Atlas's POV
Returning from their date, Atlas couldn't shake the subtle possessiveness he felt whenever someone looked at Leon for too long. It wasn't just about Leon's beauty—though it was undeniable. There was something in Leon's aura that drew people in, made them want to protect and cherish him, much like how Atlas himself felt. But that same allure also stirred a wariness in him.
As they walked back through the village, he caught sight of a few admirers who couldn't seem to take their eyes off Leon. They probably assumed he was just another delicate youth from a noble family, which wasn't entirely wrong. But Leon's beauty, combined with his genuine charm, was enough to make others curious.
Atlas's gaze hardened as one particular young man approached, a friendly smile on his face. Just as the stranger opened his mouth to speak, Atlas stepped in, his arm slipping around Leon's waist and pulling him closer. "We should hurry," he murmured to Leon. "It's getting late."
Leon noticed the subtle gesture but chose to say nothing, merely nodding and following Atlas's lead. He couldn't deny that Atlas's overprotective tendencies were adorable in their own way, even if he pretended not to notice. After all, he understood Atlas's feelings—Leon's current body was everything that could easily attract others: beautiful, fragile-looking, and altogether enticing. Even Leon sometimes found it hard to believe that this was his new reality.