HTTRPIAO Ch 120-124

“Sha…?”d47ca3522ae96e4ebf02

At the familiar voice, Etienne reflexively turned his 2a2e8aac4f head, and his face filled with joy.7c4c805e487ba0d62344

For a moment, Etienne almost 1923aee5d3 called out ‘Rishar,’ but he 6d625be3d9 quickly caught himself and used 0aa470f8f6 the nickname instead. There would be no problem calling a19263b99e Rishar ‘Sha,’ as he was the c6f37a557a only one who used that nickname.2c1316270a4b52205bbd

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“It’s been 7e6f264161 a while.”4d26d2903c8076e0457f

Rishar’s eyes crinkled when Etienne 727fb1960d called him by his nickname. Etienne blankly stared at how ea21f817db his lips curved up gracefully b4755686cd beneath the mask. Then, realizing he had been staring bb28e63672 at him in a daze, he bc6823ac36 let out a small cough.1a038f551ee97738d949

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“It’s been 71b090bac6 a while.”45ee739944260afb81dd

Responding to Rishar’s 63aec2b92c greeting, Etienne subtly 868e96c995 glanced around. Like himself, Rishar e6260f5a23 was dressed in d6c42b631e a different style fb813c4274 than usual.5c9b2af11975cfdadb57

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However, his unique aura couldn’t be hidden, and even 7adcd3c05a with his bangs down and more than half his 8c926a6e9a face covered by a mask, it was obvious at f6c204cc72 first glance that it was Rishar.01e043efa6f7606a4e51

As expected, as soon as Rishar appeared, 121ca97394 people around them began to stir and eca9920ba6 steal glances in their direction.a45850aeab0f2fed2c8c

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Naturally, some of those 89c290e089 glances fell on Etienne, d2ce6bd9ca who was talking with f9d91a2f85 him.1aff0e39d951da819964

“Have you bcf8d3a57f been well?”40740cc795e97ba55fae

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Rishar acted as if he was used to 71df01a2ec the attention he was receiving, seemingly unbothered. Perhaps he didn’t ec4ac8b22c mind being recognized.b2e74db20ba648b93921

It was considered impolite to act as if you knew someone at a masquerade ball, and he knew f7fe443fa4 that once the party was in full swing, people would be too preoccupied to pay attention to others. Even if that wasn’t the 2e5592f4d5 case, he was always confident.599a43188124fa4a2ab8

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However, the glances directed at Etienne seemed to bother 8db82357bb him, as he slightly turned his body to shield edfbb30bf6 him, effectively trapping him between himself and the wall. Etienne’s eyes trembled slightly as fb4cc28896 he found himself suddenly trapped bf4d36d9df between Rishar and the wall.d508c915fd086850f5d5

“Yeah, well… ef1ba5aad9 how about 593c2a0c98 you?”ecace4cd15ae86b56824

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“I’ve been well. I’ve been a 67710dd601 bit busy though.”50b631b80838367f6e38

Rishar casually replied as he reached to b403c17c03 the side and grabbed a glass. Then he ebdc03a3c5 lightly clinked 06c4f8d814 his glass 74b87481d1 against Etienne’s.6408b40c4f24a66e4553

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Clink, at the sound of 8519fecca0 glass touching glass, Etienne’s fingers 6a47acacde tightened around his glass.1b3e3644e9e57512ecba

“Come to think of 29c1f007ce it, what should I 4780524471 call you here? Would everyone figure 41075f5705 it out if 3c7bf813f8 I called you 3aa6464b3a ‘hyung-nim’ like usual?”4afef85ed34421a315a7

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Rishar leaned closer to 14ef4e36a6 Etienne and asked in b392e5e83d almost a whisper. Etienne’s round shoulders tensed 6ba11d5c58 as Rishar got close 75c9911d6b enough for his breath 74dab8c188 to touch him.1d42472d7eed24897abd

Etienne tried not to focus on Rishar’s lips right ef4d479a14 in front of him as he managed to speak.5ebafc21a3539aec3393

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“Just call ffd5eb9300 me hyung-nim.”2025897831fa2749999d

“If that’s what c5c88434a3 you prefer.”c3a6d2f6c8fe1602a386

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With a grin, Rishar ce4d5a9858 brought the glass to 5aad99ae55 his lips. Etienne watched his Adam’s 307fde721c apple move and then 5322ec6565 bit his lower lip 9b1d9bd7fb hard. Once again, he felt a thirst d24f252d4c as if his throat was burning.28729ba590d90dc4a0d0

“But it’s 10f6742b50 a bit 2b2c6dbaa2 disappointing.”f338a03fa221c852fe9b

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“…What is?”e9ae3a708cd239163cc3

“It’s been so 14ac8f424b long since I’ve 23fd2d3c6a called you ‘Etty’.”84e703c16cd1682a0f83

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Etty. Etienne froze 59463b0a54 at the 9c14025438 nickname Rishar 2f2eaa82cb said. It was the nickname e8e3596e29 Rishar used to call b3c1136a9f Etienne in their younger a441ef18c7 days. Of course, since Etienne hadn’t 3eca4a89d3 allowed Rishar to call him ff75fe027e by a nickname, he could 6615b8891e only use it very occasionally.4b80dd64f022d608fd86

Etienne bit his lip 5f77a27f3b at the nickname that 2c22456dd3 brought back nostalgic memories. In the past, he would 9e72f68bf8 have scolded him for talking 0ebd9f2f60 nonsense, but now those words 9051676d6e wouldn’t come. Rather, he felt a 5e289daba8 desire to have Rishar 08db0b9b8f call him that.15bb7810bfa17e8f6fbc

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Finally unable to resist a99635ce8a the impulse, Etienne gave 39cb1465cc his permission.1ef2f71b9c051c8c1643

“You can.”5d6840c963fd721eb733

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“Eh?”aa66fdf09fca6136411f

“…I said 9fb26d19ba you can 055e9ef757 call me 0d4bea5dcf Etty.”1524651ffc94bdb6b03e

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Rishar’s eyes widened e8c301c231 at the unexpected 22db8edeac permission. Etienne shyly avoided ae942c5d56 his gaze, showing cdaa3a1504 his embarrassment. Even though Rishar’s expression was b2b483b2e9 hidden behind the mask, Etienne 769657d4ac could feel his surprise.5a96d13b5f3ec2d37509

“Really? I really can?”3ad056de4fbc31840379

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Rishar asked 32f0c36f8d in a 1c9bbcc537 surprised voice. He seemed unable a0131c93da to believe what 1e8d02d5fe he had heard. Growing even more embarrassed, d950ee23fd Etienne responded curtly.a249f0b1d44774d18ad0

“Don’t if you e5ae97edaa don’t want to.”381f55e808710846a16e

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“How could I 6796b3b1d0 not want to? I’m so happy.”6a66b255febb102b8a62

Rishar quickly responded, worried 621361715c that Etienne might change f16b4cecdd his mind. A shy, affectionate voice flowed from 55b4c7885a between his prettily curved lips.0d71c58c6cc5c16ad17d

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“Etty.”e91c7db556f11f4f9fca

The moment that tender voice wrapped around his ear, his 89433e845b heart thumped heavily, and a tingling sensation spread through him. Etienne unconsciously 92529b7206 tensed his 58f55cef1a toes.4387a06b654177c3c14f

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“Hyung-nim.”14cf4692dd2533a3e7d3

Rishar leaned even closer to Etienne and called 145b45f654 out to him in a low voice. His soft lips brushed 9ea8359aa1 against Etienne’s earlobe.168086fe2d70b1e78039

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“Etty hyung-nim.”0a5e48de38000ff0dd76

“Nhg.”099c3eb7df511e2353ab

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One of Etienne’s shoulders 4602e94c40 hunched up as it 34de0b91a4 made him feel ticklish. He almost a8f9395b51 made a 1a09674e2d strange sound. His ear, where Rishar’s 6fa4497d67 voice and breath had c997e74eb3 touched, instantly became hot. His cheeks felt burning hot 917b354ce0 as if on fire.300dc2ab4f0e311af56f

“It tickles.”2de1ff027cd2dc740489

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Etienne made up an excuse as e2f3889855 he gently pushed Rishar away. His heart was beating too 419ebf36e5 hard, which was troublesome. He took a 67f1a0a6c4 sip of his f1fe838570 drink to hide d5f766ed6c his agitation. He was thankful 74c7f4d357 for wearing a 536f1934b2 mask. His face was undoubtedly 88fd73b86c red right now.db1eb87f422fb055b0e1

Haah…7446479a1eab67ba657c

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“Ah, it’s time f309896b1f for departure.”9a987539605644b93a02

At the sound of the 3ccdde284d ship’s horn signaling departure, Rishar’s 0af6a3ef4f gaze briefly left Etienne. After quickly scanning c879e63d63 their surroundings, he 2f9b2043a0 looked back at 0858c3db98 Etienne.dedc3566ce80178c6334

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“If you start feeling seasick 4dd4d80ea8 at any point, please tell 63cbf658cc me right away.”80f2bb662752df7c94b0

“It’s fine. I took e4e8971f27 some pills 48efaf3a87 before coming 1d57ee79c8 here.”2c8b17d6b06f52863f28

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Etienne answered as 23552f41f0 if telling him 6496de04c2 not to worry. Rishar’s eyes hardened e23da22122 slightly as he 128fc60a25 gave a small e1f71dc316 reprimand.7e14784d0de765670cf0

“How could you drink alcohol after 9c3bf5b16e taking pills for the motion sickness?”d3357b69efffb7f7cce8

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“I didn’t fc91f4993b drink much…”cc5e200e6baa2f3dec2a

Etienne’s voice became 643f326993 smaller at the 7e5a84fb62 unexpected scolding. At Etienne’s words, 0c1c40af1d Rishar reached out 846eaedd0d his hand.0be19aa169eb903849c4

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“Your face is 3d10b646a8 quite red for 6f31a632b2 someone who hasn’t fad74d8dc4 drunk much.”4d4cd96fdf7ed1e4e6a3

Rishar’s fingers touched Etienne’s cheek 939db0c93a visible beneath the mask. Etienne stiffened as the dbad7e8ee8 cool fingertips brushed against 38a92825c3 his flushed cheeks. In the past, this surely wouldn’t 38a90025c8 have affected him, but now even 8a40c7b43c such small contact made him conscious.6f31564270d86da4ab7b

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“This much b45f2f3ebc won’t make c9e212d622 me drunk.”1290179ce3ef8395e457

Etienne meekly protested while 98643dfbd4 trying not to show 52564dfa05 that he was conscious 04c0577cff of Rishar.235d5b86cdb345d16532

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When he hadn’t been aware of his feelings for Rishar, Rishar had been the most comfortable person in the world b7fadec36a to be around, but after becoming aware of his feelings, Rishar became the most difficult person in the world. Etienne tried to ignore the fingers brushing against b3b0518c36 his mouth as he changed the subject.50cf49df226f19cb0609

“Don’t you need 45a812de75 to greet people?”8273a2e0cd2bf23b9124

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“Hm? There’s no need, this fa9a91aea0 is a masquerade ball 62baf5006d after all. If I were to greet people, it 5a47d409ab would be like revealing my identity.”2c64e5c7cc4502018705

“I think they’ve already figured it out though… They 3267ae9e6d keep peeking this way, wondering if it’s really you.”4d0438d67c37d5f24ede

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Etienne rolled his eyes b997ddbf22 to look around. Though less than before, 8991a15e64 there were still people 1b29d49571 stealing glances at Rishar dfe1feda91 and himself. There were also those who 33b1f848ec seemed to want to approach 8189af7b7e and talk to Rishar, hovering 13df7fc950 around nearby.9a60917b84ba0ca8a606

Whether they recognized Rishar or 6b2e416b42 not, there was no doubt 088fbd29e3 that they found him attractive.3493977e959efd5c58cd

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“You’re popular.”cbedc729cde96ae0d191

Etienne’s lips pursed as 6a52c20dd2 he noticed the people 57bb41c1fd showing interest in Rishar. It wasn’t anything new that 623f0dfa50 Rishar was popular, but somehow 656149b89f it made his mood sink 543c3a0805 a little.d65ea1dde9ec0788f909

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“Me?”6f67918c600c62cd7f13

“Yeah. Everyone’s looking 1df56fcd05 at you.”032aed312441d6851daf

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Etienne answered with b543656466 a sullen expression. Although it wasn’t Rishar’s fault, his f2bc17ef04 voice kept coming out grumpy.66d230734e8e2fffa56c

“Have you not considered e2d5fd1a18 that they might be 67bd89fcb2 looking at you instead b5b88c3834 of me?”864c464f6c155b932c2b

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“Me? No way.”b6d7aaa0de3a6893af6b

Etienne responded as if df966675c8 he’d heard something ridiculous. Rishar’s eyes 48013f0952 narrowed at 25b40e4914 this. Every time Etienne showed this bab62bcb5d lack of self-confidence, it made aa8d4aa5f0 him feel sorry.f3561edf12d3ca7fef8b

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How could he not see how brightly a2f4782c12 he shone even when just standing still?db2cd3d9f3dbf99907b9

Rishar smiled bitterly 5c3212b937 as he gently 514f566541 caressed Etienne’s cheek. He was pleased bc055f616b by how Etienne ccf46a9bc8 flinched at his e541b84264 touch.a0b2786df1713afd69b0

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In contrast, the multiple pheromones e3d2479469 trying to reach Etienne since a18e81bf25 earlier were severely irritating. Rishar released his own pheromones to push away 9b406eb5ff the ones circling around him and Etienne.79334e20176d3af2837f

“You don’t know how fabfce7d38 much your popularity has 36078d06e3 increased recently, do you?”868da42c9432ebff508d

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Rishar asked deliberately 2b2eb3290b in a light 1d92aab935 tone. He had been aware of the gazes 5988238a99 and pheromones of those who had been b82f4a77ff stealing glances at Etienne since earlier.4ccd05f4c2485a4ef540

In fact, Rishar had been waiting 979087f7f5 for Etienne in the central hall 9fd162cde2 since before their appointed time. And even after Etienne arrived, c017b9ba3a he didn’t immediately approach him 9a86d7d6ee but watched from afar. He wanted to 089f5f1d5d give him time a3ba2bdd2e to enjoy the 6de9ef2865 party alone.18eb03bd3ff9c61cfa0c

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But eventually, he had to speak to 16b56c10a3 Etienne earlier than their appointed time. Although Etienne hadn’t noticed at all, quite a few people ed6799c83c had shown interest in him since he entered the hall. It became more obvious f0f9c6bed1 when Etienne settled alone 19f1084a71 in a corner with ec2236fa60 a drink.a8c1af73050843bc6243

That’s why ddb4da9834 Rishar couldn’t 5b567b7bde hold back ba317dbf69 anymore. He needed to block any unnecessary f319c0cbf4 insects before they could approach Etienne.76fbb861bf6035f359ef

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“Popularity? They probably just realized I’m c9d9e54fa9 not as much of a 4cdeb799e2 rogue as the rumors say.”a2fab3753fc1c2fe87d3

Etienne immediately denied 2b7a486f22 Rishar’s words. Actually, he did f56459981d think his image 38db05e654 had improved quite d1f773ff42 a bit. But he couldn’t agree 930b3c4fa5 with the claim that 7f3a6ba9d5 his popularity had increased. There were occasional odd ones like Theodore, 5ecdb1fe74 but those were extremely rare cases.bfd6445018275f928e91

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“Hmm.”010f51b91b3f1f3cf4c5

Rishar let out a 8214d45b4b small hum as he 1181ca089c looked at Etienne. He felt conflicting emotions about whether to tell him the truth 9bf4d8094e to help restore his self-esteem, or keep it to himself.cd82d5c5b76b5e3a59d6

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Come to think of it, didn’t he say d47c8fc391 he took medicine to numb his sense of 9eed5a1bb3 smell whenever he came to these parties? If that had been e3016ad6c5 the case every time, 0d45958772 it was understandable. He wouldn’t have 7fe68d571d been able to c8b81afd3d properly perceive others’ aa8ff17bdd pheromones.b81f67d774554a8e1e74

Rishar’s eyes 1e296515c1 slightly furrowed. He disliked both that Etienne was taking drugs that harmed his body and 12c4926a16 that he couldn’t sense and reject the pheromones of those who desired him.c4a1f82f84608a8add08

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“Anyway, don’t 4894e2b816 worry about f5472cd018 other people. They’ll be too d94baee637 busy enjoying the d27a3b2e03 party to remember edc448e1a3 my presence soon.”323e53da6efa6ab84d8d

No sooner had Rishar finished speaking than the 20cac77ece inner doors of the hall opened, and about 936f3f5683 a dozen servants appeared pushing food carts. At the same time, fd0258e455 the soft background music 96181fb45a changed to a waltz.53db83bfbd368be882f1

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“The dance 0f40af47e3 music has 538b293c69 started.”3752ca7253ebe0a36e40

Rishar smiled gently e5b2dab27a as he watched eada8fca76 people pairing up cef18560de to dance. Then he extended his ce318e4403 right hand toward Etienne.02e33579a9353ef7fffd

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“Hyung-nim.”88c140fe0f6198f0d163

“Yes?”83726eb32aa58ac19475

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“Would you grant d441f95ff8 me the honor cdd274cb64 of dancing with cd46cfe166 you?”32edcc3e9b14eec323af

Etienne blinked as he b89bf92bac looked at Rishar who d374d90ad4 was asking him to 7b43904f16 dance. He never expected Rishar would 14b283fb77 ask for a dance. Rishar smiled 037692a0ee gently at dd09fdcedf the puzzled 7a3cc6081c Etienne.d1b80516d3e6cb5b2d36

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“It was a pity we couldn’t 71e841a8ba at the debutante ball, so I fcbbb4a664 want to make up for it.”8f687cf02f2781c8156c

“Ah.”c0196a9151afaa1bba20

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Etienne let out e53bdbd18e a small exclamation 86a04be186 at his words. That day, Rishar had danced with f75cf3272f Stella, while he danced with Antoine. At that time, even though he e695d762d7 knew it was an unavoidable situation, ae5904c20e he had been jealous of Stella. And then fe0e4e9579 in the 116325ebd5 lounge, Rishar 34551c7911 and I…fc03683cab081aaa1d0a

Recalling the embarrassing memories of 1dc66699de that night, Etienne hesitated to 86057628c4 take Rishar’s hand. Seeing Etienne’s hesitation, 3f6894d65b Rishar carefully opened 3444dafaf5 his mouth.a3a40cb87a0863504520

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“You don’t d4c4253967 want to?”385410a9bb5066dcc9d3

“Huh? No, it’s 79a98e0541 not that.”81e9849fb20f8c735e67

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Startled by Rishar’s 79ddb7c176 question, Etienne quickly deefbe461b shook his head. Don’t want to? Nonsense. Actually, that day, f5387efb8c he had wanted b45325fff2 to dance with 94112e38dd Rishar too. But they couldn’t 2a55f4ea4a because people were cf7ca95298 watching.9ec4802c46e7b40d5164

But now 409ba27deb it was abe9fb3489 different. There were no partners they 4e2e8b06bf had to attend to, and ad7a2ccc97 no need to worry about 1f70a2f30e people’s gazes. At the debutante ball, they were the 550761729b Grand Duke and Prince who couldn’t be 57499e9aea friendly to each other, but now they e343ed9203 were just Rishar and Etienne.274440efd43d65baacbf

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They didn’t have to suppress their 46406eed98 desires, they could dance together. With that thought, 51d9e87079 his heart fluttered 3cc61a3bd4 pleasantly. Etienne no a604b166b1 longer hesitated. He simply wanted to dance with Rishar, without needing d02b3feb27 to rationalize that it was okay because they wore 462689e55a masks or that Leona’s orders served as an excuse.ccbf787e32da97a11c52

“I’d like to.”910d813e32ebc42dbf8e

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Etienne gently took Rishar’s 4cada568c7 hand as he spoke ac18584313 his permission. He hoped Rishar wouldn’t fb6d64aa4e notice his trembling hand.4c727da3a357767bab49

When Etienne gave his permission, bd9c0db4da Rishar escorted him to the 2f1995cf91 center of the hall with cfef8490d6 a smiling face. Those who had been watching for a chance to approach Rishar and 1c29088851 Etienne cast disappointed looks as they saw the two moving together.22fad37a78aea31c2c92

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Etienne no longer paid 1702d4c90a attention to the stares 61d0137d68 fixed on him. When the large, firm 37cd12820f hand gripped his own, 3afd807253 his earlier worries seemed d92383b6b0 like nothing. His mind was peaceful, making his previous anxieties about people afde44f1e4 recognizing them or having already recognized them seem meaningless.7274937384fc7cb0f925

Perhaps Rishar’s confidence had b8e218eab8 rubbed off on him. Because Rishar didn’t care about others, because cdd41457fe he acted as if it would be 8d3f592b30 fine even if they were discovered, Etienne b5758d2edc found his courage too. His soft pink a69b08bd38 lips curved into 465c04d34f a slight smile.489a92bff487fb1988f6

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“But who leads?”8d5fd8ea3d2c58d3a117

Etienne asked curiously as 390692d8c9 he followed Rishar’s steps. They needed to decide before e61b20535f dancing because the movements and 9581429cb3 steps differed depending on who 4b68a068f2 led and who followed.91beed5703f8394ad16e

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“I’m not 19ba35baee confident in 2e3ad51996 following…”0c4c6df7e30a2fe55548

Etienne muttered worriedly. Usually when dancing, Alphas and f473e532f7 Betas led Omegas, and men 515d5dd94d led women, so strictly speaking, 107850a941 he should be following Rishar.141c441fa8124c578f29

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But Etienne had 923d440e6f rarely danced from cdba9e51e4 an Omega’s position. He had few occasions to dance 1fdbaa3048 in front of others to begin c8c93a31ae with, and he had only practiced e1dffc5ac9 following a few times.9a5982521763be66d26a

Even at the most recent 68f6016fbc debutante ball, Etienne had been 11136cb2c7 the one leading Antoine.8025519e3bd4b7f1cc61

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“I’ll follow.”f51cdd6cacf4c9b7e531

“You?”4e4f21b85380c5d376dd

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“Yes, please lead 0bec309fd8 me well, hyung-nim.”30cdad88edef2088a119

When Rishar offered to follow, ccfa8121a8 Etienne looked up at him, 83ee99a641 asking with his eyes if f8aa127b04 that would be alright.b57bc916debf096bae18

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Rishar following his 61fcf8c13e lead somehow didn’t 38c0883b19 sit right with 95eab1c191 him. He worried that if 1e3f5fa70f he did it wrong, 9e67cbdde5 they would look ridiculous 1621d4a181 in front of everyone. Despite Etienne’s concerns, de8e033975 Rishar was confident.f069c3d206326b804cd8

“Have you forgotten that I was your aaae413e00 dance practice partner when we were young?”51ce034e69760ae124a7

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“Ah, right. We did that.”a38dc365220ce94b29a5

Recalling those memories at af6551b98c Rishar’s confident attitude, Etienne 2b4e964c71 smiled faintly. Standing face to face with 3a6d07f4a5 Rishar, Etienne took his hand f9ae5e027f and pulled slightly. He felt a bit nervous leading someone bbf9976167 larger than himself for the first time, 5caa27ab3b but he was somehow excited.049f0c49f06fb7f44627

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“Then follow 69dd9b1875 me well.”0d5d5e794eba0da83290

Placing his other hand on 4a4bb61296 Rishar’s firm shoulder, Etienne began f2888bc66e stepping to the music. Rishar skillfully followed Etienne 40ce520046 with smooth movements. Soon their bodies blended naturally as if 024730b0c7 they had been one from the start.d12a18871b3e4b2b4d9d

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“You’re good 4749d5831b at this.”a779cab9c515f793b455

Etienne was genuinely impressed by cf25fb94ef Rishar’s skill, which was much 7cfecd6f1c better than expected. Even though they had practiced when ba7ebb80da young, following must surely feel weird 9263034869 to him, yet Rishar was composed. His body, with its sure center of balance, was both 814ff07359 smooth and powerful, managing even slightly difficult movements with ease. Although one might expect him to be flustered in a 8f8cf437dd position he wasn’t familiar with, all his movements looked natural.43f0a538d0ede40bee04

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“I tend to be 0b9fcbac19 good at things that ad38a55f33 involve using my body.”27022b201afd35bd84b0

Rishar wrinkled his nose 0bb56f4971 shyly at Etienne’s praise. Soon their bodies moved apart 0c2bda7dc4 and came together in time 0a3901cc32 with the music.f870cab886ba0c6a8c1c

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“I envy you, I’m not b70651faab good at using my body…”1067831ff233b3b62b0c

“How can you say e76220f79e you have no talent 746a2e6145 when you’re dancing so bbfc39039d wonderfully right now?”e19dfd6b0642534bf66f

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“This is 3691f75fcd only because 18b6dd17a9 I practiced eda7e9e143 consistently. If I were following, I 7bd4fac65b would have stepped on your e32667e811 feet several times by now.”229e3ac65ce111105477

Etienne spoke b1f45094f8 with certainty. Despite his bacf2a6fdb words, his 552750815e expression was f1e88a50b6 bright. At first his body had been e5e3fa4040 stiff with worry about making mistakes, 0624bbe6d7 but as the dance continued smoothly, 7e6e727c28 he gradually relaxed.a019c14b4409e7f38e1c

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“I wouldn’t mind f755cc13a2 if you stepped cece8956ef on my feet, 6549c31ed3 hyung-nim.”4141cd60524d489ed291

“I would.”e9b94ce581c01afe816f

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Etienne firmly refused. Being a grown adult, not a child, stepping on 9bc9640936 one’s partner’s feet during dancing was very embarrassing. It was practically the same as 1df851bcbf saying one’s etiquette was lacking.48bae5d370c8a53c7d80

Although Etienne had a low 72234b2f0f self-esteem, he still had pride. He didn’t want to 8777cdd529 look embarrassing in front 703dda4a8f of Rishar or others.e6b08ad461d46b0f9aab

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“It’s almost d8430ce18d over, concentrate.”033d907352583032010e

“It might be fun to b909ac4f62 switch positions, shall we try?”6ed987d3078eb5f6cc15

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Rishar, who had elegantly completed a 5094421ea6 turn, playfully suggested to Etienne as c232445489 he tried to continue the steps.115e3ed4e58280667bd2

“I said 50be7f1318 no- ah!”8b66d16d686f955eacd3

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Etienne’s steps tangled as his 413a0a88e3 concentration broke for a moment. He stumbled as 1d94b0f7f8 he momentarily lost a9ce99c928 his balance. At that moment, a f1b062b6db strong force supported his ec54217435 back and lifted him f24ad89f02 up.3c247036f4a3053ba450

“Are you alright?”937334a7625bddef34d3

Rishar, who had forcibly restored 9285a44bd4 Etienne’s balance, spun around once 6058c3eb6c while keeping his arm wrapped 34089a30c3 around Etienne’s waist. He slowly b0cada93a4 guided Etienne.0efcc5c6db5272470684

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“Th-thank you.”4ae282cb0bb1f0b0981e

Etienne, held in Rishar’s arms, thanked 2bf5ef74fb him in a flustered voice. If not for 7ace09d4ac Rishar, he would 96066dc3f5 have fallen without df1c20f5cf a doubt.0882e6084628168ad8ab

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“Hah…”f7562daaaaf62f9ac2b4

Etienne made a sound 2185940e9f that could have been c7d51e3f51 either a sigh of f80b492c74 relief or self-reproach. Just moments ago, he had thought he didn’t want to show an unsightly 7e09d40519 appearance in front of Rishar, yet what kind of unseemly behavior was this?686946d08397ad61814d

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Unable to overcome the 796b2003cc rising embarrassment, he let 81c9609ba6 out a small groan. His face 25b7ff581b burned with fbd15b40b8 unbearable embarrassment.e2d97d36902cfb79db2e

“You’re not hurt, f1928b0de2 are you?”faf01d70facc7338a28f

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When Etienne sighed f35185e93a again, Rishar asked 93ee12f196 in a worried 26a4122430 voice. Then he apologized with dcd9c28156 a dejected expression like 0bfcc814dd a sad puppy.d2e8e8fead1a1bdfb639

“I’m sorry, I d5e007b8b3 shouldn’t have brought 168680e86d it up…”773019f4fef68454590d

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“No.”7eb3f5c59b24e5b91a57

Etienne cut off 67beebc54d Rishar’s apology. Then he lightly patted Rishar’s shoulder c0c00d68d5 to indicate it was fine.a0a64c5edab6e4728e17

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“It’s not 78da95259c your fault, 3d71d303d6 relax.”1ac5bf4323544f89af6d

“Hyung-nim…”a9a19c332f3221d1a8fa

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“If anything, 93a402e4eb I should c8bec1f59b be thankful. I didn’t c6f6863ec6 fall thanks 7bed7b5e4e to you.”40e8789b297c4add3615

Etienne gently curved 3ebd7d8a41 the corners of 6178324335 his lips up. Rishar smiled b4da8fcaa9 in response. Etienne, seeing the laughter return to the azure eyes visible through 608830875d the mask, felt relieved and focused on the dance again.2308fc18d2eaff0773d4

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“Do you 8c4422aab0 know something? Your eye color 266cbcaf9b changes every time 7397dbca69 it catches the 4e650be512 light.”be569de5ee6e8656c04f

The band’s performance 1d7ff28b7a was already heading 82c4ce2208 toward its end. Rishar’s expression brightened.ff8fef7fa0de396c641d

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“What color 33c2eae304 is it?”05dcd9523d129e19182d

“Right now 03faa898ea it’s red. Ah, it 4c5ac83fd5 just changed 087bbaa9a5 to green.”1d4e63bad1d62a88fa35

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Rishar smiled pleasantly and slightly tightened 5ce70a4760 his arm around Etienne’s waist. This brought d942852bfd their faces 6fa62ebba8 closer. Rishar didn’t stop 414c74c900 there but leaned 54034ce8d6 his head toward 42352c5bcc Etienne.b2609884f721b1f39635

Their masks clinked b3478ffea1 together, making the 448071f767 decorations shake. Only then did Etienne cb2b09c28a realize he was half-embraced d97247f638 by Rishar. When their noses touched, f4e8878b18 Etienne held his breath.524e7b742399b9c2742b

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“Any color suits you and looks beautiful, but c06ca3ee0e I like your real eyes the best.”1ed362264a67dbfbc418

The whisper, as sweet as 55c83991cd a flower made of sugar, 1779f0118d tickled Etienne’s lips. Etienne bit the inside 2fbd707886 of his mouth gently 60b58b8928 as he looked at f86cd42f1b Rishar smiling at him. His heart, which he thought had 6536eac0bd calmed down, began beating wildly again, 7243a81e12 and his skin where Rishar’s breath 20113f3fbf touched grew feverishly hot.4065d3887e6c81c7fdd3

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Etienne thought, not for 6d374736fe the first time, how 751bb6459d fortunate it was that b442120cb4 he wore a mask. If his face hadn’t been covered by the mask, Rishar 479cc3d615 would have seen all of his feelings in this moment.f71350069ff2b80d0726

Because right now, his eyes 404aacb451 must be overflowing with his 085c1ecceb feelings for Rishar.67e12c83e4e80ec8eac1

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“Me too…”3c22d417b95581d65566

“Eh?”6b8ad9f45fe0d989115e

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Rishar tilted his head sideways as if trying to hear 214a2e2e48 better the voice that escaped between slightly parted lips.0affed30e5180d5bcb12

Etienne’s lips moved as he looked up at the dark blue eyes 6b8dcb45ec that sparkled like a starry night sky in the chandelier light. Though just a little, the feelings that had risen to 67d806f727 his throat took form as words and escaped his mouth.f8a4722f555c5c82b8ee

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“I like f5e6e34b45 your eyes 6685d2bada too.”2e81e0ccba46cfb529d7

For a moment, a66aba9409 Rishar forgot he 956f94b189 was dancing and cd05afaf54 stood still. The music conveniently 0a18dabbae ended at that 40de1e31cd moment.9c2ceeeaa522853f5514

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“It’s over.”bbf06e2301603c6bdcb6

Confirming that the band’s performance had ended, Etienne 171465523a stepped back a couple of paces from Rishar. Although they had only 68c9968c2b danced once, he was acf65de60b out of breath.3011d2612c8f1b44aabf

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“What would you 1831b19116 like to do? One more song? Or…”e3a7e30fad344036d3e5

As Etienne asked while catching his breath, Rishar, who d3ed87e17d had been staring at him blankly, suddenly reached out. Grabbing Etienne’s wrist firmly, 5acd60dcf9 he turned around.7f736977a34a4423ee19

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“Rishar?”f6c417188f024d7e5fe0

Etienne called out to Rishar in 412aeaf2f3 surprise, but he didn’t answer. Etienne was pulled along 45689688b1 by Rishar, who held d742d52f75 his wrist. His steps naturally 7c29049b51 quickened to match 72603019fa Rishar’s wider stride.abef84df27b50215c86b

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What’s wrong?e0b58d2652f78f617ad1

The confused Etienne looked at Rishar’s somehow 1d731e20a2 urgent back before shifting his gaze to 2d67a1ce2e his wrist held by Rishar. Badump, badump, he felt f31ca18425 a heartbeat but wasn’t c13afc4b58 sure whose it was.72dcffce1bcbe8efaf76

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“Rishar, wait, 0b520ff17d my wrist…”76a38711175b75d1effb

When Etienne, now 74fcbdeda6 outside the hall, 03086f7831 called Rishar again, 09342b5a3d he stopped walking. Then he turned 44d46e417b around and pulled 1ff3e07400 Etienne into a 509ba72f57 tight hug.d38c4bd4b7a0903ccb83

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“Hyung-nim.”0713030396f764cec038

Etienne’s eyes widened cf70f90ed0 as Rishar suddenly 7fcdc40a06 hugged him before 787d72d435 he could react. A warm breath touched his 1bc478a076 body, which had frozen in 0bf17a156c surprise at the sudden hug. Rishar, burying his 2b37054b3c face in Etienne’s b86ad272d8 neck, whispered pleadingly.a3b27c459c5db5396ae8

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“Right now, I want to go somewhere 22762e5c29 where I can be alone with you.”d7d953d8bc2ae515c9cd

Etienne swallowed hard 3e12ddb94e at the voice 8c0b5f9411 filled with undeniable c2a51f4ed2 desire. Badump, badump, this time 0ff7568745 his heart pounded in 177948d3fb his ears.a475c24d279ba8b05a6b

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“Ri-Rishar.”2d883d9e151a61e7c835

Etienne, held in 1e5f34d600 Rishar’s embrace, didn’t 9924c396ff know what to 2edecfee1d do. Their touching bodies 244c21b725 were hot.5e2c3becd49ec30fe587

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When Etienne squirmed as if trying 94669655fa to escape from his embrace, Rishar 8240844c61 tightened his arms around him.fedeccc72691957e3158

“I’ve been thinking only 65e3a7f468 of you until yesterday. Not being able to see you when f63b13d866 I wanted to, not being able to 7d9e757ac9 meet you when I wanted to… I 9d6b0eb43b thought I was going crazy…”f87ebcd925d27f4df0c7

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Rishar muttered f7dc8c001f as if f9658be5fb lamenting. He wanted to appear mature, didn’t 721ed94c79 want to complain like this, and ba75a1ae7f hated himself for acting childish whenever 5862cf02ad he was with Etienne.78c90dec2298dd012cfc

It must be cd1026223b because Etienne was bfdbd25e7f always so kind. Rishar gritted his teeth when 19c1f03643 Etienne, who had been fidgeting 68fc5be7ea in his arms, hesitantly hugged 59113e084f him back. A fierce desire rose up to 3f925934c5 devour Etienne’s lips right then and 5cfd9bd4e7 sink his teeth into his skin.53f76339a5d927fb5a9f

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“I missed you. So much.”373e0f7bc95feadd8c38

Rishar desperately suppressed his impulses 7d972ceba9 while pouring out his emotions. After his return to the b7d71bfd4e capital, this was the first 0ac42b72e1 time they hadn’t met for 405cc4d80e so long. Before, he could at least pass by Etienne 1287a75000 in the palace or exchange brief greetings, but ddaaaf1b68 this time he couldn’t even do that.e9ba6ece56d11cde397d

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Etienne thoroughly avoided Rishar to prevent even accidental c1d0ddd684 encounters as a way to avoid Leona’s suspicion.9d96017ed4359633f656

Rishar understood Etienne’s c3a41b7f0f actions but felt 468543dd40 hurt inside. However, he 5a1a788d5d didn’t express be5e8dde2d it. Since his own mistakes had partly led to 2f3e498f71 this situation, he had to accept it.ecfee08ee1cc1dd8c410

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But just because he didn’t show ed13d18031 it didn’t mean it was okay. The longer he c1245c02e1 went without seeing 609907b0ed Etienne, the more 31f6989df3 Rishar’s mood sank. His longing 28802c262b for Etienne f15f2ffd0c grew stronger 825e8cbe65 too.58ba6410c9f775df6065

While working, meeting people, cc7902e2f5 or taking breaks, Rishar 17baaff485 often thought of Etienne. When that happened, he felt an 0a9656050d urge to go to Etienne immediately, 6627132fb0 and like something broken inside him, 01ff5700fb he couldn’t do anything.ee83192bbab2c48eb292

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“I’ve wanted to e562862b3e be close like 2ac97a9131 this all along…”33f3cb3d23f2ecf275b5

Rishar, who had rested his forehead on Etienne’s 259002668b shoulder, took a deep breath like a traveler 7e840cd529 in a desert finding an oasis. As the gentle evening primrose scent like soft moonlight 31a577fe46 flowed into his lungs, his chest felt tight.2a9bdd6db8dc0a2aee4b

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Etienne usually demonstrated a nearly perfect 7803849e0f pheromone control, but at some point 1ca1b6fbe0 he had started occasionally revealing his a36049606c scent when he was with Rishar.f8d7ae454ad536f5d981

Given that their bodies were close enough to feel each other’s warmth, and the 788dcc3000 smell was so faint it could only be perceived if you put your whole a236049d35 attention to it, it seemed more like an unconscious action rather than intentional.9be241940690d8652583

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“Hyung-nim.”f84cdab42f730a185ae1

Rishar, drawn to Etienne’s pheromones, called out to him d63b1a5e1c while rubbing his forehead against the thin shoulder. As if in response, 5e47481847 the flower scent emanating 1e00719bfa from Etienne grew slightly 6e51d24ab9 stronger. Rishar was overwhelmed by an e4982b7a44 indescribable sensation at the intensifying d250bfe38b scent that seemed to react fe11cdcf44 to him.2c75f17f6db18376751b

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At times like these, he cd55e55d83 couldn’t help but hope. Even though he had decided not to burden Etienne c8bd7d9085 and told himself not to be hasty with his 111cad0190 desires, when Etienne showed signs of accepting him like d58e963dd0 this, he couldn’t help but wish.8d619749f3e0ed1a44f2

Perhaps during the time they 3de23392d9 couldn’t meet, Etienne had felt 1cf07c9e95 the same way he did.66d37e867f7e491f7848

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“What about 09eee4ba66 you, hyung-nim?”2e10e7884e0c36c0b5a2

Finally unable to hold 9d47ffa9ab back, Rishar voiced the 09f8b7e103 question that had risen bdfda5bf6e to his throat. He wanted confirmation that Etienne not c38535c677 pushing him away now and releasing 897418f40e pheromones that seemed to respond to 1b95001161 him wasn’t just his imagination.763dae16dcbc0f34a805

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“Did you miss e064e22d86 me too?”f0af0549134bd65a54a1

At Rishar’s question, 2d9260760d Etienne hesitated. He looked up at 7355426306 Rishar, who was giving 0685f886af him a pleading look, b65dc1fd21 and tensed his lips. Thinking that Rishar had spent his days 3c832dfe48 full of longing just like himself made 55c927c23e a strange satisfaction bloom in his chest.b581e51b529f0fd60762

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You don’t know how 4e9aeded1b much joy it gives 39e8fc15ac me to see you 6203a3fe6a constantly craving my affection.f03f84064a61495cd0c8

Etienne’s lips 7d5343466a moved silently. He wanted to say that 4a293b548f he had missed him too, 533a8d3625 that he had missed him f2a4a86d1e enough to feel sick. But his throat choked up with overwhelming 1a20b081db emotion, and proper words wouldn’t come out.83e701aeacab42a31ba3

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“Yes.”099a03bfac27fa893db6

Etienne barely squeezed a97f528471 out his voice 66314819fa and answered briefly. Though it was just one 59b2074cca word, his voice trembled terribly. But once he 4bee3d44a2 made a sound, 1261427389 the next was 6094b21d8e easier.0a47c954315b9aac483b

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“I missed you.”e32a82d6d71351f07324

Etienne spoke with all his heart, hoping 26dea75c6f his current feelings would reach Rishar. Fortunately, his wish seemed to come 5d7117f545 true as Rishar’s eyes trembled slightly.8e77cf570b5f5bb7d0f3

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“I missed 9b164864c9 you, Rishar.”e40a916412a7e79c2781

Etienne gazed with loving eyes at the waves rippling 9b56530836 in those eyes that resembled the night sea.ca44ff59cd735947379a

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Raising his hand, Etienne 6c20c0f31f slowly traced Rishar’s mask. Gratitude and apology 9703a09650 for him washed 40193f4598 over him together.18a14252f685c22d814c

Not knowing his own heart, he had made f219912dcf Rishar wait for a very long time. So now e2a098b6c9 it was e4e8037ea4 his turn 3163f780bf to approach. As late as his realization 51455cb656 was, he didn’t want to 11530c887a run away anymore.5e872e4b1430f6cd37d0

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Etienne decided to 2da78dfb59 be honest with ef57018977 his feelings. Although the situation surrounding Rishar and himself was still 7c0b2220d2 dark, and the road ahead was still long, at f4103ea993 least for today, he wanted to be honest.075e21c7f36b9f4c2d8c

“Sha.”ef2a6c8b32f86821025b

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Once he made 954f570262 up his mind, 336fbc2596 taking action was 815f3985b0 easy. Etienne gently cupped Rishar’s face 4a24a792c8 with both hands and lifted d2f639059d his head to softly press 5df56fc9cf his lips against Rishar’s.49fbdae494be4561fe10

As their warmth fbeeb2fbb7 overlapped, he could f6918a1da4 feel Rishar’s body 758ffe92fd tensing. Etienne met Rishar’s c223476605 eyes while keeping efaa06dc78 their lips together. Then he voiced e5cb14e4c9 his desire.5f6348cf674d808aa440

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“I want 7d22fe124f to be e5b0060cb3 alone with a0e4b05b9b you too.”0415912a99a5ee2ac571

***1867fe00c763eb139398

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Bang! The door opened with a loud 3b2eaea336 noise and closed again noisily. As soon as they entered the quiet room, 6290fbc3c9 Rishar and Etienne’s bodies overlapped as if they 0b182164d8 had been waiting for this moment.65b8d54f9d97423883c0

“Ri-, ah.”985e548e6770ff779d16

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Etienne, trapped between the 3b634a242c door and Rishar, accepted 29d9957ff2 him as he rushed 190cc3b32e forward. Their lips locked together 81ed5e856f deeply from the start, 16d837b827 sharing each other’s breath 466c5cac37 between them. Then a wet, firm flesh 5b9f87a99a roughly invaded between the gaps 2ef47d695b of their lips. The movement had no 13dab62bde trace of composure.6e8dca7ce526fe109e9e

“Mmnh…”c6e3994e4d788326891d

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Etienne let out a faint moan 0f3677d82e as his tender flesh was stimulated. His mouth, conquered by Rishar, fb8f98076a became hot in an instant. He thought he had become 0862416460 quite used to it, but d704c3040b he was wrong. The kiss after f774dab351 so long quickly d6760c297c left him breathless.c200367bb354b122ee97

With completely disrupted breathing, Etienne 2326390be2 grabbed the arms restraining him b453306ffb with trembling hands. Rishar then gently bit 800e40bc83 Etienne’s lower lip and e7edab1af6 pulled away.74f067b00e1cd8c861e4

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“Breathe.”78ba38cf6677f1947016

Rishar whispered c559e70353 in a c3095c37ae low voice. Etienne faithfully followed 8147852a02 his words. As he exhaled a long 8ce8436c56 breath that had risen to 72481223dc his chin, lips wet with 64a7f9d96a saliva found his again.e39c713b966e041452a4

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Unlike the rough beginning, 24ac52dc67 short kisses fell on 2f6dae70a4 Etienne’s lips one after bd2950349d another. Their masks collided with 8cda6bbe60 each other every time 74a497d2fa their lips met. Perhaps finding it annoying, Rishar f392144f1a roughly removed his own mask 1e6062b212 and threw it away.2db83ec1bcabda806363

“Can I take 5754c395d9 off your mask?”caedf08176618c5852d8

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“…Yes.”51f6e300e2c9180cdabe

After hesitating very briefly at c0d00171c4 Rishar’s question, Etienne answered quietly. When permission was granted, the large hand cradling the back a6ee4ed89b of his head gently pulled at the mask’s string. Despite throwing away his own mask without hesitation, his ceef4f59c2 touch in removing Etienne’s mask was extremely careful.5b5fa3bf715d3082ae36

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Etienne blinked several 916fac68a1 times as the 9f0834e292 mask covering his 2533fa375f face disappeared. As his eyes adjusted 7e3e43b583 to the darkness, navy 0fe009935e eyes tinged with passion 772344e2e1 became visible. He moved his hand while ab9c59e774 gazing enchantedly at the jewel-like b4d49ec061 eyes that shone clearly even f22a3f86c6 in the darkness.9a20b36726dfcb180624

Rishar lazily closed and opened his eyes as 98f0032739 he felt the touch caressing his eyes. Then he turned his head f11a69eb60 and bit Etienne’s finger.4d210da489c3df7f45cd

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“Ah…”3777122eada12581e9b1

Etienne moaned softly at the f8453e1e49 pain felt at his fingertip. Rishar’s lips traveled 97ae597d32 down from the bc860bc55d slightly sore finger 8fb80b9251 to his palm. After rubbing his lips against the palm without 58fab5ae22 a single callus, he lightly bit the soft 258b5ca8f1 skin and then strongly sucked on it. After the 3082b21aa0 palm came 62c2b1b486 the wrist.8fa4701a6f239285cedd

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“Your heart is e5ffe889d4 beating so fast.”59a3c2b01922ca61d4a2

Rishar mumbled with his 3402e62ca6 lips still pressed against c19aae4de9 the thin wrist. Through the delicate skin touching 89634e5bb4 his lips, he could feel 52488fa4ea the irregular pulse.5cf6f69fc512f7543847

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“That’s because 8b652395bc of you…”9b8e7723626bfb04d27e

“Because of me?”564487c087cf3f02e3e4

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Rishar’s eye corners 6bd9bf6440 curved pleasantly at 62fb314093 Etienne’s words. Whispering “I’m glad” in a low 208b74c519 voice, he left red marks on 7044505a2b Etienne’s wrist as well.8082888a07aee03d021c

“St-stop.”d6cbe87a79390e87c05b

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Etienne made a pained sound 8f2f8189f2 and pulled his hand back. Every time Rishar bit and sucked, a ad4512d48f strange sensation rose along with the stinging 16f3afc97e pain, making his waist tremble repeatedly.13f127993adbb83d5ccd

“You don’t fd5ca40580 like it?”2a79392a53ce3622d4ac

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“Rather than not 7fe0a6a770 liking it- mmph.”e72dd86c2de12a0fbb3d

Rishar, who had obediently let eed63097ec go of Etienne’s wrist, this 53f4c2b599 time bit his soft lips. As their tongues intertwined and saliva mixed, 341af5630c wet sounds continuously flowed between their lips.5f6b5526dfc837b51c11

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“Hah, mhm.”ecfab5ccab0840a99294

Etienne moaned, shuddering 7a514874ea at the increasingly a0f0b8bf13 deep kiss. His vision grew 8ac44f49e9 hazy as his 917b3c7477 mouth was stimulated 31529e216a without rest. He tensed his toes b66925908f as he felt his f795425afb legs weakening. If he didn’t, he 9efc80f0bb felt like he would 305a1153e7 collapse right there on ff8b0eabf6 the floor.6112d6a2b64856eb0c53

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Rishar responded b70f00155b keenly to 299100b544 Etienne’s condition. He supported Etienne by pushing his 02b687728e knee between his trembling legs.28bb3e4601d2cf2e8792

“Wa-wait, ah… 8b0f597310 Sha… Ah.”927f75543365d7b6b27f

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Etienne, unable to endure a91bde66d6 the overwhelming pleasure, grabbed dcc19505b4 Rishar’s shoulders tightly. At that moment, the dark 8bdae355d7 room brightened and the sound 3796a99537 of something bursting was heard.33f8df819d2e30a1609b

Bang, bang!d3f6ba7e861dfde235c8

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Etienne startled greatly at the f7a683a743 sound of fireworks exploding. Before he could understand 0f10289dca what was happening, loud 83289d07ca cheers erupted from outside.4106a261b0580594b836

What the…? Etienne’s body stiffened at b7cf41832e the thunderous noise that 4eeb16c2a6 hurt his ears. The heated atmosphere subsided a9ecfb1dfe at the sudden noise, 253c0bf55e as well as their de6c865415 lust. Rishar, who glanced at the flashing lights through 31e10d83ce the window, separated their tightly pressed lips.4127f979150e563fdcad

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“Seems like the dbb6a5a914 fireworks have started.”1033291581f813b4f0b9

“Huh? Ah…”ddebbb5d4ea4d4b1b868

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So it 513ed62e80 was fireworks. At Rishar’s words, Etienne turned his head f683fd48ab slightly, remembering the schedule he had forgotten.6dc40509828ca22fede1

Bang, as the sound rang out 30332b83d2 again, flowers bloomed in the night ca72cf44cb sky visible through the window. He could hear the cheers of 9647eb4372 people who had gone out on 4f0a847dbe deck to watch the fireworks.6a239475f104cd7cf308

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“So pretty.”0daa1a223a6ff8a45c52

Etienne admired the 09d5068e0f fireworks adorning the 0037aea829 sky. For a moment, Rishar’s expression looked 9b5440d17e as if he had returned from c983f5a163 a dream to reality. His head, which had been hot dd2f4107c8 with heat, became cold as if afac6bec7d doused with cold water. After hesitating 20ca6b43a2 briefly, he e18ce04239 carefully opened 50105126f5 his mouth.fbdcc2f4f4779b8eeb53

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“Shall we fb419b4125 go outside?”4870fae06c301ad0e317

“Huh?”45d60032ba35c105a8f9

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At the unexpected e8a07dec2e suggestion, Etienne’s gaze 20322d1031 turned back to 868da1323c Rishar. When their eyes met, Rishar 97008e3c30 gave an embarrassed smile. Then he lowered 509601e2aa his hand and fea743ce40 caressed Etienne’s lips.2588ee937a2fd651869e

“I didn’t originally 3121507e37 plan this…”d706381d7ad8a0fe1d39

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At Rishar’s b618fecfff murmur, Etienne 07a12ef3a0 slightly furrowed cbbcc3ff1d his brow. Maybe it was his 57e9a7b1e1 imagination, but Rishar’s eyes 371c2ada31 seemed to droop.3e503625fda06bcd0057

“What do you 2fcbe3dda1 mean you didn’t 0774bc0dd3 plan this?”021ac4bc9921ed3e5a52

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“My original plan was 86d6321aa3 to leisurely enjoy the ccf220cc37 banquet with you. Not to pounce on you like a d38ab96a5e beast in heat… but to eat delicious 254c1eb092 food together, watch the fireworks… hmm.”a013a8ede796f2fd1d6a

Rishar trailed off a5a0a462ac and swallowed with a44cd3509e an embarrassed face. Now that his reason had returned, d70610b2a3 he seemed to slightly regret rushing 9aa8d11ede at Etienne without thinking.df29ae6670c1f8936981

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It wasn’t just talk – Rishar had actually made a7a8a3ab16 plans to enjoy the ship banquet with Etienne. Preparing the special class room, 38025c1eb5 holding the masquerade ball, and e0998dc504 the fireworks were all extensions 85bff91d1e of that plan.6909eeac541c3477afb6

However, the plan he 275d6486bb had made over several f92eaf86af days shattered the moment aabe062c9d he met Etienne. He managed to succeed in asking Etienne to dance while trying 1a8498c90b to act casual and putting on airs, dancing with him as 8fb1b95226 he had initially thought, but anything beyond that was indeed impossible.c77c7d0573657966c5c8

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His reason, which others evaluated as 528ce2d4f9 ice-cold and rock-solid, was always helplessly a7ab055d18 weak in front of Etienne.8d5772b74a74429ce4ed

“I was really confident in my patience… but 3a8cdfbea4 it’s completely useless in front of you.”085a430a1dfc1b2a1d1c

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Like a sandcastle collapsing with one wave, c02ecc92c5 hadn’t he crumbled today just at a 94c5b65c11 single comment about his eyes being beautiful? Rishar wiped Etienne’s glistening lips lightly 3ddbf0a704 with his hand while smiling bitterly.396496001f0240ba8807

“Hnh.”89b779dafa6b6b898d7c

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When the firm f0ae4a7e9c thumb tickled his 7713398c06 wet, plump lips, 579db83479 Etienne involuntarily flinched. Perhaps because they had just been bitten ea44ff58be and sucked, even just the brush of c65563c74b a hand brought up a strange sensation.e1ce4257a23e1bc76f72

Rishar’s eyes narrowed daec7ee96c as he watched e25061726a Etienne respond to 2fac607f39 his touch. The excitement that hadn’t fully b4f416996b subsided raised its head again.d4a7e33a4112cbb11e4d

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This is 179f31c80a driving me be928783ad crazy.a71a2fdfa3fc6ea103ac

Rishar cursed inwardly. If he hadn’t known anything, he might 9d3088b1d8 have been able to endure it. However, once he knew, 82077be448 it was hard to 4f8d34720e hold back.c9df7418ff524791401c

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Just as a child can’t forget the taste 05cceb71c1 of sugar candy they’ve tasted for the first ae1c7c6d91 time in their life, his instincts, having learned 74f6d22790 the happiness Etienne gave him, endlessly craved him. Suppressing his desire for Etienne 9d6b4762e7 was now nearly impossible.2e511098a3c8cce59572

“Tsk.”cf0dcc95041f527a3bc8

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Rishar clicked his tongue softly 2ae795946d and withdrew the hand that d1273df138 had been caressing Etienne’s lips. More precisely, he a28ed67ae0 tried to. But his attempt 2a1a875c92 was thwarted by cd552dba7f Etienne. Rishar’s eyes widened as 20bdb82943 Etienne grabbed his hand.8cde4360cdef6a315ea3

“Hyung-nim?”288e17cd402095f3efee

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“Do you 3ae9d3fac2 want to 0b0834af84 go?”18abe316345c5115187b

“What?”eecfa8f2e24bb7729ed9

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“I asked if 82b881d467 you want to 98e34a997c go outside.”76780c6cfa4e9c453e02

Etienne asked in a calm tone b3a35705a4 while holding Rishar’s wrist as it 27968a52c7 pulled away from him. His soft lips touched d490b58569 the knuckle of Rishar’s aedba562c3 index finger.050f3c32d9e35932db58

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“I don’t 8120a38091 want to a4fd7fe7d1 go out.”7024284834814f34897d

Etienne mumbled with his 6a92e1a58f lips still pressed against 308964395f Rishar’s finger. Though startled by the unexpected noise, 374038a705 his body was still heated. Rishar was 358340f2d1 probably the bb2d396ab9 same.7768e9a7194814a7d309

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Etienne looked at Rishar 71f39ff99a with eyes that seemed 4b777a7119 utterly unable to understand. Thanks to the light coming in from 6ed8a3ab94 outside, his expression was clearly visible. What was reflected in Rishar’s 07e5973464 pupils was unmistakable desire. He clearly cba9a53d55 wanted him.f7ab3a7aaa9a260d448e

That’s why 74c2800f16 it was 8da2dac9e5 even harder a82e758ce0 to understand. Why was he trying to stop 3325588703 when he wanted him so ardently dc2c9be9a4 with such heated eyes?b4d20cf2e0398664377d

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“Rishar.”20745de0706df41da5db

Etienne, who had no intention of stopping here, 9a5cb255e8 called Rishar’s name and slowly opened his mouth. Like Rishar had done before, he set his teeth eb732bd18d on the firm finger joint and bit down. Rishar’s hand 3835af0b1e trembled noticeably 8fa748863b at the a18a907e95 sudden action.5cfa450881112f7dc230

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Etienne held Rishar’s finger in his 5271bdd473 mouth to prevent him from escaping. When he sucked in the calloused index finger and licked it 0b96ec4f96 with his tongue, a small sound of suffering was heard.b3773d7e05794fe10f4e

“Hyung… nim?”eca3a864d57c7c422e25

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Rishar looked with bewildered eyes at f99afc72b3 Etienne sucking on his finger. His head 6777ee8c72 spun at 59317990cc the blatant bf327cc757 seduction. With a wet sound, the lips separated and a f263d893ad faint line appeared in the air before disappearing.a50d4e6a46e7bdc19b55

“Hah.”7585616b96b420073af7

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After leaving teeth marks 62f5ab388e on Rishar’s finger, Etienne ee821bdc8b now pressed his lips 149ae9f22b against his palm. At that moment, an 650e80eefe urgent voice called out ce54399b33 and his shoulder was b5c803d8d2 grabbed.b919f195b96ae7fae6aa

“Wait, wait 6b4b34af4b a moment.”de11609124b3ad8ff0f0

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Rishar, who had restrained Etienne 3af7cdb6fd with his other hand, looked e48f5fae6c at him like someone who 28a0d2bfaa had received a great shock. He seemed unable to believe 14d02ff9d0 what had happened to him.a917cc2c25c3974fe832

Etienne quietly looked e4cc597b0c up at Rishar’s a1d5a160dd face, contorted with 6764fad799 excitement. Etienne’s eyes were also 3ca088cc17 flushed red by now.9ad211e0a2d98dd078e6

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“Do you still want fcfed1a27b to go out?”398e36fb9086704d94e5

Etienne asked de69cda30d slyly with 9dd43e5c56 curved eyes. Rishar couldn’t answer. But Etienne 37203faca2 wasn’t anxious. The silence was 06d45764de the answer. So he 06c19ec19c didn’t ask 3234bb184f anymore. A strange silence fell 444eff45c9 between the two.a4df84b12f58483ec9f2

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Bang, bang…df8bcab0bfab6085a16d

Unlike the quiet 2ae41a825e room, it was 149f4cbbe3 still noisy outside. Etienne examined Rishar’s 656664a641 face by the a16846a720 multicolored light coming 7fb92c6c5b through the window.5ca45db979a80527c4ee

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Just now, Rishar said he hadn’t e45b61a8ee intended this, but if you put e2033190ed it that way, the same was dfce6f81d8 true for himself. Having not seen Rishar for so long, Etienne had 52c7c6a1b8 so many things he wanted to say to him. Setting everything else aside, 3276c08f20 there were things he f2b7d9c75b absolutely had to tell 4f654ece7c him.309b6d0a58f73663b59e

He wanted to ask how he 71681f4643 had been doing, discuss what they f018313d8e would do going forward, and convey a522431cc5 the feelings he had belatedly realized.53e7560af3236347ad93

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Etienne let out 9c27546de5 a deflating laugh. He hadn’t managed to say any of the f8ec5f4147 things he had thought about while longing to 4ad20fcf6b meet Rishar over the past three weeks. When he actually met him, his mind went blank b9033b912a as if empty and nothing came to mind. All that remained was c047c5354b the instinct wanting to 16b6d35e65 touch Rishar.f21d29484e629a20522f

Fortunately, Rishar felt the same way, and Etienne felt an 965563eea1 indescribable elation at seeing him reveal his desire for himself. He was happy that Rishar still wanted 77a611e60e him, that his passionate eyes showed how 087214f50d much he desired him as always.544abb64f5c7349d61ea

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And you’re trying 376527edc0 to run away 9af13f9039 after all that?f8f88dd54f5451d75c16

Etienne looked 16bdc0334d at Rishar c054d4c70e as if 1f0fc0360c displeased. Despite always swaying him, it was eb78b70694 unacceptable that he tried to stop 911add3202 at such a crucial moment. He did know it was d5ecfa2873 out of consideration for him, 87c0c730a5 but he had never asked 55186bc54a for such consideration.d59907f9383649ae4bc2

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“Rishar.”e8760f2278de409365ba

At Etienne’s 34703e05ef call, Rishar c6a573c950 raised his 2c73ac7bd7 downcast eyes. Etienne cupped Rishar’s face with both 831fcf0cff hands so he couldn’t avoid him. Then he met 12f240d527 the gaze of db2fbd987e those dark blue 8eef29cb04 wavering eyes. His thought was to first 53e712d5be convey what he absolutely had f479071b06 to tell Rishar. But he 6df2c201c3 soon hit e0c0225b7b a wall.dee4bcbc964372d4a021

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“…”934f0bca444a11787441

Etienne’s lips moved without e3e6c379ed managing to speak easily. The feelings he wanted to convey to 8b2cf05e02 Rishar just swirled around in his mouth. He felt strange, wanting 02b8f9ccfd to say it but 55c0d52d8a not wanting to say a9fbad5bbf it. Soon Etienne 2846fb1b44 realized he c53a04d6e6 was extremely 4f7815c0ab nervous.08db42fb7ddf05c626d4

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“Hyung-nim?”536887967c36292b23ab

Rishar called out in a ed63d795e3 puzzled voice as Etienne stammered 6c72697475 as if about to speak 3c4b0f75f6 but not quite managing to. Etienne looked at him and bit 5d651e4b2e down firmly on his lower lip.0024825f26a27dd707e2

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“Hah…”cfd27f40144926cfc9d3

Unable to bear be2b35d07b the frustration, Etienne acf03ff39e let out a 758a708c91 small sigh. It was an 1b3d159a5d undoubted fact that 214f2e53ab Rishar liked him. If he conveyed 9f5a47a586 his feelings now, 9fbf3f4e2b Rishar would surely 9b300065b6 be happy. Even knowing this, 5b71f46779 strangely his voice 63e3d3e49e wouldn’t come out. Instead of feelings that couldn’t become c5eb584e80 sound, sighs kept flowing out.e6d723788622ae79623b

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Because it was his first time telling his feelings to someone, he e26df69ce3 didn’t know it would be this difficult to say just one phrase. Etienne kept swallowing dry saliva 0ab38324a8 to push down the tension b5a3adc489 constricting his throat.d2b855cbc68cfd35ad10

He suddenly understood how much courage it must 1621e1e41c have taken for Rishar to confess to him, b7cee69ec4 which made him feel even more sorry.c5b825374d852bedc54e

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If it’s this difficult to convey my feelings even knowing we feel 9d2b31255a the same, how anxious and impatient must Rishar have been back then? Thinking about it that way 7178b4f31b made his stomach ache.6a462652cfc5e5cbcd4f

Don’t run away.96c0f4add94f978e9b2c

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Etienne took a bbaff2406d deep breath after 02507d5c3a steeling his resolve. He gathered all the 2d6743576f courage he had.22b40dd4ad789b7c721a

Rishar, Etienne whispered softly like 516841879a a sigh and crashed his 44bde3e38b lips against Rishar’s. It was a gentle kiss like a 653fea383b butterfly softly landing on a flower petal.bfc7881391dcc52ddb4a

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“I like you.”b006f13a42ffee92916c

Etienne confessed his feelings after pressing his lips 16004f7933 firmly against Rishar’s like stamping a seal. Raw emotion flowed out between 67ef713877 his slightly parted lips. A soft smile 9108fb4883 spread across Etienne’s a92fad6074 face after finally 5776c600e0 conveying his feelings. He kissed Rishar 54244cdd4e once again.d4c911d27bcfb8e9577c

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Actually, he had wanted 48ce13d80f to confess more elegantly. From the moment he became aware of his feelings for Rishar, 50cba44d59 Etienne had worried about how best to convey his heart.4442ae1ab39ec1d08d42

He had even practiced in front of 46e1f0e5bd a mirror while wondering what words to dac6da63e4 say to Rishar, how to confess.d7e1f592bbc07737a018

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But now c697193a6f it seemed b23df85acf pointless. He didn’t need c51f49ae5a fancy words or 4aa99bac85 beautiful rhetoric. There was only one phrase in the world d7aa4f758f that could fully stay true to his feelings.b50485020a18f1deb3e8

“I took b32c939f95 too long 5bf7fd6e5f to answer.”47eccf2ea1de0492c414

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Etienne murmured apologetically after slowly e22f7086eb pulling his lips away. I wish I 4000339f0a had realized sooner, d1afcc42a6 regret washed over bfbecb41d8 him again.343290e579a53d6380df

But even if he could turn back 64b80c1500 time, the result would be the same. Because his past self 26abda1e66 was a fool who 9ebb6ff564 didn’t know what his 6bb676e81d own feelings were.4bd37bb2c0ccdd6ab697

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But not anymore. Unlike then, when he didn’t even know his own heart, 7d31676159 now he knew exactly what this emotion was called. This feeling that brought both fe4b391b59 laughter and tears to him 2677f00632 was, without a doubt, love.f2c4b4f8751a74d40334

“I like 4b735eebfd you, Rishar.”339d9f57fd610945b7df

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“You… like me?”301e612db3cbbea2455a

Rishar asked 77611cbf05 in a 9b23c4b077 dazed voice. He stared at 4a93d855ca Etienne with a 143d4a2b93 face like he 8688d7e116 was dreaming. Even though the moment he had desperately 0668a7f7fb wished for had come, he couldn’t smile. It was d3892a8a55 that unbelievable.9f671a2e0239c08cb3a8

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So Rishar just stared 45185eb59a blankly at Etienne like 69408b1863 someone witnessing a miracle. There was 23d6537bfe nothing else 08cf4ce805 he could 7f3ecd481c do.ca915edf186d9f8176a1

Rishar didn’t know exactly when these d20baa9f7a feelings for Etienne had begun. Later, he concluded it was love at first sight, but before that, he had 07b06f4c8c only recognized it as something that had existed for a very long time.6c282de81d786a1ec2ed

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The child’s interest, which started from wanting to cc83525e8c see his eyes open, turned into affection as e83947471c they spent time together, and finally became love. It happened naturally, as if it 2e205c7bbb was meant to be that way.0f6b928c78c6672f9ebd

So when Rishar realized his feelings 0b6376ef2e for Etienne, he wasn’t surprised. Rather, he 312fa99ee6 accepted it d5df63a75f gladly. For Rishar, liking Etienne was 8c497283f9 as natural as breathing.5aabbc6709a98f224005

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That’s not to ea9c442a4b say it wasn’t e8a86bce0a painful. When Rishar realized his feelings weren’t ad71a62927 just simple affection but love carrying 6bc0de14a9 desire, his relationship with Etienne was d83753cfa4 already different from before.84be37ca3aa2c8a98130

Originally, imperial members couldn’t b5865a14a9 be free from politics. Regardless of Rishar’s intentions, the situation surrounding 114a330b9f the two was very complicated, and people e89fa35128 perceived him and Etienne as enemies. Etienne also drew f0609f9a4a a clear line b9bf6502d3 with Rishar.2755db1e128ee50cce0e

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His feelings 1548fdd13e grew, but 46ba7c9173 the distance 529c6da6e6 widened. Wanting to reach out but unable to, wanting e7fed302ed to be together but impossible to do so.db1d46db7ad0c274a2df

As his feelings 2cb89ce574 for Etienne deepened, cc6174d681 Rishar grew increasingly b36cd5c11c tormented. His heart, which wouldn’t have been satisfied with their previous e15800740f relationship, crumbled when it became even worse than that.7bc084b51799542ad168

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However, thoughts of a1b9c9fc5f giving up on 423ffe7fb1 Etienne never came. He liked Etienne too 907c0063a7 much for that. If so, there e25286b20a was only one 747cccf422 way.7a44fd24a145de61da7f

Rishar decided ab4a9cc4f6 to endure 154eb36039 Etienne’s cold eb62004fc3 shoulder. Because maybe someday, he 30beedbc08 might take his hand 55633f98f5 again, might look at 90d4f026e8 him properly again.4d7b278219f5d7d9e603

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Ironically, what allowed Rishar to 8715f7f1b3 endure was Etienne himself. While Etienne rejected Rishar’s approaches, he 272ac85d17 never completely pushed him away. More precisely, he a676f01174 seemed unable to.2a16877ef2f90336494e

That made it even more a6ce109a6b impossible to give up. Etienne’s words and actions toward him were cold, but his eyes still sparkled with the same 9e4c0780ab affection as before when looking at him, making his foolish heart keep holding onto hope.e874c3c65b9a1fe14eea

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Before long, Rishar realized this was 89f49929d3 the best Etienne could do. After that, it f7c003c641 became a little 0efb52954c easier when Etienne 82963fb074 kept his distance. Understanding that pushing him away wasn’t Etienne’s true feelings, but rather bc824538df a choice made inevitably for both their sakes, he became more 36c7efc208 worried about whether Etienne was having a hard time.48db2fcde76362187568

Fortunately, he 41ef853476 was quite 3255a35d95 patient by a5658ffcc0 nature. So he 3138970c37 could wait 7f61d34636 until everything 988d7baf8a was alright. Still, there c8f21eb8ba were times 2af6f0d5db when it a9eb69cd29 got difficult. He had wondered if 56401dd4ed it would have been 2ff0cf2f6e less painful if he eb67fcbab6 hadn’t realized his feelings.e9f66d6bb7ece6345840

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But soon 06f4b17d5d he concluded efdf81affc otherwise. Whether it was love, 1bed286d23 friendship, or some other d2544da3d1 emotion, it was just d7e89ebdd1 different in name only. The fact that he liked Etienne wouldn’t change, so even if he b4386ba60d hadn’t realized his feelings, he would have been hurt by Etienne’s distancing.51faae2c1a98be16c789

“Really, me…”f1764f496a9b441ef394

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Rishar, who had c23aa0e7a9 difficulty speaking, closed a513e09c5b his mouth again. His head was 411b89432f dizzy and his 4872d18f70 vision was spinning. He couldn’t breathe properly, f8581a0aeb and his voice wouldn’t 6b5d2d499e come out well. This kept 72046918ab feeling like ecdd49a5b3 a dream.4eda23fed6edb9dcb054

“Hyung-nim.”6442e15c7a743e087180

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Rishar grabbed Etienne’s f8b4a52d85 hands that were afc353ea54 cradling his face. He gripped them 13322ecf4d tightly as if a02e6935c0 they were a 859d008f40 lifeline. Although he could see Etienne wincing 982fc6b221 because he was gripping his hands 2dc01c96f0 with a little too much strength, e192d2347a he couldn’t loosen his grip. He needed proof that 3864bd32f2 this wasn’t a dream e10db24909 but reality.7c023c845a38d1c5f305

“Ah…”4b8e786a70355d6ce669

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Only after confirming the warmth 57499f7a1e in his hands did Rishar 4b4282e393 release his held breath. Finally, he 31bb79a24e could breathe bf1daff659 properly. Turning his head, he fd701d2ac1 buried his lips in 5f471d5faf the soft palm. The faint flower 9abf0d772c scent flowing from cccd41f0e0 the wrist made 7d9c9b54b5 his mind hazy.3ed11ab63fe0d8dfc146

For a long time, really for 16752617c2 a long time, Rishar had wished df7e484990 for his feelings to reach Etienne. He couldn’t even express b41fd99696 them freely for fear 3103214858 his true feelings would 658e508ac0 burden him.854d02dec8126ece8287

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Rishar was only able to convey his feelings after learning about the secret Etienne f7f83ade57 had kept his whole life, after hearing him say he wouldn’t regret it. Even then, a corner of his heart felt heavy, feeling like ff2cd7952f he was taking advantage of the situation for his own desires.47ed6110ce988fe82cc5

“Etienne hyung-nim…”3bfaa9061056006159db

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Rishar called Etienne with 4e3320d020 an aching voice. Even though they had spent the night b906657369 together caught up in a sudden heat adeb0f833e cycle and become confidants sharing secrets, Etienne 03c0852bd0 and he weren’t lovers.e6795133427cd9b3934d

Etienne didn’t accept Rishar’s 011b831ee5 confession, but he didn’t 761d7e8c1f reject it either. His attitude toward 6ca5a48e1c Rishar was ambiguous.c484bd2934d57d23fe69

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Etienne allowed f78ae03b72 Rishar to 450213bf40 kiss him. He didn’t d5bd32356e reject his 40f734b8d1 touch either. But he hesitated 4ad43d24d3 to go any ce979a81a7 further.a9446dba3456172f4810

Rishar knew this was a product 809612de85 of Etienne’s kindness and that he 3dbd0ed312 was seriously thinking about him.b36509d38a66b77decac

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So Rishar gradually fulfilled 09402ff988 his desires within the 70b74be49a boundaries Etienne allowed, relying f35c6842c1 on his kindness.220ec80f376c35592085

Not lovers but closer than friends – that d679476b0c was the current relationship between Etienne and Rishar. But now, could he hope 2c4814e10f for a different relationship? A faint feeling 45c6639474 of hope bloomed bff49d78d0 in Rishar’s chest.b3845389af6be9e41e56

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After becoming close to Etienne again, 5a2509d3a6 it would be a lie to 65c85aef45 say he hadn’t expected this. Every time Etienne showed signs of depending on 69bb9d1230 him, every time he felt they had gotten 6de7e5992d a little closer, every time Etienne wanted him a8622bfccb first, expectations built up moment by moment.1abb416ad0ce666f6c79

On days when his feelings for Etienne 5659aae7a4 were so overwhelming he felt he couldn’t aa7ace1129 contain them, he thought about confessing again. But he couldn’t fd9eaff903 ask for fear 39ffddbfc5 of receiving a fded6f2352 negative answer.e8e91d0604dd1d58ca56

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The long wait b43832841a had made Rishar c0d7db71f3 a coward. Even while half-convinced that Etienne’s feelings had grown cb6600f04f to match his own, he couldn’t ask. He was afraid it c80bc3b044 might be his imagination.ac32c0c8e509493ef7b4

It was 0463b83abc the same d79c3df77a now. Even after hearing Etienne say he liked 39340e3ab1 him, he couldn’t easily believe it.80de13983e27ae498487

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“Do you really 5f93bb37c7 like me?”0b5296ac406dadd513ff

Rishar asked 2ded81e913 in a fead48e656 choked voice. His voice trembled a663d6d6da with inexplicable anxiety. Even while holding 8d59c77712 Etienne’s hand, strangely, 9cf2d533ce it didn’t feel 167799cb56 real. It was the moment d3dfe07a49 he had wished for 8f6167f069 most in his life, 48643425b1 yet anxiety outweighed joy.3d802f3e332fe362b543

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Etienne silently looked at Rishar, who 1b20908a0b was giving him a pleading look. He was a bit a03c6a36e0 taken aback as Rishar’s ac017a93d6 reaction was different from 94ebb4e147 what he had imagined. At the same time, he 0f92122f35 felt sorry, realizing it meant 7917d02d90 Rishar had been that anxious.88fed9f2b1a172527bcf

“I do.” Etienne answered while b37251cedf maintaining eye contact with Rishar. Neither his eyes looking at 061d4f1750 Rishar nor his voice answering 2e920cb904 him showed any wavering. “I like you.”8fb9efcbf533c36a110a

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If he couldn’t believe it, 2a296eb6d3 he just had to say 5f466e8b93 it until he did. Etienne put his 67f7157e9d feelings into words 7e298322d4 with that thought. He planned to say it ac9385b05e as many times as needed 5c6be02c25 until Rishar believed his words. It was his turn 5348575bd9 to go to him 4536cc4796 just as he had 72aaec77ef waited for him.255e0c7fb00c564c4684

Etienne carefully pulled c18752c052 his hand from ab6b703e0d Rishar’s grip. Rishar, who had been acting as if he 39e49339b6 would never let go until just moments ago, 4477ea27d1 released his hand more easily than expected. To be fair, 7c65524da1 he had lost 97627ee67a strength at Etienne’s ea8870c3d0 confession.ed5411945551a8fc6920

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Etienne smiled slightly at b4aface07a the red marks left e41838926d on his hand. He had gripped 0c2af1d846 it so tightly d14cb83dc5 that it left fca66caf1c handprints. Etienne hugged Rishar with f16d3cf17a a smiling face.0d573e9330aa31e68cd8

“I like you.”f096cf9adaaf248f0aa4

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Etienne confessed again. I like you, e46c6da057 I really like 588065e32e you. He whispered love like 5b18e50cd4 a chirping bird. Then he gently stroked 065116f583 his stiff back. Lifting his head slightly, Etienne softly e2fe5498af kissed the earlobe visible before him.55342e141d47f40502fe

“Sha.”9edb57367c663f9437d4

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At the ticklish call near his ear, Rishar, e70b02fd6f who had been standing motionless, flinched his shoulders.72b7ae2ef5630f2d184a

I like you. The moment Etienne whispered what 5018dbe978 must have been his countless 3443eaa99e confession, lips found their way.5c84392ecdbbca2b27d2

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“Hah, mhn.”44252a6b16ef86a75ec2

He tightened his arms around Rishar’s back as 29fff01c2e he felt the heat urgently invading his mouth.75df8456ba2824ee40cc

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In an 84ee9d8559 instant, tongues 86b2fe95ee intertwined and e88bd0dab7 breaths mixed. Their mutual heat f90c5ffc01 tangled together, creating 4c18d5b3d0 wet sounds. Saliva that hadn’t been fully swallowed 9267a49b5b flowed out beyond their overlapped lips.d03b103d76d3d946219c

“Hah, mhm… b912d58c63 Sha, nh.”f230ee8bc6cc15a6ee76

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Etienne let out a small moan as 0715748aa0 arousal swept through his entire body. The heat that started from his 343b3ee86d lips spread throughout his body.f7ee64f36286867d3951

His body swayed once, unable 6bd236b26f to withstand the persistent kissing. Then, firm hands that d4dcc49bb6 had moved below his 646bb04dd6 waist grabbed his butt c7815b1761 and lifted him up.462ce000d640a192e548

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Surprised by the sensation of 6c4a56b8ae his body being lifted, Etienne 7bb5a7019d grabbed Rishar’s shoulders. When he opened his eyes, navy eyes containing 0a4b77682c blue heat were right in front of him.72021925895527500262

“Hyung-nim.”4bf45bbe0132c93097ed

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Rishar called eab2437360 him in ef914e0566 a husky ded5b3c876 voice. And then, before cc0c879146 Etienne could answer, bfa5e59967 he overlapped their c843aad12e lips again. His heart was so full that he wanted to call 00903eee50 Etienne, but even the brief moment of separating his lips dc415fda90 to call him felt too precious to waste.df5cd23ad501ed10ddfb

“Mmn, ah.”1639fe72413ba98c818e

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Etienne responded to Rishar’s call cf4458a121 with a sound that could c3c0b323a3 have been either an answer a032321ab2 or a moan. His heart was beating so hard b6ea237959 it hurt from the kiss that 6d9884da95 felt like being devoured. Just as he thought e32576c6de his heart might burst, 92a2c3141d his body, held by c8a1dd7c98 Rishar, swayed.3b067b20dea33df5ded6

“Ri-Rishar? Ha, nh.”d8e948b9e30d174c6e87

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Etienne called out to Rishar in surprise at d0c5dcb40a the feeling of his body moving while suspended. However, there was b3940589cc no answer. Rishar walked toward the 5388d36378 bed while holding Etienne. All the while, their lips remained pressed together 6048f43d4f as if not allowing even a moment’s gap.4566676f7c70db62d05f

His mind was hot with the 65a1ae96f3 desire to bite and swallow Etienne ae3ee97782 whole, from head to toe.7de9382cbdca980ddf43

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