writing a dream

So, you gathered your courage for three months, planning to ask him out during the mid-semester after the mid-terms. With the chocolate pudding he always had after class.

“I—I, um, wouldyouliketogo—” you choke on your spit, “date me?”

Well, you didn’t mean to escalate to the last part that quick, thanks a lot, spit—

“Hm? Oh, pudding. Didn’t see you there… with an actual pudding!” He grinned, head tilted. 

You hadn’t even shown him the pudding, which is still tucked inside your hoodie pocket.

“And a date with you? When and where? I’ll be there.”

You blew up on the spot when he gave you a nickname for the first time, or was it because he accepted? Or maybe because of the toothy grin he gave… 

But back to the matter at hand…

Everything was going downhill like the many times your heart has dropped today.

“The line is going to be long again if we’re late—” You spluttered, walking down the path, and Valko swore you were trying to race him, but he was casually strolling right behind you. 

It was a panicking you and a laid-back Valko, speed-walking down the streets.

He had a smile the whole time, hands shoved into his jeans pockets. 

In contrast to your fuming mind of trying to make this right, he was enjoying it without realizing your head was about to explode.

This was different from any date he’s been on before—well, ones that he initiated for a casual hang out.

This was his first time accepting a date. It feels great so far, just trailing behind you—with your grip on his sweatshirt sleeve. Honestly, it wasn’t like he was going anywhere. He wholeheartedly would accept a leash—cough, that was too honest.

Watching you from meeting up at the bus station and dragging him from different restaurants, which you obviously looked up to the best ones in town—he just recognized all the ones you tried dragging him into.

It was cute, a cute attempt, but he sees how it’s starting to take a toll on you.

At the sight of the full lines of probably the sixth restaurant you brought him to, you let out a sigh. Valko was sure that if you had ears like his, they were drooping right now.

The grip on his sleeve loosened.

Everything was just great—failing greatly. You were at your wits' end.

You are never planning another date. The universe must’ve hated you and put full waiting lists on all the restaurants you visited—even some of them closed on a lovely Friday.

You screamed internally. You’d pull out your hair if he weren’t near right now.

“I don’t think this is working out.” You frowned, coming to a stop. 

You let go of his sleeve, and he froze.

“What do you mean it’s not working out?” Valko’s brows furrowed, holding both of your shoulders. You only shook your head, feeling pathetic.

You looked like you were about to cry.

“None of the places I wanted to bring you are available, and I don’t know what to do now.” You bit your lower lip, which was already trembling. 

You’re like a sad bunny.

Was it bad if his heart squeezed at the sight of you upset over this? He wants to bite you—

“Oh, goodies…” He sucked his breath, keeping his fangs in. “How about we take another walk, yeah? Maybe some place is open with no wait.”

He slowly guided you down the street, with an arm around your shoulder that you failed to notice amidst your disappointment.

“I don’t know, I wasted your time, Val,” you muttered. You rubbed your arms, a frown on your face. You were supposed to have lunch, not the snacks you had midway.

Even when you had Valko fed you pretzel sticks and that made you very happy—

Now, it was 3 PM, way past lunchtime. You were basically starving someone’s child.

“Wasted my time? No, you didn’t.” Valko scoffed. He stopped in his tracks while you kept wallowing. He pondered before quietly asking.

“...You’re not regretting asking me out, right?” 

Your eyes widened. You turned around, facing his saddened expression. “What?! No, no, no! I was excited when you accepted my offer…”

“And you’re backing out from this?” he asked, taking a step closer.

“It’s more of… I regret not planning this well,” you whispered with your hands fiddling with each other. You had a solid week to plan everything for a one-day date, and seeing neither work was plummeting your confidence in this.

“And I’m too jumpy around you…” You added weakly. 

Who would like someone who can barely hold hands with their date? You’ve been holding his sleeve all this time. You were starting to think you were allergic to physical touch.

But Valko only cooed, chuckling at that. “You know, I wasn’t hoping for anything perfect. I was already expecting the jumpy you.”

You looked at him, raising a brow. You squinted. What kind of bullshit—er, sweet thing is he going to spout now?

“Pudding, I was already excited when you asked me out,” he said, smiling. Head tilted, he grinned. “It’s our first date. It’s okay to fumble.”

“Easy for you to say…” You huffed. “You already went on dates before. This is my first time—with anyone at that.”

His eyes widened in turn. If it’s out, his tail would be wagging right now. 

He was your first.

“Alright, it’s your first time with anyone. But! It’s also my first time with you… Doesn’t that count as something?”

You blinked, mouth dropping, closing immediately. What was he trying to win? 

Oh, he doesn’t want to lose over this useless argument. You tuned him out, saying it was only casual dates, not romantic ones—might’ve missed hearing him say, ‘this is my first date with someone I actually like, like’.

“That’s not the point.” You pouted, crossing your arms. “I’m trying to give you a good time here.”

Valko only had a wistful smile hearing you. He was always proud when he saw you being caring, but he caught it a little too late in realizing the intent behind your actions.

He noticed how you made sure everyone was content with class decisions because you’re basically the class representative. 

He noticed the way you’d placed candy on every table before class, a boost to remind everyone it’s the last class of the day on Thursday.

He noticed the way you would help someone who was struggling with an assignment, and ended up having a crowd around your table—he lowkey resents whenever that happens because his view of you is blocked.

You always took everyone’s feelings into account, but you'd rather push aside yours. So, he didn’t want you to stress on a date that meant to make both of you happy.

“Good time, huh? You already are giving it by being here.” Valko tilted his head, saying it so innocently. 

Your eyes widened. Just by your presence alone? 

“Wow.”

“Wow?”

“I hate that you’re so smooth at everything—it’s dangerous.”

Valko barked a laugh at the given reaction. You were hiding behind your hands right now.

“Why is that dangerous, doll?” he teased, leaning close to you. 

Too sweet. Too close. Dangerous for my heart. This was definitely not in the book about how to date people—

“You wouldn’t possibly kidnap me and evict me to nowhere, right?” You blurted out, peeking through your fingers. He grins, thinking you’re just trying to swerve the conversation elsewhere when you’re really concerned you’re going to be the next crime documentary.

Not that you think this big ol’ sweet thing would do such a thing… right?

“I’m not a stranger offering you some chocolates. Where’s your trust in me? You asked me out!” He chuckled. “I mean, if you want me to do that, s’nothin’ I can’t do… preferably evicting you to somewhere we can cuddle though.” 

You barely register his words. He was so close, too close, a distance you couldn’t handle yet—you stumbled backwards.

“Mmh, don’t faint on me.” Valko caught you in the middle of your yelp. He was still chuckling. 

“Now, this is cliché.” 

You groaned, still covering your face from him, trying to ignore the feeling of his arm around your waist. What kind of rom-com were you in right now?

“Can’t we just enjoy the day together?” He hummed, not even trying to straighten you up. 

He just wants you to be in his arms for a little longer.

“Doesn’t have to be anything too fancy, just you and me, and another shared pretzel? Maybe an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup this time?”

“You’d want that?” you asked quietly, dropping your hands, which curled to your chest now. “I read people would like more thoughtfully planned dates than random excursions…”

“Who cares what a damn book would say.” He scoffed.

“Like I said before—yeah, I’d want anything with you, even on random 3 AM trips.” He smiled softly. 

You blinked. That’s oddly specific. You can’t help but start imagining convenience store trips with him, though.

“But do you want it though?” He hummed, earning your confusion. 

“What do you mean?” you asked, brows raised.

“‘Cause you’ve been buzzing like a bee, following something more important than me.” He sighed, shrugging. He was pointing to your phone, opened to your day itinerary, which you had crossed so many lines in. 

“I’m not sure you’re liking this as much as you said you were excited.”

You froze. You were far too caught up with your plans. You weren’t seeing him. Too caught up in the list of good places you marked. 

You were supposed to enjoy the day together, yet you were busy trying to figure out how to make this work—finding the dynamic between a normal you and the campus favorite boy.

You forgot to be in the present.

“Of course, I want it…” you muttered. “I’m sorry, I was too caught up in my head.”

“It happens. I was also nervous on my first-ever first casual date.”

You side-eyed him.

“Oookay, I won’t bring more firsts.” He snorted. 

“I just want to make this work… and not make you regret all of this,” you muttered, rubbing your arms.

Valko clicked his tongue. Guess he’s not doing a good job trying to drill this into you.

“Let’s establish something here.” Valko sighed, shaking his head. 

You tilt your head, brows furrowed slightly. 

“You want this date, right?” he asked. You nodded.

“I want this date too, right?” he asked—why is he asking you?

Looking at your still uncertain expression, he held back a smile.

“The answer is obvious—yes, pudding.” He grinned. “So, we want this. You’re not the only one who wants this to work. I’m in this too.”

As if it’s not clear enough, he added while pointing to you and himself, “We want to enjoy our date.”

Oh, he’s trying to establish it’s an 'us' situation.

“Let’s start slow… and don’t worry whether I’m enjoying this or not because I totally have since the start,” he said, fingers tapping against your waist. 

“I want to know more about you. We hadn’t talked much aside from you dragging me around, you know?”

Your face was warm. Right, you’ve been dragging him by his sleeve.

“Okay… then maybe we should take another walk—a slower walk.” You took a deep breath, scrambling to make distance.

“Yeah, a nice relaxing stroll.” Valko encouraged.

“Last try for this one.” You sighed, resorting to one last restaurant you had on your list. It was really your last resort, a simple diner that still serves pancakes until midnight—also chocolate-covered strawberries.

Valko felt lost when you pulled away. He was able to walk beside you now at least—you weren’t hiding your face anymore.

“So… what do you like to do—I mean, like hobbies?” You started, trying to strike up a conversation.

“I like walking in the forest near the campus, just enjoying the yellows.” He grinned. 

You raised a brow. It was spring. You don’t recall the leaves drying up yet.

“The sun shines through the gaps between the leaves on the tree, giving a pretty look when you’re in the forest beneath it. I’ll take you to see it sometime.” Valko explained animatedly. He mentioned a stream and flowers, which he wants to bring you to as well.

You find yourself staring at him as he talks. 

Charming, he was charming. 

It was why you love staring at him too when he presents in class. He makes a captivating presentation, naturally drawing everyone into his energy and the way he speaks. 

You admire him.

The conversation flows. He occasionally nudges you, coaxing you to answer his questions too. Your favorite snacks, drinks, the library you visit, the books and movies you like—or about the cactus that’s living near the window inside your dorm. 

The distance between you both slowly closed while hearts were opening up, and you were letting it happen naturally. 

Shoulder to shoulder, you hadn’t realized you managed to talk with him like a normal person—though you still couldn’t look straight at him unless you were talking.

Valko was grinning the whole time, his little fangs slightly showing—the ones you thought were his cute trait.

“Much better this way, hm?” he mused, hand brushing against yours. His fingers twitched, wanting to hold your hand.

“You… You’re different than what I thought.” You were more relaxed now, not too jumpy. 

He raised a brow. “Different? Bad or good?”

“Good difference…” You smiled nervously, swinging your hands back and forth. “I knew you liked talking to a lot of people, but I wasn’t expecting you to be this… chirpy.”

Valko raised a brow. Maybe his cool persona on campus worked too well, a reputation to maintain as a chairman’s son? He couldn't care less about it. He hadn’t realized you would think that way.

“What do you mean? I’m always like this.” He scoffed, crossing his arms. “I mean, I do hear them saying I’m cute and cool—can those two traits even coexist?”

You squinted. No, not that image with his cute glasses while trying to solve problems. More like a tail wagging behind him every time you see him, which was similar to the blur you see at your dorm when you just entered—

“You’re like my roommate’s dog.”

You didn’t mean to say this part, literally. 

Valko choked on his spit, slightly offended. “You’re comparing me to a dog?!” 

I’m a wolf! A werewolf!—that’s what was screaming inside his head. Yet he finally had the revelation of the scent that’s been clinging to you, another dog, to his dismay.

“W—Wait, I mean. You’re just so bright, giddy. You also smile a lot—gosh, and I love them so much when your fangs show. You make me happy when I see you on campus like when I see my roommate’s dog—wait, I’m rambling again.” You cut yourself off, the heat already rushing on your face. 

“Sorry, I mean, you’re always there when we have class together and I just kinda got used to it, so I kinda just want to see you more…? Oh, what am I even saying right now, that’s not even helping—”

You were avoiding his gaze again until a graze of fur was on your back. Shivers crawled on your skin. 

You blinked, looking slowly behind you. Where did this reddish furry tail come from? It was curled around your waist now, trying to navigate you closer to…

Your eyes led to Valko, who was equally flushed. The tips of his ears were red. For once, he was avoiding looking at you.

He was having cute aggression after hearing yours directed at him.

“Um, Val?” you called. You were just letting yourself be tugged closer to him—totally not freaked out, yes.

“You made it hard not to munch you off.” He whined slightly, moving closer. “You have no idea how I love seeing you before class starts too—I just want to bite you every time your scent is near.”

Now, you have a big dog—or wolf, as he prefers—nuzzling you in the middle of the street because you accidentally confessed your inner feelings. 

No wonder he sees yellows in the forest. No wonder he knew of the pudding you had yet to reveal that day. It was honestly a miracle he wasn’t chewing your cheeks down yet.

“Was that too much for a first date?” you mumbled, frozen still as his chin rested on top of you.

“Nah, I like you more now. Best first date ever.” He grunted with a low growl, keeping you caged in his back-hug. 

“...And I also want to see you more. The feelings are mutual.”

You were going to combust any moment now, but he wasn’t budging. Guess you’re going to be stuck here for a while, with a nuzzle here and there.

You were about to relax, just for a second…

Until a light flashed with a honk of a car coming from behind you. 

Your heart lurched at the sound, but Valko was calm. 

He lifted you easily, calmly moving to the sidewalk, ears already catching the screech from afar—no way he was going to let a car part you both. Your jaw dropped, staring at the car that sped past you both. 

Staring at the spot you were standing at, the car’s door mirror would break if it hit you both. How did you end up standing in the middle of the road—you don’t know.

Your heart was still racing, not sure because of the arms that were still around you and the warmth seeping in or the fact you almost died seconds ago.

“...You realize we almost got hit by a car, right?”

“Yeah, and?”

You sighed at his answer. He was just too busy right now—busy growling in satisfaction from nuzzling.

According to your wolf knowledge from a series of fictions, he’s probably scenting you right now.

You weren’t sure how you were going to get to the diner at this point, but part of you was glad he was much more content this way. 

Worries washed away, especially safe by the sidewalk. You finally started to relax in his arms when you heard an unpleasant sound of your stomach rumbling.

You groaned internally, just when everything was slightly better—

“Oops, we should eat.” Valko stiffened, patting your head a few times. You hadn’t had time to be embarrassed before he grabbed your hand to walk down the rest of the street.

“Well, look at that! We made it. This was on your list, yeah?” He grinned, pointing to the diner that was on your phone screen.

The diner was open, in its glory, no waiting line—it was so bright in your eyes.

“Let’s eat!” Valko dragged you in eventually, before you started crying out of relief for one successful thing from the day—maybe two after being hugged by him.

But maybe it wasn’t so bad after all in getting a little bit closer in both of your own ways. Getting a hug on your first date wasn’t on your bingo list. Neither was it on his to be able to scent you on your first date.

“When’s our next date?” The question earned him a stolen chocolate-covered strawberry, but earned you a kiss with the taste of the treat's sweetness from the greedy wolf.

i feel like i didn’t do the song justice because i experienced an identity crisis writing valko. i keep imagining he has caleb’s tone of voice my bad—had to rewatch his teaser again to get a hold of his tone cause i keep putting in southern ish caleb voice in my head. yall how is his voice that deep for a big cutie? not that i’m complaining though.

ᯓ★ ©2026 leenkeyluc — only on tumblr! thanks for reading!

Red still flared in your cheeks. Sylus came to your mind the moment his face was close enough to whisper. Yet his suggestion to find a spouse had been bothering you. Does that mean he does not see you as a woman? But his actions of giving you your own room and fancy dresses brought their own questions.

What is he exactly planning? What was he going to use you for with these lavish things?

He summoned you to his study the next morning. Sylus raised a brow at your sluggish state of lack of sleep. The girls’ night and overthinking brought you no sleep—even with the fluffy pillow and wonderful bed.

“I will not ask about your nightly routine, but we have another job,” Sylus said, gesturing to you to sit. 

“There is an auction tomorrow night. The jewel I have my eye on is sighted there,” he explained further while watching your expression morph to confusion.

“And what exactly am I needed for? Lady Fallon hasn’t come to Linkon yet?” you asked, crossing your arms. Well, Sylus always goes to an auction, with or without a partner. You were curious about the reason why he needs you.

“She will not be coming here. Matters in Philos are more concerning on her side.” Sylus hummed, bringing his glass of wine, then sitting across you on the sofa. He placed the plate of refreshment you brought with you for you to have instead.

“You, sweetie. You will be playing the role of my fiancée. The auction only accepts couples.”

What a weird auction. You can’t tell whether he’s making it up or whether it’s true, but Sylus never lied before—at least you believe so. He had shown you the invite before you could ask. It was unfair how he could read you too well. You cringed at the invitation filled with hearts.

“I will have the outfit and ring for you tomorrow afternoon. Be ready after dinner time,” he said, a small smirk on his lips. 

A ring. You never expected your first engagement to be an act, yet the idea of being close with Sylus all night was somewhat thrilling. 

You hadn’t noticed he was looking at the corner, moving to grab something. A yellow rose and a letter were in front of you. Sylus sat beside you this time.

“A gift was addressed to you.”

You thought he would be excited, yet his lips were in a thin line. 

You reached the flower first. It was a single flower, yet sweetly scented. Then, you opened the fancy envelope. The letter contained an invitation to try desserts at a famous Linkon dessert shop.

An opportunity you couldn’t miss to try more delicious delicacies. You had tried baking, yet none of them tasted as heavenly as those patisserie—you missed the desserts at the ball.

“Well?” You forgot Sylus was beside you. 

“His Grace invited me to town… to try desserts,” you said to him, reading the duke’s formal tone. “We had small talk at the ball about desserts.”

“Desserts…” Sylus only muttered. “Will you be accepting his invite?”

“I see no reason not to, if you allow me that is.” You glance at his face. You couldn’t read his thoughts at all.

“The decision is in your hands, sweetie.” Soon, he chuckled. “I’ll provide your necessities, a dress, and anything.”

“That is all from me. You may go back. Don’t forget the auction.”

You nodded, excusing yourself, bringing the letter and the flower. The gesture made you smile. You couldn’t wait to taste different dessert varieties—oh, trying to figure out their recipes.

You missed the deep frown on his face as he eyed you, who was skipping out of the way in joy. 

⋆｡‧˚ʚ ୨ৎ ɞ˚‧｡⋆

“A mask…?”

This was the first time you had gone to an auction, and a mask for a masquerade ball wasn’t what you expected. Sure, they’d given the cloaks, but the mask was fancy enough with jewels decorating the edges.

“Of course, it was written in the dress code.” Sylus hummed. His face was adorned with a black and red mask, with a hint of gold accents. The most notable feature was its tiny horns protruding above its brows. It suited him, the bold colors and wealth it embodied.

Yours was white, feathery. It reminded you of a swan. Was this how he sees you?

“Your hand, please.” Sylus’ open palm made you naturally put your hand on his. 

A gold band ring with a white diamond, shining when the light hits. The ring slid to your ring finger—right, you were pretending to be his fiancée.  Simple, yet so beautiful. 

“Mhm, it suits you well,” Sylus murmured, tracing your finger with his thumb. 

You looked away. You’ve seen this look of his before—the soft expression whenever he’s handling you. The same look he gave when he first saved you before bringing you into his guild.

“Shall we?” He offered his arm, which you hesitantly held on to. It felt different than that night before. It’s bigger, firmer—

“Enjoying pressing, hm?” Oh, you didn’t realize you were groping.

“Sorry.” You cleared your throat, looking ahead. Goodness, you weren’t in your right mind.

You tried keeping your face neutral while seeing these couples—why is an auction a dating destination? You wouldn’t know how rich people think.

You’re finally seated in the auction room. Even the chairs are love seats. Sylus is sitting awfully close to you. Is the love seat this cramped?

“What kind of auction is this?” you finally asked him, whispering. You’re trying to block your view of a couple making out in the corner of your eye—they’re gonna move and not even join the auction at this point.

“An auction for people to show their wealth towards their partners.” Sylus simply explained. “Any pretty jewel, accessories that their women want, they must bid.”

“That’s stupid.”

“Yet it exists. You can also tell me what you want, dove.” He smirked. You scowled, shaking your head at the temptation. 

“Just get what you need, and we’ll go.”

“Hm, but I can’t bid if you don’t want it.”

“Huh?”

The moment the auction started, the whines of women wanting the item were coming from all sides. Sylus wanted to laugh at your expression of disbelief. You thought he was joking—what kind of place even is this?!

“Which jewel did you want again?” you asked, clearing your throat to prepare for your high-pitched voice. Sylus simply pointed when the curtains opened, showing the next item.

“And here is the rare gem you’ve all been waiting for, the red diamond found in the—”

“Honey! I want this one sooo much! You promised to get me everything in red and diamonds, right?” 

All eyes were on both of you. You hugged his arm close, mustering the biggest pout while pointing to the diamond—to be fair, you were copying how the others had done it. And voilà, the other started following, not wanting to lose.

Sylus was fully amused, his hand holding your waist to prevent you from falling. Your face was close—just a little lean, and he would kiss you. He wanted to tease you, yet your eyes burned with fire, urging him to put in his bid. 

The bid was already reaching above 10 million gold.

“We have 15 million gold—25 million gold! Calling in—”

“100 million gold.”

Scandalous gasps sounded across the room. Your eyes were wide as saucers, jaw dropping slightly. That amount of money could buy the whole capital district—just for a single jewel.

The red diamond is completely his now, and a couple of pieces of red jewelry and diamond accessories are yours. 

“Don’t look at me like that. I promised you to get everything in red and diamonds, right, honey?” Sylus smirked, escorting you out of the auction hall. 

You only pinched his side. A chortle of laughter came from him.

You can’t get that image out of your head—how close his face was. You would kiss him with just a little more push.

Safe to say, he dominated the auction in the very last seconds—when he asked you to “beg” for him to get it for you. Your throat was sore, your eyes were tired from giving doe eyes, and you didn’t want to wake up early tomorrow.

“You will have the day off tomorrow. Rest all you want,” he said once you were in the carriage. 

“Thank you for your kindness,” you muttered. Blinking slowly, your eyes were about to be as good as shut curtains. You couldn’t imagine being those women who cling and scream all day.

Your train of thought was cut off the moment you fell asleep, leaning on an arm that wasn’t there before. Sylus had moved across to sit beside you. 

He took off your mask, not wanting you to be uncomfortable in your slumber—he could finally see your face again. His hand found yours, still looking at the ring on your finger. He had customized it for a while now, finally having the chance to see it on your finger. 

If only it were true, for you to be his.

The sour thought of the duke made him frown. He was the one who urged you to find someone so you could live happily, not under danger while being with Onychinus. 

Would it be selfish of him to keep you with him? To ask if he can be yours?

The slight snore beside him snapped him back to reality. He only chuckled, taking off his coat to drape you. 

He will just need to relish your presence while you’re still with him.

𐔌՞. .՞𐦯

“Is everything alright?” 

Zayne’s voice brought you back to the tiramisu in front of you. 

Your mind kept going back to the night of the auction. The ring was still shining on your finger, and you didn’t want to take it off—it was something he had put on, and maybe you wanted it to mean something.

Anna and May told you that Sylus had brought you to bed that night. You were waiting for him to summon you again for the mission results, yet he never did until it was your excursion with the duke.

“Yes… Just a few troubling thoughts.” You smiled, taking a bite of the creamy deliciousness. “Thank you for bringing me here. These are all delicious.”

“It is something worth sharing with someone who appreciates them.” Zayne nodded, placing the plate of macarons near you. “Please do ask if there is anything you would like to try.”

You spent another round of desserts before Zayne invited you for a walk. He wasn’t much of a talker, you found out, but he made the effort of conversing with you. You learned he was visiting the capital to attend his best friend’s ball, but he would be heading back to the North to attend to his duties.

“I am aware we have recently met, but I am open to listening to any of your troubles, my lady.” Zayne guided you around the fountain. You had made it to the garden. The atmosphere was calm, and the scent of flowers surrounded you both.

“Was I not listening to you? I’m sorry.” You stiffened, looking up at him, who only smiled slightly.

“It seems you have been deep in thought. A problem in your relationship, I presume?” 

Oh, he noticed the ring.

Zayne found a bench, setting his coat down for you to sit on, even though you didn’t mind at all.

“You are more perceptive than I thought.” You chuckled, folding your hands on your lap. “I wouldn’t want to bother you with something so trivial, Your Grace.”

“I don’t mind lending an ear. We are friends, at least, no?” 

Your eyes widened. He thought of you as a friend. You thought he at least would think of you as an acquaintance. Did he mean friends over desserts? Whichever it is, a lending ear is what you need right now.

“Can I ask something from your point of view?” You gave in. He nodded, affirming your request.

“Anything at all?” You leaned forward as he chuckled. 

“Anything at all. I will not judge you for any matter.” You laughed at his sudden promise. 

“Hypothetically, what do you think of a romantic relationship with your employee, Your Grace?” That earned a confused expression. Maybe he meant not judging directly but still judging inside…

“In public eyes, it would be a stain on the family name,” Zayne said, glancing at your stiffened look. You hadn’t noticed the wistful smile he gave.

“However, in my eyes, what the public sees does not matter if I were ever to fancy someone who is a commoner, or my employee, that is.” 

Your mind wandered to the source of your troubles. You wondered if Sylus thinks the same. Would it matter to him?

“From my standpoint, noble status often can elevate anything, yet finding a certain person to love is not often,” Zayne continued.

What you grasped was that nothing could stand in the way of his love. Whoever his lover is would be lucky to have him.

“I would advise you to pursue, rather than hesitate. I know he would do the same.” Zayne chuckled, a wistful note in the end. 

Would he now?

𐔌՞. .՞𐦯

You had arrived back at the Qin mansion. Zayne said his farewells, hoping for another sweet culinary venture the next time he visits the capital. It made you happy when he promised to write letters to you.

Now, the time to face your feelings—and Sylus. Would it be brazen of you to ask what this ring means to him—whether you mean something more to him?

Your steps towards his office faltered. You heard the familiar voice coming from inside the room. Someone you couldn’t compare to, that woman’s voice.

“How’s it going here in the capital? What’s holding you back here and not going straight back to Philos?” Fallon’s voice seeps through the crack of the doors.

“Something that went… unpredictable,” Sylus said. The sound of glass resting on the desk followed.

“Even for you?” Fallon sounded surprised.

You couldn’t see their faces. Are they talking about a grieving situation or merely a jest between the two? 

“Mhm, our dove has met a man.”

“...That’s the problem? Didn’t you want that? That’s the point of you bringing her along to the Xia’s ball.” Fallon paused, “to get her married and bring her away from Onychinus, hm?”

They must be talking about you. Who does he refer to as ‘dove’ besides you? 

It felt like cold water was dumped on you. Their voices tuned out while you spiral behind the doors

Sylus wanted you gone from the start, away from Onychinus. He was going to marry you off—all those dresses and jewels. He must’ve wanted to make sure you were treated well and looked like a noble. 

Your chest felt tight. You weren’t sure whether you were holding your breath or trying to breathe.

The door suddenly opened—did their conversation end that quickly?

Your head snapped up, seeing the frustrated eyes of your boss. He flashed a panicked look, and you knew why. You weren’t supposed to hear what he just said inside.

“How much did you hear?” 

“Enough to know you don’t want me around.”

“No, that’s not it, dove—.” Sylus was quick. He grabbed your hand before you could run down the hall. 

“Don’t ‘dove’ me!” You snapped. A flash of hurt was on his face.

You tried yanking your hand away. Yet his grip was strong, not to the point of hurting, but enough to hold you in place.

Your eyes stung, and you couldn’t face him without tears running down your face. It already hurts when he doesn’t want you around when you find chances to be around him.

“Then, what if it’s ‘not it’? You want to marry me off to some rich noble, which you know I despise!” Your tone came off angrier than you intended. 

This wasn’t the right time to talk. No, you didn’t mean you despise Zayne too. That’s not it—you needed space.

Sylus’ grip weakened. For the first time, he didn’t know what to do—and he always knew. 

He knew what to do in the middle of a failed operation.

He knew what to expect from failed negotiations. He always had a backup plan for it.

He never ran away from things. He always faced them head-on.

But now? He doesn’t know what the right thing to do is. 

Hold you close? Hug you? 

Let you go like he was meant to?

You weren’t sure whether to be more upset with him for being tongue-tied, but you didn’t believe in yourself either.

You were afraid that you would speak any more hurtful things that you don’t mean—you don’t want to bite the hand that feeds you—so you ran to your room.

And Sylus let you, regretfully.

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You weren’t sure how many days you had avoided him. The whole mansion felt the tension, despite not knowing its source. Sylus acts the same—or so you’ve heard. You try to keep your act together.

Luke and Kieran were trying their best to lead you to him, but you catch on quickly. You couldn’t see Sylus’ pained look, or your resolve to let him have his way would dissolve.

Both of you were silently reaching the breaking point.

“This your secret hideout now?” 

You flinched. You raised your head, seeing Fallon approaching. 

Regal in her outfit, it suited her. You once thought she was a knight in the midst of the rubble—saving you in her arms. 

She was a sister you never thought you could have.

You had been hiding in the abandoned gazebo near the forest. Somewhere Luke and Kieran hadn’t managed to come this far yet. You hadn’t expected she would find you instead.

“You’re not gonna talk to me either?” She crouched down beside you. 

“What’s there to talk about?” you muttered, the stick in your hand played with the grass in front of you.

“You know, about you and your brooding boss.”

Fallon was satisfied enough to pull a snort out from you. She nudged your shoulder. “Penny for your thoughts?” 

“...You talked with him. You heard him,” you started. “He doesn’t want me around—you reminded him of the purpose of bringing me here.”

“He wanted me to find someone.”

Fallon only hummed, not voicing her thoughts yet. 

“So, I made a friend, not someone who I would elope with.” You scoffed, shaking your head. “I even consulted with a duke. Would someone like him want a maid like me?”

Fallon raised her brows, absorbing the information like a sponge. She was proud you had befriended a noble aside from her and Sylus, even to the point of seeking consult.

“He said to pursue, not hesitate.” You let out a laugh of disbelief. “How easy said than done.”

“But it turns out the truth differs from his words before I could even pursue,” you muttered. 

Raising your hand, the golden band shone against the sunlight. “I wanted to ask whether this ring meant something.”

You never took it off despite your hurt. Maybe a part of you refuses to believe he didn’t want you, after seeing his panicky look that night. Yet you refuse to bring yourself to confirm his intent. 

You were far clouded by the last fact he indirectly had meant—

“Sylus doesn’t want me.”

The first tear dropped. You hadn’t cried until now. Too winded up, too busy in your thoughts. The moment your lips admit the hurtful truth that you believed—your heart hurts.

“Oh, sweetie…” Fallon embraced you while you cried in her arms. 

“I love him more than I thought.” The whisper of your confession revealed your true feelings. “Is it wrong that I love him? Does he still want to send me away?”

You babbled in between tears, feeling pathetic, sobbing on her shirt. 

Then the sound of the grass being stepped on appeared—you recognized this familiar scent, the scent you missed.

You didn’t dare to look, knowing it was the person you wished to confess all that you’ve said just now. You weren’t sure you could reveal your heart in another time anymore.

But you sure weren’t ready to be heard like this.

“I didn’t bring him here.” Fallon sighed at the sight of the brooding boss who must’ve heard everything. He must’ve followed her when she mentioned her plans to the twins—he knows she’ll find you and coax you better.

Or he knew all along where you went but didn’t dare confront you, just watching from afar for your safety.

“You ready to talk to him? Or I’ll send him away to his dark office where he should be right now.” Fallon squinted at the man, displeased.

“...I’m okay.” Maybe it was the tears that were out. You were just tired at this point. “I think I can do it.”

Maybe Sylus’ words won’t hurt as much now that you’ve admitted everything in your heart.

“I’ll leave you to it,” Fallon whispered, patting comfort on your shoulder—or was it encouragement?

You stood up, dusting off your skirt.

You hadn’t seen Sylus in a while, but he looked worse than usual. Unkempt hair, a mismatched colored cravat to his vest, dry lips, unshaven—his usual bravado stripped off.

Did it make you feel better? Maybe slightly. 

“...I don’t know where to start.” He started, voice hoarse. “An apology won’t fix the intention I had before all this—hurtful words I made you believe.”

“But I apologize—I never meant to hurt you,” he whispered. He hadn’t dared to take another step towards you. 

He felt that he didn’t deserve to be near you.

“I realized it too late—my feelings,” he confessed. 

“...I still gave you the ring. It was always meant for you—whether you went with someone who you deserved.” He had a wistful smile. “I hadn’t considered you would stay.”

That was the resolve he had. He was ready to let you go if you had loved someone else—he didn’t consider himself to be someone you would love instead.

“I never wanted you to go, Y/N.” Sylus breathes out, fists clenched. “I had loved you far too long to let you go—but I want you to be happy.”

You frowned. You were mad again. How would he know what makes you happy? When your world was clearly filled with him? When he took great care of you despite being a maid?

“You make me happy, my lord,” you whispered. “Have you not heard that I love you, Sylus?”

The quiet revelation made him freeze, hearing it once more directly. The drop of his title made his shoulders sag—this was real.

“...Do you mean that?” he asked. The light in his eyes was slowly coming back, finding hope from your words alone.

“I meant everything I said—to Lady Fallon or you.” 

It felt like a weight came off your chest. You confessed everything. You revealed everything.

“I love you, Sylus.” You repeated once more. 

This was your final pursuit after your hesitations. 

It was his turn now.

“I love you—more than you know, more than I’ve shown.” Sylus took his first step. “I never could think I am someone deserving to have you, but I still want you.”

His hand reached to grab yours. You longed for his warmth, reaching for both of his hands. You shuddered a breath, feeling his forehead pressed against yours.

“Is it selfish of me to want you?” he murmured against your lips. “Is it selfish of me to kiss you right now?”

“We’re both selfish people, Sylus.” You chuckled.

The kiss was gentle, yet hurried. 

He squeezed your hands, trying to hold himself back from pushing you to one of the pillar walls. 

You had to pull back. He was getting pushy, pouring all of his longing into this single kiss. 

Pushing his chest was a futile attempt. You had to smack him.

He let out a laugh, one you hadn’t heard in days.

Your hands rested on his cheek, catching your breath. This was the man you love—even with the mismatched cravat.

“I missed you so much.” He sighed, closing his eyes once he rested his forehead on your shoulder. His hands found your waist, pulling you to an embrace he longed for.

“Thank you for still being here, dove.”

“I never meant to leave you in the first place, Sy—even with your interesting choice of a cravat for today.”

“Oh, shush. I’ll kiss you again.”

Epilogue The ring had been upgraded with a new meaning. It rested on your left ring finger after saying ‘yes’ to his proposal. You wanted to smack him when he presented all the auction jewels that were really for you. You went back to Philos with a light heart, a hand to hold, and a vow to look forward to. Wedding preparations were surprising—you had the privilege of choosing the drapes, the plates, the glasses, even the flowers. The fun was in the gap in between meetings with merchants, the stolen kisses you shared with your fiancé. Zayne wasn’t surprised when you had sent the letter, followed by a wedding invitation. He promised to be there. 

With the release of a dove and a crow on the day you wore white, your new chapter in life began as Mrs. Qin, the result of pursuing after the many hesitations you both went through. The end.

did i want the title to be like pride and prejudice, yes. does it show i never kissed before, yes—also, that end could escalate to something more, but unfortunately this is a sfw blog, sorry everyone.

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