Closing the door behind him, bringing his hand to his forehead, wiping the sweat away, Hajime breathed a sigh of relief. He managed to avoid Hurricane Sakura.
All he had to do was promise to bake a cake for her and promise to never drink without Sakura's presence.
He had no idea how to bake a cake but it's a small price to pay. On the other hand, he didn't have any plans to drink ever again; the hungover and consequences simply wasn't worth it.
He passed through the living and climbed the stairs. He stopped before his room: Aveline's room.
On the doorknob, a little necklace was hanging, the necklace that Hajime made for himself, the necklace that he gave to Aveline, the necklace that completed his half.
The color drained from his face. He shook his head. His plan was to ask Aveline if she wanted to know the truth. He grabbed the necklace and put it in his pocket. Taking a deep breath in, he knocked on the door.
"Aveline can we talk?"
"Go away!"
"I want to tell you the truth. Will you listen to me?"
A thud sounded against the door.
"It's too late Hajime."
Hajime's chest tightened. He didn't want to force her. He wanted to respect her decision. But it still hurt.
"Okay," he said before walking back downstairs.
The sound of a refrigerator door being opened and closed caught his attention. The sun was still up; he didn't think Veloria was a day-drinker too.
Hajime stood up and entered the kitchen.
"Veloria?"
A black haired woman looked up at Hajime, her eyes widening, her mouth falling open.
Hajime scratched the back of his head. He said Veloria's real name and not the fake one.
"Oops."
Brielle put her glass on the counter and dashed to Hajime. Her hot breath tickled Hajime's neck, her breast pressed up against him.
"You know?"
He nodded.
"Ugh. It hasn't even been two weeks," she shook her head, "What can I do to keep your silence?"
He sighed.
"I'm not going to tell anyone. In fact I was planning on helping you ladies."
She raised her eyebrows, "Help us how?"
"Can we talk about it some other time?"
Brielle crossed her arms, "This is more important than you know Hajime. But, fine."
"Thanks."
"So I heard your conversation with Aveline."
Hajime hit the back of his head against the doorway, "You did?"
"Pretty sure everyone here did," she chuckled, "What did you do?"
"Lie. Keeping secrets. Disrespecting her."
"Why did you lie?"
"Same reason you're lying to everyone."
Brielle sighed, "To protect someone huh."
"Yup."
She cleared her throat, "I can't help you with Aveline but I do have a question. What did you do to my sister? She's randomly smiling and the maids saw you come out of her room this morning."
Hajime's ears turned red as he remembered the night with Veloria.
"I'd rather not talk about it today."
Brielle grabbed Hajime's earlobe.
"It seems you didn't learn anything about keeping secrets from Aveline huh. Women do not like it when you keep secrets."
"Ouch, ouch, I'll tell you some other time okay?"
Brielle released her grip, "Okay. Tomorrow then."
Hajime averted his gaze, "Tomorrow isn't a good time. I kinda have plans already."
She narrowed her eyes, "The day after tomorrow."
"That I can do."
Brielle nodded before she left the kitchen, leaving Hajime alone with his thoughts.
He sat on a chair. His body felt sluggish and his chest felt heavy. Getting thirsty, he got up and checked the fridge.
He noticed there was a carton of cranberry juice left. They were Aveline's favorite. Hajime grabbed the box and poured a glass. His breathing slowed. He set a goal for himself. Grabbing the glass, exiting the kitchen, climbing the stairs, he stood in front of Aveline's door.
He knocked again.
"Aveline I brought you a glass of cranberry juice."
Silence.
Hajime tightened his fist before pushing the door open.
On the king-sized bed, lay Aveline; on her face, rested tears, on her chest, was a pillow.
Hajime bit his lips. He put the glass down on a desk and got in the bed.
Aveline refused to look at him or speak to him. Even when he lay next to her.
He wanted to talk to her, to tell her he was sorry, to tell her everything. But he couldn't bring himself to do any of those things.
If she wanted to spend the time in silence, he'd spend the time in silence with her. However, he wanted to be selfish.
He shuffled closer to her, his arm reaching around her head, his hand touching her shoulder.
She didn't move or say anything.
Hajime pulled her to his chest, her head resting comfortably, her heartbeat matching his own. He stroked her violet hair, twirling her strands. Her sweet, floral scent calmed him down.
Minutes passed. Neither spoke.
The room was illuminated by the orange-yellow rays of sunlight, creating a warm atmosphere. Aveline's breathing slowed. Her tears stopped staining his shirt. Her eyes were closed.
Hajime couldn't stop staring at her. How her eyelashes curved. How her eyelids shut, covering her green irises. The smoothness of her skin.
He let out a long exhale before hugging her tightly.
"I won't lie to you anymore," Hajime kissed her forehead.
The fluffy pillows prevented his head from touching the sheets. He closed his eyes, enjoying the softness.
"I love you," he whispered before falling asleep.
Aveline's heart skipped a beat.
Hajime woke up; his vision blurry. Slowly, his vision corrected itself. He was laying in a cozy, warm bed, under his head rested a pillow, and on his body was a blanket. Not feeling the pressure on his chest, he sighed.
After getting ready, he left his room.
A laughter, light and pleasant, echoed through the living room. Hajime recognized the laughter.
Entering the living room, his eyes widened.
"Mom? Octavia?"
Octavia smirked and Sophia smiled.
"What are you doing here Mom?" Hajime sat on the couch, opposite of them.
"I wasn't going to miss your first time leaving Petalfall," Sophia said," I thought I'd give you a proper send-off."
"It's only for a day. Right Octavia?"
"More or less," Octavia yawned, "Let's go, the carriage is outside."
Octavia got up and left the mansion, leaving the door open, leaving Hajime and Sophia alone.
Hajime got up and walked towards Sophia, who was smiling.
"You look beautiful Mom."
Sophia blushed. She was wearing a blue shirt and jeans, a rare choice of clothes among the aristocrats.
"I see you've gotten better at complimenting."
Hajime pinched Sophia's cheek.
"It's easy if it's you," he hugged her and kissed her lips. He turned to walk away but Sophia held his hand.
"Wait Hajime."
Turning her head towards her bag, rummaging through it, she pulled out a dagger.
"Here."
Hajime accepted the gift but his eyebrows were furrowed.
"A dagger?"
"I know Octavia's an Aicte and all. But there are still Mana Beasts in the forests and you need to be able to defend yourself. It's better safe than sorry."
Hajime unsheathed the dagger, admiring the design and craftsmanship. It had the image of a red rose carved on its brown handle.
Sophia bit her lips, "Don't forget that running away is an option okay."
Hajime kissed her forehead.
"You worry too much. I have a secret weapon remember?" he tapped his head.
Sophia answered with a small nod.
Hajime left the mansion and walked over to the cobblestone path, approaching the carriage.
The carriage had two white horses in the front and looked rather plain and simple. It seemed as if Octavia didn't want to draw attention. He could smell the dung of the horses. The smell didn't stop him from being excited. His hand resting on the cold metal handle, pulling it open, he began his one-day journey.