Already, I’ve heard the apologies twice. If it’s because we haven’t seen each other in a long time, I could understand. Especially since I don’t know if I’m holding onto a busy person for too long. So, if Lehard is feeling sorry for not being able to push me away forcefully and is awkward, I could understand.

However, it was difficult to accept that the important thing he was trying to say was an apology for being sorry. I didn’t know what he was trying to say, but it made me uneasy for no reason. I didn’t want to hear his words with this kind of feeling now.

Etienne observed everything that caught her eye for a moment.

Lehard’s uneasy Adam’s apple, the collar of his coat, the wrinkles and patterns woven with gold thread on his clothes… But all of that was nothing but excuses.

“The apology…”

The voice she forcibly pulled out was so small that she didn’t know if he could hear it, but Etienne didn’t repeat it. Instead, she took a step back from Lehard and said,

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it.”

“Etienne?”

“Just tell me that you want to see me more. Greet me warmly and compliment me a lot. After that, you can say sorry.”

Lehard didn’t immediately understand Etienne’s intention and looked at her. He tried to smile as usual, but his eyes weren’t smiling, making a strangely twisted expression. Seeing that, Etienne laughed.
“So that I can say I’m okay too. Just hearing that you wanted to see me after a long time is not enough time, and where is the room for a sad conversation?”

With a regretful heart, Etienne held Lehard’s hand.

“If it’s not an apology that has to be made right now, please do it later.”

She wanted to postpone that later to whenever it might be—whether it’s tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

“I’ve been thinking about you all day, and now that I see you like this, I want to enjoy this time without any worries.”

Saying so, Etienne scrutinized Lehard’s face carefully. She saw jewel-like eyes that disappeared every time he smiled beneath the gracefully extended eyebrows.

Then, she looked down at the gentle curve of his nose and the lips that always smiled. As she did, she felt a similar gaze scanning her face.

“Yeah, I was too hasty.”

Lehard’s voice sounded drained of strength. With a smile that seemed to say he made a mistake, he suddenly kissed Etienne’s forehead.

Etienne recalled the soft touch of the lips that had just touched her forehead.

“I’m fine with doing this a lot now.”

“Sure.”

Lehard embraced Etienne and only let go after a while.

Walking alone after parting with Lehard, Etienne stopped several times.

“What on earth is he sorry about?”
The expression on Lehard’s face as he spoke kept bothering Etienne, making it difficult to move forward. In her heart, she wanted to know what he was sorry about, but…

“You keep making such a painful expression. How can I keep listening?”

If it weren’t for that, Etienne might have urged him to speak quickly.

“Let’s not rush. Anyway, later, even if I don’t want to hear it…, Fernando?”

Muttering to herself in frustration, Etienne noticed Fernando walking towards her from the opposite side. Whether he heard Etienne’s voice or not, Fernando’s gaze, which had been directed towards the ground, rose.

“Fernando.”

Happy to see him after a long time, Etienne approached with a warm smile. It was much harder to meet now than when they used to hang out together every day with Lehard.

As Etienne rushed towards him, Fernando, who had been silently watching her, blinked his eyes.

“How have you been lately? It’s so hard to see your face.”

As Etienne spoke in an excited voice, she gradually lowered her voice, seeing her reflection in Fernando’s eyes.

“What’s going on?”

Just like Lehard did before, this time it was Fernando. Seeing his complex expression, Etienne took a step back, wondering if she might be one of the reasons for his mood.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have started a conversation. I’m sorry.”
I don’t know why I realized it just now. What kind of feelings Fernando harbored for me… I only thought it was nice to see Fernando and didn’t consider his feelings.

Etienne stepped back, shaking hands, saying she would go. And the moment she turned away from Fernando, Etienne hesitated at the warmth of his hand grabbing her wrist.

Confirming that the hand holding her was indeed Fernando’s, Etienne looked at him.

“I have something to say.”

At his low voice, Etienne awkwardly cleared her throat and turned to face him. Now facing Fernando, Etienne observed his expression with a heavier heart than before.

“Now…”

As Fernando spoke, Etienne leaned in to listen to his voice.

“I won’t confess to you anymore.”

“Confess? Fernando.”

Understanding what Fernando was trying to say, Etienne called his name. I couldn’t accept his confession as I was dating Lehardt. However, his words felt a bit sudden now.

“I was hasty in my thoughts.”

As Etienne stared at him, wondering how to interpret his words, Fernando continued.

“That might be something you shouldn’t do.”