#le asks

“My, can such a doting husband really stand to see his wife crying like this? Being heartbroken that she can’t see you?”

A cruel voice whisper in his ear. Usually he would push it away, usually he would attack it. But this time his eyes is focused on the fake you. Oh how long has it been since he last saw you? How he dearly miss feeling you bury your face in his nape.

Cale Henituse knows the you in front of him is fake.

An illusion.

Yet he can’t tear his gaze away.

“You want to reunite with her don’t you? Follow our orders, it’ll be super easy and you’ll get off this island.”

He looks at his companions. Choi Han, Lock, Cage, and Mary… damn, if only they had a mana user with them they would be out of this place right this instance.

“You just have to kill them.”

That incessant voice also laid it’s gaze upon his friends.

“Look how easy that’ll be, they’re willing to lay their lives for you are they not?”

Oh how badly Cale wants to smack that bastards face. Just it wait. the moment he figures a way out of here he’ll make sure to smack it beyond belief that no one would be able to identify it.

“No.”

It was a simple response yet he said it with absolute resolute.

“All of my attachments aside, my wife would never forgive me if I did that.”

That’s the truth and one of the reasons why Cale fell in love with you.

* * * * *

“Honestly? I’d rather kill myself than let any of our friends die. Sure they’re strong, but I don’t think I would be able to bare it if they get harmed because of me.”

You stopped knitting for a moment to think about the hypothetical question Rosalyn asked.

“We’ll just have to make sure to avoid trouble before anyone gets hurt.”

Cale assured you to which your fellow mage only looked at him with an odd gaze in her eyes, but didn’t say anything. What’s wrong with what he said? Isn’t that what he had been trying to do from the start? It just happened that trouble kept insisting on becoming part of his life and delay his slacker life.

“Yes! That way no one gets hurt!”

On the other hand, you seem to be fully onboard with his idea.

* * * * *

“If you think I’d hurt my people then you must not have been paying attention to my memories.”

Cale momentarily got lost in a recording of you but quickly snapped out of it after remembering his current situation.

Again, his ability is a blessing and a curse.

Your memory and wishes is what’s keeping him strong. And yet those very same memories are simultaneously causing his current doom.

“I do have another option if you so refuse to let harm come to your companions. You can simply… stay here with us and we’ll let everyone else go.”

“Cale-nim no!”

“Young master don’t say yes!”

All of Cale’s companions shouted their own disagreements. But they honestly didn’t have to say anything.

As if he’d say yes to something like that.

“You’re really trying to get a married man? You’re more shallow than I thought.”

He laughed making it angrier.

“I’ve been patient with you and given you options–”

Shaaaaaa

It started speaking but was cut off by the magic circle appearing on the ground.

“Looks like our ride home is here.”

Cale simply smiled and waited for you to appear like you always do. The trust you have for one another is unfathomable. You should be in another continent. should be on your own mission far away from your husband. And yet, the moment there was a slight change in the wind Cale knew it was you. He doesn’t know how you knew about the situation, let alone knew where they were. Despite that he knew that magic circle belongs to you.

Not Raon’s, not Rosalyn’s, not Eruhaben’s

But yours

“Honey, did I hear that right? This ugly thing was flirting with you?”

You frowned upon arriving and Cale had to stop the corner of his lips from twitching up.

“Absolutely my dear. My eyes hurt from simply looking at them for too long.”

“Oh my, let’s finish this quickly so we don’t have to look at it any longer.”

Now that they have a way out there’s no point in keeping it alive. Additionally, it has to pay for wasting Cale’s like this. He could’ve used those wasted hours in lying down more and slacking off.

Usually, Cale can put up his shield fast enough than any mage can. But the man has been incapacitated and is barely hanging off on Choi Han’s back.

“Don’t…”

Your red-head commander tried protesting but you paid him no mind. You also know taking on such a large-scale attack will be too much for you. That your body might possibly break and you might lose your life. Still, if it means that your other friends can walk away alive then you’re willing to make a sacrifice.

“Choi Han! Rosalyn! Keep running! Ready a teleportation spell if possible!”

The two didn’t stop as you said. Even when you started running on the opposite direction—back to where you came from—their legs kept moving. Despite the tears that littered Rosalyn’s face, no one dared stop.

You’re going to make sure your friends get out of here alive.

Even if it’s the last thing you do.

No one dared look back. No one can handle to see you sacrificing yourself for them. So they kept running. Even as their legs threatened to give up. Even as blood trailed the steps they run. Even when the dust started blowing so hard—from the explosion no doubt—that it got in their eyes. Despite all those things, they kept running. All of them know that they had no choice. If they don’t follow your orders all of them would die here. That there would be no tomorrow.

Bang!

Crash!

Just as Raon was tearfully finishing the teleportation circle something came flying towards them.

“Oh my..!”

Rosalyn couldn’t help but cover her lips with her hand as she sees what it was.

You

It was you.

You went flying from the attack and landed smack-dab in the middle of the unfinished teleportation circle.

Everyone shouted your name as they take in your tattered state. Wounds littered your body and your face is so bloody that you’re barely recognisable.

They honestly thought your corpse is the one the that went flying.

Until they saw the faintest of breaths and heard a quiet whimper.

Still, it’s so obvious that each breath could be your last.

“Why..?”

Cale, who regained a little bit of strength, stood up from Choi Han’s back in favour of kneeling beside your body. His eyes look dazed, as if he isn’t with you. As if he’s not living in the present anymore.

And you know that look.

Oh how it pains you to be on the receiving end of that look.

You had witnessed those eyes once already. Although before it was towards your close companions. Back then the two of you looked exactly like that as you witness the two people that had become your world pass away right before your eyes.

So you know very well that Cale is relieving that painful moment.

And it hurts you so much to be the cause of his pain.

It hurts more than all the wounds you’ve sustained in your life.

“Out of all people… you know…”

Yes, you know better than anyone how Cale refuses to lose anyone else after that day. How he wouldn’t be able to take it.

“I’m sorry.”

Yet all you can do is apologise. Because even if the gods rewind the time you wouldn’t hesitate doing the same thing.

Cale’s tears dripped down from those beautiful eyes of his onto your face. The salty water mixing with your blood turning them to the perfect shade of red that matched his hair.

“Don’t… You can’t…”

The ever stoic commander breaks down in real time and no one knows how to handle it.

Even you have never seen him like this and you’ve been with him for 2 lifetimes now.

“Hear me– hear me a little, yeah?”

Originally you wanted to caress your best friend's cheeks, but you barely have any strength left so you have to settle on weakly holding his hand.

Cale nodded and simultaneously his record started working to ensure this memory will be preserved in his head.

“I…”

You hesitated, but it’s now or never. Plus, you were dying anyway so what’s the point in not saying anything?

“I love you. I always… I always have.”

There’s so much more you wanted to say. You wanted to delve into details about how you love things about him that he never notice. You wanted to tell him how you’ve loved him even before he became Cale Henituse. How you were actively pushing down your feelings because he was your best friend. How both Choi Jung Soo and Lee Soo Hyuk knew of your feelings and would tease you in private.

But alas you were only given enough time for a simple confession.

Just as the teleportation circle is finally ready, you also lost the consciousness you’ve been tightly holding on to.

* * * * *

Huff!!

Huff!!

When you woke up again, it was with a jolt. Partly surprised that you’re alive, but mostly horrified of the idea of having to live after saying all that because you were so sure you were going to die.

“You’re finally awake. You’ve been asleep for almost 2 months.”

Surprisingly, it was Alberu who greeted you, and you were glad that it was someone who weren’t there when you were revealing your deepest, darkest secret.

“Everyone told me what happened. They all have their own agenda so they entrusted you in my palace for now.”

…Right they can still tell him even if he wasn’t at the scene.

Despite your aching limps, you can’t help but bring your legs towards your chest and hide your face in them. If the ground can do it’s thing and swallow you whole, that would be great thanks!

“You really didn’t think you would wake up again huh?”

Alberu chuckled before calling a healer to check in on your condition.

“Too bad our young master made sure that you’ll get to see another day.”

You whimpered in protest at his statement, but still followed the healer’s instructions.

Part of you was glad that you woke up again. Not because you were alive, but because you didn’t have to further your best friend's trauma.

But the part of you that kept replaying how they stupidly confessed because they got to comfortable that they were dying?

Yeah, that one wants nothing more than to bury themself 6 feet underneath the soil.

“The shining star of our kingdom. Your royal highness crown prince Alberu. Can you please not tell anyone for the meantime that I woke up?”

“Huh? But I already informed Cale, you should’ve said so earlier.”

Alberu’s tone sounded innocent, but that shit-eating grin he has says otherwise. He clearly knows what he did and cannot wait to see how things will play out.

Why are all your friends like this?

“My royal highness, your royal head better be aware that I’ll remember this for as long as I live.”

You can’t even get out of bed and hide because you were too weak.

On cue the door opened once more.

‘This is it. My social death is here, and it’s because this body of mine refuse to die.’

“You really are awake nya!”

“We were so worried nya!”

However, instead of Cale, two cute kittens entered the room instead. Behind them is Choi Han, but as long as it’s not Cale you’ll take it as a blessing.

The two children morphed into their human forms as soon as the door closed. Both of them went to each side of your bed in order to hug you, clearly worried about your well-being during the two months you were unconscious.

“The human lost his mind nya!”

On tattled to which Hong nodded his head at.

“As soon as he got better he started destroying all known enemy bases!”

Hong added a little too cheerfully for a child who just got back from doing exactly that.

Turns out that was the little agenda Alberu was talking about.

“So when the business everyone was taking care of..?”

“Yes, we’ve been doing that under Cale-nim’s orders as soon he he got better.”

“Just why would he act so recklessly…”

You were so flabbergasted that you momentarily forgot the embarrassment that engulfed your entire being. Just as you were getting comfortable, a resounding knock at the door can be heard again.

The universe just won’t let this go huh?

Alberu ordered the person to come in and you held your breath once more.

“I heard you were awake. You should have a light meal since you haven’t eaten in a while.”

Beacrox entered with a cart full of dishes ready for you to consume.

“Everyone needs to announce who they are first before entering.”

You held a hand to your heart to which Hong pulled away to make you pat his head.

“Do we know when Cale is arriving?”

‘And is there a way to delay his arrival?’

Despite not saying the second part out loud, everyone knows what you mean. And to that, the adults only shared a knowing look, mischief lingering between their gazes. Upon seeing their faces, you can only sighed deeply. Even if there’s a way to stall your best friend, there’s no way these 3 would be of any help.

Mark on your words, you’ll get back at all of them as soon as you get better.

“Our youngest said they’re on their way back as fast as possible!”

Hong enthusiastically informed you as he brings a spoonful of soup towards your lips. You take it, knowing better than to argue against the stubborn kitten. Cale has spoiled them so much that they don’t seem to know the word “no” anymore.

Plus, the kid looks so happy to be able to help out.

You can’t in good faith take that away from him.

“On, can you like hide me with your fog or something?”

The silver kitten—who reverted back sometime ago and is now nuzzling on your stomach—merely looked at you with a deadpan stare. Both of you held eye contact for about 10 seconds before the kitten broke it by shaking her head no.

Yeah, you should know better than using children to escape your embarrassing life.

Halfheartedly accepting your fate, you let Hong feed you more soup and bread as the three men surrounding your room updated you on what happened while you were asleep.

“He was also preparing something with–”

Shaaaaaaaa

Alberu stopped as a gust of wind suddenly enveloped the room.

“Ah seems like our young master is here.”

Because of course Cale wouldn’t use the door. Why did you have all those mini heart attacks whenever the door opened only for the cause of your distress to teleport directly inside your room.

Right of course that’s just how he is…

Why did you even bother?

You should have spent your free time digging yourself a hole.

Ugh this will be so embarrassing.

Can’t they just… teleport somewhere else?

As the wind clears, you can see several people on the teleportation circle: Cale, Raon, Rosalyn, Ron, and even Eruhaben.

Great more people that will have front-row seat to your social execution.

Might as well invite the whole kingdom, why won’t they?

Upon closer inspection you can see how messy Cale is. It was clear that he was running. He was huffing and his hair is sticking to his forehead due to sweat. There’s a bewildered look on his face like he can’t believe that you’re actually awake.

That you’re actually alive.

That he didn’t lose another person he cherishes.

That he didn’t fail to save his best friend.

Even without needing to say anything, everyone started filing out of your room. Leaving to give you and the young commander some privacy.

“Wait!”

You tried protesting but no one listened. Rosalyn even had the gall to wink at you and mouth the word “good luck”.

They’re all going to get it once you get better.

They better watch their backs.

Just as you were about to protest more Cale breathed out your name, and that made you stop in your tracks.

How can it not when your name is so soft on his lips that it sounded like a dream?

How can you not stop when he sounded so vulnerable? When his face looks like it’s on the verge of breaking. As if he fears that this will all be a dream and he’d wake up.

“I’m here.”

You swallowed both your pride and embarrassment.

Oh the things you do for your love.

“You woke up.”

Cale looks like he can’t physically move even if he tried.

“You really woke up…”

Then all of a sudden he was hugging you. Cale squeezed your waist so tight, afraid that you’ll turn to dust and disappear if he lets go.

“I’m sorry for scaring you like that.”

‘I’m also sorry for confessing like that.’

You can’t help but overthink despite the joyful reunion. What will become of your relationship? Even if you agreed to stay friends there would be lingering awkwardness. Would it be better to keep your distance? Can you handle doing such a thing? No matter how hard the both of you try, there’s no returning to how you were before this whole thing happened.

Oh, you really shouldn’t have done that stupid thing. Now you’re on the verge of losing such a special bond–

“I love you too.”

Cale muttered into your chest and that made your thoughts stop spiralling.

“Excuse me?”

You asked to be sure. Maybe you’re just hallucinating.

“I love you too. I always have.”

To solidify his statement, Cale hugged you harder—you didn’t thought that was possible—and pressed a feather kiss on your exposed collarbone.

“Everyone owes me a thousand gold coins when we get back home by the way.”

Not even Rosalyn’s hearty laugh outside the door can sour the loving mood the two of you are drowning in right now.

Still, you’ll be sure to ask for your share.

They all owe you at least that much.

* * * * *

Bonus:

“That’s right! Confess! There’s no way I’m letting you die before my ship gets together!”

Choi Jung Soo exclaimed in happiness while watching Cale confess to you.

“We should eat out tonight. This is a cause for a celebration.”

Lee Soo Hyuk smiled, happy that his two hardheaded dongsaengs finally sorted their feelings out.

“Who knew it would only take 2 lifetimes, a near-death experience, and divine intervention to get those punks to confess?”

The former team leader shook his head while making his way out of the door.

God of Death, who has been silent this entire time, followed Lee Soo Hyuk out of the door. They were right, this is a day of celebration. He’ll even include this in his journal entry later.