Standing unsteadily at the front door, I robotically waved my hand towards Elle's retreating figure with a stiff smile plastered on my face. When Edgar finally closes the door, I immediately slumped on the floor and buried my head in my knees.
Where am I?
Who am I?
What am I?
I felt a shadow looming over me before Edgar's distinctive deep voice sounded over my head, his voice carried a hint of laughter. "What's wrong with you now?"
Ah. What's wrong with me? Everything is wrong!
Remembering back on the incident at the dining table, I can't stop my brain from short-circuiting once again. That feeling of being doted upon by a hunk...
(//ω//)
Then, realizing that right now I'm a man...
(ಥ﹏ಥ)
And the other side is a straight man, acting out a play to deceive his sister...
_(:3 」∠)_
Let me show you the playback of what happened earlier.
[Insert playback audio here]
After resolving the misunderstanding with Elle, the house restored its original calm and serene ambiance. Completely erasing the fact that the dining hall almost turned into a war zone, with an estimated number of casualty, one, and heavily injured, one.
The two siblings returned to their chat. Catching up with each other. Randomly making small talks. While I just sat frozen on my seat, mechanically shoving food down my throat once again.
Less talk, fewer mistakes. And if I'm silent enough, my "Potato Sack Imitation" Jutsu might work the magic!
Obviously, I think too highly of my newly developed Jutsu. It doesn't take long before Elle once again dragged me into the conversation, causing me to perspire a series of cold sweat. I heard her softly probe, "So, how did you guys meet, Aaron?"
I started rubbing my left thumb on my fingers unconsciously. Since my hand has been resting on the table, this action of mine was noticed by Edgar. I managed to calm my expression but I'm on the verge of breaking down inside.
What should I say? What if she spotted some loopholes in my stories?
Suddenly, I felt a warm touch stopping my actions of finger rubbing. I shift my line of sight towards my fingers. I was greeted by the scene of Edgar's hand prying my misbehaving fingers open. Then, a tender caress on the back of my hands followed.
...
A mild chuckle was heard before he said, "You don't have to be nervous, babe."
Babe...[Insert echo effect]
I lifted my gaze to meet Edgar's. That full of doting love eyes once again met mine.
If previously I was just short-circuited from being called "lover", now I'm practically broken beyond repair from being called "babe".
I enjoyed this treatment too much I almost break out of character and fawn over Edgar.
Curse me for having a severe infatuation towards people who are tall and good-looking!
I can feel my face slowly heating up and I can only imagine how red my face has become. At this, Edgar swiftly explained to Elle, "He has always been a reserved person. Suddenly coming out to you might've been a huge shock for him. Give him some time."
Hearing his words, Elle once again apologizes. She can't help but feel guilty upon seeing my reaction. Apparently, she had psychological shadows of an abusive relationship which I silently deduced has something to do with their Ma. She figured my identity after our short "exchange" in the kitchen and when she remembers the words written on the papers and tabloids, she can't help but think Edgar was using violence to force me to submit to him. My splinted right hand triggered her anxiety even more.
Before I found out who Elle was to Edgar, I tried to exclude myself from joining them at the dining table. Edgar's unusual looks towards me caused me to think Elle might have been his partner or something, so I refuse to be a third wheel. While I was thinking so, Elle had another thought in her mind. Turns out she notices Edgar's dark gaze too and thought he was giving me a warning. At this point, her anxiety has gone past her minimum bearable volume. Thus, I was dragged to sit by her side.
Proceeding to the dining table, I was mostly quiet and Edgar has been the one answering on my behalf. I would only smile and hum occasionally. While I see this as Edgar's way of covering for me, Elle on the other hand sees this as Edgar trying to cover up his own scheme. My stiff movement and frequent eye contact with Edgar further intensifies her anxiety.
Adding to the fact that Edgar used to reject a marriage arrangement badly before, causing him to offend the Hills and be deemed incompetent, then thrown to the crook of F country, Elle finally arrived at this sort of messed-up denouement - My brother turns out to be gay and he's trying to tie this promising young man to his side by denouncing him with slanders and making himself be the only one he could rely on so he can't ever leave his side!
Our reaction at her last probing finally snapped the thin thread of her rationality.
I'm amazed by the depths of her imagination...
This misunderstanding is giving me secondhand embarrassment...
Casting that aside, It's my first time hearing the reason for Edgar's sudden transfer to F country, so I was a little astounded. He hid the matter very neatly that I've never heard even a whisper of it before. I can't help but glance at Edgar upon hearing Elle's explanation. Edgar just sat in his chair unbothered. Still donning the casual look on his face. As if what happened to him isn't worth mentioning.
His family affair is more fucked up than mine. While I only have to deal with a few ass-kissing relatives, Edgar has to deal with constant backstabbing and have his life controlled by others.
Very soap opera-esque.
After casting a sympathetic look towards Edgar, I spent the next 15 minutes reassuring Elle that it was a small matter and she doesn't have to apologize so much. Seeing her be ridden by so much guilt, I too felt sorry for lying to her. After that, Elle spent a couple more hours chatting us up before finally leaving the house.
Returning to the present, I don't understand why Edgar has to clear the misunderstanding this way, but I can only assume he has his own reasons. I was just following his act blindly. As I said before, I can never repay him in this lifetime.
If I have to pretend to be his gay lover to help him out, so be it. A gay lover shall I be then. It doesn't cause any psychological harm to me. I was originally a woman anyway and Edgar is such a catch I won't mind doing him this simple favor. I just can't help but ponder on his thoughts on this.
After not receiving my reaction for a long time, Edgar extend a finger towards my hair whorl and gave it a poke, "Earth to Aaron. Hello~"
...
Lifting my head, I gave Edgar the difficult to maintain, expressionless look.
Seeing that I finally responded, he gave a bright smile.
[Aaron received a "Sunny smile" curse from Edgar. Receiving 99 damage.]
Keep it together, you!
"I was told your broken phone can't be repaired this morning. The SIM card is missing too. Let's go get you a new one." He slowly opened.
I was still in a dazed state from being attacked by Edgar's bright smile at close contact. He once again pokes a finger in my direction. But this time, he aims for my left cheek.
[Aaron received a "Cheek poke" attack from Edgar. Received 999 damage.]
"Let's go out on a date," there was a short pause, and his bright smile turns brighter before he continues, "...babe."
[Aaron received a "Date Invitation" attack from Edgar. Received 9999 damage.]
[Aaron received the "Super Sunny Smile" curse from Edgar. Received 99999 damage.]
[Aaron received the "Sacred Babe Whisper" curse from Edgar. Received 999999 damage.]
[Aaron has died. Respawning in five minutes.]
...
(⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)
Curse me for being a slave to handsome faces!