MSHELL
As the aeroplane soared through the boundless sky, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming happiness that enveloped me when I saw Evly on the plane. The universe seemed to conspire in our favour during this journey, aligning the stars in a way that placed us together, side by side. This fortuitous seating arrangement became the canvas upon which our conversation painted its vibrant strokes.
With an effortless grace, our dialogue meandered through a myriad of subjects. Some of these topics have now found refuge in the corners of my mind, fading like old photographs. Evly, with her remarkable gift, possessed the natural talent to transform each exchange into a symphony of words—a dance that swirled with elegance and joy.
As we embarked on a journey through Central Athras, I couldn't help but be captivated by Evly's contagious excitement about the city. Don't get me wrong, Athras had always been my home, and its beauty had become a familiar companion. Yet, observing the city through Evly's eyes breathed a new life into its streets and buildings. With every step we took, I found myself not only discovering the city anew but also discovering facets of Evly that seemed to mirror the city's vibrancy.
Gordiee awaited us at the end of our expedition, and as we finally stood before it, Evly's eyes gleamed with a radiance that words could hardly capture. Her emotions were vividly painted on her face. I insisted that Nainina take her leave, expressing my intention to guide Evly from this point onward.
"Take care of our princess," Nainina said, winking at me. Nainina was more than a chauffeur or a royal bodyguard; she was my friend. Throughout the years, her support has been unwavering. Weeks ago, I confided in her about Evly. Little did I know then that this trip would come to fruition.
Evly had spotted our friends, or rather, the members of our friend group. Hayley stood beside the statue of Sir Bermling, her usual humour lighting up the moment. The awkwardness that had once existed between Hayley and me seemed to have faded, almost as if she had intuited my feelings for Evly long before I realized them myself.
Mello and Jane remained as stunning as ever; their perfection briefly ignited envy within me. Our friends exchanged chit-chat before dispersing to explore other parts of Gordiee. This left Evly and me alone once again.
"Gordiee is truly something else," Evly exclaimed, her wonder evident. "Look at the atmosphere, the ancient ruins, the entire setting. It's almost unfathomable that this place holds such deep historical roots." I found her awe utterly endearing.
I took the opportunity to share some history with her, and she listened with rapt attention. Evly's genuine interest was impressive; it was clear that such things truly captivated her. I reflected on how, back when I was learning this history, I detested it vehemently. Yet now, I was grateful for that knowledge, as it allowed me to engage with Evly so effortlessly.
"See that statue up there?" I pointed, drawing her gaze. "That's the Knight of Bermling," referring to the same knightly figure that Hayley had playfully posed beside earlier.
"Seriously?" she inquired. The expression on her face conveyed her unfamiliarity with the name. Eager to share, I delved deeper into the tale. The story of Sir Bermling remains one of my favourites, largely because, if I am being entirely honest, he played a significant role in my personal history.
As we stood by the statue, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as I began to recount the captivating narrative. The statue's presence seemed to amplify the essence of the tale, making it even more vivid in my mind.
"Have you ever heard of Sir Bermling?" I asked, my voice carrying the enchantment of a born storyteller. "His story—it's truly unlike any other. It all started with an orphan, seeking solace amidst the palace stables. You see, both of his parents had served in the castle. But destiny had a different plan, as they passed away, leaving him utterly alone. Can you imagine? He had to resort to eating the very feed meant for the horses, just to endure."
"But fate took a turn, and in the most incredible way possible. One fateful day, a young prince found himself teetering on the edge of his balcony, a heartbeat away from a perilous fall. And in a remarkable display of courage, Bermling, despite his hardships, leapt forward. His determination saved the prince from a disastrous fate."
I glanced at the statue before us, and I could almost visualize the frozen moment springing to life, mirroring the scene I was describing.
"That singular act of bravery transformed him into a living legend," I continued my deep admiration for Bermling shining through my words. "And here's the twist that never ceases to amaze—remember the young prince he rescued? Well, he happens to be my great-great-great-grandfather."
With each word, I felt a swell of pride and a profound personal connection to the story. The statue seemed to embody the incredible tale I had just shared, standing tall and proud as a testament to Bermling's extraordinary journey.
While narrating the tale, I couldn't help but notice that Evly's attention appeared to waver. Was I perhaps talking for too long? Could she be finding the story boring? The uncertainty swirled within me—should I cease my words? Deciphering Evly's thoughts seemed impossible, as her expressions remained inscrutable. Amidst this whirlwind of thoughts, I decided to halt my overthinking and directly address the issue.
"Vanilla, you seem a bit off. Everything all right?" I questioned, deliberately using the nickname "Vanilla." I remembered that on our way to Gordiee, she had mentioned the unfailing appeal of vanilla, and I had come to associate that sentiment with her. Despite my reservations about her response, I had taken a leap of faith and chosen to affectionately address her as such.
Her cheeks tinged with a blush as Evly responded, her tone unwavering despite her evident embarrassment.
"Hold on, did you just refer to me as Vanilla?".
"Yeah, it just felt right, and it suits you," I said, smiling and attempting to hide the truth. But deep down, I wanted to tell her, "You once mentioned that one can never really go wrong with Vanilla. To me, you're like Vanilla – I know I can never go wrong with you." However, I hesitated. Aside from the fact that it sounded a bit cheesy, I didn't want to come on too strong. She already knew how I felt, and I didn't want to put her under any pressure.
An awkward silence hung in the air. Evly looked at me, and I found myself at a loss for words. I couldn't decipher her thoughts – what was she thinking? I felt like I was stumbling in the dark. Had I crossed a line?
Just as my thoughts threatened to overwhelm me, Evly's lips gently met mine. At that surprising moment, she kissed me. It felt like the universe was holding its breath, time standing still as the soft touch of her lips sent a rush of emotions through me. The world around us seemed to blur, fading into insignificance as the sweetness of that kiss enveloped us.
Her kiss spoke volumes, saying things that words struggled to convey. It was a gentle yet powerful affirmation, a silent agreement between two souls that had found a connection. It was as if all the unspoken words, the feelings I had been carefully tucking away, had been released in that one simple, heartfelt gesture.
In that fleeting instant, I understood that sometimes the heart communicates in ways that surpass the limitations of language. Our souls had bridged the gap between us, and I knew that this moment was the beginning of something beautiful, something that went beyond the realms of vanilla conversations and ventured into the realm of genuine, unspoken understanding. I felt Evly's lips on mine, she kissed me.
For a brief moment, shock held me captive—I questioned if my senses were playing tricks on me. She had just kissed me. And then, abruptly, she ceased.
It dawned on me that I hadn't reciprocated the kiss; irrational thoughts swirled in my mind. How could I have been so lost in my musings? Here was the girl I had feelings for, and she had just kissed me. As her lips parted from mine, I acted, gently pulling her close and returning the tender gesture. Her lips, soft and yielding, met mine in a dance of shared emotions.
After what felt like an eternity, the kiss ended, leaving us with an awkward silence. My thoughts raced—what did this signify? Was she acknowledging my feelings? Or had the momentary impulse simply swept us away?
I surveyed our surroundings, noticing that the other students were engrossed in their activities, seemingly oblivious to our interlude. Evly turned her gaze towards me, a radiant smile gracing her lips.
"Yes, Mshell," she began "I can't keep pretending anymore. The truth is, I've liked you for quite some time now. But, you see, there are so many factors to consider. You'll be graduating next semester, and I can't help but think about..."
Cutting her off gently, I reassured, "Vanilla, we'll find a way. The essence lies in acknowledging our feelings and not letting uncertainty govern us. Denying ourselves any longer would be foolish."
I couldn't bear to let her slip away, not after realizing how uncertain her feelings were to me just a few minutes ago. But now that I knew where I stood, a resolute determination coursed through me – I was willing to weather any challenges that lay ahead. The impending graduation, a potential stumbling block, seemed inconsequential for now.
The notion of her drifting out of my reach was intolerable. The looming prospect of imminent graduation, which might have otherwise been a cause for concern, had lost its significance in the current narrative.
EVLY
I had kissed a few guys in the past, so kissing itself was not new to me. However, this time, it was different – my first public kiss. Until now, those stolen moments had always taken place during parties or balls, tucked away in secluded corners, hidden from the prying eyes of the world. But with Mshell, it was a different story. At that moment, I wondered if I had lost my sanity completely.
Yet, amidst the whirlwind of uncertainty, I came to a surprising realization – admitting to myself that I liked Mshell was perhaps the first truly sane thing I had done. The kiss lingered in my mind, a bold testament to my feelings.
As our lips met for those fleeting seconds, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. However, it became clear that Mshell was caught off guard by my boldness, and he didn't respond initially. It was as if he had been taken by surprise, frozen in the moment.
Just as I began to pull away, something unexpected happened. Mshell's grip on me tightened, pulling me closer, and in an instant, his lips were on mine. It was a kiss that sent electric currents through my entire being, igniting a passion I had never experienced before. Questions raced through my mind – how could someone kiss with such intensity, such fervour? The very notion of ethical boundaries seemed to blur as I got lost in the taste of his kiss.
The world around us seemed to fade into the background as our embrace deepened. Time became irrelevant, and the only thing that mattered was the connection between our lips. In that stolen moment, I could feel the weight of unspoken words and hidden desires, all encapsulated within the press of our mouths.
Eventually, the kiss came to an end, leaving us both breathless and yearning for more. Our gazes locked, and a silent understanding passed between us – this was only the beginning of something exhilarating and dangerous. As we stood there, caught in a web of newfound attraction, I realized that sometimes, it takes breaking a few conventions to discover the most exhilarating truths about ourselves.
After the kiss we shared, an awkward silence hung in the air. I knew I had to break it, fully aware of his feelings, especially given that I was the one who had initially suggested we should just remain friends. Yet, there I was the same person who had kissed him.
"Yes, Mshell," I began, realizing it was time to be honest with myself as well. "I can't keep pretending anymore. The truth is, I've liked you for quite some time now. But, you see, there are so many factors to consider. You'll be graduating next semester, and I can't help but think about..."
He interrupted me, his voice resolute and unwavering. "Vanilla, we'll find a way. The essence lies in acknowledging our feelings and not letting uncertainty govern us. Denying ourselves any longer would be foolish."
His words struck a chord within me. It was almost as if he had delved into my thoughts beforehand, preparing an answer even before I had fully posed the question. Strangely enough, he was right. The fact that we had openly admitted our feelings was a significant step forward. Ignoring this truth would indeed be foolish, tantamount to knowingly causing ourselves pain.
Mshell's intelligence and quick thinking never ceased to amaze me. As I looked at him, admiration welled up within me. His ability to cut through the complexities of our situation was truly impressive.
And so, at that moment, as we stood facing each other, the weight of unspoken emotions finally giving voice, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The path ahead might be uncertain, but at least we were walking it together, bravely acknowledging what had long been brewing beneath the surface.
"Alright, Mshell, let's give this a shot," I exclaimed with an enthusiastic grin. Just at that moment, Mshell enveloped me in a warm hug and twirled me around, exclaiming, "Absolutely, Vanilla! Thank you!"
It was such a joyful moment that even the other students around us couldn't help but take notice. "Okay, okay, Your Majesty, you can put me down now," I managed to get out between fits of laughter.
Mshell was like a shining star, radiating beauty and positivity. As we continued our leisurely tour around Gordiee, a rush of thoughts raced through my mind. Could I let him in? Was it fair to invite him into my life? Would I be acting selfishly by doing so? Amidst these swirling thoughts, I observed him closely. He had this radiant aura about him, much like the warm glow of sunshine.
We strolled through the charming streets, our laughter harmonizing with the cheerful ambience around us. Every corner we turned revealed a new facet of Gordiee's enchanting scenery. Mshell's presence seemed to magnify the beauty of our surroundings as if his infectious positivity was casting a spell on everything we encountered.
With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Mshell pointed out quirky little details that I would have easily overlooked on my own. It was as if he had an innate ability to infuse every moment with wonder and excitement. His laughter was like music, blending seamlessly with the rustling leaves and distant hum of the city.
As we paused by a picturesque fountain, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Mshell. Was it possible that this person, who felt like a burst of sunlight in human form, could truly become a part of my world? The uncertainty tugged at me, but the genuine happiness he brought to my heart was undeniable.
Later in the evening, all the students gathered back at the Royal Palace of Athras. It had to be the most enormous building I had ever seen, and I had lived in a palace too. The whole friend group was there, except for Carlo, for some reason. I wasn't even sure if he had ever been part of the friend group.
"Do you live here, bro?" Mello asked as we strolled around the palace.
"Well, sometimes," Mshell answered. He was incredibly humble, which was quite impressive.
"This is quite impressive, Your Majesty," Jane said.
"It is, but I'm just a substance and nothing more," Mshell replied.
I didn't quite understand what he meant, but it seemed like everyone else did, so I let it go. After our stroll, we were taken to our chambers in pairs.
Jane and I were paired together, while Hayley was paired with another princess. The chambers were elegantly decorated, with luxurious furnishings that exuded opulence. As Jane and I settled into our new surroundings, I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate details adorning the room.
The walls were adorned with exquisite paintings that depicted scenes from the kingdom's rich history. The chandeliers hanging from the ceiling cast a warm and inviting glow, creating an ambience of grandeur. Our chambers overlooked a breathtaking garden, where vibrant flowers perfumed the air.
The grandeur of the palace was beyond anything I had ever experienced. It was as if we had stepped into a different world altogether, one of regal elegance and timeless beauty.
Throughout the evening, we joined the others in a lavish feast. The table was adorned with a sumptuous spread of delicacies from across the kingdom. The flavours danced on my palate, each bite a tantalizing journey of taste. Laughter and lively conversations filled the air as we shared stories and bonded over the extraordinary events of the day.
"Wasn't today just crazy?" Jane exclaimed, a wide smile gracing her face, we had gone back to our chambers after the meal.
" Gordiee was truly amazing. It's a shame we're leaving tomorrow; I wish we had more time to enjoy," I replied, and Jane burst into laughter.
I was momentarily puzzled. "How can you say that with such a serious face, as if you have no clue what I'm talking about?" Jane quipped, her laughter continuing.
Seeing my confusion, she chuckled even harder. "I saw you, sweetheart! Kissing his Majesty!"
Ah, I now understood. "Oh my goodness, Evly! Did that kiss scramble your brain that much?" she asked.
"You're unbelievable, Jane! How did you even manage to spot us?" I inquired.
"Well, darling, you two weren't exactly hiding. You were out in the open, and it seemed like you weren't aiming to be discreet," Jane pointed out, making a fair argument. I hadn't anticipated her being on that side, as she had wandered quite a distance from where we were.
"Wait, if I hadn't caught you, were you planning to keep it a secret from me?" Jane wondered.
"No, not exactly. I was still trying to process everything," I explained.
"Wow! The kiss must have been something, huh?" Jane teased.
"Wait, how much did you see?" I asked with a mix of embarrassment and curiosity.
"Oh, I caught quite a show, girl!" Jane exclaimed. She had a knack for being straightforward and playful.
So, I recounted every detail to satisfy Jane's curiosity, sharing the whole story of the kiss and its aftermath.
"You and the prince are an item now, huh?" Jane asked, probing further.
I hesitated for a moment. "Technically, yes. We decided to give it a shot, and he seemed genuinely excited. So, I guess you could say we are."
Jane's next question caught me off guard. "And you? Are you excited about it?"
I started to respond, but she jumped in before I could. "Oh, don't even try to deny it! The way you kissed him, girl! I've never seen you like that before!"
I chuckled, admitting, "Yes, you're right."
Jane continued with her signature bluntness. "So, he's got you head over heels, huh?"
I nodded, a contented smile playing on my lips. "Yeah, he does."
Our conversation shifted as Jane received a text, likely from Mello. However, her expression changed unexpectedly.
"Everything okay, Ore?" I asked, using the nickname Hayley and I had for Jane. I couldn't recall how it came about, but it had stuck.
Jane hesitated before responding, "Yeah, I'm fine." Her tone wasn't entirely convincing.
"You sure, Ore? You know you can always talk to me about anything," I reassured her, sensing that she had something on her mind.
Jane wasn't ready to share just yet, and I respected that. I settled into bed, my thoughts eventually drifting to a text from Mshell.
"Sweet dreams, Vanilla," Mshell's message read.
I replied, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment. It all felt right, but a tiny doubt lingered—was it truly okay to feel this way?