HTTRPIAO Ch 120-124

“Sha…?”94c3363eab0166a4e54d

At the familiar voice, Etienne reflexively turned his df58e7072e head, and his face filled with joy.64127d5c55cd42e7afc5

For a moment, Etienne almost called 6222f5bcf4 out ‘Rishar,’ but he quickly caught 65b6550e91 himself and used the nickname instead. There would be no problem 5ba25339af calling Rishar ‘Sha,’ as he 51b4909b48 was the only one who 6ade9f677e used that nickname.3c6498e437163494698d

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“It’s been 25ad55c015 a while.”8badd9a5069ee3d05fcd

Rishar’s eyes crinkled when Etienne b154e10067 called him by his nickname. Etienne blankly stared at how a13fb2482e his lips curved up gracefully b154dcc18a beneath the mask. Then, realizing he had been staring at him in 3222bfc5f2 a daze, he let out a small cough.5463b8f4608f61fb3e42

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“It’s been d002bfacf6 a while.”ae971b9896f446a09e40

Responding to b147430eb1 Rishar’s greeting, 7330b577a8 Etienne subtly 91e3e70575 glanced around. Like himself, Rishar was b03ad7618b dressed in a different 0df913ed87 style than usual.8dc79ed3d4c9d6e3e829

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However, his unique aura couldn’t be hidden, and even with his c16b3eadf2 bangs down and more than half his face covered by a c798c08eae mask, it was obvious at first glance that it was Rishar.7b3e62df58e95a2bb851

As expected, as soon as 19d12cc257 Rishar appeared, people around them c43333c715 began to stir and steal 43288ee425 glances in their direction.b1751155b799891109f8

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Naturally, some of those 3f18d04924 glances fell on Etienne, 86ef6ce1b1 who was talking with 365cee08b7 him.83ec40c4e9738f250f3a

“Have you 86b09d4e2d been well?”0330547625cb88fb6be6

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Rishar acted as if he bb976c5282 was used to the attention 6caa69474f he was receiving, seemingly unbothered. Perhaps he 0440218ded didn’t mind 079e37ee21 being recognized.a282cce18e484a609f99

It was considered impolite to act as if you 4a7a3b4fff knew someone at a masquerade ball, and he knew 07ab1264b1 that once the party was in full swing, people d409cda5eb would be too preoccupied to pay attention to others. Even if that a843a18a23 wasn’t the case, 83c871af18 he was always d7f272b1c8 confident.11ac59daa1c6e1fc0d1f

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However, the glances directed at Etienne seemed f0521124c1 to bother him, as he slightly turned b1b1486d8c his body to shield him, effectively trapping ec50b9ce89 him between himself and the wall. Etienne’s eyes trembled slightly 7db1736dd5 as he found himself 53344fbcfd suddenly trapped between Rishar 23351f6af5 and the wall.005f639739bf7a9fbe77

“Yeah, well… how a18815d587 about you?”390261f2956940beb752

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“I’ve been well. I’ve been 9a23855666 a bit 56b4843110 busy though.”de4e77118f6c35e020e6

Rishar casually replied as 87553de0d9 he reached to the 0535a041a4 side and grabbed a ab43970f41 glass. Then he lightly clinked a4f827c409 his glass against Etienne’s.fec78e1b7c3bed58b51c

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Clink, at the sound of a03235488d glass touching glass, Etienne’s fingers 7d08e2e63d tightened around his glass.638e1e6bbb038670c9f3

“Come to think dadf415c43 of it, what 0e889b6e6b should I call 101a6f2172 you here? Would everyone figure 579174c969 it out if 4bca6235a3 I called you 583334120d ‘hyung-nim’ like usual?”10cc57ea5ed886f09444

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Rishar leaned closer 650b392037 to Etienne and bf2730a9a5 asked in almost 0696386542 a whisper. Etienne’s round shoulders tensed as Rishar got close bee84587b5 enough for his breath to touch him.33f2817ce4268a3fe650

Etienne tried not to focus d9259cb11e on Rishar’s lips right in 6d8e724f6b front of him as he ff08b4c95d managed to speak.7a49ed411130249c9b0c

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“Just call dee6dd973c me hyung-nim.”22b1f2fc9569e91469e3

“If that’s 5ad8d3ad7e what you 0b9cf822dc prefer.”218b623cfab5f8fd87c6

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With a grin, Rishar brought 30f759e43a the glass to his lips. Etienne watched his Adam’s apple move and 00f723f7d3 then bit his lower lip hard. Once again, he felt a thirst 28b822908f as if his throat was burning.9037810a4c065b9e3583

“But it’s a 29186ac8fb bit disappointing.”2f5b888a5eab16ec99bf

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“…What is?”27491009a159ddf51712

“It’s been so long since b05bcb0d06 I’ve called you ‘Etty’.”2695f89ce18f946ef823

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Etty. Etienne froze at the be6b86b1f7 nickname Rishar said. It was the nickname 017d23ec26 Rishar used to call 2ef891b5c9 Etienne in their younger 084cae55c2 days. Of course, since Etienne hadn’t baea01cf1b allowed Rishar to call him d1438a8564 by a nickname, he could e03dd08625 only use it very occasionally.941ffd08be3964e36ce3

Etienne bit his lip 0679ee0a04 at the nickname that dd24559768 brought back nostalgic memories. In the past, he would have 30286409cf scolded him for talking nonsense, but 4d29ce5890 now those words wouldn’t come. Rather, he felt 93dd49c7f6 a desire to 00615356a1 have Rishar call aa4e81994e him that.c34be23dbbac07338d7d

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Finally unable to resist the 3347a365a6 impulse, Etienne gave his permission.4ba3b3e965ca38b76044

“You can.”51319c023be22a390d27

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“Eh?”c4cd6b7a83018bcf9d52

“…I said f3f419bb56 you can 9783941fd9 call me 4d87921e6f Etty.”66c428893f9cd04c7836

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Rishar’s eyes widened at 8e82bd85fa the unexpected permission. Etienne shyly e56056051b avoided his 1d12e1e318 gaze, showing 7c2bb100f3 his embarrassment. Even though Rishar’s expression was hidden behind df1a6469d9 the mask, Etienne could feel his surprise.eb8203c6931e9e51fd60

“Really? I really can?”1322b585d4d0b3b5e04a

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Rishar asked b04e3e9f15 in a c33ab23765 surprised voice. He seemed unable to believe 1e80a53a84 what he had heard. Growing even more embarrassed, 7ebb9e4c1d Etienne responded curtly.0944f5c9a3a111d1acf0

“Don’t if you 90ee995bce don’t want to.”8b9de95b1a73d961e342

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“How could 1f107202dd I not 36f9b1ad01 want to? I’m so happy.”cb7f94be2ace81955023

Rishar quickly responded, worried that 67d08eea48 Etienne might change his mind. A shy, affectionate voice ea1db2feb1 flowed from between his f81fbe91c1 prettily curved lips.9836785c4dd352b65002

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“Etty.”f63c97717c17a5bc3bf1

The moment that tender voice wrapped around his ear, his 7868230f16 heart thumped heavily, and a tingling sensation spread through him. Etienne unconsciously a9b2ce2c4d tensed his 1b796d0731 toes.14fd6d176efc367a5e55

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“Hyung-nim.”b34c9c91bd62af67e361

Rishar leaned even closer to Etienne and called 9dde1a9dc6 out to him in a low voice. His soft lips brushed 915af96265 against Etienne’s earlobe.b6dd8b67b45418284aeb

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“Etty hyung-nim.”fb25021a2858b7654500

“Nhg.”fd20f4693428ef7d1841

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One of Etienne’s shoulders hunched up 99c46cc737 as it made him feel ticklish. He almost made 160b249338 a strange sound. His ear, where Rishar’s voice and 7e777d681e breath had touched, instantly became hot. His cheeks felt burning hot aad1d3b236 as if on fire.bf9abd9ffa0215689947

“It tickles.”f09141afc13e8f7bf70d

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Etienne made up 571cf4f3c8 an excuse as ab9f1e3d92 he gently pushed c6219947b8 Rishar away. His heart was 6132798950 beating too hard, 5df470a8df which was troublesome. He took a sip of his 7c3174bba6 drink to hide his agitation. He was 219d43ead1 thankful for 82c4e9de5a wearing a 6456c48fc1 mask. His face 3a8a01b011 was undoubtedly 01a894c742 red right 8122d4a998 now.fe4ebb396e2c844ff9ed

Haah…ff1160500224c38e01ab

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“Ah, it’s 3b9358b5a8 time for 2a649ab05b departure.”2e76bcda567aa21b75c2

At the sound of the f0ea09bf7c ship’s horn signaling departure, Rishar’s 30fa870c6f gaze briefly left Etienne. After quickly scanning their 11168729f5 surroundings, he looked back db0bdec136 at Etienne.0021622dba3a82bb1f67

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“If you start feeling seasick at any 703130c146 point, please tell me right away.”2e7856dc37efc5916d55

“It’s fine. I took some pills e6d87dcc93 before coming here.”9888949aa284a1ff8271

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Etienne answered as e9dccea6d8 if telling him fd906da776 not to worry. Rishar’s eyes hardened slightly 1dd3aa5756 as he gave a 5a12ec6bdd small reprimand.ce20b5827f03ed641146

“How could you drink cf625b3733 alcohol after taking pills 58b92602b8 for the motion sickness?”330ce2e4086038df6792

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“I didn’t 384aa92f74 drink much…”db97534b9bbdcd4f5c74

Etienne’s voice became smaller b2189b46a6 at the unexpected scolding. At Etienne’s 379b4eb7d1 words, Rishar 2bb5ed63c4 reached out 7bae542f1b his hand.c0c266898e3803dfbb36

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“Your face is quite red for d60b47fb08 someone who hasn’t drunk much.”bac460f741282a9a5bc0

Rishar’s fingers touched d7d5fbc909 Etienne’s cheek visible 0904d28345 beneath the mask. Etienne stiffened as a5b3d4a970 the cool fingertips 725ddb1af5 brushed against his 23afb92d4a flushed cheeks. In the past, this surely wouldn’t fbc041ba67 have affected him, but now even 4a652094ed such small contact made him conscious.d5a9a77406c72974f92d

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“This much 97afef1bf9 won’t make c11197898b me drunk.”c03fbfbd90abf262fb16

Etienne meekly protested while trying a410f9596b not to show that he 226a487991 was conscious of Rishar.cec65152847a270c6742

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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 ad277004f2 to be around, but after becoming aware of his feelings, Rishar became the most difficult person in the world. Etienne tried to ignore the bc15f2f189 fingers brushing against his mouth 92eeb48fd5 as he changed the subject.bef76a34cd774b028d89

“Don’t you 01f83f593c need to 7eb7cedb16 greet people?”29d901978b14fa9520f1

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“Hm? There’s no need, 9d77cbfedf this is a 319f17ce43 masquerade ball after 1404731533 all. If I were to 8362548ca5 greet people, it would fed9adf933 be like revealing my 8244c793d0 identity.”f937951ad5d765587af6

“I think they’ve already figured 852683e3a1 it out though… They keep 4efc9f4321 peeking this way, wondering if 8dcc885759 it’s really you.”f2c604db3c4fa7d6b566

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Etienne rolled his 4906c9855b eyes to look d5878e429c around. Though less than before, there 478e4a02e8 were still people stealing glances d01809c078 at Rishar and himself. There were also those who seemed cfd3996166 to want to approach and talk b8001a9da3 to Rishar, hovering around nearby.525ad50b766531c14acf

Whether they recognized Rishar or 9035cf4d2f not, there was no doubt 85c9651949 that they found him attractive.b2168b622cf9dcf723c6

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“You’re popular.”57eda1bd09641077be44

Etienne’s lips pursed as 781f1e92c4 he noticed the people 545f71c165 showing interest in Rishar. It wasn’t anything new that Rishar 39f6237faa was popular, but somehow it made 66b92e7ba3 his mood sink a little.4a4413e8b6b39a7d805b

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“Me?”4056d9c5e61b50973b28

“Yeah. Everyone’s looking 5ae10c0857 at you.”a5a8fb6f66653f1f8542

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Etienne answered acfb61bf1c with a 328052f50a sullen expression. Although it wasn’t Rishar’s fault, his 11fa488dca voice kept coming out grumpy.e5b772b46ae67e2cbe45

“Have you not considered 25302d3afe that they might be 8dc05c542b looking at you instead 9de4dc927d of me?”cbfa0780ffc7f3d428fc

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“Me? No way.”7e01f24a956d0aaf1e04

Etienne responded as if 6d8082e5a4 he’d heard something ridiculous. Rishar’s eyes 3dd80986ef narrowed at 17dc241849 this. Every time Etienne showed this 6872681596 lack of self-confidence, it made a90a10a2ec him feel sorry.ebf9f2b29d6c13e56dd7

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How could he not 430fbfe5e6 see how brightly he 23a1309891 shone even when just 1cbe82b0de standing still?c0a02de10bb1bb43c4a6

Rishar smiled bitterly c187f95d4a as he gently 7f046c10a0 caressed Etienne’s cheek. He was pleased 878cb9bed0 by how Etienne cad86349ab flinched at his 9895f688c4 touch.a40041453cc23c67bd31

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In contrast, the multiple pheromones 64d649ca49 trying to reach Etienne since 95a154c934 earlier were severely irritating. Rishar released his own e211b89440 pheromones to push away 7e8a7f0973 the ones circling around 0412b29da0 him and Etienne.02d142054951b04e042a

“You don’t know how f558fbaeec much your popularity has 14e11f3391 increased recently, do you?”92403d9be71f7ad06415

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Rishar asked deliberately in bb4625e146 a light tone. He had been aware of 73318dcbd4 the gazes and pheromones of 8ac2b20072 those who had been stealing 9a2a9b4d1f glances at Etienne since earlier.f65a97b33add50d40074

In fact, Rishar had been waiting 09f616d9cd for Etienne in the central hall e7424bf50f since before their appointed time. And even after Etienne arrived, he didn’t bca14b94a8 immediately approach him but watched from afar. He wanted to c4d9ecc339 give him time 1b16e52c9b to enjoy the 740d4563ee party alone.c1fdf362a6871925f48e

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But eventually, he had to b027e3b839 speak to Etienne earlier than d6e304e6e2 their appointed time. Although Etienne hadn’t noticed at all, quite a few people 203ca9b396 had shown interest in him since he entered the hall. It became more obvious 038c32c716 when Etienne settled alone 8b1b8e101e in a corner with 2b888f1ade a drink.0d2c6e5da48015bc8a06

That’s why Rishar couldn’t 3c968998ea hold back anymore. He needed to block 1ab94be53d any unnecessary insects before 76cd1002eb they could approach Etienne.ec303ab7e7636a3d0cd5

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“Popularity? They probably just realized I’m not as much 94666d371f of a rogue as the rumors say.”17b82b345be04436c13c

Etienne immediately 930e6b0da9 denied Rishar’s fda1d42ab5 words. Actually, he did think his image bb7e224a24 had improved quite a bit. But he couldn’t agree with the 99200b1bc6 claim that his popularity had increased. There were occasional odd 7707561510 ones like Theodore, but ca92febeaf those were extremely rare 6752fa1f9d cases.32c45f836678813ae958

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“Hmm.”d7c21f964457cd3871fc

Rishar let out a small hum 4c420c9193 as he looked at Etienne. He felt conflicting emotions about whether to tell him the truth 4e38b88571 to help restore his self-esteem, or keep it to himself.c2017d0dcc17521cc7d2

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Come to think of it, didn’t he say af3b3cb688 he took medicine to numb his sense of fe4f729bd7 smell whenever he came to these parties? If that had 1b01146427 been the case 7eb60ed618 every time, it 7d2af10f97 was understandable. He wouldn’t have been able f2e0d62665 to properly perceive others’ pheromones.8c715d79469024c9cbfc

Rishar’s eyes 9dd73a7f3b slightly furrowed. He disliked both that Etienne was taking 8f12b47f50 drugs that harmed his body and that ee41da8b6e he couldn’t sense and reject the pheromones 60485726bf of those who desired him.e22fa9feae4081947232

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“Anyway, don’t 508469a7b0 worry about 6a3fa8ab41 other people. They’ll be too busy enjoying the 1add5cedab party to remember my presence soon.”30843fd7f19b053dd849

No sooner had Rishar finished speaking 49ec5b82f3 than the inner doors of the b40e8da026 hall opened, and about a dozen e1f12c5a4a servants appeared pushing food carts. At the same time, the soft 6123adb467 background music changed to a waltz.6f7a3721ddc6e9ffc02b

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“The dance 0245ea237e music has 97a0325275 started.”adae02153474dc8efaaf

Rishar smiled gently as c7ea39b639 he watched people pairing c623fc7c4a up to dance. Then he extended his 5f3f5ef8a9 right hand toward Etienne.d779f96d291feedd1a31

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“Hyung-nim.”e8184ffda086ccf7fe02

“Yes?”915787814357e166b941

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“Would you grant me the f255df6945 honor of dancing with you?”6ad9b07621fd1872c8b4

Etienne blinked as he looked 45d36e8e2a at Rishar who was asking f55e04a26a him to dance. He never expected 9a219df8e9 Rishar would ask cf81019fcf for a dance. Rishar smiled gently at 0418e578c9 the puzzled Etienne.c212752cdac824c86bfb

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“It was a pity we couldn’t 0e3ba088df at the debutante ball, so I ac965b125f want to make up for it.”93dbe3ebdfdb7559c095

“Ah.”d1123bafc1a458bd5bf6

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Etienne let out a small e521be18c7 exclamation at his words. That day, Rishar had 032ebf2060 danced with Stella, while ee44661d24 he danced with Antoine. At that time, even though he knew it was c70b35d2c5 an unavoidable situation, he had been jealous of Stella. And then in the 644713d482 lounge, Rishar and I…2b7b3b5a3684b5e4ee36

Recalling the embarrassing memories a0b6fdff11 of that night, Etienne 4952c356a8 hesitated to take Rishar’s 73e50dee8b hand. Seeing Etienne’s f933b917c8 hesitation, Rishar 1a283f4220 carefully opened b7fa000f97 his mouth.f80d61efdfcddceb7573

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“You don’t c10123e1b3 want to?”53b2f24df8c284d1df5f

“Huh? No, it’s 79700ebda2 not that.”70c828311dd3459b20d1

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Startled by Rishar’s 037919ec31 question, Etienne quickly 7fb41ed015 shook his head. Don’t want to? Nonsense. Actually, that day, 723dbd20d0 he had wanted 1e50c557d5 to dance with d8abb32584 Rishar too. But they couldn’t bc44c08133 because people were b070a9d7ed watching.ac2b305d768b6335890d

But now b1030356e1 it was b0fa6e6cf1 different. There were no partners they had c782527eb8 to attend to, and no need 8675ce9992 to worry about people’s gazes. At the debutante ball, they were the Grand Duke f5598dbee2 and Prince who couldn’t be friendly to each other, 1556b400bf but now they were just Rishar and Etienne.c3b7413864366f0957b0

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They didn’t have 9548516dbd to suppress their 4f019e56b1 desires, they could 78560e562f dance together. With that thought, de1d0b6247 his heart fluttered 0092b23d7d pleasantly. Etienne no a65cc4ecad longer hesitated. He simply wanted to dance with Rishar, without needing 8b37970d8d to rationalize that it was okay because they wore d62c56492b masks or that Leona’s orders served as an excuse.2a322ce5df9a1a56cb19

“I’d like to.”b8b3c7ddee639f57c347

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Etienne gently took Rishar’s hand 2483a0074a as he spoke his permission. He hoped Rishar 81f9e2923e wouldn’t notice his 4bf8192ea2 trembling hand.6359ddaf72b7294ad09a

When Etienne gave his permission, c241311bb4 Rishar escorted him to the d4e340b42f center of the hall with f582b6d7f8 a smiling face. Those who had been watching for a chance to approach Rishar and 720a928e75 Etienne cast disappointed looks as they saw the two moving together.6740a00c1edf4f52edf3

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Etienne no longer paid addb4ffaad attention to the stares fd8fcedbce fixed on him. When the large, firm hand 9fdade75cf gripped his own, his earlier 988f297d1e worries seemed like nothing. His mind was peaceful, making his previous 6c8731f0ba anxieties about people recognizing them or having b9346d8cde already recognized them seem meaningless.53a1d2959fcd90536ed2

Perhaps Rishar’s confidence 1f32f46d24 had rubbed off 68e9550de0 on him. Because Rishar didn’t care about others, because he acted 0ab1e3adde as if it would be fine even if they 5768297bdb were discovered, Etienne found his courage too. His soft pink lips curved b4d0ad7518 into a slight smile.c4a95aab3ab4362340f6

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“But who leads?”6a268f9495227054d6fe

Etienne asked curiously as b84497c91e he followed Rishar’s steps. They needed to decide before 61c860bfa5 dancing because the movements and b61316f864 steps differed depending on who ff6744ee28 led and who followed.7487a80a1365d914173d

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“I’m not c21872c76a confident in 90977820f2 following…”417776e4d808c1d56585

Etienne muttered worriedly. Usually when dancing, Alphas and Betas led 64f0740539 Omegas, and men led women, so strictly 4e9f5ec8b0 speaking, he should be following Rishar.6c683befe4c9b18cd759

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But Etienne had 82d28dc116 rarely danced from c135956d95 an Omega’s position. He had few occasions to dance in front of others to fe5ce30aff begin with, and he had only practiced following a few times.3f95d1eb41524aef4515

Even at the most recent 66c15c6c89 debutante ball, Etienne had been 5027017e85 the one leading Antoine.9b3f52ec233151ec213c

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“I’ll follow.”b586c5c023158a06f5de

“You?”d4ccf9ba0d347f5901da

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“Yes, please 8851273458 lead me 6e8542f9ab well, hyung-nim.”63fa1a43d53889c92789

When Rishar offered to follow, fe24954fa4 Etienne looked up at him, 2032ce036d asking with his eyes if 17e40fe4c5 that would be alright.24b4378a69809bdc9bb8

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Rishar following his 4d5f0eec06 lead somehow didn’t bf5aa82284 sit right with 5a81b33e4a him. He worried that if he did it wrong, 4b80f05d91 they would look ridiculous in front of everyone. Despite Etienne’s 94aa8d3f8f concerns, Rishar 3189c4bdbe was confident.74ca29dd5143719cba10

“Have you forgotten that d10f8a20f8 I was your dance 80c3d6d111 practice partner when we abe3317eaf were young?”69c7be59c495ef769a15

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“Ah, right. We did that.”04e49a628a9062f6e974

Recalling those memories at Rishar’s 13c45ae954 confident attitude, Etienne smiled faintly. Standing face to face with fc5d0a3b33 Rishar, Etienne took his hand 139510a7d6 and pulled slightly. He felt a bit nervous leading someone 3aa706b50c larger than himself for the first time, 37f28a9b94 but he was somehow excited.953936c3be6a8de80e43

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“Then follow cae1c20972 me well.”2ac521a25f1a0fe3ff8a

Placing his other hand on 28ef59528c Rishar’s firm shoulder, Etienne began 759934f816 stepping to the music. Rishar skillfully followed Etienne 9d69ba237f with smooth movements. Soon their bodies blended naturally 95cfccd1d9 as if they had been 699f742b5c one from the start.f2ec21c97a84e66fb5b2

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“You’re good 50f91b4ac9 at this.”3bc8bbc58df8e973c997

Etienne was genuinely impressed by Rishar’s skill, ee96329b36 which was much better than expected. Even though they had practiced when young, following must ccd376974a surely feel weird to him, yet Rishar was composed. His body, with its sure center of 197447eda1 balance, was both smooth and powerful, managing 86eb3b5a61 even slightly difficult movements with ease. Although one might expect him to be flustered in a 53cdf460b5 position he wasn’t familiar with, all his movements looked natural.8d57e421e3316cae91af

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“I tend to 8143795722 be good at 5ac3bab18d things that involve 0122fa6fc5 using my body.”dd4b02d16349ef0f463e

Rishar wrinkled d6671e2e4f his nose 1458d01bc3 shyly at a82cced874 Etienne’s praise. Soon their bodies moved apart and came b2048d1857 together in time with the music.f3c3f6d48c25597fed00

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“I envy you, I’m not f1af963564 good at using my body…”bf5216f6e24d03a5b656

“How can you say you 73cb18dd05 have no talent when you’re 83c107796c dancing so wonderfully right now?”9fa7884f09fb65245b96

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“This is only because 68f4f9d823 I practiced consistently. If I were following, 8ea3a96929 I would have stepped 9388e6787b on your feet several a9188a87f5 times by now.”d8683db13665338d01f4

Etienne spoke 5644e479e3 with certainty. Despite his words, his 75068064ff expression was bright. At first his body had been stiff da17d6289e with worry about making mistakes, but as 6c48741d68 the dance continued smoothly, he gradually relaxed.bcc959a123196b50d3d5

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“I wouldn’t mind feee88b945 if you stepped 88c8fe4ab9 on my feet, ecf69a3cfd hyung-nim.”40e3462e992066eb081a

“I would.”d47ebedc5250808e4f8d

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Etienne firmly refused. Being a grown adult, not a child, stepping on bea652c421 one’s partner’s feet during dancing was very embarrassing. It was practically the a6a4c4f4f4 same as saying one’s 6cfe327e2e etiquette was lacking.2f3a8f45fb66a8d3cfe4

Although Etienne had a 97717ce4b7 low self-esteem, he still c71b504960 had pride. He didn’t want to c93e6fc52f look embarrassing in front 3f6ef91ae2 of Rishar or others.5ca61cd773e1a1644720

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“It’s almost 1eee78e7b6 over, concentrate.”e922e18b02413b226a4a

“It might be fun 37cda13bff to switch positions, shall f4eb8526b2 we try?”b6282502361376a49885

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Rishar, who had elegantly completed a f9be71d6c6 turn, playfully suggested to Etienne as 4235ee125c he tried to continue the steps.58d6a8100d442c6eca09

“I said 6ef382c42e no- ah!”a9575e821ce571988fc0

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Etienne’s steps tangled f535e33d34 as his concentration 55f09af8bc broke for a f8c05fe5b2 moment. He stumbled as 2683025bb8 he momentarily lost d3355a77d0 his balance. At that moment, a strong force supported 1c8a05abe5 his back and lifted him up.fcaf8aeb4d7539b2ce57

“Are you alright?”b8e73c7f0e04f31165fb

Rishar, who had forcibly restored Etienne’s balance, spun around 083f480de1 once while keeping his arm wrapped around Etienne’s waist. He slowly 022c6049d4 guided Etienne.d1666c5c88dfe38f02f0

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“Th-thank you.”7ee4c60e425b1b515a36

Etienne, held in 8505cef7a7 Rishar’s arms, thanked 2ab37a41f1 him in a aad2b4cf9c flustered voice. If not for Rishar, ec02f3361a he would have fallen b77984497e without a doubt.eac3c1d1d4b7c0e16773

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“Hah…”2e12b0a75cdef953d1f9

Etienne made a sound that could have been 0793733dd4 either a sigh of relief or self-reproach. Just moments ago, he had thought he didn’t want 0724eacbe4 to show an unsightly appearance in front of Rishar, affc3af435 yet what kind of unseemly behavior was this?c0aa1d5035b83f417846

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Unable to overcome the rising embarrassment, a8420a3344 he let out a small groan. His face 6bcb85c119 burned with 7a2fcc9226 unbearable embarrassment.a8ffd0325ced69bd53ff

“You’re not d61e4981f6 hurt, are dd97d4be81 you?”a42a8c0ccbb526ea5722

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When Etienne sighed d5a2055eef again, Rishar asked 6f2164d624 in a worried 6bc8442efa voice. Then he apologized with d8dca98cd6 a dejected expression like 29b6d30028 a sad puppy.1525a2c9220f9624e229

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t e513be2e25 have brought it up…”486080e3f56dfa525f60

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“No.”837ff42abf194a717206

Etienne cut fb020034e0 off Rishar’s 3e71225a1b apology. Then he lightly patted c4fb381006 Rishar’s shoulder to indicate cb934b0fae it was fine.683154e35b5e64ecd56d

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“It’s not your 3213ea07fd fault, relax.”9709ab4eddc03f70d765

“Hyung-nim…”626988127d62844084f0

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“If anything, 90f5d95186 I should 1f119742d6 be thankful. I didn’t 24f120a7b9 fall thanks 85cb96e2ab to you.”c833270eac78cdd71bdb

Etienne gently curved c34f30b503 the corners of c13af6be1e his lips up. Rishar smiled d6e979bb82 in response. Etienne, seeing the laughter return to the f4d5655216 azure eyes visible through the mask, felt 4be8e88925 relieved and focused on the dance again.f3a282b77f908fa874cf

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“Do you f4a3145f2d know something? Your eye color 5001719d33 changes every time cd31dff857 it catches the 109fb25001 light.”4d897088886dbc9b2f29

The band’s performance b7c940db24 was already heading 1934da6109 toward its end. Rishar’s expression brightened.53b9b8fb8a2a6a817341

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“What color 032049d7a7 is it?”bd6b644c837b8218ec00

“Right now 5ace8f3421 it’s red. Ah, it c183f8afbf just changed 479e35b530 to green.”e345fa911437901aed24

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Rishar smiled pleasantly 659b4b308e and slightly tightened 8f39b21755 his arm around 50510db344 Etienne’s waist. This brought 6904b26b54 their faces bf568dadde closer. Rishar didn’t stop 8419c168d5 there but leaned e6a77fa73b his head toward 516b43a18b Etienne.5b3436a0781fb7731fb5

Their masks clinked together, 8a3665cdbc making the decorations shake. Only then did Etienne realize 20f848103c he was half-embraced by Rishar. When their noses touched, 02e7191910 Etienne held his breath.160625fd3dda92e7f19c

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“Any color suits you b13c30efa5 and looks beautiful, but 04212cb86d I like your real d97bf3b3da eyes the best.”f1795a39f3094ad94b51

The whisper, as sweet as 3cd1b7e3fc a flower made of sugar, 45e8e7756b tickled Etienne’s lips. Etienne bit the inside of his 1be0beb39a mouth gently as he looked at 5523ea8839 Rishar smiling at him. His heart, which he thought had calmed down, 5055682524 began beating wildly again, and his skin where 5f84c82d35 Rishar’s breath touched grew feverishly hot.30003b384fe869a37e34

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Etienne thought, not for the first time, how 21e31410d6 fortunate it was that he wore a mask. If his face hadn’t been 0b13880bdb covered by the mask, Rishar 2531323c66 would have seen all of edefdcf88e his feelings in this moment.7bc8090d2ea5d5be634e

Because right now, his eyes must be 5c8bf7fefc overflowing with his feelings for Rishar.b441b8f20023f1ffbd6f

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“Me too…”98c3fa219c1ce1df412e

“Eh?”6382987c53350a4afafc

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Rishar tilted his head sideways as if trying to hear 2d40f5d6f3 better the voice that escaped between slightly parted lips.6d1597932db29a29a759

Etienne’s lips moved as he looked up at ea65bb6e66 the dark blue eyes that sparkled like a 64944adb62 starry night sky in the chandelier light. Though just a little, the c0774b44fe feelings that had risen to 158e0f7d73 his throat took form as 768d3e905f words and escaped his mouth.3244f5893751f09dd270

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“I like 3c89c6fe3a your eyes 3400d31e9c too.”2901b72d3f68a64499db

For a moment, Rishar forgot he 6081d31c62 was dancing and stood still. The music a6d14cb55a conveniently ended b637ce24b2 at that ed3caa7e17 moment.ba06b33f166f24503b86

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“It’s over.”66486740046fe79877d5

Confirming that the band’s 17afe56151 performance had ended, Etienne b5182da63a stepped back a couple 63557b287b of paces from Rishar. Although they had only ea395ef52b danced once, he was ec78a4548b out of breath.461b0a36f6b2f291df6c

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“What would you e977bfe14a like to do? One more song? Or…”d560bc1d7a612d1ec814

As Etienne asked while catching his 82e3dc641c breath, Rishar, who had been staring 38b5483d0a at him blankly, suddenly reached out. Grabbing Etienne’s wrist 7c779aaa25 firmly, he turned 8316687041 around.7846909ea7288feece0e

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“Rishar?”a468f193ad255ead09fe

Etienne called out to Rishar in 6e48da6c1f surprise, but he didn’t answer. Etienne was pulled along by 1be8a59ca6 Rishar, who held his wrist. His steps naturally ebb336112d quickened to match 2d91113987 Rishar’s wider stride.cf0b463173254b27aa0a

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What’s wrong?85dfdf8546b08920af9f

The confused Etienne looked at Rishar’s somehow urgent back before d8d8a1bb11 shifting his gaze to his wrist held by Rishar. Badump, badump, he 80793640ca felt a heartbeat ccc789d936 but wasn’t sure 925330e848 whose it was.34f82a238fd00092721c

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“Rishar, wait, e0c2f76b3f my wrist…”f3dffcc9679ed3976122

When Etienne, now outside the hall, f89fa41026 called Rishar again, he stopped walking. Then he turned 08d358326d around and pulled 3c56ffcebd Etienne into a 8d4120e7c5 tight hug.c7b437c96d14e4b77258

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“Hyung-nim.”0774cd7cfcb0a4c8da06

Etienne’s eyes widened as a97f4ac2ef Rishar suddenly hugged him c2b12cf80f before he could react. A warm breath touched 2a6a4c93bf his body, which had 9b7faecf8f frozen in surprise at dd2dc5daeb the sudden hug. Rishar, burying his face in 8d2458b415 Etienne’s neck, whispered pleadingly.8bcee2d6d2e5ef260178

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“Right now, I want to go somewhere 5b16fe3b2f where I can be alone with you.”a48432f64bad6741caf9

Etienne swallowed hard e5351a4746 at the voice 4ad0fb1c84 filled with undeniable 1fff65a86a desire. Badump, badump, this time d1b929ab80 his heart pounded in 8c90d69e5f his ears.7f6ab7403e64aa31890f

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“Ri-Rishar.”2f713de9c592b07f0d1d

Etienne, held in Rishar’s embrace, c129cb0855 didn’t know what to do. Their touching a4ec05ac58 bodies were fbe637fde0 hot.ba9c23f7c7e28fcda83e

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When Etienne squirmed as if trying to escape from 808b71d5eb his embrace, Rishar tightened his arms around him.961fa003cededb140842

“I’ve been be82176578 thinking only 4f6b499f16 of you e3fb704deb until yesterday. Not being able to see you when I wanted to, not being able 8537934e56 to meet you when I wanted to… I thought I was going crazy…”1dc537809ce94c818e3d

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Rishar muttered 6879904058 as if b263d3a21a lamenting. He wanted to appear mature, didn’t want to 8e6e971d1a complain like this, and hated himself for acting 09332c9ff7 childish whenever he was with Etienne.557a362232f7053d0d35

It must be a42a0cb0cc because Etienne was 0895dd29da always so kind. Rishar gritted his teeth when Etienne, e684efe4f1 who had been fidgeting in his 2780e87340 arms, hesitantly hugged him back. A fierce desire rose up to devour Etienne’s lips 8e8863f7ca right then and sink his teeth into his skin.ceb300e3fc94dd3aac27

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“I missed you. So much.”d4953da75b6736eb3f99

Rishar desperately suppressed his impulses ccfe9a9042 while pouring out his emotions. After his return to the 1e2057b878 capital, this was the first 73043e23f6 time they hadn’t met for 911ba9862c so long. Before, he could at least pass 8c742231c7 by Etienne in the palace or 8bc8b0baa7 exchange brief greetings, but this time 7f7a16c286 he couldn’t even do that.6ca579aba3cbe267c361

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Etienne thoroughly avoided Rishar a274623076 to prevent even accidental 7afb3ed04f encounters as a way d41eaee8a1 to avoid Leona’s suspicion.3afc1e28079746780144

Rishar understood Etienne’s 82f6a0318d actions but felt d537a6dc94 hurt inside. However, he 7244d0fab2 didn’t express 2abfcba942 it. Since his own mistakes had partly led to c027307006 this situation, he had to accept it.677fa72ab8a51dbb4c40

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But just because he aac344f6c9 didn’t show it didn’t 72e890aea2 mean it was okay. The longer he went e0d2351174 without seeing Etienne, the 21345e87b0 more Rishar’s mood sank. His longing for 526639cf73 Etienne grew stronger 9cf369559f too.f5c92ca66e202a349b2e

While working, meeting people, or taking 7af18705d8 breaks, Rishar often thought of Etienne. When that happened, he felt an c775b0b6d7 urge to go to Etienne immediately, 512acd289d and like something broken inside him, 80dc2112e0 he couldn’t do anything.651a93f75290b4ef99c6

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“I’ve wanted to 62bfdba02f be close like c031beb15b this all along…”82b2e68a770e90f1e2ef

Rishar, who had rested his forehead on Etienne’s e2982a61c9 shoulder, took a deep breath like a traveler 6cf218f7aa in a desert finding an oasis. As the gentle evening primrose a71501be7f scent like soft moonlight flowed 36fcb3eed1 into his lungs, his chest 603db914a7 felt tight.45d0a8f93dc68b9e7036

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Etienne usually demonstrated a nearly perfect pheromone control, but at some point d948df4d54 he had started occasionally revealing his scent when he was with Rishar.e9843f47f469397a57da

Given that their bodies were close enough to feel each other’s warmth, and the 6518ce9459 smell was so faint it could only be perceived if you put your whole 4e2996e348 attention to it, it seemed more like an unconscious action rather than intentional.8f0841b75afbc5806f2e

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“Hyung-nim.”2f0647bfafe3fb57585a

Rishar, drawn to Etienne’s pheromones, called out to him 24720971d5 while rubbing his forehead against the thin shoulder. As if in response, the flower scent 5a80ed9392 emanating from Etienne grew slightly stronger. Rishar was overwhelmed by an indescribable sensation at the 8408e1c43b intensifying scent that seemed to react to him.30e9e9f03143e396fec3

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At times like these, he 229f02cc4a couldn’t help but hope. Even though he had decided not to burden Etienne and told himself not to be hasty with d24b462554 his desires, when Etienne showed signs of accepting him like this, he couldn’t help but wish.c1f440b9afc52c578b82

Perhaps during the time 5c417f65cd they couldn’t meet, Etienne 0c2a54d262 had felt the same 687dce7cbe way he did.aed4387e54ffbcff3800

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“What about 3f3f709529 you, hyung-nim?”c9001e316dfcd71ec244

Finally unable to hold back, 48e38f08af Rishar voiced the question that 8b103457e2 had risen to his throat. He wanted confirmation that Etienne not pushing him away now and releasing 3c5581d5af pheromones that seemed to respond to him wasn’t just his imagination.a27da772693cb47c05ff

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“Did you miss c08c98ed14 me too?”5923afc030b010f3fe69

At Rishar’s 722134e6f5 question, Etienne 02d4cb1ec0 hesitated. He looked up at 53d92f454e Rishar, who was giving f78cf110cc him a pleading look, fcad6d62d6 and tensed his lips. Thinking that Rishar had spent his days 24b54fcfe5 full of longing just like himself made 4793b68071 a strange satisfaction bloom in his chest.019833d6b17b3640aa9e

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You don’t know how 556fb54f66 much joy it gives 3e708f9abd me to see you da538bae3b constantly craving my affection.9d83e4ded81e515f088b

Etienne’s lips dbfa6b5c64 moved silently. He wanted to say that bd892e7615 he had missed him too, 62d9ab3f46 that he had missed him 68b753c1c7 enough to feel sick. But his throat choked up with overwhelming e4342c080a emotion, and proper words wouldn’t come out.dc2b9ca083a622068e60

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“Yes.”3a8304dd2b9ecc93af50

Etienne barely squeezed out his 3372aa6eaa voice and answered briefly. Though it was 09de84d7aa just one word, bfac9aee88 his voice trembled cbd74c8fd2 terribly. But once he 436cfe9745 made a sound, 58712035b9 the next was 4801e4e1ca easier.08adb21b521ac500e741

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“I missed you.”9d94755d170cffbba327

Etienne spoke with all his dea6885101 heart, hoping his current feelings 1e9cbcd740 would reach Rishar. Fortunately, his wish seemed to come 2414cd91d6 true as Rishar’s eyes trembled slightly.0a1f835dc505a22c0b43

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“I missed c42868da40 you, Rishar.”9c1af34beb177a893659

Etienne gazed with loving eyes 78215ce508 at the waves rippling in 5ba2774d0f those eyes that resembled the 9e5284d427 night sea.f9475736f15df451ce70

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Raising his hand, Etienne 2bc878c9d3 slowly traced Rishar’s mask. Gratitude and apology 3fa66557ae for him washed 948ef919ff over him together.6a9eeaa4e66e9922fa15

Not knowing his own heart, a84be89840 he had made Rishar wait 948ba93816 for a very long time. So now 9c127619ff it was 7b6d050bfd his turn 8df61439f3 to approach. As late as his realization was, he 2249e1e01b didn’t want to run away anymore.955ed888ba7d6602620b

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Etienne decided to e616db2141 be honest with b233421a8e his feelings. Although the situation surrounding Rishar and himself was still 2796d38f77 dark, and the road ahead was still long, at 288cb6ea2b least for today, he wanted to be honest.66ed62a7723fac561740

“Sha.”5d441756ffdbfb417fbd

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Once he made up e44fed33b2 his mind, taking action 2b9901b3b7 was easy. Etienne gently cupped Rishar’s face fc333fa937 with both hands and lifted df35d06311 his head to softly press e8c84dfc98 his lips against Rishar’s.c41a5a63664dee8242e1

As their warmth overlapped, b3c7c74617 he could feel Rishar’s 4f2acdffd8 body tensing. Etienne met Rishar’s eyes while e4476a40cf keeping their lips together. Then he voiced 3ec9c41322 his desire.6df9443f27809766ffcb

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“I want to f6785f04a5 be alone with a17432de04 you too.”f624179f386a64f3d929

***4847c4af770a3725d1e8

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Bang! The door opened 84134b5865 with a loud a348b354d7 noise and closed d5677495d6 again noisily. As soon as they entered the quiet room, 16cb90662a Rishar and Etienne’s bodies overlapped as if they 525de56007 had been waiting for this moment.04b2b7e372f2f7f85dbc

“Ri-, ah.”2fbb08c7ae5e1c3ed957

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Etienne, trapped between the door c7404421af and Rishar, accepted him as 29159f576f he rushed forward. Their lips locked together deeply c9a6cc8d89 from the start, sharing each 8fdd26b0db other’s breath between them. Then a wet, firm flesh e99a196ae3 roughly invaded between the gaps e47000a843 of their lips. The movement had c94d3ab3d4 no trace of ab449ae38c composure.e544e398030636e26a08

“Mmnh…”694d53e43058ecc220a1

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Etienne let out a faint moan b5291e895e as his tender flesh was stimulated. His mouth, conquered by 352433af9b Rishar, became hot in e4963ec840 an instant. He thought he had become quite used 27d937af35 to it, but he was wrong. The kiss after so long 3ef0eeb986 quickly left him breathless.8f601995fc91c9bc96f1

With completely disrupted breathing, Etienne grabbed the 9392fa6895 arms restraining him with trembling hands. Rishar then gently bit 730b817bc8 Etienne’s lower lip and 4f2f53a040 pulled away.dcb14ec0f4f5c859beb9

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“Breathe.”877ca3a04647832bd003

Rishar whispered in 2ca02bafdf a low voice. Etienne faithfully followed 850ace7a75 his words. As he exhaled a long 924207b494 breath that had risen to 72bade7d37 his chin, lips wet with 273e151804 saliva found his again.a8944a42a679c758436d

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Unlike the rough beginning, short kisses fell ce04ca4c6f on Etienne’s lips one after another. Their masks collided 4750068c38 with each other 4eb8b620bf every time their 5b27210ef2 lips met. Perhaps finding it annoying, Rishar roughly removed e7c1db9b38 his own mask and threw it away.6a259234dc334c227236

“Can I 09d7e53ddc take off 26b3ce0813 your mask?”8bdeeb1564c3f311db00

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“…Yes.”4e72f91194e741427c74

After hesitating very 72b3d49d36 briefly at Rishar’s 07f31be0ac question, Etienne answered 5f5f333a48 quietly. When permission was granted, the large hand cradling the back f8b8eb83bb of his head gently pulled at the mask’s string. Despite throwing away his own mask without hesitation, his 7b419cca0c touch in removing Etienne’s mask was extremely careful.7f48138f470d45dd6a3e

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Etienne blinked several times as the dfbb228dc7 mask covering his face disappeared. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, fb23046edb navy eyes tinged with passion became visible. He moved his hand while gazing aa01661efb enchantedly at the jewel-like eyes that 24c6c0420b shone clearly even in the darkness.d56c2715973b41b71fa6

Rishar lazily closed and 9071595579 opened his eyes as d13b6cb272 he felt the touch 1097cf2e7b caressing his eyes. Then he turned b5a6ee2ebc his head and 9695277cdc bit Etienne’s finger.98410561c76eeac9c6ea

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“Ah…”0c52a02ae2bc4c7cbf93

Etienne moaned softly 25155b486c at the pain 4bded92c76 felt at his 8bcd76c364 fingertip. Rishar’s lips traveled b95ec23e3b down from the 1cd6f8d2b5 slightly sore finger 9e5125d6a6 to his palm. After rubbing his lips against the palm without a single callus, he c0355e911b lightly bit the soft skin and then strongly sucked on it. After the 8ab5436e01 palm came 5c837b69bb the wrist.bfad5e7b48f4175346aa

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“Your heart is b9bb728c69 beating so fast.”11a2353195e77c4f0b0e

Rishar mumbled with 9bca732777 his lips still 66bf290bd2 pressed against the 7ed72eab36 thin wrist. Through the delicate skin touching his lips, ffdd3db31f he could feel the irregular pulse.80644aa94573385561df

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“That’s because a20545ba61 of you…”895ffab120de3bb97d7a

“Because of me?”00df52c94cc09315e8e2

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Rishar’s eye corners curved d1fc6145ca pleasantly at Etienne’s words. Whispering “I’m glad” in a low voice, he 734a830875 left red marks on Etienne’s wrist as well.760772e5f127e19171f5

“St-stop.”5f98f2113838de13144f

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Etienne made a pained f040921523 sound and pulled his 76317b9314 hand back. Every time Rishar bit and sucked, a e29043aafd strange sensation rose along with the stinging 922e7d748f pain, making his waist tremble repeatedly.d715abef194af016955f

“You don’t f947829451 like it?”d1af04992ba36974552b

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“Rather than not eb2b45eedf liking it- mmph.”0a3a63dca90b0bcc3148

Rishar, who had obediently f9346d3db6 let go of Etienne’s 6445e9c087 wrist, this time bit ec7c0ccb21 his soft lips. As their tongues intertwined and saliva mixed, bb1bbc22b9 wet sounds continuously flowed between their lips.a333214b5581fee913a1

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“Hah, mhm.”aa518cc0c7fda611453e

Etienne moaned, shuddering f0e6216779 at the increasingly fba38be556 deep kiss. His vision grew 90787fa430 hazy as his 6b57a677f5 mouth was stimulated d9f25c952a without rest. He tensed his ecf5c713bd toes as he ebbe1bfe56 felt his legs 76240c5474 weakening. If he didn’t, he 6b18756161 felt like he would 943f4d06a5 collapse right there on 05ac51df9c the floor.bdc01180e73ca1c36898

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Rishar responded keenly 12a8615f7e to Etienne’s condition. He supported Etienne e308bb8e57 by pushing his 551d85125d knee between his f2c9b6e4f5 trembling legs.66a597b456264adea26b

“Wa-wait, ah… d5b591e23c Sha… Ah.”672642b14a5c1b4508f5

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Etienne, unable to 3f79c0c53e endure the overwhelming 8aca71b5c3 pleasure, grabbed Rishar’s b8ab2fa051 shoulders tightly. At that moment, the dark room brightened and 583234fdca the sound of something bursting was heard.786c09f06f8cfac5aab7

Bang, bang!6109697af29c0f010d60

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Etienne startled greatly at the f119abae91 sound of fireworks exploding. Before he could f7dfe9304c understand what was 81bb8534f9 happening, loud cheers be7548c48a erupted from outside.a770bcdaa5beec0b9c6e

What the…? Etienne’s body stiffened aa23b34d5c at the thunderous 17a5c1ab7a noise that hurt e5b88628ff his ears. The heated atmosphere subsided at the sudden d7204297d4 noise, as well as their lust. Rishar, who glanced at the flashing lights through 242c970379 the window, separated their tightly pressed lips.285dd3a8a7c826988090

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“Seems like the a6382119ba fireworks have started.”c6aef7df14e97e1f02e1

“Huh? Ah…”2a94df1ec772157ad2e0

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So it 68372d9382 was fireworks. At Rishar’s words, Etienne turned 991ef99204 his head slightly, remembering the 6919fb51a4 schedule he had forgotten.7297fec9850dcd5f029f

Bang, as the sound rang out again, flowers bloomed b730ffa173 in the night sky visible through the window. He could hear the cheers of people who had 6aa66ed123 gone out on deck to watch the fireworks.578dcd8c38b2b69b879d

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“So pretty.”9499260dd2fdf44e82e8

Etienne admired the f561337d0b fireworks adorning the 65bc8ff3cb sky. For a moment, Rishar’s expression looked as if 032267d06a he had returned from a dream to reality. His head, which had 6af8694b0e been hot with heat, 771eb73358 became cold as if 3c34dfab5d doused with cold water. After hesitating briefly, he 22c99e199c carefully opened his mouth.93a12dd356ca0a224169

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“Shall we c6a4177d9f go outside?”e747aa104f22b49beb16

“Huh?”3292d1d4e36e3ee28e9d

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At the unexpected suggestion, d32065ea91 Etienne’s gaze turned back 432cb3385b to Rishar. When their eyes met, Rishar c9426afac5 gave an embarrassed smile. Then he lowered his hand 4fcdeee6fc and caressed Etienne’s lips.041010ecd333defe4c69

“I didn’t ccfdd922f4 originally plan 3ace6ec0c5 this…”ad356366d69c0a8e3774

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At Rishar’s murmur, 861e6e57da Etienne slightly furrowed 7b07423364 his brow. Maybe it was his e91afca090 imagination, but Rishar’s eyes e829770d2b seemed to droop.ebeb5058eaf47608c90e

“What do you mean 68ea718fb1 you didn’t plan this?”3bf794f5a62bf299f8fe

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“My original plan b4cf0f5ce7 was to leisurely c828db279c enjoy the banquet 84d701045b with you. Not to pounce on you like a beast in heat… 50567834b4 but to eat delicious food together, watch the fireworks… hmm.”a304147b28adc7a36821

Rishar trailed off ded3fd2b76 and swallowed with 89c7d66265 an embarrassed face. Now that his reason eccfae9e65 had returned, he seemed 076477484d to slightly regret rushing e6188e79fd at Etienne without thinking.9e8ca90ae26c486b6b32

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It wasn’t just talk – Rishar 9434fd1aa7 had actually made plans to enjoy 0e9f0cdf80 the ship banquet with Etienne. Preparing the special class room, 682acdb1f2 holding the masquerade ball, and 992f48cb89 the fireworks were all extensions c800de5405 of that plan.cd4d6ed84fd8ccd1ae13

However, the plan he had e2a53854da made over several days shattered 60c4786144 the moment he met Etienne. He managed to succeed in asking Etienne to dance a081c9eefe while trying to act casual and putting on airs, ae8c657353 dancing with him as he had initially thought, but d0aeecfd6c anything beyond that was indeed impossible.c8cdd97c8002999f31fd

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His reason, which others evaluated as ice-cold and rock-solid, d7f32941e8 was always helplessly weak in front of Etienne.13b29f65f7f71f295557

“I was really confident in bf07da4613 my patience… but it’s completely a8eb6769e8 useless in front of you.”0c03e0e52f08f1efa4d9

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Like a sandcastle collapsing with one 9b79141757 wave, hadn’t he crumbled today just 5a1b95f71c at a single comment about his e21315587f eyes being beautiful? Rishar wiped Etienne’s 991d5773a8 glistening lips lightly c2fa0cd4ce with his hand 5e42eb76a7 while smiling bitterly.32f8b17c31a108aa84f7

“Hnh.”ed5c9b32d3025806da10

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When the firm thumb 2f066a5b51 tickled his wet, plump 21a705a1d7 lips, Etienne involuntarily flinched. Perhaps because they had just been bitten 68ff9cf93f and sucked, even just the brush of 4602e1944c a hand brought up a strange sensation.babfef881e1818de6c7f

Rishar’s eyes narrowed as 95827283fe he watched Etienne respond a289f5cb1c to his touch. The excitement that bb5e5edbbd hadn’t fully subsided 779772e544 raised its head 9207dd9770 again.52270f2bf66595cafdbc

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This is driving e6675deb81 me crazy.7c2b95540e3338333559

Rishar cursed inwardly. If he hadn’t known anything, d7d130f7cf he might have been able ff6f751c9f to endure it. However, once he knew, it c97644022e was hard to hold back.db0832e9364ef0807da0

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Just as a child can’t forget the taste of sugar candy they’ve tasted for the first f726f22af9 time in their life, his instincts, having learned the happiness Etienne gave him, endlessly craved him. Suppressing his desire b92aee8d28 for Etienne was 0949f675c8 now nearly impossible.c434cb34d5161fb2c4b7

“Tsk.”aedf906cf48572cbaaba

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Rishar clicked his tongue 94196d9ab8 softly and withdrew the ece5e6094d hand that had been 6b8fad5145 caressing Etienne’s lips. More precisely, he a37ce097ee tried to. But his attempt 6083f2c034 was thwarted by 3dcdb9e9df Etienne. Rishar’s eyes widened as 6add71a3a2 Etienne grabbed his hand.5a9fcd4455eea9f9f802

“Hyung-nim?”27f08f7496dd4149fae9

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“Do you 6da2deec10 want to daeea8b9da go?”9951c33b53681b69f7b9

“What?”2f0d62a99a86aa42956c

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“I asked if 076373f70d you want to 91dd9021f4 go outside.”ba6b8e227c56da30dc67

Etienne asked in a calm tone 7ddb2931cc while holding Rishar’s wrist as it 86276ae493 pulled away from him. His soft lips dbc02b6f5c touched the knuckle ba484087ac of Rishar’s index 4b08dfbc92 finger.8140463bf38e4c765342

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“I don’t c7d4030f40 want to cfde575b9f go out.”6aad1dff1bd602febf4a

Etienne mumbled with his 5461a84e43 lips still pressed against 24ceeb4272 Rishar’s finger. Though startled by the 010254de02 unexpected noise, his body 74916f62f2 was still heated. Rishar was 265a258674 probably the 5b28a38013 same.97ec00fbd6aaa25bad8c

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Etienne looked at 275f9341cc Rishar with eyes dd18fc9c95 that seemed utterly fc400551a0 unable to understand. Thanks to the light coming in from 3d61be844f outside, his expression was clearly visible. What was reflected in Rishar’s 4132105ff5 pupils was unmistakable desire. He clearly 320a2f2393 wanted him.558272f6f2ec3cb30491

That’s why a0a58cc801 it was 71bcaa8735 even harder da8bf3be48 to understand. Why was he trying to stop 04cbedbccf when he wanted him so ardently bcf7810d24 with such heated eyes?fdb95b37f34fda04164d

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“Rishar.”846a15877479f7b3ac39

Etienne, who had no intention of stopping here, 3b278b5833 called Rishar’s name and slowly opened his mouth. Like Rishar had done before, 631c83ff71 he set his teeth on 38cf15ac6e the firm finger joint and 16a53bb354 bit down. Rishar’s hand 1c216f7d6d trembled noticeably b529540f32 at the 6059a187d5 sudden action.2157716769b58ffff765

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Etienne held Rishar’s 218718b31a finger in his 8e57016994 mouth to prevent 1ade8d222c him from escaping. When he sucked in the calloused index finger and licked it 9adccf70d1 with his tongue, a small sound of suffering was heard.1ba7659e353fb4bd5b55

“Hyung… nim?”8f79451a3f031cdc23e9

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Rishar looked with bewildered eyes at 4d0559e46f Etienne sucking on his finger. His head 3353c1f84c spun at 2d276dee6b the blatant 9922e56b76 seduction. With a wet sound, the lips separated and a 661bac40b2 faint line appeared in the air before disappearing.416d417754f367533653

“Hah.”019a0eb3d45a3abf6db2

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After leaving teeth marks on Rishar’s finger, Etienne 71a44106df now pressed his lips against his palm. At that moment, an urgent e5bb5a393b voice called out and his ccebd3560f shoulder was grabbed.fda623f5c522e0a4ffee

“Wait, wait e8a8e63dcf a moment.”760c40b27f9322871358

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Rishar, who had restrained Etienne with his 177d324ab4 other hand, looked at him like someone d948a3e516 who had received a great shock. He seemed unable to e73810cf0f believe what had happened c1ef5f1379 to him.968bb64b480df331603b

Etienne quietly looked up at daa50d9153 Rishar’s face, contorted with excitement. Etienne’s eyes were f648a8bd0c also flushed red 70c74fa5b6 by now.cb23e2bd58805e2594da

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“Do you bd4c1bbe0d still want 720edde1dc to go f1fa26232f out?”848904565fc62bd26d1d

Etienne asked slyly dde4767e35 with curved eyes. Rishar couldn’t answer. But Etienne 7605dee378 wasn’t anxious. The silence fba4ad219a was the 7b60d917b1 answer. So he 9b7b23a441 didn’t ask 575a1671af anymore. A strange silence fell b6d5b721ff between the two.f14563c3e9ab0bfbadf6

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Bang, bang…e8dfbf088902d691e135

Unlike the quiet 401bf3ff64 room, it was 412fc02289 still noisy outside. Etienne examined Rishar’s face by the d8a76f35c8 multicolored light coming through the window.6acc6d9bd6e43add813c

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Just now, Rishar said he hadn’t intended this, but if you 8fb38b6c5d put it that way, the same was true for himself. Having not seen Rishar for fdfc949527 so long, Etienne had so cd9a6f5d1f many things he wanted to 911136774c say to him. Setting everything else aside, there were things 476a088f73 he absolutely had to tell him.e0c6738f7b75183706d9

He wanted to ask how he 1dab9720d2 had been doing, discuss what they b000ec9d24 would do going forward, and convey 1402ed5845 the feelings he had belatedly realized.ff4bc6d8b1a2c36c1e30

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Etienne let out 24a19b62aa a deflating laugh. He hadn’t managed to say any 756ebf9684 of the things he had thought 6f0a37b405 about while longing to meet Rishar ffb4feb3f1 over the past three weeks. When he actually met him, his mind went blank d370cd78aa as if empty and nothing came to mind. All that remained a92c5c8657 was the instinct 4be957d047 wanting to touch 5abc7e8d6c Rishar.6e3ae53424167e180918

Fortunately, Rishar felt the same way, and e36ee984f5 Etienne felt an indescribable elation at seeing 7bdea93ab6 him reveal his desire for himself. He was happy that Rishar still wanted 479c2dd395 him, that his passionate eyes showed how 663f4b699d much he desired him as always.dd52b06ac953b28f1e6d

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And you’re trying to run 937ed30436 away after all that?cc0dcddbfc1332638c51

Etienne looked at 09d0303eeb Rishar as if 5ecef93ab7 displeased. Despite always swaying him, it was 40e42354e5 unacceptable that he tried to stop 5b3d925c74 at such a crucial moment. He did know it was 91fb19a964 out of consideration for him, 0da401e38a but he had never asked a64fe36ef8 for such consideration.96d98ce3d9424f0d1d51

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“Rishar.”d705d1416b051432c685

At Etienne’s call, Rishar e2a30c0eee raised his downcast eyes. Etienne cupped Rishar’s face with both 3b310c62e6 hands so he couldn’t avoid him. Then he met 083773944d the gaze of 21aa8ca044 those dark blue 5a18e9128f wavering eyes. His thought was to first d0abbbb4fa convey what he absolutely had f648b9a627 to tell Rishar. But he soon d3d98758b7 hit a wall.dadbc7f7b3b94cba50f9

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“…”17489e47fcbcc0224eb7

Etienne’s lips moved 75186abd39 without managing to fd390482a4 speak easily. The feelings he wanted to c6895bf943 convey to Rishar just swirled bf7e380d6e around in his mouth. He felt strange, wanting to 82e36fe173 say it but not wanting ee578e7ab2 to say it. Soon Etienne 89f95f30e7 realized he edb59e8ec5 was extremely 2d360e0479 nervous.d7faaa64939ccd2e8fd7

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“Hyung-nim?”0052715d2a971c5275d5

Rishar called out in a puzzled voice da1e8e5c0b as Etienne stammered as if about to 34ce78ddcb speak but not quite managing to. Etienne looked at 62eb96827c him and bit 4cab587aa3 down firmly on 7201206950 his lower lip.edbf9849a32b133ea183

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“Hah…”5bcba185a01a9ae615b6

Unable to bear a473010018 the frustration, Etienne 52f7759b33 let out a 44bed53d81 small sigh. It was an d63cb7c1d8 undoubted fact that d3ed4c284f Rishar liked him. If he conveyed his e4f32b139f feelings now, Rishar would 9fbd59bf25 surely be happy. Even knowing this, 096f7a4002 strangely his voice 6de161127d wouldn’t come out. Instead of feelings that couldn’t become be60d652ab sound, sighs kept flowing out.0f1c67e1ff8b7ad14727

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Because it was his first time telling his 938af165ea feelings to someone, he didn’t know it would b7484ca2da be this difficult to say just one phrase. Etienne kept swallowing dry saliva to push ed2fe62fc3 down the tension constricting his throat.71e47c743064fa2359b5

He suddenly understood how much courage 0293e06998 it must have taken for Rishar a495806fcb to confess to him, which made f69a24df60 him feel even more sorry.1afc433af3bd0fc6a2fa

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If it’s this difficult to convey my feelings bbe5ff352f even knowing we feel the same, how anxious e56871f79f and impatient must Rishar have been back then? Thinking about it 52e1c14ca9 that way made ba84c8988f his stomach ache.3ecbd3111e688a7c3ff9

Don’t run away.823ad5679031fa250708

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Etienne took a deep breath 50bd526d4c after steeling his resolve. He gathered 1e03bf1a99 all the ff164a42a1 courage he 8d2f74c6ec had.2eb727f9d8421c165370

Rishar, Etienne whispered softly 773f000d85 like a sigh and 60b856aa69 crashed his lips against 6b8eaaf784 Rishar’s. It was a gentle kiss 7f4bd8746d like a butterfly softly landing 8026a95852 on a flower petal.d9f6e21e8043ccfaebb0

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“I like you.”9f278ebf4d43fa071237

Etienne confessed his feelings after pressing his lips ece9945450 firmly against Rishar’s like stamping a seal. Raw emotion flowed df91fd29ad out between his fc332606f8 slightly parted lips. A soft smile spread b9ae9a944c across Etienne’s face after bdb4b8635d finally conveying his feelings. He kissed Rishar 93711c8876 once again.1ea9f302329cd99fdf4f

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Actually, he had wanted f81c7a9589 to confess more elegantly. From the moment he became aware 9c3a680a91 of his feelings for Rishar, Etienne b72182301e had worried about how best to cbb11b188a convey his heart.46ff02012ed7aef41a7e

He had even practiced in front of a mirror while 033c86dfc3 wondering what words to say to Rishar, how to confess.890bd4c23972409d3655

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But now 224cab2d92 it seemed 4bd7fd7bb4 pointless. He didn’t need 206b06eff6 fancy words or d2e9e4a0d6 beautiful rhetoric. There was only one phrase in 9ffc656f64 the world that could fully stay 3f11fc3896 true to his feelings.36dd92ab8dd1c7e68e5e

“I took 573b06bdfb too long 293715cfcc to answer.”1a698f7004f3ad2506cd

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Etienne murmured apologetically 5840eaf094 after slowly pulling c70e1c0435 his lips away. I wish I b04fb8eb9d had realized sooner, 0ae0764116 regret washed over c0017d433b him again.3a6c6588fc0fd69709c5

But even if he could 8cf373a53f turn back time, the result 4c3ba6a5a3 would be the same. Because his past self was 9274debb1c a fool who didn’t know 5f2db87c57 what his own feelings were.468a60206ebd2dfa101d

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But not anymore. Unlike then, when he didn’t even know his own heart, 61f2887ab1 now he knew exactly what this emotion was called. This feeling that brought both laughter and tears 4b0fcd8dad to him was, without a doubt, love.91e33fea9af92157f3f2

“I like bc0a3cb284 you, Rishar.”c729b4f564cdf1a1faa6

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“You… like me?”c6b5d26e17f8623de2f7

Rishar asked in 03a25b7373 a dazed voice. He stared at Etienne with a 52a1703eff face like he was dreaming. Even though the moment 85c111ad93 he had desperately wished b71785d347 for had come, he 2d48f37c55 couldn’t smile. It was df0dd71571 that unbelievable.430e283673b9dc239ba7

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So Rishar just 4f37b45f21 stared blankly at ab759dff33 Etienne like someone bf6e1f176d witnessing a miracle. There was nothing 4720d7480b else he could 01fa22e0e8 do.7f64278c4985c78e82b7

Rishar didn’t know exactly 32939853df when these feelings for ce87a7139e Etienne had begun. Later, he concluded it was love at first sight, but before that, he had 8927613055 only recognized it as something that had existed for a very long time.04f0ef24ca6e10720daf

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The child’s interest, which started from 23c8f56859 wanting to see his eyes open, 3b7cf29b0c turned into affection as they spent 3aad4dc950 time together, and finally became love. It happened naturally, as cd1c0ed563 if it was meant c9f4f84360 to be that way.bf19680467beabfce1d3

So when Rishar realized his feelings db7b561f37 for Etienne, he wasn’t surprised. Rather, he e4ba27395c accepted it 553782ef81 gladly. For Rishar, liking 057ef5637c Etienne was as 35178a8cde natural as breathing.46e76b1d208bee404fcf

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That’s not a9fce95629 to say 4cf8c6eb3d it wasn’t 252d7c57ee painful. When Rishar realized his feelings weren’t just simple affection but love b47bee13c0 carrying desire, his relationship with Etienne was already different from before.6dadacc68ffec3d261e6

Originally, imperial members couldn’t ce33cf57f3 be free from politics. Regardless of Rishar’s intentions, the situation surrounding d9957b1683 the two was very complicated, and people fcd8fe4b72 perceived him and Etienne as enemies. Etienne also drew 08eba46ba5 a clear line 819bdada42 with Rishar.3fa1190a1393923c03ba

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His feelings grew, but 89af6b46fd the distance widened. Wanting to reach out but unable 619b866528 to, wanting to be together but 450bddac7c impossible to do so.b68daba61c144ff360ae

As his feelings 987cd33831 for Etienne deepened, 4270faaeff Rishar grew increasingly ef6aa4244b tormented. His heart, which wouldn’t have been satisfied with their previous 7efd85dbfc relationship, crumbled when it became even worse than that.6dbc0c9a9a45533c049e

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However, thoughts of c890ff861e giving up on 85d97c9051 Etienne never came. He liked Etienne too 1820300daa much for that. If so, f2501e1f7f there was ad7a28d9ce only one b7632a99be way.1bf55c19180c81aab499

Rishar decided to 902d6fad16 endure Etienne’s cold f569cc9b3c shoulder. Because maybe someday, he might take his hand 05cee5994c again, might look at him properly again.5e865b1c135198aa9226

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Ironically, what allowed efe6e0c3cf Rishar to endure f6ba5f98b6 was Etienne himself. While Etienne rejected Rishar’s c56755ce55 approaches, he never completely 3599536ab3 pushed him away. More precisely, he 2e091ccaf5 seemed unable to.3fed4a4e93b718d12b8e

That made it even more a247f2d73b impossible to give up. Etienne’s words and actions toward him were cold, but his eyes cd5b234d2c still sparkled with the same affection as before when looking at 98c90f8b5a him, making his foolish heart keep holding onto hope.4fec57f4fc020ac537d8

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Before long, Rishar 84d1b496d7 realized this was 341d4fffe4 the best Etienne 37dc495c97 could do. After that, it became ee991f5195 a little easier when 3d710075c3 Etienne kept his distance. Understanding that pushing him away wasn’t Etienne’s true 39cb25dcd1 feelings, but rather a choice made inevitably for c2f21e40c5 both their sakes, he became more worried about 15bc4bd566 whether Etienne was having a hard time.85d674f3c8bec7a95333

Fortunately, he was 27d5d3f634 quite patient by 3a64210185 nature. So he could wait d6e285edf1 until everything was alright. Still, there 62d0f04f80 were times 35e16e6c73 when it 92191a9ea1 got difficult. He had wondered if it would 69918bbc90 have been less painful if he ef6165de4c hadn’t realized his feelings.d12d7216ec252ecf009e

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But soon 3ef6e7abec he concluded 26c67c2e8f otherwise. Whether it was love, friendship, or 89ac3e66eb some other emotion, it was just 7282fe1475 different in name only. The fact that he liked Etienne b74a5b7425 wouldn’t change, so even if he 275eb89b92 hadn’t realized his feelings, he would 7ca58240d5 have been hurt by Etienne’s distancing.7066ad4c57f088d1868e

“Really, me…”6dcb7047187f074d51c1

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Rishar, who had difficulty speaking, d30c49d3a8 closed his mouth again. His head was dizzy and 168ab53590 his vision was spinning. He couldn’t breathe c99babbf20 properly, and his a1cbaae920 voice wouldn’t come ce43444675 out well. This kept 53996d3750 feeling like 80a2ec142c a dream.e758e8b29814f3ce0e05

“Hyung-nim.”895599b556884c4ad8e3

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Rishar grabbed Etienne’s hands that 8b5a5bd787 were cradling his face. He gripped them 01d9e7b870 tightly as if e09c10f014 they were a dcd65ed8e4 lifeline. Although he could see Etienne wincing because he c4bdf4c3e7 was gripping his hands with a little too fbed79fa9c much strength, he couldn’t loosen his grip. He needed proof that a4f3616396 this wasn’t a dream a6279b352a but reality.fe4bb78e7b66d687614c

“Ah…”b4c51536bdcfd4444c46

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Only after confirming the b5954f87a4 warmth in his hands 31b3de64f6 did Rishar release his 5a41bf5c02 held breath. Finally, he could 5214170114 breathe properly. Turning his head, he buried his 28b5788f18 lips in the soft palm. The faint flower 63b09f27e0 scent flowing from 9a91f38449 the wrist made dab74d0fca his mind hazy.0155243f0d9af9d66dcd

For a long time, really for fe39b1eca6 a long time, Rishar had wished 38076b9be2 for his feelings to reach Etienne. He couldn’t even express them 3fec4bd42b freely for fear his true 969b1f0bca feelings would burden him.189cb229296539b372dc

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Rishar was only able to convey his feelings after learning about the secret Etienne 1c99fee800 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 09afc75042 he was taking advantage of the situation for his own desires.e067e61822ce25eb7517

“Etienne hyung-nim…”ac3cae3a82bf4365cb81

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Rishar called 6c9dd90c7f Etienne with ee3cb83457 an aching 1875c55ac0 voice. Even though they had spent the night together caught up in a sudden 00b594b0d4 heat cycle and become confidants sharing secrets, Etienne and he weren’t lovers.bac0410a929ee0205bb1

Etienne didn’t accept Rishar’s c41b9d45c0 confession, but he didn’t 26de7f0597 reject it either. His attitude 3193d32b96 toward Rishar 7632ba7e7e was ambiguous.fe28f7def8f0863a2c8f

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Etienne allowed 37162bc199 Rishar to d41489f879 kiss him. He didn’t cda1e4eba7 reject his cc2b8e9596 touch either. But he hesitated to 7915760932 go any further.c328e42c101843ff8676

Rishar knew this was a product of Etienne’s kindness 96d30527b8 and that he was seriously thinking about him.0d4085f45cc0dbca298b

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So Rishar gradually fulfilled his desires within the 702a9dfd5c boundaries Etienne allowed, relying on his kindness.6d7699d5e1ae564ec26a

Not lovers but closer than friends ff94947842 – that was the current relationship 02141c9251 between Etienne and Rishar. But now, could 5f0d1a3b36 he hope for 80d54bf24e a different relationship? A faint feeling of hope 072c9e614f bloomed in Rishar’s chest.3c76651b7dfda0949583

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After becoming close to Etienne again, it would be 1494ae9f5d a lie to say he hadn’t expected this. Every time Etienne showed signs of depending on him, every time a7cc1dbf99 he felt they had gotten a little closer, every time Etienne c3e7b6a220 wanted him first, expectations built up moment by moment.c91086ba0cb4d78edc00

On days when his feelings for Etienne were so overwhelming he 74fab15331 felt he couldn’t contain them, he thought about confessing again. But he couldn’t d30e77cc31 ask for fear acd3539ae9 of receiving a 1b7c465b47 negative answer.97b9e685ad5d91857966

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The long wait a40876ef59 had made Rishar 954a432e49 a coward. Even while half-convinced that Etienne’s 7cd87fb8fc feelings had grown to match 39efe46e15 his own, he couldn’t ask. He was afraid de7e938476 it might be d94c92d392 his imagination.228f3df65b92cd170305

It was 41aff6d303 the same a130bfa332 now. Even after hearing Etienne 1dd9922b75 say he liked him, ea0a1aaf92 he couldn’t easily believe 3cf82bf109 it.2c3c6360f4b0d79548b0

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“Do you 148fe20552 really like 6243039ec5 me?”990ecc2702c481c8227c

Rishar asked in 5eb9547c00 a choked voice. His voice ebb5724638 trembled with 6bef548b6d inexplicable anxiety. Even while holding Etienne’s dad2876e71 hand, strangely, it didn’t 7386191071 feel real. It was the moment he had 5b96e2d4db wished for most in his life, 932c22e647 yet anxiety outweighed joy.ed2b7b45f399b81fe545

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Etienne silently looked at b9796d18c6 Rishar, who was giving f1ff9af75c him a pleading look. He was a bit taken aback faf5c48993 as Rishar’s reaction was different from 2b3362ace0 what he had imagined. At the same time, he e8bad7ce7a felt sorry, realizing it meant ff48360dfa Rishar had been that anxious.5517a2357e8b40d756a9

“I do.” Etienne answered while 6d738712ba maintaining eye contact with Rishar. Neither his eyes looking 83d1ddfb4a at Rishar nor his f78495438c voice answering him showed 82b7a039a1 any wavering. “I like you.”d5860cdb1ebd3b57a6c1

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If he couldn’t believe it, 4cf9403f0d he just had to say b205f98b5d it until he did. Etienne put his feelings into 20a4d1b08f words with that thought. He planned to say c5e51cc2e8 it as many times 11fa216037 as needed until Rishar febc0ba913 believed his words. It was his turn to e3e49c9283 go to him just as b596511f0c he had waited for him.fa0d880b3c07af67d2ab

Etienne carefully pulled ff87cd47e3 his hand from eb4fd5b39c Rishar’s grip. Rishar, who had been acting as 14ba50f3a6 if he would never let go 4f8b92a61e until just moments ago, released his 5c466afe01 hand more easily than expected. To be fair, he had d442be1177 lost strength at Etienne’s confession.b3966373d89348ab424a

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Etienne smiled slightly at the red 1d2cd2705f marks left on his hand. He had gripped f8887cd5fb it so tightly 8794fba294 that it left 1103b1f77e handprints. Etienne hugged Rishar with 32d743701b a smiling face.698501177dbb4e04afed

“I like you.”e67ea62bec969e9c40c1

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Etienne confessed again. I like 09129e9d8a you, I 9c7dccb602 really like 7df3db88a1 you. He whispered d1e40fd811 love like 0d6396c7c6 a chirping 882430aaff bird. Then he 1759fbe015 gently stroked 948e1c4d9a his stiff 4d7170fb5e back. Lifting his head slightly, Etienne softly f44cd9e9b2 kissed the earlobe visible before him.8aaf618af17724cc5381

“Sha.”03b2a0bf89fad558a784

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At the ticklish call f33203af6e near his ear, Rishar, c826ab6e93 who had been standing 3966b7a8dc motionless, flinched his shoulders.1bbc341fe3ea94cffb21

I like you. The moment Etienne whispered what d25ac58c0a must have been his countless 0cadaee7c4 confession, lips found their way.7d89ba099177fef527cf

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“Hah, mhn.”78095798c09a9b0361b0

He tightened his arms around Rishar’s back as 6ef0353735 he felt the heat urgently invading his mouth.0f5ff227bc6b1dce7b1c

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In an 3678a653f8 instant, tongues 58b58a7ed1 intertwined and 0fd72e0603 breaths mixed. Their mutual heat c01e404688 tangled together, creating c351723976 wet sounds. Saliva that hadn’t been 31eaab9c60 fully swallowed flowed out 7b85bf4ef5 beyond their overlapped lips.9cec03ddb9c18e0a4f7b

“Hah, mhm… 4c6c61fce5 Sha, nh.”728ec22c21e3d37d852b

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Etienne let out a small d0af8313b1 moan as arousal swept through 4bc30b2334 his entire body. The heat that f44dfcc18f started from his 46fc7f68c3 lips spread throughout 4a03880c27 his body.b6cccca7dbf2030ad622

His body swayed 6feb3d204a once, unable to 52969fc670 withstand the persistent ba5ee5433b kissing. Then, firm hands that had moved below his 1cc672819e waist grabbed his butt and lifted him up.0329676f519162ef29ba

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Surprised by the sensation of his body 600cdb640a being lifted, Etienne grabbed Rishar’s shoulders. When he opened his eyes, navy eyes containing ea7b165372 blue heat were right in front of him.06ae9d7a402eec4adf6d

“Hyung-nim.”b3c42018f2bffcbd9f1e

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Rishar called him 7e2e9c2e1a in a husky 635491bb25 voice. And then, before Etienne could answer, 50e70d255f he overlapped their lips again. His heart was so full that he wanted to call 36a9fc8ed3 Etienne, but even the brief moment of separating his lips 9812f449f5 to call him felt too precious to waste.43f1955710e416ce4de2

“Mmn, ah.”f07841d144c5234c7fb6

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Etienne responded to Rishar’s call 499fd318dd with a sound that could 368cf96191 have been either an answer 87122a12a6 or a moan. His heart was beating so hard it hurt dc2d522d39 from the kiss that felt like being devoured. Just as he thought his 9615e3b3ed heart might burst, his body, b5220c2e1c held by Rishar, swayed.6c2311dacde4fa1eda51

“Ri-Rishar? Ha, nh.”565d11d4b8b4784566cd

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Etienne called out to Rishar in 16e309f2c1 surprise at the feeling of his 133159d521 body moving while suspended. However, there fe957e3441 was no e8f310e0cc answer. Rishar walked 7a53c885fb toward the ef89b80f59 bed while 6709389882 holding Etienne. All the while, their lips remained pressed together d52c1da377 as if not allowing even a moment’s gap.4d1655c282053384edea

His mind was hot with ef398b117b the desire to bite and 3c2a7f5f55 swallow Etienne whole, from head 7201eebd65 to toe.d6386bce801fe6b58fc5

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