Alex found himself in an unfamiliar yet oddly comforting environment as he accompanied Natalia and her parents on a shopping trip. The day was bright and clear, and the bustling streets were filled with the sounds of merchants and shoppers. Natalia's father, Michael Elmiane, had taken the lead in guiding Alex through the various shops, while Natalia and her mother, Seraphina, browsed through clothing stores with practiced ease.
As they waited for Natalia to make her selections, Michael and Alex stood by a small café, where they shared a moment of quiet amidst the noise of the city. Michael's demeanor was warm, though there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he observed Alex. The man had a commanding presence, but his tone was gentle as he spoke.
"You know, Alex," Michael began, ruffling Alex's hair with a playful touch that belied his serious tone, "I've been trying to understand why your parents abandoned you. At first, I thought you might be like my daughter—another brilliant mind, maybe even an S-ranker before your awakening. But there's something about you... It's different."
Alex looked up at Michael, his expression neutral but attentive. He was accustomed to being seen as an anomaly, yet this was the first time someone had spoken to him with such a personal touch. Michael's words carried a weight of understanding that Alex hadn't encountered before.
"There's a coldness about you," Michael continued, his gaze steady. "It feels... strange. But that doesn't mean you're not human. Different doesn't mean inhuman."
Alex nodded slowly, processing the words. Michael's insight was both surprising and comforting. It was a stark contrast to the way he had been treated by his own family, who had seemed to view him as something less than human. Michael's acknowledgment of his humanity, despite his differences, was a balm to Alex's bruised sense of self.
"If something were to happen to Seraphina or me," Michael said, his tone growing more serious, "I'd like to ask you a favor. Look after Natalia. She's important to us, and I have a feeling that you might be the kind of person who can understand and protect her in ways others might not."
Alex met Michael's gaze, and for a moment, the weight of the man's request hung in the air. It was a request that came not out of obligation, but out of a genuine concern for his daughter's well-being. Alex, who had spent so much of his life trying to navigate the complexities of his existence, felt a flicker of connection to Michael's words.
"I'll do my best," Alex replied, his voice steady. "I promise."
Michael's expression softened, a smile breaking through his usually stoic demeanor. "That's all I can ask. Just remember, no matter how different you might feel, you're still a part of this world. And you're not alone."
*****
The restaurant was cozy, its warm, ambient lighting casting a soft glow over the wooden tables and upholstered chairs. Natalia and her parents, Michael and Seraphina, had chosen a quaint eatery known for its diverse menu and inviting atmosphere. They sat at a large table near the window, where they could enjoy the view of the city as it transitioned from day to night.
Alex, now more at ease with the family, had taken a seat across from Natalia. As the waiter approached, he perused the menu with a level of concentration that hinted at his usual attention to detail. When the time came to order, Alex's choice was unexpected.
"I'll have a dark espresso, please," Alex said, his voice calm and collected.
Michael raised an eyebrow at the unusual order. "An espresso, huh? That's quite the choice for someone your age. You must have a strong taste for coffee."
Seraphina glanced at Alex, a touch of curiosity in her eyes. "Isn't that a bit too intense for a child?"
Alex merely shrugged, a small, almost enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "I've always had a taste for strong flavors."
When the drinks arrived, the dark espresso was a stark contrast to the more traditional choices of the others. Natalia's curiosity got the better of her, and she reached for the cup, her expression a mix of intrigue and skepticism.
"What's this like?" she asked, dipping a finger into the bitter liquid and cautiously sampling it. Her face contorted in reaction to the intense bitterness. "It's... bitter. How do you drink this?"
Alex chuckled softly at her reaction. "It's an acquired taste. I've always enjoyed it."
Michael laughed heartily, the sound resonating through the room. "Well, it looks like we've learned something new today. Alex has a taste for the extraordinary, even when it comes to coffee."
*****
The year had slipped by with a sense of reluctant ease. Elias had persisted in his appeals, though Alex's reluctance remained steadfast. Natalia and her family continued to offer their warmth and friendship, becoming a steady presence in Alex's life. Meanwhile, Kael remained preoccupied with his mountains of paperwork, his normally composed demeanor occasionally punctuated by a sigh of frustration.
On this particular afternoon, Alex sat by the large window in Kael's office, gazing out at the bustling city below. The room was filled with the soft hum of activity, punctuated by the occasional rustle of papers and the clacking of keys on Kael's keyboard.
Alex's thoughts were focused elsewhere. He was counting the days until his birthday, a significant milestone that marked not just another year but a transition in his life. The window offered a panoramic view of the city, its skyline a jagged silhouette against the setting sun.
His gaze wandered over the rooftops, watching the golden hues of the sunset gradually give way to twilight. The soft glow of the streetlights began to flicker on, casting long shadows and creating a tranquil contrast to the city's otherwise frenetic pace. It was a peaceful moment, one of the rare ones he allowed himself to fully embrace.
Despite the calm facade, Alex's mind was abuzz with thoughts of what the next year might bring. He had managed to carve out a semblance of normalcy in his life, thanks in no small part to Natalia's family and the stability they provided. But the approaching birthday marked a time of reflection and anticipation.
Kael, who had been immersed in his work, finally looked up and noticed Alex's distant expression. With a knowing glance, he set aside his paperwork and walked over.
"Still counting the days, are you?" Kael's voice was gentle, almost empathetic.
Alex nodded slowly, his eyes still fixed on the horizon. "Just a week left," he replied, his tone reflecting a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. "It's hard to believe how much has changed in a year."
Kael leaned against the desk, folding his arms. "Time has a way of slipping by unnoticed, especially when you're as busy as I am. But it sounds like you've managed to make the most of it."
A brief silence followed, filled only by the quiet hum of the office and the distant sounds of the city. Alex turned his gaze to Kael, meeting his eyes with a thoughtful expression.
"Do you ever wonder what the future holds?" Alex asked, his voice tinged with a rare vulnerability.
Kael's gaze softened. "All the time. But sometimes, it's the present that matters most. You've come a long way, Alex. Whatever comes next, I'm sure you'll handle it with the same determination and strength you've shown so far."
Alex offered a faint smile, appreciating the sentiment. He turned back to the window, his mind filled with the promise of new beginnings and the echoes of past challenges. The year had been one of adjustment and growth, and as his birthday approached, he felt a quiet resolve to face whatever lay ahead with the same calm and resilience he had cultivated over the past months.
*****
Natalia's excitement was palpable as she practically bounced into the room, her silver hair shimmering under the office lights. She found Alex sitting at a corner table, engrossed in a book about ancient tactical strategies. She pulled up a chair across from him, unable to contain her enthusiasm.
"Alex! Guess what?" she blurted out, her golden eyes sparkling with excitement.
Alex looked up from his book, his expression neutral but curious. "What's up, Natalia?"
"I'm making a contract with Artemis!" she announced, almost in a whisper as if the news was too thrilling to be spoken aloud. "Can you believe it? I'm going to be an official hunter under her guidance!"
Alex raised an eyebrow, impressed but trying to maintain his calm demeanor. "That's quite an achievement. Artemis is a renowned goddess of the hunt. It sounds like a significant step."
Natalia nodded vigorously, her excitement not waning in the slightest. "Yes, and I'll be part of her guild. I've been training so hard for this, and now it's finally happening! I just had to share it with you."
Alex closed his book, giving her his full attention. "Congratulations, Natalia. I'm sure you'll do great. Artemis is known for her strength and precision. It's an honor to be chosen by her."
Natalia's face lit up even more at his words. "Thanks, Alex! It means a lot to me. I've been thinking about it a lot lately. I'm so ready for this new chapter. But, you know, I've been curious..."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Curious about what?"
"About you," Natalia said, her voice lowering slightly. "You've been so... quiet and reserved. I see you blending into the background, yet you're always there. I wonder if you've ever thought about what kind of contract you might want, or if you're even interested in joining a guild."
Alex's expression remained calm, but his mind churned with thoughts. He had always preferred to stay out of the limelight, focusing on maintaining his normalcy. "I haven't given it much thought, to be honest. I'm more focused on managing my current situation and helping where I can. Not everyone needs to be part of a guild to make a difference."
Natalia tilted her head, studying him closely. "That's true, I guess. But you're so talented and smart. It seems like you could do a lot if you chose to take a different path."
Alex gave a small, enigmatic smile. "I appreciate the compliment, Natalia. But sometimes, blending into the background can be just as powerful. Not all battles are fought with swords or spells."
Natalia looked at him with a thoughtful expression. "I suppose that's one way to look at it. But don't let your talents go to waste. You never know when they might be needed."
Before Alex could respond, Natalia's parents, Michael and Seraphina, entered the room, their presence instantly commanding respect. Michael's eyes met Alex's with a nod of acknowledgment, while Seraphina's warm smile was a contrast to Natalia's more reserved demeanor.
"Natalia, come along," Michael said, his tone gentle but firm. "We need to finalize a few things for your upcoming contract. Alex, thank you for talking with her."
Alex nodded, offering a respectful smile. "Of course. Good luck with your contract, Natalia."
Natalia returned his smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thanks, Alex. I'll keep you updated."
Alex sat back in his chair, the weight of Natalia's excitement still lingering in his mind. The office around him was quiet once more, filled with the faint hum of air conditioning and the rustling of papers. He glanced at the book he'd been reading, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Natalia's animated expressions and the curious glint in her golden eyes.
He remembered the early days of their acquaintance—Natalia's distant demeanor, her refusal to engage in small talk, and the way she seemed to keep everyone at arm's length. It had been a challenge to break through that frosty exterior, like trying to thaw a glacier with a hairdryer. But over time, he'd managed to crack a smile from her here and there, and even gotten her to open up about her dreams and aspirations.
Alex's lips curved into a bemused smile as he thought about how he had slowly chipped away at Natalia's icy façade. From their initial encounters where she barely acknowledged his presence to their current conversations where she eagerly shared her plans with him—he had been the one to witness her transformation.
He let out a soft chuckle, leaning back in his chair. "So, did I just spend the past year breaking through Natalia's defenses and getting to know her better… because I like her?"
The thought struck him with surprising clarity, and he found himself laughing quietly at the absurdity of it. "I mean? Am I entertaining the idea that I have feelings for Natalia? That's new. And pretty ridiculous."
Alex recalled the countless hours he'd spent observing Natalia, the subtle way he'd noticed her reactions, the small moments where she'd let her guard down. He had genuinely enjoyed their conversations and the rare glimpses of her true self beneath the tough exterior. But did that mean he had developed feelings for her? The idea seemed both foreign and oddly comforting.
He shook his head with a grin. "I must be losing my mind. First, I'm hiding my claws among sheep, and now I'm pondering if I have a soft spot for Natalia. Next thing you know, I'll be considering a career as a romantic poet."