Knock, knock.
“Come in!” Aqualina called out, her attention was in the documents she was reading while sipping her coffee. She sat comfortably in her chair, engrossed in her work.
Thud!
Suddenly, the sound of the door shutting filled the room, followed by an eerie silence.
“…”
Aqualina’s brows furrowed at the sudden quiet, pulling her out of her concentration. She glanced up from her documents and froze, her eyes widening in surprise.
“Aether?” she whispered, her voice full of shock. She had assumed he was still bedridden, recovering from his injuries.
[+10000 AP]
Without hesitation, Aqualina put down the papers and rushed toward him, her face now etched with worry, “A-Are you alright?” she asked, her hands instinctively reaching out to check his body, as though to ensure he hadn’t reopened his wounds.
Aether stood silently, a small, fond smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched her fuss over him. She was looking him over so intently, her eyes darting across his form as if scanning for any sign of harm.
“Tsk,” she huffed in frustration, “I can’t believe you’d hurt yourself to save someone so useless!” Her voice was laced with annoyance, but Aether could sense the fear hidden beneath it.
She really wanted to give him a earful, after what he had done… Saving the Academy? Yes, she was happy that Aether got some recognition around the Academy but still… he played with his life without considering how much she was worried about!!
She crossed her arms, her expression darkening, “You have no idea how worried I was!” she snapped, her voice raising as the floodgates of her pent-up frustration broke open, “If you ever do something so reckless again… if you ever put yourself in harm’s way like that… I swear, I’ll lock you up myself!” Her tone was dead serious, her words underlined by genuine fear.
Only she knew how deeply it had hurt her to see him unconscious for days, barely clinging to life…. The memory of it haunted her, and just thinking about it made her chest tighten in pain!!!
She reached out, placing her hand firmly against his chest, her eyes narrowing, “Your life belongs to me too, Aether… you’d better protect it!” she demanded, though her voice softened, revealing the depth of her concern.
She huffed in exasperation, trying to mask her vulnerability.
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Aether’s eyes softened, though they trembled slightly. He could see the faint glimmer of tears threatening to spill from the corners of her eyes, ‘Hah… such a Tsundere,’ he thought, smiling despite himself.
But then, Aqualina’s frown deepened as her eyes roamed over his body, finally noticing something different, “Wait a second! What the heck happened to your body—mmmfff!”
Before she could finish, Aether’s lips met hers, silencing her in a swift, unexpected kiss. Her eyes widened in shock, her body momentarily freezing.
“~Hmm~”
She struggled weakly, her hands pushing at his chest as she managed to gasp, “W-Wait! L-Let me brush my te—hmmfff~”
Aether didn’t let her finish, pressing his lips more firmly against hers. His kiss was fierce, and dominating, as though he was determined to convey everything he couldn’t say with words. Aqualina’s breath hitched, caught off guard by the intensity.
Her body trembled, but it wasn’t from fear…it was from happiness.
‘Did he miss me that much?’ she wondered, her mind spinning as she returned the kiss. But then, she noticed something else… a subtle tremor in his body. His lips, his hands, even his breath…. they all quivered. Not from excitement, but from something darker….
Fear?!!
Her heart skipped at the realization, ‘Is he scared?’ she thought, concern flooding her chest. Gently, she wrapped her arms around him, guiding him toward the bed. She pulled him down with her, lying beneath him as she gazed up into his eyes.
“Did someone bully you?” she asked seriously, her expression hardening. If anyone had hurt him, she would hunt them down without hesitation.
Aether shook his head slowly. “No… no one bullied me.”
“Then what is it?” Aqualina pressed, her face still etched with concern.
Aether gave her a small, weary smile, “I had a nightmare…”
[+10000 AP]
[+10000 AP]
Aqualina’s expression softened immediately. The tension in her shoulders eased, and she leaned in closer, resting her head on his chest, listening quietly to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, “What kind of nightmare?” she asked softly, her fingers tracing slow circles on his skin.
“…I… I lost everything,” he whispered, his voice barely audible, but it was enough for her to understand the weight of his words.
Aqualina flinched, her heart tightening in empathy. She knew that feeling all too well…. the fear of losing everything you held dear. Her own nights were plagued with similar nightmares!!
[+10000 AP]
She shifted slightly, moving up to kiss his lips once more, this time gently, as though trying to soothe the fear that lingered in his heart, “Don’t worry,” she whispered against his lips, “Those are just nightmares. They won’t come true.”
Her arms wrapped tightly around him as she held him close, providing him with the warmth and comfort he so desperately needed.
[+10000 AP]
[+10000 AP]
Aether didn’t respond with words. Instead, he let the warmth of her embrace calm the storm inside him. Together, they held each other close, their bodies entwined.
The world outside faded away, leaving only the steady, calming rhythm of their hearts beating in unison.
…..
…..
Aria was packing her belongings for the trip to the Pyra Empire, neatly folding her clothes as a faint frown creased her brow.
Something had been off all day, an unsettling feeling that gnawed at her insides.
‘Hmm… I wonder when Aether will come back,’ she thought, her movements slowing as her mind wandered. Ever since the morning, she had sensed something amiss, but couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
“Did something happen to Aether?” she mused, worry creasing her face with motherly concern, ‘Should I call him?’ but before she could press the button, there came a soft knock at the door.
Knock, knock.
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Aria paused, her frown deepening, ‘Who could that be at this hour? Is that Bitchy Aqua?’ she thought irritably before raising her voice. “Come in!”
The door opened, and to her surprise, Aether stepped inside.
Relief washed over her as a soft smile spread across her face, “Aether?” she greeted warmly, the tension from earlier easing, “Did you return from—”
Her words trailed off as she noticed his blank expression… He stood still, his eyes distant, his posture stiff.
Something was wrong.
Aria’s smile faded, and she rose from the bed, spreading her arms with a gentle, welcoming smile,
“Come to me, darling~”
Aether didn’t hesitate. In the next moment, he was in her embrace, his arms wrapping around her tightly. Aria didn’t ask any questions, simply holding him close. She kissed his cheek, her lips brushing against his skin as she whispered, “I missed you… and I love you.”
Aether’s lips trembled, barely able to respond. “Y-Yeah… I missed you too…”
Aria smiled softly and pressed his head against her chest, cradling him in the warmth of her embrace.
The turmoil that had been bubbling inside Aether began to melt away, dissolving in the comfort of her arms. They stayed like that, silent, letting the connection between them speak more than words ever could.
After a while, Aria gently pulled back, though her hand remained on his cheek, “I made your favourite dishes,” she said, gesturing to the table where several plates were neatly arranged.
Aether blinked in surprise, his voice soft. “Could you… feed me?”
Aria’s expression softened, and she chuckled smugly, “I was already planning to, darling~ You don’t need to ask me for that.” She sat beside him, picking up a spoon, and gently began to feed him, each bite given with care.
Aether ate in silence, his eyes misty, as though each bite was not only nourishing his body but healing something deeper.
“Whatever is troubling you,” Aria said softly, her voice full of love, “I know you’re doing your best. I believe in you, Aether…. I always will!!”
Aether swallowed hard, nearly choking on the food as her words hit him like a wave. His voice wavered, thick with emotion, “E-Even if… if I’m just a bastard who… who…” He bit his lip, finding it difficult to continue. The truth weighed heavily on his chest, threatening to choke him.
Aria’s smile remained, calm and steady, “You’re not a bastard. You’re my love,” she said firmly, her hand resting over his heart, “I know, more than anything, that you love me. And no matter what… I love you. That will never change.”
Her voice softened, but her gaze was piercing as she added, “Even if some other woman has entered your heart.”
Aether’s eyes widened in shock. Aria’s smile turned bittersweet, but her composure never wavered, “Come on, Aether… I’m not a fool. I’ve seen the way Liora looks at you—she has the same expression I do when I see you and you have the same expression when show me your love…” Her eyes lowered slightly, her voice tinged with quiet acceptance, “And not just her… even Aqualina.”
She scooped another bite of food, pushing it gently into his mouth, her expression unreadable, “So tell me… how many ‘bitches’ are out there?~” Her tone was light, almost teasing, but the seriousness lingered beneath.
Aether swallowed the food, pausing before he spoke, “I’m… Aether from another world called Earth,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Slowly, he began to tell her everything… the truth he had been carrying, the weight of the secret he had kept hidden. He told her everything except about the future, leaving that part out.
Aria, who had been bracing herself for a list of women, sat in stunned silence, her eyes widening as she processed the revelation.
When Aether finished speaking, she didn’t immediately respond.
Instead, she guided him to the bed, lying down beside him as her mind worked through the truth he had revealed…. Her fingers absently traced patterns on his chest as they lay together, the room filled with a heavy, contemplative silence.
Finally, she turned her head to look at him, her expression calm but thoughtful. “So, another world… another life…” she murmured, more to herself than to him.