"You were the one who accepted me for the way I am. You never left my side, even during the times when I was so blatantly terrible to you. You know everything about me and strive to give me the best of everything."
"You were the one who brought me out of the darkness. If I had continued down the path of masking myself, I would've truly fallen into despair one day. You are irreplaceable to me."
Asu looked at me with a gentle smile. "But you know? I feel like I know close to nothing about you. You've always simply gone along with what I liked and never requested anything for yourself. It pains me and fills me with anxiety. I always fear that you would leave me one day and just disappear, and I wouldn't have anything to hold you back from doing so."
"So Lancera, I want to learn more about you. I yearn to learn about who you truly are, and not just the mask that you always show. Because I've come to love you."
Asu continued, looking down at her feet. "So, Lancera, did I—"
Without knowing what took over my body, I rushed forward, hugging Asu with all my might.
Was Asu always so sly?
I felt my heart beating furiously, and I embraced her even tighter, feeling her gentle warmth spread over my cold body and heart.
All of the sudden, I had understood.
Yes, Asu loved me just as I loved her.
My little tricks had been useless and redundant; it had been foolish of me to ever think that I could so easily sway Asu's thoughts.
.
She had loved me all along.
It wasn't true that I could read Asu's thoughts. In fact, it was quite the opposite; she was able to control me with such ease, make me lose my cool and manipulate my feelings like a fiddle.
I was just a foolish girl in love, and even now, I remain foolish.
With a smirk, I loosened my arms and tilted my head down, closing the gap between our faces.
Her lips were soft and she tasted sweet, like strawberries and cream—and it was like the home that I never knew I had—I yearned for more.
Emboldened, I intertwined my tongue with hers, sucking away at her lips like I couldn't live without them.
Asu moaned.
After a second of stillness, I felt her move and accordance with my rhythm, passionately kissing me back with her arms around my neck.
Her actions made my body react instinctively; I flinched and half-opened my eyes.
She was so close, and her fragrance was so strong that I could hardly think straight.
It was so dark that I could barely locate the outlines of her face, but despite that, I felt that she was the most beautiful person in the world at this moment—even more beautiful than her regular self.
Perhaps tired from the aggressive kiss, Asu moved away and nuzzled her head against my shoulder.
I wanted to taste her for longer, but I regretfully complied and instead traced my fingers along her waist, keeping her tightly within my grasp.
With a slight chuckle, I pulled her face towards mine.
Hm?
She felt a little warm to the touch.
And now that I was more clearheaded… was it the smell of beer that had mixed in with Asu's sweet fragrance?
I frowned.
"Asu, are you alright?"
"Hmm? What are you talking about?" Asu giggled. "Of course I'm alright. You have no idea how many times I fantasized about this moment."
That's right. Something wasn't right.*
VA note: This word pun… it was totally unintended XD
How come Asu was so bold today? Normally, wouldn't she be blushing and refusing my advances?
I narrowed my eyes. "Asu, did you happen to consume alcohol tonight?"
"Ehh? What do you mean?"
I spoke worriedly, "Never mind. Let's go back to the academy. You must be very tired from today's activities, Asu."
Even though I didn't want to cut our date short, Asu's health was more important.
With a mischievous heart, I pecked Asu on the cheek as I intertwined my arms around hers, leading her back to the academy.