’

I was outraged that I hadn’t done anything with his body.

‘I mustn’t act so pathetically!’

I should have at least embraced his neck!

Once again, imagining his naked body, I slapped my cheeks, trying to gain control of my thoughts.

‘Clean thoughts. Clean thoughts!’

I might have another nosebleed in the morning if I continued like this.

Taking deep breaths, I barely managed to regain my sanity.

‘Phew, that’s better.’

Honestly, the only reason I could stop blabbering was that I had done the same thing in my dream.

In a dream mart, tearing at a living white fluff ball.

‘Kyoooooooouk!’

Hayangi’s scream still felt real.

‘I need to apologize to Hayangi when I fall asleep tonight.’

The memory of ranting about Kashar’s amazing body was vivid.

I felt sorry for Hayangi, but I checked my hands nonetheless.

“……I didn’t bring anything, did I?”

Both hands were empty.
Kashar had feared being regarded as strange, so he didn’t take anything, but by the time I woke up, he had already disappeared.

“I’m glad he’s gone.”

I didn’t have the courage to face him right after what happened yesterday.

I was washing my face. A knock was heard from beyond the door.

“Come in……?”

I spoke awkwardly, and the door opened.

Eschtra was standing there.

She came in with her characteristic expressionlessness.

“You’re up.”

“Ah, yes. I woke up early.”

“I first looked into the master’s bedroom and since you weren’t there, I came this way.”

You know I slept in Kashar’s room.

I thought I could play it off casually, but I had no words when she pointed it out like that.

‘……It’s probably for the best.’

With things having come to this, I decided to be more shameless.

It wasn’t strange for lovers to come out of each other’s bedrooms.

“He wasn’t there.”

“He must have gone to the training ground.”

“I see. That’s just like my darling!”

I laughed, but Eschtra remained expressionless.

“Ah, haha. A managing man, the best, right?”

Eschtra silently nodded.

I could hear the sound of my empathy shattering.

I thought of the children as soon as I stepped out into the hallway.