𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐧
The next day, I felt somewhat off.
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Lack of sleep and overthinking had left a haze over my mind. I thought I had hidden it well, but it seemed everyone had noticed.
I was told to stay in my room for the day, and I nodded in agreement.
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“You must be tired. Since coming here, Alice has been very active every day. For the sake of Alice’s health, you should rest.”
“It’s just a little sleep deprivation; I’ll be fine.”
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In reality, I just couldn’t sleep due to the surprise of the confession, and it felt like playing hooky.
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“It would be good for you to rest when you can. We may have to move again suddenly. For Alice’s sake, someone should stay behind.”
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When Roa-sama says so, I can only nod.
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“Would you mind stopping by Marina’s lab after school? I will write a letter to Thor. I came after class, but you were not there, so I will come again. I will hide the fact that I am not feeling well. Otherwise, Thor, who I just met again yesterday, will try to see me somehow.”
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I can’t imagine that Thor would stay away knowing that I’m unwell; the mere thought is terrifying.
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“Alice is right. He’ll probably try to contact us in some way and say he wants to come to the room.”
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Rolf’s words were spot on. When it comes to me, Thor tends to go a bit overboard.
As Roa-sama nodded, Chris moved immediately.
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“I’ll bring the stationery. Let me deliver it.”
“In that case, Edgardo will stay behind first.”
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My heart gave a little thud.
With Roa-sama’s decision, everyone started to move, and the room was filled with the hustle and bustle typical of mornings. I couldn’t possibly say no for personal reasons.
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Once everyone but Edgardo had left, silence filled the room.
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“Will you write the letter in the room?”
“Eh? . . .Yes, I will.”
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It’s not that I’m avoiding Edgardo; it’s just a bit embarrassing to have someone watch me write.
I returned to my room and carefully chose my words so the letter could be read by anyone.
In summary, it says I couldn’t meet today but will come again soon, so please focus on your studies until then.
Holding the dried letter, I left the room.
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“Edgardo-sama, could you please review this letter? I tried to make it as natural as possible for anyone to read, but I’d like to confirm.”
“Understood. Please hand it over.”
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Edgardo’s slightly elongated eyes earnestly followed the text.
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“Overall, this is a letter intended for someone close to you. If you are going to say it’s from Tianne, it should be more formal.”
“How should I change it?”
“Let’s see. . . you could remove the greetings and the part about focusing on your studies, and simply write that you’ll contact him when there’s a reason. He knows the circumstances, so he’ll realize that he’ll be called when he can be. We only need to make it acceptable for anyone else who might read it; actually, you can go meet him without calling.”
“Thank you! It seems better to write it while consulting with Edgardo-sama.”
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I brought ink and a pen from my room and wrote while consulting with Edgardo.
We’re a bit too close, but because Edgardo maintains his usual demeanor, I can also act as if it’s nothing.
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After finishing the letter and placing it in the room, I returned to find Edgardo had brought a bottle of tea.
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“Let’s take a little break. Would you like some pie? We also have Florentine.”
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Sitting next to Edgardo on the sofa, the tension that had momentarily eased somewhere resurfaced.
Edgardo slumps beside me.
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“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make Alice uncomfortable. I didn’t know it would make you feel so sick. . .”
“That’s not it! I just didn’t get enough sleep. . . .It was my first time being confessed to.”
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The phrase “in this lifetime” comes to mind.
It’s not entirely wrong since it was my first sincere confession.
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“Is it your first time?”
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Edgardo’s cheeks flush a rosy color, emitting a sense of allure I can’t replicate.
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“Yes. So. . . I’ve been overthinking.”
“Just knowing that you don’t dislike it makes me happy.”
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A voice calls out, “Alice.”
The voice is sickly sweet, like sugar reduced to a syrup.
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“May I touch your hair?”
“Ah. . .I’m a little uncomfortable with my head being touched.”
“Then, just the tips.”
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I’m not used to being pleaded with like this.
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“Is there something stuck in it?”
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A low chuckle is heard.
Edgardo pulls out a beautifully embroidered handkerchief from his pocket. It’s ornate because it’s meant for use as a valet.
He carefully picks up a strand of my hair as if handling fragile glass. He kisses the handkerchief that envelops the hair.
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“I hope at least some of my love reaches you through this.”
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The handkerchief is folded, and the strand of hair, now infused with love, returns to its original position as if nothing happened.
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“Let’s take a little break. You look pale from the lack of sleep.”
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I watch Edgardo go to the kitchen to clean the dishes.
I’m aware my face is red, but I blame it on Edgardo.
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“So, is this what Edgardo-sama’s struggles will continue to be like?”
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Neither my heart nor my body feels like it can hold on much longer.
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